The Sea

The first time I saw the sea, I became someone else. 

***

I arrive in the still before dawn, searching through narrow streets in the hazy grey of the waning night. A door is waiting at the end of a dirt passageway, the symbol etched into it. 

After two short knocks, a couple greet me with signs and whispers. Inside, we embrace; I remove my tunic.  Titus weaves a strip of cloth across my shoulders, back and chest concealing a parcel tight against my torso, while Chara gives instructions and repeats my new name. 

Alone, outside, my face pivots up to the teal blue sky - silver stars are fading out, golden rays are breaking in. I close my eyes, allowing the new day to settle upon me. 

I move onwards. Shouts, clatters, bangs and brays shoot through the air, now slick with the stench of brine, sweat, dung, and wisps of sweet aromas from foreign places.  Moments later the port of Berenice is before me.

Huge wooden ships hulk along the dockside, heads of gods and swans scouting at the prows, swathes of sails are furled-up on sky-high masts. Sailors, dockworkers, slaves, traders, soldiers, toiling, waiting, watching. Cargo is carted along gangplanks, silks, spices, jewels, and myrrh are piled under unflinching Roman guard.  Crowds of merchants await in an eager hum, behind them their caravans of donkeys and camels stomp and snort. 

Other ships are laden, hammered and fixed readying for the voyage to distant Muziris. Passengers begin to gather, of which I will soon be one. 

Farther out, away from the muted harbour waters, the sea is endless, wild and deep, it glistens under the rising sun. I press the package and say my name aloud. 

The first time I see the sea, I am someone else. 

This opening scene was shortlisted for a Curtis Brown Summer Story competition. The prompt quote was written by Abi Daré, author of ‘Girl with the Louding Voice.’

It takes place in 52AD, in the Roman controlled port of Berenice, Egypt, before the narrator embarks on a secret and treacherous voyage to India.