Last of the Good Days

::22 Years Ago::
 
Luck exists, and anyone who tells you differently is lying, or grossly misinformed. But luck can be fickle, and when it does run out, it tends to do so at the worst time and in some of the worst ways. For three years James sailed with the crew of the Moon Dancer. In those three years James earned more money than he though he’d see in five lifetimes. He never had too much on him, having always sent most of it back home.
 
Within the first year, his family had moved into a much bigger place, and everyone was eating healthy for the first time that they can remember. Going to bed always with full bellies. By the end of the second year, his papa had bought a house in the port city that James had left from. And by the end of the third year, Yasmin had her own shop and was selling her wares for ten times the prices she could get around the mines. The others were attending classes. James was beyond satisfied by his choice to leave. He’d done the right thing, the proper thing, and saved them all.
 
The Moon Dancer was on its way back into the port of Santander when the luck ran dry. A sudden and violent storm hammered the ship, and before any of the sails could be pulled up, the masts snapped. And without the sails, the ship drifted straight into shallow rocks. They didn’t break the ship, but did damage it something fierce. It took three days to get hauled into the port and put the ship into dry dock The ships inspector told the Captain, and the Captain told us the bad news. The Moon Dancer was going to be laid up for several months at least.
 
The crew was heartbroken hearing this, though most of them had enough money saved up to stay with the ship, a few others didn’t. James knew his family was relying on him at this point, that their new positions were fragile for the moment. So he had to get back out there and earn more to keep supporting them. Captain Keenfellow understood, and now that James had been sailing for three years, he was certainly not a greenhorn. The Captain wrote out a letter of recommendation for James to give to any other ships captain he decided to sign on with.
 
With more than a few tears he said his goodbyes, and the wish to meet and sail together again. Waving his goodbyes he went into the city to spend a bit of time with his family. Their house was even larger and more beautiful than James could have imagined it. Still a simple thing in comparison to what the merchant princes lived in, but compared to the shanty they were in before, it was the height of luxury.
 
Walking into the house and calling out for his mama and papa, a gasp and squeal and suddenly his mother appears from around a corner. It had been three years since they saw each other last. Her eyes filled with tears as she called out to her beautiful boy and hugged him with a strength that belied her slight frame. Looking up James sees his papa standing in a doorway, a pride shining bright enough to rival the sun shining from his eyes.
 
As the sun set on the day, the entire family gathered together to share stories and catch up over a feast which James could never have imagined them all sharing. His parents and siblings talk about what happened after he left, and how much their lives changed with the money he sent back. There’s no jealousy or envy, just pure love from his parents and siblings. He listened to their stories, smiling, a few tears of joy falling. And then, while more food is being enjoyed, the time comes where they’re begging for his stories.
 
Well into the late of the night James talks. Starting with leaving from home in the middle of the night three years ago, to arriving in port earlier that day. He tells them about places he’s seen, all over the coasts of Europa and Avalon, and the wonderful people he’s met. Eventually his siblings and mama find their way to their beds. James and his papa spend time out on the porch of the house, looking out into the bay, and sharing a good drink.
 
“When you left that night, I was angry. First at you, but then I realized that it was at the mine owners and the impossible situation they put us in that made you leave. It took me a week to get over it. And after that, terror set in. I’ll tell you, I thought I’d never see you again, that you’d die out there.” His papa points to the ocean.
 
James takes a drink. “It was a close thing some times, but we managed to get through every time. I guess the Storm-Father was looking out for me.”
 
“It seems that’s the truth. Let me tell you son, that first bit of money you sent us. We were in a very bad way. You leaving made things a bit easier, but the situation at the mine got worse. We hadn’t eaten in several days. And when that arrived, son I cried. All my fear just evaporated, and pride took it’s place. And as it kept coming, and we got letters from you, I couldn’t help but be beyond grateful. You saved us James. You saved all of us.”
 
Tears flowed from both of him, and they embraced, James squeezing with strength even beyond what he had in the mines. “Damn boy, even your grandpa couldn’t squeeze that hard! Maybe I should have gone to sea myself.” His papa laughs and James joins in.
 
“You’d have made a great sailor Papa. But now you get something better. To be the proud father of one.” James grins, the last little bit of fear about having made the wrong decision evaporating into the night wind.
 
The next few days were spent surrounded by love and joy. Yasmin showed James her shop, a small thing, but one that was pulling in good money. The others talked about their education, and what they wanted to do. In all his years, he’d never seen his family so happy and healthy.
 
“When do you have to head out?” His mama asked.
 
“Soon Mama. The Moon Dancer is going to be undergoing repairs for at least six months unless they can get a mage in there. So in a day or two I’m going to head down and start talking to Captains and see about getting on another crew. It’s wonderful here, but I’m afraid I’ve caught that age old disease, and the sea is calling me.” He laughs, but it’s a small one, filled with a little sadness about leaving his family again. Although this time he’s leaving them much better off than last.
 
“Well, in that case, let’s make sure to give you a good sendoff before you ship out, okay?” Tears were being held back in her eyes, but she could see that watery destiny in his eyes.
 
“That sounds wonderful Mama.” He stood up and hugged her, letting silent tears of relief and love fall onto her shoulder.
 
Over the next couple of days, James spent time in the port proper, asking around about ships and Captains. There was one Captain who’s name kept coming up, partly because of how long it was, but also he was one of the few Nobles who captained his own ship. He was a human by the name of Conde (count) Oscar Rosa Tudela Criado de Medina Sidonia. He was known to sail long distances, and often in dangerous waters. However his pay was much higher than any of the other captains and even his disability package was second to none.
 
James made the decision to go see this Conde, and find out first hand if he was a captain to sail under.