The Ferryman's Appretice: Part Three

By Lee Cope

Part Three of the Ferryman's Apprentice series

The only thing worse than doing nothing is doing something and achieving nothing.

Back on the River, there was no difference between the days, so Wilom thought he was used to being patient. But in the real world, when nothing changes, it isn’t constancy, it’s stagnation. Wilom might hang back a little more than Vanda does, but he’s just as much of a meddler at heart. Doing so much work without actually changing anything is starting to make him itchy.

His personal problems aren’t making this any easier, either. He’s increasingly estranged from the ferryman, and he knows it’s his fault. The Ferryman’s Knowledge keeps getting in between him and the living humans, too. Mr Treene only plays mind games, he’s done nothing but lie to Cathlin and Marc for a long time, and there are even cracks forming between him and Vanda.

If only he knew whether he was really helping, or just making things worse.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lee Cope
• Release date: May 31, 2021
• ISBN: 9780648578277

Lee Cope

Lee is an Australian fantasy author and wordsmith-for-hire who likes to procrastinate from writing with more writing.Their writing efforts can be traced either to the terrible Disney ripoff they wrote when they were six, or to the not quite as terrible but equally embarrassing David Eddings ripoff they wrote at fifteen, depending on your definition. They like to think their writing has gotten less terrible with practice, and if not original, then at least it derives from a variety of sources now.They fund their fantasy writing by selling their wordsmithing services as a writer, editor and research assistant in projects both fictional and non. These ventures also fund one of the last DVD collections left in a digital world, a somewhat ill-advised martial arts interest, a modest video game library, and the upkeep of two very affectionate cats.Lee has studied in Canberra, Melbourne and Dublin, all revolving around writing, literary analysis, and some languages and linguistics to round it all out. Their current degree is on hiatus. They would love to keep learning languages in their spare time, but that requires first having some spare time.

Book preview

Acknowledgements

I would like to acknowledge the following people, without whom this book would not exist.

First, my parents and partner, who are so understanding when I announce that, yet again, I plan to do something very unwise.

Second, to Deb, Mags, Joe, Evie, Ariane and Liz, for reading this when it was much less polished, and being instrumental in making it so much better.

Third, to Paige Foster who created the gorgeous artwork on the cover (and also my website header, which is similarly excellent).

Fourth and finally, everyone who gave and continues to give me the motivation I need to keep writing and keep trying to make this strange and unconventional career work. Whether it’s motivation through encouragement, help, good advice, or spite, you’ve all helped.

About the Author

Lee is an Australian fantasy author and wordsmith-for-hire who likes to procrastinate from writing with more writing.

Their writing efforts can be traced either to the terrible Disney ripoff they wrote when they were six, or to the not quite as terrible but equally embarrassing David Eddings ripoff they wrote at fifteen, depending on your definition. They like to think their writing has gotten less terrible with practice, and if not original, then at least it derives from a variety of sources now.

They fund their fantasy writing by selling their wordsmithing services as a writer, editor and research assistant in projects both fictional and non. Other things funded by these services include one of the last DVD collections left in a digital world, a somewhat ill-advised martial arts interest, a modest video game library, and most importantly, the upkeep of two very fluffy cats.

Lee has studied in Canberra, Melbourne and Dublin, all revolving around writing, literary analysis, and some languages and linguistics to round it all out. They would love to keep learning languages in their spare time, but that requires first having some spare time.

Lee can be found on social media at:

http://whimsyandmetaphor.com

@Whimsy_Metaphor

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Yet Another Ledger

Unpleasant Papers

An Expensive Café

Metaphorically Speaking

Bold Plan

A Modest Proposal

Suspicions and Theories

Pudding

Surveyors

Checking In

Tokay and Lemon

Release

Commitments

Planning

Decisive

A Gift

An Eye on the Times

A Village to Raise

Bad News

Contingency Plans

A Call On Duty

Returning a Gift

Enjoying the Moment

The Approach of Finality

A Visit to the Past

To Whom It May Concern

Nothing Lasts

Should Have Known

A Reconciliation

Last Call

Thank You!

Yet Another Ledger

As the light started filtering through the curtains, Wilom finally looked up. His notebook had been new last week, but now he had less than ten pages left. He’d only read half the ledger.

And he still hadn’t found anything that might turn into an idea.

He rubbed his eyes and dropped his head onto the page.

He wished it wasn’t too early to go to the kitchen. He desperately needed a coffee.

***

Wilom struggled through a disappointingly small number of pages before giving up and going to meet Vanda.

She was waiting for him outside the café. They picked a table and sat down with their menus.

Vanda folded her menu up. What are you getting?

I think that smoked one. I haven’t had it since visiting the lighthouse keeper.

Mm. I’ll have a white tea, I think. I’m not in the mood for something very strong.

They put the menus down and ordered.

How many new? Wilom asked.

None. There’s nobody but soldiers and supply trains left out there. The closer towns, I think, are just praying the war doesn’t move closer to them right now. If the war does get there … I don’t know how much more we can do.

Sorry.

What for? I don’t really mind not having much to do. Vanda tried a brittle smile, then looked down at her cup. Did you want to go see the ferryman soon?

Not yet. I still need to figure out what to say to him. I feel I should have something to offer, you know?

You’re just putting it off.

He was. He knew it. Yeah, well, maybe going to negotiate with the immortal agent of death is a little intimidating.

Try the lighthouse keeper sometime.

Their tea arrived.

Vanda swirled the teapot and poured a cup. Wilom took a moment to breathe in the smoky smell.

So, that proposal? Vanda asked.

Not good, Wilom said. I can’t think of something that’ll sound reasonable.

So suggest something unreasonable.

Seriously?

Vanda frowned. Yes. Not totally unreasonable, just a little bit unreasonable. Don’t give me that look.

Ah, sorry. I’m just … We do need to make a decent first impression, you know.

So make a bold one! If they say no because it’s too ambitious …

They’ll see me as reckless and be less likely to trust us.

Or creative? Resourceful?

Arrogant. Overreaching.

Vanda folded her arms. What happened to your sense of adventure? Don’t tell me you’re scared of them.

No. I just don’t think we should shove a hand up the horse’s arse until we’re sure it’s the only way to make it shit.

Charming. But point taken. I just really want to get this done, you know?

Don’t worry, Wilom said. I promise, it will get done.

Without looking up from her cup, Vanda said, I’m sorry I’m always on your case about the ferryman.

Wilom shook his head and tried to joke the apology away. You know I’d never get anything done without you.

Vanda sighed. Stop it. I’m not some inexorable force pushing you towards things. At least, I’d better not be. I don’t want to have to be that annoying. And you know I’m not responsible enough for that anyway.

No, Wilom said quietly. You’re right. That wouldn’t be fair.

Good. Vanda fiddled with her cup. I really don’t want to have to worry about you and the ferryman anymore, though.

I’m sorry.

Vanda took a breath and tapped the handle of her cup. The lighthouse keeper, she said. It’s the lighthouse keeper.

You mean … he asked you to keep bugging me about this?

Not … well yes. But not like you think!

What, then? Wilom asked. I don’t mind you meddling. But Vanda — the lighthouse keeper?

Vanda nodded miserably. I know, alright. I’m not reporting to him or anything. He just … asked me to make sure that you didn’t take too long.

Not to take too long? Wilom had been startled, but now he felt himself go cold.

So, the lighthouse keeper wants me to decide quickly, Wilom said. I guess that means the ferryman does, too.

Vanda shrugged. I wouldn’t know about that.

There was a pause.

I think, Vanda said cautiously, That the lighthouse keeper only wants you to think about it. I get the feeling he doesn’t actually think you should be a ferryman.

Well, Wilom said. I know now, at least.

Vanda stared into her tea. I’ve thought for a while that you should know.

They finished their tea in silence.

Unpleasant Papers

Wilom slept in the next morning, late enough that Marc had already left for work, and when he finally emerged for breakfast, he found Cathlin sitting at a table with the morning mail, Jilli’s empty toast plate still sitting beside her.

Jilli herself was in her bedroom, entertaining herself contentedly with a sketchbook.

Wilom got a coffee and sat down.

After a moment, he realised that Cathlin hadn’t made any attempt at conversation yet. He glanced up.

No harm in a greeting.

Morning, he said.

Cathlin looked up. Oh, sorry. Hello, Wilom. I thought you’d have already left for work.

No, not today, Wilom said. Cathlin was too preoccupied to question further, so he wouldn’t need to think of an explanation.

Cathlin looked up at him. Everything alright?

Wilom cursed. Yes, I’m fine. I’m just not awake yet. She is stressed and troubled; do not give her any more to worry about. You don’t look like you’re enjoying your mail.

He squashed down the Ferryman’s Knowledge. He was too tired for this.

Cathlin let out a long breath and took another sip of coffee. Not particularly. She slid a small pile of the envelopes over to him. Here. If they’re bad news, just put them aside and don’t tell me.

Wilom opened up the first envelope and scanned the letter inside.

Space has already been let to another business. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours.

Next envelope.

We regret to inform you …

Next envelope.

Unfortunately, we have no more stock to distribute. Should this change in the future, we will inform you immediately.

Next envelope.

Wilom made his way through the entire pile, all form letters, all of them bad news. He quietly pushed the envelopes to the side, and went back to his coffee.

After a moment, Cathlin looked up, gave him a tired smile, and pushed aside the entire pile of envelopes and letters. She pulled her coffee closer and leaned back in her chair.

Well, I’m glad that’s over, she said. I can enjoy my coffee now.

Wilom looked up at her with a frown. I don’t quite understand.

Cathlin gave him a tired smile. You’re never here of a morning, so I guess you haven’t seen it. This is sort of a morning ritual for me now. The earlier I get through all the rejection letters, the earlier I can get to the rest of my day.

Wilom looked at the pile. There are this many every day?

Cathlin nodded. Just about.

She must have sent letters to nearly every company in the entire country. Wilom honestly wondered how many people she could possibly have left to contact at this point.

But he didn’t need the Ferryman’s Knowledge to know it would be a terrible idea to ask that question.

Jilli was about to come back in.

Cathlin looked up. I’m done, honey, she said. Wilom turned around, to see Jilli looking around the corner. Cathlin started piling up all the papers, and held out her hand for the ones Wilom had put aside.

He passed them over, and she dumped all of the papers in the waste basket.

Jilli carried her toy box out and emptied it onto the rug, separating all the soldiers out from the blocks and soft toys.

Wilom sighed and stood up. I’ve got to do some more reading. Let me know if you need me for anything.

Will do. We’re going out later. Can you start dinner this evening?

Sure.

***

After his all-nighter, Wilom took the liberty of starting dinner early. Cathlin and Marc didn’t seem to mind, though. They were almost finished dinner when they were interrupted.

The first thing Wilom knew about the person at the door was that they were not coming to arrest him. Therefore, when they knocked a moment later, he was neither surprised nor particularly alarmed, though he made a bit of a show of both for the sake of appearances.

Evening, sirs, madams, the woman at the door — possibly a little older than Cathlin — said. Do you have a moment to talk about the war front?

Wilom had to stop himself from wincing at Cathlin’s sudden presence behind him. Marc’s reaction had been strong, but Cathlin’s sheer force of will drowned him out completely.

What did you want? Wilom cut in before her, before Cathlin could gather herself.

"I’m just here to ask if there is anyone here who would be