The sea, which seemed to go on forever beneath the stars, was spread out before us as we remained on the ship's upper deck. The night was filled with whispering winds and twinkling stars.

The day's exhaustion eventually caught up to us, and we made the decision that it was time to head down to the lower decks to find our quarters. We took quiet steps down to the VIP deck, which was one level above the passenger deck.

We were unpleasantly surprised to see Imperial Legion guards posted in front of each cabin door as we descended to the lower decks, the VIP area being just one level above the passenger accommodations. Every movement was cautious as we made our quiet descent, which was tense.

We were aware that any sudden action or careless words might arouse suspicion. Cairo, who was always on the lookout, made a discreet sign to us asking us to use discretion. In order to avoid drawing the guards' attention, we moved silently down the hallway.

When we got to the passenger deck, we dispersed to our individual quarters. Cairo flashed another sign, this time indicating that any further discussion should wait until later. We slipped into our cabins feeling worn out and hoping for some relief from the day's struggles.

I was still in shock from my recent run-in with the Imperial Legion guards as I lay in my bunk. The events had been nothing short of astounding, and there was a lot of uncertainty. Still, resisting overthinking I meditated a little while lying and without realizing fell asleep.

The sea's briny tang and the sight of seagulls soaring in the chilly morning breeze were the first things to greet me as I awoke in my quarters. I rubbed my eyes as I moved toward the tiny window and gazed out at the seemingly endless ocean in front of me. It was an amazing sight which also tells how big the world is.

I changed and went to the dining area of the ship where Deniz and Cairo were already seated. The room was furnished with wooden tables, dimly lit by lanterns, and filled with the aroma of breakfast.

We took a seat, and asimple meal, Hardtack biscuits, salted fish, and a basic oat-based porridgewere all available. It was a simple but filling breakfast that would keep usgoing all day.Deniz turned to face me while drinking water from a wooden mug.He asked, his voice still sleepy, "How did you sleep?""Not bad,considering the ship's rocking," I said as I nodded. "My window hasan incredible view."

"I've never seen the sea this vast", Cairo chimed in, his platealready halfway empty.

We talked briefly about our surroundings and the upcoming journey as we ate ourmeal. When we were done, we made the decision to climb to the top deck to fullyappreciate the awe-inspiring size of the ocean. Cairo covered his head to avoidsunlight.

The scene that unfurled before us as we ascended to the upper deck was nothingshort of breathtaking. The sky and the vast, blue ocean blended into oneanother as they reached the horizon. Seagulls soared gracefully above the ship,their cries resonating through the salty breeze as the distinct scent of saltfilled the air.

Our attention was immediately drawn to the sailors who were carefully mendingthe ship's sails, their hands moving with skill as they worked. The Imperialguards, who walked purposefully while toting crates and other supplies, werealso frequently seen in their distinctive uniforms.

My gaze shifted to the ship's wheel, and I couldn't help but be surprised tosee a sailor at the helm, steering the vessel. I turned to Cairo, my curiositypiqued."Isn't the captain supposed to be the one who steers theship?" I asked, puzzled by this deviation from my preconceived notion.

Cairo laughed and said, "In real life, captains frequently give their crewthe daily tasks. They concentrate on navigation, decision-making, and overallcommand, leaving the ship's management to the sailors.

I nodded in thanks and turned to face my companions. I was eager to learn moreabout the ship's inner workings and leadership. With determination, I began toask around, inquiring as to the whereabouts of the ship's captain.

One of the sailors, a weathered and experienced sailor, raised his head fromhis work. "The captain, he'd be in his quarters on the upper deck, underthe quarter deck," he said, squinting at me. You can't just walk in, mate.You'll need to make an appointment."

Cairo, Deniz, and I exchanged glances, realizing that seeing the captain wouldtake some work maybe. Stepping towards the quarterdeck, I was soon met by aguard from Bramevaria.

"It's not allowed to see the captain without a prior appointment," hesaid as he stepped forward to block our path. "State your case."

"We're here at Jerich's request," I said, clearing my throat."He's directed us to Captain Marco."

The guard looked at us with suspicion, but he didn't dismiss our wordscompletely. Instead, he nodded and excused himself to inform the captain of ourmessage. As we waited, we exchanged hopeful glances.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

After a brief but tense pause, the guard reappeared and led us to the captain'squarters. We thanked the guard and went inside, our eyes adjusting to the dimlight of the cabin. Captain Marco, stood before us, ready to receive us.

His gaze was drawn to my distinctive red hair. "Oh, so you guys areJerich's kid, huh?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "You have an unusualappearance for an Arab. Are you also from Europe?" He pointed to theunusual color of my hair.However, the question wasn't entirely related to thetopic at hand. "I'm not sure And that's not the case here," I said.

Marco chuckled, "Fair enough," he said cheerfully. "In any case,welcome aboard. Jerich informed me that you were a bit of a troublemakingfellow."

I, too, said with a crafted smile. "I'll try not to cause too muchtrouble."

Marco nodded, advancing the conversation. "Good. That's exactly what Iwant to hear. We'll make our first stop in Egypt. At that point, the ImperialLegion guards will leave the ship. Until then, it would be best if you allstayed with me and avoided making any noise."

Captain Marco outlined the journey's schedule and the importance of discretionas we discussed the plan ahead.

Captain Marco leaned forward, his gaze fixed on a worn map on the table infront of us. He traced a path along the coast and then across a vast desertexpanse with his weathered hand.

"Our first stop," he explained, "will be Otmulus Port on theArabian mainland." It is a trade-friendly neutral territory. We'll havesome Bramevaria guards on board to keep us safe. They'll come in handy duringthe upcoming desert crossing."

After hearing desert, Cairo almost shivered, because of his condition. Wheneverhe goes in sunlight even a little bit, his skin starts to itch like crazy andhe gets all red, like some kind of allergy.

"From Otmulus, we'll journey across the desert, toward Malmalukterritory," he continued. It is a region where Ottomul and Malmalukconflicts are common, so we must exercise caution and avoid becoming involvedin their disputes."

"Our destination is Acre," he said after a thoughtful pause."We'll stay at an inn there while I tend to my second ship, which requiresrepairs. I will also import the spices and textiles that I trade. Acre is agood location for that."

Marco's fingers shifted on the map, indicating the journey's final leg."When we're ready to sail again, we'll go to Forli." There, I'llarrange for a reliable guide to take you safely to Bologna."

As Captain Marco finished explaining the journey's plan, the three of usexchanged reassuring glances. He appeared to be a trustworthy and experiencedfellow.

Curiosity drove me to be the first to speak up. "Captain Marco, how longdo you estimate the desert crossing will take?" I inquired.

Marco leaned back in his chair, thinking about the question. "The desertcrossing can be perilous, and the time required can vary. We'll have to factorin things like weather, sandstorms, and any other surprises. If everything goeswell, I'd say it could take anywhere from a week to two weeks."

"What should we be cautious of during the Ottomul and Malmalukconflicts?" Deniz asked.

"Both Ottomul and Malmaluk territories have their disputes, ofteninvolving land rights and trade routes, For a time Ottomul Empire was trying totake control of Jerusalem and also the trade route for a long time," Marcoresponded solemnly. "It is best to maintain a low profile, avoid gettinginvolved, and avoid conflict zones. Your safety is our number onepriority."

"What can we expect when we arrive in Acre?" Cairo inquired. "Isit a busy port?"

Marco gave a nod. "Acre is a bustling port town known for its markets andinns." It's a cultural melting pot with a wide range of goods from allover. We'll be staying in an inn while I supervise the repairs to my ship andarrange for the cargo." He said

"Well, that's that now If you get bored, feel free to explore and interactwith other passengers in the ship, or simply enjoy the view from the deck. I'llcall you later this evening to discuss something alright."

We left the captain's onto the bustling dock under the warm embrace of the sun.The salty breeze danced in our hair as we watched sailors do their stuff infront of us.

They adjusted the sails with precision, capturing the embrace of the wind andpropelling the vessel forward. As the ship surged through the waters, thickropes were tugged and secured with quick, knowing knots.

As sailors swabbed the deck, the splashing against the wooden planks filled theair, keeping the ship's surface clean.

Sailors inspected and repaired the rigging from high on the mast. Checking forwear and tear and ensuring the ship's safety.

We decided to take a break after watching the maritime ballet and settled on acouple of sturdy barrels. Jerich had sent us a deck of cards in the pouch hehad supplied. We were about to start a game when a tall and young man, withwestern clothing.

"Mind if I join your game, gentlemen?" He inquired in a friendlytone. "I've been itching for a round of cards."