Chapter 117 A Ship called The Miranda (1/2)

Rassa had never been on a small boat before, let alone a ship such as the one they were currently making their way towards. Despite working at the docks for a month, he hadn't actually been allowed to step foot on the ships. The cargo was usually removed and loaded by the crew of the ship. Rassa, Aegin and Ebony had been amongst those tasked with transporting the cargo from the docks to the warehouses and back again. Now, as he got used to the strange feeling of being afloat, of the rocking motion that was constantly felt, he had to second guess himself.

Was a long period of time on a ship really the best choice? Rassa kicked the thought aside quickly. He'd been fine with flying, as if a ship could sway him.

While Rassa may not have been so easily conquered by the rocking, Ebony seemed to be an exception to the rule. To put it plainly, she'd been feeling unsettled since she got in the longboat, and as they drew closer to the ship anchored in the bay, couldn't help the sense of dread that washed over her. Were ships always that big?

Jeremiah ignored the looks of his new recruits, instructing them in how to properly hold the oars and paddle. He'd have to get Midas to assign them some teachers or they'd become deadweight on the ship pretty quickly.

Rassa was the fastest to pick it up, though he didn't feel obligated to explain that he would be fast at learning most things, his mind was hardwired to do so with its enhanced senses and greater capacity. Aegin wasn't all that far behind though. He was good with things that were physical, and the rhythmic pattern of was rowing was not all that hard to fall into.

After about ten minutes of rowing, the longboat finally came alongside the massive ship. The first rays of sunlight were appearing on the horizon, illuminating the massive merchant ship. It's hull was sunk half below the water, but it still towered over those seated in the longboat. The longboat itself seemed like it would fit a dozen full grown men, The Miranda was at least fifty times the size, probably more than that.

Despite it being a merchant ship, there seemed to be a row of port holes along the side for canons, upon spotting them, Rassa looked at Jeremiah questioningly.

”Pirates aren't all that picky about who they rob and pillage,” was Jeremiah reply to the unasked question.

Rassa just nodded in return.

”Longboat Portside!” came a call from up on deck. The call was repeated before Rassa heard the voice of an authoritative man order the ropes to descend.

From over the side of the ship, two thick ropes, each about the size of Ebony's dainty wrists, descended into the water with a resounding smack, missing the longboat by inches. Jeremiah was unphased, he took the forward rope, or the rope near what Jeremiah refered to as the bow of the longboat.

”You take the Stern rope and follow what I do, tie nice and tight,” Jeremiah instructed. The three looked at each other, unsure whom he referred to directly. After a few seconds pause, Aegin stood and wobbled to the back of the longboat, scooping up the other rope and following Jeremiah's movements as best he could in the lowlight. There was a metal ring attached to the inside of the keel, which was the beam that ran from the bow to the stern of the longboat, the spine. The ropes were tied tightly to the rings attached at the bow and stern, then the longboat was hauled up out of the water, a jarring experience despite the trained men doing the hauling.

When the longboat was level with the main deck of the Miranda, Jeremiah ordered them all to jump off onto the main deck where a tall man with curly black hair and an imposing aura stood awaiting them.

”Captain on deck!” he called.

The sailors around all respectfully nodded their greetings to Jeremiah before getting back to work.

”Captain,” the man said, his voice softer as he greeted the captain.

Jeremiah nodded, ”Midas, everything ready to go?”