Of Plots and Mischief

Chapter 8: New Friendship

Phyllon and his crew stayed. They helped gather the prince's and the ambassador's belongings and set the rooms to rights. The prince stared wistfully at the soon to be vacated rooms. "We can't stay here any longer, can we?"

The young girl's words echoed in Phyllon' head as he shook his head. The ambassador looked at him expectantly. He exchanged a glance with the captain, who gave him a subtle nod. "You can come aboard. It would be safer while we are at port."

Asmir gave him an amused look as the prince looked up hopefully. "Will you take us on your trip?"

Phyllon hemmed and hawed. "We'll see." But he was smiling as he said it.

Later that night, Phyllon had trouble sleeping. He knew rest would be a good idea, but it seemed a long time coming. He lay down on a sheltered area of the deck, watching the stars as they made their nightly migrations. The port was silent at the time of the night, all activity stilled but for the soothing hur of the waves and a rare call from a sailor on the way back from town.

He was alone but for the sailor on the night watch, a young sailor who was being punished for an earlier indiscretion by being denied a night off duty. Perhaps it was the stillness, or perhaps it was his own concerns, but he became aware of soft footsteps coming to a stop not too far from where he was lying. He lifted himself up on his elbows and watched the prince as he stood with his back to him, looking out at the ocean. Phyllon watched him for a while before sighing, making his way to stand behind him.

"Long night?" The prince startled before he recognised him, letting out a long breath as he watched the darkness battling with light as waves dipped and broke in the moonlight. He appeared absorbed in the conflict before he finally turned to face Phyllon, the shadows hiding his expression.
"I can't stop. I know there is nothing I can do right now, but it doesn't make a difference."

Phyllon blanked for a moment until he realised what the prince was talking about. He felt a hint of sympathy towards the younger man. "We'll get to the cure should it be according to the Will."

"I know, but every delay... What if I get too late?"

Phyllon sighed before placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "There is nothing you can do to make things go faster. Even if you had gotten passage on a ship earlier, you would not be able to leave until the wind is right. It is only a chance that you would be able to go there at all this month." He let his voice soften. "Everything happens in its time. Get some sleep. You'll need it."

The prince gave a jerky nod. "What about you?"

Phyllon smiled though he knew the prince couldn't see him. "I'd do the same." He looked at him before adding in a softer tone. "Your highness." He turned to withdraw but felt a hand stop him.

"Please," said a soft voice. "Just Karriv."

Phyllon paused at the vulnerability he heard in his voice. "Right. Karriv. Sleep well. Karriv."

He withdrew to his sleeping place and left the prince to his ruminations. After some time, he heard him follow his advice and head down to get some sleep.