Pirate Chronicles

HE WHO IS CALLED QUACK! 2

We were docking at one of the small island territories of Spandira called Pundra to take a break from the sea. The island was quite remote but I was told that it has a small modern civilization. I could not help but be amazed with Pioneer DES' speed, being able to find land in two days! That's quite an achievement! I looked at Emil as he managed the sails. He sure does have a knack for speed.

Teresa was on the ledge opposite me watching and waiting as we got closer and closer to the island. Since we will be on land, Teresa announced that she did not prepare breakfast and that we were all responsible to find our own food or else we would starve. I watched the ripples of the water as Pioneer DES made its way to one of the bays. Then, I observed as the crew dropped the anchor. After that, we disembarked using our small boats and rowed to the shore.

The crew dispersed into their usual groups after securing the boats and I was left with Ojoz and Jeu. Ojoz quickly gave me a list.

"What's this?" I asked.

"Those are herbs and chemicals that I want you to collect before sundown," the white-bearded man answered. 

Ojoz' white beard puzzles me. He surely was not an old man. His face does not look old at all. My guess was he might be in his mid-thirties. However, his beard was too similar to an old man's. Ojoz crossed his arms because I was staring at his beard, "Well?"

I shook my head to come back to reality and looked at the list. Then, I looked back at Ojoz. "Why do I need to find these?"

Ojoz gave me a sarcastic smile. "It's your initiation, isn't it? I won't let you back the ship if you do not bring back the complete list," he said and began to walk away.

"How sure are you that ALL these are here in Pundra? I was told it's only a small civilization!" I called out.

Ojoz raised his hand up but did not look back, "NOT MY PROBLEM!" 

I grunted and looked back at the list. There were ten items that I needed to find. I wrinkled my nose and started to come up with a backup plan in case I could not get ALL the items. I looked at the island. It's quite a good place to lay low for a while. I could just stow away on another ship if need be.

"You're planning on staying on the island if you fail, aren't you?" Jeu said. He had been observing me for a bit already.

"What if I am?" I retorted.

Jeu shrugged his shoulders, "People here in Pundra are not quite keen on strangers… them being terrorized and invaded by Spandirans."

"I'm not scared," I told him. "Besides, what about you? You are not a Pundran," I added.

"True but we are pirates and we have been here before. Plus, we do not plan on staying  here for more than a day, which is what you are planning," he tried to enlighten me.

I sighed frustratingly, "Well, too bad for me then. I doubt if I'll ever find all these before sundown. I don't even know if ALL of  these are available here." I showed him the list.

Jeu looked at it and smirked. Then, he responded with, "How about this? Let's eat first and then find these after."

I looked at him suspiciously, "You're helping me?"

Jeu gave me his usual smile then nodded, "As you can probably see by now, I am the only one in Pioneer DES who had completely warmed up to you. Plus, we already kissed twice and you already saw me without anything on. In other cultures, we could already be husband and wife."

"In your dreams. And what do you mean you were the only one who warmed up to me completely? Kwon did. And Teresa," I replied right away.

"Uh huh… and they're here right now. Oh wait, they're not," he responded sarcastically.

I narrowed my eyes at him. He shook his head smiling. "Even if that is the case, what do you know about herbs and chemicals?" I sassed.

"And your knowledge of them supersedes mine?" he asked in return but it sounded like an insult to me.

"Well, I know some of the items that were on the list. I am an assassin after all and I take care of my own ailments," I answered.

"Hn, and I am NOT an assassin," he replied, obviously teasing me.

I gave up. "Fine! How many of these do you know?"

Jeu beamed, "Oddly enough, ALL."

I looked at him in unbelief, "You've got to be kidding me."

He chuckled, "If I don't know better, I think Ojoz wants me to be alone with you."

I shook my head. "Not everything is about you," I could not help but remarked.

"Oh but with my crew, everything is," he told me with his confidence overflowing. I scoffed in response. "So, how about it? Breakfast with me first?" I nodded and Jeu led the way. 

Surprisingly, the walk to the eating house for breakfast was not as painful as I pictured it to be. Jeu was a perfect gentleman. He was also a very good conversationalist and before I knew it, I was getting more and more comfortable with him. It unnerved me but at the same time, deep inside my gut, I felt relieved. 

When we reached the place, it was not as I expected it to be. We had to tell the server on the counter the food we wanted and wait for our food before we could choose a table. That was the first time I experienced that. I told the server I wanted grilled chicken and steamed rice and Jeu told her the same. Our drinks came out first. The cup was made out of a paper-like material so obviously I was curious. I began to poke the mouth of the cup repeatedly in my attempt to test if it was flimsy.

Jeu whispered close to my ear, "I wouldn't do that if I were you."

His warning came too late as the cup tipped over and toppled over all the cups beside it and everything spilled on the counter. There were gasps everywhere and some foul language, after. Then, I could feel everyone's eyes on me. For some reasons, I found myself slowly stepping back and hiding behind Jeu. 

Jeu gave out a small laughter and took on the responsibility of defending me. He gave out his most charming smile. I could see how ALL the females in the place sighed adoringly at him as if they were charmed. As a matter of fact, once he flashed his smile, the tension disappeared.

"I apologize about my wife's mistake.. Drinks on me," he said charmingly and all the males cheered while the women looked at me with seething eyes.