The break is coming to an end. Mero is called by Master Antonin: it’s time for astronomy class.

He stands up, nods to the sailors with a greeting, and walks over to the master, who is already waiting by the balcony, a bulky astronomy textbook in hand. The sky, a deep blue, begins to take on orange hues, signaling twilight — an ideal time for evening lessons.

“Look closely, Mero. Knowledge of the stars is as old as the world itself. Sailors, like ancient astronomers, learned to navigate by them. Tonight, we will study the most important constellations for sailors.”

With a steady finger, he points to a bright formation above them:

“This star cluster is the Caravel. It represents a three-masted ship, a symbol of the explorers and navigators of the archipelago. Its sails are as vast as those of the great vessels of the Kingdom of Sel. Follow the line of the star at the bow; it will guide you to the northern winds.”

His finger then moves to another constellation.

“And there, do you see the Wind Eagle? It symbolizes a majestic eagle in flight, but its wings are shaped like ship sails. It is said to represent the protective spirits of the sea.”

The stars twinkle, as if to emphasize his words.

“Now, look at this long, serpentine formation,” he says, tracing a wavy gesture in the air. “This is the Serpent of the Abyss. It winds its way through the sky, much like the mysteries and dangers that haunt the deep seas.”

Mero shudders slightly, imagining the legendary creatures this constellation evokes.

“And here, the Three Sisters,” Antonin continues. “Three stars aligned in a triangular formation. They symbolize the three great port cities of Sel, known for their prosperity and maritime trade.”

He moves his finger once more.

“That sail you see there is the Ocean’s Sail, which serves as a guide to sailors during their crossings. It represents the strength of the sea and navigation.”

Finally, he points to one last constellation, more imposing.

“This is the Storm Hunter, a brave hunter armed with a spear. He cleaves the waves and symbolizes the battle against storms and the forces of nature. It is a tribute to the sailors of Sel who brave the elements without fail.”

Master Antonin turns to Mero, carefully studying his gaze.

“The stars can guide you, but they also show you paths to follow in life. Sailors use them to navigate, but they also remind us that there is always meaning in everything, even in difficult times.”

A light breeze brushes Mero’s face as the master continues his explanations, mentioning other important constellations. Mero fights the urge to drift into a pleasant drowsiness under the calm, starry sky.

“By the end of this class,” Master Antonin concludes, “you should be able to recognize the major constellations. A good understanding of astronomy will help you not only navigate but also understand the world around you.”

The cool air stimulates Mero, who refocuses on the stars, reflecting on his master’s teachings.

“Master, where are the White Twins? The ones that guided our ancestors to our current lands?”

Master Antonin narrows his eyes, looking thoughtful before responding in a grave voice:

“The White Twins… Two particularly bright stars located in the constellation of Véthar. Our ancestors long associated them with guidance and protection. According to tradition, the first sailors of our people saw them when they crossed the seas in search of safe lands. They shone so brightly that it was said they were the eyes of the deities, watching over them.”

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He gestures toward the horizon, even though the sky is still clear.

“The first of the two, Véthar Lyna, the light on the sea, shines in the southern part of the sky, above the constellations representing the great bodies of water. The other, Véthar Thora, is closer to the northern horizon. It guides sailors toward the northern wind.”

He pauses, letting his words sink into the salty air.

“Although distant from each other, they are often visible together during clear nights. The ancients said that when their light aligned perfectly, it was a sign of good fortune for those embarking on long and perilous journeys. Even today, many sailors use them to orient their ships during nocturnal crossings.”

Master Antonin looks up at the sky, but a mass of dark clouds begins to gather, slowly obscuring the stars.

“If you search for them, know that they will not always be perfectly aligned, but their presence remains a valuable compass.”

The wind picks up, cold and heavy with moisture. The first raindrops gently fall on the sails of the ship. The master sighs, clearly disappointed but maintaining a calm demeanor.

“The sky sometimes reminds us of its power,” he says wisely. “But there’s no need to worry. What you’ve learned today will stay with you for other nights. Never forget that it’s also important to know how to wait for the right moment.”

He stands up, adjusting his coat against the wind.

“We’ll resume these observations once the sky clears. In the meantime, I’ll let you choose: do you wish to move on to another subject, or enjoy a bit of rest?”

His smile, kindly, seeks to dissipate the disappointment. Mero hesitates. Even the stars seem to teach patience tonight.

Mero suddenly suggests, in a light voice:

“Why not go to dinner?”

Master Antonin nods approvingly, smiling.

“Excellent idea. There’s nothing like a good dinner to clear the mind after an intense learning session.”

He looks around, searching for Leila.

“We’ve earned it. And who knows, this meal might be the opportunity to discuss things in more depth.”

They head together toward a lively tavern, ready to enjoy a moment of relaxation. The tempting smell of local dishes fills the air, immediately awakening their appetites. Mero observes the people seated around him. The waiters, dressed in colorful outfits adorned with metal jewelry and gemstones, bring dishes of spicy rice, fresh fruits, and unknown meats, accompanied by sweet plant-based drinks.

Sitting across from him, Master Antonin quickly starts a conversation, clearly pleased with the opportunity.

“Tonight, we’ll taste one of the local specialties,” he announces with an amused smile. “You’ll have the chance to experience not only the cuisine of this island but also the mentality of its people. At sea, everything is different, but it’s on solid ground that one understands the subtleties of cultures: their strengths, their weaknesses, and their unique way of facing danger.”

Leila seems slightly relaxed, though a certain reserve remains on her face. She observes the room with curiosity, seeming both captivated and a little overwhelmed by the lively atmosphere.

A group of musicians enters the room, playing percussion instruments and flutes with exotic melodies. The atmosphere becomes vibrant and alive. Customers begin to dance, sometimes alone, sometimes in groups, with an easy grace that gives the room a joyfully chaotic air.

Mero notices a small group of children sitting nearby, watching the dancers with wide, amazed eyes. The image stirs a bittersweet echo of his own past, the one he left behind when he left his kingdom. A wave of reflection overtakes him: the responsibilities weighing on his shoulders are not merely privileges. They also come with expectations and challenges that sometimes feel overwhelming.

The meal progresses in a light atmosphere. Laughter erupts around them, but the sailors remain vigilant, always half-alert. Master Antonin senses this subtle tension and gives Mero a serious look.

“As a noble,” he reminds him gently, “you’ll need to learn to discern the true intentions of people. Understanding the unspoken messages behind their words and actions will be essential.”

He pauses, as if to carefully weigh his words.

“One day, you’ll have to be smarter than just a captain. In the Empire’s politics, it’s all about calculations. Nothing is ever really what it seems.”

His gaze lingers for a moment on the details of the room before returning to Mero. These words echo in the young man’s mind as the meal nears its end.

Although more intimately connected to his future role, he feels the enormity of what remains to be learned. Yet, he knows that this knowledge, today still theoretical, will only be tested once he returns to the sea.

But for now, the island remains a theater of discoveries and questions, offering many mysteries yet to be explored.