The Viking and His Wife

A Warning

"And after all that being said, Nami will join us this upcoming spring."

Namitha stood next to her husband before the men. Each one of them she deemed her friends and she needed their trust.

"Are you sure about that, Luffy?" said Sangard.

Only just married, he had thought Lufner would have put the voyage off for another year or two to settle down, enjoy his wife's beauty and youth and to start a family.

"It is her choice."

"Have you ever set foot on a ship?" Zollo regarded Namitha with disinterest. He had been looking forward to this trip for quite some time. A woman was never to be in the picture.

"I have not. But I am willing to work alongside all of you and will do my best not to keep you back. I will not be a burden. Only an asset."

"When you're in danger, don't expect me to-"

Lufner stopped Zollo in his tracks. "If any of us is in trouble, it is our responsibility to look out for one another."

Namitha looked between them.

"Luffy said that you are in need of a navigator. Someone who can read the stars, the waves and the wind."

Navigators were scarce in these lands. Not many ventured to sea so their best bet was to send for one and they were far from reasonable with their charges.

"And I take it you have experience?"

Zollo was trying his hardest to discourage her but his efforts were in vain.

"My mother travelled on these seas way before you and I and has learned her way around the waters. She taught me everything she knew about navigation and I intend to put that knowledge to good use."

"We have a sun compass."

"That instrument has its limits."

That was a fact. In the presence of clouds, fog and storms, the sun compass was a liability.

"And if you get us lost?"

"You will have to trust that I will not let that happen."

Zollo analyzed her gaze and tipped his drink before guzzling it down his throat. Lufner Modig was a reckless man. Anyone choosing to follow him was deemed just as reckless. His wife doing just that gave her credit.

"Are there any other objections? I'll gladly hear them out."

The others discussed quietly amongst themselves and Namitha fumbled with her hands. She looked to her husband and found his face full of determination, telling her that all will be okay. It gave her renewed confidence and she again straightened her shoulders.

Her and Usoff's eyes met and that was when he stood. Everyone was silent, ready to listen.

"My wife to everyone's knowledge is with child. And by the looks of it, he or she may come early. I think I've had you waiting long enough, Luffy. My decision. Whether I come with you on this anticipated journey or stay here and be a good husband and father to my wife and child."