Earth is for but a time
Two Rich men in Flamence
The sea breeze wafts around the harbor bringing with it the smell of fish as fishermen empty out their rewards from the night. Sailors are beginning their early morning routine, scrubbing and cleaning out the decks of their vessels From the horizon, the sun pierces the sky beautifully as it rises, casting a golden glow on the entire dock, the atmosphere is as tranquil as the sea beneath, a most glorious morning.
On-board for Flamence!, yelled a young man draped in an oversized sailor's uniform and a worn out cap, he is hanging off the board of a huge ship which stands daunting to the eyes of anyone who saw it. It was clearly the biggest ship at the port and there were no questions to whom this wonder was designed to serve. "The weather is especially magnificent, The winds do honor my travels, A perfect day for the perfect man", said Marcus as he strolled casually toward the gangway which led to this ship's deck, following closely behind are two men with their necks craned about them having their vision blocked by the tower of luggage they carry.
They act swiftly as though trained for the very occasion watching the captain of the ship receive their master in honorary fashion, this is not peculiar to them as they have waited on the high and mighty that frequent their lord for a share of his knowledge.
Marcus is led to the main deck where he is met by a group of finely dressed people donning coats of the finest wool covered with adornments from crown to sole. He is quick to notice a few persons, Rich merchants and wealthy bankers amongst the groups
Ah! Marcus, headed to Flamence, I see, said a middle-aged man, He was dressed in a velvet doublet and silk hose, he wore a close fitting jerkin with gold strands interlacing the seams, and over his neatly combed hair rest a crimson colored flat cap with the fleur-de-lis center pieced, He put on a coat displaying a shield of three castles on both sides, everything about him screamed nobility. Lord Marcus, said the Captain, Lord Radon, the Count of Antiga
We are well acquainted, responded Marcus
Indeed we are, in the Royal Courts of Marchion, He was most impressive outlining the flaws in the Krusher bridge, Radon said with beaming eyes, Say Marcus, what takes you to Flamence.
I am in need, Radon
Do tell?
You are witness to the scope of my intellect and the span my mind could stretch?
Is there a point to this?, Who is all the land has not heard of the wise sage, Marcus Arteta
Hmm…Indeed, yet somehow I am inadequate, or rather my mind renders me inadequate, there is greater knowledge out there beyond the sea, more to see, more to know, more to understand, A vast ocean of the knowledge of this world, and the last that my soul cannot help but to desire the procurement of this knowledge and I deciding not to stifle the zeal have set out on this journey.
Then I wish you that your desires can be met, said the Count, offering a slight head nod to Marcus who in turns reciprocates the gesture. Come, there are a few persons I would like you to meet, Radon said as he led Marcus in by the shoulders to the upper deck
The interior of the upper deck was completely different from the rest of the ship, it was clear that it was designed to fit the exotic taste of the rich and wealthy, Gold and silver straps intertwine about the entire deck casting a heavenly glow as the Sun permeates through the ports, fine furnishings of the purest cedar fitted with cushions from the Ottoman's litter the hall as lively chatter echoes. The occupants of this deck are just as luxurious as the desk itself, velveteen coats, feathered caps and golden flower garlands wherever the eye could see.
The Count leads Marcus to what seems to be the wealthiest circle of the entire deck
"Marcus Arteta", he announces as he arrives at their location, "Scholar & Intellectual"
The group turns to focus their attention on the announced, He is on a quest seeking knowledge, head bound for Flamence.
Arteta, I've heard of that name before, said a bearded man with a sword strapped at his waist, the Krusher Bridge, perhaps?
Or maybe, the Coinefer theses, said another man dressed in purple doublet
This is I, said Marcus with a curt nod, which seemed ironic as his tone was laced with superiority.
Welcoming him to the circle, they continued the chat, engaging Marcus on his theses and perception of the world, digressing into politics, literature, art and music as was the reform of the age, conversing about morals and social justice as the horn blew signifying the beginning of their voyage.