Chapter 4: A Long Way from Home

[Shurijo]

Anming nods in agreement, "Yes, there appears to be many boats there. We must find another honest captain." The monk continues to look off at the lights flickering in the water.

[TetNak]

"Stick with fishermen and the sort," Guang suggests, overhearing the xia's conversation. "Merchants will do anything for money, and if you have someone looking for you, they could sell you out." He looks at Anming, "And the water, tell no one. People will do anything to get it."

The ship gets closer and closer to the town, nearing the harbor as they talk.

[Muskrat]

"Thank you for your advice and taking us here, Master Guang," says Mei-Li, making a formal bow to him. "It has been an honor to travel on your boat. May the Lord Buddha bless you and your village."

[Shurijo]

Anming nods with Mei-Li's statement and bows, "You have treated us fair and with compassion. May you find peace and happiness and safe journey home. Will you be returning home right away? Or staying in the port for a while?" The monk prepares himself to disembark the ship as they get closer to the harbor.

[Hayabusa]

Xun-Wen nods and bows to the captain as well but he has little to add or say. "What're we going to do then? Should we look for another boat or walk the rest?"

[TetNak]

The debate continues, but the ship waits for no man, or woman. Guang yells a few commands as the boat is turned into port. There are a few men on the dock that throw ropes to the hands on the ship, who both go about tying the ship into place. Guang does an expert job of putting the ship into port softly, and there is only a slight jarring as the ship makes contact with the dock.

[Muskrat]

"Well," says Mei-Li to her companions, "Once we disembark, we should see what is available. Perhaps a small fishing vessel will take us up the coast in return for a reasonable fee or for some aid we might provide. If not, then it may be best that we walk."

Once Guang has the boat secured to the dock and has signaled it is safe, she disembarks, with a final, informal, half bow to the harbor master.

[Shurijo]

Anming follows after Mei-Li holding onto the ropes to help exit the fishing boat. Once he's on the pier, he looks around and takes in the smells of the night air within the harbor.

[Hayabusa]

"It seems like this is a reasonable course," Xun-Wen shrugs, seeing that at least Mei-Li intends to continue to travel by boat if it is possible. With an appropriate goodbye to the harbor master her leaves the ship too, once again in a place he has never seen before. "I think it may be best to look for a place to stay at lease for the night. That may also make it easier to find someone who can give is a hint on the next part." He turns to Anming. "Do you know how far away our destination is from here?"

[Shurijo]

Anming shrugs, "I am not sure. I do not believe my map is very accurate, but we may check it once we've found a suitable place to sit and discuss things."