"WON'T ROCK YOUR BOAT"

If you haven’t heard of Rubi Isle it could be because it is not on earth but is on planet tellus which is earth’s twin about 800 years behind. RI was prosperous because of its cotton crops. A cotton plantation was owned and managed by Zink and his brother. Zink was only 20 and was tall and handsome.

Blitz was also a young man about the same age as Zink and his prosperity was due to his farmland which produced a variety of vegetables and fruits. Blitz was also handsome. Zink and Blitz were close friends and both had an eye on Sigma who was the most beautiful woman of RI. They would pay court to Sigma taking her rare crystals and corals besides gold ornaments.

That day Zink visited Blitz’s home and the two sat chatting. Zink said “We both love Sigma but so far she has shown no preference for either of us.”

Blitz merely listened.

Zink continued “They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. If I go away…..”

“That means you’re leaving her to me!”

“No, no. Listen to what I’ve to say. You know I’ve ambitions of being an explorer. That means finding new lands to increase my prosperity further. What if I launch an expedition to somewhere unknown?  May be I’ll find some fertile place which I could even colonize.  Sigma would be impressed.”

“For how long will you be gone?”

“Hard to say. You see the sea is vast.” He stopped and continued “Let me talk to Sigma.”

Blight said “Good luck!”

Later on Zink met Sigma and explained to her what he wanted to do though he hid the real reason.

He said “Meantime you could decide on which one of us you will marry. You know both of us are head over heels in love with you.”

She said “Fine. I’ll wait till you’re back.”

Zink immediately organized a fleet of boats carrying men and provisions for a long voyage. The convoy set off when the weather and wind were favorable. They had travelled hardly two weeks when a group of Zink’s men mutinied and took Zink captive. The head mutineer took control and allowed the convoy to proceed. A message was passed by the mutineers that Zink had drowned.

Sigma was very sorry to hear the news of Zink’s demise for she had secretly chosen Zink to be her husband. Blitz now vigorously pursued her and married her.

Five years later Blitz and Sigma were suddenly shocked to see Zink at their door. Without any ceremony he said “I’ve returned home safely after many adventures.”

Sigma said apologetically “But I’ve already married Blitz. We had waited for you for a while even after your drowning was announced. In the end Blitz would wait no longer. We got married.”

Blitz said “Zink don’t be disappointed. Give me just a day and I’ll find a solution.”

Zink smiled and said “I wiIl be at my place here.”

Blitz said “I’ll come to you.”

After Zink had left Blitz sat discussing with Sigma. She said “This problem has no solution. A man can have two wives but a woman can’t have two husbands.”

He said “I want to know why not?”

She didn’t know the answer. She thought a little and said “That is the law.”

He laughed and said “Let us decide it this way. Zink marries you also. You spend the night with him. In the morning he will escort you to me. The following night you’ll be with me and I’ll hand you back to Zink. That practice can continue. That is a simple arrangement which will surely satisfy both Zink and me.”

She was silent. He prompted “What do you say”

“I feel it won’t work out. There will be differences and your friendship will be broken.”

“Not if a genuine attempt is made. I’ll suggest it to Zink.”

The same night Zink was talking to his brother at his home after dinner.

Brother said “Zink you said you would tell me all that happened to you. I’m eager to hear.”

Zink laughed and said “I met with a series of adventures. The man I had hired to be my second in command (2 IC) proved a traitor. He induced those whom I had hired to rebel on various  grounds and the mutiny followed. Before I knew what had happened I was taken prisoner by 2 IC. The expedition wasn’t interrupted. Weeks after this, we were caught in a gale and the choppy sea sank 3 of my vessels. With great difficulty 2 IC held on. But our vessel also at last gave way and I was lucky to swim ashore to a strange coast. Luckily I found I had been cast among people who were friendly. A family rescued me and gave me shelter. I camped with them. They were in the trade of making and selling straw soldiers.”

“What are they?”

Zink laughed and said “An army could have many boats but less men. To deceive the enemy that a large army was attacking by night, straw soldiers mounted in boats are used. I worked with them for a few months. Then I joined a group of men who had come to buy straw soldiers. We sailed towards Monkey Island which is full of cannibals. We went past it and after several days reached Kyra.”

“Brother, I haven’t heard of Kyra.”

Zink laughed and said “Nor had we. But the folk there were very friendly and we camped. We found Kyra was ruled by a queen. We were taken before her. I heard she had problems of pirates and suggested how they could be overcome. She appreciated my knowledge and made me her security adviser. In between I met the queen’s daughter with the strange name of Ligia. She was beautiful and above all she chose me for husband. From Kyra I’ve found my way back with great difficulty as it was an undiscovered area.”

 I said “Let us sleep now. I’ll tell you more later.”

The next day Blitz visited Zink and said “We’ve no objection to your marrying Sigma also. We will be one family.”

Zink laughed and said “I haven’t come to rock your boat. I’ve married Ligia.”

As Blitz couldn’t follow, Zink again narrated the story he had told his brother the previous night.

Zink continued “I’m now to succeed the queen of newly discovered Kyra. I’m honored there and will go back after spending some more time here. You can live happily with Sigma.”

Blitz said “Before I came here to meet you, Sigma said you would be immediately welcome as our guest. The invitation stands.”

Zink said “Tell her I’ll be your guest and will also invite you both to Kyra.”

END