The Exile Son: The Mistshade

Beads of sweat ran down Thame’s face as he mopped the deck as the sun beamed down on him. Calluses had begun to form on his hands. Three weeks of laboring on the sea had passed since Thame was taken in by Kharune - the Muldahin ship captain. He was still growing accustomed to working aboard a ship rather than sailing as a passenger. Thame had been terrible at every task he had been set to, catching the ire of Kharune’s son, Albesh. He thought back the first time he had met Albesh.

***

“This is Albesh, he’s only a few years older than you so ya ought to get along. He’ll be the one showing you the ropes around here.”

Albesh was different to his father in appearance. He was shorter and thinner by comparison and allowed his hair to grow, which he kept in shoulder-length dreadlocks. He looked Thame up and down and scowled. “Where did you find this runt floating about?”

Thame had opened his mouth to speak but Kharune raised a hand to silence any words he may have spoken. “Don’t be treating a new member of our crew like that, boy. This one here is a prince from across the sea. He survived that nasty storm that came out of nowhere. He and I have a deal. Ya best play nice with each other, I won’t be having children fighting one another in my crew.”

“Fine.”

“Good, see to it he finds his bedding and meets Surgeon. Then you two go about your duties.” Kharune left to speak with the man at the helm of the ship.

Albesh grabbed Thame by his shirt collar and dragged him below deck. “This way, driftwood.”

Thame swatted Albesh’s hand away. “My name is Thame, and I won’t be led by the collar like dog.”

“So, you’ve got some spine in you?” Albesh stepped forward, glaring into Thame’s eyes. “On this ship, I’m your better and promise or not my father will toss you off this ship if I don’t find you or your work to my liking. Do as I say and don’t open your mouth, your voice is insufferable.”

Thame couldn’t tell if Albesh’s threat had any truth to it. He matched Albesh’s gaze and gave the older boy a curt nod. Albesh frowned then turned and led Thame into the belly of the ship. They passed by members of the crew, some playing dice, others sleeping. Albesh stopped near an empty hammock. “This will be your place to sleep.”

Thame noticed a sharp smell emanating from the hammock. He crinkled his nose and gave Albesh a questioning look.

“Don’t give me that, this is the only open bedding we have. Besides you’ll at least be able to tell which one is yours.” Albesh continued his walk. “Come on, you need to meet Surgeon.”

The pair walked past rows of hammocks and came to a closed wooden door. Albesh gave a polite knock on the door frame. A cheery voice answered back to him. “Come in!”

Albesh led Thame into Surgeon’s room. They found a man examining a member of the crew. The crew member had his trousers around his ankles. “No doubt about it, you’ve got sores on your little friend here. Looks like someone spent time with the wrong woman back in port.”

“Is this a bad time Surgeon?” Albesh asked as he cocked an eyebrow staring at the pale, heavyset man.

Surgeon waved his free hand. “Nonsense, we were just finishing up.” Surgeon looked up to the man. “I can make some ointment to offset the irritation but on the whole there’s really nothing to be done. Unless, of course, you want me to get my good shears.” Surgeon flashed a smile as he teased the crewman.

“I’ll just take the ointment,” The crewman said pulling his trousers up.

Surgeon breathed a disappointed sigh. “As you wish. I’ll mix a batch up as quick as I can.”

“Thanks, Surge.” The man left the room.

Surgeon turned to the pair. “Looks like you’ve brought me a new blood, Albesh.” Surgeon looked Thame up and down as he washed his hands in a bowl filled with a mixture of water and various herbs. “Hope, I won’t have to stitch you up for anything.”

“Or make an ointment for my cock,” Thame said.

Surgeon laughed as Albesh side eyed the younger boy. “We’ll at least you’ve got some semblance of humor,” Surgeon said, as he offered his hand. Thame shook it. “Welcome aboard the Mistshade. I’m what keeps her crew together after they get themselves torn apart in a fight.”

Thame managed a smile. “It’s a pleasure, but why do they call you Surgeon?”

“Cause, that’s my name. It’s what I do, who I am. I’m the best at the craft, or at least I like to believe I am, so I’ll take it as my namesake.”

“Well, that’s comforting to know.”

“Don’t worry lad, I’ve only lost a handful of patients.” Surgeon scratched at his ear. “Although I can’t remember the number of limbs I’ve had to remove. More than enough, I suppose.”

Thame noticed a large cleaver hanging on the wall. The image of Surgeon taking one of his legs off with the cleaver flashed in the young man’s mind. “Is that what you use?” Thame nodded to the blade.

“Sure is!” Surgeon patted the cleaver. “Hasn’t failed me yet.”

Albesh grabbed Thame’s shoulder. “Come on, driftwood. We’ve got work to do.” Albesh turned to Surgeon. “See you around.”

“See you soon. Hope I won’t have to take a limb from you Thame.”

Thame gave a nervous chuckle. “Me either.”

***

Thame wiped the sweat from his forehead. Other than Albesh, I suppose it hasn’t been all bad. Thame peered over the railing and watched the cool waves splash against the hull of the ship. The water directly below him began to churn and bubble. A vague figure began to form just under the surface of the water. Thame blinked and rubbed his eyes. The strange shape continued to coalesce beneath the water as Thame stared at what was occurring. He could see the figure in the water clearly. It had taken the form of a naked woman. She was hairless and as pale as the moon. Though her frame was that of a young woman the many wrinkles on her body suggested she was far older than Thame could tell.

The woman outstretched her hand and beckoned to Thame. “Come to me, darling. I long for your embrace.”

To Thame’s horror, he felt himself lean over the railing. He tried to push himself back on the ship, but his body wouldn’t obey. The woman smiled. Thame dug his nails into the railing. He attempted to cry out to someone, but his voice caught in his throat. A hand grabbed the back of Thame’s shirt and yanked him from the railing. Thame was soaked in dirty water as fell into his bucket and mop. The commotion grabbed the attention of others on the deck. Thame looked up to see Albesh standing over him. “What the fuck were you doing, driftwood?”

Thame pointed towards the ocean. “There was a woman. In the water. She was trying to pull me in.” Thame picked himself up and looked over the railing with Albesh. There was no sign of the pale woman. “She was right below me.”

Albesh eyed the water, and then Thame. “If you’re telling the truth then I dearly hope my father kicks you off this ship when we make port tonight.”

“What? But why?”

“Whatever it is you saw or think you saw is a terrible omen. Mermaids prey upon sailors and will lead ships to their destruction. You’ve already sank one ship fleeing your home, you won’t sink this one.” Albesh turned and left.

Thame saw others on the deck eyeing him warily. He called out to Albesh. “Where are you going?”

“To tell my father of course.”

Thame’s heart jumped. He sped past Albesh, stopping in front of him. “Albesh please. I don’t know what I saw, but I need your father’s help. Please keep this quiet.”

“Piss off.” Albesh shoved Thame to the deck.

Thame sprung off the ground and tackled the older boy. The pair tumbled into the door of the captain’s cabin. As they battered one another with kicks and punches the door opened. “Just what are you two doing outside my door?” Kharune asked. The pair stared up at the man. Kharune raised an eyebrow. “Well?”

“Your little orphan is going to get us all killed father. He sees mermaids in the water!” Albesh said, still gripping Thame’s shirt.

Kharune stared at his son, then, shrugged. “What of it? I’ve made love to one. How else do ya suppose you came about?” Kharune laughed. “We’ve nothing to fear from the ladies of the sea. But I see that you two do not get along as I hoped. I’ll be sending ya both out when we stop in the city of Kelanis.”

“For what?” Albesh asked.

“I’ve an acquaintance in the city that owes me money from the last time we played cards. Come back with my money and a better demeanor between yourselves. Those are my orders as a captain and my wishes as a father. Until we arrive, take some time to cool your tempers, and if ya decide you want to fight again, I’ll kick you both off my ship. Understand?”

“Yes, father.”

Thame nodded. “Yes, captain.”

The pair stood up and went to opposite sides of the ship for the rest of their time at sea. Thame watched Kelanis come into view. Ships came and went from the port under the evening sun. As they entered the city Thame could examine the ships more closely. Many of them flew crimson flags decorated with sapphire blue skulls. Thame turned his gaze up to the Mistshade’s flag - a purple falcon over a black background. Thame remembered what Kharune had told him. “Every ship flies a flag that signifies their home port.”

It wasn’t long before they found a place to dock. Kharune exited his cabin. His voice boomed over the deck, “Albesh, Thame!” The pair were slow to approach him. “I will be going out with the quartermaster for supplies.” Kharune handed Albesh a piece of paper. “Go to the address written on here. The amount I’m owed is also on the paper, make sure he’s not a copper short.”

Albesh nodded. “We will.”

“And remember to come back thinking better of one another.” The boys said nothing as they glanced at one another. Kharune waved them away. “Go on, get my money.”

The pair left the ship and entered the bustling streets of Kelanis. The was a pungent fume unwashed bodies, shit, and alcohol in the air. Thame clamped his nose shut. “So, your mother’s a mermaid?” He managed a weak smile.

Albesh sighed. “My mother is a whore. I can’t remember from which city; brothels tend to be the same wherever you go. My father came for me when I was three.”

“You were at sea since you were that young?”

“Never asked my father for his reasoning and he never felt it necessary to tell me. I’ve gotten plenty of experience around a ship at least.” Albesh looked at Thame then forward. “You grew up in a palace?”

“A castle, though it was nicer than most. It’s probably been burnt to the ground by now.”

An uneasy silence sat between the two as they made the rest of their walk. They came to an an old beat-up shack. Albesh eyed the note then the building. “This can’t be right.”

Thame raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“This person owes my father five hundred gold pieces, and they live in a shit hole like this?”

“We’re here, might as well ask.”

Albesh shrugged and knocked on the door. There was a loud ruckus inside the shack. Albesh and Thame shared a look then turned their gaze on the door. A man’s voice called out from inside. “Who the fuck’s there?”

“We’re here to collect the money you owe to Kharune, captain of the Mistshade,” Albesh said.

A clatter of pots and pans could be heard. The door creaked open. A scrawny man wearing a shirt far too big for him peaked out from the opening. His eyes shifted between the pair then scanned the crowd. He scratched his scabby cheek. “Oh, of course! Kharune. Has he returned already?”

“He’s in the city. I’m his son, he sent me to collect the money.”

The man nodded towards Thame. “Who’s he then?”

Albesh feigned a smile. “A new crew member. I’ve got the distinguished honor of showing him how things work.”

Thame rolled his eyes. “I’m Thame, this is Albesh.” He offered his hand to the man. “And you are?”

The man smiled. Most of his teeth were missing, those that remained were yellowed and blackened. Thame’s skin crawled at the sight. The man took Thame’s hand. “Calon.” Calon fully opened the door. “Please come in!” The pair reluctantly entered the shack. Calon kicked aside the pots and pans on the ground and brought chairs for the trio to sit on at the heavy table in the room. Calon rubbed his hands together. “So. How much did I owe again?”

Albesh placed the note on the table and slid to forward. “Five hundred.”

Calon raised a hairless eyebrow and pursed his lips. Thame noted Calon’s reaction. “Is there a problem?” Thame asked.

“No, not at all. Let me get it for you.” Calon began to rummage through the table’s drawer. “Now where did I put it.”

Several of the pots on the ground clattered as a rat knocked into them. Albesh turned to the commotion. As he did Calon withdrew from the drawer with a dagger. Calon threw the blade. “Get down!” Thame said as he shoved Albesh to the ground. The dagger found it’s mark in Thame’s hand. Thame cried out and recoiled.

“I won’t give that cheating bastard any money, but I will give him your scalps!” With a startling surge of strength Calon shoved the table into Thame.

Thame fell backwards to the ground, clutching his wounded hand. He saw Calon retrieve another dagger from the drawer. Thame crawled under the table as Albesh stood and swung at the man. Calon caught his hand and gave a sharp blow to Albesh’s head with the hilt of his blade. Albesh went limp. Calon placed Albesh’s hand on the table and stabbed the dagger through the hand and into the table pinning Albesh. The pain brought Albesh back to his sense as he began to howl. Thame winced. I’ve got to help him. Thame’s gaze fell on the blade in his hand. He grabbed the hilt and took a sharp breath. He yanked the dagger free. Blood poured from the open wound. Thame stabbed Calon’s foot.

Calon screamed. Thame felt a pair of hands grab his shoulders and lift him. Calon slammed Thame onto the table. Calon’s glare burned into Thame as he strangled the boy. Thame gasped for air. Albesh swung at Calon but was unable to reach him. “Hold on, Thame!”

The door burst open. Calon looked up. A large cleaver embedded itself between Calon’s neck and shoulder. Calon’s grip on Thame’s throat released as he fell to the ground.

Surgeon walked in and ripped the cleaver free from the man’s body. “Sorry I came late. I lost you both in the crowd and I’m not so good at finding places.”

Thame nursed his hand as he spoke through a coughing fit. “Thanks for saving us, Surgeon.”

Surgeon offered a smile. “Think nothing of it. The captain asked me to watch over you two.”

Albesh frowned. “The help is always appreciated. But I don’t think this trash had any money to pay my father.”

“The captain will be happy to know you’re alive.” Surgeon opened a small satchel at his side. “Let’s see to tending to your wounds. I can provide better care when we get back to the ship.”

Thame began to laugh as Surgeon examined the boy’s wounded hand. Albesh cocked an eyebrow. “What’s so funny?”

“You,” Thame said.

“What did I do?”

“You called me ‘Thame’ earlier instead of ‘driftwood.’”

Albesh shook his head as a smile drew across his face. “You’re still a piece of driftwood.” The pair began to laugh as Surgeon took care of their wounds.