Sanctuary: Safe Haven-Chapter 381: Let’s Find Ourselves A Ship!

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Morning arrived with a gentle breeze and the sound of waves crashing along the shore. Canna awoke feeling completely refreshed.

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The meal from the night before had filled him with vigor, both in body and spirit. Alma, the kind grandmother who had hosted him, had served an incredible feast, and the entire family had joined in. Alma’s two grandchildren and their mother had all shared stories and laughter with him as they indulged in the delicious seafood. For Canna, who had rarely tasted such food, it had been a delightful surprise.

Sunlight streamed through the small gaps of Alma’s simple, cozy house, casting a warm glow across the room. Canna yawned and stretched his arms before looking around. The others were still fast asleep, the room filled with peaceful snores. He quietly made his way outside, careful not to disturb anyone.

Once outside, Canna was greeted by the familiar scent of the sea and the sight of Alma already hard at work. She stood by the door, drying fish on racks under the sun. She noticed Canna immediately and smiled warmly.

"Heading out now, are you?" she asked, her voice filled with the same kindness that had made Canna feel at home the night before.

Canna nodded. "It’s been a great meal, Alma. You’ve taken care of me well. I’ll send some people here from my place soon. Let them know about your name, alright? I still have a few things to take care of."

Alma stepped forward, gently taking Canna’s hand. Her eyes shone with appreciation. "That was the best dinner my family has had in a long time. It’s been a while since I cooked so much. Thank you, Canna."

Canna grinned and held her hand with a light squeeze. "Don’t mention it. That was my first time tasting seafood delicacies, and I’m glad it was your cooking! I might see you again, but for now, I’ve got some errands to run!"

Alma released his hand, nodding. As a fish vendor, she was used to walking the beach every day, but Canna’s unexpected kindness and generosity had given her a moment of peace, a small break from the tough routine. Little did she know, that simple act of cooking would change her family’s future forever.

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Canna strolled along the shoreline, the scent of the sea lingering in the air. He hadn’t expected seafood to taste that good, and as he walked, his mind was already running with plans. He had instructed Noctis to send a representative to Alma’s house to secure a trade deal. If he loved the food that much, there was no doubt that the other inhabitants of the sanctuary would enjoy it too. It was a win-win.

Behind him, Mortem’s voice emerged from his shadow. "Master, are we moving out now, or is there something else on your mind?"

Canna gazed out at the horizon, contemplating his next move. "It’s that decision I’ve been pondering. Should I fly out or hire a ship? I could fly, but… that doesn’t sound like much fun, does it?"

Mortem, still concealed in the shadows, responded with a hint of humor. "Master, you are in no rush. If I may, why not take a boat instead? You’ve been reluctant to fly for a while now, and a ship might offer you some new experiences."

Canna considered it and nodded. "You’re right. Flying is convenient, but a boat trip could be more… interesting." He grinned and looked toward the docks. "Let’s find ourselves a ship!"

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The docks bustled with activity as Canna made his way through the crowds. The scent of saltwater mixed with the tang of wood and fish, and ships of all sizes rocked gently in the harbor. Canna’s eyes scanned the array of vessels, looking for something that caught his eye. He didn’t want anything too large or too small—just a solid ship that could take him on his next adventure.

A grizzled man with a thick, bushy beard approached him, wiping his hands on a rag. He looked like someone who knew the sea well.

"Lookin’ for a ship, are ya?" the man asked, his accent thick with the local drawl.

Canna nodded. "Not just any ship. Something reliable, not too luxurious, and not too flashy. I’m planning to use it for exploration."

The man’s face lit up with excitement. "Ah, exploration, eh? You’ve come to the right place. Follow me." He motioned for Canna to walk with him as he began showing off the various ships docked in the harbor.

The man’s enthusiasm was contagious, as he showcased boat after boat, each with its own set of strengths. "This one here’s the Silver Tide, sturdy as they come! Built for speed, perfect for getting away from trouble. Or maybe you’d prefer the Gale Runner? Great for cutting through storms, no weather can stop it!"

Canna inspected each ship as the man rattled off their specs, but none of them seemed quite right. With each presentation, Canna shook his head and offered a quick one-liner. "Too fast." "Too big." "Too much of a show-off."

After rejecting several ships, Canna’s gaze shifted toward the far end of the docks. There, almost hidden among the larger vessels, was a modest ship. It wasn’t flashy or well-maintained, and it definitely wasn’t the most eye-catching ship around. But something about it intrigued him.

"What about that one?" Canna pointed to the ship at the far end.

The man’s expression shifted. "Ah… that one," he muttered, scratching his beard. "That ship belongs to a legendary captain. Name’s Drennard, an old seafarer, famous in these parts. He’s explored more of the world than most men have ever dreamed of."

Canna’s curiosity deepened. "What’s the catch?"

The man chuckled. "The catch is, Drennard only accepts payment in beer. No amount of gold or treasure will sway him. He’s turned away offers that would’ve made any other sailor rich beyond belief. But offer him the finest beer, and he’ll take you wherever you want to go."

Canna raised an eyebrow. "Beer?"

"Aye, beer," the man confirmed. "Drennard’s an eccentric one. Been around the world, seen things you wouldn’t believe. His ship may not look like much, but it’s taken him through storms, battles, and even beyond the edge of the known world. There’s no better captain if you’re looking for an adventure."

Canna grinned. "Sounds like just the man I need to talk to. Where can I find him?"

The man pointed toward a small tavern at the edge of the docks. "You’ll likely find him in there. But remember—no beer, no deal."

Canna’s excitement grew as he made his way toward the tavern. The thought of hiring a legendary captain who accepted beer as payment was both amusing and intriguing. He was sure that Drennard would have plenty of stories to tell, and if the man’s reputation was true, this adventure was about to get a lot more interesting.

As he approached the tavern, Canna couldn’t help but wonder about Drennard’s past. What kind of man had seen so much of the world that only beer could satisfy him? One thing was certain—this journey was about to take an unexpected and thrilling turn.