I know this is the third version, sorry i keep updating it but i keep getting irritated at my own writing. Anyway Id love a review if anyone liked this- or hated it and wants to point out my no doubt endless mistakes. Any constructive critiscim is more than welcome. :)

Setting out

Chapter 1

The moment I woke up, I knew something bad had happened during my celebration of my newfound freedom. My head was aching and my vision blurry, and while this is normal for me on any given morning, I usually find my way back home before falling asleep. Not so today; instead I was lying on the ground in what appeared to be a holding cell – the unsavory smells of the place clued me in –and a man in the uniform of the city guard was bending down over me. As he started shaking me, I realized I had almost certainly been arrested and would soon take the same journey as any other criminal arrested in the city of Vestra – Down the river and onto a plantation if I had only committed a petty crime, into the mines if it was something serious like rape or murder- unless I could make him change his mind.

At last the guard seemed to realize I was trying to speak, and after shaking me a few more times, dropped me to the floor before leaving. I knew not to believe that he had taken pity on me – Vestran city-guards are notorious for their lack of compassion with poor godforsaken drunks and other wretches – but I couldn't help hope he had recognized me and was sending word to my family of my predicament. Unfortunately he had.

.

With the sound of laughter in my ears I struggled to get to my feet, shaking off the cold water that had just been poured over me. At least the water had cleared my head somewhat, enough for me to focus on the face of the man who had just thrown a bucket of water on me. Without the blurriness from our last meeting I easily recognized him as a particularly obnoxious guard I have had plenty of run-ins with in the past.

"Very funny Rex! Water in the face to wake me up, remember last time you did that?", I said as I moved closer to shorten the distance between us. I was relieved that it was someone I knew since I probably wouldn't end up on a barge headed inland if my uncle knew where I was, but I was also pissed off.

"Yeah, I remember putting you down like a mad dog when you took a swing at me Michael, want to give it another try?", Rex said, still laughing, not in the least worried by my threatening posture or the anger on my face.

"I allowed you to win that fight Rex and you know it. In fact, ill prove It", I said, before closing the distance between us, determined to give him his justly deserved reward.

When I got back up from my attempt to take Rex down, I had cooled down a little from my initial anger at his highhandedness, although the grin on his face was enough to make me consider a second attempt. Not that I have much hope of taking him down, after all he spent the last ten years training as a soldier – being a guard is merely preparation for a life as a mercenary – while I spent the last ten years being taught mathematics and seamanship to take over for my father. Still, I could always try to do some damage, even if I took a beating.

For a few moments we just stared at each other, waiting for the other to make the next move – in the end Rex just started talking and I decided I'd better listen and hear what he had to say.

"Any other person who did what you just did would be going away for a long time, I hope you realize that Michael. I doubt even your family can keep you off the block for long if you start attacking members of the guard ", he said in a stern voice.

"You know as well as I do that my family would never allow me to serve a sentence on the plantations, not when they have so many great plans for me", I answered, while trying to suppress the bitterness that welled up in me whenever I thought about my future.

"You should be grateful that your family is willing to give you a ship of your own, instead of using it as an excuse to set taverns on fire while your drunk – that's why you're in here if you've forgotten", Rex said, looking more than a little jealous at the thought that I would get my own ship. If only he could take my place….

"Are you even aware of how many rumors are going around about you right now, how many people are just waiting for a chance to use you? Even I know how bad this could get, and I've hardly received your level of training in the political arts", he continued, cutting into my daydream.

"What do you want me to say Rex? What I'm sorry for getting into a fight down in that tavern? Sure I'm sorry I caused trouble down there, even if I don't remember putting the place on fire", I said, feeling a sting of anger that he dared to judge my actions. He had no right!

"I'm not asking you to give me an excuse, I'm asking you to consider what this could do to your family, what it could do to you in the long run". When I didn't say anything he sighed.

" You´re free to leave Michael, since your uncle made some kind of deal with the owner of the tavern and he won't press charges for the damages - this time. Better stay away from that tavern in the future though, if you know what's good for you - the owner has sworn to throw you in the harbor if he sees you again and I'm pretty sure he's serious about that"

"Guess I can't really blame him for protecting his property", I said, suppressing my anger and trying to be civil, even though I'd rather remain silent.

" No, you can't blame him for that; anyone would do the same if you threatened the livelihood of their families. It's just good sense and you know it", Rex said, once again trying to sound stern.

" Anyway, I have a meeting so I'd better get going. Want me to show you the way out?"

"No, just get going", I said. "I have certainly been here often enough to find my own way out, and right now I need some time to think and calm down before leaving."

"Fair enough, the others will let you out when you get smart enough to go home", he said before turning around and leaving.

The thought of walking through the door leading into my uncles office filled me with unease as I moved forward to knock. I could easily imagine my uncles reaction to hearing about my latest adventure, and besides the office used to be my father´s whenever he visited Vestra. Still, it was better to get this meeting over with, so I could get back to my room and into some clean clothes.

After knocking I waited for what felt like an eternity, before the door was opened.

"Come inside Michael", my uncle said, clearly as angry as I have ever seen him, before he turned around, never noticing that I almost stepped back upon seeing him. Not that I am terrified of him, but whenever I look at him lately I realize how much he has changed over the course of the last half year. Gone are the fine clothes, the monocle, and all the little things he used to wear to show himself of as a man of culture and learning. Instead he wears much simpler attire, workman's clothes really, if such a thing existed for a merchant or an upper class citizen. And the changes doesn't end there, since he has brought his choice of lifestyle into his office -which means that the expensive paintings, the lush carpets and the richly ornamented furniture my father loved have been replaced by much simpler alternatives.

"We need to discuss a small problem that has come up, which is why I called you here today". my uncle said, and I quickly decided to focus my attention on him, wondering what problem might be more important than chewing me out. Not that there has been a shortage of problems ever since my father died, in fact our family seems to go from situation to situation while trying to figure out who we owe money and who we have contracts with – apparently my father never bothered to update the records, so my uncle has one hell of a time getting a handle on things.

I still remember the first time an angry merchant came by, demanding to know where his wares were, wares he had been awaiting for three weeks. We denied any knowledge of the matter as a matter of course, and told him that he had to be mistaken, since neither of us could find any mention of him or this supposed deal. Unfortunately he was able to produce a legitimate contract, stating that the signatory, my father, agreed to take on the delivery of a large cargo of iron from Idun, to be delivered at a warehouse in the city of Vestra. As to payment, one half would be paid up front, and the other half would be paid upon delivery, as is tradition everywhere in the inner sea. As is also tradition, in the event of noncompliance with the terms of the contract, my father had agreed to repay the first half of the payment along with reimbursement for whatever losses the merchant´s business would suffer as a result.

Since when a dozen others have come forth with similar claims against us, pushing my uncle to the brink of collapse, while at the same time almost ruining our family, so I pay attention whenever my uncle starts speaking of problems.

``What happens to be the problem this time uncle, another claimant who wants reimbursement for a broken contract? Or maybe another gambling debt we somehow have to figure out how to cover without selling off any more of our property? ``, I asked, fearing the answer but at the same time curios.

"No, Michael, nothing quite so dire, at least not for the family fortune, though I know you will feel differently", my uncle said, trying for a smile and failing miserably since it was clear he had a hard time controlling his anger.

"As you know, the Kirin has spent the last half year in the docks waiting for its new captain to come aboard, so that she might take on her old duties as our family ship. ", my uncle said, while looking at me, trying to gauge my reaction and at the same time giving me a chance to prepare for what were to come.

After a few seconds he continued, "I am aware of your objections to captain her, I know you hated the years you spent aboard her alongside your father, I know you believe you yourself unfit to be a captain, or even a common sailor. I even know it was your dream to stay right here in Vestra, learning to manage our estates while leaving the captaincy to your brother. To tell you the truth I would have liked for you to take over my duties here as well, but neither of us has a choice in the matter. ", he said, the anger gone from his face and voice.

For a moment I just looked at him trying to figure out that I could say what he would accept as a legitimate excuse, though I could come up with nothing. After all I had already spent months trying to somehow wriggle my way out of my obligations, knowing I had to come up with something before the end of winter. After that, my mourning period would be over, at least according to Vestran law and tradition, and so I would become eligible to take on important duties again. In fact, people would expect me to be eager to take on my father's burdens, and to carry on his legacy of service to our fair city.

´´Surely someone else can do it uncle, what about Hayan, fathers first mate? He sailed with father upon the Kirin for thirteen years before father's death; surely he is more than capable of taking over as captain? `, I asked, though I already knew the answer would be unfavorable to my cause.

"Hayan is a fine sailor, with great experience and skill, someone upon which you will surely come to depend as captain, since he knows the ways of the seas far better than you. Still, he is not part of our family, and furthermore, lacks the knowledge of economic matters that has been taught to you ever since you were a boy. Those are things that qualify you to be a captain, even if you need his help with the ship. And of course, there are other reasons I am sending you away, things that give me little choice but to get rid of you for the time being", he said, and I knew he had not forgotten anything before continuing

"Frankly I need you to get out of town for a while, get away from all the problems you have gotten yourself tangled up in. We -and by this I mean the entire family - cannot afford to continue bailing you out, expending valuable political and economic capital every time you cause a problem. At least not while we´re still trying to clean up the mess your father left".

Looking into his determined face I realized I had almost certainly already lost the fight, but I also knew I had to fight this to the end. I hate the very thought of sailing, especially on the Kirin

"But uncle", I started saying, before being cut off.

"Enough, Michael, I gave orders for the Kirin to be prepared for journey weeks ago. The only reason she was waiting was because you weren't eligible as captain, which you by my reckoning became three days ago, just before the latest incident", he said, before continuing in a softer voice, "all you really have do is check up on our contacts in the Silver Isles and deliver on our remaining contracts before we slide even deeper into debt. You`ll see, it`ll be an easy task and you'll be back to visit soon enough. "

And of course I won't be here to cause trouble, I thought before nodding stiffly.

2: Chapter 2

Finally got this out of my head, it has been irritating me for days- anyway this is probably a little rougher (or a lot rougher ;) when the first chapter so feel free to criticize.

Chapter 2

"How can this place not bother you, Michael? Its revolting.", my uncle said, clearly disgusted by his surroundings. Not that I blame him - the constant screams from seabirds attracted to the remains/offal thrown overboard from fishing boats, combined with the smells and sounds of sailors on- and offloading cargo, makes a harbor a rather nasty place.

"It's not that I'm particularly fond of this place uncle, I've just grown used to the unpleasantness of harbors after visiting so many", I answered calmly, suppressing my satisfaction so it wouldn't show in my voice –I had only asked him to accompany me down to the Kirin because I knew he would have a hard time getting used to the harbor.

As we continued down the dock I looked at my uncles green face and the handkerchief he used to block out the smells. It was certainly a fitting revenge for sending me out to sea – after all why shouldn't he suffer as I do? – And there was no reason for me to feel pity for him. He deserved it.

Still, it wouldn't do any harm if I distracted him a little from his torment, and it would give me something other than our goal to think about.

"So where am I going anyway, uncle", I asked, dreading the answer but needing to hear it.

"To Idun and when onwards to the silver isles, Hayan knows the details since he planned the journey", he mumbled, too caught up in feeling bad for himself to answer properly. Not that I cared much, I had just realized I could see the Kirin up ahead and it served as one hell of a distraction.

Maybe this won't be so bad after all, I thought, as I looked at her newfound glory. Someone had repainted her with the bright colors of merchantships everywhere, and it had somehow managed to make her look like a new ship rather than an old battered galley. Looking at her I felt a longing I had never realized was there – a longing for the days spent on her decks watching the coastline of Terena – the continent to the north – pass by, as the wind steadily pushed us forward in search of adventure. I remembered days spent exploring as a boy, discovering a thousand things that filled my heart with wonder and dread.

Looking around I realized my uncle and the servants were staring at me, no doubt wondering why I had stopped in the middle of a crowded dock, surrounded by sailors trying to make their way around us while throwing angry looks in our direction. Meeting my uncle's eyes I could almost see the thoughts overwhelming his nausea –so I quickly moved forward towards the Kirin before he could ask any questions I dident want to answer.

As we got closer to the ship I noticed an old gray-bearded sailor with a wide smile on his face waving at me from the deck. For a moment I wondered what caused him to act like this, I certainly didn't recognize him and it seemed unlikely any of the crew would recognize me. Well, not as captain at least, though it's possible I have met some of them – or rather, most of them - before. After all, while I haven't made a habit of coming down to the docks themselves during the last half-year, I admit to having spent far more than my share of time in taverns and inns - places often frequented by sailors and other riffraff.

Taking a closer look at his features I finally recognized him as Hayan, the first mate upon the Kirin, though he seemed to have aged greatly in the years since I had last seen him. Of course that was five years ago, before my father left me in the keeping of my uncle, so I knew many things would have changed. I just never realized people would change as well.

For a moment I hesitated, unsure of what to do before hurrying forward while feeling my lips turn upwards into a smile of my own. This meeting was one of the few things I had truly looked forward to, yet it had also been something I had dreaded. Making my way up the plank, I almost slipped into the harbor, before Hayan grasped my hand, and pulled me onto the ship.

"Good to see you Hayan, it's been far too long since last time", I said, trying to look like less off a fool when I felt, though I knew I had just opened myself to an endless stream of jokes and banter. Well it could have been worse – had been last time I was aboard the Kirin.

"It's good to see you too, Michael", he said still smiling, and for a moment I thought he might actually start laughing at me, but when it seemed as if a shadow crossed his face.

"Me and the ship, and off course those who remain of the old crew, have been waiting for you to come back ever since your father died, Michael. We were hoping you'd decide to take his place, though I for one would have understood if you'd rather sell her off than sail her", he said, before asking the question I knew he had been burning to ask ever since he saw me on the docks.

"So why have you returned anyway, Michael? I'd have said nothing could make you return short of a direct order from the city council and they only give those during wartime when every ship is pressed into the king´s service. And yet here you are anyway, getting ready to board the Kirin for a great journey across the inner sea to Idun and beyond. Not that you're not welcome, but it makes one wonder what precisely made you come here", he said, looking inquiringly into my eyes.

"Family business Hayan, I simply don't have a choice unless I'm willing to see my family beggared in the street… or at least made a laughingstock off for the entire city", I said, before continuing

"The last half-year have mauled us pretty badly financially, you've no doubt heard the rumors- but the worst damage has been to our credibility as a serious merchant family. Sending out someone from the family is just the best and simplest way to restore at least some of that credibility".

"So that's why. Figured it'd be something like that with all the stories about the Heian family breaking contracts and coming up short on payments that have been going around. In fact I've wondered more than once if you'd even have the money to get the Kirin sailing again, even if you decided to give it a try. Sounds as if you're almost broke already and its expensive to outfit even a small galley. Something the Kirin`s size...", Hayan said.

"Well we have the money - we could always use the mansion and the plantations as collateral or even sell them off if it comes to that. And since I don't have a choice but to go, well, seems like we`ll get going. In fact id better ask what preparations we need to do before we can leave? After all I am supposed to be the new captain", I said nervously, knowing that Hayan had most likely prepared everything in advance. Still, wouldn't hurt to ask and show an interest in his work even if he wouldn't expect me to do much besides serving as a symbol for the Heian family.

"Not much left to do really, after all your uncle asked me to prepare the ship weeks ago. I've spent that time hiring more oarsmen since I let the old ones go last winter, didn't seem to make much sense paying their wages when I didn't know if we`d ever even leave this place. I have also hired a small company of mercenaries for security and fighting, bought provisions for the journey and of course restocked on fresh water for the crew and passengers."

"So you're saying we`re ready to leave?", I asked, dreading the answer to my question even as i spoke.

"Not really, we still lack a few necessities, not to mention we have to wait for the carracks over there to get loaded. Wouldn't be much point in going otherwise, since they're paying us for protection from privateers out of Caidun. Besides, the last few passengers are still coming onboard as we speak, can't really take off without them", he said, before continuing

"In fact I'd better get back to work and make sure every passenger gets onboard as soon as possible, along with the remaining cargo of course, though that´s only a few specialty items. Still, I have to be sure everything is stored right before setting sail, and some of the crew are a little green to be loading the ship without supervision."

"Fine, I'll see you later, once we put out to sea we´ll have plenty of time to talk. In the meantime ill just find my own way to the captain's cabin, after all it's not that hard to find", I said, to which Hayan merely nodded before walking away.

Turning back to my uncle who had waited silently behind me while I spoke to Hayan, I couldn't help myself but tease him a little bit.

"So, want to come onboard and help me clean out the captain's cabin?", I asked, not even bothering to hide my grin at the nausea on his face.

For a moment he just looked at me as if I was something disgusting he`d found under his boot, before answering

"I'd love to Michael, but unfortunately I have other business to attend to… family business you know how important it is to be there on time especially right now. In fact I'll have to take my leave right now- See you upon your return", he said before hurrying off - with the servants close at his heel, leaving my baggage standing on the dock.

For a moment I wondered if it might be worth it to simply push it of the dock before walking away Probably not, since I would become known as a dishonorable cur, who deserted his family in their time of need - Which meant no man would give me work. With a sigh I tried to lift it up and carry it aboard ship.

Finding the captain`s cabin was easy enough, I´d visited it more than once during my time on the Kirin when I went there for my lessons and occasional punishments- besides which, on every galley I have ever seen the cabin was placed on the afterdeck , and the Kirin is no exception.

This didn't explain why I had been standing outside the door for the last few minutes, but sometimes it's hard to shake of a conditioned response - such as not entering when not invited. Especially than you know what the consequences will be. Or would have been.

Overcoming my fear proved harder than i had imagined it would be, but in the end the knowledge that two sailors were standing behind me finally spurred me forward. Reaching out with a shaking hand I pushed the door, hoping that it would be blocked somehow, but of course it opened easily on well-oiled hinges -Thank you Hayan, another job well done.

I quickly steeped into the room, clamping down on my growing anxiety so the sailors wouldn't notice anything and when waited for them to put down my baggage and leave.

As soon as they were out of the room I started looking around, still somewhat nervous, noticing the chaos my father must have lived in before he died. Everywhere the signs of neglect were obvious, trash and old clothes had just been thrown, as if nothing in here had been of value or interest. The one exception was a table with an old bust of Omar the Great, seventh king of Idun – even he hadn't dared to dishonor the memory of the founder of the first colony on Vestra, since it would be sure to turn the crew against him.

Cursing the Vestran tradition that all merchant captains take care of themselves aboard ship, I started to throw everything out into the corridor in an effort to clean the room as fast as possible – it still took me nearly an hour before the room was ready for me to move my things in, which gives you some idea of just how disgusting it was.

Taking a look outside the door I sighed. The things I had thrown outside were still cluttering the corridor, instead of conveniently disappearing as they would have back at the mansion. At least I wouldn't have to carry it all away, since some of it was probably valuable - in fact it would probably be best to just put it into a barrel or crate of some sort, and then keep it in a corner of my cabin until I figured out what to do with it. Or just threw it overboard, whatever seemed easiest.