Enzo tried to stand, but was blocked by his chair being far too close to the wall. He coughed as his abdomen got caught into the table and sat back down. Struggling and squeezing, he tried to extract himself from the chair, but was still too tired from assisting Nold in holding the ship upright earlier. He cleared his throat, embarrassed, and decided to remain seated.
The table was giving him their full attention, save for Rosemary whose eyes were lingering on the captain.
“I acquired my power through an Elemental I found near a river. You may know of it, it is the same river that supplies water around Poppyville. The Elemental required me to swim upstream, starting from a boulder and ending at a tree,” Enzo said, shuddering slightly at the memory.
“Was it a fast river?” Zalan asked.
“Oh, yes. The river floor was also covered in large, spiked rocks. The temperature was freezing, numbing me to my very bones on every attempt. I almost died. Many times, in fact. Sometimes from being swept away and others from struggling to regain warmth after time in the water. But I trained myself for the task,” Enzo said. “It was always a dream of my father’s to see me steer massive ships. He was unable to, himself, after having lost his arms to a monster. His Elemental Water Power was never the same without use of his hands.”
Zalan opened his mouth to ask a question, then realized how rude it might come off and quickly closed it. He was wondering why Enzo’s dad couldn’t use his feet to use his Elemental Power. He had learned how to do it from Nold in a matter of many intense days. With his whole life ahead of him, Zalan didn’t see why he couldn’t take that avenue of learning to become a master by using his Elemental Power with his feet. But it was obvious that it was neither the time or place to ask that kind of question. It might be that the monster left him much worse off than just without arms. Enzo continued.
“Father was very proud the day I was hired by Captain Buttonwillow. He always said that Elemental Water always sounded more usable to me than Elemental Air. You are never in need of fresh air when you are traveling, only fresh water.”
“You are literally always in need of fresh air,” Xavier said, sounding a hint offended.
“Xavier, let your fellow boatman finish. Interruptions should only be in the form of a question,” Captain Buttonwillow chided.
“Eventually, I figured out what needed to be done to overcome my challenge. I trained my body to be the best swimmer I could be, and waited until the flow of water was weaker in the winter time. Months, I trained my body to withstand the cold so I could go upstream when the waters were reduced. Then came the day that I decided it was time to complete the challenge. Through the ice cold water, I swam up the rapids on my third try that day,” Enzo beamed.
“You waited until winter?” Zalan asked. “How long did it take between the Elemental’s challenge and getting it?”
“Hmmm… About four months. I desperately needed to train. There was no way I could get to the other side of the river in my original state,” Enzo replied, sounding embarrassed.
“Four months is enough to be strong enough to swim up against a river?” Zalan asked.
“Well… it is long enough to learn to swim,” Enzo said.
“You didn’t even know how to swim when you started?” Zalan asked, baffled.
Enzo smiled and nodded.
“And it took four months to finish the whole thing? Isn’t that too long?” Zalan asked, looking to Rep for support. Rep was finishing the last few bites of his Poniwhale serving, far away from the current conversation.
“I am uncertain which part you refer to. Too long for what?” Enzo asked.
“To complete the challenge! You can wait for months?” Zalan asked.
“Who ever heard of an impatient Elemental?” Enzo asked.
“Do not be rude, Enzo,” the captain said.
“I apologize,” Enzo immediately corrected himself. He tried to stand in a show of respect, but was once again prevented by the massive table. He coughed, and continued his apology. “I meant to say that I have never heard of an Elemental that gives a time limit to complete the challenge.”
Zalan had forgotten that Elementals didn’t normally make their challenges time sensitive. His Storm Elemental was the only one he knew of that needed things to be done fast. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that the power was lightning, something that was typically very quick. It made him think that getting an Elemental Power might not be that difficult to begin with. If everyone in the realm had infinite time to work at a challenge, they all had to be doable.
Then he remembered that King Docrun’s challenge was to defeat an Elemental Dragon. He couldn’t imagine being able to have multiple attempts against that monster. Especially when one was required to complete challenges on their own.
“That is my story,” Enzo said, concluding his tale.
“Well done, Enzo. Your Elemental Water is a brilliant asset to our team.” Captain Buttonwillow gave his three short claps of applause, this time joined by Xavier and Rosemary. “Are there any questions for Enzo?”
Zalan felt like he was in a corporate office meeting now. He avoided Captain Buttonwillow’s gaze as he looked around the table, hoping the captain wouldn’t call on him. The captain continued to smile into Zalan’s soul for a few seconds, then nodded to himself, struggling to stand in the cramped space.
“Very well, who should be next? Rosemary, would you share your tale of power acquisition?” Captain Buttonwillow asked.
“Oh, Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick. I thank you for thinking of me, but I believe the guests would be much more interested in your tale than my own,” Rosemary said eagerly.
“Very well, I will regale them with my escapade,” Captain Buttonwillow said immediately. He didn’t need a second invitation to talk about himself. “I located my Elemental by not locating it at all.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Zalan asked.
The captain smiled wide, exactly the question he was hoping to hear.
“To the north are mountains called the Glacier Range. I am a man of all seas, whether frozen or thawed, so I had no qualms for stepping onto its cold shores. The reason I was drawn to it was because I was told that no man was known to live anywhere in the Glacier Range. I first thought it was absurd to have such a large patch of land be completely uninhabited. But then I thought that perhaps an Elemental lived among those peaks and valleys!” Captain Buttonwillow pointed a finger in the air knowingly.
“An impressive deduction,” Rosemary commented.
“Please do not speak on my behalf,” Captain Buttonwillow held up his hand to her. She nodded, embarrassed. “After making my incredibly impressive deduction, I made my way to the deepest part of the Glacier Range. Snow up to my knees at its shallowest. And I found exactly what I was looking for! Well, I should clarify, I first found many a number of powerful ice monsters. I was able to single handedly defeat them, of course. Very difficult to kill without an Elemental Power, mind you. Then I found a Frost Elemental. And do you know what it said to me?”
Zalan rolled his eyes and looked at Rep, seeing if he was getting tired of Buttonwillow’s embellishments as well. Rep was staring longingly at something on the table. Zalan followed his gaze and saw that he was looking at Nold’s plate of Poniwhale meat. Zalan looked at Rep in surprise. He wanted more of the monster meat. He slid his plate to his friend and leaned in to whisper to him.
“I can’t finish my food, do you want—”
Rep immediately snatched Zalan’s food into his plate.
Zalan looked back up to see the captain waiting patiently. He asked a question and was waiting for someone to reply. Zalan didn’t even remember the question and again avoided eye contact.
“What happened next Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick?” Rosemary asked the waiting captain.
“You have inquired, so I will tell you! The Frost Elemental spoke to me and announced, ‘Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick, I have but only a single ask of you! You must remain standing in this place for the whole of thirty minutes.’ I was agog. Aghast, if you will. I need only stand to have my power at last? Perhaps the Frost Elemental wanted me to act as a piece of ice, to see me as its kin before bequeathing me with new power. I boldly said, ‘By God, Frost Elemental, I can stand here for two hours if you require it of me!’ But the creature was adamant that I do the lesser of stands. So there I stood.”
“That’s it?” Zalan asked, both skeptical and surprised. It seemed too easy of a challenge.
“Indeed! I was to be a statue. Or perhaps an ice sculpture. While at first I thought it was a trivial task, I quickly found that I was overwhelmed by the desire to cover more of my body from the chilling temperature of the icy mountain. I wanted to move my hands to warm up my arms. I wanted to roll into my clothes to preserve heat. Anything but stay motionless! It was as strenuous as it was arduous to remain in place. But I did not break. I stood as well as any man could stand! But then… Just as I was getting comfortable with my immobility, the Elemental decided to up the ante. It went and summoned… an avalanche,” Captain Buttonwillow said in whispered awe, taking a pause to let the suspense sink in.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Zalan was interested now. These circumstances felt a lot more like an Elemental challenge he expected to hear.
“I had to make an urgent decision. Would I flee the area with my life or trust that I could withstand even an oncoming avalanche? It roared in the distance, gaining mass with every moment that passed. Mind you, I considered that if I left that spot, the Elemental may not appear again. The creature of frost told me to remain in a particular spot. If the location was covered by snow I would have no idea where to go. And if the Frost Elemental did not reappear to guide me, I would never succeed. The challenge would be forfeit. So, I determined that I would brace myself and my shivering form to be able to take on the mountain’s snow. I stood tall, waiting for it to try its best,” Captain Buttonwillow said, pausing again for more suspense.
“Then what?” Zalan prodded, sounding annoyed that the captain kept having to be prompted to continue his story.
“God decided that I would die another day. A single rock protruding from the mountain sent the snow flying over me, a brilliant waterfall of frozen water. It fell behind me powerfully, no doubt destroying anything that lay at lower elevations. Standing in place left me almost totally safe. Almost,” he repeated with emphasis. “A rock bounced and took with it one of my toes. A clean strike. But I stood stoically through the pain, bearing it all to show the Frost Elemental that I was stronger than the Glacial Range itself!”
“You’re missing a toe?” Zalan clarified. He idly wondered what Oshrad would think.
“Indeed, on my left foot,” Captain Buttonwillow nodded.
“It doesn’t…” Zalan tried to phrase his question correctly, then decided to go through with his first instinct. “Toes don’t grow back during a Healing Rest?”
“No appendages do,” Rep shook his head. He was patting his stomach with satisfaction, finally having had his fill of Poniwhale. Zalan realized it should have been obvious after what Enzo said about his father not even five minutes ago.
“Correct,” Captain Buttonwillow said. “And after the avalanche, the Frost Elemental turned to me and said, ‘Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick! You are as splendid as you are magnificent. For you, I do not hesitate to grant you my Elemental Ice Power. Freeze the world over with its impressive strength. I have no doubt that you will use it to make a grand legacy, both for yourself and my power!”
“The Elemental seriously called you ‘Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick?’ The whole title and everything?” Zalan asked, skeptically.
“Who is next?” the captain said, ignoring him. “Rosemary, I think you should regale us! How was it that you gained the Elemental Plant Power?”
“Of course, Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick,” she stood sharply, bumping her knees hard on the table and pretending not to notice. They quickly turned a shade pink. “I have nothing to share that is as impressive as our beloved captain! I met the Nature Elemental at the edge of a forest. It tasked me with traversing to the other side of the forest. This was especially challenging to me, for an Elemental challenge must be done alone. Before asking for its challenge, I was well aware that the forest was filled with many dangerous creatures. I was hoping to only be tasked with facing one, not the potential to have to kill them all. So, I left to gain a few Levels.
“Little did I know, one of the creatures I defeated on my leveling quest had an Artifact on it. A Belt of Bolt, if I recall its name correctly. It had a few usages left. I used it to jump through the forest without having to face any powerful creatures. Anything I came face-to-face with I was able to flee in the next moment, hundreds of feet away in the blink of an eye. The Elemental did not mention whether what I did was considered cheating. It simply said I completed the challenge and granted me the power. Overall, it took me about two months to find the Artifact in order to gain Elemental Plant.”
She looked to Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick, waiting for his approval. He clapped his hands three times and she beamed giddily, taking her seat with another rough scrape of her knees.
“A tale as impressive as it was dignified. Are there any questions for her?” Captain Buttonwillow asked, looking straight at Zalan with wide, expectant eyes. Zalan tried to slide lower in his seat, but the table was too close to make any move.
“Yes, I have a question,” Rep said to Zalan’s relief. “What monster had the Belt of Bolt? I would like to study the Artifact if I can get the chance.”
“It was a dragon, but I did not defeat it completely myself,” Rosemary admitted. “The area it lived in was dead, all the life stolen away. It was already on the brink of death. The creature and the life surrounding its home was certainly defeated by the Mind of Madness. Or perhaps something with Elemental Shadow Power. I just took what I could find from its body.”
“The Mind of Madness kills random monsters? Not just humans?” Zalan asked. He’d had a run in with the Mind of Madness before. He could think of nothing but pain and agony for minutes after being blasted by its dark beam. For some reason, he assumed the Mind of Madness would only operate on humans instead of fellow monsters.
“Indeed, it has no qualms to destroy any manner of life. We do not know why it attacks everything it sees, but we know to avoid it,” Rosemary said.
“Does it ever float around out at sea?” Zalan followed up.
“Not that we have seen,” Captain Buttonwillow said gratefully. “In fact, none of my fellow captains have ever reported sightings. It is a land monster. I suspect it does not like to go to the open sea when there is no guarantee for it to locate other creatures to torment. Last I heard it leaving its home, it went by the city of Poppyville. A harrowing time for its inhabitants, I am sure. One does not expect it to roam so far from home. And Poppyville is very far from the Depths of Despair.”
“Was that a few weeks back? That is when we last saw it,” Rep said, sounding amazed at how fast word spread.
“I am unaware of exact timings,” the captain shrugged. “I do not pay very close attention to land-related news unless it pertains to the Mother of the Port. The gossip at land scarcely furthers my time at sea.”
“And how many uses did the Belt of Bolt supply you before degrading?” Rep asked Rosemary.
“Three. Which was enough to exit the forest and watch the Artifact disintegrate,” she replied.
Rep nodded, always appreciating any insight involving an Artifact.
“Who remains? Xavier! Tell our guests how you gained your Elemental Air Power,” Captain Buttonwillow called on him.
“Yes captain!” Xavier said dutifully. “I went to Pludon. The Elemental required me to withstand a strong storm of wind. I did just that, and then it gave me the power.”
Captain Buttonwillow’s smile waned a slight amount.
“Is that all?” he asked, a very expectant tone in his voice.
“Just about,” Xavier nodded.
“Was it difficult?” the captain followed up.
“Yes.”
“Anything in particular that made it difficult?” Captain Buttonwillow was clearly fishing for more information.
“The wind was strong. That was difficult to deal with,” Xavier sounded totally sincere.
Captain Buttonwillow’s smile was frozen, but he breathed out of his teeth. The sound of his exhale was the most annoyance Zalan had heard from Captain Buttonwillow.
“Very well then. I suppose we are done here,” the captain said with chagrin.
“Oh, are we not supposed to share our stories?” Zalan asked, willing to tell them how he got his lightning by bleeding in the Lost City of Xagon.
“Not at all. Our guests can expect privacy,” Captain Buttonwillow said.
“I really don’t mind,” Zalan responded.
“Nonsense, do not feel obligated,” Captain Buttonwillow said.
It occurred to Zalan that Captain Buttonwillow did this exercise to talk about himself and show off his crew. It was just an excuse to fill dinner with talks of themselves. Zalan found it more amusing than annoying. He shrugged, no longer trying to persuade the captain that his story was worth telling,
“Speaking of privacy, you should be recuperating in your private quarters. I am certain you are exhausted after the day’s events. There may not be healing rest out at sea, but you will find that sleep is welcome after a day on the water. Especially if one has not yet acquired their sea legs,” Captain Buttonwillow said confidently.
“Sea legs?” Rep asked, looking at his feet that were stretched awkwardly out of his chair.
“It’s an expression,” Zalan told him.
“I have not found you to be the most reliable in understanding expressions of this realm,” Rep noted, a bit of banter in his tone.
“Zalan is correct,” Captain Buttonwillow jumped in. “You gain your sea legs by being comfortable out at sea. You become accustomed to the bobs and dips of the open blue sea. Until then, being aboard a ship takes extra energy just to remain upright.”
Rep and Zalan realized how tired they felt. They twisted and pulled against their chairs to extract themselves from their seats and made it to the door. Zalan leaned over and grabbed Nold’s piece of Poniwhale meat from the table. Captain Buttonwillow swung over the hammock above the table and led them outside. They passed by Nold lying on the deck, looking half asleep.
“Your food,” Zalan said, placing the plate lightly on his chest.
“Took you long enough,” Nold murmured.
Zalan opened his mouth to snap back, but decided he would rather sleep than argue. Captain Buttonwillow led them downstairs a deck and across the boat to their quarters.
It was surprisingly quaint. There were several hammocks across the ceiling and a few cots on the ground. There were containers bolted into the walls to hold their belongings and clean sheets on every bedding. Zalan was impressed, despite not knowing what to expect before entering.
“This is the first time that The Aegeusson has had its owner on board while on an expedition. This room will be for the two of you. Nold can join you if you would like, but you must grant him permission. Otherwise, I will expect him to join the crew in their quarters,” Captain Buttonwillow said.
“Leave him with the rest of the crew,” Rep decided.
Zalan shrugged in agreement. It was easier to not be irritated by Nold when he wasn’t around. Captain Buttonwillow soon left them to prepare for sleep. Rep and Zalan claimed hammocks on the opposite sides of the room, swaying gently as the ship bobbed in the water.
“Some day, huh?” Zalan asked as he got comfortable.
“Do you think you can handle a week of this?” Rep asked.
“If it’s our only means to get to the Island of Remains, I’ll live with it. Besides, I gained some Experience from that Poniwhale. I might gain a few Levels while I’m out here,” Zalan said.
“It would be nice to increase our Strength and Wisdom while at sea,” Rep said.
“Hey, I was thinking… Do you wanna give the ship to Buttonwillow after we’re done with this quest? As like an extra gift of payment? We’re not even planning on taking the ride back, we’re just gonna use the Homeseeker. I think he’d care about this thing a lot more than we would.”
“That sounds like a very generous idea. I quite like it,” Rep nodded. “Would you like to tell him he is the new owner tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow? Sure, we can consider him the owner immediately, I don’t really care about the timing, so long as he takes us to the Island of Remains. And on the condition he lets us keep this room.”
“Very well. We can tell him of his new boat at some point tomorrow. I am sure it would boost his morale greatly.”
“I don’t think his morale needs any boosting. I haven’t heard a word out of his mouth that didn’t sound like it was being performed,” Zalan said.
“I disagree. I think his spirits can get even higher. This ship is everything to him, after all,” Rep said, laying his head down.
Zalan laid back in his hammock, letting the gentle groans of the ship’s wood lull him to sleep. His eyes grew heavy as he had thoughts of his mother and his own world. He missed her so dearly, it hurt him. He wished to be able to visit her sooner. Being in this realm made him feel so uncertain about the state of his own world. He hoped he wasn’t missing too much.
With that last wistful thought, Zalan fell asleep with a light frown on his lips.