There is an almost forgotten legend about an ancient race called the Lossen. They were a great and advanced ocean tribe that sailed the Pacific bringing wealth that no others possessed. There was a famous Ship's Master, Turth, who was famed for always returning with treasures of silver, gold and precious gems that made him rich and powerful. Yet Turth, unlike others, remained humble and treated his men honestly and well.
One day, so the legend goes, Turth was approached by an apprentice called Reekes. "Master, may I ask for help?"
This young man was the master's best assistant, honest and loyal so the master bid him to sit and speak.
"Master," said the young apprentice, "you have seen me work hard in your service, but may not know that unlike many, I have saved all my wages. Avoiding alluring temptations of port has helped make me financially strong.
"I now have enough to purchase a vessel and sail for rich cargo, but I need help from you. You seem to know of riches even before you sail. Your ships cross great waters safely and swiftly. Please share with me these secrets that keep the wind full in your sails."
The Captain leaned back, gazed over the calm Pacific and waited some time in silence before he quietly began to answer the young man.
"Son, you have served me well. This means fate will be good for you on the sea. I will speak of this knowledge though I do not share it easily. These lessons are not for those who want riches without work.
"There are three lessons to heed. First, know that a full wind singing in your sails is useless, even dangerous, if you do not have a rudder that is well kept. The currents and winds are strong. Treachery is their nature and they feast on those who desire speed without control. Correct steering is more important than speed."
The old Captain then stood and walked to the water's edge, recalling many memories as he continued. "But steering is useless without direction. If your rudder is large and your sextant small, you'll travel to the wrong shores. So pay great attention to celestial beings. These forces greater than ourselves lead us in the correct way. Without them you cannot know where to go or where you have been. You may gain great speed and steer correctly, but you will surely be lost.
"Finally," the Captain sighed as he returned to his seat, "you must have a sturdy anchor and stout line." Even the best voyage has times when skies are not clear. You must be steady in times of uncertainty.
"These three secrets have served me well. Follow the heavens. Steer correctly. Then look for strong winds to increase your speed. When good conditions are not present, rely on your anchor. Do not be afraid to wait.
"Now go my son and may the winds be with you!"
By the way, the young man left and sailed on his new vessel the very next morn. Soon after the master set sail himself, found more treasure and returned many months later his ships heavy with silver and gold. As his vessel returned to port Turth saw the young apprentice standing shipside, looking bedraggled and poor.
"Master," said the youth as the Captain disembarked, "I have long waited for your return as I seek employment on your vessel again. Our ship left port with a sturdy rudder, good sextant and anchor, but less than a week from this port we were caught in an unexpected, fierce storm. We floundered in hurricane winds and raging seas. All was lost. I still wish to become my own master, but must start again. Can you give me work and more training to help me avoid such storms?"
