Midshipwizard Halcyon Blithe

  "Crew of the Sanguine," the captain roared out, holding a tankard high in the air, "I salute you all!"

  The crew on the three decks drank their ration of grog and hailed their captain back with a hearty "Huzzah!"

  "A second ration of grog comes to you by my order. Feel free to drink to the bottom of this one. Today you and I captured two prizes. In a few months, when that prize gold comes to us all, I'll drink to your health again."

  A cheer rose up once more from the decks.

  The lieutenants and midshipwizards standing on the quarterdeck with the rest of the officers threw their hats into the air in celebration.

  The sea dragon, sensing the mood of the tiny creatures on its shell, roared in pleasure, spouting gouts of seawater from its throat.

  "Although many of you were heroes in the conflict today, there were two crew who performed above and beyond the call of duty," the captain said. "These two have earned themselves high honors. Let me present Midshipwizard Blithe, come forward, sir."

  Halcyon walked up in amazement to the side of the captain.

  "This young midshipwizard stood his ground and fought his best against a Maleen shapechanger who sought to destroy our Sanguine's heart. I would have you all give him a cheer," the captain ordered.

  "Huzzah!" The entire crew shouted its pleasure.

  Halcyon just stood there wanting to point out that Chief Fallow did most of the work, but not knowing how to interrupt his captain.

  "Using my authority as captain of the Sanguine, I'm promoting Mr. Blithe to Midshipwizard Third Class. Well done, sir," the captain said, shaking Halcyon's hand while the crew around him cheered the promotion.

  The captain held up his hand, quieting down his crew. "I would also like to take this time to honor one of our marines. The major informs me that yet again, one of his fighters did unusually well battling on the decks of the Migol. Would Denna Darkwater please come up here?"

  All of the marines cheered one of their own on as she climbed the steps to the quarterdeck. A very red-in-the-face Darkwater came up to her captain and saluted.

  The captain spoke loudly enough for the entire ship's crew to hear. "Today I would honor this marine. She is responsible for forcing the captain of the Migol to surrender in the heat of the battle. Corporal Darkwater, this ship and crew owe you a debt. I would have you ask something of us this day as a reward for your services."

  The entire crew grew quiet, waiting to hear what she would ask for. In the past when the captain made this offer to a crew member, they asked for fresh beef or an extra day of rest for the crew. Denna had something else on her mind.

  Corporal Darkwater looked all around and her eyes landed on Halcyon, standing right beside her. "All I want," she said so that everyone could hear, "right here and right now, is a rematch with Midshipwizard Third Class Halcyon Blithe in the blast-pike circle."

  The crew cheered its pleasure at the coming spectacle.

  The stunned Halcyon hoped there were some bandages left from after the battle at the now-reluctant warrior slowly took his jacket off.