By the time morning came I was on the deck of the ship laying face down flat on the floor. The rough waves gently shook me awake. As I opened my eyes the first thing I took note of was the puddle of drool I formed in my sleep. A part of it had dried up on the deck from the sun's heat. The floor of the ship was so uncomfortable to sleep on I groaned in pain as I picked myself up off the floor.
Though this was an unconventional place to sleep it also turned out to be one of the greatest naps that I have ever had. All the stress and mental fatigue just washed away. Because of the nap I completely forgotten what I was so stressed about.
As I tried to remember, the reason for my debacle was walking towards me. A flood of memories filled my head as I remembered the predicament I was in. Before June was in front of me I stopped to inspect myself. One of my arms is missing but that was nothing new the other still had all five fingers along with everything else connected with it.
My legs were fine, my ears are still attached because I can still see I guess she didn't boil my eyes, last but most importantly I had to inspect my family jewels only to discover they had laid untouched. I let out a breath of relief knowing that horrible experience didn't repeat itself like I surmised. Now I could rest easier on this ship
June approached me with her arms folded and then looked at me dead in the eyes as she said, "so, do you trust me now?".
Her question made me ponder for a moment. Considering that she hadn't taken any more pieces from me while I was asleep It meant that she had self control and was probably trustworthy. Growing tired of this game I threw up my hands in the air as I replied to her, "since you were true to your word and didn't try to eat me while I slept, again! I suppose I do".
June smiled like a chipper chipmunk her feelings seem to always be easily read on her face. I did not mind that it's made understanding her of all people easier. I usually always had to Pick-a-Part the thoughts of old business men and other politicians. It was all a complex convoluted game that had no end. There was never any really winning even if you had all the money and sided with the person with all the power there was never a true victory. Someone like June was a breath of fresh air for me. Cannibal part aside I enjoyed her company.
"All right since you're awake then you can join us to eat I caught some fish again".
I rose my brow questioningly at June's words, " Us?, Is there another person on this ship?".
"Well yeah duh, I saved him from drowning yesterday don't you remember? ".
Because I was heavily sleep deprived I did not remember much of anything. I was pretty sure my hallucinations started 5 days in. I was just lucky to not have hallucinated anything about Zephyr.
"No, I don't remember you bringing anyone onto this ship. I was pretty out of it yesterday. Who did you manage to save ".
" I don't really know he looks like a soldier so I'm guessing he is one".
Nathaniel frowned at the possibility of June rescuing a soldier from the ocean. He wasn't against helping a stranger it was just that a soldier could bring needless complications. Especially if said soldier stumbled upon his bounty poster and turned him in.
This ship had a small shack built on it. It wasn't anything fancy it was just a little thing that shielded one from the elements and provided a little rest area should one needed. I entered through the door and found that three people inside of it made the room somewhat cramped.
There was indeed some fish that June caught in a bucket in front of a large man clad in armor. If I had to be frank this man looked like a knight he even gave off the aura of one you would expect befitting of a knight. He had his back straight at attention he clearly was not one to slouch. To me this man looked strong, no it was more than that he was strong. The man before me was a true warrior. Being next to him made my skin itch and blood boil with excitement. My senses were tingling they told me I had found a formidable opponent.
I scrunched my brow at this I was no battle junkie yet something in me made me itch for a good fight. Yet, I didn't know why.
Though my body craved battle I did not have muscles for a brain. I crammed those feelings down and interacted with the man normally.
" Hello stranger you're fortunate to have come across our little ship. You could have possibly died out there if we never came along. This must be a sign by the god of steam. Our meeting could only be orchestrated by him himself. It is wonderful to be a part of its grand design is it not. Now I'm sure you are quite weary after what you have been through but I would like to know your name stranger. If you do not wish to tell me I understand but knowing a little about a random man who we fished out of the sea would indeed put our hearts at ease".
I didn't know anything of this man so I took the morally high road when questioning him that way it would seem less like an interrogation and more like concerned civilians interested in what could have possibly happened to this man.
I was beginning to form a thousand different ways to question him without prodding to deeply but apparently none of that was needed. The man before me apparently was not the cold calculating type, nor was he a veteran soldier stuck in tradition, he was from what I could see in our short interaction pure and honest. It was unbelievable and hard to wrap my head around but it was true the feeling I got from this man was like none other I had felt before.
When he looked at me he wasn't weary of me, he wasn't conspiring any misdeeds. His eyes contained an unconventional purity when they look at the world, but I was also sure that this brightness was in no way ignorance. The man was relaxed but he was as sharp as a blade.
When he looked at me there was just something about him that took down my defenses. I felt relaxed by his side though I had never met the man before in my life. When he spoke his words were not slurred or muffled he spoke loud and clearly.
"Well yes hello there my friend my name is Howell. I deeply apologize for any inconveniences that I may have brought but I promise you that I will repay this kindness in any way that I can. I see you're skeptical of me but I assure you that I am no threat to you whatsoever".
When Howell spoke he did so with an energy and charisma I rarely see. It made me somewhat tired just listening to him burst with energy. He gave off a friendly vibe no matter which angle I looked at him from. Yes, he was most definitely a soldier of some kind but one that's meant us no ill will from what I could tell so far at least. Though I thought this I still pressed on and asked.
"You say that you are no threat but is there possibly a threat out at sea that's we are not aware of. Was your ship raided or were you in some kind of battle?".
Howell replied quickly as he said, " ah, you are speaking of how I got these wounds. Well I assure you this has nothing to do with you and it shouldn't affect you in any way. Yes, I indeed got these wounds from a battle not long ago. But that fight was on land not on the ocean so you want to be feeling it's effects anytime soon".
Pleased by this news Nathaniel eagerly pried further. "You say you were set adrift from land do you by any chance know where this land you speak of is? We have been lost at sea for over a week, we have no medicine to properly take care of you, no food besides what we could catch in the ocean, and no instruments to navigate through the waters properly. We are not in a good situation so anything you can tell us would be a big help".
" I'm sorry to hear that but I was unconscious during my time at adrift so I don't even know which direction I drifted towards the tides could have carried me in any direction".
Nathaniel sighed In disappointment then replied, " well it's not your fault you don't know anything useful. But this doesn't just put us right back to square one just with an extra mouth to feed".
Howell kind of feeling like a burden apologize deeply for being such and inconvenience for these already struggling people.
"There is no need for that while our situation isn't the best it isn't the worst either. While we are in open ocean we are still in the territory of Logelon. This place has many islands and a denser trade route then all the other kingdoms. The Islands aren't even that far apart from each other.
So our chances of stumbling upon someone or something is fairly high. Our only real problem is not knowing how long it will take and the possibility of unknowingly sailing past closer islands that we could have landed on. Either way we're stuck like this with each other for a while. So, we might as well make the best of it and get to know each other I guess. Not like we have anything else to really do".
Howell seem to agree with me wholeheartedly as he clenched his fists and practically shouted, "that is a great idea when in front of a wall don't give into despair. Climb above it and find the light".
I looked at Howell with an eyebrow raised as June clapped urging Howell on. Curious I asked Howell, " are you always this ecstatic about everything?".
Howell nodded his head reverently, " of course I am how else am I supposed to react to everything If I do not put my heart and soul into everything I do how will I ever succeed."
I kind of find it hard to refute Howell's words, " well I guess your not wrong about that it's just quite odd to see someone put it into action. A lot of people say that but you actually do it".
" I do not expect everyone to be like me. Nor do I wish anyone to be like me. I wish to see everyone as themselves. Their best selves the ones that they keep shackled down by self-doubt and indecision".
"That's quite a nice way to look at things I guess. You know if you ever decide to quit being a soldier you could probably become a life coach. Your words are quite invigorating and your viewpoints are intriguing. Plus you got the charisma of at least a hundred men".
Howell's mood seemed to have been bolstered by the compliments," you really think so? I've lead people before but becoming a coach sounds entirely different. I don't know if I have the skill set to accomplish such a thing".
"Yes, you do being a life coach is basically the same as what you do when you trying new recruits. But instead of breaking them down you give them something to strive for and in this case it would be you. You have the looks and give off the charismatic energy that many people can only dream about".
"Well that just sounds absurd what's wrong with themselves. I often dream of walking a different path in life but I would never want to become some one that I am not. Each and every person is so unique why would you want to squander that".
"Well now you're just speaking as someone who have had it all. Someone that never had to think of themselves as someone else because who could be greater".
" I say that's because it's true I am perfect just the way I am. just as you are perfect in my eyes. To be told not is a lie by those who are merely jealous of who you are!".
Nathaniel scrunched his brow at that. "So you're telling me that a wealthy man can be jealous of a poor farmer. What makes you think so? "
Leaning in close Howell reverbed, " I don't think I know this to be true because in all honesty I am jealous of those people. I have much but it is not what I truly want at least not anymore".
Shaking my head I agreed with Howell's statements, " I know the feeling you speak of I felt Shackled down by my old life. I was jealous of all those explorers making a name for themselves while my name laid hidden behind a pile of paperwork. So, I took matters into my own hands and set off on my own adventure".
Intrigued Howell leaned in closer. "So you're an explorer did you go anywhere interesting".
Nathaniel shook his head sadly as it hung low to the ground." no, not yet my journey has just begun but I have apparently become my own roadblock. This frustrates me to no end I sacrificed so much to set on this path but if it turns out that all those sacrifices were for nothing. How am I supposed to face the world when right now I can't even face myself".
Howell slammed his hands onto his thigh. Making June jump from the floor is surprise as Howell loudly proclaimed, "enough of that I may not know you but I know the heart of man well enough to know that you are your own worst enemy. You say you cannot face the world but you have been fighting against it since the day you were born. The world has no favorites the sea claims the lives of all.
Yes, you are still here you breathed the same air I do and now we share the same room. Everyday is a struggle, yet you fought through it. You fought long and hard enough to make it all the way here. So, why give up now? You said your journey has just begun. So why do your knees buckle right at the gate? Are you some baby who's scared of his own shadow or are you a real man?
The kind of man who just told me he wants to discover the hidden riches of the world. Are you not this man do you not want to be this man? If so stand up for yourself drive back those demons and make them fear you. There Is no easy way forward but the way back only takes a single step. Many people never even reach the starting line but by god you have. You are here instead of in your home.
You are here fighting for a dream that you believe in and you are here to prove others wrong and make others believe in the same dream. To make them believe in you because you are at the forefront of the future. You shall brave the harshest conditions, climb the tallest mountains and plant your flag on all of them before anyone else".
Howell planted his foot on the table as he gave that long, yet inspiring speech. I wasn't expecting to get one I didn't even want one but his words touched me and moved my soul. Howell was right I am my worst enemy. There was no one here holding me at gunpoint and Zephyr was thousands of miles away another continent. For him to haunt me way out here is silly. What power does he have out of here? What does he have that forces me to bend to his will? Zephyr was just a man hiding under a mask but I am more than a man I am a descended from the Valeborne and now I am a legacy holder. My kind instill fear through the hearts of countless individuals and it is time I should stop being afraid of Zephyrs's memory instead I should work towards making sure that he should be afraid of me.
With a newfound confidence in myself that I simply didn't have before. I stood up for my seat and a clasp the wrist of Howell's hand firmly just as he did my own.
"Thank you my brother, words alone can not describe to you just how much those words mean to me. I have been plagued by a constant nightmare but somehow I feel as though I have a bit of courage to stand up against it".
Howell beamed in delight, " I'm glad to help but this is you ultimately saved yourself all I did was say the words in your heart that you knew to be true already".
"Nonetheless if not for this push you have given me I fear for what would have become of my journey. Now hopefully I can get back on track and work procuring me a crew to sail around the world with together".
Howell was a bit intrigued by Nathaniel words actually he was very intrigued. None of them know this but Howell was in a very dangerous situation. After what he did the life of an adventurer seem like a good alternative to what's to come.
With Agosto Howell asked, "my dear friend since you're in the need of a crew is there by any chance a spot for me on your adventure". He shyly asked a strange turn considering how boisterous he had been since they met.
Nathaniel raised his brow at this. He did not expect Howell to suddenly asked to join his crew at all, " but, aren't you a soldier or something so shouldn't you be a part of the military".
Howell quickly replied, " I have fulfilled my duties my services there are no longer required". Howell he gave an affirmative salute to Nathaniel trying to install into him upmost confidence in this choice.
Suspicious to the extreme Nathaniel followed up by asking, " so, you're not a deserter or something".
"Absolutely not once I make an oath I follow through with it without fail. On my honor I swear to you that I am no deserter or traitor to my queen".
Nathaniel nodded his head at this. Though knights were very rare and nearly extinct they still existed and they took their Oaths very seriously. For Nathaniel to find someone like him was quite a lucky encounter because he is basically a living fossil. Which is just what Nathaniel loves to see. Plus Nathaniel is also the most desperate person in this room possible even the world at the moment. So, having a suspicious as hell crew members versus not having one was pretty appealing to him.
"Well though I didn't expect to receive any crew members like this or this early your company with me from now on will be most welcome. I assure you that I can pay you regularly and that I will follow the normal procedures on how to handle these matters so all your rights are insured".
" I don't care much about the money I just hope to make many new friends on this journey".
I let out a hearty laugh," yeah, I hope to become your friend as well Howell and well since I'm recruiting anyway what say you, June. Do you wish to join me on an adventure, braving the high seas together, with untold perilous dangerous in between and endless treasure. I would typically be very picky about my crew but you did say you kicked my ass while earlier and if my broken bones were not enough proof than the arm of mine you severed certainly is. Though I was out of it I do recognize your unique skill-set.
After I said that June shook her head in disagreement, " I don't really see myself doing that. But I also don't have anything better to do or have anywhere really important to go so sticking along with you for a little bit longer is not impossible".
"Well then it's settled the three of us are sticking together at least till we reach land".
Energetic Howell got up and said, "this is a joyous partnership let us celebrate".
"We don't have anything to celebrate with". said June.
"We may not have any drinks or an abundant amount of food to feast on but we can still sing and bask in each other's company".
Howell started the party off right by singing a wondrous tune and giving a little dance before he suddenly stopped because his wounds opened up again. The three joyously sung in the cabin and danced their troubles away. It was a fun experience and a precious memory that none of them will soon forget.