[centre][h1]The Journey to Tendlepog: Chapter 5[/h1][/centre]

Two weeks or so had passed since they weighed anchor at the southern tip of the Kick and set off along the continent’s northern coast. Along the entire shore, forests had been blooming and prospering with verdant glory - yet the crew had not spotted as much as a single beast skulk between the trees. On one occasion, a red-feathered bird had been seen atop one of the palms, its crimson plume like a beacon of light in an otherwise dark green abyss. Rumours spread throughout the crew aboard, some proposing that the continent was younger than first thought, and that the Exalted Creators simply had not yet had the time to populate it; others proposed that the continent was cursed, and that all life that made futile, pitiful attempts to spawn there would soon find their offspring to die and rot before their very eyes.

As the horror in the rumours was reinforced with every retelling, so did the crew grow ever more reluctant to go ashore to fetch water. Eventually, as they neared the northern islands, Qiang Yi found that even mentioning the shore poisoned the deck with fright and uncertainty. The captain found himself at a loss, and as the third week passed and they neared the final planned resting spot before the northward trek to the Dragon’s Crown, a fight broke out on deck.

Qiang Yi stormed down from the helmspost, ordering three of the closet deckhands to follow him. Already had a crowd encircled the two brawlers.

“What is the meaning of this?!” Qiang Yi boomed and the crowd parted to reveal the skinny Gong’er biting his brown granite teeth into Lai Lei’s arm - Lai Lei silenced a scream at the sight of the captain. The two sailors quickly got to their feet and looked to the floor. Qiang Yi scowled at them both and straightened his arms down along his sides.

“What is the meaning of this, master Gong’er, master Lai Lei?” he repeated. “For what reason do two brothers of the Flow exchange blows aboard this sacred vessel?”

Gong’er fidgeted where he stood, his hands shivering and his eyes trying desperately to escape Qiang Yi’s. Lai Lei appeared to be sweating. Eventually, they both fell to their knees before the captain.

“Captain! With all due respect,” Gong’er started. Qiang Yi looked at the prostrating man. Gong’er shot an accusatory finger at Lai Lei. “He started it!”

“Huuuuh?! I hit yer head to hard, ye puddle?!” Lai Lei roared as he rose to one knee and looked ready to pounce.

“Silence!” Qiang Yi boomed. Lai Lei fell back into a kowtow. “Gong’er, we do not accuse without proof to back the claim. Master Lai Lei, master Gong’er claims you started this conflict. What gives him the right to claim such?”

“I ken not, captain! We two were discussin’ the forests on th’ shore as usual, then this wee puddle pounced me ou’a nowhere. Bloomin’ mad, he is--!”

“Thank you, master Lai Lei!” Qiang Yi interrupted sourly. He turned back to Gong’er. “Master Gong’er, you stand accused of unwarranted assault against your brother of the Flow - how do you plead?”

Gong’er’s head quickly shot up. “Innocent! I’m innocent, captain! He was the one who struck me firs--!”

“Silence!” Qiang Yi pinched the bridge of his nose. “Alright. Start from the beginning. What were the two of you discussing?”

“The empty forests,” Gong’er said simultaneously as Lai Lei said “The cursed woods.”

“Duly noted,” Qiang Yi muttered. “What sparked the conflict?”

“I told ye, captain! The wee puddle struck m--!”

“What part of the [i]conversation[/i] may have lead to that?” Qiang Yi snarled. Gong’er looked down. 

“H-he said the curse is probably related to the stone we brought aboard,” Gong’er mumbled. “That the stone we plan to gift His Lordship is the stuff of evil. This was a downright false statement - no such beautiful stone could ever be cursed - so I struck him.”

Qiang Yi squinted. The surrounded crew began to whisper and mumble with everything from outraged hissing to anxious whimpers. “So you admit to striking first?” the captain said.

“Yes!” Gong’er threw his hands into the air. “I struck him first - but only because he insulted His Lordship’s property!”

Qiang Yi turned to Lai Lei. “Master Lai Lei, does this confession sound correct to you?” The deckhand nodded and wiped his brow.

The captain hummed and looked around the crew. His eyes then fell back on Gong’er. “Your intentions, master Gong’er, were noble - I am certain any of us would rise in defense of His Lordship’s sacred property any day. However, your category for what His Lordship’s property is is simply too broad..”

Gong’er’s boney face looked slack-jawed at Qiang Yi. “Category…? Broad?”

The captain nodded. “Master Lai Lei has, in fact, not insulted His Lordship’s property - as it has yet to be delivered to His Lordship, and is therefore not His property.” There was some dissatisfied rumbling in the crowd. Qiang Yi furrowed his brow and pursed his lips. “Secondly, the stone we recovered is a foreign material - our knowledge on it is limited only to its colours and general shape. I cannot see why it would be an insult to propose that the material possesses certain traits - even if those traits are detrimental. Frankly, the only crime I find master Lai Lei guilty of is intentionally damaging crew morale.” 

Gong’er fell back into a shivering kowtow - Lai Lei sat dumbstruck on his knees. Qiang Yi scowled at them both.

“As the Flow demands, you shall both be punished accordingly. Since you are both of the Strong, the punishment will be selected based on your relationship as comrades of the same caste.” He pointed at Gong’er. 

“Gong’er, the punishment for striking a brother and falsely accusing him of a crime he did not commit is one fistful of salt across the back.”

Gong’er looked up, eyes wide with horror. He swallowed, his voice cracking up slightly with frightened sobs. “Y-yes, captain,” he whimpered and slowly began to pull off his gi shirt with shivering arms. He laid flat on his stomach. From under deck came two somber deckhands carrying an ornate wooden chest marked with warning notes and labels. Qiang Yi took a deep breath.

“As captain of this vessel,” he began, his voice somewhat shaky. “... I shall carry out this punishment. Gloves, please.” A nearby carpenter handed him a pair of leather gloves. The chest was placed next to Qiang Yi and the captain reluctantly began undoing the intricate lock. Lai Lei blinked sympathetically at Gong’er and the captain.

“Uhm… Captain, is this really necessary? I mean… The wee puddle didn’ really hurt me tha’ much--”

“Such is the law, master Lai Lei. Violence aboard this holy vessel cannot be tolerated. Such a breach in discipline would no doubt shame His Lordship.” He wrapped his gloves hand around a handful of the white, crystalline poison and held it up for all to see. “His Lordship’s rules are divine and absolute - let this time be the only time we must remind each other.” The captain then turned to the floored Gong’er who had folded his hands in silent prayer. Qiang Yi took a deep breath and, slowly, began to sprinkle the salt over the man like a gentle snowfall.

The effect was immediate. The deckhand twisted and writhed as the salt burned across his skin. Several deckhands moved in to restrain him, but still his body spasmed in agony. He cried and wept for forgiveness, but his words quickly became incomprehensible as they were drowned out by screams and wails. The onlookers all cowered before the gruesome act transpiring before their eyes, some falling to their knees and begging Qiang Yi to stop.

Lai Lei crawled over to Qiang Yi’s leg and pressed his forehead against his foot as he grasped at the captain’s violet robes. “Please, captain! He’s had enough! He’s learned his lesson!”

Qiang Yi felt his lip quiver and he dropped the last of the salt. The deckhand on the floor had stopped squirming a few seconds ago, likely having passed out from the pain. The captain clapped the gloves free of the rest of the salt and tossed them aside. 

“Someone give him a well-deserved rest and his back a proper wash. He took his punishment like a pious servant.” He looked around at the crowds. “Let us avoid having to see that again.”

There were hums and nods of consensus among the onlookers. The captain lowered his eyes down at Lai Lei. “As for you, master Lai Lei, the punishment for propagating information that can shatter morale is a week in the cells.” The captain let out a sigh. “However, since we have no cells aboard, you punishment shall be improvised…” Qiang Yi pointed down at Gong’er who was slowly being lifted up by two others.

“You shall be responsible for nursing master Gong’er back to health and be his brother - not just of caste, but of soul. If either of you exchange blows again - you will both be punished.” 

Lai Lei blinked, then nodded frantically. “I-... I’ll care for him as if he was my true brother,” he said. He then helped the two others with carrying Gong’er downstairs.

Qiang Yi let out a sigh and looked around at the crowds. “Since you are already here, I may as well take this time to address the ongoing rumours aboard: I see now that I have allowed this fear of the Kick to poison the pure and honest souls aboard this ship for too long.” The crowds rumbled and mumbled. “I will take criticism for this myself - I should have shot them down before; had I done so, this fight may not have happened. The fear permeating this ship is not healthy - it makes us doubt our mission, neglect our faith, and make enemies with our neighbours. Therefore, I forbid the spreading of such rumours for the remainder of the voyage, is that clear?”

There were nods and words of consensus. Qiang Yi nodded.

“Good… Back to your stations.”

As the crowds dispersed, Qiang Yi walked over to the bow of the ship. He stood for a moment and admired the figurehead to Ashalla. It was a shame that it could not capture the majestic presence of the Ocean Goddess, but it was still just so magnificently carven. He made a mental note to have an equally majestic effigy made in the honour of Shengshi and placed at the stern. A suitable passtime for the carpenters as the journey dragged on. 

The sound of footsteps closed in behind him and Qiang Yi turned to see Li Shan clinging to a crutch, though seemingly almost recovered. Qiang Yi smiled from ear to ear and bowed. 

“Oh, master Li Shan - what a joy it is to see you well again. Your condition has certainly improved over the last four days.”

The carpenter let out a laugh, followed by one or two coughs. “Yes, it has been tough, but I may finally return to my work. The crutch is just for my right leg - my arms are still as strong and dexterous as ever.”

Qiang Yi chuckled. “I do not doubt that for a second, master Li Shan. Actually, if you do not already have a project in mind, may I make a request?”

“My hammer and chisel are yours to command, captain,” Li Shan said with a nod. The captain gestured to the figurehead.

“Your previous work of art was of stellar quality, master carpenter - no doubt has the Queen of the Ocean spotted it already - it may even have been the reason Her Holiness chose to save our ship from sinking.” He gave Li Shan a bow. “Your skill is impeccable.”

Li Shan flushed and scratched his neck sheepishly. “Oh, no, don’t say that - it was thanks to my team that we managed to produce it so quickly.” He bowed back.

“That’s good to hear. I wish for you to complete a second statue, though this one is to be placed at the stern - a tribute to our Lord.”

Li Shan looked up and blinked. He immediately straightened himself up and cleared his throat. “Captain, do-... Do you really think that His Lordship would accept such a lowly attempt at portraying His glory?”

Qiang Yi stepped closer and put a hand on Li Shan’s shoulder. “With your skill, it will -not- be a lowly attempt. I am certain that His Lordship will be more than satisfied.” 

Li Shan looked down for a moment and then stared Qiang Yi in the eyes with newfound resolve. “Then it shall be done, captain! Sail the ship well, and the effigy will be ready by the time we reach the Serpentine Isles.”

Qiang Yi grinned and clapped the carpenter’s broad shoulder. “That is wonderful to hear, my friend. You will certainly bring His Lordship’s favour upon us with it. You may commence as soon as you are ready.”

Li Shan bowed and walked towards the stern. Qiang Yi turned back to the figurehead, folded his hands in silent prayer, and turned back to the stern, as well. However, as he walked back, he noticed a few sailors who had been talking, disperse upon spotting him. Qiang Yi frowned.

He ascended to the helmspost, giving Zhen-zhen a nod and receiving one in return. From the helmspost, Qiang Yi found the deck to be busy as normal - yet occasionally, groups of feet would gather behind the sails or just underneath the railing, before quickly dispersing again.

“I do not understand - why do they cling to the fear of a curse that likely does not exist?” Qiang Yi said in a frustrated tone and turned to Zhen-zhen. She gave a sheepish shrug.

“I dunno either, captain,” she said. “Maybe the monotony of the waves is getting to them?”

“The monotony of the waves?” Qiang Yi repeated quizzically. 

Zhen-zhen nodded. “I’ll be honest, captain. Nothing has happened for two weeks, and had I not had maps to check and tillers to steer all day, I would likely have gone mad from boredom.”

Qiang Yi scratched his chin. “Is that so?”

Zhen-zhen nodded again. “The crew are likely making up stories and the like about the empty woods to have something to talk about - you know, after talking about the weather gets stale.”

Qiang Yi nodded slowly. “So distractions are in order, you say? What would you suggest?”

She shrugged. “Each caste would be interested in different things - I reckon the Skilled would be happy just crafting stuff; the Noble would probably like some tea or to play music; and the Strong probably would not mind a spar on occasion.”

“Sparring?” Qiang Yi said skeptically. “How will we make certain those do not turn into fights? How can we even control whether a fight is a spar or a brawl?”

Zhen-zhen gave him a straight-faced frown. “Captain, I am fairly certain the Strong know very well what the difference between a fight and a spar is.”

Qiang Yi recoiled a little and cleared his throat. “I-if you say so. Regardless of that, though, we did not bring tea onboard! How will we satisfy the Noble?”

“Alright, so we don’t have tea - could you convince the Skilled to make them some instruments, then?” Zhen-zhen tilted her head to the side. “Aren’t you supposed to be a creative man, captain?”

“I asked for solutions, not sass, first mate,” Qiang Yi said sourly as he drummed his chin with some fingers. “That could work, though. I will ask Li Shan for counsel.” Qiang Yi strolled down the staircase to the deck, then down the staircase to the belly of the ship. There, he found Li Shan and his carpenter team busily carving away at roughly-shaped statue of the snake. 

“Oh, captain!” Li Shan said in surprise. “W-we still need a bit more time, I’m afraid, but--”

“Oh, pardon my intrusion, master Li Shan, but I have an urgent request.” The master carpenter and his apprentices put down their tools and looked at the captain with a hint of anxiousness. 

“Did something happen, captain?” said Li Shan. Behind him, Tong Lao was dusting off some sawdust. “Did the hull fix break apart?” he asked.

“No, and no - do not worry, nothing has happened. It has just come to my attention that we lack distractions for most of the sailors onboard - particularly for the Noble.”

The carpenters looked at one another. “Yes, but what would you have us do about that, captain?” Li Shan asked quizzically. 

“Well, I was hoping that you could make them some instruments - you know, something to keep them occupied and to keep the rest of us entertained throughout the journey.” Qiang Yi picked up a broad plank. “This plank, for example, could make a fine guzheng - well, a makeshift one.” He pointed to a thin log. “Carve that out and fit it with two strings - add a bow and you have an erhu.” The carpenters scratched their chins and necks in thought.

“Well, we could do it, captain, but--...” Li Shan began. “... We cannot promise the quality will be particularly good, considering what we have on hand - not to mention that none of us are particularly good musicians.”

Qiang Yi folded his arms together. “W-well… You could ask the Noble for advice in that regard. You know… You make the tools and they tell you how they are supposed to sound?”

Li Shan let out a sigh. “We’ll… We’ll see what we can do, captain.” 

Qiang Yi nodded in satisfaction. “Wonderful, master Li Shan. I will be looking forward to your results.” The captain strolled happily towards the front of the ship’s belly and Li Shan looked to the others.

“We’ll finish the statue first - then we’ll find someone to help us out.”

[hr]

Qiang Yi then went to see Yong Mei, assistant to the quartermaster Zeng En who was still in recovery. Yong Mei was not as tall as Zeng En, but equally well-groomed and muscular. She had skin of fine gray clay and long, black, earthy hair tied in a small topknot. Upon Qiang Yi’s arrival at the storages below deck, Yong Mei greeted him with a smile and a bow.

“Greetings, captain,” she said with a bubbly, yet somewhat shy voice. “W-what can I help you with?”

“Ah, lady Yong Mei,” Qiang Yi said and bowed. “I have a proposal for you to bring to the rest of the Strong.”
Yong Mei blushed. “A p-p-proposal, captain?! B-but we just--”

“A proposal for the whole caste, lady Yong Mei,” Qiang Yi said sourly. Yong Mei squinted.

“Woah… The captain is a greedy man, I see.”

“A proposal for a change of law, lady Yong Mei! Focus, please.”

“Oh,” she said curtly, and with a hint of disappointment. “Very well, what does the captain propose?”

Qiang Yi let out a relieved sigh and nodded. “Seeing as I have received some feedback regarding a lack of distractions aboard, I propose to let the Strong once again be allowed to practice martial arts on deck, and even engage in sparring -under- the observation of a judge.”

Yong Mei looked dumbstruck at first, but then a grin formed on her face and her eyes beamed at the captain. “R-really, captain?! You mean it?!”

Qiang Yi recoiled as the huge woman began to skip happily around in circles. “Y-yes, lady Yong Mei. No longer shall your caste be denied the essential culture of martial arts. I must, however, stress once more than I will require there to be a judge at every sparring.”

“N-naturally, captain! Oh, by the Exalted Creators, what a day!” The woman set off in a sprint to deck, and not a moment had passed before Qiang Yi heard cheers and whooping through the deckboards above. The captain snickered quietly to himself.

Perhaps now they could forget the talk of curses and evil spirits for some time.

[hider=Summary]
Two weeks have passed and the ship has reached the northern edges of the continent.  Seeing as there have been few to no sightings of life on the Kick, the crew starts thinking the land is hella haunted. A fight breaks out on deck between Gong’er and Lai Lei over whether the curse on the land stems from the orvium they had found. Gong’er started the fight and is sentenced to salting, a terrible punishment that is composed of sprinkling salt over the targets naked back. Qiang Yi then forbids all mentionings of the curse.

Zhen-zhen later proposes that the reason the crew believes in curses is because they are dying of boredom. She proposes that Qiang Yi gives them something to do. Qiang Yi lets the carpenters do their stuff, he has them make instruments for the Noble, and she allows the Strong to spar and do martial arts under supervision.


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[hider=The journey so far…]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/DJh6yAR.png[/img]

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