Ri

Crimson Sunset

Home Port, Tareesh


Velsignet entered the tavern.
“Egil?”
“Vel! Come and sit.”
He did and signaled the barmaid.
“I’ll buy.” He said.
“Accepted. Egil replied happily.
They placed their orders and the waitress scampered off to fill it.
“So, my brood brother how have you been? Captain now I hear. Congratulations.”
“Thank you . But, it’s taken me longer then it did for you.”
Velsignet chuckled, “ You didn’t have a Valkyrie Will-o-Wisp age you to an adult in just two days.”
“True we can’t all be lucky.”
Their drinks arrived and they toasted the Blood Moon.
Then Velsignet asked. “So, why are you here? It’s kind of far for you isn’t it? Not that I’m complaining. It is good to see you.”
Egil looked downcast. “I’m here to pick up a new first officer.”
“Something happen to your current First Officer?”
“No, he’s fine. It's just I don’t want a new first O. I like the one I have."
“Then I don't understand. Why switch? Does he want to leave? Really can’t make him stay.”
“No, it’s not like that.” He sighed and took a sip. “It’s Ragnar. He has a friend who has a niece who needs a job.”
“So , Ragnar asked you to find this niece a position.”
“ No, he told me to make her my First O.”
“Oh." Vel drank. Then asked. "Have you seen this niece.”
He shook his head. “Expecting her in any moment.”
A tan and pink Gaoler entered and surveyed the room. She noticed the two brothers.
Confusion clouded her face as she strode over to them.
She looked at Velsignet. “Captain Egil?
He shook his head, “That would be him, I’m Velsignet.”
“Sorry Sir.” She turned to Egil. “Captain, I am Rilinka, Ri. My uncle sent me. He said that you might have a job for me? “
“Yes, well…”
“There has been a change.” Vel spoke up. Egil looked in horror at his brother.
Velsignet ignored his brother’s look and continued. “See my brother isn’t in need of a first officer. However, I am in the market for one.”
Egil eased.
Ri nodded. “Of course captain, I would be happy to apply for your opening. That is if Captain Egil doesn’t object.”
“No, not in the least. “ Egil answered, “My brother’s need is of importance to me.”
He raised his mug in a silent toast to Velsignet.
“Very well then, Captain Velsignet. I wish to apply.”
“Excellent. Meet me at my ship, the Crimson Sunset, at pier seven in three hours. I want to visit with my brother a little longer.”
“As you wish, Sir.” Rilinka turned and left.
“Vel.” Egil began quietly. "Thank you, but Ragnar…”
“Will not have a problem with this. He made a promise to a friend and unless Ri is a total failure. His promise will be fulfilled. Besides , I truly am in need of a first officer.”
They talked over lunch for the next two hours. When it became time for them to part.
Egil insisted on paying.



First officer on the Crimson Sunset