Three days later, before the sun had risen, Noor and Eira embarked their ship. Tjen had paid for their journey with the goat, and some skins, and was giving them his last admonitions for the journey.
- Always keep an eye on your things! And when you arrive at Krete you must immediately go to your uncle’s house. Don’t let anyone lure you to do something else! Especially not men!
- Yes, yes, uncle Tjen, we know! Eira said in frustration. We already know these things, you said them more times than there is trees in the forest.
- I’m just worried, Tjen admitted. I want you to arrive safely.
- So where are you girls going on Krete? An elderly woman asked.
- We are going to the Manthos village, where our uncle lives, Noor said.
- Ah I see. I’m going to a village not far from there. I can help you when we get there, if you want to, don’t worry. My name is Hadarah Husik, by the way.
- Thank you Mrs. Hadarah, that’s so nice of you. Are you from Krete?
- No, but I have a daughter who is married to a merchant from Krete. I’m going to visit her now. Do you know Kretika, the language in Krete?
- Eh.. not well I’m afraid. Our father taught us some words, but I don’t know if we can make ourselves understood. Do you?
- I only know a few basic words as well, but my daughter speaks fluently, so I don’t think I will have to learn it. I’m too old for that, Hadarah laughed. Anyway, It’s nice to have met you, I was concerned about me being the only female on board, so I’m happy I’m not.
- Same for us! I’m Eira and this is my sister Noor. But honestly I’m more worried if the boat will sink or if there will be a storm and things like that. We’ve never been on open sea before.
- I’m feeling sick already and we haven’t left the harbor yet, Noor moaned.
- They say it will pass after a couple of days, Hadarah said.
- I don’t know if that’s very comforting, Noor whimpered, I feel terrible already!
- All on board! The captain shouted. Rowers get ready!
- Oh holy spirits, we are leaving! TJEN! TJEN! WE ARE LEAVING!
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