Chapter Twenty Three: Port Anna

Jason and Stella woke up in the canoe fifteen miles south of Buttermilk. They had followed the gentle river the whole way to the coastline. The trees were different here, and the air was salty from the windy seas.

The two of them were scared and confused. They reached a small dock, where some fishermen were casting out lines and pulling in some large, colourful fish. They saw the canoe and Jason started to move the boat closer to the shore with his long branch. He touched the bottom of the river with his stick and moved the boat by pushing themselves closer to shore. Soon they had landed on the shore and Jason stepped off the canoe into the sand. He pulled the canoe onto land and Stella jumped out.

They both collapsed onto the sand while the fishermen looked at them curiously.

They had made it to Port Anna. They only needed to walk a few hundred metres to the town.

Jason and Stella got up eventually and began to walk. They left the canoe on the shore. They made it to the town and were greeted by a welcome sign. It was a smaller town than Buttermilk, but still quite large.

The city was built on the beachside, and was mostly made up of wooden houses. A large dock system stretched into the water and many, many sailing ships were docked. A few larger ships were anchored out in the lagoon.

The town was the trading capital of the south. Goods from all over the world could be purchased here. Unique ingredients, animals and furniture from all reaches of civilization were stocked by a number of travelling merchants.

Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

Jason and Stella approached a carriage and asked for transport,

“Hi sir, can I buy passage to the Castle.” Jason asked the driver.

“A trip to the castle for two is fifty Dime.” The carriage driver told the pair.

“I can pay,” Jason spoke and pulled the coins from his satchel. He was down to his last bit of money, he’d left it all back at his house. Only taking enough to buy a lot of drinks and food at the festival the night before.

“Leaving in ten minutes,” The driver spoke. “Just let me drain the lizard.” He patted Jason on the back and walked away to find a toilet.

Jason and Stella walked to the market to kill some time. They didn’t have time to have a proper look at the unique items, the armor, swords, animals and trinkets. But they found a very nice chicken and pineapple burger. The chicken was seasoned with coconut and fiery spices, the pineapple was thinly sliced and very sweet. The burger bread roll was different to the bread the bakers made in Buttermilk. It had a fluffy texture. The burger was topped with slices of brie cheese and iceberg lettuce. The final element was the cranberry jam, spread onto the buns.

Jason and Stella both ordered one. Then Jason bought a six pack of Apple Cider. They waited a short time for the food and then walked to the carriage. They met with the driver and they climbed into the back. Jason handed the driver a cider and he happily accepted it.

Jason and Stella ate their burgers as the carriage gently rolled out of Port Anna, and headed north. They had a long journey to the Castle of Flowers. At least they had each other.