Chapter 6 • Cartania
The next thing Talin realized was sounding of the morning meal bells. His head still had a mild throbbing and, at the moment, the thought of food did not exactly appeal to him, so he turned over in his bed and went back to sleep. Sometime later, there was a light knocking just outside of his cabin. He was rolled over drowsily and slowly sat up, rubbing his heavy eyes. The knock repeated louder and Talin got up and went to the door. He was still fully dressed from the night before, except for his boots. When he opened the door, Aila stood there, a little bleary eyed but with a big broad smile on her face.
“Were you asleep? Sorry to wake you, but we’re nearing Cartania and I thought you might want to come out and look. It really is a site the first time you see it.”
“Let me put my boots on splash some water on my face. I’ll be there in a instant.”
“I’ll meet you up at the bow. We can get the best view from there, and grab your coat because it can be a little windy.”
Talin stepped out on the deck and he could already see an enormous landmass shrouded in low lying clouds, rapidly approaching in the distance. He made his way forward and joined Aila at the tip of the bow. The land was immense, much bigger than he had ever imagined. It seemed to dominate the sky as opposed to the other way around. It stretched out on either side as far as he could see. The heavy cloud bank concealed the landscape beneath, but there were tall mountain peaks protruding up out of it.
“I’ve been here twice before, both times with my granduncle.” Aila related, “Once when I was very young, which I don’t remember much of, and then again a few seasons back when I came to get pre-qualified for the Ministry of Health. Then the weather was much different and you could see everything down there. The area were going over now is mainly wilderness, covered in forests. This is where the elevation is the highest on Cartania. In fact, soon we should be able to passing by the tallest point, Mount Muldekar just off the port side. We might not be able to spot it, as it’s perpetually covered in snow and may blend in with the clouds. From here, the land slopes down into wooded valleys dotted with outpost settlements and villages, and eventually spreads Talin was mesmerized by both the gigantic size of the diverse landscape below and the tremendous scope of Aila’s knowledge about it.
“How do you know so much?”
“My granduncle told me a lot of it, but some of it I learned when I was here for my qualification meeting. Don’t worry, you’ll hear all about it and more boring stuff when we start our indoctrination and education seminars at the Academy.”
I don’t find it boring at all,” Talin expressed, staring out over the expanse, “I find it fascinating.”
The sun was higher in the sky now and the clouds began to thin until Talin could make out large tracts of green fields and intermittently crisscrossed and divided by roadways and a patchwork of small plantations and hamlets. The clouds turned to a moist, light fog as the transport descended down into the low valley. When the mist eventually cleared, he was able to get a good view of the vast plain and an appreciation for how large the land truly was. He could distinguish individual buildings and dwellings and tiny specks that were people going about their day. There were a few low flying windskiff in the air and he could see assorted vehicles moving along the roads. A short distance away, a pair of large lakes fed a wide river which snaked it’s way among the fields “There it is, Talin. Our new home for the foreseeable future. We should probably head in and get our things in order. We’ll be docking soon.”
They went back to their cabins, packed and prepared to disembark from the Acadia Pride. Aila met Talin in the passage way toting a leather satchel in one hand and a duffle bag slung over her shoulder. He dragged his footlocker out of the cabin and shut the door behind him. They left their gear out on the deck next to the gangway exit and made their way to the upper helm where Captain Anak stood while Mr. Standrews manned the wheel. Not a word was mentioned about the previous night’s over indulgences.
“Good afternoon to you Aila, Talin, we’ll be landing in port shortly, once we come around to the far side, and I’m afraid we’re going to have to make it a touch and go. I want to get this shipment to the processor and let the proper authorities know about what happened to the Serpentress.”
Mr. Standrews spun the wheel, steering the ship broadly around the massive bluff, taking the longer of two possible routes around in order to avoid the prohibited range of airspace on the near side around the military docks . Talin could see white smoke pouring from holes and cavities in the craggy mountainside, adding to the band of clouds circling the mountain. Aila explained that the Citadel was powered by great steam generators that operated continuously day and night. The smoke was actually steam that emitted continuously from a series of pipes that had been installed throughout the otherwise unused tunnel system when the Citadel became modern and mechanized. The pipes ran in a complex and twisting route from the generator plants to vent steam “Well, my fine young cadets,” The Captain said with a note of sorrow in his voice, “It’s time to disembark, and part our ways. As I said, we’re going to unload a few things here and make haste to off to the processor. In the meantime, I’ve got to see the Port Master and get my manifests validated and tell a report about Kel-Banoff, so I’ll have to be seeing you off at the gate. Mr. Standrews, secure the helm and join me in the Port Master’s office, if you would. Aila, Talin, come along with me and lets get you two to the main gate. There should be someone from the Academy to meet there.”
They made their way down the stairs, across the deck and retrieved their belongings. Walking over the gangway and stepping onto solid ground for the first time in days was a little disorienting. Talin had accustomed himself to the constant swaying of the transport and his legs and feet suddenly felt wobbly and unsteady. The wind dock platform was hectic, but orderly all at the same time, an orchestrated chaos of movement all about. At the far end was a large gateway beneath an impressive arch that spanned across to two glass encased watchtowers atop the wall tops on either side. The arch was made of the same type of metal that composed the majority of the wall surrounding the Citadel, and was adorned with engraved symbols and emblems. Written across “Nayu Narshadda, what a splendid bit of fortune that we meet here like this. I see that you’ve advanced in rank since our last encounter, congratulations to you! “ Thank you, Captain Anak, and how nice it is to see you again, sir.” Welcomed the female officer, lowering her hand and stepping forward to offer her hand in reception. They exchanged cordial hand shakes and then she gestured towards her associate. “This is Lieutenant Advisor Segg Vo-Shay. Segg, may I introduce Hess Anak, Captain of the transport ship Acadia Pride. You have no doubt heard of him. He has travelled farther beyond of the civilized borders of the realm than most men still living to tell about it.”
Captain Anak shook hands with Lieutenant Vo-Shay, commenting with his customary grin, “I was just lucky and managed to retire from service before the Spirits of the Winds drew my card. The way I figure it, if they haven’t chosen for me to join them by now, chances are they aren’t likely anytime soon.”
“Knock on hardwood.” Aila uttered musingly, but with an intention of sincerity.
Her granduncle gave her a sideways glance, and smiled.
“Nayu, I’ve the privilege of hand delivering to your fine charge a more splendid pair of cadets you’re not soon likely to find. My future doctor and grandneice, Aila Anak and the next lord of the skies, master Talin Gables.”
“Aila, I’ll be your Advisor during your term of service,” informed Lieutenant Narshadda in an authoritative manner, “and Talin, Lieutenant Vo-Shay has been assigned to you. We are your immediate supervisors and liaison between the upper command. If you have any questions or concerns, no matter how small they may seem, do not hesitate to consult with us. We will escort you to the Reception and Processing Terminal as soon as you are ready. The next round of indoctrinations commences in two days, which will allow you some of the day tomorrow to get familiarized with the layout of the Academy and perhaps the city, if you so choose.”
“Well then, I’d best be gettin’ off and over to the Port Master.” Captain Anak said woefully, with a note of final resignation in his voice. “Aila, my dove, it both breaks my heart and illuminates it at the same time to let you go like this, but I know that your bound for greater things than raising grapes. The same goes for you, master Talin. There’s much to be said about berry farming, too be sure, but you have a destiny beyond Gable Hill Green of which you have a hand in determining. Just remember what your family and I’ve taught you, and you’ll do just splendidly! I should be able to return in time for your Commencement Ceremony. Fare winds, to the both of you!”
He gave Aila a big hug, gasped Talin firmly about the shoulders, then abruptly turned and headed back across the dock to the Port Master’s office.
“If you could get your gear on board and take a seat,” instructed Lieutenant Vo-Shay, “We can proceed directly to the Reception Terminal at once and try and get you processed and settled into your quad dorms before meal time.”
“Were you asleep? Sorry to wake you, but we’re nearing Cartania and I thought you might want to come out and look. It really is a site the first time you see it.”
“Let me put my boots on splash some water on my face. I’ll be there in a instant.”
“I’ll meet you up at the bow. We can get the best view from there, and grab your coat because it can be a little windy.”
Talin stepped out on the deck and he could already see an enormous landmass shrouded in low lying clouds, rapidly approaching in the distance. He made his way forward and joined Aila at the tip of the bow. The land was immense, much bigger than he had ever imagined. It seemed to dominate the sky as opposed to the other way around. It stretched out on either side as far as he could see. The heavy cloud bank concealed the landscape beneath, but there were tall mountain peaks protruding up out of it.
“I’ve been here twice before, both times with my granduncle.” Aila related, “Once when I was very young, which I don’t remember much of, and then again a few seasons back when I came to get pre-qualified for the Ministry of Health. Then the weather was much different and you could see everything down there. The area were going over now is mainly wilderness, covered in forests. This is where the elevation is the highest on Cartania. In fact, soon we should be able to passing by the tallest point, Mount Muldekar just off the port side. We might not be able to spot it, as it’s perpetually covered in snow and may blend in with the clouds. From here, the land slopes down into wooded valleys dotted with outpost settlements and villages, and eventually spreads Talin was mesmerized by both the gigantic size of the diverse landscape below and the tremendous scope of Aila’s knowledge about it.
“How do you know so much?”
“My granduncle told me a lot of it, but some of it I learned when I was here for my qualification meeting. Don’t worry, you’ll hear all about it and more boring stuff when we start our indoctrination and education seminars at the Academy.”
I don’t find it boring at all,” Talin expressed, staring out over the expanse, “I find it fascinating.”
The sun was higher in the sky now and the clouds began to thin until Talin could make out large tracts of green fields and intermittently crisscrossed and divided by roadways and a patchwork of small plantations and hamlets. The clouds turned to a moist, light fog as the transport descended down into the low valley. When the mist eventually cleared, he was able to get a good view of the vast plain and an appreciation for how large the land truly was. He could distinguish individual buildings and dwellings and tiny specks that were people going about their day. There were a few low flying windskiff in the air and he could see assorted vehicles moving along the roads. A short distance away, a pair of large lakes fed a wide river which snaked it’s way among the fields “There it is, Talin. Our new home for the foreseeable future. We should probably head in and get our things in order. We’ll be docking soon.”
They went back to their cabins, packed and prepared to disembark from the Acadia Pride. Aila met Talin in the passage way toting a leather satchel in one hand and a duffle bag slung over her shoulder. He dragged his footlocker out of the cabin and shut the door behind him. They left their gear out on the deck next to the gangway exit and made their way to the upper helm where Captain Anak stood while Mr. Standrews manned the wheel. Not a word was mentioned about the previous night’s over indulgences.
“Good afternoon to you Aila, Talin, we’ll be landing in port shortly, once we come around to the far side, and I’m afraid we’re going to have to make it a touch and go. I want to get this shipment to the processor and let the proper authorities know about what happened to the Serpentress.”
Mr. Standrews spun the wheel, steering the ship broadly around the massive bluff, taking the longer of two possible routes around in order to avoid the prohibited range of airspace on the near side around the military docks . Talin could see white smoke pouring from holes and cavities in the craggy mountainside, adding to the band of clouds circling the mountain. Aila explained that the Citadel was powered by great steam generators that operated continuously day and night. The smoke was actually steam that emitted continuously from a series of pipes that had been installed throughout the otherwise unused tunnel system when the Citadel became modern and mechanized. The pipes ran in a complex and twisting route from the generator plants to vent steam “Well, my fine young cadets,” The Captain said with a note of sorrow in his voice, “It’s time to disembark, and part our ways. As I said, we’re going to unload a few things here and make haste to off to the processor. In the meantime, I’ve got to see the Port Master and get my manifests validated and tell a report about Kel-Banoff, so I’ll have to be seeing you off at the gate. Mr. Standrews, secure the helm and join me in the Port Master’s office, if you would. Aila, Talin, come along with me and lets get you two to the main gate. There should be someone from the Academy to meet there.”
They made their way down the stairs, across the deck and retrieved their belongings. Walking over the gangway and stepping onto solid ground for the first time in days was a little disorienting. Talin had accustomed himself to the constant swaying of the transport and his legs and feet suddenly felt wobbly and unsteady. The wind dock platform was hectic, but orderly all at the same time, an orchestrated chaos of movement all about. At the far end was a large gateway beneath an impressive arch that spanned across to two glass encased watchtowers atop the wall tops on either side. The arch was made of the same type of metal that composed the majority of the wall surrounding the Citadel, and was adorned with engraved symbols and emblems. Written across “Nayu Narshadda, what a splendid bit of fortune that we meet here like this. I see that you’ve advanced in rank since our last encounter, congratulations to you! “ Thank you, Captain Anak, and how nice it is to see you again, sir.” Welcomed the female officer, lowering her hand and stepping forward to offer her hand in reception. They exchanged cordial hand shakes and then she gestured towards her associate. “This is Lieutenant Advisor Segg Vo-Shay. Segg, may I introduce Hess Anak, Captain of the transport ship Acadia Pride. You have no doubt heard of him. He has travelled farther beyond of the civilized borders of the realm than most men still living to tell about it.”
Captain Anak shook hands with Lieutenant Vo-Shay, commenting with his customary grin, “I was just lucky and managed to retire from service before the Spirits of the Winds drew my card. The way I figure it, if they haven’t chosen for me to join them by now, chances are they aren’t likely anytime soon.”
“Knock on hardwood.” Aila uttered musingly, but with an intention of sincerity.
Her granduncle gave her a sideways glance, and smiled.
“Nayu, I’ve the privilege of hand delivering to your fine charge a more splendid pair of cadets you’re not soon likely to find. My future doctor and grandneice, Aila Anak and the next lord of the skies, master Talin Gables.”
“Aila, I’ll be your Advisor during your term of service,” informed Lieutenant Narshadda in an authoritative manner, “and Talin, Lieutenant Vo-Shay has been assigned to you. We are your immediate supervisors and liaison between the upper command. If you have any questions or concerns, no matter how small they may seem, do not hesitate to consult with us. We will escort you to the Reception and Processing Terminal as soon as you are ready. The next round of indoctrinations commences in two days, which will allow you some of the day tomorrow to get familiarized with the layout of the Academy and perhaps the city, if you so choose.”
“Well then, I’d best be gettin’ off and over to the Port Master.” Captain Anak said woefully, with a note of final resignation in his voice. “Aila, my dove, it both breaks my heart and illuminates it at the same time to let you go like this, but I know that your bound for greater things than raising grapes. The same goes for you, master Talin. There’s much to be said about berry farming, too be sure, but you have a destiny beyond Gable Hill Green of which you have a hand in determining. Just remember what your family and I’ve taught you, and you’ll do just splendidly! I should be able to return in time for your Commencement Ceremony. Fare winds, to the both of you!”
He gave Aila a big hug, gasped Talin firmly about the shoulders, then abruptly turned and headed back across the dock to the Port Master’s office.
“If you could get your gear on board and take a seat,” instructed Lieutenant Vo-Shay, “We can proceed directly to the Reception Terminal at once and try and get you processed and settled into your quad dorms before meal time.”