Once through the door, Zanataz closed it.


    “Hang a left into the galley!” He yelled to us. As we turned into the galley, I saw five small circular windows looking out onto the ocean and the beautiful multicolored sky from Kolob setting. There were six circular tables bolted to the floor, each with four stools, one of which was occupied by two crewmen enjoying a meal, who glanced up with small smiles.


    Looking left of the tables, I saw a bar along the left-hand wall with seven stools beneath it. There was a door behind the bar partly open, revealing a man working on something that smelled delicious.


    As we moved further into the galley, I could see another, wider, hallway leading towards the back of the ship. The main mast came through from the top deck and was surrounded by several barrels. Zanataz pointed to the first of two doors that were behind the stairs and motioned for us to enter.


    “Well, this is it. You’ll be sleeping here. If you’re hungry, the galley’s right outside. Go through the door behind the bar, that’s the kitchen. The room next to this one is the chef’s quarters. Talk to our chef if you want anything. Other than that, get some rest and the Captain will talk with ya in the mornin’.” I moved to the far-right corner of the room and quickly set about making a spot for myself.


    “Wait.” Said one of the girls. I looked over to see who it was. It wasn’t Céírde or Sable, or the pretty girl with wavy hair and pale skin. I hadn’t caught any of their names or really observed much of them, aside from the one with wavy hair, but now my attention was on the one that was speaking.


    Her hair was shorter than mine, which was kind of unusual to me, and she was taller than the rest of the Agers, except Keokin and Klintock. She was holding a bag that said ‘Guardian’ on it just like mine. I also noticed that she was missing her pinky toe on her left foot. She looked strong and muscled, which was a stark contrast to the girl next to her. The other girl, Lánn, had the word ‘Support’ on her pack. I was curious what these words meant but figured we’d get told later.


    “So, you’re saying that all of us are staying in the same room?” Asked the ‘Guardian’ girl, her eyes squinted at Zanataz, seeming angry or frustrated.


    “And you are?” Zanataz asked.


    “Jael McKann.”


    “Well Sassy McKann, you’re going to be doing the same thing on the Island. Might as well start now, right Jael?” He replied, his head slightly tilted with a sly smile, and a shrug. Jael scoffed and shook her head before moving off across the room.


    “Thank you for everything Zanataz.” Keokin started. “I’ll make sure everyone gets settled.” His bag had the word ‘Leader’ on it. Oh, well I guess that solves that. Good to know.


    “Good luck kid.” Zanataz said with a laugh. Then he left the room, closing the door behind him.


    “You’ll ‘settle’ us?” She asked in a snarky manner.


    “Well, I am the ‘Leader’.” He pointed at his bag. “Besides, I didn’t mean it like that. Why don’t you start by telling me what the problem is?” Keokin asked. She scoffed again. He persisted. “Come on Jael. We’re not going to get anywhere if we can’t even figure this out together.”


    “Well.” She started. “I don’t like the idea of sleeping next to boys. I was always told to never sleep near them or be in their rooms.” Keokin nodded, using his right hand to stroke his chin for a second before replying.


    “Ok, so what about this? We have the boys on one side of the room, and the girls on the other side. Now I know that we’re all technically in the same room, but this way you can at least be sure that there is a degree of separation between us.”


    “Guess it’s better than nothing. If I have to stay here with you guys, then that seems like the least terrible way to do it. What about getting dressed? I don’t want any of you peeping on me, and I don’t want to see any of you either.” Jael said. William snickered.


    “Don’t flatter yourself sweetheart. You got nothin’ on my woman.” He said, smirking at her. Jael glared at him, her fists clenched, teeth bared.


    “Cool it William.” Keokin said, stepping between them. William scoffed and ignored the other two, setting up his own bedding on the floor near the bottom right corner of the room. Jael seemed to growl at William, but slowly calmed down and paid attention to Keokin again. “Well alright. Seeing as how Croí and William have already gotten themselves comfortable over there, I guess this side will be boys.” He pointed to the right side of the room. “And this side the girls.” He said, pointing to the left.” How does that sound?” Everyone agreed.


    I sat and watched as Keokin helped everyone get settled down. Sable and Lánn set up their bedding nearest to me on the girl’s side.


    “Guess you can’t follow us around anymore.” Flint quipped at Sable as he set up next to me.


    “I don’t need to anymore; I’ve replaced you with Lánn here.” Sable said pointing a thumb at the smiling girl. “She’s a better match for me anyways. She’s only an inch taller.” Sable said smiling at Lánn. Flint rolled his eyes.


    “Replace me? She’s only enough for half of me, where’s the rest of her?” Flint asked, grinning.


    “Leola.” Sable said, this time her thumb pointed at the pretty girl with the wavy hair. Leola glanced up from the bedding she was smoothing out.


    “Me? What?” She said suspiciously.


    “You and Lánn are helping me replace Flint as my best friend.” Sable said.


    “Are you sure you want me? I might be too tall.” Leola said, hiding a grin. Sable’s mouth fell open. Then she smiled.


    “Absolutely.” Sable said. All three girls laughed along with Flint and Klintock. Watching this exchange, I couldn’t help but chuckle.


    “Alright. Does anyone else need any help setting up?” Keokin asked.


    “I need help replacing Flint. Apparently, he’s gone out of style.” Klintock said, smiling as Flint slugged his arm.


    “Sorry, I can’t help with that.” Keokin chuckled. “But I do know where we can get ourselves some snacks. I have a few other thoughts I’d like to run by the group.”


    He was really taking naturally to the whole ‘Leader” business. Setting up a system for us to get dressed at different times so neither group saw the other. He took charge and settled disputes quickly and efficiently. Even with his somewhat goofy appearance, he did have that air of intelligence and respect.


    “Good. Now that everyone knows where they’re going to be, why don’t we all get something to eat from the galley before we bed down for the night?” Keokin suggested to the group. Everybody agreed and they started leaving the room.


    “You coming Croí?” Keokin asked. I didn’t really know what to do. I could have forced myself to go and eat, and be part of the group, but I just didn’t want to.


    “Yea! Come on Croí! Let’s go eat.” Sable said, bouncing on her toes.


    “No, thank you. I’m not hungry so I’m going to stay here.” I said.


    “You don’t have to be hungry to hang out with friends.” She said, smiling brightly at me. Lánn nodded in agreement behind her.


    “It’s good advice.” Keokin said, smiling at the two girls before smiling at me.


    “I’m fine. I’m just tired.” I replied as sincere as I could manage.


    “Oh, come on Croí. You know it’ll be fun.” Sable said, tilting her head with a smile and putting her hands on her hips. I’m not sure why I don’t want to go, I just don’t. I tried searching for an excuse, but I couldn’t find one.


    “As long as you’re sure. I don’t want you going hungry now.” Keokin said to my relief. I smiled the best I could. Keokin nodded and ushered Sable and Lánn out the door before turning around.


    “Are you sure you don’t want to join us?” He asked.


    “I’m sure. I’ll be fine.” I said, continuing to smile weakly.


    “Well, one thing my mother always taught me was that if someone says they’re fine, they’re likely anything but.” Well, he’s got me there. I continued to smile weakly and struggled to keep eye contact with him, unsure what to say.


    He chuckled. “But seriously Croí. I’m here if you need me, so don’t hesitate.” I nodded and he left the room. I sighed, finally dropping my smile.


    I was alone with my thoughts. Nothing but myself and my memories. Could be good. Or bad. The only memories that came up were those of my home and my family. Playing tag with my brothers or the occasional neighbor, marksmanship games, playing warrior with sticks, wandering through the forest fighting make believe monsters to rescue imaginary maidens, kings, or the odd puppy. Missing all the animals we owned. Petting the mousing cats, playing fetch with Bacta and Ríger’s hunting hounds.


    Eventually I just laid down in my bed and sobbed quietly to myself as I heard the others laughing and joking. I couldn’t understand how and why they could get over missing their families so quickly.


    The door swung open, and it startled me. I looked over my shoulder to see Leola looking back at me. I’ve been crying. I can’t let her see. I quickly turned back over.


    “Hey.” I heard her say quietly.


    “Hey.” I replied, embarrassed.


    “You, ok? Want me to get you anything?”


    “No, I’m fine. Thanks anyways.” I replied quickly. I heard her grab something out of her bag.


    “Are you sure? There’s meats out there.”


    “Yeah, I’m sure. Thanks though.” I faked a chuckle.


    “You’re welcome.” She closed the door, and I went back to quietly crying into my pillow.


    * * * * *


    * * * * *


    I woke up to them all coming back inside after having eaten. William was definitely the loudest, but I could also hear Sable and Lánn talking. Mostly about being so short. I heard Keokin shush them. He must think I’m asleep. That’s nice of him, but I don’t mind them having fun and stuff. I also don’t really want to turn over and address them, so I’ll just try to go back to sleep.


    “Why?” William questioned.


    “Let him sleep.” Keokin answered. William scoffed and chuckled a little.


    “What? Got something to say William?” Flint asked.


    “He’s just being a sissy. Crying like a baby all the time and getting special treatment from Edorin just because his older brother is Kixas. Kixas may be near legendary, but he’s our weak link. You know it, I know it, everyone knows it. Even him, it’s why he’s crying. He knows he’s not strong enough to survive this.”


    That hurts. So that’s how they really feel about me then. None of them think I’ll make it. Can’t say I blame them. I feel the same way. But if that’s the case, then why am I even here? I could hear Keokin sigh heavily.


    “Are you really that ignorant?” He asked William. “It’s because he’s grieving his family.” William took a second to reply, but when he did it sounded like there was some food in his mouth.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    “Why? They dead? Looked like they were still very alive to me.”


    “No, but from what Sable said, him living off in the middle of nowhere like that, only him and his family. Like us, he may have disliked them sometimes, but they were better than being stuck with a bunch of kids he barely knows, headed to a terribly dangerous place where he will look death in the eyes.” William snickered at Keokin’s words.


    “Oh, come on. He’s just being a sissy, acting like a little girl.” William replied. I could hear some of the girls in the room mumbling unkind words at William under their breath and laughing at him. Though they were drowned out by Jael.


    “Say that again and I’ll show you crying like a little girl.” She challenged.


    “I bet you will.” William countered arrogantly.


    “Stop it, both of you. Jael, just give me a minute with him first please.” Keokin interjected. She groaned out a sigh and I heard her plop on the floor. I shifted as slightly and quietly as I could, trying to draw no attention, while also getting a look at what was going on. Klintock and Flint were just sitting quietly on their beds, Flint with a smile on his face. The girls were on their side of the room still whispering to each other and laughing while looking at William. Keokin shook his head as he replied to William.


    “And you really think your constantly irritating, ‘I’m a big boy with no fears’ charade is any better?”


    “Who you callin’ a charade, arse wad?” William challenged. Keokin sighed again.


    “All I’m saying is that we’re all suffering being away from our families and our loved ones. We all suffer differently. If you’re not going to offer him comfort or support, then shut your mouth.” William sat back down.


    “Fine, whatever ‘boss man’. I don’t see what the big deal is with these Islands anyways. I’ve been fighting all my life. I’ve fought for everything I ever had. This’ll be no different.” He said proudly. Keokin finally finished setting up his bed and started getting under the covers as he spoke.


    “Sure, maybe against other Cianíans or things you perceived as some big bad outside threat, but never against something of this magnitude or intensity. Your arrogance and hot-headed nature are likely to get one of us killed, and I’m not okay with it. So as long as I’m the leader, you will keep it in check.”


    “I thought we all suffered in our own ways, oh fearless leader.” William snickered.


    “We do, and I’m fine with that unless your form of suffering is making everyone else suffer more. Then it becomes counterproductive for all of us and brings us down with you. That, I will not, and cannot allow. Now everyone, follow Croí’s example, get some sleep. I get the feeling we might be needing it tomorrow.”


    William went back to eating his food. Sable and Lánn were still chatting over in the corner. I tried not to pay attention to the conversation they were having, especially after hearing Lánn say, “Poor guy. He must have cried himself to sleep.”


    Eavesdropping, although easy when your hearing is exceptional and you’re right next to the conversation, is not necessarily a good thing, or at least that’s what my sisters had told me. I didn’t understand that, because I had never said anything that I wouldn’t be okay with people hearing, but my sisters said it had more to do with respecting their privacy more than anything, which I understood better.


    It took me what seemed like three hours to go back to sleep. By that time everyone else was sleeping. I could hear the changes in their breathing when I focused. I rubbed the pendant Ríger gave to me, saying a small prayer to the Gods asking them for help. I hoped that my message got through, but I never understood how praying worked. I hoped the Gods would forgive that. Unless not knowing how to pray meant that they couldn’t hear you at all. I shook the thoughts out of my head and tried to get to sleep.


    I laid there in the dark and looked at the small amount of moonlight that penetrated the room through the bottom of the door. I could partially see some of the other boys in the room as they slept, as well as the lines marking the wooden planks on the floor, but little else.


    I wondered how far away we were by now. If I could still make it back if I tried, but these thoughts were replaced with thoughts of the shame I would most likely feel from abandoning the others, as well as the Aging itself.


    I wondered about the Island. About how many of us would die, and which ones would die. I didn’t wonder so much about myself though. I felt like that was a given, though I hoped, for the sake of my family, that my prayers would be answered and the impossible would happen. My thoughts moved for a moment to if I would see the thing that killed me or if I would be dragged away in the night by some unseen terror. Wanting to avoid thinking about my own death, my thoughts went back to the others.


    William I might be able to do without, just because he’s mean, and doesn’t seem like a ‘team’ player, but the rest of them seem to be genuinely nice people. I didn’t want any of them to die, even William if I was serious. My stomach growled, interrupting my thoughts. I didn’t realize I was so hungry. I should have gone to eat with everyone. The memories of Mother’s cooking and helping her in the kitchen replayed in my mind, giving me a small sense of warmth and comfort. Finally, I closed my eyes and slept.


    * * * * *


    * * * * *


    When I awoke, several of the others were already moving around. Keokin, Leola and Sable primarily. Sable was waking up Lánn and Keokin was waking Klintock and Flint. I got myself up and rolled up my blanket and the mat I’d been using to sleep on, laying it all neatly in the corner. Keokin followed me out of the room as I headed for the kitchen.


    “Hey Croí.” I turned to face him. “Don’t forget. We’re all going to get some breakfast, and then head straight over to Captain Edorin so that we can get our briefings from him. Maybe he’ll explain some of the things our packs have in them and what we’re supposed to be doing. You might want to get your pack before we head out.”


    Briefings? I thought we were just talking to Edorin. Man, I’m so out of the loop all the time. How is it that everybody always knows what’s going on?


    “Thanks.” I said, turning back into the room to grab my pack. He smiled.


    “Of course. I’m the leader, it’s kind of my job, right?” He said, patting my shoulder before trying to wake William.


    I walked across the hall and went through the door behind the bar, into the kitchen. It was still a little strange getting used to the ship moving under my feet. Although it was kind of fun and relaxing when I focused on it.


    The kitchen was roomy. On the right end of the far wall, there was, what I assumed to be, the food pantry. My target. To the left of the pantry was a partially opened door that led to another room with what looked like more cupboards and pantries. I noticed an L shaped countertop in the bottom right corner of the room. On the wall above the counter, there were dozens of cooking utensils. Ladles, spatulas, and a large assortment of knives, all gleaming silver with beautifully stained wooden handles. Further right, closest to me, was a fancy looking oven, with cabinets on the wall above it. Milí would have loved a kitchen like this.


    After a momentary search, I retrieved a small portion of bread and an apple. I figured that would be enough to tide me over until later, but just in case, I took a biscuit and a bit of cheese out and sat at one of the tables in the galley as I ate. Just as I was on my last bits of food, the others all emerged from the room and headed straight for the pantry.


    The only one who noticed me was Leola. She turned and looked at me for a moment, still smiling from something someone had said. She has a nice smile.


    It was strange. I found myself wanting to be included in what the others were doing, but also scared of being included. I couldn’t understand why. I shook the thoughts out and switched focus. I was curious to see what exactly was inside my pack.


    The first thing I noticed was a lot of thin, but sturdy looking, black string in a large figure eight and wrapped in the middle. Under that was two flints. I recognized them from camping trips I’d been on with my family. When struck together, they would produce sparks to help with making a fire. That’s useful, what else? On the underside of the top flap of the pack was what looked to be a compass.


    Ooh interesting. I wonder what direction we’re traveling right now. I looked out one of the windows near me to see which way the ship was moving, then looked at my compass. Hmm, according to this it looks like…Southwest. That’s fun. A small smile crossed my lips. I continued examining my pack and happened to glance at the others.


    My eyes met Leola’s and I became embarrassed, glancing away quickly. Why did I just do that? Why did I look away? Now it’s awkward. I don’t want it to be awkward. I’m going to try keeping eye contact this time. I looked back up, but Leola was talking with Sable, not looking this way. As I was about to turn back to my pack, she met my eyes. My stomach feels weird. I gave her a small smile. She returned it with a brighter one, giving me a little wave. My stomach feels really weird now. My face feels warm too. I hid behind my pack. I peeked over the top flap to get one more look at her. I think her face is a little red. I quickly returned to looking through everything.


    There was a small book with many blank pages and two pencils to write with. I wasn’t sure what it would be for, but it was good to know I had it. Stuffed into the side of the pack was a small knife. It had a five-inch curved blade with a small barb on the spine of the blade, near the tip.


    I liked that I had a knife, but I wasn’t sure what the small barb was for. There was also a sharpening stone connected to the sheath. I didn’t see any bandages or other medical type supplies, or a hatchet or anything for mending or creating clothing. My primary concern being shoes and pants.


    There was a large pouch on the opposite side of the knife for water. There was a stone in there too. It had a strange spider web like fracture throughout it and was circular, being about five inches in diameter and half an inch thick. It was a beautiful blue color, speckled with some green. The stone wasn’t attached to the sheath of the knife, so I didn’t figure it was for sharpening. I couldn’t really tell what it was for so I just set it on top of the rest of my gear and figured I would ask Edorin about it later.


    On the very top of the pack were two straps that had been used to secure the mat and blanket I’d used to sleep on. I found another pocket on the side of the pack behind where the knife had been. I undid the leather straps to find the hatchet I was hoping for. It was small and simplistic.


    This is awesome! Better than I ever had. I got a knife and a hatchet! I smiled at the hatchet as I set it aside. There was also a single, blank sheet of paper. Odd. Not sure what that’s for.


    I found several jars made of something that wasn’t really glass but wasn’t metal either. It was transparent like glass but didn’t make the same sound. Again, no idea what these are for. There was another one of those circular stones as well, only this one was pure white with some spots of a very dark blue. I put it with the other stone and kept looking.


    There were two small vials of a strange, semi glowing, red liquid. I took one out and looked at it closely. There were white things floating around in it, and when I turned it, the contents of the vial moved slowly as if it was more of a gelatinous blob than a liquid. I put it back into the pouch next to the other one. There were also two small spherical glass bottles, one filled with a strange black powder, and the other with a green powder.


    That was everything that was in the main pack and the left side. I opened the right side’s pouch and looked in. There was a hairbrush, a toothbrush, and a leather bag filled with what looked like hundreds of small green leaves. The leaves gave off a strong but pleasant smell. There was a thin string attached to a Y shaped wooden tool. This just looks like a bunch of hygiene stuff.


    I noticed that the others were finished eating and had started retrieving their own packs. Perfect timing. I put everything back in as nice and neat as it had been before and tightened down the leather straps, slinging it over my right shoulder. I reached back for the other strap but came to the realization that there was only one to hold it on my back. I put it over my head so that it would rest on my right shoulder, the strap going across my chest to the left side. That fit more comfortably. I looked up to see the others moving through the galley. I noticed that Lánn and William’s packs had two sturdy straps instead of one like mine. They were also much larger. I figured that it was to distribute the weight more evenly. Which made me wonder about why the rest of us seemed to have the one strap style of pack.


    “Ready Croí?” Keokin asked as they exited the room headed towards the stairs that led up on deck. I nodded and followed them.


    While we walked, I couldn’t help but notice the girls as they walked, mostly Leola as she was directly in front of me. It was interesting to note the differences in how the girls moved as compared to the boys. Seeming to have more bounce in their step. I also noticed that their feet looked more delicate. Narrower with less muscle and, in William’s case, less hair. I felt more aware of how I moved, and my own feet, which I deemed ugly and was embarrassed by.


    There was no pause as we reached the top. I didn’t really know how Keokin did it. Somehow, he seemed like he knew what he was doing and where to go. I guess that’s what makes him the leader. We walked half the deck of the ship before Zanataz noticed us and came over.


    “Good morning young ones. I was just on my way over to rouse you. Thanks for saving me the trouble. Come on, let’s see the Captain.” I looked around us, curious if I could still see any land, but from what I could see, there was nothing but open water. What if the ship sank? How far away from land are we? What things lie in the ocean beneath us? I got an uneasy feeling in my stomach, but I ignored it and focused on following Zanataz.


    As it turned out, it wasn’t really all that difficult to find Captain Edorin. His cabin was the only room on the back end of the ship, just below the quarterdeck, and there weren’t any stairs to it either. I guess that’s why Keokin was so confident about where he was going. Maybe all ship designs are the same.


    My nerves regarding the sea settled a little after we had entered the cabin and the doors were shut behind us but were replaced by a new kind of nerves. Why am I so nervous? I’m shaking a little, and my hands and armpits feel sweaty. I need to make that stop. I distracted myself by looking around.


    The Captain’s quarters were very roomy. The first thing I saw, was a thick mast a few feet into the room. Once I sidestepped it, I saw a large circular table with twelve chairs, and a six-panel bay window that Kolob shone through. The left and right walls had four windows each, allowing in plenty more morning light. There were two well maintained beds on either side of the room, along with dressers and nightstands. Which made me think that Zanataz slept in here too, not just Edorin.


    Edorin came in and sat at the far end of the large round table. Zanataz took a seat to the left of Edorin. Edorin glanced around at us, his hands on the table, fingers interlocked as he spoke.


    “Sit.”


    We all did as we were told. I sat in the farthest right seat to the left of Zanataz. To my left sat Klintock, then Flint, and William. Keokin sat in what would be the middle. Then there was, Jael Céírde, Sable, Lánn and finally Leola. There was a moment of silence as we all focused on Edorin.


    “Right then.” Edorin said as he adjusted some documents that were in front of him. “First, I will be telling you about your assigned duties and what they entail, simple and to the point. Second, I’ll be telling you about the Island itself and what you may encounter, as well as your goal as a team while there. Third, will be about the rules regarding fraternization. Next, I will explain all the uses for your equipment. Last, will be anything else I need mention, and a time for you to ask any remaining questions. I will then remove myself from the room and let you all decide a few things amongst yourselves. You will retrieve me when your decisions have been reached and we will proceed. Any questions about how this is going to go?”


    All of us looked around, but none of us had any questions. “Good. Let’s get started.”


    https://www.tumblr.com/coldthane/711511986275516416/layout-of-the-captains-quarters-on-the-wayward?source=share (link to an image, showing the layout of the Captain''s Quarters)