Cassip Reed

Cassip Reed was born in the bustling port town of Corholden, a vibrant hub at the eastern edge of the Freelands. From a young age, he avoided hard work, preferring instead to lounge in the shade of the bustling markets or listen to the tales spun by seasoned sailors, their faces weathered by sun and salt. While his peers learned the value of toil and labor, Cassip was perfectly content to let others handle the heavy lifting, often relying on his charm and quick wit to evade responsibility.

Growing up in Corholden, the sights and sounds of the Golden Sea—a mesmerizing expanse of shimmering waves—surrounded Cassip. Merchant ships filled with treasures from distant lands docked at the harbor, and Cassip would often linger near the loading docks, dreaming of adventure and navigating the high seas. During one of these youthful daydreams, he made a pivotal decision that he would become a sailor, but not just any sailor. He would be a cook, avoiding the grueling tasks that came with life at sea.

At fifteen, Cassip’s opportunity came when the captain of the merchant vessel, Sea Serpent, hired him as a cook’s assistant. He wasn’t free of other ships’ duties in this role, but he at least began to learn the trade of a cook. As a cook’s assistant, he enjoyed a semblance of autonomy. He could flex his culinary creativity while sidestepping roles that required him to scrub decks or haul cargo. Little did he realize, however, that the life of a ship’s cook—even an assistant—demanded its own brand of labor, including long hours spent chopping, stirring, and wrestling with the unpredictable nature of cooking at sea.

Ignoring the mention of the ship’s former captain, Jacob said, “I’ll admit, wine is not my forte. If no one objects, will you do us the honor of selecting whichever you feel goes best with dinner, Mr. Reed?”

“Of course, sir,” Mr. Reed said. “I have a ‘36 Mullender in mind. I’ll see to it.”

Once Mr. Reed had left the room, Jacob thought it best they get back to business, though he first ensured everyone was acquainted. He noted that while Bella was cordial with everyone, her attention remained on the page she’d opened in the savant’s journal. Eager to hear the rest of her explanation, Jacob was about to ask her to continue when Mr. Reed appeared with the Mullender in hand. Everyone had a drink in front of them in no time, and then Mr. Reed was off to prepare the appetizers.

- THE INVERSION SOLUTION

Gifted with a mentor who allowed Cassip to spread his culinary wings, Cassip’s culinary prowess grew, as did his reputation among the crew. He learned to prepare meals using whatever ingredients they could find, mastering the art of improvisation. Simple stews became his specialty, flavored with whatever local spices he could procure, and he took pride in ensuring the nourishment of each crew member.

As the years passed, Cassip seasoned his palate and widened his horizons. He eventually transitioned from the Sea Serpent to other vessels that graced the Golden Sea, where he took on the role of ship’s cook. New landscapes, flavors, and a diverse array of fellow seafarers came with each new vessel. However, throughout his experiences, a consistent thread remained. Cassip’s lazy streak always found a way to keep him from the grueling tasks that others embraced. He viewed every new arrival at the galley as an opportunity to continue doing what he loved while sidestepping other duties.

His turning point came when he answered the call aboard the airship Griffin, commanded by the no-nonsense Captain Blyden Kreg. Intrigued by this challenging new frontier above the clouds, Cassip accepted the offer, eager to trade the rolling waves of the Golden Sea for the vast expanse of the skies. Yet, his initial excitement quickly gave way to realization. Life onboard an airship was a different beast, requiring meticulous food preparation, specialized storage to prevent spoilage, and often rapid-fire cooking during turbulent excursions.

Despite the demanding aspects of his role, Cassip’s humor and culinary skills endeared him to the crew of the Griffin. He embraced his role as the heart of the ship, keeping spirits high with well-prepared meals and jovial banter. He often takes joy in organizing impromptu celebrations, cooking dishes that bring everyone together in a shared sense of camaraderie that transcends the rigors of their duties.

FIRST APPEARANCE

Cassip first appears in The Inversion Solution (The Alchemancer Book Three).

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