by Jeff Gunzel
“You mean to nearly kill a friend in cold blood?”
“No,” she said wearily, her face still buried deep in his wet shirt. “Never once hesitating to save a friend, knowing you would pay for it with your soul.” She tilted her head back and looked into his eyes. “There are kings that don’t have your qualities.” With that, she reluctantly let go of him and laid down on her bedroll.
He removed his wet clothes and moved to lie down beside her. With an effort he forced himself to meet Athel’s unblinking gaze from across the room. Her silver teeth reflected bits of dancing light from the remaining lantern as she smiled warmly at him, then silently mouthed the words “thank you” before rolling over and closing her eyes.
Eric extinguished the lantern and snuggled in close to Jade. Both weariness and peace seeped into him as he closed his eyes. Although not quite sure he deserved it, Athel’s forgiveness meant the world to him at that moment. Then, as if to throw one last shovelful of dirt over the vile act, burying it forever, Athel’s voice whispered through the darkness, “You hit like a girl, you know.”
The playful taunt was sweet music to his ears.
****
Jacob rolled back and forth uncomfortably as he lingered somewhere between sleep and consciousness. A freezing cold sensation pulled him closer and closer to the latter before he sat up with a jolt. “What the—?” he mumbled in his state of confusion, but it didn’t take long for him to realize why he was so terribly cold and uncomfortable. His bedroll had become soaked with icy cold salt water, water that cold could only be coming from one place.
He quickly leapt to his feet, in turn rousing the others with his sudden movement. Shouts and commotion could be heard from many places at once as the stomping of running boots echoed from right outside their room. Panicked calls coming from both the deck and main room made it clear something was very wrong. “Alright guys, everybody up. Grab as much as you can before we leave the room. I’m not sure what’s going on, but we need to be ready for anything,” said Eric as he fumbled around, trying to get dressed.
The rest followed his lead as they raced around the room, stuffing clothes and personal belongings into leather bags. Athel seemed to be moving quite well now as she went to strap her half-moon blades to her back. Jacob stopped her briefly, boldly lifting the back of her shirt to have a look. The wounds were still there, but nowhere near as bad as before. The deepest lashes had scabbed over completely, while the less serious ones where all but gone. Jade’s miracle herbs had served their purpose once more. She shook away from him and pulled her shirt back down before flashing an irritated scowl.
The group firmly gripped their weapons as Eric put an ear flush against the door. Only fools rushed into battle without trying to learn as much as they could about the situation. Had pirates boarded the ship? Why was seawater leaking into their room?
Suddenly the whole ship lurched, knocking three of them to the floor while Eric was able to stay upright by clinging to the doorknob. The small leak abruptly cracked open as icy water gushed into the room. “Common, we can’t stay here!” shouted Eric as he sheathed his sword then shouldered open the door. The others followed right behind, splashing through the quickly rising water.
Just crossing the main room was nearly impossible, as the ship began to shake and vibrate with incredible force. The whole ship seemed to turn on its side, throwing them hard into the far wall. Then, with just as much force, it tipped back the other way. Jacob and Athel rolled across the floor like logs before being able to clutch the table legs that were permanently bolted down. Eric was not so lucky as he crashed into the far wall and then slid down like a wet towel.
Jade had found at least some measure of success by sticking her daggers into the floor, but her body slid back and forth like a snake on its belly. She inched her way along the floor while trying to reach the steps, pulling each dagger from the floor one at a time then moving it up a few inches before sinking it back into the wood. The bottom step was no more than ten feet away but might as well been a hundred. The ship vibrated violently, lunging from side to side, and there now seemed to be little doubt as to what was causing it.
Jacob and Athel lunged forward, each grabbing one of Jade’s feet. One at a time they inched their way across her back, making a final desperate crawl before grasping the bottom step. Then, forming a human chain, they were able to allow Jade to use the same crawling maneuver to reach the steps. Eric, not looking to hit a wall for a third time, waited for the room to tilt away from him once more. The wait wasn’t long before the trembling room tilted again. He dropped to the floor and rolled along, letting the momentum carry him close to the steps. All three of his friends grabbed a handful of clothing before he rolled past, and hoisted him into the narrow stairway.
They tried to climb the stairway, all the while grasping the banister as tightly as possible. It was still easier than trying to walk across the wide-open floor, if only by a little. “I don’t know if this is really what we want to do,” shouted Jacob from his lead position. He was the only one who had a clear look at the blackish green sky in all its chaotic glory. He looked back, seeking some sort of approval or at least an idea of what to do next. Even while using all their effort to hold steady within the swaying hall, their shoulders still bounced from wall to wall as the shaking and swaying only intensified.
“You can’t stop! We have to keep moving,” shouted Eric over the sounds of rushing water. The main room behind him was filling up fast, the rising water overtaking the steps one at a time. With freezing death creeping up from behind, their options became severely limited. Although it seemed death would be victorious this day, she would have to earn the right to wrap her cold fingers around their hearts. They pushed upward as icy waves crashed down the steps, making the short climb to nowhere seem even more fruitless.
Even though doom hung thick in the air, nothing could have prepared them for the harrowing sight from the top step. Numerous jagged bolts of green and yellow split the blackened sky over and over again in a series of blinding flashes. Hurricane winds shredded the sails, turning them into white ribbons flapping helplessly in the air. Several thin funnels bent and twisted like dancing ghosts as they skimmed along the raging sea. The endless low rumbling of thunder provided the perfect music for the twisters to shake and spin as they circled the ship like lions circling their prey. They mockingly toyed with the massive ship that suddenly seemed so fragile and insignificant.
Icy white waves crashed across the deck, sweeping men along like helpless insects. A few caught hold of the rail as quickly numbing arms held on for dear life, while others rode the crushing waves right over the edge. The angry sea swallowed them whole without so much as a ripple to show where yet another life had been mercilessly devoured. “Land! I see la—” cried out one of the last remaining seamen before he too went over the side in the grip of a breaking wave. It was as if the sea was trying to quiet the man before his message could be heard.
Najus clung to the main mast as the ship lurched violently back and forth. He laughed like a madman with his body arched back and one hand pointed out toward the sea. It was as if he were daring the storm to knock him from his perch; a challenge accepted as wave after wave crashed over him, choking out his mad laughter in a foamy assault. The four friends were sure he would be gone when the water cleared, but he somehow remained as each icy assault rendered more and more laughter from a clearly broken mind. His sea legs defied logic, as no more than a pair of boots and the fingertips of one hand clinging to the mast somehow kept him in place.
Suddenly there was an eerie calm; a temporary break in nature’s mad chaos. Then they saw it. A single wave that looked like a mountain of water was racing toward them, as if its only purpose was to single them out and destroy the ship. Eric wrapped his arms around Jade as they watched it continue to grow and gain speed. “I won’t let go of you.”
Najus spun on the back of his heels, now facing them with his hands on his hips. However, it was not
madness in his eyes. Clarity, resolve, and determination burned like torches as he smiled. “It seems you have angered the Gods...Gate Keeper.” He had always known Eric’s secret. “Believe me when I tell you I anger them daily, but they don’t fear me. Clearly they fear you!” He turned to watch the climbing wave as it hovered over the ship like a frosty cloud. “I will see you in the afterlife some day, but I fear I will be there long before you. You still have work to do...Gate Keeper.”
The boat tilted sideways as it climbed up the side of the massive wave. All vision was suddenly lost, overtaken by a sheet of white foam.
Chapter 7
Whoosh...whoosh...whoosh. The rhythmic lullaby pulsed smoothly in his ears. A slow, soothing rumble, it sounded like rolling thunder far off in the distance, but the whooshing sound grew in clarity as he began to gain consciousness, his senses slowly returning. Cold wind numbed his face, whipping through his curly hair as he fought hard to open his heavy eyelids. Eric slowly became aware of his clothes rippling wildly as a constant breeze made him feel as though he were caught in a tornado. He blinked once...twice...before his eyes suddenly went wide with panic. Am I dead?
His body hung limp, with a set of yellow claws wrapped tightly around his chest and waist. He gazed down at the distant ground that looked to be a mile away, while sparse trees looked like children’s toys as they rolled past. It was everything he could do to not to succumb to the terror that suddenly threatened to consume him. Between the surging fear and icy cold air whipping his curly hair around his face, Eric began trembling uncontrollably. By the Gods, what do I do? What is this thing? Whatever it was that held him had not yet seemed to notice he was awake.
He tensed his muscles, trying to subdue his trembling somewhat, then turned his head up in a slow, subtle movement, daring to get a peek of his host, but all he could see was a bulky tan belly lined with coin-sized scales. Leathery, green, webbed wings pumped rhythmically as they streaked through the sky.
His hand instinctively moved to his side, where he was relieved to feel the jeweled sword still nestled in its sheath. But the relief he felt was only temporary, quickly realizing this didn’t change his predicament at all. Even if he killed this winged creature, he would only fall to his death. No, the only thing to do now was wait it out. If it wanted to kill him it would have done so already. At least...he hoped his logic was sound and not just wishful thinking.
He could see breaking waves down below as they rolled up on a yellow sandy beach. Farther inland were tall, green trees scattered about. Long and thin they were, with dense, bunched leaves feathered out only at the very tops. Far off in the distance he could see the rolling outline of massive dark gray mountains. Even from this great distance, he could still make out their snowy white caps standing out against the blue sky.
He no longer feared for his own life. Sadness and regret filled him as he was swept helplessly through the sky. Where is everyone? What happened to my friends? Jade...I’ll find you...I swear.
****
Jacob’s eyes fluttered open as the waking sounds of nature resonated around him. Baby birds chirped away off in the distance while leaves rustled in the steady cool breeze. The sea continued to sing its steady song as waves rushed up onto the sandy beach, rolling over his feet in an icy wash. He was well aware of the cold water licking his feet time and time again, but could hardly find the strength to do anything about it.
I’m alive...I think. With a forced effort he rolled to his back, sending a few startled crabs scurrying away as he gazed upward. The rained-out sky still held a fair amount of clouds rolling harmlessly along as the sun peeked through here and there. It was as if the now gentle sky were mocking him by trying to look innocent, pretending its violent storm hadn’t just killed his friends while making a fair attempt on his own life.
His lungs hurt as he drew breath in shallow gasps, sending out rapid puffs of steam as he panted. It was no surprise he was freezing, given the time he had spent in the icy water, but now he could see the air really was cold. I need to move. Have to find warmth. He finally pulled his feet from the constant waves and sat up, but the moment he did so he began vomiting in violent bursts, nearly all if it seawater as he heaved again and again. The dry heaving continued long after his stomach was empty. When that finally stopped, he had to admit he felt much better.
After pushing himself up on unsteady legs, he gazed around to see the new land he was now forced to call home, a world that had claimed the lives of his friends. White sand speckled with shells and the occasional black stones covered the entire beach. Off to the east stood some odd-looking trees with smooth, tan, barkless trunks with large fanned-out leaves scattered toward their tops. The trees were scattered here and there with plenty of sparse grass and white sand between them. Beyond them looked to be nothing more than sprawling field with tall, dead grass still blooming with seed.
In a burst he whirled sharply toward the trees. “Is this what you wanted?” he tried to scream with his fists clenched, but it came out hoarse and scratchy. “Was it worth it? You killed the only man that could have saved you. The land that time forgot is arrogant enough to believe it’s superior to the Gate Keeper? You’ve sealed your own fate!” He looked down and whispered to a small crab dancing around his foot, “You’ve sealed the fate of mankind.”
With a heavy mind and even heavier heart he started his slow walk across the white sand, dragging his feet with every step. He patted himself down harshly, partly to help warm himself but mostly to see what belongings were still in his possession. It was no surprise the staff he always wore loosely across his back was now long gone, but the dagger strapped inside of his vest had luckily remained sheathed. “At least I’m not completely unarmed,” he mumbled while fingering the hilt.
He gazed above the line of odd-looking trees and noticed the reaching mountain range through the hazy skyline. “If I start heading that way now, I’ll be in the mountains in two or three years.” He coughed out a laugh at his own statement, knowing it was not so far from the truth. And who was to say he shouldn’t head that way? Where was he going to go? What was he going to do? Dark thoughts of hopelessness swirled through his head as he dragged his feet along, kicking the occasional shell or rock. What did it matter which way he went? They had already failed their mission, and the Gate Keeper was dead! Mankind’s only chance had been lost...and now he was alone. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he continued his slow journey to nowhere. The sounds of rolling waves riding up the sand just short of his feet mocked and taunted him. He couldn’t blame nature for laughing; they had been soundly beaten.
Jacob’s darkening thoughts were beginning to border on madness now. One minute he thought he might carry on for the Gate Keeper, to find some way to take his place and complete their mission by himself. Seconds later reality won out over his mindless delusions, realizing that learning to walk on water was far more likely.
His friends were dead. He was all alone in a strange world. Why go on then? He could always...join them. Jacob reached a hand inside his vest, running his fingers over the ridged wooden hilt of his dagger. I...could do this quickly. I mean...why shouldn’t I? He gripped it tightly before unsheathing it halfway. An eager thumb ran down the partially exposed blade. I mean...there is nothing I can do anyway. My friends are gone. There is no way they could still be—
Suddenly, the blood drained from his face. All thoughts of ending his own life vanished in an instant as panic and horror rushed through him like an icy waterfall. He tried to run as fast as he could, but wobbly legs were simply not up to the task. Several times his knees buckled, sending him sprawling across the cold, wet sand. He began to crawl frantically like a wounded animal as tears streaked his face. By the Gods. I’m sorry for my moment of weakness. I’m sorry. I’ll do anything...just...just let her be alive!
He scrambled up to Athel’s unconscious body and dropped down onto his knees. Despite all his sudden haste, he now moved slowly and carefully, gently removing long, wet strands of
dark green seaweed from her chest and face as she laid there on her back, still as death. “No no no,” he whispered, shaking his head back and forth as he brushed back her dark, beaded braids. Cold as ice to the touch, he lowered his ear to her frozen lips, then rolled his head to her chest. Nothing. He sat up with a jolt. Trembling fingers wrapped around the back of his head as he rocked back and forth. “No. No, it can’t be.”
Leaning over her once more, he placed both hands over her chest with one overlapping the other, then began to push down in a series of hard thrusts. Her lifeless body jerked and heaved with artificial movements as he carried on. He stopped for a moment and lowered his ear to her chest again. There were still no signs of life. “No, no! It’s not fair!” he screamed before starting the task all over again.
A crazed feeling began to consume him as he pushed harder and harder, forcing her lifeless head to bounce up and down off the sand. “You don’t get off this easy, you hear me? You think to go and leave me here alone? You’re a coward...that’s what you are. A coward!” He raised both hands in the air, interlocking his fingers into a single fist, then brought it down hard on her chest over and over. “Eric’s survival was the only thing that mattered. But he is a fool, just like you are! He’s so bloody loyal to his friends that he was willing to risk everything just to save you. You...one insignificant person. Not that any of that matters now, since he’s dead! And now this? This is how you repay him?” Again and again he brought down his fists as he screamed into the air like a madman. “You’re a coward. You hear me? A coward!”
In a sudden surge, Athel’s body lurched up with a gasp before falling back to the sand. She jerked over and over as violent coughing racked her whole body. Water expelled from her lungs with each jerk as she found little time between convulsions to bring in the precious air. Jacob patted her back hard to help expel more liquid.
