It was still dark: dark, foggy, cold. The village was still asleep and the port was quiet. All I could hear were the waves slapping against the shore as I made my way to the port. After surveying the horizon, I was satisfied that the Captain of the Aurelia was not near at the port. There was no sign of his crew either. It was still very early.

Crates and barrels from yesterdays cargo were still on the port. This was very sad. Since the princes departure, no one seemed to take work very seriously. How could the dock workers leave cargo unguarded? Do they not care about thieves? Luckily the villagers are honest, but what of the many visitors that have flooded Melioria lately?

Dockworkers left unguarded crates

Useless questions! My friends and I were about to leave! I had other things to worry about, and the laziness of the dockworkers gave me a place to hide among the tall piles of wooden boxes and chests. The morning fog magnified every sound, and I set up a place where I could easily see the port but where I could also jump for cover in case any strangers came looking for me.

Before long, I spied a small figure gingerly making its way from the stables to the port. It was Rico, who managed to approach without making a sound, so light was he on his feet. As soon as he was within earshot, I signaled to him.

Rico walked quietly up the dock

Ciao, Fiorino, he greeted me, and put his sack down by his feet. Are you all ready to leave?

Yes, Rico: as ready as I can be, and very anxious.

And where is our dear Prospero? he asked, looking around. It looks like we have beat him. Thats good, then. We can chat a bit before we depart.

Two empty crates were on their side, near the others. I moved them so that we could both sit and wait for our friend. This is just like when we first came to Melioria, Rico remarked softly, only in reverse. How long do you think it will take us to get home? Do you think it will be very different?

Rico and I sat among the crates in the pre-dawn mist

It is hard to say, I responded. The trip from Venezia took days, but I cannot remember how many. I was too sad then.

Yes, Rico said. I remember how sad you were, even though you tried to hide it. You kept trying to keep all the orphans and apprentices happy, but your eyes had stopped laughing. Then when we worked in the fields for the Prince, you began to laugh again, but that did not last long. Rico looked down at the dock. I hope you do not mind that I say this.

No, I do not mind, my dear Rico. It is very true. Every time I thought I could hope, we had a misfortune, the last of which is the disappearance of the Prince.

Rico nodded. Yes, and dont forget the Signora Cece! She went with the Prince on his voyage. Who knows what has become of her.

Principe Eswitt and the Signora Cece as I remember them

It was true. All the worry for the prince, and we have forgotten the creative Signora Cece, who cooked and managed the villa, who organized fireworks on the feast days, and kept the best table on the island. Even her impatience and constant reprimands seemed like happy memories now.

The Principe often assigned to to help Signora Cece, who was quite demanding

Maybe when we set sail we will find our Principe Capo and the Signora Cece, Rico said earnestly. Maybe they are on an island we will visit on the way back home.

Ricos voice sounded so hopeful, and I did not want to contradict him, impossible as it seemed to ever find the Prince. I just smiled and nodded. Yes, Rico carissimo, maybe we will be the ones to find them.

Rico hoped that we would find the Prince on our voyage

Just then we heard footsteps. Someone was approaching.