The Dragonfly

The Gift

The letter still burned in his pocket, one he kept on his person ever since it arrived. He had wondered on the delay from the first missive sent to this one but the second explained the reason. Not all was put in the letter but enough to know they were on their way. It would take a good week or two depending on the weather and winds. Summer still lingered but the mornings and evenings were cooler, the first hint that autumn was on its way. The trees had not turned to the glory of varying colors but that would start up soon too. There were hints with some of the trees and their leaves taking on reddish or golden hues. It had been another long day at the dry docks as more work came in. This was good but left them little time for leisurely pursuits. With all that had transpired since his homecoming, delving in work was a good therapy for him.

There had been a comfortable friendship with Sarah and one finally accomplished with Adwyn. He had not seen either in weeks and a calm had settled within finally except for this letter. His and Sarah's paths had not crossed and Adwyn was probably long gone on her adventure that could last a year from what he overheard. He thought it not only impulsive but dangerous, he wasn't going to think on it anymore. He had expressed his concern directly but as usual she had her mind set. Done and done.

 The winter months would see them getting more of these jobs done. Small to large and Zar planning a trip to Italy that would have more upon his return. Well into late afternoon had Collin finally finishing up for the night as he took to a walk along the pier. Normally he would go get something to eat at the Thistle or Castle, but this evening he felt the anxiety of the time drawing near and the walk would help expend that energy.

The letter still burned in his pocket, one he kept on his person ever since it arrived. He had wondered on the delay from the first missive sent to this one but the second explained the reason. Not all was put in the letter but enough to know they were on their way. It would take a good week or two depending on the weather and winds. Summer still lingered but the mornings and evenings were cooler, the first hint that autumn was on its way. The trees had not turned to the glory of varying colors but that would start up soon too. There were hints with some of the trees and their leaves taking on reddish or golden hues. It had been another long day at the dry docks as more work came in. This was good but left them little time for leisurely pursuits. With all that had transpired since his homecoming, delving in work was a good therapy for him.

 There had been a comfortable friendship with Sarah and one finally accomplished with Adwyn. He had not seen either in weeks and a calm had settled within finally except for this letter. His and Sarah's paths had not crossed and Adwyn was probably long gone on her adventure that could last a year from what he overheard. He thought it not only impulsive but dangerous, he wasn't going to think on it anymore. He had expressed his concern directly but as usual she had her mind set. Done and done. The winter months would see them getting more of these jobs done. Small to large and Zar planning a trip to Italy that would have more upon his return. Well into late afternoon had Collin finally finishing up for the night as he took to a walk along the pier. Normally he would go get something to eat at the Thistle or Castle, but this evening he felt the anxiety of the time drawing near and the walk would help expend that energy.

It took him a few moments to realize what was before his eyes. So much so he had to blink to make sure it wasn't a figment for his wandering thoughts. The cigarillo plucked from his lips as he vacated his lean and dropped the stub to crush beneath the heel of his boot. There on the horizon were two ships coming in. The sight in itself was not out of the normal for this busy port but the flags that flew atop their masts were. Breathnach flags, the one a Brigantine but it was the other that had him staring. The very ship he helped to build. It dawned on him now why the wait, the ship had not been finished when he left, although it had been near completion. He could feel the pounding of his heart for in that instant he knew from the letter, this was the one Zion was giving him. An honor to say in the least but the last note made in a postscript, on how a life saved could never be replaced nor fully repaid, now made sense in its entirety. Nods were given Collin as he headed down the dock passing a number of sailors still seeing to their tasks upon various ships. Many knew the shipwright more by his profession than status quo in Ballicastle. If it was odd that a prince would do such, nothing was said. Those that had come to know more of these lands found such to be of the norm rather than abnormal. Collin was eager to see Zion again, a man that had been like a father to him for being the youngest in his family he had known his real father even less than his older brothers. Memories rushed watching the ship he helped build called a Schooner Bark or Hermaphrodite draw closer and closer along with the other in escort. 

This type of rig, main topsail, was preferred by Privateers. The smaller sailing ship had to be fast on all points of sail in order to survive. It could set 16 sails totaling 538 sq. meters (5800 sq. ft.) with 139 lines of running rigging totaling nearly 7 kilometers of line. It was equipped with twelve cannons. He and the others had joked about the mermaid looking goddess that was fitted at the bow. Collin had made the comment it looked more like a dragonfly in flight with the way her garment fanned out to the sides as if caught by the wind. He remembered the grueling hours it took in sealing the redwood trim to a deep polished protected shine. The comments made on the Captain's quarters and how it was anyone's dream to have such a ship under their command let alone own. According to the missive this was the main reward King Zion was giving Collin for saving his life in a heroic act that near took his own. The time waiting now would seemed like forever as he paced the end of the pier. They had still to get into the main body of water in the port, anchor then come ashore using the dinghies.

*Writing and page done by the player of Lahoneee although another plays Collin.*

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