The two men laughed and Tamura said, “Seriously though, it has been my dream and one day it will come to pass, hopefully soon before we start a family as I had planned to take a voyage into the world before I got married, but circumstances did not permit. Besides, I couldn’t walk away from Leona now and go sailing alone, I would miss her too much. Only trouble is it takes many months to voyage across the ocean and return back home. Who will look after Mara and Baka?”
“Wow! You mean you can spend months on water without putting your foot on land? I can’t see myself doing that because I would feel I have lost control of my footing. You know what I mean? I like being in control. Besides I would lose my mind not being able to do something with my time, like chasing after girls or looking after the animals or working in the farm or garden,” retorted Chega.
Tamura smiled and said, “Well, it takes getting used to, I guess. I am sure the first few days would be difficult and will take getting used to. I once read a book which said that sometimes people can get seasick and depression. I don’t know what that entails but I am sure I am a tough guy; I will cope with all that!”
Chega chuckled and said, “Yeah, you would say that now, wait till you get on board then you will find out the hard way. Who knows maybe Leona might be hit hard by this sickness thing you are talking about, what would you do then?”
Tamura after giving it some thought said, “Well, we will take some home remedies with us in case and am sure there is always a physician on board anyways to see to any ailments people might have.”
Chega smiled and said, “I guess you read that in a book as well, ha?”
Tamura sensed a bit of sarcasm from his friend and joked by saying, “You can try to discourage me all you want but I am going when the opportunity arises and if you keep on mocking me about my knowledge on sailing you can kiss being my groomsman goodbye, you hear me, Chega?”
Chega threw his hands up in the air and said in his own defence, “I am not discouraging you at all, just wanted to make sure you are fully aware of what you are planning to embark on. Sailing is a dangerous game and I wouldn’t want to never see you again. I mean you are like a brother to me and not just a friend now. You know that, don’t you?”
Tamura was shocked at Chega’s confession and felt like he was looking at his little brother Baka and went over to him and hugged him tightly and said, “Man, you are my closest friend and you are like a brother too man and I wouldn’t worry about my coming back because it’s going to be a while before I even gather enough money to go anyway. Besides, there is the small matter of convincing the royal family to let me take their daughter with me. So if she is not allowed to go, I can’t go without her because I would miss her too much.”
Chega replied, “Don’t let me put you off, man, I could see your eyes light up when you were talking about it. I know it’s your passion and won’t stand in your way. I will get over it, you just go ahead with your plans. I know that it will take a lot to convince the queen and king, but if that is what Leona wants, I am sure they will eventually come around to the idea.”
Tamura deep in thought added, “Mmmm, we will wait and see when the time comes. I think we should start making our way back, otherwise we will get back home in the early hours of the morning if we don’t get a move on right now!”
The two made their way back to Goza laden with bags full of wedding suits, merrily chatting along the way about all sorts of things. Chega said, “If I was to marry, I would choose one of the Garanga women, I think they are absolute gracious creatures!”
Tamura laughed hard and said, “Well, if you were to call them that to their faces, you would most probably end up with a fat lip rather than a successful proposal! How can you call women creatures?”
Chega chuckled and added, “Relax, man, it’s just a saying, I don’t mean it literally!”
Tamura said, “That’s where you are wrong, women are very sensitive and take what you say to them and about them very seriously. A small thing can land you in big trouble. Trust me on that, besides you will be lucky if those Garanga men allow you to take one of their women. They will have your guts for gutters first if you dare try!”
Chega added cockily, “Well, it all depends on whether or not the lady is willing, nothing can conquer true love, my friend. I am sure you can attest to that?”
Tamura with disdain on his face argued, “And what do you mean by that?”
Chega said, “Don’t be offended but who would have thought a poor farmer’s son would propose to a princess and she would readily say ‘Yes’?”
Tamura relaxed and added, “I guess you are right; love conquers all. It’s like a dream to me as well. Love holds no bounds, I suppose.”
Chapter 31
The Royal Wedding
Three weeks later, the special day arrived. Tamura had done the customary formalities concerning the dowry a couple of days earlier. The king had given his daughter’s hand in marriage to him without reservation. He felt the bride prize was more than enough and could not wait to see them wed at last. Everyone was in a state of excitement,
