Rayman gazed at the foggy shoreline, a strong wind blowing them south. They had passed Gantu three days earlier and approached Buxmar. The mood of the crew was solemn, however. A week at sea hadn’t been kind to them in more ways than one.

Mark had died in Bienrior. The doctors were unable to save him. The infection had spread through his body and he died in the middle of the night as they reached the port city.

Now, Zeph was dead too.

Zeph had, after days of pain and struggle also succumbed to the wounds on his back. Fin and Kevin prepared his body but Rayman’s mind was on other things.

Vog could be seen following them from the shore. Catching only glimpses of them from this far off, he could tell they had been followed and by many of them. His mind was on what would happen once they landed in Buxmar.

The plan was to travel to Anria then to Nolvis where king Erik was, or so he thought. The scouts from two weeks ago had told them to wait there but in that time anything could have happened. He contemplated whether or not to sail straight down into Xer’s territory and seek aid there but Rayman would potentially be leaving Erik in Nolvis to defend for himself if Xerath refused Vulkirian refugees to enter Xer.

Shay, Daniel, and Alexi would be in Nolvis too. Rayman wouldn’t abandon his king or his family but for all he knew, they were all dead and he would be leading his men into their own deaths once again.

He made his decision then and there. Rayman’s face grew tight and frowned.

“Rayman? Sir. We are ready.” Kevin said from behind him.

From the look on his face, he had called to him more than once but he hadn’t noticed.

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Everyone gathered around Zeph’s neatly wrapped body. George stared at Mark’s body with his one eye, an eyepatch over his right. Fin stood at the head and waited for Rayman and Kevin to approach.

Shifting his weight, Fin cleared his throat. “We gather around to honor our fallen comrade, our friend. Zeph had a family, four children, and his wife Thyre. He was loved by many and a good friend.” Fin paused, gathering himself, “I will miss you, Zeph. May Hashem smile upon you. Rest in peace, brother.”

With Fin’s final word, everyone gripped the cloth and heaved Zeph’s stiff form to the edge of the boat, and gently slid his body into the ocean. No one said a word, only staring at their sinking friend, embraced by the cold waters and the depths below.

Rayman felt an enormous amount of guilt watching as Zeph disappeared into the darkness. He knew Thyre personally. He couldn’t imagine what he would say to his wife or how to comfort her. The thought made him want to puke. Not only Zeph but Mark and Ben too, which sickened him further.

He remembered the Vog that had pulled their wagon. It seemed to have been… sorry, in a way for them. It had helped them move swiftly to Bienrior and once they had arrived it had pulled their wagon straight up to the ship and as quickly as it had come, the Vog disappeared.

Conflicting emotions burned into Rayman, hatred for the Vog and a sense of guilt for killing their baby. They had killed three of his men. Three of his friends. If the Vog felt remorse, it was in the Vog that helped them, however, it hadn’t been enough.

“Sir.” Kevin’s hand touched his shoulder. “Are you alright?”

“Yes.” Rayman coughed, “I’m fine.”

Kevin frowned in disbelief but left him alone. He imagined every one of his men were faced with the same conflict. Hate the Vog or pass it on as an unfortunate loss of life. Bad things happened and the Vog weren’t necessarily in the wrong. In one sense, Rayman and his men were the aggressors.

Whatever the case, Rayman wanted desperately to see his wife and children once again. He longed for Shay’s loving embrace and to hold Daniel and Alexi in his arms.

“Buxmar!” a shout from behind him pulled him out of his thoughts.

Billy stood on the rail, leaning over the ledge, one arm wrapped around a rope and the other pointing to the coast.

Rayman looked up to see the port and town in the distance. The misty air had nearly cleared, giving them a full view of their surroundings. They would be arriving shortly. Their next move was to meet Erik in Nolvis.