Chapter 158: Fist Bump
A small navy of ten strong longships. Crossing eras and technology into a single construction intended for war. Ten minutes remained till their departure. An hour remained till their inevitable battle.
The jetty of the harbour was surrounded by the longships. At the end of the long bridge of wooden planks was Kazi, feet in the cold water, relaxing. He peered over his shoulder to a nearby longship, where William and Max were. The work was done, so the two were talking about their respective lives.
Max was super chill. He listened to William’s complaints about high school and how he often went to the gym. The Templar had removed his helmet, nodding along kindly. He was middle-aged with short cropped brown hair and visibly dry lips.
William took a moment to sip from a small wooden mug, the warmth of the liquid contrasting with the semi-cold sea breeze. The locals, as their plundered servants, gave them their food and drinks. William took a strange concoction that was a precursor to the popular Guinness drink in the modern day. A dry stout that was not half-baked and without the quality or quantity of today’s standards. A local coincidence, so to speak.
The Templar Max refused to drink. Instead, while William was busy sipping, he muttered, "Open inventory," and pulled out a thick, black cigar and a lighter. In one quick motion, he lit the end of the cigar and took a puff.
Like a little kid, upon smelling the tobacco, William held his breath. Max took a long drag, and blew out the smoke into the air, looking over at William as he did.
William stammered out his question. "I-is smoking allowed for Templars?"
Another long drag. "Ah, no. Definitely not."
"Then why...?"