Rakkan
The next evening the storm had boiled away.
Samilcar and Maska were busy fixing the
splintered mast. The entire top deck was damp
and dripping saltwater. Sam looked up from
caulking the mast with pine resin. Maska, who
was holding the unstable mast in place as Sam
caulked, also looked up. ÒSam,Ó she said, ÒwhatÕs
that blot on the horizon-line?Ó Samilcar said, ÒI
have no idea. But thereÕs one way to find out...Ó
He looked up at her. ÒAye, there is. But first weÕd
best fix this Ôere mast,Ó said Maska. Sam returned
to his caulking. Half an hour later they were done.
ÒSay Sal, whatÕs fer lunch?Ó Sam called to the
cabin in which Sal was cooking. Salvarad
grinned, and called out to the sweating workers,
ÒA good Ôot soup, tÕ warm ye on this cold
afternoon!Ó Sam and Maska groaned. Salvarad
roared with laughter. ÒYou have a look on yer
faces like a pair of squashed frogs! IÕll tell ye, tis a
nice apple, peach, anÕ berry flan with cool
elÕerberry cordial tÕ boot!Ó Samilcar advanced on
him. ÒYou little sneak...!Ó Sal gave a mock squeak
of fright, and ran into the cabin, shutting the door
after him. Samilcar battered it lightly. Salvarad
called out, ÒMercy, mercy! Quit that banginÕ and
IÕll bring you the lunch!Ó Samilcar stopped
banging, and Sal came out carrying a large flan,
with Srippy walking after him with a jug of
elderberry cordial. Sam and Maska seated
themselves, and Sal said, ÒI dub this flan southern
beach pastry filled with tropical blend. I hope it
will be enjoyed by creatures around the world for
seasons to come!Ó Sam grinned mischieviously,
and called out, ÒThen cut the cackle, stow the gab,
bring the grub anÕ vittles!Ó This brought hoots of
good-natured laughter, and Scriptail just had time
to put down the elderberry cordial before he fell
on the floor, holding his ribs and shaking with
merriment. A reddening Salvarad then said, ÒI
donÕt see why I should waste this lovely flan on
you illiterate swabs!Ó Sam stopped laughing and
said, ÒSorry Sal, it was just so funny that...
Ahahahahaheeheheheeteeheetaha!
Hahahahaheeheeheteehataheeheetehee!Ó
Suddendly Salvarad joined in, swiftly setting
down the flan. ÒAhahah! Ha ha ha ho he he
teehee! Did you see Srippy fall down! I thought
that... Hahahah! Ah ha ho hee taha ahaha tihi!Ó
Eventually the laughter died away and they
started to eat. Everyone praised Scriptail and
Salvarad for their cooking skills. Everyone had
forgotten about the dot on the horizon which was
the Emerald Deep.
The SSS continued