Jacob's Story
The night had just begun and the celebration was far from over. The fine melody of music and the people who were dancing along the beat made various sounds such as the screeching of wood and the thumping sound of collective footsteps.
The cool sea breeze ticked by people's clothing and cheeks through all the clamor of celebration as it flew further around the ship swaying the flames of the burning candles.
The dining hall smelled rather different than always as the sweet scent of liquor lingered dismissing the invasion of the foul sea odor.
Evan's cheeks were flustered and his face looked red. He was also enjoying the warmth provided by the sweet nectar on a cold night. His handsome looks with a noble disposition stood out from the masses but seeing the satisfied and relaxed smile on his face, no one wished to disturb him.
Evan was simply sitting there at the table by himself holding the mug of liquor in what seemed to be an toxified state and he simply looked rather relaxed without any burdens on his soldiers.
Although it seemed like he was drunk, in reality, he just had a problem with liquor where his face would become red upon having just some of it. But by no means was he drunk.
Evan was simply enjoying the celebrating atmosphere and the tune of the music and course, the booze. It could be said that a British man did not exist he did not like alcohol.
Evan suddenly saw Jacob coming away from the corner of his eye. He raised his neck and looked over at Jacob.
"Quite the attentive one aren't you," Jacob said referring to how Evan had noticed him coming which showed his militant instincts.
He sat in front of Evan and poured some more alcohol into his mug from the huge jar placed on the table.
"You didn't have to tell them you know," Evan said and proceeded to gulp down the remaining alcohol in his mug.
"Hehe, let's not talk about that aye?" Jacob said and looked at Evan.
"Fine, you were in the navy before, yes?" Evan asked somewhat curiously. He wondered why an old man like Jacob was out here on the sea instead of chilling out after retirement.
"Heh, you must be wondering why I'm still sailing and waiting for the waves to engulf me one day," Jacob said with an awkward smile on his face. It was as if he read Evan's mind.
Evan did not say anything and just waited for Jacob to continue.
"I was in the navy as a captain of a warship. I spent many years on the seas leaving my wife and my mother behind. One day I got word that both of them had died from a plague. From that day forward, I had nothing else but the vast sea. When I retired from the service... They offered me a pension to live my remaining days peacefully." Jacob said and stopped there. He seemed to be reminiscing on something.
A few moments later he woke up from the daze, his eyes were slightly moist.
"But I said the hell with that! What am I just going to waste in a corner of my house waiting to die all alone? After having the taste of adventure all your life. You just can not live a boring and mundane life. And that's why I decided to keep on working as a captain." He said and sighed deeply and chugged down another gulp of alcohol.
"I see. You are certainly good at your job, good sir," Evan said in consolation. He also wondered if he would also turn out like Jacob or his father in the end.
"Well, enough about me. You must be going to India, no?" Jacob asked.
"Yes I am," Evan said as he refilled his mug with the alcohol.
"A very rich land I hear, their kings wear diamonds ornamented clothing, and the architecture is a sight to see in itself. Although I have heard they have a rather strange culture." Jacob said. He seemed to be different from the likes of the Marquis.
"That is true, you seemed to know a lot about that place?" Evan asked.
"Haha! I wasn't a navy captain for nothing ya know. Some of my friends and acquaintances have been there before. They told me about it." Jacob said with a proud look and chugged down some more alcohol again.
Evan felt like he was getting dizzy now. Before getting completely drunk and making a fool of himself, he decided to head back to the cabin.
"It's been nice talking to you captain! I'm afraid the alcohol is getting to me so I must leave now." Evan said and bowed slightly, he placed back the dark-colored wooden mug on the large table.
"Alright. I should get back to the steering as well." Jacob said and stood up.
he extended his hand for a handshake. Evan was starting to see multiple images now but managed to shake hands with Jacob. After that, he informed James that he would be going back and directly left for his cabin.
The others, however, had no intention to stop the celebrations. Even until midnight, the sound of cheering, jeering, dancing, and singing mixed with the sound of the sea and the popping and cracking sound of the burning candles could be heard.
Gradually, the various noises subsided as some folks passed out to sleep on the spot. Some were sober enough to get back to their rooms.
The ship continued to travel non-stop in a certain direction traversing hundreds of kilometers. It was rather lonely as the sea was dark and the only source of light was the moon. Nothing but darkness could be seen far off the distance.
The first ray of sunshine peaked out from the horizon very early in the morning bringing with it another day of the voyage. The passengers were still asleep however, the seabirds were hovering in the sky potentially migrating or searching for food.