Logan helped Eris row the small boat towards the shore of his home. The sun was rising over the hills. A red sunrise. Symbolic of the blood that was spilled the day before. Ashes scattered into the air across the singed grass that was once green.
They tied the rowboat to a nearby boulder to secure it. The stone fences remained intact. But the same couldn't be said for any of the other structures and homes. The village was left in shambles. As the pair toured the ashen remnants of Arden, the horror of what happened set in. There wasn't a sign of life to be found in this desolate place.
And then they came across the ruined church. Bile built in Logan's throat when he saw the skeletons scattered about. These people he knew very well. The ones who took him in and adopted him as one of their own. The people who raised him and were the only family he'd ever known. They were all reduced to nothing but withering bones and ashes. Even those would soon be gone, too.
Logan keeled over, choking on vomit and calling to the ground on his knees. None of this felt real. Who could have done this? What could anyone stand to gain from setting his home ablaze? They had no great wealth hidden anywhere and they had broken no laws. Could it have been the English soldiers? Why? Why did this happen?
A hand gripped Logan's shoulders in a gentle hold. He was in so much shock that he didn't realize he was crying. "I am so sorry. I could never even pretend to understand the agony you must feel." Eris kneeled down beside him to be on the same level. "... I did see a vessel from the English Armada in the distance when we were approaching. I cannot say for certain if they were the ones that are behind this, but... It is is likely." Eris shook her head in disapproval while looking around at the carnage.
"Horrid. Absolutely dispicable. I loved this village. I've only stopped here a few times in the past. But each visit was always so peaceful. And the sota bread was the best anywhere." Logan barely heard what she said. Eris nudged his shoulder to try and have his attention. "I know you have no where else to go. I must be on my way soon." Logan nodded in understanding. "But I can't just leave you here without at least offering you a place aboard my ship." He looked up at her in confusion.
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" You see, my crew and I are on an expedition of sorts. It may seem silly and childish to you. But we are searching for something." Eris reached into her brown leather coat to retrieve a piece of parchment. "Look here." It appeared to be a layout of a map. But not one he had ever seen before. Logan's eyes followed Eris's finger to see where she was pointing to. "Here, between the Pillars of Heracles. Between the Mediteranian Sea and the Atlantic." "What are you saying exactly?" " I'm saying that we're going to find the lost city of Atlantis. It's here somewhere, and no one has found it yet." Logan blinked rapidly, bewildered by the seemingly ridiculous statement. "It's out there. I know it is. I'm going to prove to the entire world Atlantis exists."
Eris's grey eyes shone with determination and certainty. The seriousness in her voice and expression was something to be admired when of the city's existence. "This may seem far too sudden for you, considering the circumstances. But," she stood upright, looking once more at the charred remnants of the church, "If you come with us, we may be able to catch up to that ship. Justice must be had for what happened here." Logan's hands now trembled with a new emotion. Rage. Absolute fury scorched the blood in his veins. Yes. He needed to find the party responsible for the senseless massacere of his people.
"When we do find Atlantis, I'm certain there will be enough funding to rebuild your home if you so desire. Or find a new home. The choice is hours. But I'm afraid you must choose quickly." Logan weighed the few options he had. She was right before. He had no where else to go. He had no money and no connections. He did want to hunt down the arsonists who murdered his friends and family. Once that was over and done with, perhaps then this journey could help him heal. But the last possiblity was quickly pushed to the back of his mind. First and formost, justice must be had for this crime.
Eris held her hand out for him to take if he chose. Without any further hesitation, he joined his hand with hers in an unspoken agreement. She pulled him to his feet to shake hands with him. "Very well. Welcome to my crew. It is an honor to have you on board."