1310 A Difficult Docking?
10 P.M
A Long stream of ships, vessels and boats of all sizes were either heading in or headed out along an invisible path on the waters.
On the ships, several people could be seen drinking, yelling or watching the view with expressions on their faces.
The salty air made everyone's throat dry.
Some were busy cleaning the ships, others were controlling the sails while another group of entitled people just stood there, mocking, pointing or marvelling at the other ships.
"What a beauty! Did you see that? Doesn't that belong to the famous Chariton Java?"
"What? The Great Chariton Java? Oh, my eyes! I can't believe we have the privilege to sail next to his fleet."
"Yes. Yes... Do you think it's everyone that can become a Chariton at his age?"
"That's right. At 29, he is already bestowed with the Chariton title after creating the Elixir of Youth! It's said that just a single bottle can fetch 20,000 silver coins!"
"Damn! Worthy of his title."
...
The voices of those aboard the neighbouring ships were just too great to ignore. Landon had a hint of interest in his eyes but didn't bother looking at the fleet belonging to this great Chariton Jave.
Elixir of Youth? Sorry, it doesn't exist.
~Swash. Swash. Swash. Swash.~
Landon, Josh and the rest of their teams rowed their little canoes carefully along the waters.
They were being smushed by these massive towering vessels. And the water waves caused by the ships made it seem like they were canoeing on a very jumpy jungle-like river.
As for trying to get a peek at Chariton Jave, why bother? They couldn't even see past the towering ships around them. So it was no use stretching their necks for nothing.
Now, their primary task was to get ashore safely, with no canoes breaking.
Fortunately, the turbulent waters below advantageously gave him a push or momentum, making their rowing less tasking. The only thing they had to control was the direction, or else they would smash into the bottom of another ship, crushing their little canoes.
.
Row, row, row the boats.
The gang rowed their boats amidst the vomiting sounds from those above.
"Hey! Hey! Come quick. Take a look at those guys below."
"Wait! if they are on those little boats, then doesn't it mean that they came from a coffee one somewhere deep in the waters?"
"Eh? I thought of that too. But take a good look over there."
"Wow! I just spotted a lady there. And there's another one again."
"Yes! You see. Men and women can't be rowing together unless they are family at best. So it's likely that they came from another ship that might have had some misfortunes out at sea. For all we know, their big ship would have sunk days ago, and they had been paddling since then for land."
"Yeah! Such a thing isn't uncommon. After all, even I have been washed ashore and struggled out in the open waters."
"Yeah! Think about it. They can't be noble or have any powers because what noblewoman would stoop so low to row a boat? Damn! Being with all you bastards aboard for months has made me miss the taste of a woman's flesh."
"Hah hah hah!~~ Old Crugo is at it again. No wonder you were analyzing the status of these ladies. Well, at least you won't suffer any repercussions when targeting them. Yes. They might be dirty-looking, but who is to say that she won't be a beauty once cleaned up?"
"I want that one!!... Hey girl! Why don't you ditch those poor bastards and come over to daddy? Look! I'll even lower a rope for you if you say yes!"
"Yeah, girl... Come on over! Our old Crugo is very vibrant and energetic for you!"
(^_^)
....
Row. Row. Row the boat.
The soldier and marine ladies, who had now become the target to these starving men, didn't even bother replying or paying them any heed.
Like ao, the whistles, name-calling and mocking voices of the men continued on nonstop, with some even throwing apples or rotten fruits at them below.
But no matter what they did, Landon's and Josh's teams were entirely focused on controlling their boats.
And soon, they finally made it to the docks, toed their boats onto the many wooden stakes, before paying one of the dock keepers around.
"Com'on 200 copper coins for each ship." The fat greedy man said with disgust.
"200? That's not fair!" One of the marine ladies said, blending in well with her role of a struggling wife.
Yup. The moment they got here, they wore their fake identities as sleeves, as though they were acting in a live-action movie.
Everyone's face turned distorted with unwillingness.
And the dock keeper, who had no idea that he was on a reality tv show, sneered at them as if looking at filth.
There was a reason why peasants typically chose to sail via general travel ships that also transported goods.
They understood that people would bully and make things difficult for themselves. Thus, they would always choose to take the risk and enter a big transport ship.
Plus, could it be possible that they could row from here to another empire out in the dangerous waters?
.
The entire group looked fearful but unwilling.
"Dock keeper! This isn't fair! How can we pay 200 copper coins for each canoe? Is this price yours for our entire stay per boat?"
The dock master's smile broadened: "No... It's per night."
"What?!" Josh exclaimed. "Surely, you must be joking. We came in 5 boats. So you mean to tell us that we will be paying you 3 months of what we make as salaries just for a single night? Are you crazy?"
That was 1000 copper coins for their small canoes per Night! Then what if they wanted to spend 10 nights here? Even Josh knew how ridiculous it was.
At best, it should be 5~10 copper coins per night. No wonder dock keepers were always wealthy. These people were committing high-end robbery!
Everyone was unwilling, about to argue things away.
But soon, a deep voice echoed out.
"Stop! What is going on here?"
Who?
Everyone turned around in confusion, only to get utterly stunned by the man approaching the scene.
Eh?
Wasn't this Chariton Java?
