RISEN | ONC 2024

9 | Paradise Of Secrets And Deceit

On a small pier trailing off from the greater market, Heran and Zonis discovered the chaotic structure of a shipwright's hut. It was built out of four wooden posts, each different in height and width, with the roof revealed to be a large orange drape covering the framing like a tent rather than a more physical structure. A long bench made of driftwood served as the counter, where a young man with short-cropped red hair and sunburnt, freckled skin cleaned a bucket of rusted tools.

"Oi, shipwright," Zonis spoke, hopping up on a stool to raise his chin above the counter. "Do you have the materials to fix a sloop?"

"Depends," said the young man. He looked down at the dwarf, and the longer Heran analyzed him, he realized the boy was about his age if not a year or two older. "What are the damages?"

"Ripped sail," said Zonis. "The hull could be sanded and inspected for rotting or compromised wood. She is a fighter, but not even the noblest of sloops can escape a storm unscathed. How much?"

The young man peered over the dwarf's head and briefly acknowledged Heran before glancing at the distant figure of The Lillycove in the harbour.

"Damage seems minimal. I need to take a look to identify specific areas of improvement, but all in all, it should take no longer than a day's work."

"A day!" Zonis exclaimed. "Two hours. Fixed time-line."

The shipwright laughed. "Seems your friend is a fatal optimist, Serpentblood. He should be grateful I am not suggesting a week."

Heran sighed. "Is there any chance you can accelerate the workflow? What if we just replace the sail? No hull adjustments?"

"That will reduce it to a couple of hours, yes."

"But The Lilly needs her ointment!" Zonis argued. "If not, another storm could tear us apart."

"We do not have a day to spare, Zonis," said Heran.

"Fine," said the dwarf. "Replace the sail."

"Done," said the shipwright. "Simple customization. I have yellow, red, or black fabrics."

"No white?" asked Zonis.

"Did I say white?"

"Alright, red. Just hurry up!"

"Do you want any special insignia?"

"A what?"

"What is the sloop's name?"

"The Lillycove," said Heran.

"Alright, I will think of something," said the shipwright. "The name is Taris, by the way."

"Does it look like I care?" said Zonis.

Heran smacked the young dwarf on the back of the head.

"Nice to meet you, Taris," he said, shaking the young man's hand. "Thank you for doing this."

"My pleasure," said Taris. "All I need are signed documents from the Lord and Lady. Then I can begin my work."

Heran raised a brow. "Signed documents? Is that really necessary?"

"Sorry, but rules are rules. No outsiders may use our services until written permission from the high court of Swaan Tull is granted."

Zonis grumbled. "How long is that going to take?"

Taris chuckled. "I can take you to them now. Luckily, you caught me on a slow day."

The young shipwright set down his bucket of tools and jumped over the counter. He wore a sleeveless pale green shirt with dusty grey overalls stained with grease and white paint. With a charming smile and squint of his brown eyes, Taris walked up the pier and waved for his new friends to follow.