Walrus Encounter (And who is this Alexia?)

Excerpt from Northern Warriors Chapter 10--Hot off the griddle!

She was walking up the deck to the bridge when she heard a splash in the water to her left. She turned and saw a large walrus sticking his head above the waves. His head was brown and leathery, and his whiskers above his tusks were tan and wiry. The walrus' tusks were so long that they did not even stick above the water. Brittany was so stunned that she did not even gasp.

“Hello, there,” the walrus greeted her in a cheery British accent, his dark eyes twinkling at her. “This is the Blue Swan, isn't it?”

“Er, of course,” Brittany stammered.

“Well, aren't you going to invite me aboard?”

“I suppose you're welcome,” said Brittany. “But shouldn't I tell the captain?”

“Yes, of course, go tell Eric that Sir Oliver's here to see him,” the walrus nodded.

Brittany bolted for the bridge, bursting open the door. Eric and his assembled officers looked up at her.

“Captain, there's someone here to see you,” Brittany said.

“Who?” asked Eric.

“A walrus named Sir Oliver.”

“Ah! The council fleet's messenger,” Eylon said.

“Well, tell him to come on board,” said Evan.

“Right away,” said Brittany. She turned to go back on deck. Eric, Evan, and Eylon followed her.

Evan paused right outside the cabin door.

“What's up, bro?” asked Eric.

“Er, shouldn't the crow's nest have apprised us of his coming?” Evan wondered.

Oris heard them from the bridge. “Don't look at me, I'm off duty.”

“Staaaaamps!” Eric called up to the crow's nest.

On the crow's nest, Stamps had fallen asleep. He woke suddenly and looked around in confusion. “Uh, uh, oh, Walrus off starboard!” he cried.

“That's better,” said Eric. He walked up to the side of the ship across from Sir Oliver's bobbing head. “Come aboard, Sir Oliver, rest assured you're welcome.”

“Thank you, Captain,” said Sir Oliver. He extended his flippers from out of the water and reached over the side of the ship. “Wivota!” he shouted, and yellow sparks lifted his massive body from the water with a splash. He landed on the deck with the heaviest THUD Brittany had ever heard, and it rocked the ship from side to side. Most of the animal sailors yelled and tottered on impact. Below deck, a glass beaker that Minta was mixing potion into rolled down the cupboard and smashed against the wall, splashing green slime on the starboard side of the sickbay.

“I know that thud,” Minta said to herself as she began cleaning the mess with magic.

Above deck, Sir Oliver was exchanging pleasantries with Eric and Evan.

“How's trading been, old chap?” Sir Oliver said to Eric.

“Been fine. We were south of the equator for a few weeks right before we met up with the fleet in Sydney. The penguins were accepting shellfish for currency last summer, they were so abundant.”

“Nasty little vermin,” muttered Evan. “Er, I mean the shellfish.” He looked behind his shoulder to see Peter and Paul the penguins glaring at him.

“Shellfish ain't nasty,” muttered Peter.

“Nuff talk o' food, I'm starvin', mate,” Paul replied, rubbing his belly hungrily.

“And I suppose you are the Council representative on board, sir?” Sir Oliver asked Eylon.

“I am,” said Eylon, standing erect. “I am Eylon Allhin, a Lieutenant in the Enchanter's Council Security Corps.”

“Why of course, Eylon!” Sir Oliver exclaimed, extending a flipper to shake the elf's hand. “General Gyter Allhin's son, I shouldn't wonder. You've been studying in Scotland, I understand?”

“Yes, I've finished school and I've been working for the Enchanter's Council.”

“What did you major in?”

“Military Science with Magical Application, emphasis on Weaponry.”

“Splendid, splendid!” said Sir Oliver. “You're a jolly old chip off the old block, I shouldn't say so.”

“I suppose,” Eylon said, glancing away modestly. “But enough small talk. I expect you've come on official business?”

“Yes, indeed,” said Sir Oliver. “I bring several letters of instruction from the Council Fleet Commanders. Young lady, would you kindly remove the pouch on my shoulder?” Sir Oliver looked at Brittany and wiggled his massive shoulder, shaking a leather pouch strapped to his back.

“Yes, sir,” said Brittany, stepping forward. She went and undid the buckle to the strap. “Is this waterproof, sir?”

“Yes, indeed, my dear, it's a seal leather pouch with the strongest waterproofing magic in existence. I'm the Council's official courier in these waters.”

“Wow.”

“Just open the clasp, my dear, and hand out the letters inside. You'll find the addresses' names written in English below the official seal.”

Brittany undid the clasp on the pouch. The inside was completely dry. There were three letters inside, one for Captain Eric, one for Minta and the other for Eylon. She handed them out. Captain Eric told her thanks while Eylon only nodded.

“Where's Minta?” asked Brittany when the other two letters were handed out.

“I'm here,” Minta called from across deck as she flew above the for'ard hatch. She glided across deck and perched on the ship's railing behind Sir Oliver.

“Orion's Daughter!” Sir Oliver exclaimed when he saw her.

“Sir Oliver, how are you?” she asked the walrus.

“Doing splendid!” said Sir Oliver. “I understand you're the ship's surgeon on board?”

“Yes I am,” said Minta as she received her letter. “This is from my father, isn't it?” she asked, examining it.

“It is indeed,” Sir Oliver nodded, the blubber around his face shaking like jello. “A firebird from Revunia flew out to the fleet a few weeks ago. That's when the fleet commanders decided we needed to contact the Blue Swan.”

“So the fleet is still intact after that storm?” Minta asked.

“For the most part. Most of the ships sustained heavy damage, and that's slowed our progress. We lost the Merlin IV and the Rosabel, but thankfully the crews survived.”

“That's good to hear,” said Minta. “And it's good to know my father's still alive in Revunia, judging by this letter.”

“Aye, and if he is that means the Opposition is still on its feet fighting. Very reassuring.” Sir Oliver then cocked his head at Brittany. “And who might you be?” he asked her.

“I'm Brittany Stevens. I'm new to the crew.”

“New to the crew? Eric must've been crazy to hire you, how old are you? Twelve?”

“Eleven.”

“Eleven, ha, just younger than Princess Alexia, isn't she?” he asked Minta.

“I believe so,” Minta nodded as she opened the letter with her beak. She spat out the ripped paper. “Alexia's birthday isn't 'til July. When's your birthday, Brittany?”

“August twentieth,” said Brittany.

“There you go, they're a month apart,” Minta said to Sir Oliver.

“Ha, I'm sure she's just as plucky. Where did Eric pick you up, Brittany?”

“San Francisco,” Brittany said simply.

“Frisco? Is that where you wrecked?” he asked Eric.

“Indeed we did,” said Evan. “Right at her babysitter's house on the beach.”

Sir Oliver glanced bug-eyed at Brittany. “Extraordinary. Are you a mortal or a witch?”

“Mortal,” said Brittany.

“Mortal, eh? Are you training to become a middle-woman?”

“She is now,” said Minta.

Sir Oliver laughed heartily. “This is quite extraordinary. Forgive me, but I haven't properly introduced myself. I am Sir Oliver Walrus, North Pacific Messenger, Knight of the Order of the Star Hunters, Table of the Animal Wizards.” He leaned in closer to Brittany and whispered, “I was also a knight of Revunia, before the invasion. Grand Prince Orlando's messenger to the Pacific Rim, knighted for stupendous service.”

“Sir Oliver is one of the fastest messengers in the North Pacific,” said Minta. “Since the Invasion, he has served as a local representative for the Enchanter's Council.”

“And frankly I would like to keep the job after this whole business is over, they have good pay,” said Sir Oliver. He turned back to Eric, Evan and Eylon. “Ahem, the Enchanter's Council wishes me to tell you that you are not to waste time rejoining them but to retain your present course to Anchorage.”

“I thought as much,” said Eric.

“Where is the fleet?” asked Evan.

“Four day's sailing from here to the North-Northeast, but it's a good two-day swim so if you have a fast messenger then communication shouldn't be a problem.”

“And how are the seas ahead?” asked Eric.

“Rough, rough, but manageable. Nothing you can't handle, I should expect. You know something Eric, they say you're one of the best sailors in the fleet. Keep up the good work.”

“Will do,” said Evan, patting his brother on the back.

“Rather, hahaha!” Sir Oliver laughed. “It has been a pleasure to see you again, Captain. And a pleasure to meet you, Miss Stevens,” Sir Oliver said, nodding to Brittany. “Cherrio. Wivota!” Yellow sparks surrounded Sir Oliver, and he floated over the side of the ship and landed in the water with a tremendous splash. “I'll be giving the fleet a good report of you!” he called as he dived beneath the waves.

“Gosh, he's sure nice,” said Brittany.

Captain Eric looked over his letter. “Evan, I want an officers' meeting at two this afternoon in the meeting room. Spread the word.”

“Aye, sir,” said Evan.

“Eylon, I want you to be present and read your instructions to the officers.”

“Yes, Captain,” said Eylon as they returned to the bridge.

“Excuse me, Captain,” Brittany called after Eric.

Eric stopped and turned around. “Yes, Miss Stevens?”

“I've finished my practicing for today. Is there anything you need me to do now?”

“Well, thanks for asking, but I think we're good until lunchtime. We've got about half an hour. Oris wants you on KP after lunch. Stay out of trouble until then.”

“I will, Sir,” said Brittany, saluting. As Eric walked away, Brittany turned to Minta. “What's KP?”

“Kitchen duty,” said Minta simply as she read her father's letter.

Brittany nodded. She walked over to the railing next to Minta. “What's in your letter?” she asked, watching Minta as she read.

“News from Revunia,” Minta said quietly. “The Opposition is hiding in the Meikalon ridge in the south part of Revunia, but Father doesn't expect that to last long. He says he's doing well. The Royal Family is doing all right, but the two princesses have a nursemaid keeping them busy, sounds like. I wish I was there to be with Alexia,” she sighed.

“Who's Alexia?” Brittany asked.

“She's one of Grand Prince Orlando's daughters. She and her sister Caroline stayed in Revunia with Prince Dmitri after their mother took the rest of their family to Canada.”

“Oh. And I hear she's my age?” said Brittany.

“You heard right,” said Minta.

“Hm.” Brittany did not like the sound of that. It was people her age she had trouble getting along with.

“Alexia and I were the best of friends,” said Minta. “We met right before the invasion, and during a good part of her exile when I was staying in Revunia we played with each other. She knows how to treat an animal right. Younger children will fight over a pet. Alexia has always treated me gently.”

“Younger children aren't nice to you?” Brittany asked.

“Well, no, it's just Alexia's younger surviving siblings were rough on me. My brothers put up with it a little better—but they're males, so what you expect?”

Jack the dwarf walked across the deck to greet them. “What'd I miss?” he asked Brittany and Minta.

“Sir Oliver the Walrus just came by,” said Minta. “He brought letters from the fleet—and a letter from Father!”

“Oooh,” said Jack. “That's lucky. We haven't heard from the Opposition in ages. How's the fight going?”

“It appears to be going well for the moment,” said Minta. “Not much action so far this spring, he says.”

“Pah. They'll have some before the summer's out,” Jack said, waving his hand dismissively. “Evan just came by saying we're havin' an officers' meetin' at two. I should guess that's what this is all about. And it looks like you've got something to bring to the table.”

“Indeed,” said Minta.

“Want any help in the sickbay before noon?”

“I was just cleaning up a mess below deck,” said Minta. “Care to join me?”

“Absolutely.”

“Do you want to come, Brittany?” Minta asked Brittany.

“No, it's fine,” said Brittany. “I'll just stay up here.”

“Okay, then, we'll see you at lunch,” said Minta. She and Jack turned to leave, heading for the for'ard hatch.

(a picture that reminded me of this scene.)