Cathrac the Gilded City

Chapter 3

Boy was walking a little slower than he normally did. Fortunately Stinky the owner of the fishing boat did not even bother to show up. Useless his son did though. Useless was Boy's only friend. They had terrible fathers in common and a love of the sea. Useless loved it because he was more familiar with its rules. Rules like treat your ship with care and it will care for you. Useless had a thing for rules and a strict set of rules that he made for himself that he followed. Boy tried to but lying was too useful to give up, so was anger and jealousy was too hard to bother with. They ran their ship with an efficiency that rivaled the professionals. They would never be professional though because they would never escape Stinky's reputation for laziness and drunkenness.

Boy loved the ocean because to him it meant freedom. He had lived in this corner of the continent his entire life. The smell of salt and the stinging lash of the sea were the only things that made him feel free.

After they had set sail Boy did what he did every time Stinky wasn't there. He climbed to the very top of the mast of their little ship and yelled. He yelled loud and good, not a howl he knew, but loud. Useless looked up and laughed. Boy slid down the mast in front of his friend. He was intending for a dramatic entrance but his bruised leg gave way and he fell into the hole in their boat used for keeping the fish. By the time Useless had carried him out, they were both laughing. Boy breathlessly asked "and what are you looking at boy"

Useless responded without a beat "No your Boy I'm useless." This brought a small chuckle from Boy but as he settled down into the ropes a sad look came into his eyes.

Useless plopped beside him and handed him a waterskin "I heard about the fight. When is your next one"

Boy roared with laughter again. Useless looked confused which was not hard for Boy to do. While Useless was surprisingly wise Boy was far more intelligent. Boy wiped his eyes "Why so you can comfort my sister"

Useless grew bright red and mumbled, "She makes me happy."

Boy laughed again. Laughter was the only time his voice did not scratch. After he had stopped he said rather innocently "And you make her happy. You know if I die you'll have to marry her."

Useless choked on the water he currently drinking and grew bright red again.

After Boy had finished whacking his back and laughing. Useless managed to turn the tables "yeah and if we want to get married before then I'll just ask your father's permission."

At this Boy sighed. Useless understood. "Your mother sided with him again." Boy only nodded. Useless spoke again "which of the little ones got beat this time." Boy just stared at him. His Piercing blue eyes stared unblinkingly at Useless. Useless stood "No what did she do"

Boy sighed again and fixed the long hair on the top of his otherwise shaved head back into a ponytail. Finally, he spoke, "She tried to stop him when his belt drew Lily and Thorn's blood." Useless paced as much as the boat would allow him, "We have to do something."

Boy smiled sadly and spoke with a surprisingly calm voice, "We will when we save up our money we'll be able to move away from this wretched city. Me holding Lily and Thorn's hands and you carrying your beautiful bride."

Useless became frustrated with that"No I meant now."

Boy yawned, "Can't"

"Why not" Useless practically yelled

Boy got up and begin to row towards the city "Storms rolling in."