* * *
This cool, wet autumn night, as Kyhawn slept under a large tree alone, lost in his dreams. And where the sand gave way to a tropical like environment, the other survivors who were conscious wondered about the fate of friends and loved ones. They gave to each other what comfort they could, hoping others might have landed safely elsewhere. A timepiece on a chain hung from the pocket of an unconscious survivor; it read four a.m.
Was it luck or fate, or was it the island that had caused the Sealander to wreck in the first place? No one knew for sure. One thing did seem quite clear. They were marooned on a rainbow shaped beach blanketed in white sand that seemed to stand alone in the cool and dark morning still controlled by the influences of the night. And as all nights must come to an end, this night was no exception.
Early the next day, a search party discovered three stone dwellings not far from the beach. While many of them were thankful for the shelter, some of the wealthy passengers did nothing but complain about ‘unfit lodging’ as they attempted to move themselves in. When Alil carried a crate of supplies behind the complaining passengers, she thought about giving them a talk on being grateful, but then felt it would only be a waste of her time.
Tired from the lack of sleep, she set the crate down, adjusted her long black ponytail, and then stared to her left at two stone dwellings. They stood side by side only a few feet apart with a large tree growing out in front between then. Though they were in poor condition they would serve as home for the time being. To her right the third dwelling seemed to be in much better condition. It was where they were housing the sick and wounded. Why were many of the passengers so unthankful? Were they too ignorant to realize that the mother of all oceans, the Zacton, had spared their lives? She thanked Goducess in her own way, and did her best to keep a positive attitude as she pitched in and helped the others gather firewood, which fortunately was abundant. Before the hour was out, the three stone fire-pits in the center of their new camp were aflame. With the sun shining and the fires going, a tiny bit more hope seemed to spread out among many of them.
Shellean, the ship’s nurse that Kyhawn had previously noticed aboard ship, approached him as he lay quietly asleep. She tapped his lower leg. “How are we doing today?”
Kyhawn opened his large brown eyes to find a beautiful light blue female standing over him. She was almost the color of the sky on a sun shiny day. Her dark hair was rolled up in a ball and held together with a hairpin. He gave her a look full of questions and pain.
“I was beginning to think your wounds were worse than they seemed,” she said as she touched his forehead.
Kyhawn eased her hand away. “I was dreaming about …” he stopped. “Anyway, it doesn’t matter.” He felt bandages wrapped around his forehead. “Where’s Washburrn?” He sat up. “And where’s my cabac? It’s the black one.” He looked around at the other beds in the long narrow cabin, then above him where light was coming in through small holes in the ceiling, which was made from large wooden beams covered with branches and large leaves. Finally he looked at himself. “Where are my clothes? And where am I?”
Shellean gently placed her hand over his mouth. “The lifeboat you were in ran into rocks near the beach last night. You hit your head. That’s why you should rest for now.” She gave him a cup of water. “We made it here, but according to Dylc, there shouldn’t be any landforms anywhere near these waters.” She reached under the cot and picked up his garments. “These are dry now. But as for your cabac, I can’t say. And I’m sorry to tell you, Washburrn is missing, along with many others.”
Kyhawn, somewhat dazed and confused, dipped his fingers in the cup of water and rubbed his face, like trying to wake up from a bad dream. But after drinking the rest of it, he felt somewhat refreshed. “Where are we did you say?”
“From what I’ve been told,” Shellean slightly smiled watching his every move, “an island. And there doesn’t seem to be anyone else here but us.”
Kyhawn slung his blanket aside and sat on the edge of the cot.
“Don’t be in such a rush.” She gave him a hand.
“I’m quite capable of standing on my own, thank you.”
Shellean stepped back, looking over his tell slim silverish blue body as if examining him for other needs. He gave her a suspicious look as he started to put on his trousers.
She remained at his side. “You’ve been sleeping since we found you last night. We’ve discovered a lot since then. The Captain’s here.” She pointed toward another cot. “But he’s not well.” She looked at Kyhawn compassionately. “How’s your arm?”
“Hurts a bit, but I don’t remember bandaging it, or my forehead.”
“That’s because I did it hours ago.”
“Oh … then I guess I owe you a thanks.”
“I was glad to help.” She smiled at him. “However, you look a bit pale. Could you stick out your tongue for me?”
“Stick out my tongue? I guess so,” he said. When he stretched it out, it touched the tip of his chin.
She studied it closely. “It’s a bit swollen, and a little short too. From the looks of this small gash, I’d say you bit it.”
“Feels like I did.” Kyhawn eased away from her and peeled off his bandages from his forehead. “These are too uncomfortable,” he said as he slipped on his shirt.
“It’s your head.” She turned her own from side to side as she put on an artificial smile. “I sure hope you didn’t lose that fancy chest,” she whispered. “I heard it was valuable. Did you hide it somewhere before you came ashore last night? Or maybe Washburrn’s hiding it somewhere. Maybe that’s why we can’t find him.”
Kyhawn rubbed his chin. “You’re a new crew-Zac, aren’t you?”
“Yes, I am. Why do you ask?”
“Nothing. It’s nothing.” Kyhawn pondered his own words staring at her intensely as though he was trying to read her intentions.
“If you don’t mind, I wish you wouldn’t stare at me that way.”
“What way?”
Shellean glanced at another wounded passenger who was asking for her attention. She turned to him, but looked back over her shoulder at Kyhawn. “When you’re feeling better, we’d appreciate some help. By the way, you didn’t have any boots on when we found you.” She pointed at a pair lying by the bed. “You can have those. The soldier who used to own them won’t need them anymore.”
Kyhawn leaned over to slip on his new leather boots. He must be dead, he thought. He felt sorry for the soldier, but at the same time he was thankful to be alive. He tightened his facial muscles in pain. I must have hit my head on something hard. He felt a bump on his head with one hand as he reached for his empty cup with the other. I need some water and some fruit juice.
He found a bucket of water set off to one side of the long narrow cabin. He still felt he was just getting up from a nightmare. He scooped some water up and splashed it on his face. That felt good, he thought as he looked around for some fruit juice. Although he located a small room where supplies were being stored, no fruit juice jug was around, so he settled for another cup of water. After adjusting his new boots, he went to the fireplace on the wall opposite the beds. And while tending the fire he remembered falling overboard and loosing his things in the water and Alil saving him.
A small branch clustered with familiar leaves hung off to one side of the fireplace. Kyhawn leaned close to smell them. Mint leaves, he thought as he picked a few and ate them.
As the fire was now blazing again, he slowly headed for the doorway at the far end of the cabin, looking sadly at the sick and wounded Zacs.
“You’ll need a cloak … or a coat if you like, but if you’re going out there you’ll need one or the other,” Shellean said as she went over to a stack of garments and held out a hooded coat. “Let me give you a hand.”
Alil pulled aside the blanket draping the doorway and came in carrying a stack of towels.
Kyhawn gave Shellean a harsh look. “I ca
n dress myself, thank you.” He turned to Alil and gave her a generous hug.
“Well by golly, if it isn’t young Master Kyhawn. We were starting to wonder about you.” Alil’s gaze followed Shellean as the nurse walked away. “What’s your problem with her?”
He leaned close and whispered, “She’s a new crew-Zac, and she’s been asking me too many questions about … that chest. I don’t trust her.”
Alil nodded as she laid the stack of towels in an empty wooden crate.
Kyhawn held his arms out in front of Alil. “I don’t know how to thank you for saving my life.” He bowed his head. “I’m indebted to you.”
Alil placed a hand on his shoulder. “Whenever you’re up to it, we can use an extra hand. Come with me—I’ll show you around.”
“Have you seen Washburrn, my cabac, or that peg-lock chest we were guarding?” Kyhawn asked eagerly.
Alil lowered her head as they went outside and around the corner. “We don’t know what happened to Washburrn. Others are missing also.” She placed a hand on his shoulder again. “We did send out another search party a few hours ago, but they haven’t returned.”
As they stood in the center of camp next to a fire-pit, Kyhawn felt something eerie in the air. He did his best to shake off the thought as he looked at Alil, appreciating her strong sense of compassion and hope.
Alil pointed to their far left. “That cabin over there is being used for cooking and showering. We’re repairing the roofs and doors on all three cabins. As you can see, there are plenty of trees and plant life all around us. Some I’ve never seen before. You might want to be careful though and not venture off too far.”
Kyhawn’s thoughts drifted as Alil continued to take him around. Could the knives in my dreams be related to the shipwreck? And this place appearing from nowhere—could this be where we disappeared? A large window stood on the water. We traveled through it. Now we’re here, somewhere … a chill went through his entire body. On an island that shouldn’t be?
At the largest cabin next to the kitchen cabin, a passenger and a crew-Zac were busy minding the door. Alil pointed inside. “As you can see, we have plenty of sleeping space in here, and a nice fireplace to keep us warm.” She turned to him. “Kyhawn, the cabin we’re using to house the sick and wounded obviously was also used for a medic cabin sometime in the past. Strange, but considering our situation, we couldn’t ask for more.” She turned and faced the fire-pits. “What’s even stranger is the graveyard. It’s not too far from here, over there,” she pointed to her far left, “near the foot of the mountain.” They wandered over to the large tree between the sleeping and kitchen cabins.
“The Sealander—is it still afloat?” Kyhawn possessed a look of hope. “If it is, then Washburrn and others might be on board—hurt and in need of our help.”
“We’re getting ready to take a group of us out there. If you’re up to it...?” Her look was one of sadness. “We’re not sure what we’re going to find, but we’re leaving soon. Willow and Gelhona are missing too.”
“I’m well enough,”
She wiped a tear from her cheek, and looked across the fire-pits at the medic cabin. “We’re going out to the Sealander after we eat, which will be soon.” She paused. “I want to look in on Captain Joenf and Aestasol. Aestasol’s folks asked me to keep an eye on him. If anything bad was to happen to him, I’d feel awful.”
“He was sleeping when I saw him last. Is he hurt bad?” Kyhawn asked.
“Not bad,” she replied. “I think he needed rest more then anything else. This is his first time out at sea as well. And I don’t think he slept well aboard ship. You know… getting use to the swaying and all.” Alil began to hurry across camp.
“Alil, come back. I need to tell you something. It’s important.”
On her return Kyhawn and her went to the far side of camp to one side of the sleeping cabin, and he told her what had happened while he was in room 10 searching for clues. “You say Nelg might have been one of them who murdered Korts and Turner?” She patted the young detectives shoulder, “Dylc and I sent him in there to see if I had left my uniform scarf in there. You can put you fears to rest.”
“But what about the chain and him talking about loosing something. It had gotten ripped off.” Kyhawn pleaded as if he wanted Nelg to be found guilty, just because he was a new crew-Zac.
“Kyhawn… you’ve been through a lot. We all have. It is possible he was friends with Korts and Turner. And had been in the room sometime prier to the incident.” She gave him a compassion look. “As far the necklace you found. It could have been there long before we ever took this cruise.” She patted his shoulder again. “I’ve got things to do.”
Kyhawn noted the uniform scarf about her neck. “I see he found you scarf.”
“Yes.” She gave him a respectful nod, and hurried across camp.
Kyhawn thought for a moment, perhaps she’s correct. Maybe I am over analyzing it. He was sent there by Dylc and her. His gaze drifted toward the mountain, which was covered with trees and all sorts of other plant life. A few dragonflies flew into the sky as if startled by something or someone. Kyhawn was amazed at how large they were. They must be almost two feet long. Suddenly a flame burst in front of him. Zeal jumped back from the fire-pit. “Too much lamp oil,” he muttered.
When the flame settled, Gelhona stood behind the fire-pit with her back to the mountain.
Kyhawn’s eyes widened. “Gelhona, is Washburrn with you?”
But Gelhona didn’t seem to hear him as she ran up to Zeal with her arms out, crying as she embraced him. “Look at this place! Last night we stayed in some ruins on the mountaintop. All we had to eat were these horrible tasting dragonflies. This place seems to be one big island.”
Zeal twitched his lips as if he didn’t know what to say. He was stocky and handsome in a rough sort of way, middle-aged with silverish-blue skin, and shoulder length brown wavy hair. He gave her another hug as he welcomed her to camp, “Is Willow with you?”
She slowly answered, “No.”
A wonder of sadness in his eyes, Zeal look on at those who were with her. The camp stirred with commotion over the new arrivals. Kyhawn stared behind Gelhona. After what seemed like forever, he saw a familiar face. “Washburrn—it’s you!” he cried out, running up to embrace him.
Washburrn managed a pat on Kyhawn’s shoulder, then backed away somewhat awkwardly “It’s good to see you.” He slung a black cabac from his shoulder and gave it to Kyhawn. “I do believe this is yours.”
“My cabac.” Kyhawn held it close. “Where did you find it?”
“Just be thankful I did,” Washburrn said with a slight smile. “You look a bit battered.”
“It’s nothing,” Kyhawn said as he touched the bandage around his arm and looked at Washburrn, grateful the older Zac was alive.
“Mealtime!” Darhcir clanged a pan using a large wooden spoon. Although he was also a new crew-Zac, he soon proved himself to be a jolly old seafarer as they gathered around the fire-pits and traded stories while eating the mornings meal.
Kyhawn looked with awe at Washburrn. “Tell us, where did you come ashore? I mean, how did you guys end up on that mountain? I was afraid you’d been crushed by that mast or drowned.” He handed his mentor a cup of fruit juice to wash down a boiled egg he had just ate.
Washburrn took a sip. “I’m not sure how I ended up there.” He paused and gave Kyhawn a thin smile. “Some coffee would taste good right about now.”
Kyhawn went to get him a cup of coffee, not wanting to miss out on the story, he quickly returned.
“Thanks,” Washburrn said as he took a drink, looking more satisfied.
Kyhawn leaned forward and stared at him with impatient eyes.
“Well,” Washburrn began, “I was thrown overboard. I swam until I sighted land, then came ashore on the far side of the mountain from here. And feel darn lucky to be alive?” He handed a cup of water to Gelhona.
Kyhawn handed him a dried spider leg as t
hough serving a king.
Gelhona finished off the water and looked at everyone. “We were stuck in a cove close to where Washburrn beached. There wasn’t any place to land, only steep cliffs and waterfalls. But we heard Washburrn’s voice, and when we followed it, he led us to a narrow beach, and … here we are.” She threw her arm around him with a squeeze.
Washburrn returned the embrace modestly. “There’s a ruined city up there where we tried to camp out. When day broke, we couldn’t see the ship, so we figured it had sunk. At least until we reached a wide path at the top and could see it. That’s when we decided to follow the path down this mountain and ended up here. If you haven’t found it yet, there’s a small lake and waterfall not far from here. All the fresh water we can drink. And I must say, these buildings don’t appear too shabby.”
Washburrn looked across at Dylc “Apparently we drifted way off course.”
Dylc’s silverish-blue face turned a deeper shade of blue. He was a handsome and tall Zac with short graying hair, sideburns, and a mustache. Now in charge of things, he stiffened with anger and glared at Washburrn. “I’m getting sick and tired of you all criticizing the Captain. And you, Washburrn—I never did like your ways of doing things.” He got to his feet and stood over Washburrn, ready to fight. “Before the storm we were on course, by the book.”
Washburrn got to his feet. “Then how do you explain this island being here?”
“The Captain’s an excellent navigator.” Dylc shoved Washburrn back a few feet. “We couldn’t have gone off course much. Heck, we’re in the middle of the Zacton Ocean. We sailed these waters last month. There shouldn’t be any islands out here anywhere.”
Alil got between them before Washburrn had a chance to respond. “When you think about it, it doesn’t make any sense.” She stared at Washburrn. “You know Captain Joenf’s an excellent navigator.”
Everyone was silent as they wondered about where they had been shipwrecked.
Gelhona raised her head and looked at Dylc with an odd expression. “The Captain, is he …?”
“He’s not well,” Kyhawn responded. “He’s been unconscious ever since the ship wrecked.”
“He has a broken leg.” Dylc twisted the ends of his mustache, then took a seat on the opposite side of the group away from Washburrn. “It’s not a bad break, but he also has a nasty head wound.”
Alil lowered her head, looking at the dirt in front of her torn boots. Grief filled her thoughts as she placed her dirty dishes in a large barrel of water, then gazed into the flames.
Gelhona got to her feet and loosened her belt, almost acting proud of her extra weight. “Cliffs … there were cliffs everywhere. There was this dreadful waterfall too. It almost took us under. Luckily Washburrn came to our rescue.” Her voice increased with tension. “We might have been killed! Why are we here? We should be well on our way to Adrolf!” She shook a fist at the sky, as if she was cursing the Gods, then cupped her hands over her face and began to cry.
“Now hold on, Gelhona. We’re going to survive this mess.” Washburrn held her in his arms. “Another ship will be passing by soon enough.” He handed her his scarf and his cup of coffee as he looked steadily into her bloodshot eyes. “Remember we have to be strong for the passengers.”
Alil went to her and murmured, “Be strong, Gelhona.”
Washburrn glanced at Kyhawn, went to the water barrel, dropped his dirty dishes in it, then motioned for Kyhawn to follow him toward the kitchen cabin. “The chest—we lost the chest, didn’t we?” Kyhawn whispered as they stood outside the door.
“Except for the water that seeped in, it’s in good shape—and well hidden.” Washburrn peered around to see if anyone was near. “I’ll tell you more about it later. For now, let’s go inside.”
Kyhawn continued eagerly. “But I thought it was watertight. Anyway, does anyone else know it’s safe?”
“No, but to answer your first question, I believe you must have been frantic when you tried to repositioned those pegs. I don’t think it was completely sealed. More importantly, has anyone found Emit?”
“From what I was told … I’m afraid not. Look here,” Kyhawn said as he pulled on a rope attached to a water trough, which enabled them to have rainwater for drinking or to take showers. “I bet it stays full the way it rains around here.” He chuckled as water poured from the spout.
Washburrn nodded. “Should come in handy.” He turned to look around. “A stone fireplace for cooking. This should come in handy too,” he said, but then his joyful expression turned troubled. “There’s something else I feel I need to tell you.”
“We’re heading back out to the Sealander here in a few minutes.”
“The Sealander… terrific,” Washburrn said as he reached for the water bucket to get a drink. “We’ll need to. You going?”
“Yes.”
Washburrn nodded with eagerness , “Good deal. I’ll be going too. But first let me tell you this.”
“Okay. I’m lessening.”
“Two others were with me when I first came ashore. One was a male passenger, a real nice Zac, trust worthy he was. The other was a soldier of the King’s army. And going by the odds on him, well… he was one to be trusted too.” Washburrn washed his hands and face, then pulled a leaf from a mint branch draped over a fishing line. He used it to scrub his teeth, “Well, it was the strangest thing. We decided to bury the chest.” He briefly looked at himself in a small mirror hanging beside the mint leaves and ran his fingers through his thinning hair. “While they went in one direction to find a good location, I decided to look elsewhere. I left them standing and talking next to a big old tree near the foot of the mountain. But when I came back after finding a spot, they were gone.”
He scratched his whiskers, glancing out the door to see if the group was ready to head out for the Sealander. “I called for them, but when I didn’t get an answer, I went over to that tree. This is where it gets… odd.”
Kyhawn stared at him with a look of wonder. “And …”
“Well, in front of that tree, I picked up a shoe. I remembered the passenger with me was wearing identical ones. That’s when the tree’s roots started to move.”
“You mean the tree was coming after you?”
Washburrn ran his fingers through hair. “I didn’t stay around to find out.” He paused. “I buried the chest near some boulders after that and moved on. It’s located on the far side of this island at the foot of the mountain. Not the back side where the waterfalls are, but on the far side, over that way,” he pointed behind the kitchen and sleeping cabins. “From here, the quickest way is through a graveyard. Did I tell you about the graveyard?”
“I’ve heard all about the graveyard. Please go on—what happened next?”
“That was about it.” Washburrn gave him another thin smile. “Sounds worse than one of your dreams,” he said as he reached for a towel and patted his face. “Did it really happen? I had to ask myself. I don’t know. It was a barmy night.” He shook his head in disbelief. “Let’s keep this between us, at least for the time being.”
“Of course, but what if it did happen? We could all be in danger.” Kyhawn sighed, then slowly looked at him. “Have you seen those two Zacs in camp, the two that were helping you?”
“No. I wouldn’t be telling you this if I did.”
“Sorry. That was wrong of me to make such a statement.”
“It’s quite alright.” Washburrn paused. “But moving tree roots that eat flesh and bone? Perhaps a wild animal got them.” He paused. “You can be sure, I’ll at least report to Alil and Dylc that the two Zacs I came to shore with … did indeed make it to shore.”
Kyhawn nodded in agreement. “You know… could be pirates got them, or a wild creature.”
“Pirates…?” Washburrn nodded as if he wasn’t sure what to make of that statement. “At least the chest was far enough away from that old tree not to be seen by anyone.” He patted Kyhawn’s shoulder, “Nevertheless, odds are that chest is
safe for now.” He moved toward the door. “It appears they’re ready to make that trip to the beach,” he said adding. “It starting to rain.”
Kyhawn leaned against the fireplace rubbing his chin as though in thought.
“What is it?” his mentor asked.
Kyhawn went on to tell him about the room 10 incident with Nelg. Washburrn gave him a thin smile. “You can be sure that if Dylc and Alil sent him there, and he did retrieve Alil’s uniform scarf. And the fact that he might have every well known Korts and Turner,” he touched the younger Zac’s shoulder, then went for the door. “Odds are he’s innocent, but we’ll keep and I on him. I might even ask him a few questions about it.”
As they departed the cabin Washburrn turned to Kyhawn, “Let me deal with it.”
Kyhawn nodded with respect to his wishes, and with his cabac over his shoulder, he looked at all those sitting around the center of camp. “As you can see, some of the new crew-Zacs are here, but I was told we buried two of them. And Emit wasn’t one of them. Not sure what happened to him. However, I wouldn’t trust any of them if I were you. Not even Darhcir, nor that nurse, Shellean.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Washburrn said as they passed by a few Ooweds and pet caterpillars that had survived. “But Darhcir is our main cook. He might be a bit barmy himself, but I don’t think we need to concern ourselves about him.”
Alil appeared in front of them. “Washburrn, the Captain woke up with a terrible fever. Come quick!” She motioned toward the medic cabin.
Washburrn and Kyhawn hurried alongside her. “With this wet weather, it’s a wonder we’re not all sick,” Alil noted. “We’re going to try and speed up our rescue by getting a bonfire going soon, near the beach where we landed. There’s a clearing just up from the sand. Be easy for a passing ship to spot. Hopefully we’ll also have this camp in good shape by then.”
Krow, one of the new crew-Zacs, saw them coming and pulled the blanket over the doorway aside, then stepped back to let them pass. They found Shellean and Dylc at the captain’s bedside.
Dylc looked at them with deep concern. “The Captain and some of the others are going to die if we don’t take some lifeboats back out to the Sealander and retrieve the lucown medicine.”
Shellean lowered her head in sorrow as Malnur, a homely and nervous Zac who served as the only other nurse came over. “We salvaged plenty of bandages, sleeping powder, and a few more things we need, but none of the herbal medicines. The lucown is going to be difficult to reach. The entire stern is underwater. It’s in the glass cabinet in the medic quarters. But if we don’t have it soon .…”
Shellean held up a finger to her lips. “They know. The Captain’s fever is severe, but his head wound is what bothers us.” She wiped her patient’s forehead with a wet cloth. “However, there’s also some type of flu going around.”
“The place was flooded. It was pouring rain,” Alil glanced around at the others, then peered at down at the captain as though he was conscious. “The Sealander was sinking fast. We were in a hurry to grab whatever we could get our hands on. And all of those poor soldiers. They were trapped in the lower sleeping quarter deck, and we couldn’t save them.” With tears in her eyes she wrapped her arms around Washburrn.
“We know how you feel.” He patted her shoulder with an embrace.
No one said a word as they took in Alil’s feelings, relating them to their own feelings.
Washburrn glanced at Captain Joenf, then at Dylc, questioning whether he was fit to be in charge. “What are we waiting for then? Let’s get out there before she decides to slip off those rocks into the ocean and disappears for good.”
“There’s something else I think you should know,” Shellean offered. All eyes were upon her as she patted the captain’s forehead again with the damp cloth. “He mumbled a few words about Emit. Said he’d kill him before he’d let him take the chest.” She dropped the cloth in a bowl of water next to the captain’s bed. “I got the impression they’d fought, but I can’t tell you if Emit survived. We couldn’t ask the Captain to explain because he started raging and swinging his fists. Krow, Malnur, and I had to hold him down.”
“Tuenale and I were there. They had been fighting. But it was near the end of the fight before we arrived,” Dylc renounced. “That’s all I can tell you.” he glance around at them. “I couldn’t even say how Joenf ended up in this condition. He said he was going to be alright. I was needed elsewhere… and that’s the last I seen of him.” His head low. He felt he had abandoned his good friend and commander.
“What about Emit?” Washburrn questioned.
“Last I seen of Emit, he was out cold on the main deck.”
A sudden tremor rocked the ground beneath them. “Did you feel that?” Kyhawn stood against the fireplace wall to steady himself. They stared at each other, not sure what to expect next.
“The ship!” Washburrn looked alarmed.
“The lucown!” Shellean pointed toward the door. “We need it and those other herbs.”
While Alil remained in camp taking charge of things, Dylc, Jayden, Tobben, Zeal, Aestasol, and others including Treb and his son Bekim headed for the Sealander with Washburrn and Kyhawn trailing behind.
Kyhawn quickly returned to the medic cabin and dropped off his cabac in the small room at the end of the cabin. As he departed he tightened the straps on his coat to help keep the wind and rain out. He positioned himself next to Washburrn as they continued to trail behind. “Washburrn, has Shellean been asking you about the chest?” he whispered.
“No.” Washburrn raised an eyebrow. “Why do you ask?”
“I don’t trust her. She’s had way too many questions for me about it.”
Washburrn chuckled, clapping his younger friend’s shoulder, “I don’t think it’s the chest she’s after.”
“What do you mean?”
“Do I have to spell it out? She’s after you. She likes you.”
Kyhawn paused. “I don’t mean any disrespect, but I think you’re wrong. Anyway, I don’t trust her.”
“I’ve seen the way she looks at you.” Washburrn sneezed. “Have it your way.”
“Sounds like you could use some of that lucown.”
The older Zac nodded. “Let’s hope it hasn’t been tainted by seawater.” He pulled his handkerchief from his pocket. “By the way, whether Emit is alive or dead, it’s possible some of the passengers are in on this too.”
“Why do you think that?”
“Curse these tremors. I can still feel them.” Washburrn said as he glanced at Kyhawn. “I’ve got a bad feeling something bigger is going on here that involves the chest. And you might be right about some of the new members of the crew.”
Kyhawn nodded with a puzzled look, then stared out at the small trees bending with the wind. “Looks like we’re in for another storm.”
“At least the rain has stopped. Hopefully it holds off until our return. But as far as the peg-lock chest is concerned, our bigger problem right now is not being sure who we can trust.”
“What about that server—Luxton? You said you knew him. He made it here with us.”
Washburrn looked uncertain. “Hard to tell where we met.” He stopped off to one side of the well-beaten path as they neared the lifeboats. “I’ve run across too many Zacs in my day to remember them all. But we don’t have any evidence connecting him to Emit or the chest.” His expression lightened. “Nevertheless, there’s one fact we have established about him.”
“What’s that?”
“He might make a good dishwasher, but he’s an awful server.”
A smile replaced Kyhawn’s discouraged look.
“Dylc,” Washburrn called out. “The lifeboats?”
“We don’t need the lifeboats. The Sealander’s hung up on a mess of sharp rocks,” Dylc reported in a tone of voice as if the X-detective should have already known. As he and the others with him drew near the natural arch closest to the Sealander, Washburrn and Kyhawn followed.
&nb
sp; The Sealander was clinging to the sharp rocks, over three-hundred feet from shore, And lucky for them the tide was low enabling them to walk out to it and climb aboard. But they could feel the ground slightly shaking again.
Bekim shouted in a voice consumed by fear, “Snakes—big snakes!”
The Sealander started to rock back and forth. At first they thought it was from the tremors, but they quickly realized Bekim hadn’t been exaggerating. Strange snake-like creatures arched over the remains of the railing and started ripping at the ship, trying to pull it under.
They fired their pistols at the large sea creatures. But as one slipped into the darkness of the water, two more appeared to take its place.
“I’ve never in all my born days seen snakes that large,” Treb told them. He took hold of his son. “Bekim. We’re staying put.”
Washburrn took Kyhawn by the arm. He looked around at the others. “We need that medicine. We’re going to be on the rocks. They won’t be able to reach us from the rocks. And once we’re aboard we’ll be safe enough.”
With words of encouragement from Washburrn, Kyhawn along with Zeal, Tobben, Aestasol, and Tailk along with crew-Zac Shya, on of the King’s soldier, got up the courage to join him in venturing out over the sharp rocks. As they fought to keep their balance, they soon found that the rocks weren’t so sharp after all, at least the rock above the water.
Dylc, along with those who had pistols, fired them at the eerie sea creatures. “You fools!” Dylc called out. “You’ll be killed. Get back here right away!”
By the time they neared the Sealander, it had started to rain. The ship settled as the sea snakes vanished into the dark depths of the ocean.
“We must have frightened them.” Tobben smiled.
“Our pistols aren’t going to do us much good in the rain,” Washburrn said as he slipped his back in its holster under his cloak. “Dylc.” He shouted from the rocks. “We need the rest of you. This will most likely be our last chance to retrieve other well needed supplies. We are not enough,” he stressed. “We need your help. And survivors. There could be survivors in need of our help.”
Washburrn nudged Kyhawn’s arm. “These rocks aren’t so bad. Ben water worn for the most part.”
“Not too slick either,” Kyhawn said as he scuffed his boot over a wide domed shaped rock beneath his feet.
“We better hurry. Between those sea snakes and the tremors, I doubt we have much time to find survivors, retrieve supplies, and save the medicine before the Sealander breaks loose from these rocks and sinks.” He slipped his hood over his head and they pressed onward. And knowing this would be a good time to say a prayer, he wished he had believed in the Gods, but for personal reasons, he didn’t. Three grappling-hocks were tossed over the bow; attached to knotted ropes followed by eager climbers. Aestasol was the first to jump onto the main deck; followed by Zeal and Tobben. By this time Dylc had convinced himself that his group were needed. “No sign of the sea snakes,” Dylc said, as he led his group out on to the rocky reef which stretched out in to the water over 300 feet before vanishing beneath the water. With their weapons ready they climbed the rocks and began their journey out onto the ship. Washburrn and his group were pleased to see them coming.
Washburrn, Kyhawn, Shya, and those with them waited for the ones topside to drop a ladder net down to them. Moments later “Look out below,” Zeal called out, as the net was dropped. Somewhat tangled, the ones below managed to straighten it out and secure it to the heavy rocks at their feet.
By the time Washburrn and Kyhawn, and those with them had cautiously climbed aboard the slanted deck., Dylc and his group had arrived. Kyhawn peered over the railing still in tack. There was over fifteen feet from him and Dylc’s group. A bit dizzy from the view, he stood straight. Took in a deep breath as the rain continued to fall. Despite his fear of heights, he stood by to give a helping hand if needed.
As the last of them reached for a helping hand, Kyhawn reached over and gave Jayden a hand over the railing. Zeal and Tobben grabbed the new crew-Zac’s shoulders securing his safe effort aboard.
The nine of them now stood aboard the main deck’s bow. Shortly after they split up into three groups and began to search the ship for bodies, survivors, and supplies.
Along with Zeal, Dylc and Shya, Kyhawn didn’t waste any time running over to where the mast had fallen. When Kyhawn saw what appeared to be a body sticking out from under the large mast he slowed down while the others passed him by.
At the same time the morning sun obscured by clouds cast a dark shadow over one side of the mast where the mangled body laid. Zeal pulled the hood away from the zacs head. “It’s Willow.” He leaned forward, his head lying against his dear friend’s head. “Get this damn thing off of him!” Zeal struggled to pick up the mast. The others did their best to assist, but it was too heavy so they called the rest of the boarding party over to give them a hand. Eventually they picked up the mast enough to pull his limp body out from under it. Zeal kneeled beside Willow and touched his face as if he was still alive. “Why…?” he cried. The rain concealed the tears, but his expression was obvious.
“We can lay his body over there under the walkway for now.” Dylc kneeled beside him. “He was one of our best.” He gently places his arm around Zeal. “We need your help. Willow would understand. We’ll give him a respectful burial.”
Though Kyhawn wasn’t close to Willow, he also felt the pain, along with all who knew the well trusted crew-Zac.
“Jayden, why don’t you, and you two,” Dylc asked, “what are your names?”
“I’m Treb. This here’s my son Bekim.”
“Why don’t you, Treb and Bekim, go with Jayden and round up all the blankets you can find.” Dylc glanced at what was left of Willow. “We’ll need some of them to cover Willow and any others… we find. The rest we’ll need for ourselves.”
In the meantime Kyhawn and Shya, a slim silverish-blue handsome female, went in searched for Emit. While Dylc, Washburrn and those with them started for the dining area. With no luck in finding any signs of Emit, Shya captured Kyhawn’s attention and pointed at the landform that seemed to stretch for a few miles in both directions, with a peak of over five hundred feet. “Emit could be out there anywhere,” She said, picking up a misplaced pistol. She placed it between her belt and trousers.
Crew-Zac Tuenale came rushing from around the corner next to sleeping room #2.”Come quick! We need your help!” He gestured for them to hurry. “They’ve found more bodies below.”
On entering the double doors and passing through the lobby, Kyhawn noted the fancy staircase was two-thirds of the way under water. His expression was one of disbelief.
“Cogging storm. Feels like it’s picking up again!” Dylc set a crate of food on the stairs.
“Kyhawn, give me a hand with this body.”
Kyhawn, nauseated, looked down at the body.
“Come now lad.” Dylc wrapped his arms around the unfortunate female body.
“Are we putting her next to Willow?” Kyhawn grabbed her feet, feeling sick, and weak to his knees.
Dylc nodded with a blank expression. “We are.”
“How many do you think their are sir?”
Dylc turned his head slowly from side to side. “Don’t know for sure. Try not to think about it. Keep busy. That’s what I do…so I don’t have to think about it.”
After Kyhawn and Dylc walked back in, Jayden and Shya were caring another body topside. Tuenale held the door open while they passed.
While inside the flooded dining room, Zeal came swimming to the staircase from the kitchen with a large crate. “There’s plenty more food in there we can salvage, but no survivors, or bodies.” He pushed the crate up to Kyhawn.
“Keep them coming,” Dylc ordered, feeling somewhat overwhelmed. He was able to hide his sadness, but anger dominated his manners. “Where’s that other passenger?” he growled.
Jayden answered as Shya and he were walking down the stairs. “If you’re
talking about Tailk, he swam back into the crews sleeping quarters.”
Dylc looked in the direction of the sleeping quarters carrying a crate of food. The sleeping rooms were completely underwater.
“I’ll take that crate,” Jayden spoke with concern, “to the main deck, sir.”
“It’s heavy,” Dylc said handing the younger crew-Zac the crate. He then lit another lamp. “Kyhawn, Shya… Please—swim down into the entertainment room. I want to make sure on ones in there before we finish up here.”
The time passed. After finding a few more bodies and more supplies, Zeal swam near the staircase and pushed another crate of supplies up to Dylc.
“These are the last of the crates.” Zeal’s feet touched the staircase. “What I have here, and the ones they have.” His arms full, he threw his head back as though pointing. He looked at Tuenale, and handed him a crate, thinking about the large sea snakes. He stood on the stair in about two feet of water thankful he didn’t run into any of them.
Treb and Bekim had just came in from gathering up blankets and towels. While they had left most of them on the main deck, Treb and Bekim brought a few towels down with them. Treb threw Zeal a towel. About the same time Tailk swam in from the crews sleeping quarters, ascended the stairs and shook off some of the wetness.
“This should help.” Bekim handed him a towel. He was thankful he didn’t have to go in the water.
Dylc took a good look at Tailk and curiously asked. “What took you so long back there? I was getting ready to send a search party after you.”
“I almost drowned—that’s what took so long!” Tailk answered in a tone of anger. “When I was under water, a damn bed caught my leg. Luckily I was able to move it!”
“You okay?” Dylc looked at his legs.
Tailk, a tall stocky rough looking, wealthy ship builder, bitterly answered. “A bruise or two. I thought I’d been taken by one of those sea serpents at first.”
Tuenale looked at the ship builder, “We’ve all been a bit concerned about them, but what do you have there?”
With one bad eye and an earring, Tailk answered as he ran his finger over the scare under his bad eye. “Some weapons, could come in handy once they’re dried and cleaned. Didn’t find any bodies. Couldn’t go back too far. Too dangerous. If there’s anyone or anything down there…” he lowered his head in respect. “they’re gone for sure.”
Washburrn drew near Dylc. “Some of the King’s soldiers where down there.”
“Yes. I was a where of it,” Dylc frowned with a sigh. “Take these over with the other supplies,” Dylc shoved them at Washburrn, “and get the rest of the food and dinnerware up here. Make it quick! We have dire need of that medicine before she decides to slip off the rocks.”
Kyhawn and a few others came swimming in with the last of the supplies from the kitchen. Kyhawn’s feet landed firmly on the staircase carrying a netted sack of fruit. Along side him, Zeal, who had jumped back in, also carried some netted fruit. While Kyhawn rested on the staircase, Dylc approached Zeal noting the tired and lonesome look on his old friends face. “Let me give you hand with that.” He took the sack of fruit in one hand, and placed his other hand around Zeal’s shoulders. “I’m real sorry for your loose.” Dylc clapped Zeal’s upper arm. “Take a break. Go topside. We’re almost finished here.” His arm slipped away from his old crewmate.
Tailk lowered his head adjusting his eye-patch as Zeal ascended the fancy stairs.
As Kyhawn nodded his head in silence, Treb handed Kyhawn a towel. “Here take this, make it easier to slip your garments back on.”
“I don’t see what good it’s going to do. My garments are already wet, but thanks anyway,” Kyhawn said as he began to dry off.
After everybody but Jayden was accounted for they left the fancy staircase and Captain Joenf’s oil painting collection to the salty seawater.
“At least it’s stopped raining,” Bekim gestured with his hands out.
“From the looks of those clouds, not for long,” Tuenale offered, as the waves continued to gently rock the Sealander.
“Where’s Jayden?” Dylc repeated, as he neared the main deck behind the rest of the group.
“Others from camp are at the nets,” Treb announced.
“Let’s start carrying everything down to them.” Washburrn eagerly suggested, a crate of food in hand.
“Sea serpent—portside!” shouted Tuenale. The strange sea creature gripped the railing as if trying to shake them overboard. A few shouts were fired and the creature vanished as it started to rain again.
Panic field the air as they rushed to unload the bodies and supplies. Their treacherous chore of lowering the bodies down the nets using ropes with a Zac on each side of a body guiding it down to the ones below had begun. While off to one side the supplies were carried by hand down the netted ladder.
Washburrn looked at Dylc with interest. “We ready to venture down into the medic cabin? I know I am. ”
“No, but do we have any choice?”
“No.” Washburrn agreed.
Tuenale scratched his long curly dark-brown hair, then wiped off his thick eyeglasses. “I’ll make sure things go well up here while you all are down there.”
Moments later Jayden appeared from around the corner from the far side of the ship near the stern, opposite side where the bodies were being laid out. He passed by sleeping room #10, then continued on toward until he reached room #2 where the remainder of the supplies and bodies lay.
Dylc gave him a look of relief knowing was alright. “I see you’ve gathered more supplies.”
“More blankets.” Jayden coughed, handing Kyhawn the crate of blankets as if he had a terrible sneeze coming on.
Kyhawn gladly took the crate. “You look a bit pale,” he said handing it to Zeal, who handed it down to Shya, who was on the net handing it to Mekon,, who was beneath her.
Dylc went to Bekim who was leaning over the bodies, and crouched next to him. “The supplies goes first.”
“But sir, with all due respect,” Bekim sighed. “I think we should take the bodies back to shore first.”
“Do you feel that!” Dylc said, as they felt the ship slide a few inches. “If we don’t salvage the supplies we could be the next ones to die.”
“He’s right,” Kyhawn sighed, not wanting to agree with Dylc, but he did know what he was talking about. Kyhawn gave Bekim a look of sympathy, and continued to help carry supplies over to the bow where they were being carried down to the rocks below, then on to the beach, and back to camp.
Many of the survivors congregated at the beach where they were able claim the bodies of their loved ones; as well, personal belongings.
“Ma’am, you don’t want to see this,” Shanel said to a female Zac with a child walking close to her side. “I don’t think you want your child to see this either.” The mother looked at Shanel, and decided last night had been enough.