Continued from Part 1, go read it if you haven’t.
Weber the vigilant
The sailors lodge is certainly a very popular gathering place for sailors from all over the Bronze Sea. Close to Ravenna, a major Kingdom and trading hub; and having a nice inn with cozy rooms. The lodge was a pleasant place, whether one wants to have a beer at the bar, or simply rent a place to sleep, the lodge is suitable for every sailor. The weather was also perfect, not as hot as the blazing heat of Ravenna, nor as cold as the blizzards of Frostmill.
Among these sailors was a young lad named Weber. Young indeed he was, only 18 in the year 1854. He stood on the railing overlooking the sea. Sailors lodge was his favorite place to stay. When the day was a casual, mundane one, he would spend the day chilling at the lodge, chatting with other sailors, then go grab a beer and rest at night.
Weber wore a turquoise cape and hood with a musket on his back. He wore a simple black shirt with a gray jacket and long black trousers and boots. He had spiky brown hair and vigilant eyes.
A few months ago, Weber met a fellow young sailor named Mikhail Kuznetsov. They got along quite well and chatted a bit, but soon Mikhail left with a friend of his, Morden. They sailed east, and the emptiness returned.
When Weber met Mikhail a few days later, he was covered with dust and gore, and his friend Morden was nowhere to be seen. Weber asked what happened, and Mikhail simply replied, “we had a crazy adventure, and Morden had to go settle some business at home. Don’t worry, we’re fine.”
Weber’s heart bumped at the word adventure. This was the very thing he was longing for. He had just turned 18 and there was a whole world just waiting for him to explore. He was eager. He was passionate. He was desperately waiting for that opportunity to come.
Born to a family of minor nobility in the Kingdom of Keraxe, he moved to the Bronze Sea when he was young, and his family settled at Shell Island. The youngest of his family, his elder siblings – his 24 year old brother and 23 year old sister, frequently looked down on him. Weber never excelled at academics, nor was he born with magic, though he was decent with weapons. His brother became a merchant, sailing far off into the Nimbus Sea and returning to Keraxe to conduct business; his sister joined the Grand Navy. Weber was never exceptional at anything, and his parents showed great reluctance when he left.
Weber left with his head filled with adventure, but he had done zero planning. He sailed to the sailors lodge on his small sailboat and didn’t really know what to do.
The only earnings he got were helping unload cargo and the occasional bounty hunt – sometimes he’d go to the forest of Cerruno to catch criminals, but they’re mostly petty thieves that he caught for a quick buck. That was no adventure, nor any excitement in it.
It was another day at the lodge. The first snow of winter had fallen, and Weber was warming himself by the fireplace. A man in a Gravy Lieutenant’s uniform enters the lodge, and he sits on the chair next to Weber. “The weather sure is cold. Winter is merciful to no one.” “Indeed,” Weber takes a sip on his drink. He turns and comes face-to-face with a face he could instantly recognize: “Kuznetsov? Is that you?” “It’s been a long time, my friend.”
It had just been a few months since they met, but Kuznetsov looks way older. His eye’s blue had darkened, his face was scarred, and he looked exhausted. “I see you have risen through the ranks,” Weber commented. “I have,” Kuznetsov responded, “That’s why I’m here.” “For what?” “For you.”
Weber spit his drink out. “Me? What do you want me for?” Kuznetsov did not respond immediately, but asked for another drink, then replied, “you want to go on an adventure, right?” “How did you know?” “The eyes are the gateway to the soul. From the moment I saw you I saw a young lad eager for adventure. Just like me.”
Weber was confused, “so what are you suggesting?” Kuznetsov slapped his face. “All the signs were there and you didn’t notice. I’ll just make it clear: I want to recruit you. As my deckhand.”
Weber was conflicted. An adventure of a lifetime? He couldn’t say no to that. But his skills? All he could do was fire a musket or kill a few pirates. As if Kuznetsov read his mind, he calmly replied, “you won’t be able to pursue your dreams if you remain stuck here. But if you follow me, on a voyage across the seas, I will guarantee your life will never be the same. You will be free from all the dullness and mundane days that have plagued you for so long.”
Weber’s excitement returned. He stood up and saluted," at your service, captain!"
The two men chugged down their drinks and exited the lodge. Weber enthusiastically leapt onto the Lieutenant’s ship without any permission, to the alarm and surprise of its crew.
“Everyone, please give a warm welcome to our new deckhand, Weber!” The crew of marines gave a cheer, Navarro clapped his hands. “Weber, allow me to introduce the crew: this is Navarro, my first deckhand. I hope you both have a great time working together.” Weber dashed forward and shook Navarro’s hand violently, the latter simply smiling and trying to not break his hand. “This is Enzior, our Alchemist. He came along to study magic on our voyages,” Kuznetsov pointed at the old man in a mage outfit, “and this is Edward Kenton, my co-captain, he’s the most loyal and cool man I’ve ever had the honor to meet.” Edward nodded. Weber was jumping with excitement, his heart beating like never before.
Kuznetsov took command of the ship, turning the ship north away from the lodge, and Edward cried, "sails up! " Weber quickly dashed over and pulled the sails up, eager to prove himself capable, and Kuznetsov smiled. Then, the Ketch began sail, to the north, and on a journey Weber will never forget.
