Someone Else's Kingdom, BOOK I - Chapter 17

The next morning everyone woke in a yawning fashion. The previous day's journey taking more of a toll than any of them had realised. As they readied themselves, they decided it would be best to sort out their passage to Maiden's Tower as soon as possible. The plan being to leave that very day, and not have to stay in Patina an extra night. There were several options open to them. They could hire a boat and captain themselves to make the voyage. Or, they they could find a place on some other ship. A merchant ship, or one of the more expensive ships specifically catering to passengers wanting to make the journey. Though these sailed a little more infrequently.

The option they naturally leaned towards was hitching across on a merchant ship, as this was the most common way that people normally made the crossing. It was also much cheaper than the other two options. Merchant ships were constantly heading in and out of Patina, and even the ones heavily laden with goods still usually had at least some extra space for passengers hoping to head in the same direction.

As Box, Goola, Julen and Eldskeep strolled around the harbour front they surveyed the scene, trying to get a sense of the busy port. Unsure how exactly to even go about finding a ship, let alone one heading to Maiden's Tower. After fifteen or twenty minutes of this pondering and wandering, Eldskeep finally took it upon himself to start asking around. Shouting over to the various seamen occupying the little boats. As well as questioning the odd passers-by who looked like they might know a thing or two about solving their problem.

After several dead ends one seaman finally offered his ship. An old sea captain, sporting the classic old sea captain look and demeanour. White in beard. Old, but not quite truly ancient. Blunt in speech; a witted lilt to his replies.

"Yes, this ship sails," he curtly responded to Eldskeep's initial query.

The vessel was small, and didn't look like it would afford a particularly comfortable journey over such a long distance, but it did look just about seaworthy and up to the job.

"Is there any chance this ship could get us to Maiden's Tower?"

"It could," came the further response. Leaving the four unsure as to whether he meant it theoretically could, but wouldn't. Or whether he was actually offering to take them. Feeling this confusion, Box stepped forward, knowing her naïve-looking youthfulness would give her a degree of leeway in not understanding the meaning.

"Could you take us there? .. we can pay you."

"Sure," responded the captain, unmoved, "We can leave right now, if you're in a hurry, but I'll need the payment upfront. Twenty silvas ..per passenger."

This was a bit more than they had hoped to pay, and it instantly put the four of them off the idea. Especially considering the cramped conditions of the boat. Seeing their hesitation the old sea captain at last showed a touch of personality.

"That includes your food, everything. You won't find a better offer than that round here."

"It's a fine offer, we may come back to you, sir," quipped Eldskeep, warmly, not wanting to decline the offer too firmly. They then left the old sea dog to see what other options were open, ambling onwards along the harbour front. Past the shops and the taverns and the rickety little workshops. Where rough-faced men in woollen hats hammered and inspected equally rickety little boats. The wood, salt, fish and knitted clothing infusing the air with a sense of the busy sea. There were larger vessels readying to leave port as well. With all classes of people, from urchins and vendors to well-to-do ladies, bustling around the adjacent streets and docklands. Some just like themselves, looking for a passage to some far off destination. Simply following everyone else they quickly found a largish vessel readying to leave for Maiden's Tower. Due to depart later that night. It also had a much more reasonable toll than the one demanded by the white-bearded sea captain: just eight silver ingkhs apiece.

It was the perfect solution, and fortunately there was still plenty of room. With the four not wishing to spend another night in Patina they booked their passage. They now simply had to return a few hours before departure, pay their fare, and board the ship. With it all sorted, and a sense of relief and achievement in tow, they were now left with a whole afternoon to waste.

Walking leisurely back along harbour they discussed what they were planning to do. Box and Goola were simply content to spend the hours wandering round, catching the scenery. They liked the idea of heading back up towards Castle Tori, in the hope that this time they might indeed get a glimpse of the elusive Princess Liofia. Contrarily, and true to his nature, Eldskeep was much more anxious to head towards the nearest tavern. To spend the afternoon lazily in there. An option underwritten by Julen, who was by now getting quite accustomed to his new found status as Eldskeep's sidekick, out in the real world. Box and Goola weren't too enamoured with this idea, but with a degree of arm-twisting they agreed to head for just one drink. To quench their thirst and rest their legs a touch before more sauntering around the city. The fact that the much older Eldskeep was still somewhat worn out from the previous day's travel weighing on their acceptance.

The place they alighted upon was an inn called The Ruined Boat. A relatively dull place, though cosy. Largely empty, except from the odd old fisherman huddled over his ale. Even Eldskeep and Julen were rather disappointed with the drab sense of boredom it inspired. Having entered however they ordered drinks, as well as some food, and huddled in at a small table. Box, originally very eager to leave the place, quickly changing her mind at the thought of food. It all of sudden dawning on her just how hungry she was. A feeling shared by Goola and Julen. So, for the first five minutes or so all talk at the table was exclusively food related.

When it finally arrived it was brought over by the barmaid who'd originally took their order. A slightly haggard, but attractive woman in her middle years. As Box clocked her face she noticed the blonde hair and aged, but translucent skin of the woman. She nudged Goola a little. It wasn't their mother, in fact, the woman looked nothing like either of them, but the uncommonness of the features reminded them nonetheless. This, in turn, conjured up thoughts in both of how far away from home they now were. Not wanting to remain in such a contemplative state Box immediately pitched to Julen and Eldskeep about how they should most definitely go back to Castle Tori. Expressing again her hopes to catch a glimpse of the the spectre-like princess before they left. Overhearing this conversation the barmaid chimed in.

"Some say she wanders about these streets, disguised as a regular townsperson, y'know. So you may have already seen her."

The curiousness of this remark held instant appeal, and a demand for more information.

"Really?"

"It's true, or so it's said. People say she sneaks out from the castle in disguise. Mainly at night. Giving the guards her father placed to keep her there the slip. She then wanders round, keeping a check on all us normal folk as we go about our lives."

"Have you ever seen her?"

"I haven't, but my son swears he did one time. Down near the harbour front one evening. She was covered up, and it was dark, but he could tell it was her. At least that's what he says, anyway. It's also said that there's a mini panic at the castle amongst the guards every time they realise she's missing."

Box turned to Goola, "After this we have to go to Castle Tori to have a look round. I want to see her."

"You two go," reflected Eldskeep, with languor, "We'll be staying here, or heading to the next nearest tavern for one more drink ..won't we Julen. You two can meet us back here at four o'clock. Before darkness begins to fall." He then asked the barmaid if there were any livelier places that they could visit nearby. Who then responded by giving him chapter and verse on every inn and tavern within a two mile radius. He listened intently. As interested in this as Box and Goola were in the talk of Princess Liofia. It wasn't the ideal arrangement, but the idea of meeting back up at The Ruined Boat was a happy trade-off for the pair. Any potential trouble Eldskeep and Julen might cause instantly eclipsed by their own little adventure. They quickly ate their food, sprinkled with more discussion about Princess Liofia, then left the other two at the table.

"We're going now," they both said in tandem as they got up. Eager to rush out.

"Don't forget, four o'clock," repeated Eldskeep.

"We won't, and you don't either."

As Box said this a real, but minor worry crossed her mind. The memory of the card game vividly flashing before her eyes. Seeing the slight apprehension on her face Julen snappily interjected.

"We'll be fine, we won't forget. Go on, go. We'll catch you later."