[Edward]
“Ray?” That's new.
“Do you mind?”
“No, I like it.”
While the crew focus on their tasks I realise how thankful I am to both of them, for helping me. For being my friends.
“Are you ready? It's a whole new world on the other side of the inner sea. Some say that Marney marks the edge of civilization.”
“I am ready as I’ll ever be,” grins Raleigh.
“Aye, I'm eager to experience the fullness of the world.” says Garfil.
As we talk I survey the river ahead of us, we are almost halfway to the entrance into Marney. All around us iridescent glass sparkles with light that pierces from the thinning grey clouds. Now and then I must steer the ship around rocks and small reefs or to avoid colliding with the river banks that almost hug the sides of the ship.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
“Ed, what happens when we get Silvester back?”
“I’ve been thinking about that too.” I lie. In fact I had been so enthralled about finally leaving Rynwhere that I hadn't really been thinking about anything other than the next step of catching up to my boat. I’m forced to make a quick decision on the spot.
“IF we get the Silvester back, I plan to gather a full crew and explore the uncharted parts of the world and if you fellas would like to come along, it would be my pleasure to have you on my crew.”
“Sounds like what we are doing right now.”
“You asked," I tease back good naturedly.
“Something doesn't feel right,” mutters Garfil.
Both Raleigh and I turn to look at him, concerned by his tone. Right on que the hairs on the back of my neck and forearms shiver and stand on end.
“Edward, Thrak was right, we aren't alone on this island.”
Slowly I turn my neck feeling dread well in the pit of my stomach.
All along the banks of the river crystalline horrors that move with the hind grace of a cat and the fore grace of a human bound across the landscape after us. There are so many that they fill my entire vision. Yet most eerily of all, the world is silent but for the whistling wind.
“OARS!”