Cody's eyes flew open, his senses instantly alert as a sudden jolt reverberated through the ship. The impact sent a thudding vibration that rippled through the vessel, knocking him off his makeshift bed with a resounding wallop. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, he quickly realized they had been sailing all night.
The Lady, accompanied by her faithful servant Fredrickson, had orchestrated their escape from the manor. Alongside Cody, Fredrickson had whisked away another young girl from the city. As he glanced across the small cabin, he could see the girl Rossel peacefully asleep, cradled in a rocking hammock on the opposite side. Her rhythmic swaying matched the gentle sway of the ship, undisturbed by the sudden disturbance.
Voices above deck shouted among the crashing of waves as the ship cut through the rough ocean currents.
Cody watched the young girl as she stirred in her hammock while fighting off something in her dreams.
Rossel bore little resemblance to her mother, Lady Amber, and according to Fredrickson instead looked much like her father. The girl had been brought up in a lavish household deep within the city in a house far grander than the Duke’s. Unlike Cody, Rossel had the world at her fingertips from receiving every type of toy imaginable to the world’s best tutor’s money could buy. Despite their differences, Cody grew fond of Rossel's company. Spite the obvious wealth the girl was much like her mother in spirit and took up the challenge of looking after him. Finding the process both interesting and rewarding.
However, in Cody’s eyes, no one was above Sir Fredrickson. Not only was he confident, intelligent and kind but also incredibly skilled with the sword. When he had spotted Cody struggling to keep it together, he had flipped his razor thin blade into the air, clapped then threw an apple, only to catch the blade and slice the apple into eight pieces before catching each slice.
Both Rossel and Cody had furiously clapped at the sight, yet Lady Amber could only roll her eyes at the spectacle.
The man was a retired Captain of the Royal fleet and had welcomed them all aboard his personal vessel.
A smile tugged at Cody's lips as he recalled when Fredrickson had leaped aboard his ship, producing a rather comical hat. He had produced the hat out of nowhere, placing it atop his head with a flourish. Lady Amber, unimpressed by the hat's whimsical appearance, had promptly voiced her disapproval, deeming it far too silly for her liking.
Throughout the day, Cody had found comfort in the man's presence, standing beside him on the bow of the ship. There was something calming about being on the ship's highest point, with an unobstructed view of the ocean. It was as if gazing at the endless horizon ahead had a soothing effect on Cody's unsettled stomach.
He had copied Fredrickson and had leaned against the railing, his gaze fixed on the distant line where the sky met the sea. The rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the ship's hull provided a soothing backdrop. The salty breeze brushed against his face, carrying with it a sense of freedom and adventure.
Cody had asked the seasoned sailor, "do you ever tire of looking out at the sea?"
The man smiled, his eyes reflecting a hint of nostalgia. "Never," he replied. "There's a certain feeling that comes with the open waters. It's a reminder of how vast the world is, and the mysteries that lie beyond."
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As the memory of the previous day washed over his mind, Cody couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of hope and adventure.
It was dim inside the cabin, allowing only the outlines of shapes to be unveiled, however he knew what the cabin looked like from the previous day. The walls were carved from dark brown wood, making the space feel old and rustic. Curtains swayed with the ship, dyed in shades of earthen tones, hung gracefully over the large, open windows, allowing fragments of light to filter through.
Through the swaying curtains, he glimpsed the outside world. A low orange hue was developing on the horizon, welcoming the new day.
He wasn’t sure where they were going but he overheard a few of the crew mention the town of Ranwith.
A clear voice rang out in the morning air.
“M’lady,” Fredrickson said. A ruffle of feathers accompanied them above the deck, as Cody could clearly hear one of the messenger pigeons had returned.
“Any word from my husband?” she asked, her voice betraying her desperation.
Fredrickson paused to seemingly unraveled a note to read. “No. This is from Coffin. They’ve gathered what’s left of the men and are waiting for us in Ranwith.”
The Lady’s voice came back in a tremble. “Yes, our plan will not differ. We will gather as instructed.”
“Once we leave Ranwith, we will find the cure.”
Cody followed the voices and climbed the stairs of the cabin. With a surge of eagerness, he ascended the stairs that led to the deck. Stepping into the open air, he found himself bathed in the cool breeze that gently tousled his hair.
His eyes scanned the horizon, searching for the origin of the commotion. In the distance, he beheld another ship, its silhouette etched against the vast expanse of the sea. The vessel's wake rippled through the water, creating a mesmerizing trail of foam and waves that danced and shimmered under the early morning sunlight.
“It is a crime far greater than any mortal sin,” said Fredrickson. “To enslave a child...” His voice trailed off as he spotted Cody.
They both offered the new arrival with a kind smile.
“Say, boy. Do you remember what we talked about yesterday?”
Cody looked up and nodded. “I think I remember a little.” he paused and stared up at Lady Amber. “I was taken by big men. With hairy clothes.”
“Slavers, maybe?”
Cody shrugged.
Fredrickson absently scratched his chin. “I’m guessing Felren. Although I’m at a loss to what released you. Magic maybe? That could explain it.” He took off his ridiculous hat and aimlessly brushed off the dust that matted its feather. “Well, all sorts of magic have been tried before and nothing has come of it. It would have to be something pretty significant.”
The Lady looked over and suggested. “Maybe the blood contractor was killed by an event book?”
“Well, that’s also happened before, and the curse persisted. What you need is a completed removal, like a reversal or absorption. All of which is impossible,” Fredrickson commented as he watched the vessel in the distance.
“What’s that?” asked Cody, pointing at the ship in the distance.
The Lady turned and shook her head and asked, “is that a merchant ship?” directing her question to the seasoned sailor.
He cleared his throat, then beckoned a crew member who quickly produced a bronze eyeglass.
Within a few seconds, he pursed his lips and let out a long-drawn-out whistle. “It’s a ship from Branside,” he said, passing the eyeglass to the Lady.
She grasped the cylindrical tube and held it to her eye.
“Looks to be about twice the size of our ship but pay it little mind. It’s got its hands full and wouldn’t dare come near us.”
Lady Amber let out an audible gasp as she inspected the vessel, then placed the eye glass into Cody’s tiny hands.
“Is that a Red Iron Salamander?” she asked.
“Looks to be,” Fredrickson said with astonishment. “And it looks like they are bringing the beast towards Branside.”
Lady Amber looked shaken. “Why bring such a monster into town? There’re so many people living there.”
“No idea,” he said. “Someone’s planning something.”
Cody brought the eyeglass to his face and focused on the ship in the distance. Two cloaked figures stood beside a large iron enclosure atop the enormous deck, caging a massive crimson lizard. The cloaked figures looked to be glowing as they circled the sleeping giant, while puffs of dense smoke wafted from the creature's massive maw.