Fishy Performance
Watch your step.
The modest fishing vessel had been outfitted with a row of benches on the casting deck on the stern. Fishing rods and a harpoon stood out of wooden cylinders that lined the deck, spaced apart every two feet. Two large buckets were lashed to the cylinders, one just had water in it and the other had bait. A long net hung from each side of the ship carefully latched onto hooks spaced apart about the same distance as the cylinders.
The helm was up on a fly deck toward the bow of the ship. Underneath the fly deck in a small galley and dinette had food and drink set up on a table. The boat had a single mast with a sail and rigging.
Three goblins scurried from the galley to the fly deck. One carried a sack, the tallest one had a black top hat, and the third one tried to stay out of sight behind the other two. The passengers whispered to each other at the sight of goblins!
The captain of the boat instructed the new passengers, "Have a seat. I am Captain Phineas Smucker, but please call me Finn." He pulled a few ropes and slid a bucket across the deck with a kick as he spoke.
He spun around, "This is the Mara X. The X stands for ten. My father used to increment the number after each repair. Just like him I keep her in tip top shape and know all the best places to fish. This steady lady has brought me through two Fish and Biscuit Rallies. Last year we even won a prize.
With a flourish of his hands he pointed to the fly deck. "The crew up on the fly deck are Sack, Ant, and Fern. I know there were some troubles with goblins in the forest last year but the Council has officially authorize my crew. Enough said."
He continued, "Let's get to the safety talk. While we are on our way please stay seated. We don't need the boom knocking anyone into the Bay. When we are casting swing from the side not overhead. We will go over that in more detail. I know some of you are more experienced but safety first. Alright, enough of that, let's get under way!"
The goblins dashed to their positions, one pulling up the anchor and dropping the ropes to the dock. Another unfurling the main sail. The third goblin tightened the rigging and the ship pulled from the dock. The captain took the helm, "A good wind, clear skys, and lots of fish lay on the horizon!" The passengers clapped.
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