The Fall of Northpass

Chapter One

   "Rody!" his mother yelled.
"What!" He shot back
"Fill the water bucket!"
"Yes Ma,"
Rody stepped out on the cold winter. Snow flurried around him as he soon reached the well. To Rody's disappointment, the water was frozen over. He began to bring up the bucket and drop it, the thin layer of ice finally broke, he filled the bucket, the wind slapping his face with a cold hand. He went back to his Mom's laundry shop.
He saw he r entertaining a few customers. That was his time. He went in, escaping winter's icy hands.
"Ma, I got the bucket." He said
"Great honey, put it over there."
After putting it there, Rody opened the door and went to ship selection. He was finally 20, old enough to be a man. This would decide if he helped society, exploring new lands, sailing with the conquerors, or if he took over his Ma's laundry business. He approached the looming shipyard, trudging through the snow. He wanted to work on a conquering ship, but he probably wouldn't. He was thin and had a deceptive strength, unlike the heavyset conquerors. He arrived right as they where calling names. "Rody Blackiron, explorer, The Blue Phoenix."
He was excited. Adventurers sailed into the new lands, and the Blue Phoenix was as good as a vessel as any other. After roll call was finished, Rody ran to his Ma's laundry to tell her the news.
"MA! I got on the Blue Phoenix, I'm an explorer."
"Rody, that's amazing. Be careful, your father, he was a captain and died trying to cross the frozen ocean."
He was surprised his mother opened up about that topic. Usually she never did.
"Ma, don't worry, I'm with Galen, he's been doing this for thirty years."
"Ok, get some rest, you need to see your captain."
"Yes Ma."