ACT VII

Athyra raced back up the stairs before Loe could speak another word. Wave Xeric was all she needed to hear. Footsteps became thunderous and frantic as she bounded up the slippery wooden steps, now drenched with salty water from the exploding waves around them.

As she reached the upper deck once again, she looked to the sky, but found no comfort in the black vail. The three sister moons were low in the sky, and cast no shadows or silhouettes. She could only listen. And then she heard them. The unmistakable sounds of monstrous wings fluttering in the night air, throwing unnatural gusts of wind down onto the deck, kicking sand and dust into the faces of the pained sailors.

Athyra's crew rushed from one corner of the ship to the next, grasping tight to their swords and gathering spears from weapon racks at the base of the masts. With every step, dodging metal projectiles and small smoke bombs falling onto the ship in a rain of charcoal sand.

Now Athyra could see them. Tracing and following the direction of the falling bombs, her eyes focused on the sky directly above their heads. There, just barely visible in the blackness, were the outline of four giant birds resembling the ocean gulls, yet each large enough to carry a handful of Gelfling on their backs. The Blue Gullwings of the Wave Xeric.

"Loe!" Athyra called out, turning to face him as he ran past. He stopped immediately and stepped in front of her. "Have your men summit the masts, put all the torches out. And signal to the other ships," she gazed into the air again. "They can't see in the dark."

"Right away!" he concurred, running back into the commotion.

At that moment, Athyra spotted Tavra running toward her at full speed from the bow of the ship. "Tavra! Over here." She waved to her.

Tavra caught sight and jogged to her side. Her sword in hand, ready to surrender any foe. "What is going on, Athyra?" Tavra shouted.

"Any soldier should know battle." She answered.

"Where is Onica?"

Athyra motioned to the stairs behind her. "Below deck, in my quarters. Go to her. Keep her safe."

"But I can fight!" Tavra protested.

Athyra grabbed her arm forcefully and locked eyes. "I never repeat myself. Go to her now. Keep her safe at all costs. Do you understand?"

Tavra's expression became stoic and serious. "Always." She answered. And with that, she disappeared below deck with even greater speed.

Led by Loe, Athyra's men worked overhead, climbed high up on the masts, clinging to the loose rope netting on the sides. As they neared the middle of the mast, they passed two signalmen on either side, dressed in gem encrusted shirts which only Athyra's ships could spot in the darkness. In one hand they held a small torch, and in the other a large brightly colored flag; both used to signal the other ships. And after a brief set of motions, presented in waving and angular patterns, the other ships around them soon began the same procedures.

When Loe's men reached the top of the three great sails, they utilized long wooden sticks with iron pots on the end to quickly stamp out the flames of the torches. In seconds, all except for small flickers of candlelight went out, leaving all of the ships in near pitch blackness. A few more smoke bombs dropped from the sky around them, but due to the lack of vison, the wayward objects fell clear of the ships.

"Everyone remain silent!" Athyra called out to her crew.

A series of hush whispers and sharp breaths flew around her, as the entire crew halted their speaking and frantic movements. Any sounds now would surely give their position away. The entire crew crouched quietly on the deck, ready to strike at any moment, swords and spears drawn and held tight between sweaty fingers. Above them, bursts of flapping wings remained constant for some time, as the Wave Xeric attempted to relocate the ships. Periodically, the birds would fly very close, sending a shot of wind over the deck. But the crew remained still and silent.

But just as the night was becoming still again, and the crew complacent--BANG! Another severe explosion shook the deck, sending flames high into the air, and several of the crew tumbling off the deck into the black waters. The fire grew into a small inferno around the impact spot, crackling and blazing through the ship like a devilish entity.

"Put it out--put it out!" The crew screamed and shouted over the thick smoke, running to retrieve water from supply holds.

Athyra's current nightmare had be realized. In the darkness they could evade the airborne forces, but if one of the larger bombs hit and set the ship ablaze, there was little they could do. It was time once more for her survival instincts to take control. Her leadership and resolve to triumph in the face of adversity was precisely why her crew followed her. And situations such as this, is where she thrived.

As her crew scrambled around her, throwing large buckets of water on the flames, she ran to the side of the ship, searching the area around her to formulate another plan. A small panic set in, racing her heart abnormally. But she cast it away as soon as it came, remaining focused on her situation. And then, almost as if Thra herself had been watching, Athyra spotted something in the distance. Help had arrived.

Outlined in the subtle glow of the three setting moons, she could see hundreds of glowing green eyes rapidly approaching the ship. As they drew nearer, she could begin to make out a distinct high pitched chirping sound wafting through the air. The sight was unmistakable: the Nox Bats of the Sifan coast lines.

Nox bats were native to the Sifa, living in shallow caves high up on the coastlines, embedded into the vertical cliffs just to the east of Cera-Na. Every evening at dusk, hundreds of these creatures would pour out of their caves and onto the open waters, searching for their favorite food, small flying fish. And on this night, whether by fate or luck, they had appeared at precisely the right time. Upon catching sight of this, Athyra's mind raced with possible scenarios. And with her rapid thinking and clever, crafty thought process, it did not take long to devise a plan.

With more smoke bombs falling, Athyra's crew became desperate to contain the small fires expanding around them. The ship was now an illuminated target, easy to see and hit. Some threw themselves into the flames, attempting to stomp out any embers they could reach. While others, stricken with unbridled rage, took to blindly throwing spears from the side of the ship. Listening for the sounds of the wings, or the slight stripe of color as the bird's feathers caught the light of the flames when it passed.

Amidst the pandemonium, Athyra spotted her navigators Yuul and Yuun clinging to the railing, crouched down, attempting to protect themselves from the violence. "Yuul, Yuun! Come!" she called to them. Both sprung to their feet and darted toward her. They stopped in front of the squared deck which led up to the ship's wheelhouse and stole a moment to catch their breath. "I am glad to see you safe!" Athyra panted in relief.

Yuul nodded, while Yuun clicked his fingers rapidly.

"Listen to me carefully!" Athyra pointed to the flock of Nox bats which were fast approaching. "The Nox bats come! Steer the ship east, directly into the flock!" They nodded quickly. "As they pass, turn around and steer the ship west again! Do you understand?" Without a sound or motion, both turned away and ran up the small set of stairs and into the wheelhouse. Athyra knew they understood. Her faith in them was full; there were no others she trusted more.

As Athyra's crew continued to battle the flames and hurl their spears, she suddenly noticed the fires were beginning to be contained. When she scanned the ship for damage, she discovered Tavra and Onica both on deck standing along side the crew. In shock, Athyra hopped off the upper deck and grasped Tavra's shoulder, spinning her around. "I thought I ordered you both to stay below deck!"

Tavra, who was now covered in ash from the fires, sighed and motioned toward Onica. "I can protect her Athyra, but often I cannot control her." She admitted.

Athyra looked to Onica, and with great surprise realized she had decided to assist the crew. With her arms stretched high into the air, she appeared to be throwing small blue orbs over the wild flames. Athyra watched--captivated as the orbs evaporated, and then slowly rained water down onto the fire--subduing the flames just enough so the crew could stomp the embers out with their burnt boots.

Onica abruptly turned to her with a fierce smile. "Sifan Charms, Captain." She stated incorrigibly. Athyra only nodded and observed with wonder.

When the ship began to turn to the east into the direction of the bats, the vessel tilted toward the waves forcefully, sending the crew to their knees again. The last of the hot coals from the dying fire tumbled down the planks and into the sea with a steamy hiss, and the ship was bled into the dark again. The crew scampered across the deck, grabbing whatever was available to maintain their balance. The bow dipped down into the rumbling waves and pivoted the ship in a circular direction, until at last, the battered hulk was spun in the opposite direction.

Flying low in the air above them, the bird riders' blindness returned as the lights faded. And still under Athyra's orders of silence, the sound of their distress was clear. Through the stillness of crisp night air, yelps of panic rang out, colliding with the frantic flapping of the bat's wings. The bat's screeched with ferocity, equally angry and bewildered. Athyra knew, when drawn into a sudden frenzy such as this, the Bat's often became quiet hostile. Chasing their invaders like bees, with plenty of sharp fangs to string.

Athyra's teeth glistened in the shadows as a joyful smile came across her face. It was working. "All stop!" She called out to the wheelhouse in a gruff whisper, raising a finger to the sky. As the chaos continued above them, two of the largest sails fell to the deck, and the ship gradually slowed. Now, with all light extinguished and the crew silent, they had finally fallen out of sight. Driven mad from the attack of the Bats, and all areas covered in darkness, surely they could never find their target.

Just to be sure of this, Athyra turned toward the wheelhouse with further instruction. "Come about now. Back to the west." She ordered. The young Gelfling wheelmaster pondered the order for a moment, unsure of what this meant. "Do it." Her full voice returned.

The wheelmaster bobbed in agreeance, then took a wide step to his side, grabbed the wheel and spun it wildly to the left. While the stocky wheel spun like an unhinged gear, the crew braced themselves as the ship once again lumbered to the side. It spun around wildly, the planks moaning against the pressure of the waves, and returned to the direction from whence it came.

Athyra stepped forward toward the center of the deck. "Release the sails!" She sang, throwing her hands at the masts. Within moments, the two sails that had so quickly dropped to the deck were raised again, billowing lush with the night winds, favoring their current direction. "All ahead! Full sails 'till the sunrise!"

Small cheers of excitement and pride escaped the Gelfling sailors, sharing in a brief moment of celebration. Even Tavra and Onica stole a comforting kiss of assurance in the midst of the commotion. Athyra's plan had worked. The bird riders were surely lost to their whereabouts now, unable to retrace steps in the abyss of the night.

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As her crew ran circles around her, securing equipment and fixing damage, Athyra remained in the middle of the deck, eyes to the sky. Listening. But only wind remained. Onica and Tavra gradually made their way through the mania and came beside Athyra, taking time to allow her mind to calm, freeing her thoughts of panic and fear. They waited patiently for her to speak.

When she was ready, she turned to Onica with a smirk laced with ash stained lips. "Sifan Charms?" She repeated to Onica.

Onica smiled and placed a hand gently on her back. "At your service. I told you--we can help." Athyra returned the smile for a moment, but suddenly her expression grew foreboding and serious. Her complexion became pale as the moons. Eyes clouded and deep with thought. "What is it?" Onica inquired, noticing the abrupt change in her face.

Athyra turned to her and grabbed both of her hands, clasping them tightly. Her fingernails were like toothed knives biting into her palms. "It must be now," she said with a chill in her voice.

"What must be?" Onica wondered, uneasily stepping away from her.

"You must read, now!" She shook Onica's hands.

"Athyra, what are you saying? Read what?"

"My bones." She answered. Her face twisted into a concerned expression.

Onica planted her feet and threw Athyra's hands away from hers. "Are you insane? Your ship may be sinking! You've just fallen under attack--we might still be under attack, how could one know?" She waited for Athyra to respond, but she remained still and vibrant. "These are orders from a captain who has just suffered a battle?"

"Yes, the time is now!" Athyra exclaimed, taking a heavy step toward her. The anger in her step caused Tavra to grab the hilt of her sword again. "This is the only time," she continued. "When my crew has breathed ash. When my ship nears surrendering to the sea. When the pandemonium strikes, and the madness lay waste to our emotions." She moved closer and placed her hands gracefully in the air, as if presenting her crew to Onica. "Here is all the energy you need to speak with Thra. She has seen all of this. Perhaps even crafted it. Now is our time to listen."

Onica could almost visualize the aura of pure resolve around her. She had sensed it before, upon their first meeting. Athyra glowed. Not just internally, but through her crew. They were inspired by her leadership, but even more so by her unexplainable magnetism. A force that even now, Onica could not deny. Onica could sense a strong insanity contorting her brain. A trait of her mind yet to be seen or explained. But even more so, she could feel the kindness of her heart; the passion of her soul's ocean. Athyra was much like the sea. She was beautiful and true, yet a sanctuary for the most terrible of gales.

Onica sighed and let this moment of reflection pass through her, keeping her eyes locked on Athyra's black orbs. "Perhaps...perhaps you are right." Onica finally answered.

"Onica?" Tavra interjected, moving toward her easily.

"It's okay, Tavra," Onica replied, inviting her closer. "In fact, you may join us."

Athyra motioned toward the ground, to one section of the deck which was not covered in rubble, splinters, or seaweed. "Sit." She commanded.

Onica looked to her with concern. "The more abrasion you project, the more I will consume." She stated, pleading for Athyra's peaceful mind to return.

Athyra nodded and motioned again, this time more respectfully. "Please." Onica returned a kind gesture of approval, and seated herself on the planks. Tavra followed, adjusting her sword to lay flat on the deck. Athyra cautiously watched them sit, then slowly followed until all three were seated in a triangular pattern. She lit a thick candle and placed it beside her, illuminating their area with a dim glow. As Loe passed by her side, Athyra held up a hand to stop him. "Loe! Please assess the damage below deck and report to me immediately."

"Aye!" Loe responded with a quick salute, and ran below.

When Athyra glanced down at the deck again, Onica had already begun work on an intricate circle, drawn on the salty planks with a thick piece of blue writing chalk. "Is that chalk made from shells?" She asked.

"Yes," Onica replied, continuing to draw. "And it is quite difficult to manage on these salt encrusted decks." She stamped the wood.

Athyra reached into one of her pouches and pulled out another, thinner piece of chalk, orange in color. It was encased in a worn silver cylinder, with etchings of various sea creatures. "Here, try this. " She handed it to Onica.

Onica grabbed the utensil and rolled it between her fingers. "What is this?"

"Made from sand. From the Crystal Desert boulders."

Onica was impressed. She accepted the chalk gratefully and began retracing many of her lines. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you may have the entire world of Thra hanging from your belt." She smiled at Athyra.

Athyra returned a shallow grin. "Perhaps I do."

After some time had passed, Onica finally completed her piece of art. An intricate master piece consisting of three concentric circles, bordered by a triangular design, with cubic structures branching from the center in a spiraled pattern. It looked alive. The splintered wood beneath it seemed to breath and vibrate, like the tendrils of a starfish. When she finished sketching the last line, Onica placed the chalk down carefully on the deck and stared at Athyra sternly.

Athyra--who had never broken eye contact with her--squinted in confusion. "What now?"

"You've never had a reading before?" Onica asked.

Athyra shrugged and gazed into the night. "Well, never a traditional one, I suppose you would say."

"Why does this not surprise me?" Onica scoffed.

Athyra looked to her with cold eyes. "They were never proven wrong. You have yet to be proven right." She scolded.

This bewildered Onica. She had imagined all this time she was invaluable. "Then why am I here? Why am I needed?" She wondered.

"Because they are all dead." Athyra's voice became sullen and severe. Some of the crew working around them paused for a brief moment of remembrance as they overheard this.

Tavra and Onica looked to each other with clear expressions of dread. This statement was unfortunate and unexpected. If indeed it was not another game played by this captain of riddles for her own personal gain, then what Onica had secretly feared all this time was quickly becoming a reality. What had happened to all of these Far Dreamers? Were they disposable to her? An expendable, necessary nuisance for her travels?

Onica's mind raced; emotions fleeting on her tongue. "Dead?" she said quietly. "By their own will? Or have you let them-"

"Onica, please," Athyra halted her thoughts. "I know what you are thinking. Every crew member allowed on this ship is my family."

"Are they?" Onica toyed.

Athyra leaned back and crossed her arms, then pointed to the artwork in front of them. "Why don't you find out?"

Onica sighed reluctantly, but quickly returned to a serene state of mind as she prepared to read the bones at last. Taking a small pouch made of animal skin from underneath her dress, she lifted the bag over the circular design and held it still in front of Athyra's face. "Your question." She stated.

Athyra was puzzled for a moment, then realized this was the beginning of the ceremony. "I see. This is what you were expecting." Onica nodded without a smile. Athyra placed her hands on her knees and dropped her chin to the deck, casting her black eyes over the woven lines of chalk. She waited until her feelings could choose the right notion. And hastier than Onica had expected, she found it. "Purpose," she said, studying Onica's face now. "What is my purpose?"

Onica tilted her head. "Are you sure you do not mean fate, or destiny?"

"I do not believe in such things," she responded. Onica was naturally curious. "I have known no gods. I live for Thra. I live to serve her. Therefore my purpose--my reason for living--is the most important thing to me. And the noble work we do." She smiled, but through a pained impression.

Onica was pleased to hear this. Athyra's heart was pure, there was no doubt of that. And although her history was already proving to be quite dark, this aura of resolve Onica felt so deeply grew stronger in this moment, sending energies directly into the bones. "I see. I am glad to hear you say this. These bones sense your energy, Athyra." She rattled the pouch.

Athyra observed the container for a moment. "And now?" She asked.

"Take them from me," Onica ordered. "Let them flow like water onto the circle."

Without a second thought, Athyra shot her hand out and forcefully grabbed the pouch from Onica's hand. The motion was so quick, Onica could barely feel it leave her fingers. The sudden movement caused Tavra to grab the hilt of her sword again. She was becoming panicked at even the smallest sound at this point.

Athyra pressed her fingers into the bag gently, feeling all of the individual bones rolling inside. Some were small and rounded, others rather large and pointy, featuring a wide variety of animals, fish and insects. Then, with a flick of her wrist, she tilted her hand upside down and watched the various bones spill out over the artwork, landing in specific patterns, motions and indications which only Far Dreamers could identify. Some of the crew began to gather around as they heard the bones fall, lighting small lanterns and silently observing the event.

Onica surveyed the map of signs carefully, examining every position of each bone. Each of the corresponding lines. All of the connections and directions. Athyra's patience wore thin within seconds, but she knew to keep quiet while this process was taking place. To interfere with a Far Dreamer's work was to place her crew in danger. So she sat still and waited.

At last, Onica's first thoughts came to her. "You have known very little but risk and reward all of your life. It is who you are. It is where you begin and end." She proclaimed.

"Is that so?" Athyra pondered the notion passively.

"You see these three bones here?" Onica motioned to three separate pieces. Athyra looked to them and nodded. "I have never seen this before. In any of my readings."

"What does it mean?"

Onica searched for the right words. "It means you have never known peace. Well, a peaceful existence. Your life has been...chaotic. Filled with battle, competition, and sadness." Athyra sat up straight and narrowed her eyes. Onica waved her hands over the bones, connecting two of them with her thumb and pinky. "You have spent a lifetime enduring the risk of your own life, only to reap small rewards and simple pleasures."

"Some would say that is the only way to truly live free." Athyra suggested firmly.

"Is that what you believe?" Onica asked.

"Apparently so,"

"And you are content with this?"

"We live our lives to the fullest," Athyra raised her arms up, gesturing to her crew. "We seek treasures of this Earth, both physical and emotional."

Onica shook her head. "But at what cost?"

"What ever it takes." Athyra's eyes grew sharp.

Onica gathered her thoughts and took a deep breath. "But you have never known peace."

Athyra leaned forward and pointed to Onica. "What peace is to you, may be the fires of the underworld to others."

Onica considered the notion. "Running straight into the mouth of the beast, as opposed to being trapped by it? Is that what you are saying?"

"Poetic, as always." Athyra huffed. "I thought you were suppose to be determining our course, not lecturing me on life."

Onica crossed her arms, her brow wrinkled with irritation. "Obviously they are connected, Athyra. You are the ship. You are this crew."

Athyra accepted this reluctantly and allowed Onica to continue. Onica glanced at the bone designs once more, her eyes studying each corner, until she had it memorized in her mind. She closed her eyes and let the wind flow through her. She listened for the songs of Thra, wafting from the black waves, floating gently through the air with the breath of the world around it. In her mind, images and symbols danced, interwoven with universal patterns, and harmonious tones that sung like spiritual beating hearts. They painted her a clear image.

After what seemed like ages, Onica opened her eyes again and stared at Athyra, who was more than ready for answers. Instead, Onica reached under her dress, this time removing a charred bundle of dried herbs. She held it up to Athyra. "Some of your firesoot, please." She said.

Athyra dipped her finger tips into the silver ash, then placed them over the dried green bundle. With a few twists of her fingers, the bundle caught fire and began to puff blue smoke into the circle, clouding the bones and smudging the chalk. She placed the herbs into the center of the design and breathed in the smoke. Silence fell over them once again. All waited for Onica's final thoughts.

"I see many destinations in your path," Onica spoke at last, keeping her glazed eyes focused on Athyra's face. "And I see many obstacles. Melancholy. Hardship. Divergent roads. Death." The crew around them shuttered at the thought, with audible gasps and murmurs fluttering through the air.

"Is this meant to frighten me?" Athyra asked, unfazed.

"It is meant to teach." Onica retorted, her expression like stone.

Athyra leaned in closer, setting her face over the plumes of smoke, softly inhaling some of the haze, which stung even her weathered nostrils. "I have been taught many times already."

Onica leaned forward, mirroring her face. "Thra never stops teaching. I advise you to keep your ears open."

Athyra displayed her agreeance with Onica's wisdom. "So tell me then, Onica great Far Dreamer, what is to be our first destination? Our first lesson."

Onica remained silent just long enough for Loe's voice to be heard as he clambered up the steps again. "Captain!" he shouted to Athyra. The crew turned to him, awaiting his report. "The hull is badly damaged. We are patching what holes we can, but it won't last."

"And the other ships?" She asked.

"The others report similar situations, however not as bad."

"A coordinated attack against this ship." Tavra added. "Against you."

"It would appear." Athyra concurred. She rotated back toward Onica again, raising an eyebrow at her, waiting for the conclusion of her thought.

Onica cleared her lungs, the breath almost extinguishing the burning herbs. "I saw a city above the water." She whispered, mystifying even herself. She spoke the words, but did not believe them. "An ocean...under a floating town." A shiver ran through her. Onica expected to see confusion on Athyra's face, struggling to decipher this strange clue. But to her surprise, it was quite the opposite.

Athyra released a genuine smile. A sparkle rendered on the surface of her dark orbs. She knew what this meant. "Loe," she called out.

Loe took a step forward vigorously. "Yes, Captain?"

"Tell Yuun and Yuul to set a new course. For the Port of Sky."