The Farewells

Vincent and his team watched as the Sea Hawk crew fixed the ship.

Hour by hour, Vincent noticed gradual changes. At first, they focused on the deck. Splintered wood was removed and replaced with fresh planks, secured tightly to withstand the harsh sea conditions. 

Next, they turned their attention to the mast. The crack in the mast was severe, but the crew had prepared for such emergencies. Using thick ropes and a makeshift pulley system, they carefully lifted a replacement section into place. Vincent watched as they aligned it perfectly, then secured it with strong iron bands. The mast stood tall once more, ready to bear the weight of the sails.

Throughout the day, the hull was reinforced. Large wooden beams were hauled from the ship's storage, each one measured and cut to fit the damaged sections. The crew worked in pairs, one holding the beam steady while the other hammered it into place. Slowly, the hull began to look more like it should – sturdy and capable of weathering the ocean's challenges.

Vincent could see the exhaustion on the crew's faces, but their determination never wavered. Captain Bartholomew moved among them, offering words of encouragement and checking on the progress. He was clearly experienced in overseeing such repairs, and his presence kept the crew motivated.

As evening approached, the final touches were made. The sails were inspected for tears and patched up. Ropes were checked and re-tied, making sure everything was secure. The crew cleaned the deck, sweeping away the sawdust and debris from the day's work.

By the time the sun began to set, the Sea Hawk looked almost as good as new. The crew stepped back to admire their work, pride evident in their expressions. Vincent approached Captain Bartholomew, who was inspecting the newly repaired mast.

"Looks like you've done it, Captain," Vincent said, nodding appreciatively.

Bartholomew smiled, a tired but satisfied look on his face. "Aye, she's seaworthy again. We'll be ready to set sail at first light. It's time for dinner. Good thing we stored three days' worth of food for such emergencies."

Vincent nodded. "Dinner sounds good. Your crew deserves a good meal after all that hard work."

The crew gathered around, setting up a makeshift dining area near the dock. Barrels and crates were arranged as tables and seats. Cooked fish, bread, and dried fruits were brought out, and the smell of food filled the air. The crew ate heartily, their spirits lifted by the prospect of a hot meal and a good night's rest.

Vincent and his team joined them, and they felt guilty while eating the food as they barely did anything to help on repairing the ship.

Captain Bartholomew noticed Vincent's expression and patted him lightly on the back. 

"You looked awfully silent, Sir Vincent. What's bothering you?" 

"Well…the right to eat alongside with you I guess," Vincent chuckled. "I mean we didn't do anything but watch."

"Nonsense, without you and your men, my crew and I would be dinner for that Kraken!" 

Captain Bartholomew's words brought a smile to Vincent's face. "I suppose you're right, Captain. But still, I appreciate the hard work your crew put in."

The crew members around them nodded in agreement, some raising their cups in a silent toast to Vincent and his team. The mood lightened further, and the conversations turned to lighter topics—stories of past voyages, humorous mishaps, and tales of distant lands.

As the night wore on, the crew's exhaustion began to show. One by one, they finished their meals and settled down for the night. Some chose to sleep on the deck, enjoying the cool sea breeze, while others found more comfortable spots below deck.

Vincent's team also found places to rest, taking turns to keep watch. Despite the repairs, there was still a sense of caution among them. The island was still largely unexplored, and they had to be ready for anything.

Vincent himself stayed up a bit longer, standing at the edge of the dock and looking out over the dark ocean. The events of the past day replayed in his mind—the Kraken attack, the repairs, and now, the quiet night.

"Sir Vincent?" It was Captain Bartholomew. "I have something that might be of help to you and your men." 

Vincent turned around and glanced at what he was holding. It was parchment. 

"What is that?" 

"It's the map of Akarios Island," Bartholomew continued, handing the parchment to Vincent. "This map was given to me by a trader long ago. It's old, but it should help you navigate the island better."

Vincent unfolded the map and studied it closely. The parchment was worn and faded, but the details of Akarios Island were still clear. It showed the dense forests, the jagged mountain range, and various landmarks that could be useful.

"Thank you, Captain. This will definitely help us," Vincent said, genuinely grateful.

Bartholomew nodded. "I thought you might find it useful. It's not much, but it's better than nothing."

Vincent rolled up the map and tucked it into his belt. "We'll make good use of it. Rest well, Captain. For you to have a trip later in the morning." 

"You are right," Bartholomew replied. "Oh, by the way. I was thinking. Since we are leaving you here in the Island, then there would be no transportation for you to connect with the mainland. Meaning you are on your own here. How are you going to survive this island without barely anything?" 

"Ahh…don't worry about it. For we have already taken care of everything. Who knows, when you come by to visit us, this island will have already undergone a massive transformation." 

"I don't think the six of you can even fight all the monsters in the island," Bartholomew said concernedly.

"Oh believe me, we can. Speaking of visits, can you come by every five months?"

"Five months huh? What if we return five months from now and you are all dead?" 

"Then that means we are just all talk," Vincent laughed and went silent seconds later. "Good night, Captain. You have a long day tomorrow." 

In the morning, Vincent and his team were up early, ready to see the Sea Hawk off. The crew bustled around, making final preparations for their departure. The repairs had held up well overnight, and the ship looked as sturdy as ever.

Captain Bartholomew approached Vincent, extending a hand. "Thank you, Sir Vincent. Your help was invaluable. We will return in five months to check on you and this island."

Vincent shook his hand firmly. "We'll be here, Captain. Safe travels."

The crew of the Sea Hawk began to board the ship. 

As the last of the crew members climbed aboard, Captain Bartholomew gave the order to cast off. The heavy ropes were untied and pulled back onto the deck.

The Sea Hawk slowly drifted away from the dock, the crew adjusting the sails to catch the morning breeze. Vincent and his team stood on the dock, waving as the ship moved further into the open sea. Captain Bartholomew and his crew waved back, their figures growing smaller with each passing moment.

"Good luck, Sir Vincent!" Bartholomew shouted over the increasing distance. "Take care of yourselves!"

"Safe journey!" Vincent called back. "We'll be waiting for your return!"

The Sea Hawk sailed steadily, its sails billowing as it caught the wind. Vincent watched until the ship became a distant speck on the horizon. He turned to his team, who were also watching the ship disappear.

"Alright, team. We have work to do," Vincent said.