Page 19 of Potions & Pints
“What’s that?” Tan asked, pointing to the other pocket.
Vir’s face fell.
“Oh, I tried to do that one. Once I was pretty good at it, not as good as my mother, but…”
The orc held up his hands, and Tan abruptly understood. Some orcs were born, but others were made. It seemed that Vir was the former. Tan could vividly see how hard it would be to hold a delicate needle with such massive hands. He could only guess at Vir’s internal anguish over his life lost.
“What do you think of the ship?” Tan said, to change the subject.
“Looks like a good one,” Vir said. “I’ve not been on many, though, to be fair.”
He turned and walked back to the mast. He gave it a good thump with his fist.
“What are you doing? Stop that.”
Tan and Vir looked up. Above them a man clung to the first yard. Vir’s eyes widened.
“Sorry,” he called up. To Tan he said, “Seems sturdy enough.”
The Northern elf with a scar across his left cheek approached them. Tan recognized the symbol on his hat. This man was the first mate. Tan was sure they were about to get a tongue lashing for Vir’s mast bashing.
“Hi, I’m Vir,” the orc said.
The man ignored him and focused on Tan.
“Scrape, do you know anything about sailing?” the man asked.
“I don’t,” Vir said. “But I want to learn. I want to learn everything. I know a lot about tailoring, but I can’t really do that anymore.”
“I do and I’ll show him,” Tan said wearily. “He’s strong enough.”
“Aye, and the three orc soldiers too. Could be a lot easier getting the full sails out once we get out of the harbor. If they can listen to directions.”
“I can listen to directions,” Vir said.
“I promise I know what I’m doing,” Tan said. “I’ll show him.”
The first mate gave Tan a quick nod, shook his head at Vir and left.
“Follow me,” Tan said to Vir.
He gave the orc a quick tutorial on how the ship worked. Tan realized quickly that Vir’s strength would be a great asset when it came time to move the booms and pull the braces. The trick was knowing which one to move and when.
“You need to do what I say, when I say to do it,” Tan cautioned.
Vir nodded. Tan quizzed him on all the parts and the orc passed with flying colors. Tan could only hope that when the time came, and the pressure was on, Vir would remember. Tan made a mental note to be prepared for the boom to move in the wrong direction.
“What else?” Vir asked.
“Now, we wait,” Tan replied.
“For what?”
“For the rest of the cargo, and then until the captain says so.”
“Okay,” Vir said and walked away.
Tan found himself a shady spot and sat down. Then he quickly stood up as the captain came by.
