The Great War: Chapter 56
Captain and father
There’s a knock at the door, sharp and loud, jolting Edwin awake in an instant. The house is still dark, the light of the cycle outside his window not even having broken yet.
The knock comes again, louder and much more urgent. The Captain springs from his bed and rushes out of his room, grabbing his heavy leather night jacket on his way out. He slips the jacket on as he tromps his way down the stairs, fiddling with the clasps to cover up his bare chest as best he can.
“Stars forsaken,” he grumbles to himself quietly. He strides up to the front door, picking up a long fishing spear that he always leaves resting next to it. His magic swirls inside his chest, ready to be released at any moment.
“Who is it?” he barks.
“A message from King Samuel,” the being outside answers, “to Captain Edwin.”
Edwin shifts his weight, doubtful that the being speaks the truth. Since the influx of refugees, he’s had many different beings come to his door and attempt to extort or steal from him. They say and do almost anything to get him to open the door.
He tightens his grip on his spear. “Read it to me.”
“I-I’m sorry, Captain,” the being on the other side replies. “This is for your eyes alone.”
“Is it a letter?”
“Yes.”
“Slip it under the door.”
“Captain, I-”
“Under the door or leave,” is his final demand. “This door remains closed until first light.”
There’s a brief moment of silence from the being on the other side as they contemplate what to do. Then, finally, a small piece of paper is slipped under the door as he requested, a wax seal stamped firmly in its center. His breath catches in his throat as he stares at the paper before reaching down and quietly picking it up.
The seal is authentic alright, at least as far as he can see. He tucks the spear under his arm and uses his thumb to crack it, and the letter unfolds before his very eyes.
By the order of King Samuel, To all current captains, the following must be done as soon as possibly able: - All ships are to be made sailing-ready and prepared to launch at a moment's notice - All crew rosters must be reviewed and updated as needs be - Inventory must be updated to contain supplies for long voyages and combat encounters All current and former captains will be meeting aboard the Erima with the current Generals in three cycles. This meeting will lay the groundwork for releasing ships back into open waters.
“Captain?” the being beyond the door asks. “Have you read it?”
“Aye,” Edwin answers. “Thank you.”
He hears the clothes of the being shift, then the tap of footsteps as they head on their way. The night grows quiet once again. Edwin lets out a sigh of relief, setting aside the fishing spear and letting his tense shoulders unwind and slump.
A meeting in three cycles aboard his ship? Could he not have been given more warning in advance?
“Papa?” a little voice calls from upstairs, drawing his attention away from the note. He can’t help but shake his head, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He sets the letter down on a nearby table and makes his way back up the cramped staircase, arriving at a closed door which he ever so gently opens.
The room is mostly bare except for a few pieces of paper stuck up with nails, a disjointed mural of black and white pictures drawn out of ink. A crate full of toys sits in one of the corners as a child’s bed is pushed up against the far wall. A tiny face peers at Edwin from the covers, two silver eyes wide with both fear and curiosity, partly hidden behind a mess of blond hair.
“Papa?” the child asks again. “What was that?”
“Nothing, Anora,” Edwin replies. He walks over and takes a seat on Anora’s bed, running a hand through her hair, pulling her close to him in a reassuring hug. “I’m sorry you were woken up.”
The little girl clings to her father. “The banging’s scary.”
“I know.” He pats her back. “Just remember: Don’t open the door.” Anora nods, her head rubbing against his thick jacket.
He continues to smile in the presence of his daughter, but it turns sad. What am I going to do with you, my little star? he wonders. Now that it looks like he’ll be sailing once more, he’ll have to find a proper caretaker for her. He can hardly trust most the beings in Ica anymore. But he can’t leave her here all alone, either.
As much as he hates to do it, he’ll have to mix his personal needs with his business once again. He has a good crew; it pains him to have to ask one of them to stay behind to look after Anora. He tries to make the compensation worthwhile, but he knows that they all would rather be on the ship than left on land. That’s what they’ve been hired to do, of course.
“Hey,” he says to Anora, propping her up, “papa is going to be bringing you to the boat this cycle, okay?”
Her tired eyes light up with excitement. “Really?”
“Yes, really,” Edwin chuckles. He’ll be able to keep an eye on her while he lets the crew draw sticks.
“Can I climb the rope?” she asks.
“No, not yet,” he replies. “You’re still not tall enough.”
“Aw…” Anora moans.
“Maybe next year you’ll be able to,” Edwin suggests. He gives her one final hug and stands once more. “Now, lay back down and get some more sleep. We have a long cycle ahead.”
“Okay,” Anora nods. “Good night, papa.”
Edwin smiles back at her. “Rest well, my little star.”
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