“Do you remember all the important parts of a ship?” Father gave him stern eyes. There was a moment’s delay.

“The hull?”

“Okay. Tell me the components of the hull.” Father’s eyes were much the same.

“The mast?”

“Rodger,” father sighed. “You’ve come to the yard countless times before. I know the lads have shown you some of their work in assembly.”

Was Father disappointed? Rodger’s gaze fell.

Rodger’s father, William Krugle, was the owner of the shipyard at Hindon. Hindon was a small port town found in Beneatha Bay, in the south-west of mighty Monrosia. Of all of the Fire Countries in the Central Worlds, Monrosia was the strongest. Hindon’s covert location was far from any major trade lines, which made Hindon a quiet port. Basic shipment of produce and materials to supply the south-western towns were all that really came through this port. Most real trade was shipped to Trough, the southernmost port of Monrosia.

Business with the sea made the Krugle’s an important family in the town. They ensured trade, made Hindon a safe place to dock, encouraged business with the slight attraction of merchants, and gave many of the towns folk jobs, whether it be in the shipyard or by the docks. Rodger was to inherit this all, so learning the business was duty his father expected of him. Today, father and son stood in the main assembly house of the shipyard.

“Could you at least remember any of these parts?” Father questioned. “It’s been a few days.”

“I remember what they look like, and where they go.” Rodger contested. The boy had seen ship crafting since before he could walk. It’s not like he had learned nothing.

“Yes. Okay. Tell me what you remember.”

“The big long part starts at the bottom, so that…” but the boy’s gaze fell again. “I don’t remember the names.”

“The names are important, Rodger. You should remember them.” Father’s voice was tough.

“But I know what goes where.” The young one murmured. Why was father so serious anyway?

“That’s good, son. But it sounds like you’ll end up working duties alone. How will you talk with the lads if you can’t name what you’re working on?”

“They’ll see it.”

“And if you need to instruct them on what to gather, or to build, what to plane, or fasten? It’s gonna be slow progress, your work.”

No answer would come to mind. Was it such a big deal? There was just too much to remember. Rodger wasn’t sure if he could remember every single detail. But Father gave a comforting hand to the boy’s shoulder. The man’s mood seemed to lighten.

“Don’t look so sad, boy. You’ll get it all soon.” he smiled. “What you need is some time at sea. Then you’ll really wish you knew everything.”

Sea. He’d been out at sea, with Father. But Rodger was much too young to remember any of it. Father and the lads had talked about how they had sailed to Kwasson, to Olivia, and even as far as the High Countries. It was said to be dangerous to sail that way. A different sort of peoples lived there. Rodger heard that the High-Country folk were twice as tall as a human. But Father also said that those folks were truly the strongest sailors around. No storm could stop a High-Country man from sailing. Rodger would have love to see such folk.

But going to sea didn’t mean much right now. Rodger couldn’t remember what all the ship parts were called. At least he knew Father wasn’t mad.

One of the lads out in the yard called out to the older man. Father turned to see the lad standing with some bearded man. A customer most likely. The customer approached and greeted Father. He then smiled at Rodger.

“Good day, young Rodger. I’m sure you’ll be making finer ships than your father, the famous William Krugle, very soon.”

Rodger tried to smile back. Tried. Was father really that famous? Father took the customer out to talk in the shipyard.

Something scattered at Rodger’s feet. A pebble. Rodger looked about until another one hit him right on the head. Giggling came from the back, and Rodger knew who he would find. He found two familiar faces behind the shed, laughter eager to burst.

First was Kwinsal, the young elf of town. It seemed his family had been openly accepted into Hindon, being a port town. Anywhere else, they would have found trouble.

Second was Venturious, the daring. He was the bravest kid that Rodger had ever known. He was never scared and never weak. Rodger wished he was that strong.

“How’s your head?” Venturious asked, still giggling.

“I am soo sohwy…” Kwinsal said, his accent evident on his voice. Rodger was still holding his head where it pained, but was happy to see his friends, regardless.

“Did you have to get me on the head?” Rodger sighed.

“Noh.” Kwinsal told, then turned his glance to Venturious. “But yoh head was soo big. It was the best tahget.” The other two broke out in laughter.

“What are you two doing here?” Rodger wondered.

Venturious smiled and stood with proud.

“You think we couldn’t sneak in here? Piece of cake! All the lads are too busy.”

“Piece oh cake!” Kwinsal echoed.

“And besides,” Venturious turned his glance to Kwinsal who smiled back. “It’s your Firstday today. We got plans planned. Remember?”

There was disappointment on Rodger’s face, but he was glad they remembered his firstday.

“I have duties in the yard today. I don’t think I can make it.” he explained.

“But it’s your firstday.” Venturious mentioned. “Just ask your dad. He’ll let you go, won’t he? We’re all meeting at ‘the spot’ in an hour. At the 15th bell.”

Rodger’s eyes fell again.

“I don’t know.” Rodger told them. “I haven’t been doing that good. Father says that my duty is important.”

“It is important.” Father voice stepped in. The man appeared before the three boys, Kwinsal quickly jumping back to escape.

“What are you two doing back here?” the man questioned.

Venturious stared straight back to him.

“It’s Rodger’s firstday today, Sir. We came to visit him.”

“I know my own son’s firstday, boy. Why wasn’t I informed we had visitors?”

Kwinsal shrieked and prepared to flee, but Venturious stood. The boy then explained,

“We planned to take Rodger, Sir. We all made special plans last quarter.” Venturious’s confession worried the other two into uneasiness.

“Well, I had plans of my own for Rodger.” the man added. “He has duties to finish.” The man gazed at his son enforcingly. Rodger couldn’t meet those eyes, like his brave friend could.

“Did you hear me? We’re busy.” Father scowled. “Come back later!”

The two turned to leave.

“Goodbye, Mr. Krugle.” they both said. Kwinsal gave a short bow, then paced away. With the others gone, Father refaced his son.

“That’s nice of them to visit,” the man smiled, but only for a second.” but we have things to do.”

“We had plans today. I didn’t know I had to come here to work duties.” the boy said under his breath.

“Just go afterwards. We won’t be here long.”

“We’re supposed to meet everyone really soon.”

“It’s gonna have to wait, son.”

—–

Out in the shipyard, the lads were cutting planks. 8-foot saw blades growled. With men on each side, they pulled the saws back and forth, like an even match of tug-o-war, the saw teeth tearing into wood. Under Lucifer, the bright star of day, the lads pulled. Some with their shirts off as sweat dripped off steaming flesh. Rodger saw their muscular physiques. Then he looked to Father, worried he too had to now work that hard. Some of the lads called out to Father,

“Come on, William! Get your shirt off and show the boy how it’s done!”

“Not today, lads.” Father laughed. “He’s learning management for now”

“Oh, come on!” said Ian, one of the lads Rodger knew. “You still think you’re the fast chippo’ in the yard, Willo’? The lads haven’t seen you on the tools in a long while!”

Father shook his head and laughed. “Who do you think finished off the three dames out there in the shore house last night, huh? Havn’t seen me on the tools… The nerve, some of yas…”

“Doesn’t count if we didn’t see it” some of the lads told

“Oh, Come on!” Father couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Ask Mordi” Father looked towards Mordeagan. With a cheeky smile that lad put his hands in the air like he didn’t know what father was talking about.

“Arrhh! See!” the lads laughed. “Show the boy real main-man of the shipyard, Willo’!”

“I think the hardest working man here needs his rest, don’t you think, lads?” Then father commanded “And get back to work!” The lads laughed and got back to their duties. Just like that they listened. Rodger could see that everyone loved Father. They were all happy to joke and laugh with him, but listened to him when he was serious.

Father then pointed to some lads behind him, smoothing out planks with planes and chizels.

“Do you know what they’re making?” Father asked.

“Planks?”

“Well, obviously planks. But what sort of planks exactly”

Rodger knew what they were. But the name…

“They’re garboard strakes, son.” the man answered himself.

“I know what they’re for! They join with the long… piece thing’o… to…” he truly knew what went where. But naming everything was a different matter.

Father and Rodger went about the shipyard, passing more of the lads at their duties. Big Tom, easily the most recognizable lad, called out to Rodger.

“Happy Firstday, young laddy! The wife is baking you a big juicy pie for tonight. I’ll bring it to your father at the end of the day. How’s that sound?” To Rodger, it sounded delicious. Aunt Beth always made Big Tom the best food. Likely why he was so big. But Rodger was surprised the lad knew it was his firstday. Soon all the lads gave Rodger a firstday greeting.

Then Rodger remember he was missing the plans with the other kids. Mr. Krugle recognized his son’s distant sigh. The man knew what the boy was thinking. Looking at his son again, this time he saw that Rodger was still just a boy, at his duties on his ninth firstday.

“Go catch up with the others.” Father ordered.

Rodger peered up, surprise in his eyes.

“What? With who?” the boy looked to his sides at the lads, trying to figure out who he was to work with.

“With Gizelle’s son. And the elf boy.” Father clarified.

“But my duties?” Rodger didn’t want to disappoint Father. Duties were essential for a man, Rodger knew. But he also didn’t want to miss out on plans with the other kids.

“We’ll continue tomorrow” Father gestured out towards the town. Rodger’s shock turned to shine. His expression lit up like Lucifer’s light at the calm of a storm. He looked to see if Father was serious. The man answered the boy’s expression.

“Go on, now!” and pointed out the front gates of the shipyard. Rodger followed the order and ran for the gate.

He had to hurry up. Running out the gates, Rodger noticed the clock next to the shipyard sign. It was 5 minutes to the 15th bell. He was going to be late. ‘The spot’ was far on the other side of the port town. The shipyard was on the south-east of Hindon, which sat on the eastern coast of the bay. ‘The spot’ was north-west from Hindon, further inland than the town was. It was going to take more than half a bell to get there. And Rodger, himself, was not the fittest kid in town.

First, Rodger had to run through Hindon. The shops looked as if they were preparing for the afternoon crowds. Tables and chairs were being set outside, produce and goods were wheeled out on their stands, and the smell of coal, flame and food sizzled into the air.

Rodger stopped by Gizelle’s snack house to see if Venturious was there. Not a sign of anyone except for Gizelle, Venturious’s mother, who was inside polishing cups. She was a beautiful lady, with olive skin and lovely, long, light-brown hair. The lady saw Rodger outside and shook her head, indicating that no one was about. Her attention made Rodger very shy, and he ran off lest he started to feel more bashful.

Hitting the road, Rodger was soon out of town. Rodger heard the bell of the next hour as he was passing the fields. It was the 15th bell. He had to be there, and soon! He saw the woods ahead where the spot was hidden and trailed off the road in that direction to save time. The boy was already too tired to continue running, but he paced as best as he could. The woods were dark. The thick branches and wide leaves of Viridia elms blocked out most the light from Lucifer, up above. Familiar as the back of his hand, Rodger walked into the shade of trees. It was minutes of moving and swaying, from this side to that side, careful stepping to avoid tripping on protruding roots, and the brushing and sweeping with his hands to clear off any low branches or undergrowth in the way. This went on until he finally caught sight of the small cabin.

‘The spot’ was a tiny structure built of log that had been abandoned for some time. The kids had found it unoccupied and claimed it as their own. Rodger moved closer, when he though he noticed a man in a red old fashioned cloak, hidden behind the corner of the walls. Rodger knew it was nonsense as no one dressed that way anymore, but checked to see if somebody was really there. Not a sign. The voices indoors prompted him to hurry inside.

The boy opened the door and found 5 young children standing and seated around a table. A girl and her brother sat as they talked. They were Tinsley and Thomas, children of Papa Jeb and Sister Luu from the chapel. Rodger thought Tinsley was cute and often shied away as he did.

The next boy was Adrian, the smallest of the lot. He had big brown eyes like his father, which made them both seem younger than they were. His father was an assembler at the shipyard. Adrian was 9 cycles old just like Thomas and Rodger were now.

Next was little Kwinsal, with his straight black hair. Apparently it was an elf feature. Kwinsal’s mother as well, seemed to have very long, straight, and silky black hair.

And last was Venturious. Venti they called him, with his brown, wavy mane, and his unavoidable deep eyes. He stood discussing the plan until they all heard Rodger’s arrival.

“Hey!” Greetings and smiles filled the room and their faces.

“Merry firstday, buddy.” Adrian greeted, shaking Rodger’s hand.

“I thought you couldn’t come! Lucky you’re here.” Tinsley said. Rodger was unsure what to say to her. Luckily, Venti interrupted.

“He’ll tell us all about it soon. We have to prepare, or we’ll be too late.”

The kids heard his seriousness and all followed suit. Rodger found his place next to Adrian and took a seat to catch his breath.

“Adrian and Tinsley will harvest.” Venturious ordered. “Try to get a good yield on what different things you can.”

The two nodded in confirmation.

“Thomas, you’ll man the outside and load up as Tins and Adrian pass the supply.”

Thomas flexed his strong arms. He was the biggest of the lot and knew his strength was his advantage.

“Kwinsal,” Venti smiled at his buddy. “You man the fire power.”

The young elf shot him a dark look.

“Oh. I mean, you ‘handle’ the fire power. Sorry.” Venti added, feeling guilty. He continued,

“Now Rodger, your part is important.”

The plump boy nodded.

“You’ll need to sit tight for a few minutes.” Venti went on. “You need to give the first three some time to work. But not too much time. They might be unlucky if things go on for too long.”

Everyone hardened their faces at that, but were determined, none the less. Rodger then asked,

“How long do you think?”

“About a toc”

Rodger nodded

“And 30 tics” Venti added.

Rodger nodded again.

“Okay after that, that’s when you’ll walk in from down the street. Meginley has to notice you! That’s when you play your part. Hopefully this all works out.”

Rodger was scared about what he was getting in to, but he did not want to let the others down. They all planned for this, and especially for his firsday. It was a bit late to say otherwise. Rodger nodded in acknowledgment.

“Okay. And me,” Venti pointed to himself. “I’m gonna hold the front. I’m gonna make sure the focus is on me. Miginley will keep his eyes on me as soon as he sees me. So that’s when everyone starts.”

“Sana isn’t coming, is she?” Rodger wondered. She was Rodger’s best friend. Their families were both wealthy and so they saw each other more than they saw the other kids.

“Nah.” Venti told. “Her mother says she’s got study. I think the woman doesn’t like us.”

“It’s cause they’re rich.” Tinsley mentioned.

The cabin was now quiet. The six young kids contemplated what they were about to do. No one disagreed to the plan and all were ready. Except for Rodger. He was still quite nervous. He wasn’t sure if he was ready to face the consequences, especially after his father let him go.

“Alright. Let’s do it!” Venti called.

Thomas slammed the table and stood as the rest called out.

“Yeah!”

And the party of 6 moved out.