The Morning Harvest

Christopher knelt beside a patch of frost-touched sea lettuce, carefully plucking the sturdy leaves. Master Henrik had sent him to Glacier Bay at dawn to gather winter herbs before the morning sun could wilt them.

"Perfect specimens," he whispered, tucking the plants into his leather pouch. The crisp air made his breath visible as he worked along the rocky shoreline.

A seal barked nearby, making him look up. The massive glaciers stretched endlessly across the bay, their blue-white faces catching the early light. Christopher had never seen anything so beautiful.

He reached for a cluster of arctic willow when heavy footsteps crunched behind him. Christopher turned, expecting to see another herb gatherer from the village.

Instead, three tall figures in thick furs stood watching him. Their faces were hidden beneath ice-crusted hoods, and frost clung to their beards like silver threads.

"You're the apothecary boy," one said in a voice rough as grinding ice.

The Frozen Invitation

Christopher's herb pouch slipped from his trembling fingers. The three figures stepped closer, their boots crunching on the icy stones.

"We know about your skill with healing plants," the tallest one said. His voice crackled like breaking ice. "Our captain needs help."

"I'm just an apprentice," Christopher whispered, backing toward the water's edge. "I don't know much yet."

The second figure pulled back his hood, revealing a weathered face with kind blue eyes and silver hair. "Our ship's healer fell ill three days ago. People are getting sick, and we don't know which herbs to use."

Christopher noticed frost coating their thick coats and the way they shivered despite their warm clothing. These weren't pirates at all—they were sailors in trouble.

"Please," the third one added, a woman with short auburn hair peeking from her hood. "Children on our ship have fever. We've been searching the bay for someone who understands medicine."

A seal nearby barked loudly, making Christopher jump. He looked back at the village, then at the desperate faces before him.

"Will you come with us?" the tall man asked. "Just to help, then we'll bring you home."

Christopher picked up his pouch slowly.