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The Circle
Part 2
Back outside, the band had finished playing. Eager to get under way, the captain stepped forward. “Your Honor, we hereby request permission to take our leave of you.”
“Permission granted,” replied Lessander.
The captain raised her right hand and touched her temple with the tip of her middle finger, a centuries-old naval salute. Lessander returned it and the skipper barked an order to her sailors. The crew boarded the galleon and the captain was heard shouting more commands. The tether lines were hauled in and a hundred oars were broken out. Lessander nodded and signaled to the militia-general.
“Present arms,” she cried.
With a single ring, the ceremonial guards drew their swords and saluted the Explorer. When the ship pulled away, the general barked, “At ease!” The soldiers sheathed their weapons and the crowd applauded loudly. There was no cheering — such a display would be deemed raucous and inappropriate. The crew of the Explorer was being given a hero’s sendoff.
*
Still in her place behind the crowd on the pier, the crimson-robed woman turned her head at a slight movement in her periphery. Her companion with the map case had rejoined her. Their unspoken exchange was momentary and their only outward sign of communication was a satisfied nod from the one in crimson. The one in blue had to report back to the Inner Membership. The one in crimson had a meeting to get to.
They parted ways again.
*
On the ship, the navigator set a westward course, beyond the borders of the Hansic Alliance and into uncharted territory. The captain stared back from the navigation deck. She could still hear the applause. The people would remain there until the vessel was out of sight. Then, the governor would dismiss them and they would go about their regular business. She inhaled deeply and scanned the western horizon, eagerly anticipating the task ahead of her.
Stay tuned for the next chapter…
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