Free Bactine by Paul Kater Page B

lay around both islands, they probably meant spikes that were sticking up. No way the Pricosine could pass through that without tearing up the hull.
     
    "Daniel Zacharias, you amaze me. You may make a decent sailor yet if you stay on board for a few years." Ulaman laughed, pulled open a drawer from the table and brought out two glasses and a bottle with something blue. He poured two healthy dollops and handed a glass to Daniel. "I like you, Daniel Zacharias!"
     
    They threw the booze back. Ulaman wiped his mouth. Daniel was not sure if he should try to make it outside before exploding. The fire died away fast though. Slowly Daniel put the glass down.
     
    "Damn the water ghost," Ulaman said, "you drank it all?"
     
    Daniel nodded, not sure if his vocal chords had survived the ordeal. "Looks like it," he tried. His voice was still there.
     
    "You are such an idiot, Daniel Zacharias. But a good one. Next time ask what's in it." Ulaman laughed again, and Lidrin joined in. Even Daniel launched a grin.
     
    The action of setting less sail had worked perfectly. Daniel stood all the way at the front of the Pricosine, the wind in his face, as the ship sailed through the gulley between the two islands. It was a magnificent view. Majestic.
     
    The rest of the journey the Pricosine pushed on under light sail, making the most of the wind. As they approached their goal, all sails were lowered. Ulaman and the crew were masters of their trade, Daniel saw. They knew exactly when to do it, to make the giant ship slow down. The bow cut through the water for half a day, and by the time the speed had dropped to a near crawl, they were only a few miles away from the island. At the end of the day, the Pricosine was moored to a makeshift quay and several large cranes, all hand-powered, started their work on emptying the belly of the sea giant. It took four whole days of continuous work before it was done.
     
    As they were on the journey back to Skarak harbour, Daniel sighted a few ships, far away. Ulaman had offered him a telescope, but his electronic eye outperformed the tube many times. Still he could not make out anything of the ships passing, but at this distance there was nothing to fear. The trip was calm and fast as now the Pricosine was empty and wanted to fly through the waters.
     
    As soon as they were in reach, Daniel contacted Seigner Clelem, reporting about the trip, the two distant ships and the lack of something more to report. Clelem seemed satisfied.
     
    Back in the harbour, Ulaman was met by Gaguran Slindris and the two left in a carriage. Xandree, Ulaman's wife, knew that they were meeting Seigner Clelem. "They usually talk after a voyage," she said, "although it is strange that they do after this. This voyage was nothing special."
     
    "Except for me being with you," Daniel pointed out.
     
    "Should not make the difference," Xandree shrugged. "Care to come help with the laundry?" She was so practical.
     
    Daniel was helping Darigyn roll the cordage into neat coils when Ulaman returned to the ship. The captain stomped up the gangway. "Not good," Darigyn predicted. Daniel wisely did not ask anything as the bear-shaped man made his way over the deck and down to his quarters.
     
    The security man was in his cabin, after a shower, when someone pounded on the door. "Hey, landlubber, do you have plans for the evening?" It was the voice of the captain.
     
    "No, not really," Daniel said as he opened the door.
     
    "Perfect. You're coming with us then. Xandree and I are going into town, for a hearty meal and some light entertainment." The deep rolling laughter of the man told Daniel enough.
     
     
     

11. Home is where the ship is
     
     
     
    Daniel had some time to himself after returning from the voyage. The Pricosine was being cleaned and then a new cargo would be loaded. That would take a while, of course, with such a large ship. He grinned at himself as he was taking care not to call it a boat any more.
     
    He sat at his