The Minstrel

Dreaming of Memories

Killian looked up with curiosity at the worried countenance on his brother's face. He had been wearing that concerned expression for what had to have been close to an hour now, before the rain had even begun to fall. It wasn't like Aldred to trouble over a spot of foul weather - the Silversail had proven it could handle a substantial beating already. They'd dealt with a near-constant battering of rain and wind without so much as puddle belowdecks along the second leg of their journey. Even though an unrelenting deluge had followed them along the entire northern coast of Selars Crag.

It had only been within the last couple of days that the sun had broken free; this drizzle was a shower compared to the drowning they'd been receiving. Killian's wrist had begun to ache. He'd tried telling Aldred to loosen up, but his current distractions had deafened him.

He must've had a fight with Father Killian supposed.

While returning from a successful mission to acquire some candied nuts they'd picked up at the last port, Killian had heard the raised voices and stopped to spy on the activity. He had spotted his father first, which gave Killian all the more reason to remain hidden. Fortunately enough, Gresham Goldwind had yet to spot him. Killian was on the verge of retreating out of the vicinity, when the angry tone of his usually even-tempered brother gave him enough pause to risk a second glance. He had never seen such a serious expression on Aldred's face.

Typically, if anybody in their family was yelling, there was a good chance it was their father. Captain Goldwind was known to run his home like a ship, and he'd always run a tight ship. Killian had never seen anyone raise their voice to his father, and he was certain that any who did would receive an almost divine retribution. He was shocked to see that Captain Goldwind's face remained almost completely impassive. Only the deep set of creases in his forehead, like cracks in a stony mask, indicated the seriousness of the matter.

Killian could not make out what was being said in the exchange, and did not dare risk creeping closer for fear of being caught. He could only watch as his exasperated brother articulated a rather crucial point with his hands to no avail, as their father responded in a low, even tone, and a shake of the head. Eventually, the stalemate ended seemingly without a winner, and Killian realized too late that Aldred was stalking off in his direction. Quickly and quietly as he could, he ducked behind a doorway. Tucking himself deeply into the shadows, Killian nearly thought he had gotten away unseen, at least until Aldred walked through the door.

Looking around the room only briefly, Aldred turned and locked eyes on his youngest brother. Killian's cheeks flushed crimson and his gaze drifted to the floor. He remained silent, certain that he was about to receive a severe scolding for eavesdropping. Instead, Aldred simply sighed.

"See all that, did you?"

Killian raised his head, seeing the passion that had been present replaced by tired defeat. He nodded once.

"Right, then."

Aldred had spoken no further and offered no explanation. Instead, he bid that Killian follow along behind him for a time as he went from one end of the ship to the other. He spoke to a number of men and women aboard about matters that soared so far above Killian's head that he could not even glimpse their meaning. All the while he hardly spared Killian a glance, except to ensure he was still beside him when it was time to march on to another corner of the vessel. They had just resurfaced from the main cargo hold, where several mates were busy lashing crates and barrels with thick ropes.

There was a charged air aboard the ship. Whether it was the energy in which the crew had come to life with the various tasks they'd been assigned, or the actual static felt on the breeze, Killian could not be sure. One thing could be certain as the pair gazed upon the gray horizon from the bow - the sea had changed. Killian was too young and inexperienced to be able to tell what this change was, of course, but even he could sense that something was different. Aldred studied the seascape with worry for several minutes, plucking a spyglass from its fastenings at his waist.