The travels of Yan Overton

Ivy Of The Seas

The Ivy of the seas

Standing on the harbour looking up at the great swishing sails and towering masts undulating like trees in a gale upon the agitated sea, filled Yan with excitement and trepidation. All his dreams and aspirations had culminated in this one moment and yet it still didn't seem real. Unusual aromas filled his senses, from exotic spices to the pungent burning of tar on oakum. Bizarre looking travellers from distant lands wandered nonchalantly amongst the longshoremen milling around with their heavily laden sack barrows, loading timber caskets onto the numerous boats and ships that furnished the quay.

Athel glanced over at the young wizard standing fixed and mesmerised by the awesome spectacle and smirked.

Just then a large black backed gull swooped fast and low over Yan's head making him stoop down to avoid a collision with the hefty seabird. It circled a few times before alighting on Athel's arm much to the young man's astonishment.

"Good afternoon, you are early!" Said Athel lifting the bird aloft, it's large dark slate wings beating the wind as it teetered precariously upon his arm.

Dismounting on to the cobbles the great bird instantaneously transformed into the tall slender figure of Casusas.

"The others are waiting for you by the ship" she said in a soft deep tone.

She then eyed up the elegant young wizard in his new attire and stroked his face seductively.

"The coal is now a diamond that causes ones eye to glint in its radiance" she said wryly.

Yan blushed. "You are very kind" he said looking down uncomfortably at the ground..

"Come along you two" said Athel, "Our ship awaits us" he said marching off along the quay.

Standing in a group beside a gangplank were the rest of the Gewinnan. They were all suitably turned out and in good spirits.

"What hour is this?" Quipped Plegan. "I've been here so long my feet have taken root"

"For one as spritely as you my dear Plegan everything would appear to take forever but today I have good reason for being delayed" riposted Athel stepping smartly to one side to reveal Yan in all his finery.

"Allow me to introduce to you all; Mr Yan of the Gewinnan" he said bowing graciously.

The company all clapped their hands in approval of their companions transformation much to the young man's delight.

"He most defiantly looks Gewinnan" remarked Demir, whilst inspecting his exquisitely tailored jacket.

"Thank you" said Yan politely.

Just then a tall gentleman in a tattered bicorne hat and an equally tousled grey beard approached Yan through the bustle. He was thick set and slightly hunched and rolled with a waddled gait.

"Have I the honour of addressing a Mr Athel?" He asked in a harsh rasping voice. His eyes were deep and as blue as the sea with rugged features hewn by the spindrift of many a nautical odyssey.

"No my good man that is Mr Yan. I believe it is I you wish to speak to" said Athel stepping forward.

"Forgive me Mr Athel" said the rugged gentleman removing his hat. "The name is Captain Neal. Commander of the 'Ivy'".

"Well Captain Neal, I hope you have room on board for my associate Mr Yan here. I appreciate that it is very short notice to spring this upon you but I'm confident you'll be able to squeeze one more passenger onto your ship" said Athel handing the old captain a large gold sovereign.