Ollie Earns an Expedition Ticket

Being on Itona meant trying a whole host of new things and devoting his time to the establishment of a new life. Ollie didn't know much about hounds, and spending so much time on land felt like an utterly different way of life. But he was determined to give it a try, eager to grow as he embraced all of the unfamiliar aspects of this place.

 

Ever since joining the trainer's guild, everything seemed like it was keen to fall into place. He and Landfall had gone of a couple of explorations together, walking through the city and then along the coast, discover more about Ynnis with every step.

 

"It won't be long now, Landfall!" Ollie said cheerfully as he looped her collar on and picked up the end of her lead for their morning walk. He had found them a nice spot by the waterfront, close enough to the docks that they could hear the shouts of sailors mooring their boats and fishermen unloading their day's catch if they opened the windows. And several days a week, Ollie had secured shifts on one of those fishing ships, just to help them get by until something more permanent came along.

 

All in all, they were progressing, and Ollie felt it especially when he saw Landfall twitch her ear toward him at the sound of his words. "That's right, girl. We'll be up and running in no time."

 

They exited the flat and turned toward away from the dock, heading toward the carriage station farther inland. Ollie found himself simultaneously intrigued and terrified by the machines, which seemed intimidatingly alive as they trundled about. But it was that twinge of fear that made him so curious, and so eager to get himself aboard one, just to see what the fuss was all about.

 

He walked with a spring in his step, bright eyes peering curiously at the gathered people as they neared the station, making a point to steer himself toward them to better hear the words flying about as men and women bustled about doing all manner of tasks. Something was clearly afoot, though Ollie couldn't tell what. And he was busy trying to figure it all out when a stocky man popped into his field of vision, fixing him with a welcoming gaze.

 

"Hello! Greetings!" the man bellowed effusively, his voice boom across the station. He stuck a hand out, stopping Ollie in his tracks. "You, sir, you look like you're a good, strong worker! And a fine hound you've got there too."

 

Ollie bobbed his head in reply. "Thank you!" he said, beaming at the praise, never one to be sheepish. "I can haul a crate or two, yes."

 

"Now look, you see this here?" the man said, gesturing wildly to the bustle happening all around them. "I've got a problem. Maybe YOU can help. I'm a few workers short, you see, and if you'd be willing to help us pack up and prepare, you'll earn yourself a spot on this expedition."

 

"Expedition?" Ollie echoed, tilting his head. "What's an expedi- You know what." He shook his head, deciding that he didn't really need to know. It was a new experience, and he had been invited. That was enough for him. "I'll do it. Where do you need me?"

 

The man clapped him on the shoulder. "Over there! Load up those bags and crates. OI ALLIS, A WORKER FOR YOU!"

 

"You got it," Ollie said. He made his way over to the pile of crates and bags on the ground and looped Landfall's lead around a nearby pole. "You sit tight for a minute."

 

He returned to the pile, squatted down and heaved the crate up. The woman who must be Allis popped her head out from the carriage interior as he did, her distraught expression melting into relief when she caught sight of him. "Oh thank you!" she chirped, reaching strong arms out to receive the crate as Ollie passed it to her. "This would have taken me all day on my own, sorting and stacking all of this baggage."

 

Ollie grinned, hefting up a second crate. "Ah, don't mention it," he said. "That man said I could tag along on the expedition if I helped. Figured it'd be worth it."

 

Allis nodded, receiving the second crate with a grunt of effort. "New here, eh?" she said, disappearing into the carriage to set it down. "Well, you don't regret it!"

 

Between the two of them, it didn't take long to load up the remainder of the baggage, and by the time they were done, Ollie was pleased to have worked up a sweat. "It was nice to meet you," he said leaning against the side of the carriage to take a short break. "I guess I'd better keep making myself useful."

 

The woman chuckled and shook her head. "You new folk, always so eager," she said with a wry smile. "Well over there, they'll be preparing wood for the journey. They can also use a strong lad like yourself to chop it up."

 

Ollie nodded, popping upright and retrieving Landfall from where she had all but fallen asleep. "Thanks Allis!" he said brightly, picking up a brisk walk. "Come on, Landfall, lots more to be done!"