Day 276 (254)((244))

Day 276 (254)((244)):
A series of whistles woke us. Callie had slept through the night and had color in her face. That encouraged us all. We went on deck to see what the whistles were about. The ship was anchored out of the flow of the river, but far from the docks. A smaller boat was approaching from the docks. I could feel the anger of the crew. We did not ask as both Anna and Alice told us what was going on.
"The 'Gaillanna' is being inspected. Since she's been out of use for quite a while, word of her return to service has prompted this 'visit', " Anna told us.
"They hate inspections. They know what the ship can hold. They know what docks they can and cannot go to and where to tie up. They view this as a waste of time," Alice shared.
We found Hector. He was agitated. We silently stood by as the inspector came aboard. The arrogance of this man created an armor about him that made everyone bristle. Set growled low in his chest. Hector turned sharply and looked at him. He looked at me and smiled.
"Your friend is a good judge of people," he whispered, "This fellow is not liked, even by his employer. Hopefully, his visit will be quick."
I patted Set, relaying Hector's approval of his opinion.
The inspector critically eyed every man and part of the ship as he walked toward Hector. He gave us seven rather vile looks before he spoke in a voice that grated as much as his presence.
"Captain Hector," he began as if talking to a stupid child, "I have noted some inconsistencies between your ship and its registered description. Care to explain?"
Hector proceeded to tell of "highly skilled crafters" who worked his ship into its current state. The inspector wrote as Hector spoke, but not his actual words. I could sense him "interpreting" Hector's words into "the truth". Once he had been told the whole of it, he turned to us.
"What is your purpose on board this vessel?"
"Travel", Alice told him, "Captain Hector is giving us passage downriver."
"I see, " he answered as he wrote, "Your destination?"
"River Helm."
The inspector dropped his writing tool. This produced a chorus of snickers from the crew. The inspector retrieved it and eyed us harshly.
"You are meeting an escort there, correct?" he asked coldly.
"No, sir. No one is waiting for us," Alice answered calmly.
Dark emotions passed around him before he steeled himself,  "Ladies, River Helm is no place for any unescorted women at this time. I advise against it."
"Thank you for your advice, but we are needed there," Alice responded cheerfully.
The inspector marched to where his boat was tied and called to someone we could not see. Four soldiers climbed aboard and followed him back to us. He pointed at us.
"Take them into custody. They are mad and a danger to themselves," he barked at them.
The soldiers looked confused. Twice more, they were ordered to take us off the ship. One whispered to the inspector.
"I don't care who they are! Seize them now!" he ordered, growing redder as the moments passed.
The soldiers did not speak, but came to a mutual agreement. Two hooked the inspector under his arms and began hauling him back to the boat. He screamed and threatened the entire length of the ship. One of the soldiers apologized for him and wished us success in River Helm. They joined the other two detaining the inspector and got him off the 'Gaillanna' to cheers from the crew.
As soon as their boat was clear, Hector ordered the anchor raised and the ship underway.
The crew was much friendlier to us after that. The cook met us with breakfast. Callie braved regular food, but ate timidly. We traveled briskly, pushed by a stiff wind. We kept out of the crew's way, but milled about the ship. Our gifts were used throughout the day, now that the crew accepted us. Our companions were put to work as carriers between ships, passing news, items, and supplies. They were given bits of food as "payment".