6. Arrival
1411 Words
THE ship had arrived and was now navigating towards the docks. The pilot who was driving the galleon towards the docks maneuvered through a couple of trading ships. After all, some merchants had arrived as well.
There was enough space for 20 galleon ships to dock at the pier and today, of all days it was crowded.
Eli got agitated as there were five galleon ships under Sultan Zaman’s flag. So much aristocracy and grandeur.
As he got closer to the pier, the horizon became clear as well as the design of the ships. Each one had a kataw (mermaid) carved in the figurehead. It seemed like the Kataw on each ship is singing towards the sky. A grin formed on his lips. He knew then there was more to the Sultan than they let on.
They had a pack member with a kataw, as a mother and the carvings were spot-on with the description. He became curious about the Sultan’s real identity.
He was glad he listened in his classes. In fact, that time when they were discussing about different types of creatures he was fascinated with mermaids and their ability to breathe underwater.
“Hermano … Hermano, you are being asked.” Pablo nudged him as he spoke.
He looked at Pablo, “By who?”
“Tsk, you spaced out again. Is there something amiss? Or are you nervous?” It was Alexa who asked this time. She was quite tall for her age. She sported a long hair paired with deep-set round eyes. She was wearing a skin-tight Sunday dress.
“What are you talking about. I am just studying the ships and looking out. I apologize if both of you are impatient. Look at the carving, it’s like a real one. Don't you think?” he did not finish the thought as some men started to traverse on the pier as well.
“I suppose so it does look real. Why are you suddenly looking into that? Aren’t you supposed to be guarding the princess or something?” Alexa dismissed his question abruptly.
‘What could he expect from a teenager? Nothing.’ That was what he thought.
“Come on, Pablo and Alexa, let’s go now. I don’t think being the last person to arrive would make a good impression on them. We are the Crown’s representative starting today. Do remember it always.” He gave them the reminder once more, even though they knew it already.
“Si, Hermano.” They both said at the same time.
“Do you think my mate would be with them as well? I mean you already found yours. How about mine?” Pablo was the one to open up the topic this time.
“Shhh, nobody knows it yet remember?” he covered his mouth immediately. He was nervous.
Pablo on the other hand bit him.
“Ouch!” He whisper-yelled.
“Hermano Eli, you found your mate? Who is she? Is she beautiful like me?” Alexa asked him. She was energetic as always.
He had no time to answer her. Instead, he quickened his pace once more.
“Hermano Pablo, what is up with him today?” Alexa turned her attention to their brother.
He just smiled. It was a good thing Pablo was with him. He could not match Alexa’s enthusiasm at the moment. Maybe, on other days but today he was drained.
“Just let him be, he has to take care of Sultan Zaman’s daughter while trying to befriend his mate. So yes, he found his mate already.” Pablo whispered to her.
Although, he could still hear them talking even when they whispered. His hearing was much better than normal wolves.
“Really?” She was talking in a high-pitched voice. Alexa was the ultimate gossip girl amongst his siblings. She was flaunting it at the moment.
A few more strides and they arrived in front of the ship. It was enormous, just like the ships that came from España. Maybe, even bigger.
The sails had a logo on them. A symbol for the Muslims. The star and moon were embroidered into the front sail while the rest were plain cloths.
The first to get down were two guards. They wore colorful outfits. White pants and topped by a dress with an intricate design of shapes and patterns. They walked barefooted.
Next came Sultan Zaman. He wore the same type of clothes, except the design, was more regal. He paired it with pointy shoes and a hat of some sort. It was made of golden cloth wrapped in his head.
After him, came his family. His wives and children.
“Presenting, Sultan Zaman and his six wives.” One of the guards declared in a booming voice.
Abuelo Vicente and Mama Alex came forward to greet Sultan Zaman while they remained in our posts.
The Guardia civil surrounded the area with some posted at the foot of the galleon near the plank.
They exchanged pleasantries and shook each other’s hands.
“Ah, it is so nice to finally meet you Señor Vicente, and you, Señora Alex. I thought you were a man when I first read your name in the invitation letter.” He then chuckled. He knew no Spanish terms and thus he communicated in the local language. It was a good thing his Abuelo and Mama were fluent in the local language.
“The pleasure is all ours Sultan Zaman. Thank you for accepting our invitation. The Prince is scheduled to arrive any day now. My apologies as they suffered a couple of Typhoons along the way.” His Abuelo proudly welcomed the sultan.
“Come, come, I have prepared a feast on your behalf. Your cottage is being prepared as we speak. Welcome to our humble Hacienda Jimenez.” Abuelo raised his left hand mid-air and directed him towards the shore.
Sultan Zaman walked slowly and the rest of us followed. Abuelo was beside him the whole time. They talked and laughed but he did not bother to eavesdrop on their conversation.
He was busy looking out for Danah, even though he knew she went the other way.
“Hmm, aren’t you too occupied with your mission? Can you relax a bit, Niño? We have a lot of eyes watching out for the safety of Sultan Zaman and his family.” He did not see her approach him.
“I’m sorry Mama. I was just doing my duty.” He looked down at the wooden planks on the pier.
“You should not apologize. Are you alright? Pablo told me about you being distracted by her presence earlier.” She gestured for his mate with her hand on her chest.
“It was nothing. I wanted to befriend her that is all.” he tried to shrug off the disappointment. He did not want his Mama Alex to worry about him.
“If that’s the case then, I will not press you for more details. Just remember, I am always here if you need anything. Alright, Niño?” She looked at him with her loving gaze.
He wanted to hug her and let her know he's not well but alas, he has to be strong. They had visitors and it won't not bode well to get emotional in their stead.
His Mama Alex tapped his shoulders and went along her way as well.
He waited for Pablo and Alexa who were now enjoined by Carmelita. Their cousin was the eldest daughter of his Tia Edith.
“What are you gossiping about? Can I join?” He broke their conversation in the most respectable way.
“Did you see her Hermano? Sultan Zaman’s daughter. She was gorgeous.” Pablo answered him.
Alexa and Carmelita then said in unison, “not just gorgeous. She is an angel!” then they both laughed.
“Yeah, I saw her. She was pretty.” He then contradicted it in his mind. ‘But not as pretty as my Danah.’ He smiled as he pictured her face once more.
“Do you like her?” Carmelita was the one who asked this time.
He was stunned at her question. She was just a kid but she already understood admiration and liking someone.
“Uh, she is beautiful.” He tried to meekly stir away from her gaze.
That was when he had a sniff of his favorite fruit.
- Writer
