Lady in Red Uniform

Journal entry of :

Medic Sergeant Lady Dux Almas Dayana

(Read here about her : Profile)

Oh, what a great outdoor. Finally I am assigned to a real unit that needs my talent and knowledge after 5 years in medical school. Daddy and Mommy must be proud of their only daughter. <...giggle...>

So proud that they let me have CheeseCake.

And I rode it to Pearly Harbor. Personally I prefer to call it Port Pearl and yup, CheeseCake is a stallion. A white one.

It's still clear in my mind when I saw the face of the guard at the Harbor Gate.

The shock and disbelief look on the face of the young brick who was standing there. Shouting a standard challenge : "Halt! This is the Red Jackets Army! Identify yourself!".

I thought it was not a common sight to see a lady in a uniform. I passed the authorization letter from the Wizurai of the South. <Ehem, that's Daddy.> After reading it two times, he told me to head off to the Governor's Mansion on the hill. As it was already past tea-time, the Governor should be there with his family.

"Welcome to Pearly Harbor, Sergeant Ma'am," salute the guard. I salute him back before road off to the direction he showed to me.
The wind was chilling. The smell of the salted air and sounds of sea-gulls, well I love being here.

I reached the mansion, wondering how this magnificent building and its compound are well taken of due to its large area on a top of the hill. There was no guard to be seen around. The Governor must be a brave man or he must be very confident with the safety of this harbor.

After I introduced myself to the caretaker Mr. Radenn, he led me to the Governor's study room. He told me to wait for a while because the Governor was having tea at the garden. Before he left, I was given a glass of sherry juice. I really appreciate it as I was exhausted and thirsty after a long ride. My uniform was dusty and I smelled more like a horse.

The study room was filled with books;neatly arranged on shelves twice as tall as me. In the center there was a large wooden table, with a wooden globe on it. It must be red oak. Shiny polished with maple oil. At the right wing of the room was this little window and next to the window pane, there was a painting of a warship. I approached the window. From there I could see the view of the port and the sea. There was a ship anchored at the dock. I took a glance at the painting. It was a different ship.

"That was HMS Katrina. Four guns." Suddenly a husky voice echoed the room. 

I nearly spilled the juice I was holding in the glass. I put it on the oak table and stood to an attention with a salute.

"Good evening, Governor, sir! Sergeant Almas Dayana reporting for duty, sir!".

The Governor accept the salute. His stern eyes were screening me from top to toe as if he could see through me.

At the same moment my eyes were sending signals to my brain, analyzed the characteristic of the old brickman stood in front of me. 

He was a tough built handsome brickman, despite his age. He should be in the same batch of Daddy. He kept a long moustache with sideburns, as grey as his thick eyebrows. But his facial appearance seems could not hide his friendly grin and his shiny eyes; he had a strong will and desire, as if he was a boy who is looking at toys.

Well, that was my five seconds of first impression. All the lectures and theories in Psychology Class seems to be running in my blood now. It triggered instantly. 

"Enough of this formality, Sergeant. As you were. And pick up that drinks. You're spoiling my table," said the Governor.

"My apology, sir."

"Apology accepted. How was your journey?". The Governor took out a cigar from his jacket's inner pocket. He wore a dark blue jacket with red epaulette and golden buttons. At first I thought he was about to smoke in his study room. He didn't.

"I'm all excited, sir. I rode as fast as I could. My mind was already here before my body."

"You rode alone?"

"Yes sir."

"How gallant. Let speak outside. I don't want to pollute my little library here. Come on, you arrived about the time.'

"Pardon me, sir?"

"The sun is about to set. Take your drinks with you. Follow me."

We walked to the verandah outside the study room. There the Governor lit up his cigar. I was standing behind him. At a distance, the orange sun seem like it was sinking in the sea.

"I hope you like the sherry drinks."

"It's a good thirst quencher, sir. Sour but sweet, and there is a mint sensation tingling on the tongue. An after taste."

"You are quite analytical. That's Julia's recipe."

"Excuse me, sir but Julia who?"

"Madam Julia. She runs The Tavern at the port. You'll meet her more often after this. Trust me." He gave me a wink.

I took another gulp.

"Before I forgot about it, there's a letter for you," I gave the Governor a brown envelope with a red common sealed.

He didn't bother to take a look. The Governor was still watching the evening scene.

"Save it for tomorrow, Sergeant. First thing at my office, in the morning. For now, just enjoy the view."

But I insisted.

"With all respect, sir, this was my last order, letter from the Wizurai. He ordered me to pass it to you once I arrive here immediately.

The Governor inhaled deeply, then released the puffy white smoke like a chimney.

He took the paper and read it in the last lime of dusky light. It took him quite a while to finish it. Later he folded it and kept in in his jacket.

"How's your old man?"

Old man? He's a wizurai,alright?

I took a deep breath before answering him.

"His Excellency is all fine, sir. Healthy and highly spirited like you are."

"Glad to hear that. Your father and I were in the same class at the Military Academy a long time ago. We are lifelong friends."

Oh, that's why.

"He never mentioned to me before, sir."

"That old chap. Never mind then. Well, you must be tired. Mr. Radenn will show to your room. You'll be staying here tonight before I'm going to decide what to do with you."

"Thank you, sir but I'll be fine at the barrack."

I started to feel uncomfortable with this kind of hospitality. After all, I am here as a Red Jacket, not as Lady Dux.

"No, that's my order, Sergeant. Go for a rest and some freshen up. See you at dinner. I want you to meet my daughter, Safura. I think you two are about the same youth."

"One more thing, sir. I need to attend to my horse first. CheeseCake is fatigued and it needs rest, water and some feed."

"I'll make sure that Mr. Radenn shall take it to the stable and give it a proper treatment."

"Thank you very much, sir."

"Sergeant, there is one more thing I would like you to know."

"Sir?'

"This CheeseCake. The stallion is no longer your pet ride. The Wizurai has presented it to me. From now on, it will be serving in His Majesty Red Jackets as war horse." 

It took me a stun. Father didn't tell me about this. CheeseCake. A war horse?"

"You already completed your first task, Sergeant. Your father must be proud of you. And I expect many great things from you. Understand?"

" . . . "

"Sergeant?"

"Understood, sir."

"Good. You may dismiss. Dinner will be served at 8 o'clock. Be sharp."

* * * * * * * *

A Parrot on a Ship

Birds Have Feathers So They Can Fly

(updated July 24, 2013)

The Jetty, blue night.

"The moon didn't appear tonight," a woman's voice suddenly made Leftenant Jon Kaisan stood up at a haste.

"Miss Safura, what are you doing here at this hour?".

"Taking fresh air. What about you Leftenant?"

"Me? Looking for stars. Practicing my navigation skill."

"You love seas, don't you?"

"Aye, I miss the voyages too."

"Typical Blue Coats. What were they call them? Blue Crabs of the Sea?"

"You are some kind of knowledgeable young lady. Impressing."

"Thanks. Tell me."

"Well, Blue Crabs of the Sea - - hmm, it refers to sea men who row a boat. Three men at each side with oars, make the boat looks like a walking crab on the water," explained Leftenant Jon Kaisan.

"That's funny. I never look it that way. Who invented the term?"

"Islanders. The natives of the sea. Our ship set anchor a distance from the shore. We have to reach those islands in boats. That's how they see us coming."

Leftenant Jon Kaisan was a brickman with brown beard. His blue uniform looks worn off. An old cutlass always by his side. He looked battered, shabby and tired like an old lion. Still,he had a deadly look in his eyes.

Miss Safura, the Governor's only daughter, was wearing light sky blue dress. She seldoms travel, spending her youth in a private school in Pearly Harbor.

"I never met an islander. Father told me they are cannibals."

Leftenant Jon Kaisan didn't answer her immediately. Instead, he lifted out a cigar from his pocket. But he didn't lit it.

Miss Safura smiled at his behavior. She was watching the brickman in front of her and waited patiently. He met Leftenant Jon Kaisan a year ago. From him, she listens of adventures and strange stories outside of her little world.

"They are a peaceful tribe of brickmen, Miss. The men are strong and good swimmers. Their women are beautiful . . . and strong too."

"You make me laugh, Jon. Tell me more," asked Miss Safura.

"How about you ask questions and I answer them?" suggest Leftenant Jon Kaisan.

"Okay. Have you encountered monsters before?"

"Monsters?"

"Yeap, big creatures with red eyes, sharp teeth, claws and fire breath," explained Miss Safura.

"Ahah. Fiction," replied Jon.

"That's whatI heard from sailors at the bar."

"Which sailors? Drunken ones? Ba haha ha ," Leftenant Jon Kaisan laughed.

"Maybe you didn't encounter one yet."

"Excuse me Miss,but I've been sailing the sea for nearly twenty years. Never such a creature exist."

"The oceans are big. You never fully exploring it, have you?"

"Trust me, they were just rumors and folktales, to scare away brickmen who are not bold enough to sail a ship."

"Why would someone create such a story?"

"Those were pirate's mind games. A propaganda to discourage young brickmen to join the Blue Coats or work on ships. They want to conquer the seas for themselves. Claims inhabitant islands to stash their loots, hiding themselves from Imperial Forces and build their own home," explained Leftenant Jon Kaisan.

"If that's true, try look at this drawing," Miss Safura showed a piece of paper to Leftenant Jon Kaisan.

"Where did you get this?"asked Jon after examined the picture.

"One of the sailors sold to me for two goldleons. Now you believe me right?"

There was a moment of silence when suddenly Leftenant Jon Kaisan burst with laughter. Miss Safura was shock to see him laughing so loud that tears came out from his eyes.

"What is it, Jon? What's so funny?" asked her.

"This is a parrot, Miss Safura. A tropical bird. Of course it has claws and sharp beak. And this, I believe, is its tounge, not a fire breath," Leftenant Jon Kaisan just couldn't stop laughing.

Miss Safura turned red.

"Oh, shut up."

"Ha ha ha haha ha."

"I'm leaving now."

"Hey Miss, give me two goldleons and I'll get you the real bird."

"Very funny, Jon. Good night."

Miss Safura was leaving without looking back, feeling embarrass for her own silliness. From a distant she heard Leftenant Jon Kaisan sang a song :

'Old parrot sing at the window . . . looking from the house is an old widow . . . la la la ... I don't know anymore."

Suddenly somebody was coughing.

Lt. Jon Kaisan stopped singing but he was as calm as a cat.

"You can come out now,corporal."

Corporal Jazman Kafil appeared with a standard-issue musket on his shoulder. He was a young and tall brickman. Maybe he looked taller as he was wearing a shako hat. He approached Lt. Jon Kaisan, laid down his brown musket and sat behind him.

"I guess there is no point I'm turning you in, Leftenant. By tomorrow morning you'll be outside the lock-up. Again," said the young corporal. He took off his shako hat and comb his rummaged hair with his right hand.

"Thanks, corporal."

"For what?" Corporal Jazman asked.

"For letting us having a brief conversation. Cigar?"offered Lt. Jon Kaisan.

"Uh, Miss Safura? What was she doing out here at this late hour?" Corporal Jazman was hesitate to take the cigar from the leftenant.

"Take it. Have some smoke. You looked stressed. It's not a bribe. Go on." Lt. Jon Kaisan smiled when the young brickman took the cigar.

The corporal smelled the cigar.

"Are you sure about this, Leftenant. It looks expensive. Might burn your pocket," said Corporal Jazman.

"Nah, it's nothing much. I saved it for you from the Captain."

The corporal took out a matchbox from his upper pocket. Lt. Jon Kaisan was watching as Corporal Jazman lit up a match and burn the cigar. He was smoking a few times before coughing. The leftenant slap the corporal's back.

"Sir, I think the Governor might want to see you tomorrow," Corporal Jazman spoke.

Lt. Jon Kaisan took a sip from a bottle before he replied.

"What made you say  that?"

"Well, Miss Safura. Parrot. Most probably she will tell her father. Knowing for her eagerness, she might ask the Governor to get her a parrot. A real one. Alive," explained Corporal Jazman.

"So,you overheard us, eh?"

"My apology, sir. But you spoke loudly and I wasn't far away from both of you."

"Hmm. You've got a point there, corporal. But what it has to do with the Governor wanting to see me?"

"You said you can find one only with two goldleons. There is no such tropical bird in this harbor, Leftenant," said the corporal.

"You are right. They can only be found in tropical islands. Do you by any chance know the nearest islander tribe in these waters corporal?' asked Lt. Jon.

"The Sing Song Island. Kahiti tribe lives there. It is the far south of four islands in our region."

"Kahiti tribe? I thought no one live in that island. Have you ever met them before?"

"No. Never been there.They are small band of islanders. Not more than ten people. A fishermen party discovered them while taking shelter from a storm not a long time ago," explained Corporal Jazman as he smoking.

"Hostile? I mean are they friends or foe?"

"So far there is no report on any attack or missing brickman linked to that tribe. They helped the fishermen. Friendly type, but not so welcoming any outsiders. I mean, to them, we are the strangers. Why are you so interested in them? Forgive me, sir for asking. To me, they are savage people, living in palm leaves huts and still using spears and arrows. They don't even wear proper clothing," said the corporal.

"Respect, corporal. They are living souls like us. Everybody has its own way of life. Let me share with you my little experience. Primitive and traditional weapons are powerful, sailor. You can't rely solely on musket and flintlock. At distance, they are effective. But at close quarter battle, this flesh and iron will make you a different of dead or alive brickman," explained Lt. Jon Kaisan while raising his right arm and his left hand patting the cutlass hanging in its scabbard.

"Is it true sir, that the guards in Imperial City are using ancient weapons? Even His Majesty Bodyguards? You've been there, haven't you?" asked the young corporal.

"Aye. These ancient weapons you called - swords, lance and halberd, together with shields, crossbows and body armors. I was told that no firearms are allowed in the city. They only using their strength and muscles when engaging in combats. The city itself is protected with thick walls. I don't think our cannon balls could penetrate them."

"Woa, I surely want to be there to see them myself one day," Corporal Jazman looked excited.

"With you still wearing this blue uniform, I doubt about it."

"That's not fair, Leftenant. I am an Imperial Guard. They wouldn't put the word 'Royal' before 'Blue Coats' just for fun. I, we serve the Kingdoms," protest the corporal.

"Fair my flintlock butt. It wasn't me who made the rules. The city is full with nobles, wizurais and governors, rich merchants and only top brass can be inside the walls, and that is with invitations or with official duties. Soldiers and sailors like us, well we can go as far as the Market Garden located outside the city walls. That's already a wonderful place to be and beyond our pocketful of goldleons to spend with," said the leftenant.

"I could see them now. Colorful tents and shops. "

"Corporal?"

"Yep, the smell of smoke perfume. Roasted lambs, chicken pies, and the girls carrying yellow flowers in her basket."

"Corporal, you alright, sailor?"

"I'm in the Inn's room now. Wow, the bed looks comfy and warm. Feel like I haven't sleep well for ages since I joined the Blue Coats."

Lt. Jon Kaisan grabbed the corporal by his collar, shaking him like a sack of potatoes. Yet Corporal Jazman smiled like an idiot with his eyes rolling up aimlessly.

"You greenhorn. Is this your first time of smoking? Heaven's Lord! Was it the cigar?" Lt. Jon Kaisan picked up the cigar dropped on the jetty's wood floor.

He smelled the cigar stick that was still lighted up with puffy smoke came out from it tip.

"Belladonna," he muttered to himself.

"You cunning bastard! I should have you handcuffed and let you sleep in the cell!" yelled the corporal.

"Wait, it wasn't me. I didn't know the cigar was drugged," the leftenant tried to explain.

But Corporal Jazman was to weak to retaliate, and a moment later he dozed off, snoring.

By that time, Lt. Jon Kaisan realized what was happening. Slowly he let the young brickman lie on the floor. He made a hasten moves to reach the corporal's musket when suddenly a couples of dashing footsteps charged in like running buffaloes.

"Halt!" Roared a voice. "Stepped aside from it and don't try something stupid," said the voice again.

The leftenant turned to see the attackers.

"Sergeant Major?" Lt. Jon Kaisan just couldn't believe his eyes. Before he spoke another words, he felt something hard knocked the back of his left knee. He was forced kneeling before his capturers.

"Shut up and put your hands behind your head!" another voice commanded him. This time it's from a younger brickman.

"Fart off, I'm not a banana tree," Lt. Jon Kaisan turned against the young brickman. There stood a Red Jacket Guard, holding a musket. The leftenant felt a sudden rage within him. His face turned as red as boiled lobster. He smacked the musket pointed at him with his left hand. The guard off balanced as the leftenant attacked him with the burnt cigar in his right hand. The guard screamed in agony when his neck was pressed with the hot cigar.

"Stop it, Leftenant!" Sergeant Major Sabir Miler shouted.

"I'm not done with you yet," Lt. Jon Kaisan went berserk as if he was a wounded lion. He pulled out his cutlass and tried to swing it at the fallen guard but it was blocked by another cutlass.

"So it is you," said Lt. Jon Kaisan. "What happen to the fishing plan?" he asked.

"Trip is cancelled, mate."

"So, what now? Fencing lesson? Like old times?"

"You know I always beat you. Stop this childish game. Just surrender, Jon," Captain Sadat demanded. He looked serious.

"I don't understand," said Lt. Jon Kaisan.

"Intelligent business. The convoy was a decoy. We are here for you, mate," told Captain Sadat Zabir.

"Should I shoot him, Captain?" Sergeant Sabir Miler was already withdrew his flintlock pistol.

"No! This suppose to be covert operation. We don't need to wake up the whole harbor with the gunshot noise. You there, on your feet and get the handcuffs from that sailor," the captain command the fallen Red Jacket Guard.

"What do you want from me, Sadat?"

"Shut up. Drop your weapon, and address him as Captain, sir!" warned the Sergeant Major.

"It's not me. It was the King. In the name of The King, drop your weapon and give yourself in. Forsake Jon, I'm not going to hurt you. Just let me do my job here, mate," Captain Sadat tried to persuade his friend.

"Very well then," Lt. Jon Kaisan threw his cutlass on the floor.

"It's not because I'm not fighting. Just you mentioned His Majesty," added him.

The Red Jacket Guard handcuffed the leftenant quite rashly. He seemed mad about the burnt mark on his neck.

"What about Jazman?" asked Lt. Jon Kaisan.

"He will be alright in the morning. I know he's a good sailor. Let just leave this behind so that he will not be blamed by his superior. Sergeant Major, take his musket too. We'll make this looks like fugitive scene," as he spoke, Captain Sadat dropped the drugged cigar at the lying corporal.

"Poor block. He must be hating me forever after he wakes up in the morning."

"I don't think you will be meeting him again after this," said the captain.

"What's this? Is it necessary?" asked Lt. jon Kaisan when the guard wanted to blindfold and gag him.

"Sorry mate, standard procedure. Now lets move out!" the captain ordered his brickmen.

*** *** *** ***

The Captain & A Leftenant's Secret Alliance

NEW Updated 22 April 2012!
Chapter Two - The Plot Between Two Officers

The Tavern. Orange dusk.

"Good evening Leftenant. Looks like you are off-duty tonight. Mind if I join you?" said an officer in Red Jackets as he approached a table, occupied by a brown bearded brickman in a blue uniform.

"Nay, find another table. I drink alone. ," replied the Leftenant. In the dim light of the tavern, Leftenant Jon Kaisan didn't recognize the face of the gentlebrickman who stood still in front of him.

"Watch your tongue, sailor. You are speaking to a Captain now." Without any permission, the brickman who addressed himself as a Captain sat in front of Leftenant Jon Kaisan.

"Ah, it is you Captain Sadat. I heard the Lobster Musketeers are in town but I didn't know it was your troop. What's bring you here, Sadat Zabir? How are the boys?".

"Is this how you treat an old friend? No hug or hand shake? Where is your manners, leftenant?. Well anyway, the boys are doing fine. Their shooting skills are improving. We have Sergeant Major Sabir Miler in our squad now". Captain Sadat smiled, then he ordered two bottles of Red Sherry from the bar maid.

"I don't need a Red Jackets' wage to pay my drinks. After all we sailors drink rum," said Lt. Jon Kaisan.

"Who said I'm buying for you, you silly goat. One glass is enough, lady. And you are . . . ?" asked Captain Sadat as the bar maid sent him the Red Sherrys.

"Madam Julia, or you can ask my father over there for my full name, sir," answered the bar maid.

"Madam Julia. Hmm, beautiful name. A widower?" guessed Capt. Sadat.

"She's a divorcee. Thanks Julia. You can leave us for now," snapped Lt. Jon Kaisan. The bar maid left with a pale smile.

"What's wrong with you? I'm trying to be nice here," asked Capt. Sadat. He sipped the Red Sherry from the bottle.

"Oh shut up, Sadat. She's having a bad time since we caught her husband cheating with her own sister. I'm not going to let a playboy like you to put more salt on her wound. She's a respected lady and a good friend of mine."

"We? Friend? What rubbish is this?" The captain laughed and had another sip. He looked deep into Lt. Jon Kaisan eyes and whispered.

"Oh no Jon. You are in love with her, aren't you? So this the reason why you are still here. Jon, Jon. You should be in the Red Jackets in my troop. For sake Jon, what have the Royal Blue Coats taught you at sea? Guarding a bartender? Ha ha ."

"You are not drunk yet, mate and stop pretending to be one. Enough with this childish nonsense. Gossips are for girls. So back to our conversation just now. That old brick. He's a Sergeant Major now? And you are his commanding officer? How time flies," said Lt. Jon Kaisan.

"Yup, our most-hated instructor is the Master of Cannons in my squad. Oh don't give that look, Jon. Our musketeers now have a cannon support for artillery fire. After our batch, the sergeant left the Academy to join the 21 Gunners Regiment. He survived the 9 years Milk War at Donovan Plateau. He came back with Royal Artillery Operational Medal. Got promoted as Sergeant Major and re-assigned to my unit. I remember his face when he first saw me with this gold epaulet. A-ha ! " Captain Sadat spoke. He glanced at Madam Julia who was wiping a drinking glass behind the bar.

"I warn you, mate. Forget about her," said Lt. Jon Kaisan. He drank from a rum bottle. His eyes were as red as cherries. " So what's your troop doing here in Pearly Harbor? Are you boys having a picnic?".

"We were escorting a food convoy from the east. Enough with my stories. Tell me yours. We haven't seen each other since the Academy then. I heard you got captured. Share your escape plan, will you, friend?".

Lt. Jon Kaisan sighed.

"I couldn't tell you more. I'm still under military assessment. The Governor kept me here at Pearly Harbor as his pet."

"A pet?" asked Captain Sadat.

"You heard me mate. The Inquisitor in The Royal Blue Coats doubt that I might reveal our sensitive information to the enemy. I am a sailor without a ship. Not even a boat. Everyday I just wandering around the harbor, spending my time waiting for something I don't know. They tried jailing me several times but I'm just an escape artist. They got fed up and thought I might be useful to them one day. They let me free as long I never leave this place without the Governor's consent," explained Lt. Jon Kaisan.

"Hold on! A Governor's pet and not to be harmed. You are hiding something from me, Jon. How do you earn to live?".

"You are as smart as I knew you at the Academy, Sadat. Miss Safura. The Governor's daughter. She is so fond of me. She begged her father to let me free. Other wise I might be shot dead and my body would be thrown as food to the sea hawks. I still got paid as a leftenant. Sometimes I give talks to our young sailors about my experience during the capture and how to survive tortures and interrogations. I'm not proud of it but I have to wear this on my uniform. The Majesty had presented it personally," Lt. Jon Kaisan show a medal pinned to his chest.

"Wow, Prisoner of War Medal!" said Captain Sadat in an awe.

"I'm willing to trade this for my freedom."

"Thank you very much. But no thanks," another big gulp entered the captain's throat.

"I'm offering it once. I can't live like this forever, mate." Lt. Jon Kaisan looked so serious this time.

"That's why I'm here, Jon. Having this conversation with you," replied Captain Sadat.

"If you are looking for a friend to have a drink with, you can always find me here."

"That's not what in my mind. Do you think I came here just to fancy a Red Sherry and to woo a barmaid? Having chit-chat with a course mate sharing stories of the past?" asked Captain Sadat.

"Yeah, like Sergeant Sabir once said, . . . "

"LOOK AT THE FRONT BECAUSE THE CANNON SHOOTS FORWARD !  " yelled the both officers. Madam Julia took a stun before continued cleaning the bar desk with a smile.

The two brickmen laughed and enjoyed their drinks. There were no other customers in the tavern. It was a cold night.

"Leftenant, if you don't mind, please shut the door before you go upstairs. I'm going to bed now," said Madam Julia.

"Aye, Julia. Good night. Sweet dreams," answered Jon.

Captain Sadat gave the leftenant a nasty looks.

"What? I rent a room in this tavern," explained Jon. "...and don't forget to lock your door as well, Julia".

"Did you mentioned before, how much the Blue Coats pays you?" asked Captain Sadat.

"A leftenant's salary of course."

"Why waste it for a room. The lock-up bed is comfort enough for an ex-prisoner of war like you."

"So what were you trying to say just now?" asked Lt.Jon Kaisan.

"Well, Jon. Don't forget the bar has ears. You know that. Cigar?"

"Always a luxury. Thanks."

Captain Sadat smiled. Lt. Jon Kaisan took the offer, but he didn't lit the cigar.

"It just us, Zabir. And Madam Julia. And her father. They gone to upstairs already. Why so cautious?" Lt Jon Kaisan sip his rum.

"Wisdom words from a brickman with the medal himself. Who's the Blue Coats at the door, Jon? He never left since I entered this bar," questioned Captain Sadat.

Lt. Jon Kaisan put his hands behind his head.

"Oi, Jazman ! Are you still there? Why don't you come in for some coffee? I know it's chilling outside. I can feel it in here," yelled Lt. Jon Kaisan.

"No, thanks,sir. I'm all okay here," answered a voice at the door.

"Suit yourself then, sailor."

"Emm . . . sir?!"

"What is it Corporal?"

"At what time are you going to sleep, sir? I have to escort you to your room and make sure that you stay  at  the place you suppose to be. Sir."

"Well, I don't know Corporal. I have no watch."

Captain Sadat restrained himself from laughing. Lt. Jon Kaisan took out a piece of paper, scribbled some words  and handed it over to Captain Sadat Zabir.

It written "Jetty. Sunrise. Lets go fishing."

"Sir, I have orders to bring you back to the lock-up if you break the curfew. I have handcuffs with me," said the corporal.


"Alright. Alright. You won, corporal. Just another five minutes, okay? I'm having a drink with an old friend here. Give me a break will ya?"


"Okay. Five minutes."


"What was that all about, Jon?"


"Well, Captain. That's Corporal Jazman Kafil. He's my baby sitter. A shadow. Where ever I go, he follows. Understood now?"


Captain Sadat didn't say a word. Smoke went out from his nostrils, like a dragon, as he finished off his cigar. Lt. Jon Kaisan took his last sip of honey-made rum. Silence filled the dim lighted tavern as both officers facing each other. Both seems lost in their own thought. Five minutes passed by.


"In that case, we'll meet tomorrow. I shall make the arrangement. Better you off to bed now, old boy. Let the corporal carries his duty," said Captain Sadat.


"I don't mind sleeping in the cell. Just I already paid the room's rate, mate," replied Lt. Jon Kaisan, yawning.


Captain Sadat stood up and put on his hat. He walked to the door, opened it and found the corporal was there and giving him a salute.


"At ease, sailor. Carry on."


"Captain. It is an honor to have you here in Pearly Harbor, sir," said Corporal Jazman.

Captain Sadat Zabir gave a nod and left the tavern.

* * *

Kingdom of The Far End Land

Chapter One - A Child Memory

My name is Light Sky. I am 3 centuries old. Yes. You heard me right. I've been living for 300 hundred years and still, for my kind, I'm considered young. My life is just about to embark a new meaning. And this is my story. . .

I was born in North Blue State of Far End Land of Great Continent in Year 800. My father was an Inquisitor in Royal Blue Coats - one of the His Majesty Kingdom Guards. My mother was a noble woman from Silver Rose District and she carried the title Lady in her name.

I was brought into the world at a wrong time. We were at war. A defect battalion of His Majesty Kingdom Guards who called themselves The Brown Hats had wage war against His Majesty himself, trying to establish a free Far End Land. And life was never easy in North Blue State as it holds an important harbour in the Kingdom. The Royal Blue Coats were here to protect it at all cost and the state was under martial law, governed by the Wizurai.

Like most of many other families, I was the only child. The Kingdom's decree limited one child per family. Any extra child will be automatically belongs to His Majesty and became a lifetime servant for the Kingdom. My father was the youngest of his three siblings. That was how he ended up in the Royal Blue Coats and he was very proud to be one. But he never wanted to have more children and I was his only hope to become a free citizen.

It may sound cruel but the decree had to be made since Far End Land doesn't have spacious land to grow food with and limited space for settlements . It is surrounded by oceans and its countryside is filled with mountains and hills. The forest were full of animals but there were not so many free citizens who hunt them for a living. Many of the people lived in the coastal cities, fisherman villages and ports.

Since Father was a Royal Blue Coats, our little family lived in a barrack in Pearl Imperial Harbour, one of busiest harbour in the Kingdom. Well, actually, as an Inquisitor, Father was entitled to live in Officer's Mess by the seaside. He also got the privilege of using a horse. A luxury that not so many can have since horses were rare and very expensive to tend and maintain. It was an Imperial War Horse, and Father used it just for official use. The horses were brought in from distant Middle Land, transported on ships which sailed many months before reaching the Far End Land. They were fed with corns and barley to maintain its good form. That was why it was expensive to tend even a single horse. Only His Majesty could afford to do so.

Father. He was a young officer with great ambitions. A brawl with a brain. You could always see the fighter inside his hazel nut eyes, even when he was relaxing, sipping his favourite vanilla tea, specially made by Mother. He might be a fierce opponent in a battlefield, rampaging and went berserk deep within enemy's line and formation, creating havoc and panic with his rusty sword, The Sabre of Awa. I never quite understand why he kept the old cutlass. I even doubt if the sword can cut a single firewood. With his position in the Royal Blue Coats, he could have a very fine cutlass like many other officers. Shiny sharp. But still he used the old sword. Maybe he was just a classic man who loves antics and vintage. I never understood. I was only a child.

Yet, this man of a monster within was so gentle and calm at home. He never raise his voice against Mother and I swear, that they were the most romantic couple I ever met, as if they were falling in love with each other every single day of their married life.

The Sabre of Awa - behind it is a myth and legend.

I rarely got to spend time with Father when he was home. Mother used to tell me not to disturb Father.

"He had a busy day at his office, so go to your room and play with your toy soldiers. And be quiet."

But Father sometimes entered my little room when I was asleep. I could felt his rough moustache and his warm breath, and smelled his musky Old Spice cologne when he kissed me at the cheek. Like being kissed by a tiger.

Sometimes I didn't even realised he was there for I was so tired after spending my daytime chasing chickens and climbing guava trees around our quarter. But when I woke up the next morning, I knew he was in the room since I found my little wooden toy soldiers were neatly rearranged on my dresser, in complete rank and files; lined up in formation. He even made a few surprises several times by adding new wooden toy soldiers into my collection.

Sometimes I didn't see him for months. Mother told me that Father went sailing on His Majesty Battleship, fighting pirates and enemy's armada in open seas. He never told us where he went. By doing so, his mission will always be kept secret. If somebody asked me, I just simply answered, "Father gone for work".

I didn't know whether I hate the sea more than His Majesty himself. To me, both were the reasons why Father was always away from home and us. I didn't understood why people had to fight against each other. If you couldn't live together, then go find another place. The world is so large. So does the seas.

As always, Mother used to say, " You're still a child, Sonny. When you grow up, you'll understand. Time will tell. Time always will."

And she was right. I never understood. I was just a child. I had my own world. Little wooden toy soldiers to play with. Chickens to chase around. And plenty of ripe pink guava to eat. Life was so simple and easy. Free of worries and responsibilities.

Because time is all I have in this entire world.

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