"Master, I don't know if I trust these guys," Oren said, giving his new companions dirty looks.
"Nor I, but you didn't give us many options now, did you?" Master Anoka said.
Oren and Master Anoka, having, at the last minute, secured their way onto the vessel with these merchants and, as of yet, discovered where they were even going.
There weren't any private cabins or lower decks, so they were forced to remain on the main deck. Oren had never been on a boat of any sort before. In fact, he had never even put so much as a toe in the sea.
Oren had been feeling sick since coming on board the ship, and his anxiety had been increasing by the minute. His stomach ached in a way he never knew was possible. The constant pitching of the ship, rolling back and forth, had his head feeling light and dizzy.
"How come you don't seem affected by the sea Master?" Oren asked in jealousy.
"Maybe I just hide it well."
"You're sick? I couldn't tell."
"Sure, I may be a monk and a Master, but I am human. The sea can affect everyone, even experienced sailors," Anoka explained.
"Have you been on many ships, Master?"
"I've been on many ships in my youth."
"You weren't always at the monastery?" Oren looked confused. It had never dawned on him that monks might have lived outside the monastery. Oren had only known that world.
"No, I wasn't always there. In my younger, more free-loving days, I roamed from place to place, trying to make it as an artist."
"Did you see lots of mysterious places or have lots of adventures?"
"Life is enough of an adventure. Some might not have found my tales daring, but they were exciting. Would you believe I even had very long hair then?" Master Anoka rubbed his fingers over his head, forgetting how bald he was.
"I guess there is a lot I don't know about you. Can you tell me some of your stories? It helps to keep my mind off my stomach."
"Sure. A memory of when I was sick as the dog springs to mind. I wasn't on the sea but with a small group trying to get to the Ohanzee Falls. So we followed the Ohanzee River on foot and camped out on the savannah. I was interested in painting some of the exotic animals that can be found. Crocodiles, Lions, Elephants, and Hippos are just some of the ones we saw."
"Wasn't it dangerous to be around such wild animals? Did you try to be like Master Orono and tame some of them with your mind?"
"I didn't know Master Orono then and wasn't focused on such things. It was perilous, as you never knew how an animal would react. I was distracted by painting until I caught a fever, which was going around camp. Many people were making hurried trips to the bushes to do their business, I'll tell ya that.."
"You too?"
"Oh yeah, it was bad. It was a good ol' fashioned everything out party."
"What?"
"Everything in my body was trying to get out all at once, and it succeeded."
"Oh, don't make me think about my stomach. Are you trying to get me to have an everything-out party?" Oren joked.
"Might do you some good. I'll change the subject; on that trip, I also saw many enormous rushing waterfalls. Water flowing over cliffs and pounding pools below. The only thing I've heard louder than the sound of those waterfalls was a giant herd of wildebeest stampeding."
"Now I have to pee with all this waterfall talk."
"Go to the back of the ship."
"You expect me to do that?"
"Where else are you going to go? Just watch the wind as you don't want it to blow back in your face."
As Oren returns, he is handed a bowl with a chunk of something in it, surrounded by brownish water and a small amount of rice.
"What is it?" Oren asks.
"It's food; you eat it," Anoka answers.
"I don't think I want to."
"You don't have other options. We eat what their crew eats."
"I'll eat it, but seriously, what is it?"
"It's best not to know. It's a meat of some kind."
"But we aren't allowed meat."
"We are allowed anything. We choose not to eat anything that has sentience. We eat what we are offered as well."
"This is what meat looks like. I'm glad we don't eat this; it looks terrible." Oren takes a bite, "And it tastes awful."
"I doubt this is the best version of it. I've had meat many times in my younger days; I guess I've forgotten it after so many years." Anoka takes a bite and makes a sour face. You're right; it is awful, but it's something. We will be grateful either way. Eat up."
Oren slowly choked down the flavorless meal and thought he might take a nap.
Oren was still feeling disoriented as nothing was like home. Oren had forgotten about his stomach problems. Master Anoka's stories and some food in his stomach seemed to help. Oren almost fell asleep when he was startled stone sober.
"Hey, get up, you two. Are you going to lie about it all day? Give us a hand with the duties," one of the seamen yelled at them. "We gave you some food and let you travel with us. It's about time you earned some of our generosity."
The seaman looked at Oren, judgingly. "What about this little one? Can you even do anything?" he asked.
"He can help." Master Anoka said.
"How about you, old man? You aren't going to have a heart attack if you do work?" Master Anoka just shook his head no.
Oren gave the seaman a dirty look and then thought better of it. Oren figured it was at least something to do.
Master Anoka and Oren were given the lowly task of cleaning the deck. It seemed the other crewman didn't want to do it, and it was one of the few things they could trust them with.
"Master, why are we basically keeping the deck wet? The wood is hardly that dirty." Oren asked.
"There are many reasons to keep the deck clean. The sea is a dangerous place. You don't want someone to slip and get hurt?" Anoka started to explain.
"Well, I think it's best not to answer that."
Master Anoka grinned at Oren's joke and looked around to see if the others heard it.
"Another reason is wet wood is harder to spark. A fire at sea would be about the worst thing for us." Anoka said; Oren just nodded to acknowledge the logic.
"We are spreading seawater; it can help reduce the rot in the wood. So, it may seem tedious, but what we are doing is important. Many things in life can be like that. People often overlook the simple things at the expense of wanting more grandeur. That is why I told you we should be grateful for even that tasteless meat they gave us. For in that moment, there was nothing more important. Without it, we would have gotten to this moment. There are lessons in all things in life. Even as we clean this deck, we learn. We can learn handwork, discipline, exercise to keep healthy on a long voyage, and most importantly, humility."
"I guess I will always need reminders on humility." Oren quipped.
"I'm an old man, and I still need them. Learning something is more than just a one-time thing. We must lay the foundations and build upon the blocks of achievements, but almost inevitably, it will all collapse, and you'll have to start over. It will collapse all the sooner, especially if you think you're done with the learning."
"It strikes me that life is a funny thing. It seems nothing is truly complete until we die." Oren observed.
"And even then, we aren't done."
"Do you think we keep coming back and reincarnating Master?"
"I can believe anything, but we won't know until the end. You keep trying to be better and bring all your joy into the world, and it will work out. Worrying about the final outcome too much can make people feel life is worthless. Take these sailors; if they thought their good deeds and struggles would never lead to something beyond this life, convincing them to continue the struggle would be very difficult. It seems worth it if they think all the suffering will lead to a reward."
Oren and Master Anoka were still cleaning their way around the deck as they talked.
"So life should have a purpose, even if just doing a simple task?" Oren said.
"Everyone questions theirs, even though the majority will never have as lofty a purpose as you. So, I sympathize with those who toil and will be forgotten quickly by time."
"I guess I'll never understand life."
"You don't need to understand it, just experience it. You and I are here now; that's all that matters now. Then the next, and the one after that. As an example, you missed a little there. You might have noticed it if you focused more on the task rather than on questions. If we let it go, it might start to rot the boards. Then, someday, someone might get stepped on the spot and fall through. Again, little things affect the big."
"Yes, Master, I'll stop asking questions for now. I'll start by making sure I get the spot I missed."
"And there is the first brick to be built upon. I have been distracted and need to get the spots I missed. Masters are still students and bricklayers," Master Anoka laughed.
The merchant ship they got passage on was a Junk vessel. That doesn't mean it was in disrepair; it is a type of ship typical to merchants from Viracocha. They had fully-battened sails that looked like giant dorsal fins of fish or reptiles. The Junk sails are good for maneuvering but tend to be slower, especially in low winds.
The whole crew slept in hammocks that would be strung out on the main deck, as the lower deck was only for cargo. Being a merchant chip, the cargo was always more important than the people.
"I overheard the crew say we are heading for Mayree." Master Anoka said to Oren.
"Mayree?"
"It's a city in the state of Anaru of Viracocha, in the Northeastern corner. Viracocha is a square-like continent, Oren. The center is very mountainous, and most people live on the coast. Mayree is a big city for trade as it is the easiest for many foreign traders to get to. It's about as far north from our island as possible."
"Is it the Capital?" Oren asked.
"No, that's Pule. It is the Imperial city. Pule lies in the center by the mountains. The Senate and Imperata Lakoma keep the seat of power there. The Hihiu River is wide enough for big ships and is the easiest way to arrive."
"Why so far away from the coast?"
"It makes it harder for enemies to conquer and reach."
"What are we going to do when we reach Mayree?" Oren asked.
"I hope that no one is looking for us. Then we'll look to catch a vessel leaving Viracocha."
"I thought I heard the crew talking about wars in other nations. Would we be better off staying somewhere in Viracocha?"
"They might be fighting in other nations but aren't looking for us."
"What about the Witches that I was warned about? What if they find us in foreign lands?"
"As I said earlier, let's focus on the moment and worry when we need to."
"Does it hurt to think of possibilities and make a plan?"
"No, but you can't always know all the possibilities. Let's focus on what we do know at the moment. There will be time for planning."
—-
"There are ships on the horizon!" a sailor shouted above Oren.
All the crew, including Oren and Master Anoka, came to the bow to look. There looked to be ten or so vessels heading their way.
The Captain told them to get back to their duties. Everyone obliged but had one watchful eye on the distance.
"The crew seems nervous, Master," Oren stated, but it was a question.
"Pirates," Anoka whispered to him. Oren suddenly felt nervous, but he didn't know why. He didn't know much about Pirates. Oren swallowed hard.
"What does that mean?" Oren looked for clarification.
"It might just be a group of boats. Nothing to worry about."
"How often do ships travel in a large group like that?"
"Not often. Naval ships, but they don't look big enough. Oren, if it is Pirates or trouble, don't get involved. Don't use your powers; they will only increase interest in our movements. If something needs to be done, let me do it. Alright?" Master Anoka said more worryingly than he'd intended.
"Alright, if you think it's best."
"I do."
The incoming ships had spread themselves out in an aggressive formation. There were indeed ten vessels, but they were smaller ships.
"They look smaller than us; can't we just run through them, Master?"
"And risk damaging our own ship? Our ship doesn't have weapons, and they are much faster than us. Even if we rammed them, they'd catch back up to us eventually. We'll have no choice but to surrender."
The ship's Captain, on whom Oren and Anoka had secured passage, finally spoke to the crew about the situation.
"Listen, men, we've had problems with Pirates before. If we let them take what they came for and be on their way, they won't harm anyone. We can't fight them. We'll have to take our losses and try to recoup, but we'll live another day. I know it will hurt to watch them rob us, but we have little choice."
The crew seemed to accept what the Captain said, and everyone lined up on the main deck and tried to look harmless. Nine Pirate ships formed a circle around their vessel while one pulled alongside to board.
A group of the foulest men Oren had the unpleasantness to smell piled onto their ship. They all were very unkempt, with wild beards and grime clothes. They all had swords and sour faces. Oren had never imagined such people. He could have been more impressed.
The last to board was the foulest of the lot and was the Pirates leader. He strutted onboard and began to look over the merchant ship's crew. He looked surprised when he saw Oren and his Master, but the Pirate quickly moved on.
"I am Captain Elsu Chayton; you are my captives. We thank you for your hospitality. Continue to be harmless little pigeons, and we won't hurt you. If even one of you tries to resist, we'll slit all of your throats and see if the sharks are hungry for fresh meat. Understood." The Pirate gleamed with arrogance and gave a smile. "Start loading our boats, wretched dogs."
Captain Chayton watched with great attention as Oren and the rest of the merchant vessel worked to load the Pirate's ships. He seemed interested in Oren, but Oren tried to ignore him. Captain Chayton finally approached Oren.
"Boy, why are you on a merchant ship? Are you the son of a merchant or Lord of some kind? And don't lie to me; I am very perceptive, if I may say so." Captain Chayton said in an almost sing-song voice. His demeanor and phrasing were theatrical.
"He is just a boy; we are poor farmers catching a ride, that's all." Master Anoka answered for Oren.
"Are you his father? If so, well done for a man of your age. But I should cut out your tongue for speaking when I did not ask you to." Chayton said almost jovially.
Anoka did not answer. "I said, are you his father? I won't ask again."
"No, Grandfather. That is why we are traveling. His parents died, and he is coming to live with me." Anoka bluffed.
"What a sweet story. Somehow, I don't believe you. These merchant sailors don't seem the type to take charity cases with them. You must have had money to get on board. That means you two might be worth the ransom—the boy, at least. We might even take the boy and make him a part of our crew. It's the easiest way to find recruits. The old man we can give to the fishes, the only ones who'd find value in that old carcass." Chayton amused himself.
"You'll die if you try to harm him." Oren threatened.
"Whoa, a little venom from the little brat. He might make a great Pirate, after all." Captain Chayton's hands were gloved, and he came closer to Oren and shoved a finger under Oren's chin to raise it. He inspected him even closer. Oren knocked his finger off his chin and looked sternly at the Pirate.
"Perhaps you are too full of spirit. I can't decide if I should ransom you, kill you, or adopt you," The Pirate joked. The rest of the Pirate hoard laughed with their Captain.
It was then that Oren noticed Master Anoka holding his staff. Oren didn't know when Anoka had retrieved it, but Oren saw he held it at the ready.
"I did say that if anyone resisted that, we'd kill the whole crew, right?" Captain Chayton said, looking to one of the crew members for confirmation.
"You did, Captain." Answered one of his Pirates.
"This little arrogant piece seems to be resisting. Should we kill the crew to teach the sod a lesson or just cut out their tongues?" Chayton asked out loud to no answer.
"Old man, shut your boy up. We're not resisting; take what you want," a merchant crewman begged.
Captain Chayton took out his sword and approached the man who had just spoken.
"You, hold him." Chayton directed. A man held the man while Chayton took his knife out and cut the man's tongue. Blood rushed out the victim's mouth. Oren couldn't look. The Captain held the tongue in the air and then threw it into the sea.
"I don't like people to interrupt me. Speak when you are spoken to." Chayton said.
"That was a mistake. You're a cruel man. How can you live with yourself?" Oren couldn't help himself from saying.
"I'm cruel? It was because of you that he spoke up; it's as much your fault. And it's the last time you speak out to me, boy. Your tongue's next." Captain Chayton threatened.
"I don't think so." Oren stood his ground as he was getting mad. Chayton was pointing the bloody knife towards Oren and getting close.
Master Anoka must have sensed that Oren was about to act as he brought his staff up and killed Captain Chayton with a blast of energy. Chayton's body had exploded with the intense energy Anoka had released.
Master Anoka didn't stop there; he killed Pirates right and left. Oren had seen Masters in action but never in life-or-death circumstances, and he was astonished by Master Anoka.
The Pirate boats waiting to load saw what was happening and began to sail away. The Pirates on board the merchant vessel were desperate to get off and escape. A couple tried to attack Master Anoka but paid with their lives for the mistake.
After the last Pirate abandoned the ship and they all were fleeing, Master Anoka went over to the sailor, who had his tongue cut out, and stopped the bleeding by using his healing powers.
"I don't know if I should thank or curse you." The Captain of the Merchant ship said.
"You won't always be with us; if those Pirates run into us again, they'll kill us." The Merchant said.
"I don't think those Pirates will bother this ship again. Their Captain is dead. It will take them time to regroup, if ever," Anoka said.
"Either way, You and the boy are not welcome on my vessel again. I should thank you for saving us, but you've made my ship a marked target for the rest of my life, and I can't thank you for that. I can't throw you off the ship as I just saw how powerful you are, but stay out of my way the rest of the journey."
The Merchant Captain walked away, and Master Anoka looked at Oren.
"I told you not to do anything." Anoka scolded.
"I didn't." Oren defended.
"Saying something is something."
"Sorry."
"It might be best that they let us off at the next port now and not go all the way to Mayree. The crew now has a reason to gossip about my powers. We should put some distance between them and us." Anoka explained.
"You're probably right," Oren admitted. "Are we not going to acknowledge how you single-handedly defeated a Pirate horde?"
"Do we need to?"
"Well, I guess not."
"We've got other things to consider. Besides, those were men, black as their heart may be, they were men. Killing isn't something to celebrate. We survived, and we will move on."
"Yes, Master. But it was awesome." Oren said under his breath.