“Well. I worked under a master seamstress for a few years. I learned a lot about people, plants, animals, and the world in general from all the books I would read at the library whenever I had some spare time. I worked with a chef in a tavern, I’ve learned the basics of sketching on paper, I liked helping at the orphanage with the children and learned how to skin an animal and fish from Drea. There are some other things, but I guess that’s enough for now.”


    I was surprised. She had done a lot. I was curious what she was leaving out of that list. I hadn’t done anything yet; just chopped wood and done household chores and repairs. Then again, I did help my brothers with their work on occasion.


    At this point, we could all hear William struggling to say something from his position, the legs of the chair clicking against the wooden floor planks.


    “We can’t hear what you’re trying to say William, and we don’t care. Just shut up and listen.” Flint said.


    “Did you particularly enjoy any of the jobs you’ve had?” Lánn asked leaning on the table with her elbows, chin resting on her delicate wrists.


    “Well, I did enjoy sewing. It was fun and very relaxing. Fishing is really pleasant.” Her voice. There''s just something about it that’s calming. I want to keep asking her questions so that she’ll keep talking. Ask her another question.


    “So…” Oh no. Nothing’s coming to mind...awkward. Just blurt out something, anything, fish maybe, something about fish. “What’s the biggest fish that you ever caught?” Phew.


    “Um, let’s see. I caught a two-foot black bellied Gobhen (Go-ven) one time. I’ve seen bigger for sure, but that’s the biggest one that I ever caught.” I have no idea if that’s impressive or not. I nodded and looked around, waiting for someone else to ask a question.


    “How did you get that scar?” Thank you Sable.


    “This one?” Leola asked, pointing at the scar on her left shoulder and bicep. “I got this when I was little. I was playing capture the flag with the other kids and ran into a tree. Unfortunately, one of the branches was broken off and there was just a sharp stub there. I have a few other scars like that, nothing exciting really.” Interesting, I have a lot of scars from stuff like that, but most are from practicing with my brothers.


    “Great Leola. Anybody have any more questions?” Keokin with his usual phrase.


    “So, did you grow up at the orphanage? Or, I guess, when did you get adopted?” Jael asked. Adopted? Orphanage? What are they talking about?


    “No, oh sorry, I got adopted when I was little, maybe a year after being in the orphanage by Drea and Tanbhis, along with one other girl named Kaet (Kate). They just adopted another two boys this year, Jollén (Jaw-leen) and Jorén (Jaw-reen). They get mistaken for each other a lot.”


    “Does your family not have a family name? I’m just curious because you always mention your family by their first names and nothing else.” Klintock this time.


    True, I wasn’t going to mention it, but I had noticed it. Another interesting thing. When I first met Klintock, Flint and Sable, Flint said that Sable was his sister. But they don’t have the same family names. Klintock and Flint are Bairde, and Sable is Helios. I’ll ask them about it.


    “We do have one, but we usually don’t use it, so I just forgot to mention it. Our family name is Jura though.”


    After that, there was silence, followed by Keokin’s usual question for questions, and silence.


    “Ok then, next up. I guess we can do both of you together, right? Bairde brothers.” Klintock and Flint nodded saying at the same time.


    “Sure, that’s fine.” Then smiling at each other. Klintock motioned towards Flint.


    “You first.”


    “But you’re older.” Brotherly bickering. Now that’s familiar. I thought they were both the same age though. After all, you do go through the Aging at sixteen. And Flint’s right, Klintock does look older with his longer hair pulled back and more ‘regal’ attitude.


    “Only by three hours.” Klintock argued. Oh well that’s that, I guess.


    “Still enough that you got to carry that sword around and personally meet the King.” Good point, that is something I would be jealous of too.


    “Fine, I’ll go first. I’m Klintock Bairde, and this is Flint Bairde as you all know, and you probably also all know about our father, The Unbroken.”


    “ártair (Awr-two-er) Bairde.” Flint interrupted.


    “Right.” Klintock continued. “Flint doesn’t like the title, but I do. I thought I was going first Flint.” Flint shrugged and pouted, looking away from Klintock. Klintock smirked. “Our adopted sister Bánní (Baw-nee) is thirteen. Anyone else have a thirteen-year-old sibling?”


    “Kaet is thirteen.” Leola said with a nod.


    “My adopted brother Darragh (Daw-rug) is thirteen as well.” Keokin said.


    “Your turn Flint.” Klintock said, smiling. Flint nodded.


    “I just want to move to questions; I’m having a hard time just sitting here. I want to stretch my legs.” Flint said. Jael nodded.


    “Ok, where do you two live?” Keokin started.


    “We live in a city twelve miles East of Ionad Talún called Réalta Bheag (Ray-ul-tuh V-ugh)” Klintock answered. Now’s my chance, I guess.


    “I got one. Why do you call Sable your sister?” Flint glanced at me.


    “We grew up next to her in the same village. She’s been hanging out with us since we were little and I’ve always seen her as a little sister, so I call her sister.” He smiled and I nodded, looking back down at the table.


    “If you two are twins, why do you look so different?” Jael asked leaning her cheek on her left palm.


    “I didn’t like everybody always getting us confused. It was funny at first, but then I got in trouble for everything Flint did, and it got irritating, so I grew my hair out and started dressing different so people would be able to tell us apart.”


    “Fair enough. Man, I gotta say, I agree with Flint. After all that stuff Edorin told us and dealing with William and trying to jam all this information in my head, I could really use some air, and maybe a snack or something.” Jael sighed.


    “Don’t worry Jael. It’s just me and Croí left. So please be patient for a few more minutes. Anybody have any questions for Klintock or Flint? Or should I start?” Keokin asked.


    Everybody shook their heads. It seemed like Flint and Jael were the only ones physically tired. Céírde was still writing in her book, though I couldn’t see what she was writing. Lánn and Sable were still attentive and ready, and I was intrigued to hear about Keokin, but not excited for my turn to speak.


    After all that went on with William, I just didn’t want any more attention. “Ok then, I’m Keokin Dravik, I have three adopted little brothers, Darragh, Cian (Kee-an), and Dóríd (Doe-read) ages thirteen, twelve, and nine. I absolutely love the little guys, love training with them and playing games with them.”


    His smile reminded me of the small wry one Kixas would show sometimes. It made me smile. “My mother’s name is Dáriella (Daw-ree-ella), and my father’s name is not important because he left us as soon as my mother got pregnant with me. I spend a good deal of time working in the Northeastern iron mines. I don’t need to, mom and my brothers are with her family, pretty well taken care of, but I like her to have a little extra. Questions for me?” He asked.


    “Do you have any free time? What do you do for fun?” I asked.


    “I used to run around and play with other children or pull stupid pranks on people, but after my dad left, I came in on my mom crying one night. I hated the feeling I got when I saw or heard her cry so I decided to do what I could to make things easier for her. I started working at the mine, sucks, but it brings me coin that I use for food or nice trinkets for mom and the boys. For me, fun is taking care of my family, taking my brothers out to eat so mom can rest, playing with my brothers and making meals. That kind of stuff.” Wow, it sounds like he’s the father and older brother in his family.


    “So, let me mix this up a little. Any other questions for me?” Everybody at the table laughed in reply, most shaking their heads. “Well ok then. Your turn Croí.” Oh dang. My smile instantly faded. I took a shallow breath before speaking.


    “I’m Croí Geal. I live up North near the Bán (Bawn) mountains with my father, mother, four brothers, two sisters, a niece a nephew and me. I don’t work anywhere because I live too far away from any village.”


    Everybody around the table was staring at me surprised. “Uh. Any questions?”


    “I mean, I knew you had a lot of siblings, but hearing all your family listed out like that sounds like a ton.” Everybody agreed with Sable’s statement, Lánn followed.


    “Yeah. Everybody else has like two to four, but eleven? That’s a ton. How many are adopted?” Jael asked. I scratched my head.


    “What do you mean?” I replied quietly.


    “I mean, how many of your siblings were adopted?” Jael asked again.


    “What does adopted mean?”


    “Uh…” She looked around at everyone, they all looked confused.


    “Adopted means that some of your siblings aren’t related to you by blood.” Leola explained.


    “Oh, like a brother-in-law?” I asked. Leola shook her head.


    “No. Not like that. I’ll give an example. Say Jael has no parents or siblings, then your parents decide to raise Jael as their own daughter. Jael isn’t a blood relative or an in-law but is an adopted sibling. Make sense?” She asked. I nodded.


    “I believe so. In that case, none of them are adopted.” Everyone looked shocked.


    “None?! Your mom had seven kids?” Flint asked. I nodded.


    “How old is the oldest?” He asked.


    “Kixas is two hundred and fifty-two.” Several eyebrows raised.


    “That’s unreal.” Lánn said. I looked around, confused. Not sure what had them so baffled.


    “So.” Klintock began. “What’s Kixas like?” He asked.


    “Well. He’s stern, and strict, but never cruel. He pushes me to the point where I want to quit, then helps me overcome that, or gives me a moment to rest. His eyes don’t miss anything. You can’t lie around him. He doesn’t give out praise or compliments very often, but when he does, you feel like you really deserved it.”


    “Wow. He sounds intense. Kind of what you’d expect from someone like him though.” Sable said with her eyes wide. “Can you introduce me to him when we get back? I want to hear his stories and stuff.” She smiled brightly with a twinkle in her eyes.


    “Uh. Yeah. That shouldn’t be a problem.” I said. What did she mean by ‘someone like him’?


    “We should be able to introduce each other to all of our family members. Provided we survive this.” Céírde said, fingers entwined beneath her chin.


    “Any other questions?” I asked.


    “I have a question.” Keokin started. “What are you looking forward to doing when we get home?”


    I’ve never thought about that. I’ve always just assumed I would go back home and do what I always did, or to follow my brothers.


    “I don’t really know. I just figured I’d go back home. Figure it out from there.” There was a muffled laughing coming from William in the corner.


    There was a moment of silence. We were done with all of this and wanted a reprieve. Keokin noticed. “Well then. I guess that’s it. Time for a break. I’ll go find Edorin or Zanataz. The rest of you stretch your legs, but don’t stray too far.” Jael and Flint immediately stood up, stretching with their arms high. Lánn and Sable grabbed Leola’s hand and nearly ran to the door. Keokin stood and walked over to William.


    “Are you going to attack us?” Keokin asked. He shook his head. “Have you learned your lesson?” He nodded. “Good. Glad to hear it.” He set about untying him.


    I grabbed the book of creatures that I had given to Sable and started looking through it. Going outside did sound fantastic to me, but I wanted to at least learn the names and locations of the five unique creatures.


    I learned that three of the five lived on the Island we were traveling to. Bháis was one, primarily dwelling in the mountain pass, in the center of the Island. The second creature is Scáth Ard. “Croí. Get some air, ok?” Keokin said from the doorway, interrupting my reading.


    “I will. One minute.” He nodded and went outside. I was alone in the room now. I felt a deep sense of relief for some reason. I stood and stretched, walking around the table, pausing to admire the view of the ocean outside the bay window, and taking a few deep breaths before sitting back down to look at the book.


    The last unique creature from our Island was called An Crann Bréagach (Awn Krawn Bray-gawk). It was a large creature that looked almost exactly like a tree, but with branches at odd angles. It would reveal itself only when its prey was near, and it was too late for them. If rocks were thrown at it, it sounded like you had struck a tree. Its hide was harder to cut through than a tree. It moved slowly through the forest and would dig itself into the ground near paths or in openings to hide.


    The drawing showed a tree with a thick trunk twenty feet tall that spread out into twelve thick branches that moved out in all directions. There were long lines of moss dripping down all over the branches. Apparently, these were tendrils that injected poison that would paralyze the target with a reach of at least sixty feet. Once the target was paralyzed, An Crann Bréagach would slowly move over them. There was an image of what it looked like when it lifted out of the ground, apparently its mouth was on the bottom of the trunk, and it would situate itself above the prey to consume them.


    Because of its reach being sixty feet on all sides, it waits for creatures to go near its trunk so they can’t escape. Hunting in this way had led it to kill at least thirteen known Agers, maybe more.


    Apparently, we need to stay together, but stay at least one hundred and twenty feet apart in case we run into this thing. Where is it?


    The book said that it dwelled primarily on the Southeastern part of the Island’s forests but would roam further south occasionally. Either way, it keeps far east. Still, would be good to keep our eyes out for this thing.


    Does it have weaknesses? I searched the text entries for any mention of attacks or defenses. It had been set on fire once, but it separated its bark, and from inside the trunk, blew the fire out. Swords, hatchets, arrows, nothing penetrated, and there was no known antidote for the poison aside from time.


    Great, so if we meet it, we run or die. Good to know. I closed the book and sat back in my chair, exhaling.


    How are we supposed to survive against creatures like this? How did my brothers and sisters survive? How did they not go mad from the terror of it? They still laugh and smile and toil away like it was no big deal. But then again, they never really talk about it either. I’m wasting time just sitting here. I should get some air.


    The door opened and Edorin came back into the room, followed by Zanataz and the rest of the group. Oh, too late. Edorin sat in his chair and waited for everyone else to take their seats before addressing us.


    “Now then. You’re all acquainted with each other, I hope.” He raised his eyebrows at us.


    “Indeed Captain.” Keokin replied. “There was some trouble with William wanting to change duties, but it was sorted out.”You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    “Good. Now I’d like all of you to follow Zanataz and get yourselves acquainted with the ship and crew.” Zanataz looked over at us smiling.


    “Are ya ready kids?” We nodded tiredly. He chuckled. “Follow along.” He said opening the door to the Captain’s quarters. “Now kids, if there’s one thing I must press upon you, it’s the proper terminology for the Pony.” He pointed his left arm out. “Port side, not left side.” He held out his right arm. “Starboard side, not right side.” He pointed to the back, then the front. “Stern, not back. Bow, not front. Understood?”


    “Yes sir.” Most of us said, nodding.


    “Another thing worth mentioning. If I say fore, it means it’s in the forward half of the ship. Aft, means it’s in the rear half. Still following?” Céírde nodded enthusiastically. Jael scratched her head. “Right, this here.” He motioned to the open area in front of us. “Is known as the main deck of the ship, or just the deck.”


    https://www.tumblr.com/coldthane/707892103529857024/layout-of-the-wayward-pony?source=share


    The deck was wide and long, with two walkways on either side. There were several things that occupied the center of the deck. First was what looked like massive trapdoors. I figured these would open to allow easy access to the storage areas of the ship. Past that was the mast, and four smaller boats. They were secured side by side, and upside down, each one looked roughly twenty feet long.


    “What are those?” I asked, pointing to them. Zanataz glanced at me before answering.


    “Those are the dinghies. We use them to ferry crew and cargo to and from shore. Those.” He pointed to the trapdoors. “Are the hold caps. They lead directly to the cargo hold. This here is the main mast.”


    “How do you steer the ship?” Flint asked.


    “I’m getting there, don’t jump ahead.” Zanataz said, smiling. Flint chuckled. Zanataz cleared his throat and continued. “There’s the main door that leads below, which you’re familiar with.” He pointed to the door. “And to either side of it, are the fore stairs.” He pointed to two straight staircases on either side of the door. “They lead to the upper deck. Behind us.” He turned around, facing the stern of the ship. “Those are the aft stairs.” He pointed to another set of straight stairs to either side of the Captain’s quarters. “They lead up to the quarterdeck. Which is our next stop. Follow along.”


    He moved up onto the quarter deck. There was another large mast, though it looked smaller than the main mast, that sat near the front of the quarter deck. He pointed to what looked like a wagon wheel, only thicker connected to a large wooden box with handles on the outside. A crewman was holding onto some of the handles, gently turning it occasionally. “This lovely device.” Zanataz said. “Is called the helm. This is where we steer the Pony with the help of our Helmsman and Quartermaster, Cormick (Core-mick).” Cormick turned and waved at us with a small smile.


    He was a chipper looking younger man. His square jaw was covered in stubble, and his broad shoulders were covered by his hair. His simple white shirt, lay un-buttoned near the top.


    “Mornin’ kids.” Cormick greeted.


    “Morning Cormick.” We all said in unison.


    “Right, let’s keep this moving. Cormick’s not great at thinking of more than one thing at a time. Wouldn’t want him to get turned around now, would we?” Zanataz said, grinning at Cormick, who scoffed and rolled his eyes playfully.


    Zanataz moved towards the stern of the ship, leaning on the railing as he looked out on the ocean. I squinted, trying to see if I could spot any land, then sighed, disappointed. “Wonderful, isn’t it? Just look at the wake down there.” He said, pointing to the waves created by the ship as it moved through the water. Lánn leaned on the railing, smiling as she looked down.


    “It really is pretty.” She said. Zanataz nodded, then tapped a portion of the railing near the back left corner.


    “Boys, if you ever need to relieve yourselves, and the restroom’s full, this is the most satisfying place to do it, trust me.” The boys smiled, the girls frowned, and Lánn quickly took her hands off the railing. “Girls, if you see a man with his back turned up here, he’s not lost in thought, he’s taking aim.” He said with a wide playful smile. Flint and Klintock burst out laughing.


    “And if he turns around without putting it away, this is where you throw him overboard.” Came a female voice from behind us. I turned to see a woman dressed in a modest mid-shin length red dress. It was simple and form fit, with sleeves that went all the way down to her wrists, and a split down one side, starting just above the left knee. She had a satchel that hung on her left side. She was holding a pair of long, red, leather gloves in her left hand. Her skin looked pristine, not a single mole, freckle, blemish, or scar to be seen on her face. That is until she turned her head and I saw a scar that seemed to come out of the top of her left eye. I also noticed that both sides of her head were shaved nearly bald, and her long hair was pulled over to one side, which I found interesting. She waved and gave Zanataz a playful glare.


    “Terrible advice. What if he was holding a sandwich? That’s an unacceptable waste.” Zanataz said.


    “True. Take the sandwich first, then throw them over.” The woman said, smirking. Zanataz smiled and said.


    “Now you’re gettin’ it.” He winked. “Leola, this is your mentor, Lanaea. She is the Aid of this ship. Unlike me, she has almost no charm. I don’t envy you.” Lanaea chuckled and shook Leola’s hand.


    “A pleasure Leola.”


    “Likewise, ma’am.” Leola said, smiling.


    “Right. With me Agies, to the bow.” Zanataz said. “We’ll leave this vixen to her sandwich snatching.” Lanaea gave him a mocking smile and wiggled her fingers at him as we passed her. He crept up behind Cormick and flicked his ear.


    “Ow! Zanataz you gobshite!” Cormick yelled with a slight smile, swatting at Zanataz as he skipped away.


    “Both hands on the helm or we’ll crash! Come on now Cormick, I thought you knew better than this.” Zanataz said grinning. Cormick shook his head and we followed Zanataz down the stairs and across the deck, heading towards the bow of the ship.


    Zanataz took us past several busy crewmen until we reached the upper deck, and finally, the bow. He put his hands on his hips and looked out on the ocean. It was lovely. The gentle waves rocked the ship up and down, light from Kolob bounced and reflected off the water, and the fresh, almost salty smell of the ocean spray was pleasant.


    “Zanataz, it’s about time.” Came a voice from behind us. I turned to see a very tall woman, probably the tallest person I’d ever seen.


    “Whoa! You’re huge!” Flint said. She chuckled with a one-sided smile.


    “That I am.” She said.


    “How big are you? Are you half giant?” Sable asked.


    “Six feet, ten inches. No, I’m not half giant.” She said simply. Six foot ten?! She’s massive. Being only four foot six myself, I had to crane my head back to look up at her.


    She had a scar starting in the middle of her forehead that traveled down over her left eye, ending at the bottom of her left cheek. She also had a scar with the same angle on her right cheek, stopping an inch above her upper lip. Like Lanaea, the sides of her head were shaved short, leaving just the hair on top of her head, though her hair was pulled back into a short ponytail. Both sides of her head had designs shaved into them that looked like simple waves and mountains. She wore a loose-fitting, sleeveless shirt that showed off her toned arms and her pants were cut to just below her knees.


    Her right foot had a scar that started at the top of the arch and moved to the inside of her foot, vanishing below. Her left leg had two slash-like scars on the outside of her calf. Minor scars spotted her left arm, some looking like arrow wounds, but on her right, there was a large scar starting on the outside of her shoulder that spread down her arm and up into her neck. The more I looked at it, the more it seemed to resemble a bolt of lightning.


    “ánadaí (Aw-nuh-day), a pleasure as always.” Zanataz said, smirking. “Céírde and Flint, this is your mentor ánadaí.” He then pretended like he was whispering but spoke at regular volume. “She may look lovely and approachable on the outside, but don’t let that fool you.” ánadaí snickered.


    “Yeah, cute and cuddly, that’s me.” She laughed. “Honored to meet you two. I look forward to jamming your heads full of useful information.” She gave a slight bow, which Flint and Céírde returned. Lánn’s hand shot up. ánadaí pointed to her. “Yes?”


    “Is that a lightning bolt?” Lánn asked, pointing to her right arm. ánadaí glanced at it then nodded.


    “It is. Picked it up from an enemy mage during the Eastern War, along with all the rest. Well, except for the two on my face. Those are from an Armored Salamander I killed during my Aging.” She said. We were all amazed. But none of us knew what an armored salamander was.


    “Showoff.” Zanataz said with a sly smile.


    A man walked up next to ánadaí. His stance was laid back, with his hands in his pockets.


    “And this physical specimen is Gathaen (Gaw-hane). He will be your mentor Sable.”


    Gathaen was tall but judging by his forearms and neck, he had incredible muscle tone. His shoulders, chest, and back seemed to be trying to push through his shirt, and the same was true of his legs. He had shoulder length hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. There were two scars on the right side of his face, one near the outside of his right eye, the other just below that, starting on his cheek and stopping short of his jaw. He looked serious, despite his laid back pose.


    “Nice to meet you sir. I look forward to learning from you.” Sable said, bowing.


    Gathaen nodded and shook her hand quietly, giving her a small smile.


    “Right. Well, he’s not much for conversation but he’s easy on the eyes.” Zanataz said as he passed by the two mentors, giving a playful squeeze to Gathaen’s bicep. Gathaen smiled for a moment, then nodded to us and walked off.


    “Don’t trust her. She may be cuddly, but cute?” Zanataz said, pointing at ánadaí. She quickly stepped in his direction. He didn’t flinch but froze and raised an eyebrow at her. She clapped mockingly at him.


    “You managed not to jump that time. I’m impressed.” She said. He shot her a sarcastic grin.


    “Yes, well I heard that a giant’s vision is based on movement so…” He said. ánadaí moved to punch Zanataz, who ‘Whooped’ and giggled as he ran down the stairs. He led us below deck into the galley. He pointed to a door a few feet in front of the stairs.


    “That’s the infirmary just in case one of you gets a splinter or something like that. Usually that’s where you can find Lanaea. When she’s not snatching sandwiches that is.” He said, smiling.


    “Is that where I go to train?” Leola asked.


    “Yes it is. And if you keep heading down that little hallway there, that big open room is the training room.”


    “For the Guardians?” Jael asked. Zanataz nodded, then looked towards the kitchen.


    “Cairen! (K-eye-ren)” Zanataz yelled. A moment later the kitchen opened, and a portly man came out, grinning.


    His thick forearms bulged as he removed a stained apron to reveal a white shirt, unlaced at the top. His pants were a colorful purple and green that tucked into his black boot. He walked with a noticeable limp in his right leg.


    As my eyes trailed down, I noticed why. He had a prosthetic leg, half wood, and half metal. No pain seemed to show on his jovial face. He pushed his curly black hair back, but a small curl defiantly dangled over his forehead. He wore some sort of thick leather bracer over his right forearm that strapped two finger like appendages to his right hand where his pinky and ring fingers were missing. He also seemed to be permanently squinting his heavily scarred right eye, which, upon closer inspection, looked to be made from black glass.


    “Ah, which one of these fine lads or lassies are mine?” Cairen asked. Right away I noticed that he spoke differently. It was an accent I’d never heard before. Then again, I didn’t get out much, if at all.


    “Cairen is our cook.” Zanataz said. “William and Lánn, that’s you.” William rolled his eyes, and Lánn bowed.


    “Pleasure to meet you mister Cairen.” She said. Cairen smiled.


    “Now, now young miss, I’m no mister. Just Cairen will do.” He said, shaking her small hand. He leaned over without looking and flicked William’s ear with his left hand.


    “Hey!” William protested with a glare.


    “Ooh, looks like we got a live one on our hands, don’t we lass?” Cairen asked Lánn, pointing a thumb at William. The rest of us chuckled while William continued glaring.


    “How did you get your scars?” Sable asked. He smirked and chuckled.


    “Where are you from?” Céírde asked. From? He’s Cianían, so he’s from Ionad Talún right?


    “Southport.” Cairen said with a grin. “Born and bred. Ever been?” He asked. She shook her head.


    “No. I just love languages. You have a nice accent.” Cairen waved a hand in front of his face, looking bashful.


    “Aww young miss. Ya flatter me so.”


    “You really shouldn’t.” Zanataz said. Again, he held up a hand like he was whispering but spoke at regular volume. “His head’s big enough as is.” Cairen raised an eyebrow at him.


    “No nicknames for me today ‘Z’?” Cairen asked.


    “Well I figured stumps or glinty were a bit too obvious for someone with my level of wit.”


    “That they are. What’ve we settled on then?”


    “Sweetness?” Zanataz asked. Cairen pursed his lips to the side, thinking, then nodded and shook hands with Zanataz.


    “Most agreeable good sir.” They both chuckled. Zanataz seems to have a thing for nicknames, like how my brothers called me ‘Blunder’… and ‘Skitter’… ‘Runt’…


    “These my Guardians?” Asked a man sitting at one of the tables. He had shorter hair on the sides than on top. He had four large scars across his face going through his ear, eye, and the corner of his mouth on the left side. His left ear was missing most of the top half, and his left eye was slightly clouded over, but the blue and black still showed through. He was wearing a thick long-sleeved brown jacket with brown pants and boots. The tip of his right pinky finger was missing, as well as some of his right ring finger. He had an unkempt bushy beard, except for the parts that were bald from the scars.


    “That they are. Croí, Jael, and Klintock, this is Sacae (Saw-kay). He’ll be your mentor for this journey.” Sacae gave us a big grin.


    “Absolute pleasure to meet you kids. But there’s a problem Zanataz.” Zanataz raised his eyebrow at Sacae. “They’re too big. You didn’t leave me any work to do.” He said smiling as he lightly smacked Klintock’s shoulder. We chuckled.


    “Well, if nothing else you can teach them to play a mean hand of cards.” Zanataz quipped. “Now Agers, restroom is this way. Follow me.” We waved to Cairen and Sacae as we followed Zanataz. We passed by our room and Cairen’s room, then turned left around a corner to find two doors side by side. “Here we are.” He said, pointing to the one on the right.


    “Which one’s the girl’s restroom?” Jael asked.


    “Neither. The one on the left is for the crew, the one on the right is for you Agers.” Jael looked disgusted. Zanataz continued. “Oh, don’t worry. They lock and you won’t be the one cleaning them anyways. Now back into the galley.”


    We backtracked and Zanataz rubbed his hands together with a sigh. “Alright. That’s it really. The rest of the ship is for the crew or for your mentors to introduce. You’re welcome to explore, but it’s not exactly peak entertainment. Now, all of you head off to your mentors. Keokin, with me.” Him and Keokin left us. The rest of the group separated, saying small goodbyes, and exchanging nervous glances until it was just Jael, Klintock and I. We all turned and looked to Sacae, as he smiled in the corner.


    “Right then little ones. Follow me into the training room. I’ve got something fun planned for the three of you.” He stood and walked out of the galley, motioning for us to follow him. We looked at each other nervously then followed him out of the galley, heading for the stairs, but passed it by and went through the small, narrow, hallway towards the bow of the ship. When we made it through the hallway into a very large open training room, we saw several smiling crewmen.


    What’s going on? I don’t like this.


    “Right then. Who’s first?” Sacae asked, smiling as he walked towards us. First for what? I noticed Jael and Klintock take a step back. Should I be stepping back? Is he going to fight us? Well too late now. If he’s going to beat me, I’d rather get it over with.


    I took a step forward. Sacae smiled. “Promising. You’re first.” He cracked his knuckles, and I clenched my fists, readying for the worst. My heart thumped against my ribcage, like it was trying to escape, and my hands only stopped shaking when I clenched them. A man to Sacae’s left pulled a table and chair over to the middle of the room. Sacae sat on the chair with his elbow on the table ready to arm wrestle. “Let’s do this.”


    I was stunned for a moment, then relieved that it looked like we weren’t going to fight. I took a breath and sat down, clasping hands with Sacae. One of the men came over and put his hand on top of ours, then counted down from three, taking his hand off quickly when he said one.


    I pushed against his hand as hard as I could, every muscle in my arm straining against him. His hand barely moved at all. He smiled at me, and slowly applied more and more pressure, forcing my hand down slowly onto the table. “Well, that’s it, you lose. You next.” He pointed to Klintock.


    I always lose at arm wrestling. Even to my sisters, it’s embarrassing. Klintock sat down and essentially repeated exactly what I did. “You lose kid.” Klintock got up and Jael sat down. Sacae folded his arms, looking down on her skeptically. “What’re you doing?” She looked at him, puzzled.


    “Arm wrestling?” Jael replied.


    “You’re a girl. Get out of the chair.” Sacae said sharply. Jael’s face twisted in anger.


    “Why? I have to do the same things they’re going to…”


    “Out!” Sacae yelled. Jael’s eyes widened. I was angry, but terrified. I didn’t understand it. If she was going to the Island with us, she should be trained with us too. Not that arm wrestling seemed like good training to begin with, but there had to be a reason for it, and Jael should be a part of it, but Sacae and the other men didn’t seem to think so, and they looked incredibly intimidating. Klintock looked conflicted too, but neither of us understood what was going on, or what to say against the large man in a room full of others that seemed to back him up. Jael huffed and got out of the chair. Sacae pointed at me.


    “Sit.” I feared Sacae. The way he looked was horrifying, and the look in his eyes was intense. I sat down. “Come on!” He waved his large hands, motioning for me to put my hand up. I hesitated.


    He reached across the table and slapped me. It was so fast. I felt dazed for a moment, shaking, then the pain of the slap hit. It wasn’t bad, but it was coupled with a fear and anger at Sacae. I don’t like this. I don’t want to obey, but what can I do against him and the others behind him? I didn’t understand what was going on.


    He slapped me again. I recoiled. Just do it. If I do it, he’ll leave me alone. Then something Bacta said rung in my head. I had been crying after wrestling him and my other brothers all day to no avail. I was infuriated by my weakness. Bacta noticed and comforted me.


    “You’re not as strong as me, no matter how many times we do this you won’t beat me, at least not until you get older maybe. But one thing you have right now is your brain. Use it as much as you can. Think of a way to beat me. Find out the rules and work around their edges. That’s how you’ll beat me.”


    I put my hand up into Sacae’s. Again, the other man counted down from three. This time instead of pushing against his hand, I pulled mine towards the table. He wasn’t expecting this and slammed my hand into the table. As soon as my hand hit, I got up and moved next to Jael, ignoring the throbbing pain in my knuckles.


    “Hey!” Sacae shouted. “What was that?”


    “I lost.” I replied. Jael let out a small huff of laughter. He glared at us both then pointed to me.


    “Teach him a lesson about giving up.” Three of the men came around and grabbed my arms, tugging me aside. I struggled uselessly, terrified of what was going to happen. Sacae pointed at Klintock. “Sit and be serious.” Klintock glared at him.


    Sacae nodded at the man on my right who moved in front of me and punched me in the stomach. The air in my lungs was forced out and my legs buckled, dropping me to my hands and knees. I couldn’t breathe. Five seconds passed before I was able to gasp. I struggled against the two men who renewed their hold on me, trying to get some part of me free so I could run away. I flexed as I saw the next hit coming. Flexing helped, but not much. I still lost my air and leg function and had to fight a near uncontrollable urge to vomit. I dry heaved once but managed to take deep breaths to calm my body. Klintock squinted, head down. He started turning to sit at the table.


    “No.” I whispered. Klintock turned to me. I glared at him and repeated. “No.”


    “Sit, or I’ll make it worse.” Sacae pointed to Jael. Three men behind her grabbed onto her and pushed her to her knees. “If you don’t sit down now…” He left the threat open ended. Klintock looked back at us, his eyes wide with fear and concern. He looked like he was looking for direction, or maybe permission.


    Use your head. How do you get out of this? I sat there on my hands and knees looking around at the situation. Nobody has hold of me. If I can at least get Jael free, then maybe her and Klintock can make a run for it. I don’t know where they would go, but I don’t think Edorin would approve of this. Maybe he will help us.


    I looked up, making eye contact with Klintock. I tried to convey my intent with just my look of momentary determination. I wasn’t sure if he would get it but if I did anything more, Sacae or one of the men would notice.


    I sprinted, launching myself at the men holding down Jael, mostly the one on her right. If I got rid of him, she would have a clear shot for the door. The man didn’t see me coming and I dove shoulder first into his hip, roaring a small battle cry as I did. Jael jumped to her feet and moved towards the galley. Klintock dove at the man nearest to her, tackling him from behind.


    “Go!” Klintock yelled to her. The man I had tackled wrestled on top of me and pinned me down effortlessly. Jael was grabbed before she could get through the hallway and was pulled back into the room. Klintock was also subdued. Sacae pushed the table aside in anger and rushed over to me.


    “You think you’re brave? You accomplished nothing. We still have all three of you.” He’s right. Nothing changed. Why? What’s the point of all this?


    “Captain!” I yelled desperately, trying to summon Edorin. Sacae put his big left hand on my throat and pulled his right up into a fist. “You two watch closely. I’ll show your friend how to take a punch or two.”


    I closed my eyes. I didn’t want to see it coming. I felt Sacae move, then I felt a soft patting on the side of my face. I slowly opened my eyes to see him smiling over me. “Well done.” He stood up and started clapping. The rest of the men in the room whooped and clapped along with him. I looked around stunned. Klintock and Jael were glancing around, mouths open.


    “What?...” I started. He held his hand out for me to take.


    “You three are promising. Very promising, I have to say. I didn’t expect it to be that quick.”


    “Expect what?” I fumbled out. He bent down and grabbed my hand, pulling me to my feet, then walked back over to the table and sat down. The men put out three chairs across from him and left the room. Sacae motioned for us to sit, pointing Jael to the chair in the middle and putting his arm up.


    “I’ll tell you all about it. But first, it’s time for me and the lady to arm wrestle.”