Askaro of the Falcon

  Chapter 8 – Changing of the Watch

  Askaro heard the morning bell ring. His body didn’t want to move and his mind felt sluggish. A soft tap on his door forced him upright. “I’m awake.”

  The door opened and his mother entered. She was carrying a wrapped parcel and a box. “Happy Birthday, my son.”

  Askaro blinked the sleep out of his eyes and turned up the lantern. He stared at his mother for a moment. She was dressed in a fine lacy formal. Her hair was braided and arranged nicely. The only thing that detracted from the ensemble was the leather band around her neck. He sighed. “You look pretty.”

  She laid the packages on his bed. There was a slight blush to her cheeks. “It was Sabora’s idea. She gave me the dress to wear. The doctor and his wife have always been kind to me.” She moved the packages onto his lap. “You should open these.”

  Askaro untied the string that bound the paper around something soft. Inside was a white cotton shirt like the Masters and Officers wore. There was also a pair of dark blue pants. Askaro swallowed hard. “These are Officer’s clothes.”

  “Your grandfather insisted. He requisitioned them from stores and had me wrap them for you.” She pointed to the box. “That is from your father.”

  He slip the lid away and pulled out the shiny black boots. He could almost see his reflection in the polished surface. There was also a pair of socks. “I’ve never worn anything on my feet.”

  “It will take some getting used to.” She held up the hem of the dress to reveal her own feet. “At least these shoes are practical. Sabora said they are made from goat kid leather.”

  Askaro reached down and felt one. “They are soft.”

  His father started grumbling to himself in the sitting room of their suite. Tralora got up and peered around the door. “He’s having trouble with his collar. I’d better go help him. Get dressed now. We’re expected in the Salon very soon.”

  When she left, he got up and put on the new clothes. They were much softer than his regular tunic and breeches. The boots felt uncomfortable but he managed to walk in them. He looked at his face in the glass and did his best to tie back his unruly black hair.

  The pendent was still on his trunk. He decided to keep wearing it under the wrist band. It was safer there than around his neck.

  He left his room and found his mother still struggling to help his father with the formal uniform. Jakaro finally managed to get all the buttons into the correct slots. “This is a nuisance. I’ll be up on the Sky Deck. The wind will treat this bulky coat like a sail. How am I supposed to do my job if I have to mind my own clothing? I’m worried enough about getting the Falcon into the docking cradle.”

  Tralora smoothed out the last of the wrinkles. “You’ll do fine. You said the Falcon launched from this dock. Why would she not fit now?”

  “We’ve been gone seventeen years. It was a tight fit then. If they have made any changes along the quay, we’ll be hard pressed to get her in without damaging us or the port.” He noticed Askaro. He came forward, his frown changing to a grin. “You look like a fine young Ensign.”

  Askaro’s heart seemed to miss a beat. “An Ensign?”

  Jakaro put his hands on his son’s shoulders. “You are sixteen now. As the son of an Officer, it’s your responsibility to take on the duties of an Ensign, just as Carton did several years ago.”

  His mind struggled with the idea. “But what about Master Bruvano?”

  Jakaro sighed. “You are my son and heir. Once we reach Rokathalon we will get any doubt of your citizenship reconciled and it won’t matter what Bruvano thinks.”

  His mother reached for the collar around his neck. “You no longer need this.”

  He caught her hands. “No. I’ll wear mine until you can remove yours.”

  His father kissed his mother’s cheek. “I will take great pleasure in that duty.”

  There was a knocked on the outer door. Tralora hid her tears by turning away from them. She dabbed at her eyes and reached for the door knob. “Come on. The Captain wants everyone to be prompt.”

  They went out into the Salon. It was crowded with all the Officers and their families as well as slaves setting dishes on the table. The mood was festive. All the ladies and girls were in their best dresses and all the men were in formal dress uniforms. The younger boys all wore fine suits.

  The Captain was talking to Mister Osalith off in a corner. The First Mate’s face was drawn with concern. Askaro leaned slightly in their direction to hear what the man was saying. “I realize how you feel about the boy, sir. I just think you shouldn’t make a public display of it this morning. You know how some of the others feel about him and Tralora.”

  The Captain had his back to Askaro so he couldn’t see his grandfather’s face but he could hear the controlled anger in his voice. “I don’t bloody care what they think. It won’t matter after today. They can leave and never come back as far as I’m concerned. This is his birthright and I won’t have it denied him.”

  “You said you gave him the pendent already. Let that be enough for now. Explain it to him after we’ve docked.”

  Tralora pulled Askaro toward the table and he lost the conversation. Sabora and Doctor Hodrel came toward them. Sabora smiled warmly. “You look absolutely lovely, Tra. And look at Asko. How grown up you’ve become.”

  Their daughter, Valisa, and Yalina, the daughter of the Second Mate, came over and curtsied to Askaro. Valisa laughed lightly. “Happy Birthday, Asko. You’re our age now.” She turned to Yalina. “He looks good in uniform.”

  Yalina frowned. “He’s missing his jacket.”

  Tralora put an arm around his shoulders. “Mister Thorson couldn’t find one his size in stores.”

  Yalina put her fingers out and sighted along them. “He looks about the same size as my brother.” She waved and called Carton over. “Would you have an extra jacket for Mister Askaro?”

  Carton grinned and extended his hand. “I heard it was your birthday. Quite a present, hey? To dock in the Capital.” Yalina nudged him with her elbow. Carton cleared his throat. “I’m sorry. I wish I did. The Quarter Master already asked me.”

  Askaro was still recovering from the shock of Yalina calling him ‘mister’ and Carton shaking his hand. “That’s all right, but thank you for the thought, sir.”

  Carton laughed. “You don’t have to call me ‘sir’ anymore, Asko. As a matter of fact, others will have to call you ‘sir’ now.”

  Askaro followed Carton’s glance and saw Ranith standing alone in a corner. The boy’s arms were crossed and he scowled at them.

  The Captain came to the head of the table and tapped his fork against his wine glass. “Come now, my friends. Several Masters are watching our posts so that we can enjoy this last meal together.”

  Everyone came to the big table. Askaro didn’t know where to go. Jakaro called to him and Tralora. “My father has rearranged the table order.”

  He led them to the head of the table and stood next to the Captain. Askaro stood by the chair next to his mother. Mister Osalith stood next to the Captain on the other side and his family followed. The Second Mate came toward the chair next to Askaro. He nodded but said nothing.

  Once everyone had found their spot, the Captain raised his wine glass. “To the Falcon, the bounty that we carry, and her faithful crew.”

  Everyone picked up their wine glass and shouted, “Harrah!” Askaro followed his father’s example. The wine tasted bitter to him but he managed to swallow a sip.

  The Captain sat and everyone else took their seats. Master Repri, the Head Cook and Master Peater, the Head Baker, began placing plates of food at each place. Master Peater paused beside Tralora as he set her plate down. “It’s about time you sit where you should for a meal.”

  Askaro was confused by the array of silverware on either side of his plate. He’d washed plenty of them when he served a duty position in scullery but he had no clue what to do with them. He watched his grandfather and father to see how the
y used each one.

  The foods were new and different. He’d had the occasional roll and cooked game while on collection duty but this was the first time he’d eaten most of what was on his plate. He didn’t even know what some of it was.

  There was quiet conversation around the table as people enjoyed the meal. Jakaro and the Captain were discussing his concerns about the docking. His father moved a few things around on the table and pointed at a bowl he’d placed between them. “The docking cradle of the Grand Portal is at the very center of the port. We’ll have to trim sails and let off steam at just the right moment to set her down. We need enough heat to clear the Teeth and Beacon Rock.”

  The First Mate had been listening on the other side. “I seem to recall it was a tight fit when we left. I just hope they haven’t constructed any new buildings along the quay.”

  The Captain moved a few of the items. “I spoke to Captain Berand when we docked at Kells a few months ago. He said it hadn’t changed too much. And the Magnificent should have returned to port last month. He said he was headed back. So they know we are coming in. I sent a notification with him.”

  Jakaro leaned toward his father. “I still think we should pull the pennant bars in on the Main Masts. It’s going to be tight as it is.”

  Delkaro shook his head. “This is a day of triumph for the Falcon. I want all her flags flying. We’ll manage, just like we did at Valenhall.”

  Mister Rickton, who had been quietly eating next to Askaro, coughed and muttered to himself. “I wonder if they have all their towers replaced yet.”

  Askaro had finished all the food on his plate, as had most others. The Captain stood and the room became quiet. “Today will be a great day in the history of the Sky Realm. The Falcon, the largest Sky Ship ever built, will return to Rokathalon.” He waited for the applause to stop. “This is the last meal we share together as a company and I wish to show my appreciation to the dedicated Officers and their wonderfully patient families on this long journey.”

  The First Mate raised his glass. “To the crew!”

  Everyone repeated the toast and drank some wine. Askaro had barely touched his and only took small sips. He didn’t care for the taste.

  The Captain motioned to several Crewmen who had been waiting along the wall and they began wheeling in carts. “This has been a long journey but we return with holds overflowing. I wish to share some of that bounty with you now, beyond your standard commission.”

  The crewmen began passing out leather bags to everyone seated at the table. Each one had a tag with the name beautifully scribed on it. Askaro wasn’t sure what to do with his. He looked around and noticed others were opening theirs. He released the tie and pulled out the contents. There was a leather-bound journal, a fine quill pen, a bottle of ink, and a small bag of coins.

  He glanced over at his mother who was holding a necklace with a clear crystal pendent. She also had a small bag of coins. This seemed to be the standard fare around the table.

  Lady Desora, the First Mate’s wife, held up her necklace. “These are very beautiful, Captain.”

  Delkaro smiled warmly. “The diamonds are from a raid several years ago. I had them mounted and fitted on chains while we were in Kells.”

  The younger girls were giggling as mothers helped them with the latches. Several of the boys were busy counting their coins and planning how they would spend them.

  Delkaro cleared his throat and Mister Osalith tapped on his glass. The room quieted again and everyone turned their attention back to the Captain. He began walking around the room, shaking hands with his officers. He made the rounds and returned to his place. “It has been an honor to serve with all of you. I am planning on retiring after ship’s matters are dealt with.” There were small gasps of surprise from various people at the table. Delkaro turned to his son and pulled him to his feet. “As is the tradition among Sky Wizards, I am passing command of the Falcon to my son, Jakaro.”

  Jakaro embraced him. “I won’t let you down, father.”

  Delkaro chuckled. “I know. I trained you for this moment. I just hope the new Captain will let this old man tag along for awhile.”

  Jakaro released him. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  Delkaro faced the table. “I hope others will return for the next voyage but I’ll understand if you have other plans. You have already given seventeen years of loyal dedication. Whatever you choose, I wish the best to all of you.”

  Mister Osalith stood and raised his goblet. His eyes were glassy. “To Captain Delkaro, the greatest Sky Wizard of the Realm!” Everyone else stood and joined in the toast. “And to our new Captain Jakaro, may his future on the Falcon be as prosperous as this journey has been!”

  After the toast, everyone cheered and applauded. Delkaro slapped Jakaro on the back. “Well, Captain. I think we should let the Officers get to their duty stations. I’ll meet you, Mister Osalith, and Mister Rickton in the Ready Room for final docking consultations.” He bowed and left the salon before the tears at the corners of his eyes could fall.

  Askaro noticed that many of the women and even a few of the men were wiping their eyes. Mister Rickton moved to Mister Osalith’s side. “I thought the Old Man was going to bring up the other issue.”

  Mister Osalith relaxed his shoulders. “I convinced him not to. He’s already presented the boy with the pendent. The rest can wait until we reach Rokathalon.”

  The Second Mate frowned. “It seems wrong to break with tradition. The pendent should be publicly given and displayed.”

  Mister Fantori joined them. “Presented a pendent to who?”

  Mister Osalith pointed at Askaro. “To the boy.”

  Mister Fantori laughed. “Won’t do him no good where he’s headed. Old Bruvano plans to get a pretty price for that one.”

  The First Mate pulled the Helmsman toward the door. “I’d belay talk like that if I were you or the new Captain will have you hanging from the tip of the bow sprit when we come into port instead of at the wheel.”

  Askaro trembled. His mother came to his side and put a hand on his shoulder. “The families will all be on the Sky Deck as we come into Rokathalon. Your father expects you to be there as well.”

  He glanced at the clock on the wall of the Salon. “It’s already well into First Watch. I should really be at my duty station in the rope pit.”

  His father came over. “That’s no longer your duty station. You’re an Ensign, now. I expect you to join me on the Sky Deck. I know my father passed on his position to me, but I’m still technically Chief Engineer until we dock and I want to be where I can see the entire ship as we come into port. I will not make the same mistake Mister Yan did in Valenhall.”

  Askaro looked down at the bag that held his gifts. “I should put these in my room. And to be honest, I may leave my boots and socks there as well. My feet hurt. They aren’t used to being contained.”

  Jakaro laughed. “Very well. Break them in slowly. There’s nothing that says an Officer has to wear anything on his feet.” He kissed Tralora. “I’ll see you later on the Sky Deck. I have to get to a meeting.”

  Askaro put his new things away in his trunk and removed his boots and socks. He wiggled his toes to get feeling back into them. He was relieved that they hadn’t found a jacket for him. That would be just one more change he would have to get used to.

  When he returned to the Salon, his mother was talking with several other women. Ranith came over to him. “Don’t expect me to call you ‘sir.’ They might dress you up but nothing has really changed. You’re still a slave.”

  Carton broke away from the conversation he’d been having. He grabbed Ranith’s arm. “Enough of that. Whether you like it or not, Askaro is now an Ensign, just as I am. You must treat him with the same respect as you treat me.”

  Ranith pulled away. “I can’t wait to get off this ship, sir.” He hissed the last word and escaped to his family’s suite.

  Carton frowned. “Ignore him. It won’t matter tomorro
w anyway. From what I’ve heard, Mister Osalith plans on leaving the Falcon.”

  “What about your family?”

  Carton pulled him gently toward the door. “My father couldn’t imagine being anywhere but the Falcon. I’m certain he’ll stay on. My mother plans to send Yalina to finishing school in the Capital but Falina and Elton will remain with her here on the Falcon. Even though he’s only eight, Elton is already dreaming of becoming an Officer.”

  Askaro reached for the handle of the main door to the deck. “If Mister Osalith is leaving, maybe my father will make yours First Mate.”

  The knob was pulled out of Askaro’s fingers and the door swung open. Master Bruvano stood on the other side. “There you are. You’re late for your duty shift. If I didn’t have a task waiting for you, I’d dump you in a Hot Room.”

  Carton stepped forward. “Bruvano, Mister Askaro is no longer under your charge. We are expected...”

  The Slave Master raised his hand as if to strike Carton. The young man backed up a step in alarm. Bruvano sneered at him and grabbed Askaro by the arm. “This cruise ain’t over yet and Ass is still mine to do with as I please.”

  Askaro saw the gleam in the Slave Master’s eye. He swallowed down his fear as the large man pulled him away from the startled Ensign.

  * - * - *