SHORT STORIES{collection]

SILENCE

  The wind filled the sails and propelled the ship gracefully through the water. With the land always visible to the starboard and the ocean to the port, the ship made its way up the coast. The Chief Mate assigned Justin, Jake, and Elan, each, to a member of the crew who taught them as much and as quickly as they could. Justin worked with the ships carpenter who taught him how to maintain the ship at sea and tend to injured crew. Jake worked with the men who set and repaired the sails. Jake had no fear of heights and enjoyed climbing the rope ladders to the top of the masts where he could peer out into the vast sea. He could watch the porpoises chase the ship, as they emerged into the air in arcing leaps. Elan worked with the cook preparing meals for the crew. Some days he would go with the cook to shore to look for berries, fruit, and other edibles, or trade with locals for supplies. The ship was broad and stable as it sat low in the water filled with goods from far away lands. The boys were returning to the valley of the Black dog, the ship's homeport and their home. They had signed onto the ship and were working to pay for passage home. Each evening the three boys met at the bow.  

"Do you think my parents will recognize me when we finally get home?" Elan asked his cousins, Jake and Justin.

"You don't look any different to me, " Jake answered. " I think they will know who you are. We've been away from home for only a year. Seems longer than it was."

"Time is relative," Justin added. "With the anticipation of arriving home, I'm certain that the trip will seem longer, just as our trek over the mountain seemed so long."

Each was learning a lot, and developing a deep respect and appreciation for their teachers, the ship, and their captain.

"Just so you know," Elan said. "When we put off in the row boat yesterday we found berries and greens to add to our hard tack bread and jerky meat. When we set out our nets we caught some nice fish and shrimp."

"That's great," said Jake who loved to try new things. The berries sounded like a welcome change.

"Did the skiff take on any water?" Justin asked. "I helped fix it the other day." He added proudly.

"No water in the boat. You did a good job." Élan responded.

"You know," Jake began, "I can see for miles from the top of the mast. I like helping to set the sails."