It could be a prelude to a much larger work. That is an intriguing idea. Of course it stands by itself: the boy who is trained for something apart from his brothers. And yet, he must learn to fish, because being honest is the foundation of all things. If he is to rule then he must have this foundation.
I like the idea of the woman being the magical power that controls the course of the ship and the fate of the boy. We have enough male wizards to last several lifetimes.
Good reading; good writing :)
I am very happy that you liked the idea. My thought was - intrigue, so I tried to write it.