Aurelie takes some photographs

Aurelie was in awe as she looked at the manoeuvres with experienced eyes. She took a lot of photographs, of the landscape, of the ship, of the sailors. She could not help from letting out exclamations of joy and admiration.

"What a beautiful ship! Nice manoeuvre! Great job!"

She congratulated the sailors while making sure to remain out of their way. She never came close to them so that she would not hinder or slow them. As the ship finally left the port, she came back to Captain Stone.

"Allow me to congratulate you for as fine a set of manoeuvres as I have ever been given to behold. That was masterly done. You are quite skilled and your crew is topnotch."

The Captain gave the order to quicken the pace of the rowing and, moments later, she heard new sound coming from the deck below. It was mostly covered by the sounds of the wind in the rigging, the waves crashing against the hull and the creaking of the oars but still she could hear the faint sound of a whip cracking and what might have been moans of pain.

She lifted an eyebrow and looked at the captain.

"That sounds very realistic. It seems your rowing crew is as talented as your sailors. Are they really going to row all the way to our destination? That must be exhausting work."