Emily had read a lot about the ocean, from the myth of its creation to the importance of tides in maintaining the delicate balance of life. There was something sacred about it, no doubt. Its incommensurability had granted her a new perspective on time and space. However, she had not yet witnessed its natural capability to break and shape the human spirit, as the experienced sailors claimed.

They had been navigating for a few weeks already. Emily's sea sickness had not gotten any better. But she had plenty of time to meditate and to get to know the rest of the crew. She found herself very comfortable among that clan of outcasts. They seemed to understand and connect with her story on a personal level. She met a young man with the same last name as her, which meant they were somehow blood related. His name was Edwin; he came from a humble family of loggers, but he had been sentenced to five years of hard labor for standing against the religious council's questionable management of forestry resources. Emily was quickly drawn to his untamable character. Part of her wished to believe that, just like Lord Arthur, she came from a lineage that refused to cope with the norm.

She spent plenty of time with Arthur's parents as well. She helped them administer the crew's provisions and keep the warehouse clean. They would also sit on the deck and discuss their political ideas and their hopes for the future. It was clear to them that escaping Rosetta and starting over was not enough; they yearned for the religious council's downfall, and they wanted to help the pagans defeat them if possible. Nevertheless, all they could put their hearts into at the moment was the news of Emily's pregnancy. They were extremely excited about welcoming their first grandchild and having a chance to raise it as a loving family. Arthur's mother was particularly enthusiastic.

–Oh, dear, you have no idea how much I cried the day my boy decided to marry that cocky son of a bitch. He assured us that he would be fine; that he would make things work and our family would be safe under that man's protection. He has always been like that: he feels the need to see the good in people and sacrifice himself for those he loves. I'm so glad he found someone as bold and kind as him. I can tell how much you care for each other. Thank you for making him so happy.

Emily wrapped her arms around her mother-in-law's svelte body, as her vibrant energy rubbed on her. Who would have thought? Rosettan women were denied the right to have a family of their own, yet they always seemed to find a home on each other.

–Thank you, Miss. He makes me happy too, as happy as a person can be. And I am lucky to now be part of his remarkable household.

–You are more than welcome, dear Emily. I assume you have plans to get married.

Emily raised an eyebrow. The mere concept of marriage sounded so strange to her, completely alien.

–What?

–In case you haven't heard about it, a man can legally enter the bonds of marriage with a woman in almost every part of the archipelago. I will finally be able to marry Arthur's father, the love of my life. You can do the same if you feel like it.

–Sounds lovely, Miss. Arthur has not mentioned anything about it, though. How does it even work? Am I supposed to get on one knee and ask him?

Both of them laughed out loud.

–That is a great start, dear daughter!

*

Traveling across the sea was no easy job, even with a solid, diligent team on board. The weather was unpredictable and usually unmerciful. Storms were helpful in obtaining fresh water, but they implied a tremendous amount of risk. When violent winds and turbulent waters made the vessel shake, the entire crew had to put in great effort to avoid a wreck. Emily had managed to handle the stress so far, yet many of the passengers were frightened and disheartened. Some of them had also fallen ill due to the extreme conditions. Lord Arthur made sure to comfort them and prepare them for what was coming.

Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

–I understand that our journey has been harsh; no one is fully prepared when it comes to the ocean. But we are getting closer to the islands. It is only a matter of time before we reach our destination. We need to remain calm, strong and focused. We will disembark on an uninhibited shore, surrounded by other peaceful communities. We can build a small dock and a few huts by the beach. The rest of the archipelago is struggling with famine, so their resources are limited. Still, we need to find a way to support them and warn them about the military operation. If Rosetta loses the war, the religious council will falter. That will be the best opportunity to end their reign at last.

Arthur's words were always a haven of hope for everyone on the ship. His guidance had become a symbol of both inspiration and resistance. Even so, no speech in the world could prepare them for their next challenge.

*

It happened one evening, underneath a pristine auburn sky. Emily was washing her garments on the back of the ship. Arthur was teaching some other rebels how to properly use a sword, and a group of women were eating stew next to the prow. Suddenly, Emily heard Edwin yell from the top of the main mast. He had never sounded so alarmed before.

–Sea monster! Sea monster! Helm hard to port!

She immediately stood up and looked around. They had done plenty of drills before; the most experienced sailors were supposed to handle the situation, while the rest of the crew hid in the shelter. Emily called Arthur's name, as commotion began to spread all over the ship. Then she laid eyes on the beast, gawking at its sight from the edge of the vessel. It did not resemble the historical drawings, and it certainly surpassed her imagination. Its skin was dark and scaly, similar to a snake. It was hard to tell how big it was, since it moved beneath the turbid surface. But Emily could discern a long, slick tail and a set of menacing horns. Her knees weakened, and she thought she would faint any minute. Only the firm grip of her lover's palm helped her recover.

–There is no time to lose! Help me get everyone in the shelter. I will assist with the sails.

Emily jumped straight into action and started guiding the children to the secure spot. Arthur's father was busy at the helm, and the vessel rapidly changed its course. Emily could hear the rumble of the ocean and the wind, imposing itself above the crew's screaming. She crouched in the back of the warehouse with the rest of the passengers, holding on to each other. Some of them were crying, some others prayed, just like they would do at a traditional Rosettan temple. None of them knew what was happening outside; they simply hoped that the sailors on board were clever enough to prevent a disaster. Emily consoled a lost child and embraced him close to her chest. She promised him, and maybe herself, that everything would be alright, as long as they did not give up the fight.

A few minutes later, a loud crash made the entire watercraft tremble. They had been hit and pushed away violently. The ship spun around, in a whirlwind of chaos, and Emily feared they were about to sink. However, the vessel eventually stopped moving and, despite being severely damaged, it managed to resume its original trajectory, far from the monster's jaws. Emily could not restrain her impetus. She took the child to his father and stormed back to the deck, looking for Arthur. He had fallen from one of the masts, so he was lying on the wooden, wrecked floor. She promptly helped him rise to his feet, shedding tears of emotion.

–Arthur! Are you okay?

–I am alive; and so are you. Praise the gods.

A small group slowly gathered around him, including the doctor. Some other crew members had also suffered minor injuries, but they could consider themselves very lucky. Only a couple of sailors could brag about confronting a sea monster and making it out alive. Surprisingly, that was not the only encouraging news. Edwin was now back at his position on the main mast, after making a preliminary examination of the damages. He was holding his binoculars high towards the dying sun.

–My! What do we have here… I think I see… Land! Land ahoy!

The whole crew instantly burst with joy, as if they had revoked a millinery grudge. Emily could not help but jump into Arthur's arms, covering his bruised face with tender kisses. They had reached their promised land; it was the beginning of a new path and a new facet of their love. Perhaps all those golden, happy endings from the books were real after all; or maybe they were simply a beautiful, perfectly crafted illusion. Either way, they had the rest of their lives to find out together.

They were far away from their fears, and far past the place they were born.

Yet they were home at last.

THE END