Chapter 3 • Open Sky
The stars had started coming out as the sunlight disappeared and the temperature of the air began to drop considerably. Captain Ansak was atop the large wheel house at the outer helm.
“Next stop, Caratania!” He bellowed loudly, “Mister Standrews, set a course for open sky.”
The First Mate spun the wheel half a turn and they began ascending higher and higher. Land masses were getting fewer and smaller as they climbed into the atmosphere. Many of them were capped in sheets of ice and snow, which Talin had never seen before. He wondered what it must feel like to walk in a land covered in frozen water. He marvelled at it as long as he could until the bitterly cold air finally enticed him and Aila to go inside where it was warm.
The grubby and battered exterior appearance of the ship ran quite contrary to the rather luxurious and inviting opulence of the interior. Polished metals and rich, lustrous wood adorned every surface. Aila went off to to wash up and get ready for the evening meal. Talin made his way up to the wheel house, which was a good deal larger and much more complex than the simple one on board the airskiff back at the farm. First Mate Standrews had come down from the outer helm and was now at the massive wheel inside, attentively steering the ship past the few remaining frozen masses and light clouds before they reached open sky. As Talin entered, Standrews turned briefly and gave him a cordial smile.
“I do believe that Chef Latrelle has prepared an exemplary meal in your honor this night, Master Talin. The galley is down below and just aft of the main cabins. I’ve taken the liberty to stow your gear in the second cabin, portside. You should have a spot of time to get washed up and changed, if you’re of a mind to. When Chef is ready, he’ll sound seven bells. And mind you, don’t ever call him cook. He prefers the title Chef.”
“Thank you, Mister Standrews, but I’m really not all that hungry, right now. I’ve never been up this high before and truth be told, my stomachs rather queasy and I’m feeling a little lightheaded. Maybe I’ll just go to my cabin and lie down for awhile.”
“As you wish, young squire. I’ll notify the Captain that you may be absent for some time and not to be roused. Don’t distress yourself all that much, though. The feeling fades in a short spell and you’ll get your airlegs about you.
Come sunrise, you’ll be able to dance a jig on the tip of the bowsprit!”
Talin went below and found his cabin. The foot locker had been placed at the end of the bed and a small bouquet of wild flowers was laid on the middle of the blanket. They looked like the same kind of wild flowers that grew around the edge of the meadow back home. He set them on a small desk next to the bed and sat down to remove his boots. There was a soft knock on the door and when he opened it, Aila stood there smiling, holding a pitcher and a tall mug, as well as a small loaf of bread tucked in the crook of her arm.
“I heard that you weren’t feeling well, so I brought you some warm cider and oat bread. It should help settle your stomach and let you get some sleep. I remember feeling the same way the first few times my granduncle took me into open sky. You get used to it after awhile.” She set the food and drink on the desk next to the flowers. “I see you got your flowers. Your cousin gave them to me earlier when you weren’t looking. She asked that I not let you know about them until after we had left. She said that she hoped that they would be a reminder of home and to tell you that she loves you. I feel a little silly saying that to you and giving you flowers and such. I do hope that I haven’t embarrassed you too much.”
“Not at all. I appreciate you bringing me something to eat and drink, and telling me about what Janna said. That makes me feel a little better. Thank you.”
“Well, I had best leave and let you get some rest now. Try some of the cider and bread, it helps.”
“Please give the Captain, and Chef, my apologies. Explain to them I think I just need some sleep is all.”
“I’m sure that they’ll understand. I’ll see you in the morning. Good night and pleasant dreams to you, Talin.”
“Good night to you too, Aila, and thank you also for the flowers.”
After she left, he had some of the warm cider and oat bread, then undressed and climbed into bed. The bed was quite plush and very comfortable. He pulled the soft sheet and thick blanket over him, blew out the light and closed his eyes. The ship gently swayed in the wind with a slow rhythmic motion. It had been a long, busy day, and in no time he was fast asleep. That night, he dreamed of tall grasses, jack berries and wild flowers.
The next morning he awoke to the faint smell of fried eggs and bacon. It took him a moment to realize his surroundings, as this was the first time he ever had slept in a bed other than his own. He laid there for a few moments, listening to the creaking sounds of the transport’s hull and the muffled noise of the crew as they went about their tasks. He was feeling much better, the ache in his head and stomach had subsided. His appetite had returned and the aroma wafting in from the galley enticed him out from under the warm covers. He arose, washed up quickly and got dressed. Going down the passageway to the galley hall he found he had to adjust his balance with each step in accordance to the rocking of the ship. The galley hall was vacant, but he could hear the rustling and banging of pots “Top of the dawn to you! You must be master Gables. We missed the opportunity to exchanges acquaintances last night. My name is Latrelle Duvonde, but you can call me Chef. Feeling improved this morning, are you?”
“Yes, sir. I’m sorry for not being at the evening meal, but I think I can keep something down now. This open air sure makes you hungry.”
Chef wore a clean white apron and held a large skillet over an immaculate stove. His kitchen was neat and orderly, everything in it’s place.With a slight bob of his wrist, he flipped an omelet into the air and deftly caught in the pan.
“Fine, then. Fine indeed! I am nearly done with the eggs. Prairie falcon with bits of sugared wellack pork and some fine, fresh juniper peppers. Grow them myself, I do. The peppers, I mean, not the falcons or the wellacks. I will sound seven bells when the meal is ready to be served.”
“Do you know where I might find Captain Ansak? I want to apologize to him as well for last evening.”
“Don’t you pay that much mind to it, master Gables, the Captain completely understands. I surmise that you might find him at the outer helm atop the wheel house. He usually enjoys the early morning wind in his face and more times than not, at this time of day you’ll find him there. Mind you, take a coat, It’s a bit of a nip out there.”
Talin went back to his cabin and pulled a thick jacket woven from munsen wool out of his footlocker. When he went out onto the deck, the air felt like the inside of the chill house. He turned up the collar of his coat and buttoned it tight. He forgot to pack a pair of gloves and was now sorry he hadn’t. Digging his hands deep into his pockets, he made his way up the steps outside of the wheel house to the upper helm. The Captain and Aila were standing at the railing overlooking the quarter deck. At the wheel was a lean, but muscled member of the crew who looked no more than a few years older than himself.
“Ah, young master Talin” hailed the Captain with a bow, “I see that the spirits of the skies look favorably upon you this fine morn!”
“Did the warm cider and oat bread help any?” asked Aila.
“Yes, I think so, thank you.” Talin replied with a smile. “I’m much better after a good nights sleep.”
He stepped next to her and put his hands on the rail to steady himself. He looked out over the ship and beyond into clear blue sky. There were no land masses to be seen in any direction and the only clouds that were visible laid out like a frosty carpet far, far below.
“The open sky,” declared Captain Ansak, as if he were the proud owner, “There is nothing quite so liberating as flying in wide open skies. The trifles and burdens of the lands and nations that pass below us are all but put from one’s thoughts. It allows one a chance to reflect and ponder. Clear skies nurture a clear head. Say, would you care to take a bit of a turn at the wheel, young Talin?”
“I don’t think I should. I would loathe to think what might happen and I wouldn’t wish to be the cause of any trouble for the the ship or the crew.”
“Nonsense, lad! You’ve piloted your old Grandfather’s airskiff, it’s not that much different. The Pride is just larger and besides, we’re in open sky. There’s not a thing around that you could hit. Why, even the birds and such rarely come this high up. Rollie, why don’t you let master Talin here have a go at the helm until morning meal is served. Talin, this is Rollie, my Quartermaster. He’s not much older than yourself, actually. Used to be a navigator on a warship. When he had finished with his service duty, I hired him right out. One of the finest airfarers to set foot on any deck. He’s a born flyer, I’ll wager that. Here, lad, stand fast and get a good grip here and here.”
Talin took hold of the wheel and he could feel it try to pull from his hands. He tightened his grasp and held it steady, realizing why Rollie had developed up such a brawny build. It was not a task to be taken without a good measure of respect.
“Come about, lad and fall off.” Captain Ansak commanded calmy.
Talin averted his eyes and looked at him quizzically, “Come about and fall off, sir?”
“Coming about means to turn the ship so that either the stern or the bow passes through the wind.” Aila spoke offered, obviously having done this before. “Falling is steering away from the current and running downwind.”
“Right she is, lad. Just as she said, give the helm a fair turn starboard until we have the wind to our backs.
“Coming about and falling off, sir.” Talin acknowledged sharply.
He spun the wheel pointing the bow away from the wind and the ship abruptly lurched forward. With nothing around to compare movement, it was hard for Talin to gauge the sudden increase in speed, but he could certainly feel it in the wheel he held and the deck beneath his feet.
“Now were running downwind!” Aila assured with a big grin and her eyes wide.
“By the skies, lad, you take to this like a bird, you do.” the Captain gave him a firm slap on the shoulder. “Why, we’ll make a proper airfarer of you yet.”
Talin was just beginning to get the feel of piloting the large transport, taking his hands occasionally from the wheel to rub some warmth into them, when the ship’s bell rang seven times signaling that the morning meal was ready.
“Seven bells.” announced the Captain, “Time for us to eat. Rollie, you may resume command of the helm. I’ll have you relieved shortly. Come along, Aila, my dove, and you as well, master Talin. We don’t want to keep Chef waiting and have him let our food go cold on us now, do we?”
All but essential members of the crew were gathering in the galley hall around a large heavily varnished table. Beneath the many thick layers of varnish, carved and painted into the wood, was a silver crescent moon surrounding a golden star. Around the edges of the table were inlaid stones that gleamed bright red when the light shone upon them. Chef had set out bowls of steaming biscuits and loaves of warm bread. There were ceramic crocks that held assorted jams and jellies and a wide mouthed glass jar containing a dark amber honey. At each end of the table was placed a covered platter of what smelled like Chef’s egg omelets. Pitchers of cream and pots of tea were distributed liberally around the table. Plates, mugs and utensils had already been arranged by the Chief Steward and “To fair winds and a fine meal!”
The crew each clinked their mugs to the ones seated beside of them, took a hearty drink, and then all commenced to set into the banquet.
“As you may well surmise,” Captain Ansak commented as he loaded his plate with food, “We here on board the Pride do our work hard and we do it well and the trips can often consume vast amounts of time away from home. Comfort is a luxury not to be ignored.” He stuffed a hot biscuit into his mouth and dabbed a bit of crumb and honey from his lips. “My crew is the finest in all of the skies of the realm. They serve this ship well and I am obliged to impart to them whatever comforts possible. We work, eat, drink and live well. Each member of the crew has his own cabin, not unlike the one you presently occupy, and we have a small gaming parlor aft of the galley where they can spend their off duty time. My crew and I have been to the edge of the realm and beyond, seen many a strange sight Just then, a loud commotion could be heard in the kitchen. The sound of pots and pans hitting the floor and Chef yelling out furiously in a language Talin didn’t understand. Something slammed hard against the stove and two long rodent like creatures came scurrying out under the double doors, followed closely by Chef wielding a saucepan over his head.
“Captain, if you cannot keep those nosy pests out of my galley, I will not be held responsible for any consequences there of.”
“What have they been into now, Chef? They just want to make sure you’re not trying to poison the crew.”
“This is no jest, Captain, and I find what you said about my food in rather bad humor, if you’ll beg my pardon. About them, sir, they were trying to get into my egg basket again afore I had a chance to hang it up proper, out of their reach. Please Captain, try to find some way to keep them out from under my feet when I’m cooking.”
“The have full run of the ship, Latrelle, you know that. I’m afraid there’s not much I can possibly do aside from throwin’ them overboard.”
“That may not be a bad idea.”Chef muttered, as he went back through the doors and began cleaning up the mess.
Aila let out a slight gasp at the suggestion, and called out to the two ink black creatures that had taken refuge behind an ale cask.
“Snip Snap, come here.” she cooed softly, “Come on, up on my lap. Chef’s not going to hurt you. He went back in. Snip Snap, come on.”
She patted her lap and the two scampered out across the floor and gracefully bounded up into it. They made an odd sort of purring sound mixed with a series of low clicks as Aila stroked their silky backs and rubbed between their short, stubby ears.
Which one is Snip and which one is Snap? Talin asked, looking at their beady red eyes, “I can’t tell them apart.”
“No one can.” answered Captain Ansak rather simply, brushing crumbs and bits of food from his beard. The animals instantly sprung to the floor and pounced on the morsels, devouring them without haste, and then leaped back to take their place with Aila. “They’re called grindles, from a land at the far western edge of the realm. They supposedly mate for life and work as a team, like a single entity, as if they’re of one mind and a single thought. Mainly eating. That’s how they got their name. Snip Snap is what they do, so Snip Snap is their name.”
Talin tore off a small piece of bread and began to offer it to them, when the Captain stopped him.“ Don’t feed them by hand, lad. You’re liable to lose a finger. They catch their own meals, that’s their job. They keep the ship free from vermin that sometimes come in with the loading and spoil the cargo, or the occasional mudpidgeon that decides to make roost amongst the rigging. Some of the larger craft employ dogs, or more commonly, cats of one sort or another for the task, but they still entail a certain amount of upkeep and care. Not grindles. They do just fine on their own without our help. And Aila, my blossom, I’ve told you about that time and again. Snip Snap is not a pet. They are working members of the crew and should be treated as such. Now please put them down and let them get on
“Next stop, Caratania!” He bellowed loudly, “Mister Standrews, set a course for open sky.”
The First Mate spun the wheel half a turn and they began ascending higher and higher. Land masses were getting fewer and smaller as they climbed into the atmosphere. Many of them were capped in sheets of ice and snow, which Talin had never seen before. He wondered what it must feel like to walk in a land covered in frozen water. He marvelled at it as long as he could until the bitterly cold air finally enticed him and Aila to go inside where it was warm.
The grubby and battered exterior appearance of the ship ran quite contrary to the rather luxurious and inviting opulence of the interior. Polished metals and rich, lustrous wood adorned every surface. Aila went off to to wash up and get ready for the evening meal. Talin made his way up to the wheel house, which was a good deal larger and much more complex than the simple one on board the airskiff back at the farm. First Mate Standrews had come down from the outer helm and was now at the massive wheel inside, attentively steering the ship past the few remaining frozen masses and light clouds before they reached open sky. As Talin entered, Standrews turned briefly and gave him a cordial smile.
“I do believe that Chef Latrelle has prepared an exemplary meal in your honor this night, Master Talin. The galley is down below and just aft of the main cabins. I’ve taken the liberty to stow your gear in the second cabin, portside. You should have a spot of time to get washed up and changed, if you’re of a mind to. When Chef is ready, he’ll sound seven bells. And mind you, don’t ever call him cook. He prefers the title Chef.”
“Thank you, Mister Standrews, but I’m really not all that hungry, right now. I’ve never been up this high before and truth be told, my stomachs rather queasy and I’m feeling a little lightheaded. Maybe I’ll just go to my cabin and lie down for awhile.”
“As you wish, young squire. I’ll notify the Captain that you may be absent for some time and not to be roused. Don’t distress yourself all that much, though. The feeling fades in a short spell and you’ll get your airlegs about you.
Come sunrise, you’ll be able to dance a jig on the tip of the bowsprit!”
Talin went below and found his cabin. The foot locker had been placed at the end of the bed and a small bouquet of wild flowers was laid on the middle of the blanket. They looked like the same kind of wild flowers that grew around the edge of the meadow back home. He set them on a small desk next to the bed and sat down to remove his boots. There was a soft knock on the door and when he opened it, Aila stood there smiling, holding a pitcher and a tall mug, as well as a small loaf of bread tucked in the crook of her arm.
“I heard that you weren’t feeling well, so I brought you some warm cider and oat bread. It should help settle your stomach and let you get some sleep. I remember feeling the same way the first few times my granduncle took me into open sky. You get used to it after awhile.” She set the food and drink on the desk next to the flowers. “I see you got your flowers. Your cousin gave them to me earlier when you weren’t looking. She asked that I not let you know about them until after we had left. She said that she hoped that they would be a reminder of home and to tell you that she loves you. I feel a little silly saying that to you and giving you flowers and such. I do hope that I haven’t embarrassed you too much.”
“Not at all. I appreciate you bringing me something to eat and drink, and telling me about what Janna said. That makes me feel a little better. Thank you.”
“Well, I had best leave and let you get some rest now. Try some of the cider and bread, it helps.”
“Please give the Captain, and Chef, my apologies. Explain to them I think I just need some sleep is all.”
“I’m sure that they’ll understand. I’ll see you in the morning. Good night and pleasant dreams to you, Talin.”
“Good night to you too, Aila, and thank you also for the flowers.”
After she left, he had some of the warm cider and oat bread, then undressed and climbed into bed. The bed was quite plush and very comfortable. He pulled the soft sheet and thick blanket over him, blew out the light and closed his eyes. The ship gently swayed in the wind with a slow rhythmic motion. It had been a long, busy day, and in no time he was fast asleep. That night, he dreamed of tall grasses, jack berries and wild flowers.
The next morning he awoke to the faint smell of fried eggs and bacon. It took him a moment to realize his surroundings, as this was the first time he ever had slept in a bed other than his own. He laid there for a few moments, listening to the creaking sounds of the transport’s hull and the muffled noise of the crew as they went about their tasks. He was feeling much better, the ache in his head and stomach had subsided. His appetite had returned and the aroma wafting in from the galley enticed him out from under the warm covers. He arose, washed up quickly and got dressed. Going down the passageway to the galley hall he found he had to adjust his balance with each step in accordance to the rocking of the ship. The galley hall was vacant, but he could hear the rustling and banging of pots “Top of the dawn to you! You must be master Gables. We missed the opportunity to exchanges acquaintances last night. My name is Latrelle Duvonde, but you can call me Chef. Feeling improved this morning, are you?”
“Yes, sir. I’m sorry for not being at the evening meal, but I think I can keep something down now. This open air sure makes you hungry.”
Chef wore a clean white apron and held a large skillet over an immaculate stove. His kitchen was neat and orderly, everything in it’s place.With a slight bob of his wrist, he flipped an omelet into the air and deftly caught in the pan.
“Fine, then. Fine indeed! I am nearly done with the eggs. Prairie falcon with bits of sugared wellack pork and some fine, fresh juniper peppers. Grow them myself, I do. The peppers, I mean, not the falcons or the wellacks. I will sound seven bells when the meal is ready to be served.”
“Do you know where I might find Captain Ansak? I want to apologize to him as well for last evening.”
“Don’t you pay that much mind to it, master Gables, the Captain completely understands. I surmise that you might find him at the outer helm atop the wheel house. He usually enjoys the early morning wind in his face and more times than not, at this time of day you’ll find him there. Mind you, take a coat, It’s a bit of a nip out there.”
Talin went back to his cabin and pulled a thick jacket woven from munsen wool out of his footlocker. When he went out onto the deck, the air felt like the inside of the chill house. He turned up the collar of his coat and buttoned it tight. He forgot to pack a pair of gloves and was now sorry he hadn’t. Digging his hands deep into his pockets, he made his way up the steps outside of the wheel house to the upper helm. The Captain and Aila were standing at the railing overlooking the quarter deck. At the wheel was a lean, but muscled member of the crew who looked no more than a few years older than himself.
“Ah, young master Talin” hailed the Captain with a bow, “I see that the spirits of the skies look favorably upon you this fine morn!”
“Did the warm cider and oat bread help any?” asked Aila.
“Yes, I think so, thank you.” Talin replied with a smile. “I’m much better after a good nights sleep.”
He stepped next to her and put his hands on the rail to steady himself. He looked out over the ship and beyond into clear blue sky. There were no land masses to be seen in any direction and the only clouds that were visible laid out like a frosty carpet far, far below.
“The open sky,” declared Captain Ansak, as if he were the proud owner, “There is nothing quite so liberating as flying in wide open skies. The trifles and burdens of the lands and nations that pass below us are all but put from one’s thoughts. It allows one a chance to reflect and ponder. Clear skies nurture a clear head. Say, would you care to take a bit of a turn at the wheel, young Talin?”
“I don’t think I should. I would loathe to think what might happen and I wouldn’t wish to be the cause of any trouble for the the ship or the crew.”
“Nonsense, lad! You’ve piloted your old Grandfather’s airskiff, it’s not that much different. The Pride is just larger and besides, we’re in open sky. There’s not a thing around that you could hit. Why, even the birds and such rarely come this high up. Rollie, why don’t you let master Talin here have a go at the helm until morning meal is served. Talin, this is Rollie, my Quartermaster. He’s not much older than yourself, actually. Used to be a navigator on a warship. When he had finished with his service duty, I hired him right out. One of the finest airfarers to set foot on any deck. He’s a born flyer, I’ll wager that. Here, lad, stand fast and get a good grip here and here.”
Talin took hold of the wheel and he could feel it try to pull from his hands. He tightened his grasp and held it steady, realizing why Rollie had developed up such a brawny build. It was not a task to be taken without a good measure of respect.
“Come about, lad and fall off.” Captain Ansak commanded calmy.
Talin averted his eyes and looked at him quizzically, “Come about and fall off, sir?”
“Coming about means to turn the ship so that either the stern or the bow passes through the wind.” Aila spoke offered, obviously having done this before. “Falling is steering away from the current and running downwind.”
“Right she is, lad. Just as she said, give the helm a fair turn starboard until we have the wind to our backs.
“Coming about and falling off, sir.” Talin acknowledged sharply.
He spun the wheel pointing the bow away from the wind and the ship abruptly lurched forward. With nothing around to compare movement, it was hard for Talin to gauge the sudden increase in speed, but he could certainly feel it in the wheel he held and the deck beneath his feet.
“Now were running downwind!” Aila assured with a big grin and her eyes wide.
“By the skies, lad, you take to this like a bird, you do.” the Captain gave him a firm slap on the shoulder. “Why, we’ll make a proper airfarer of you yet.”
Talin was just beginning to get the feel of piloting the large transport, taking his hands occasionally from the wheel to rub some warmth into them, when the ship’s bell rang seven times signaling that the morning meal was ready.
“Seven bells.” announced the Captain, “Time for us to eat. Rollie, you may resume command of the helm. I’ll have you relieved shortly. Come along, Aila, my dove, and you as well, master Talin. We don’t want to keep Chef waiting and have him let our food go cold on us now, do we?”
All but essential members of the crew were gathering in the galley hall around a large heavily varnished table. Beneath the many thick layers of varnish, carved and painted into the wood, was a silver crescent moon surrounding a golden star. Around the edges of the table were inlaid stones that gleamed bright red when the light shone upon them. Chef had set out bowls of steaming biscuits and loaves of warm bread. There were ceramic crocks that held assorted jams and jellies and a wide mouthed glass jar containing a dark amber honey. At each end of the table was placed a covered platter of what smelled like Chef’s egg omelets. Pitchers of cream and pots of tea were distributed liberally around the table. Plates, mugs and utensils had already been arranged by the Chief Steward and “To fair winds and a fine meal!”
The crew each clinked their mugs to the ones seated beside of them, took a hearty drink, and then all commenced to set into the banquet.
“As you may well surmise,” Captain Ansak commented as he loaded his plate with food, “We here on board the Pride do our work hard and we do it well and the trips can often consume vast amounts of time away from home. Comfort is a luxury not to be ignored.” He stuffed a hot biscuit into his mouth and dabbed a bit of crumb and honey from his lips. “My crew is the finest in all of the skies of the realm. They serve this ship well and I am obliged to impart to them whatever comforts possible. We work, eat, drink and live well. Each member of the crew has his own cabin, not unlike the one you presently occupy, and we have a small gaming parlor aft of the galley where they can spend their off duty time. My crew and I have been to the edge of the realm and beyond, seen many a strange sight Just then, a loud commotion could be heard in the kitchen. The sound of pots and pans hitting the floor and Chef yelling out furiously in a language Talin didn’t understand. Something slammed hard against the stove and two long rodent like creatures came scurrying out under the double doors, followed closely by Chef wielding a saucepan over his head.
“Captain, if you cannot keep those nosy pests out of my galley, I will not be held responsible for any consequences there of.”
“What have they been into now, Chef? They just want to make sure you’re not trying to poison the crew.”
“This is no jest, Captain, and I find what you said about my food in rather bad humor, if you’ll beg my pardon. About them, sir, they were trying to get into my egg basket again afore I had a chance to hang it up proper, out of their reach. Please Captain, try to find some way to keep them out from under my feet when I’m cooking.”
“The have full run of the ship, Latrelle, you know that. I’m afraid there’s not much I can possibly do aside from throwin’ them overboard.”
“That may not be a bad idea.”Chef muttered, as he went back through the doors and began cleaning up the mess.
Aila let out a slight gasp at the suggestion, and called out to the two ink black creatures that had taken refuge behind an ale cask.
“Snip Snap, come here.” she cooed softly, “Come on, up on my lap. Chef’s not going to hurt you. He went back in. Snip Snap, come on.”
She patted her lap and the two scampered out across the floor and gracefully bounded up into it. They made an odd sort of purring sound mixed with a series of low clicks as Aila stroked their silky backs and rubbed between their short, stubby ears.
Which one is Snip and which one is Snap? Talin asked, looking at their beady red eyes, “I can’t tell them apart.”
“No one can.” answered Captain Ansak rather simply, brushing crumbs and bits of food from his beard. The animals instantly sprung to the floor and pounced on the morsels, devouring them without haste, and then leaped back to take their place with Aila. “They’re called grindles, from a land at the far western edge of the realm. They supposedly mate for life and work as a team, like a single entity, as if they’re of one mind and a single thought. Mainly eating. That’s how they got their name. Snip Snap is what they do, so Snip Snap is their name.”
Talin tore off a small piece of bread and began to offer it to them, when the Captain stopped him.“ Don’t feed them by hand, lad. You’re liable to lose a finger. They catch their own meals, that’s their job. They keep the ship free from vermin that sometimes come in with the loading and spoil the cargo, or the occasional mudpidgeon that decides to make roost amongst the rigging. Some of the larger craft employ dogs, or more commonly, cats of one sort or another for the task, but they still entail a certain amount of upkeep and care. Not grindles. They do just fine on their own without our help. And Aila, my blossom, I’ve told you about that time and again. Snip Snap is not a pet. They are working members of the crew and should be treated as such. Now please put them down and let them get on