by A. C Carter
Leela smiled. “I guess you are right. At the very least there won’t be any Goblin Caves in the city. A pet Sun Wolf does sound nice too. You all really want to stick together once we go to the Capital City?”
“Yes, it sounds like we all do.” said Arilee. “We’re the Special Forces of Goblin Isle remember?”
Chip laughed, and turned red from embarrassment at being reminded of his boastful tale from last night.
Arilee finished fastening her bow to her backpack and secured what few belongings she had. She looked up at the smiling Leela.
“If you are ready Leela, we can go find Captain Skarde and meet up with the Scout Marshall.”
“Okay I just need a few minutes to pack. Thank you everyone.” Leela smiled.
Boat Ride Out
Chapter 29
“Ho there! Arilee! Down over this way!” the Scout Marshall shouted when he saw Arilee and the group descending the stairs to the docks.
Arilee covered her gaze with her hand from the bright sun in the cloudless sky to look over and see the Scout Marshall standing on the wooden pier next to some barrels. Behind him was a large wooden ship with two masts and giant red sails.
The sounds of a bustling dock filled the air. The sails were flapping in the strong wind. Arilee could smell the salty air coming in the cool breeze from the ocean.
The Scout Marshall was standing next to a Dwarf with a short brown beard and long dreadlocks to his waist. He was wearing a brown leather jacket with no shirt underneath, multi-colored red-green-yellow puffy pants, and a curved scimitar on his belt. It was one of the weirdest outfits Arilee had seen. His left shoulder was covered in swirling dark colored tattoos.
“Hey there Scout Marshall Bodwin!” shouted Chip back to the Scout Marshall. Leela waved as well.
When they got closer, Arilee set her backpack down on the pier, happy for a moment of rest.
“Did you all say your goodbyes and have your gear packed?” asked the Scout Marshall.
“Yes Sir.” said Chip.
“Good, good. Group, this here is Captain Skarde. He is an excellent Captain, and his ship The Skybird is one of the fastest in these waters. He has helped the Commander often on our various conquests. He helps us every once in awhile and we in return help him stay out of trouble.”
“Aye, you won’t find a faster ship than me here Skybird. Clandestinely transporting people and goods is one of our specialities.”
“Oh,” said Chip with a moment of realization. “You’re smugglers.”
The Scout Marshall laughed and waved his arms at Chip. “Oh no no, Chip. He’s more of a -” he paused, searching for the word, “entrepreneur. He takes on odd jobs the Commander needs help with, jobs that we couldn’t conventionally do ourselves. Trust us. This is the safest way for us to get to the Capital City.”
The Captain added, “Bjorn told me ya needed a discreet crew and fast ship. And I told him ya won’t find a crew more discreet than mine, nor a ship faster. Trustworthy good people, all of my crew is.”
Arilee looked onto the ship to see a large crew of men and women prepping the boat for sail. She saw many dwarves, barbarians, LizardPeople and CatPeople.
Arilee responded, “You’ve told us to trust you before.”
The Scout Marshall looked hurt, “I’m coming with you this time. I promise on my tribe’s honor this isn’t a trick or a trap by me.” Arilee thought he looked sincere.
“Ya don’t have to come,” said the Captain.
Arilee looked at the group, then turned back to the Captain and Scout Marshall. She couldn’t help but want to trust the Scout Marshall. “Of course we are coming.”
The tension melted from the group immediately and excitement took over. It was time to look forward to new adventures.
Chip looked up excitedly and grabbed his things. “First one on the ship gets first pick of beds!” He said running towards the boat ramp.
“That’sss not fair.” said Slicks, bending down to grab his gear and chase Chip.
Arilee looked at Leela. Neither of them were about to start running right now. “Looks like we have last pick.”
“That’s okay. I’m excited no matter what. A new adventure!” said Leela smiling.
Arilee bent down and grabbed her gear, then slung on her backpack. She watched as Leela did the same.
“Have you ever been to the Capital City before?” Arilee asked Leela.
“Once when I was younger. But I don’t really remember it. It was a long time ago. How about you?” responded Leela as they walked towards the onramp.
“No I’ve never been. I wonder what it will be like.”
“The walls are huge! And there are so many people. I remember being amazed at how many people there were. And mostly humans too. Do you think we will really get to meet the Overlord?”
“I don’t know. I’m a little afraid to, to be honest.” said Arilee.
“I guess it’s like Slicks said, at least we’ll be doing it together.”
Arilee smiled and nodded.
“How long do you think it will take to get there from here?”
“I think I overheard one of the sailors saying it should only be a few days.”
The ramp creaked and swayed as the two walked onto the boat. The Scout Marshall and the Captain we’re just behind them. The boat was busy with people pulling ropes, tying knots, and carrying boxes.
“Coming through!” said a shirtless barbarian with long red hair carrying a stack of boxes as tall as Leela.
Arilee and Leela walked to the side of the boat to get out of the way of the workers. They watched as the Captain boarded the ship and approached the helm.
“Prepare to set sail!” he shouted to the crew.
Chip and Slicks joined Arilee and Leela on the deck to watch the crew scramble for push off.
The boat lurched and the group stumbled as the boat began to push away from shore. The open ocean ahead, ready for them.
The four of them stood on the edge of the deck and watched. The dock disappeared slowly into the distance as the ocean slowly became the horizon line. The Scout Marshall walked over and joined them.
“Are you all ready for a new adventure?” he asked.
A Dialogue Scroll appeared for Arilee.
Dialogue Scroll
Accept Call to Adventure?
Yes
No
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