Triton's Destiny

Part Forty-Three

Two days later, Tristan and Maki were crouched by the stable door, ready to disembark as soon as they were sure the crew wouldn't find them. They'd refolded the blankets and put them away and cleaned up as best they could to leave the room just as they'd found it. Tristan was very glad to be back in port, but he'd feel even better once they were off the ship. He had his duffel already slung over his shoulder. He just needed to be sure they could get out safely without being caught.

It felt like the noise from above lasted forever once the ship came to a stop at the dock. The shouting and banging was so loud, Tristan thought it sounded like the entire crew had congregated out in the hold for a party or something. Slumping against the still-locked door, he pulled Maki into his arms and held him, stroking his fingers through his mate's hair while they relaxed and waited for their chance.

Tristan was just starting to doze off when a soft knock sounded on the wood above their heads. "All clear, gents," Collister's voice permeated through the planks.

Helping Maki up, Tristan unlocked the door and hung the key back on its hook. Then he peered out into the hold, immediately seeing Collister's smiling face.

"Didn't want you boys waiting any longer than necessary," he said.

Maki smiled at Tristan as he ushered him out ahead of him. Then Maki aimed that radiant grin at the sailor. "Thank you very much, sir."

"Ah, don't mention it." Collister waved off the gratitude. "I reckon you're more eager to get out of here than all the crew put together. At least they got some fresh air over the last few days."

"We very much appreciate your hospitality, Mr. Collister," Tristan said, ducking his head in humble thanks.

"Doesn't feel right that I don't know your names. But it's better this way, I suppose, just in case someone comes asking. Plausible deniability and all that."

Tristan nodded and hoisted his pack higher on his shoulder. "Can you tell us where we've docked, sir?"

"This here's the port of Faversham, on the west coast of the mainland. Pretty decent place, if you ask me. Could do a lot worse."

Maki captured Tristan's free arm and hugged it to his chest. "Is this a place you know, love?"

With a shake of his head, Tristan smiled. "I lived in Eindmere."

"Now that's a fantastic city." Collister pointed a finger at Tristan and grinned. "Faversham is smaller than Eindmere, but significantly larger than Vollendale. There should be plenty here for you lads. And if not..." He shrugged. "It's a big world out there."

"Well..." Maki squeezed Tristan's arm again. "We should probably get out there and find our place in it."

"Yeah." Tristan nodded in agreement. "Thanks again, sir," he said, smiling at Collister. "We won't forget your kindness."

Collister bobbed his head, then led the way to the ladder. "I'll go up first to make sure no one's returned." He ushered them all the way up to the main deck, then held out his hand once Tristan and Maki were out on the dock. "Best of luck, boys. Let me know if you ever want to try your hand at sailing. I could use a couple of hardworking gents like you."

Tristan laughed nervously. "I very much doubt I'm ever getting on a ship again, but thank you."

"Thank you, sir!" Maki echoed. He pulled Tristan toward the boardwalk and they waved back at their unexpected benefactor before wandering away from the pier.

Tristan held Maki's hand tightly as they followed the boardwalk into the business district. Storm-weathered wood gave way to cobblestone streets, rustic clapboard warehouses transitioned to quaint stone buildings, and the constant roar of the ocean faded to the happy babbling of courtyard fountains. Colorful painted signs swaying in the light breeze indicated the various proprietors offering their services to the town of Faversham–bakeries, hotels, clothing shops, jewelers, florists, lending houses, markets, cafés. Tristan even spotted a sign for an art gallery and he slowed down to gaze longingly through the display windows and read the posted announcements about upcoming exhibits.