Giving Fantasia: The Taking Fantasia Sequel

Chapter 119: I'm Still Here

Chapter 119: I'm Still Here

A billion stars filled the sky. The night was dusted  with diamonds. The moon was frosted with gold. Even The Princess looked pretty as she limped across the ocean, starlight on her sails and sparkles in her wake. The breeze was sweet, the current was kind, and the pirates shared a tankard whilst singing ancient songs...

It was a glorious, sentimental night. And after the battle, it was a night meant to be spent amongst friends. 

But one sailor was spending it alone.

Sinbad watched Jim from below. Jim had climbed for the stars, settling as close as possible without actually flying into them. He'd found purchase on the foremast crosstree (two horizontal beams at the upper end of the foremast that had miraculously survived the dragon attack).

Jim had ascended without an explanation. At first, Sinbad suspected Jim left to avoid him. Perhaps he needed solace in Sarah's absence. But when minutes turned to hours, and hours turned to midnight, Sinbad became worried. No one could sulk that long. Plus, Jim hadn't eaten dinner!

Then Sinbad head a dull thump...thump....thump. And he discovered the real reason Jim left. 

Jim was practicing with the harpoon. Over and over; throw after throw; Jim kept reliving the moment he fumbled and needed Sinbad's help.  He kept practicing... so he wouldn't need help again.

"Thick skin, soft heart. Geeze Jim..." Sinbad rotated the wheel. The wind pushed the sails from Jim's face. So bright were the stars, Sinbad could see Jim's frown by their light.

"Hm." Sinbad fingered his seashell necklace. The enchanted shell glowed as he contemplated. Finally, Sinbad called. "Hey Dimitri. Step up, you're at the wheel. Smitty – you know how to sail?"

"Yes."

"Get your butt over here." Sinbad beckoned to John Smith. "Dimitri's gonna train you in  pirate style sailing. In one hour you'll be a superstar. Savvy, savvy?"

John Smith saluted. Fighting alongside the pirates had reinvigorated his adventurous spirit (something Captain Eric and Admiral Triton discouraged). John Smith was ready to give piracy a whirl. "Aye, aye Captain. Both eyes open for Fantasia at twenty knots."

"Faster if you can, I've got a need for speed." Sinbad exchanged spots with the two men. Pausing only to clap John Smith's shoulder, he snatched a beer from Eret (Vikings: big drinkers), a second beer from Tulio (Spaniards: bigger drinkers). 

Beers tucked under an arm, he ascended the shrouds.

It was a long way up, especially with the burned rigging and tattered sails. Sinbad had to be creative with his climb. But the journey could have lasted forever – Sinbad still didn't know what to say when he reached Jim.

He took the 'drinking - buddies' approach.

"It's not cold." Sinbad tossed a beer. "But it's wet."

If Jim was startled, he hid it well. Catching the beer mid throw, he lowered the harpoon.

"Thanks."

"No problem. You a drinker?"

"Whatever."

"Oh...kay...good." Sinbad wavered on the ratline. He gauged Jim's behavior, searching for a threat. Finally, determining the scene safe, Sinbad slowly eased onto the crosstree. He adjusted carefully, making sure that he and Jim were separated by the mast.