Folksburywoods Story Blog

“Foul weather ahead, Agnes, best go around, don’t want any troubles like the last storm,” said Tuft McGraw.

Tuft and his good ship Agnes roamed the seven seas. They searched for items that royalty would give a sack of gold for.

“We’ll make the Spice Islands by midmorning if we head south around the storm. That gives me plenty of time to look around the markets before my meeting,” said Tuft.

Being alone on the open sea, Tuft talked to his ship as if it were his partner. He even thought of her having feelings as a real woman would.

“Lord Caspen will pay a large fee for the Eye of Anubis. Seven hundred guinea would go a long way in fixing those engines of yours,” said Tuft.

Tuft was getting up in years. He figured he could retire on the wealth he had saved up over the years.

“Once we’re back up north, we can run a ferry service. We can take life easy in one of the lochs,” said Tuft.

The craft outmaneuvered the storm, and they arrived in port as scheduled.

“You hold tight, lass,” Tuft said to Agnes. “I’ll have a look around to see what we can take back with us.”

Returning to his ship with a large basket of cloves and nutmeg. Tuft secured them in his hold and prepared to meet his connection.

“Mr. McGraw, I presume,” said the well-dressed man.

“That’d be me. I take it your Lord Caspen?” said Tuft.

“Please let’s not waste any more time. Do you have the item?” asked the Lord.

Tuft produced the Eye for inspection. “What do you think an item like this is worth?” asked Tuft.

“I am prepared to offer one thousand gold coins,” said Caspen.

Tuft almost choked when he heard the amount. “I’ll take delivery at my ship, then the Eye is yours,” said Tuft, trying to remain calm.

The Lord signaled to his men, who carried a woven basket over to Agnes. “Please check the contents,” said Lord Caspen.

Tuft lifted the lid and ran his hand over the coins. Tuft said, “I know of your reputation as a fair man. I’ll pass on counting.” He handed the Eye of Nubis to its new owner.

“Thank you, you have no idea how much this artifact means to me. Good day, Mr. McGraw,” said Caspen, then turned and walked away.

Tuft loaded the gold on Agnes. He cast off, wanting to put as much distance between himself and the island. He needed to do this before the Lord arrived home.

“They never learn, Agnes. The wealthy believe they should get everything they ask for. The Eye gives them exactly what they ask for. There’s the rub,” said Tuft as he rushed to batten down the hatches.

A bright flash appeared behind the craft, followed by an enormous boom. “Hold on, girl, here comes the wave,” cried Tuft.

Agnes rose high upon a wave that came from where the island used to be. Like a surfer, the craft flowed with the wave for a while. Then, it slipped back down to the ocean’s surface.

“They always ask for the same thing: unlimited power. Then try to use it without thinking what that means,” remarked Tuft.

“Let’s head home, Agnes. I’m sure the damn stone will find me soon enough. Should have never agreed to take it on a wager from Old Nick,” muttered Tuft.

“I can lock it up where it will be safe,” said Tuft with a wry smile. “I will keep it there until I need to refill the coffers.”

For Tuft, traveling was what made life worth living. Selling the Eye made life comfortable. Yet, it meant there were fewer kingdoms on the earth.

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