3. Ship is sailing

When we arrived at the docks, even though it was on the crack of dawn, there were already a lot of people up and busy working. A few of them were selling near the main square, fishermen were bringing their catch over the night, stalls with food were starting to open. You could not smell anything delicious because of the atrocious smell of fish. Alex's usually poker face was crumbling at every step we took further into the dock.

I noticed the soldier assigned to find us a ship was running toward us.

"Leader, I have some news."

I nodded. "Go on"

"I found two ships. I could not find anything bigger even though I would give them the money. Everything is booked because soldiers are returning home."

"The ship."

"The ships: one that can be used for the soldiers to be transported and a small one for the special squad and your Majesty. Everything is good quality and the crew is known for its skills. There is only one problem. The small ship is to be shared with another party that has the same plans as we do. I heard they were the South Squad and their leader."

"South Squad? What are they doing all the way here in Darka?"

"I heard a few soldiers talking about celebrating at the banquet held by His Majesty."

So, after all, he really invited everyone, I thought. "Ok. I have no problem traveling together with the south. We are part of the same army. Anyhow, if any of them gives any of my men a hard time, tell me as soon as possible. I will not tolerate any of the rudeness they are famous for."

"Yes, lady Victoria! Thank you!" He bowed deeply and ran back to organizing the rest.

We were in front of our ship after I made sure the rest of my men were all set and anybody or anything was missing. I took my special squad and embarked and soon after us the South Squad made their appearance. Compared to us, dressed in all black because that was the West uniform, they wore crimson red. At least we were lucky. Blood did not stand out on our uniforms.

I pulled my hood over my head deeper to hide my face even better and headed to my room, not before I made sure everybody was at their place. It was a habit that I formed on the battlefield. I did not start to eat, sleep or walk until I was sure of the location of every one of my men. It made me feel better and at ease.

The South Squad also scattered, probably wanting nothing more than to eat and sleep. It was a long journey for all of us. One of them, I assume he was the leader, followed me down the stairs leading to the front of the ship. I assumed he was the leader because there were only three rooms in the front part of the ship: the captain room and two other rooms made especially for important passengers (because of their size and placement). I nodded swiftly to him before entering my room. I prayed that these three days will pass quickly. I had seasickness.

That evening Alex tried to make me eat something but failed miserably.

"Please eat. You survived five years on the battlefield and you want to die on your way home?"

"Don't be so dramatic. I don't have to eat. I have enough energy and power stored for the next three days."

"Take five more bites and I'll leave you alone for the rest of the night."

"But I am full!"

"Of shit! Just take five bites. I have other things to do besides being your butler."

"That's not how you speak with a princess, my dear butler."

"If you would act like one, maybe I would take you seriously."

"If you want to keep breathing I suggest you shut up and leave or I'll throw up on you."

"That's so sweet of you, Princess! You spoke just like a lady."

I tied him up with tentacle-like mana and threw him out of my room.

"I am sorry but there is no room for toxic people in my life," I shouted.

I heard Alex mumbling a few swear words and the sound of his footsteps leaving. A wave of nausea came over me and I felt the last bites of food making their way back up.

*ugh*"I hate ships. I hate the sea. I hate everything and everyone.

The next few hours were pure torture until my meal was slightly digested. I thought I could fall asleep but there was no way I could do that with the ship constantly swaying. I got dressed and made my way on the deck. Another person was holding tightly onto the edge of the ship. I approached him hearing that he was groaning whenever a big wave shook the ship.

"Hello, fellow suffering person."

He rose his head and I saw his contorted face exhaling like he was trying to suppress another sound.

"H..*ugh* hello to you too, fellow suffering person."

I laughed at his tentative of sounding cheerful but my smile faltered quickly as a wave hit hard the boat shaking it. We both held tight trying to calm the dizziness.

"So...If I guess correctly you are part of the West Squad right?"

"I am and you are part of the South Squad."

"I wonder how you guessed that."

"I don't know... maybe those atrocious uniforms gave you away."

He laughed faintly. "Indeed red is not really my color. My red hair doesn't make it any better. I feel like a chili pepper."

"At least you can say you like to spice things up?"

"...that was such a terrible joke it almost cured my seasickness."

"If only was that easy. I would have cured everyone on this planet."

"Feels like I'm dying. I can say that I am really glad no one sent me to the East Squad. If I had to fight my battles on the sea I would have been dead after four days."

"Weak ass. I would have died after three."

The waves subtly calmed down and we could finally concentrate on other things besides 'not vomiting' or 'not falling on the floor'.

"Why do you have a mask and the hood on? What are you? A ninja?

"No. I'm just ugly."

"Nice try. What's a noble's daughter doing in the army? Seeing that you don't want people to see your face I guess you are quite known."

"Men and women have equal rights to fight in the war. Why couldn't I fight? Anyway, I am much stronger than my brother."

"Long story short, he was a pussy."

I laughed at his choice of words. We started talking about our experiences on the battlefield. Different places, the same fight. I could see in his eyes that he has seen enough for his age although I think he is the same age as me. After a while, we almost forgot about the seasickness until the rain started pouring.

"It was nice talking to you, but I must go back to my room if I don't want a bonus cold."

"I should go too. There is no fun standing here anymore without my fellow ninja sufferer."

"And you said my jokes are bad..."

"Shut up."

We both headed to the front of the deck.

"Umm? Are you walking me to my room?"

He stopped in his tracks. "You want me to?"

"No?"

He nodded after We started walking again in the same direction.

"..."

"..."

"Little Ninja, Do YOU want to walk me to my room?"

"I just asked you the same question. Where is your room?"

"Oh! Quite bold aren't we?"

"Just shut up and answer."

"In the font."

"Then you are the Captain of the South Squad?"

"Yes. And let me guess. You are the Captain of the West Squad."

"So both squads have weak-ass leaders that want to die at every wave rocking the ship."

"Cool. Then, let me take you to your room please."

"What a sudden gentleman now that you know we are going in the same direction."

"I am a gentleman, but I feel so sick that I vomited what I ate last month."

"That's definitely not possible."

"Three hours ago was possible. If we stay on the deck long enough you might even see it."

"Gross. Go in your room Captain. Try to refrain from making any sound tonight. I will not hesitate to throw you over the board."

"The only thing you are throwing is up."

I flipped him off and went inside my room. I threw myself on the bed after undressing myself and prayed that somehow, by a miracle, tomorrow morning I will see land.