Chapter 61: Swaying

Koth felt the following day passed too quickly for his liking. He had visited the chief's house to inform them of Galos's impending arrival and what to expect. He had left Irin in their room, using it as an excuse not to linger. She had received strict orders not to leave; the last thing he needed was her getting lost in town while searching for fabric for a new robe or some other foolish errand. They spent the remainder of the day in their room. Koth found himself content. Within the confines of their inn room, he could forget the dangers, duties, and the journey that awaited them in the real world. They had created their own bubble, and he would have been even happier if they never had to leave it. But the day of their departure arrived, and they were preparing before sunrise. Irin concealed the artefact within her dress, and Koth wished they had never found the thing. Then, if he hadn't embarked on this mission, he wouldn't have met Irin. He would risk the strange artefact if it meant having Irin in his life. Koth gathered their belongings and ensured Irin followed him. They had settled their bill with the innkeeper the previous evening, allowing them to proceed directly to the stables and their horses. Maximus and Glima were in good condition after their stays at the fishing hut and the stable.

"I hope they'll be alright on the ship," Irin said as she saddled Glima and attached the saddlebags.

"I'm sure they'll be fine," Koth assured her. They led the horses down the streets towards the dock. The streets were almost deserted; only a few people were about at that early hour. However, upon reaching Neprim's Joy, the dock was bustling with activity.

"You made it," Captain Hanook said upon seeing them.

"We paid you; it would be a waste of money not to show up," Koth replied.

"Sounds about right. And these are your horses. One larger than standard, one smaller. I suppose that evens out," the captain remarked. Koth suspected he had been hoping for an additional fee for Maximus. "Limer, Unu'ck, get these horses below deck!" he then called out. Two sailors hurried over to take the horses.

"One moment," Koth said, removing the saddlebags from the horses and slinging them over his shoulders.

"Good thinking," the captain said. "Let me show you to your cabin." They followed him onto the ship. As soon as Koth stood on the deck he felt the gentle swaying of the sea, and his stomach reminded him it didn't approve.

"It's a private cabin, right?" Koth asked, the grumpiness evident in his voice. The captain glanced at him and nodded.

"It is," he answered, then turned to Irin. "If you would like another arrangement, let me know." Koth felt his hackles rise; why was the captain trying to separate them? Koth placed a hand on Irin's shoulder.

"That won't be necessary. My husband and I will share a private cabin," Irin said. The captain nodded and led them to a door.

"It's not much, but it's all we have," he said. "There's a bed, but I strongly recommend using the hammocks. The food bell will signal breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you don't appear, you miss the meal. We don't prepare special meals; you eat what we eat. You're free to move about the ship, but stay out of the crew's quarters. Access to the cargo space requires a crew escort," he explained.

"That sounds fine. Thank you," Irin said. The captain nodded.

"We'll be leaving in about half an hour. I recommend coming up on deck. It's an experience." With that, he departed. Koth surveyed the room. He suspected it doubled as a broom cupboard when there were no passengers. The bed occupied almost the entire floor space; fortunately, the door opened outwards.

"Well, if we can't use the bed for sleeping, we can at least use it for storage and sitting," Irin said, reaching for the saddlebags and placing them at the foot of the bed. "See? Still room for us to sit," she added.

"I don't like the idea of sleeping in these things," Koth said, poking the hammocks hanging on the wall, not yet stretched across the space.

"Afraid you'll fall out?" Irin asked with a giggle.

"No, little one, even though they do look flimsy. No, I just don't like the idea of not sleeping next to you. It's become a habit," he said.

"Oh. I hadn't even realised it meant sleeping in separate beds, so to speak. That sucks!" she agreed. Koth felt relieved that Irin seemed as averse to the idea as he was. "We'll just have to cuddle before we go to sleep," she decided.

"I can agree to that," he said, reaching for her. She allowed him to draw her into a kiss.

"But first, I want to see us leaving the docks," she told him.

"Okay. Let's go and have a look," he agreed, putting his arm around her. They went up on deck and looked out over the town. It appeared different from this perspective. Men were working all around them. It seemed chaotic, but Koth knew it was well-coordinated. Captain Hanook stood by the helm, shouting out orders. The gangway was retracted, and the moorings were released.

"Set sails!" the captain called out, and they began moving away from the docks. The sun was climbing in the sky, painting the world in shades of pink, peach, and gold. Seagulls flew overhead, making their distinct calls.

"This is amazing," Irin told him, looking around in awe. Koth loved being with her as she experienced new things. Her wonder at the world enhanced it. Koth found it difficult to maintain his pessimistic worldview when she saw the world the way she did. The ship passed the breakwaters, and Koth felt the ship's movement change as they entered the open sea. The ship hit a wave, sending a spray of cold water over them. Irin gasped and then laughed. Koth felt his stomach do an unnatural somersault and focused on keeping his breakfast down.

"It looks like we're sailing in a pool of gold," Irin told him as she watched the sunrise illuminate the water.

"Yeah," was all he could manage to say. Koth concentrated on the fresh air and the feeling of Irin's body next to him. Good things, positive things. He tried not to focus on the ship's sway or the sailors climbing the masts that swayed from side to side. Side to side. Side to side. Damn! He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"How did you like it?" the captain asked as he approached.

"It was amazing," Irin told him. Koth grunted.