Part One

Scarecrow

“Without the Drakes, the world would starve.

Without the Draking ships, the world would lose hope.

Without the Drakers, the world would lose courage.”

-Captain Lavei,

17th admiral of the Hadirin Royal Draking Guild

Mary

It’s morning, with seagulls dive-bombing pedestrians in the busy, crowded streets. I smile. The salting scent of the sea filling my mouth every time I inhale. The docks and streets are filled with people; wealthy noblemen and their plump wives, soldiers in purple and green uniforms carrying muskets, children running underfoot.

The town of Duran. Streets made of paved cobblestone. Tall, angular buildings made out of fawn brown wood lining walls painted a minty color, held together by copper plates stained green from the sea air. Lines of rope hang between the buildings, flags and scrapes of cloth in every color dangling from them. The town’s built on a slope, the cathedral and palace at the top. Both made of rough gray-green stone, and massive stained windows depicting scenes from battles at sea. My favorite one was the one depicting a man wearing a brown coat, kneeling at the head of a Drake, hands in a praying position, head bowed. It helped to prove my point, that not all Drakes were killers. That we should be studying them, not killing them. To know your enemy was to know yourself, according to my brother.

And there she is, the first in a line of brand-new Draking ships, the Morning Glory. With three massive triangular sails and a narrow, sleek hull made of wood. Six turrets, each one with a ballista mounted on top. Three turrets on each side of the ship, two at the bow, the remaining four at the stern. A row of gun ports line the ship right under the beautifully carved railing, the sun reflecting off the oiled cannons. Written in runes on either side of the bow, the ship’s name gleamed in golden letters.

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“She’s a sight, ain’t she?” Arms wrap around my waist from behind, and I turn around to see a familiar face framed by locks of blonde hair.

“James.” I slid my arms around his neck. He beams, kissing me.

“Were you waiting for me, or deciding not to come?” He asks, pressing our foreheads together.

“And what if I told you that I was simply admiring the ship?” I say, looking into his round, green eyes. James snorts, his hands reaching down to clasp mine.

“Well, if we stay much longer, they’ll leave without us.” He says.

“Then let’s go!” I say, giving him a tiny push. Then I turn and run for the docks, James on my tail. The heels of my sandals clicking on the stone street.

When we get there, it’s a flurry of activity, with crew members loading barrels and crates up the gangplank into the ship.

“Ah, my two favorite people! Come to see her off?” We both turn at the sound of Edward’s voice. He smiles, flashing perfect teeth from beneath his brown bangs.

“I was thinking of, you know, going on the Morning Glory.” I say. Edward chuckles and shakes his head.

“Only if James comes with you.”

“I am going with her.” James interrupts.

“Alright.” Edward throws his hands up in defeat. We walk up to the plank of wood connecting the ship to the dock. Edward bows, and, in an almost mocking tone, says, “After you, Milady.”

I roll my eyes and, picking up the helm of my dress, walk up the gangplank onto the Morning Glory’s main deck. The main-mast is off to my left, supporting one of the four massive triangular sails. A cabin fills most of the bow, the fore-mast behind it,with two more ballistae mounted on its roof, along with several harpoon guns. I put my hands on my hips, nodding.

Now this is a Draking ship to be proud of.

Soldiers in purple and green uniforms line the railing, while the remaining crew prepares to launch the ship. Bundles of javelins and other ammunition is stored in rectangular chests built into the deck, all within arms reach of the weapons, easily grabable.

“I hope they know what they’re doing.” I mouth to James, who chuckles, shaking his head.

A crowd has gathered on the stonework docks. Men and women with hopeful, hungry faces. Children peer up with wide eyes, half hidden behind their parents’ legs and skirts. The ship begins to move backwards, and the docks erupt into cheers, and on that note, The Morning Glory heads out into the Strait, with a promise of returning with a Drake.