The Wisdom

The boat shook and rattled in the chaos of the storm. The bounty hunter sat quietly flicking through a ledger. The smell of damp sea decayed wood lingered in the cabins. After going through some of the commissions Alcuin put aside the book. He grasped his hands together, looked down to his dropped hands and began to pray. "Great Orestes, I ask you now before I make landfall that you grace me with your infinite wisdom. I ask that no knowledge goes wasted in these lands and you provide me with your guidance." Alcuin whispered the words, quiet enough that nobody near him could hear his words.

A woman from Salos was nearby - it was clear that she was listening to his words. Alcuin looked over to her in the corner of his eyes, it was clear she wasn't one of the many Imperial soldiers that were on these ships. She tried to make it as if she wasn't paying any attention, scrambling to her book, pretending to read. "What is it?" Alcuin asked. She said nothing. "Don't be shy now."

"I was just listening to your prayers."

"I don't like others to hear my private words with Orestes."

"Sorry, it's just nice to hear someone else asking for the wisdom of Orestes. It makes me feel less alone."

"You're a follower of Orestes?" Alcuin asked. The lady nodded softly. "Why do you ask for the wisdom?"

"I'm not sure my choice to go to the New World was entirely wise. Every moment I reflect on the decision makes it feel more and more like a rash decision. A mistake even."

"The wisdom will guide you."

"You think so?"

"I know so - believe it and it will happen." Alcuin bowwed down his head, then turned back to his ledger and began to go through it. They would make landfall soon. The bounty hunter wasn't sure he could handle much more of this cursed vessel. Land would provide much salvation, no matter what may happen there.