Dawn of Retribution

by Aya Knight

  Kale cupped a hand above his brow and peered toward the sky. The fog maintained its thick density and drifted along the rooftops like a canopy of clouds. A permanent shadow seemed to engulf Perun. Equally so, the townsfolk bore a somber appearance.

  As the group slowly walked toward the docks, they passed many small shops—most catered to fishing or sailing.

  “If that doesn’t wake ya’, I don’t know what will.” Illadar spoke through his fingers which snuggly covered his nose and mouth. He held his eyes upon a corner building with a large, rusted anchor perched next to the door. The scent of rotted fish was incredibly potent, leaving the group to wonder how the nearby residents could tolerate it.

  The building was coated in emerald-colored algae from the constant moisture in the air. Its wood frame was in a state that appeared as though it could collapse at any moment. The windows were so heavily crusted from the salt in the ocean mist, one couldn’t see inside. Above the door hung a rectangular, wooden sign.

  Kale squinted to make out the barely visible words: CARVER’S SCALE.

  A heating sensation pulsed against Kale’s thigh, and he reached into a pocket to grasp hold of the dragon-tooth amulet.

  “This is the place.” Kale told his companions as he approached the shop. He instantly knew that Zasha was giving him a sign.

  The door felt damp and spongy beneath his palms as he slowly pushed it open. The smell immediately filled his nostrils, causing him to choke back the urge to vomit. Dead, gutted fish hung from the ceiling—some small, while others as large as a dog hung from hooks. Kale ducked around them, cautious of the roof which looked as though it could give in at any moment.

  “Hello?” Kale called out while weaving around a large, grey fish. “Is anyone here?” The eerie silence made him feel uneasy.

  Then—he heard it; the soft breathing from behind a small counter. He crept closer, taking caution with each step.

  A head suddenly popped up from behind, startling Kale and sending him stumbling back.

  “Hello,” the man said.

  “Are you … Carver?” Kale questioned while trying to focus away from the man’s oversized wart on his cheek.

  “No,” the man replied in short. He fumbled with a toothpick in his mouth.

  “Is there anywhere I might be able to find him?” Kale grew impatient.

  “Yes.” The man slid a hand over his thinning white hair, brushing back the many strays.

  “Can you not provide me with better answers? Where can I find him? It is of the utmost importance.” Kale heavily placed his hands upon the wooden countertop.

  The man laughed as though finding Kale’s behavior to be amusing. “At the docks,” he replied while picking a large chunk of meat from between his teeth.

  “Thank you …” Kale wrinkled his forehead as he turned from the bizarre and most unwelcoming man.

  “Watch out for it.” The man twirled the toothpick around his tongue as his eyes pierced the back of Kale’s head.

  “It? Kale’s feet stopped in their tracks; his back still toward the man.

  The man tossed his head back in manic laughter. “I pray for ’ ’ol Carver’s sake, you don’t find out, boy.”

  Kale clenched his fists and exhaled, knowing it would be pointless to further press for answers.

  He flung the flimsy door open and left; leaving the man alone with his laughter.

  “Where to now?” Thomas questioned, aware that the one they sought had not been present.

  Kale gestured down the street in silence, still clearly agitated by the man’s rude behavior.

  The group made their way down a path bordered by many homes. Unlike the shops, these buildings were crafted from stone. Though they were coated with the same slick algae, it appeared their durability was enough to withstand the unique elements which surrounded the town. There were no cheerful colors to be seen, no vibrant flora—just wet soil and blackened structures, as far as the eye could see.

  A woman beat a woven blanket in front of her home. She silently stared as the group passed; her expression unsettling. The woman, like all the others, wore clothing in black. Her ankle-length dress swayed gently in the soft morning breeze.

  “Stop looking Kale—it’s rude.” Thomas spoke through gritted teeth while hiding a forced smile.

  “Me rude? I do hope you’re joking, old man.” Kale shot back. “These people are utterly bizarre.”

  He felt a sharp jab in his side and looked over to see Illadar giving him a stern look while pressing a finger to his lips. Kale rolled his eyes and continued onward.

  As they rounded a corner, two young girls paused to watch. Their black, ruffled dresses matched in shade with their dark hair that fell upon their shoulders. The girl’s hands were clamped together with their arms held loosely to the side. They had the same pale facial features and daunting black eyes. There was no mistaking the two were twins.

  Kale had never seen children so still and void of joy. Perun was not a place he wished to stay any longer.

  The darkness knows where you sail to—it is close—watching—waiting.

  The tiny noise filled Kale’s ears. He immediately turned and approached the twins.

  “What did you just say to me?” Kale looked down upon the two.

  Just as before, the girls simply stared without motion.

  “Tell me!” Kale angrily yelled.

  “Stop! You’re going to frighten them.” Neelan urged as she tugged at Kale’s arm.

  “Frighten them?” Kale laughed sarcastically. “Did you not hear what they said?”

  “I heard nothing.” Neelan looked to Kale in confusion.

  The rest of the group shook their head in unison.

  “Well I did—they know something.”

  “Let it go, Kale. We’ve got to find the captain before he roams off elsewhere.” Neelan once again pulled him in the opposite direction from where the twins stood.

  “Fine.” He cast a final glance at the two glaring girls before continuing toward the docks.

  The sound of ocean waves spilling in upon the rocky shore could be heard. Cool mist sprinkled their faces as the wind increased. Fog rested over the ocean’s choppy surface like a thick coat of wool.

  “How can human water vessels navigate through these elements?” Kale questioned to Thomas.

  “The men here are quite familiar with the fog. It was present all the same when I arrived years ago. It is what they know,” the old sorcerer replied.

  Ahead, a long dock stretched out across the barely visible water. Large jagged rocks, covered in barnacles, stacked high above one another, barricaded out the violent pounding of waves. As they approached, wind whipped through their hair, and Kale gave an uncertain glance toward Reem.

  The sand-people huddled in a tight formation, keeping their faces drawn to the ground as they walked. Tiny grains of sand occasionally blew away at the wind’s mercy.

  “We must hurry,” Kale commanded with urgency.

  With each step upon the narrow dock, the wood moaned loudly. They tread lightly, without any heavy movements.

  “Come to sail across the vast blue, have ya’?” A man’s voice called.

  The group shuffled in surprise as they peered out into the fog. A small dinghy appeared, carrying a single individual. He wore a black button-down coat, black pants, and a black cap which set askew upon his shaven head. His thin frame and sunken eyes gave the man a grave appearance.

  “We have. Are you Carver?” Kale watched as the man steered his boat up against the dock with ease, despite the uneasy waves.

  “Aye. I’m not sure who sent ya’, but I don’t sail this time of year for cheap—it’ll cost ya’ a fair coin. Where ya’ headin’?” Carver remained in the dinghy, tossing a heavy coil of rope to Kale
as he spoke.

  “Sundra.” Kale replied as he tightly gripped the thick, woven rope.

  Carver laughed beneath his breath before looking up sternly at the group. “Ten gold pieces and I’ll take you.”

  “Ten pieces?! Have you gone mad?” Illadar exclaimed.

  Thomas reached out a hand to calm his friend. “And if we do not have such coin?”

  “Then you can make yerself at home here in Perun—or enjoy the view from the docks.” Carver laughed at his own sarcasm. “I’m the only one who’ll take ya ’cross the seas with it roaming about. So ya can pay the ten coin, or move along.”

  “What exactly is this it we keep hearing about?” Kale asked.

  “A sea creature—vicious and hungry for the flesh of man. Some claim he was an ocean beast, corrupted by the dark magic of Necron. Others say he was always bloodthirsty, but forced away into the darkest depths of the sea by Xelanthos, the ocean dragon—slain by Mirion’s former general. Either way, he’s not to be trifled with. I’m the only captain brave—or crazed enough to set sail. The creature settles in our eastern seas when the climate shifts; always ’round this season. We call it, Corath.”

  Thomas gave a silent nod to his friends.

  “We shall pay.” The old sorcerer drew the coin from his pouch.

  “A wise choice if yer set on sailin’ to Sundra. Climb aboard.” Carver assisted Thomas into the dinghy before swiping the payment from his grasp.

  The oars hit the water with a splash as the last of the sand-people squeezed in.

  “Are you certain you want to do this?” Illadar looked to Marg with a strong hand placed atop her shoulder. “There is still time to turn back.”

  “I have made up my mind—you should already know that I am staying with you. The decision is final, and I have no regret. Nothing good waits for me back on the farm.” She smiled in reassurance.

  As they rowed away, the thick fog soon clouded their view of Perun until it was no longer visible. They were now at the ocean’s mercy.

  “Do you truly believe this small boat will make it to Sundra? Where will we rest? What happens if the sea creature should attack? We can’t hope to make it like this.” Kale hung his arm out from the side, allowing his fingertips to graze the relentless waves which clapped against the dinghy.

  Carver simply snickered and pointed ahead. Kale could see nothing, aside from the white haze.

  Suddenly, as he opened his mouth to further question the man, a sizable silhouette came into view. As they closed in, Kale could distinguish the figure of a woman, attached to the front of what he soon recognized to be a ship.

  “There’s someone up there!” Kale turned to his friends. “I saw her!”

  “Foolish boy—this here is my pride. I call her, Siren; she leads my ship safely ’cross these waters.” Carver replied.

  Kale dodged Neelan’s stare as he quickly realized the woman was no more than a carving made of wood. As he neared, he could see the figure’s features. She had not legs, but a single fin; her hair fell wildly, as though alive. The menacing eyes were what held Kale’s focus above all else. They seemed to stare deep into one’s soul.

  “As the name states, she is a siren,” Thomas spoke while reading Kale’s expression. “They appear as beautiful women, luring men to their demise. Fish-women as some have called them; said to live within the sea.”

  “A fool’s tale,” Illadar interjected.

  “Ya think what ya want—but they’re as real as the fog is thick.” Carver steered the small boat up against the wall of his ship where a thick rope hung. “I keep her at the head of my ship to remind me that in this world, things are not always as they might appear.”

  “Wise words, my friend.” Thomas nodded.

  “I hope ya have strong arms; it’s a long climb.” Carver spoke as he attached the boat to a pulley system. He then gripped hold of a single, thick rope that hung over the ship’s deck.

  “Can’t your men just pull us up?” Illadar questioned.

  “Does it look as though I have a crew?” He glanced at the group with a smirk. “Well—I do now.” Heavy laughter escaped his lips as he began to pull himself up the rope.

  Illadar shook his head as he helped hoist Neelan up.

  Kale joined behind, followed by Marg.

  “Goin’ up, old man?” Illadar motioned toward the rope.

  “You first.” Thomas smiled with a slight bow.

  Once each of the sand-people effortlessly made it to the top, Thomas closed his eyes and spoke a quiet incantation. In a blink, he appeared upon the deck.

  “Must be nice.” Kale rolled his eyes. “You couldn’t have taken us with you?”

  “Oh it is nice indeed. And to put it quite simply—no. You all could use the training; it helps the arm’s strength.” Thomas winked.

  They situated and hoisted anchor, setting sail toward the frozen continent of Sundra. Sunlight flooded across the massive white sails, brightening the entire ship. As they drifted farther away from Perun, the group could see that the fog had abruptly ceased. It was as though a clouded wall encased the dreary town.

  Kale raised his chin and pinched his eyes shut, allowing the golden rays to warm his face. The vast, blue ocean calmed, and the boat glided with ease across its surface. Wind sifted through Kale’s hair and filled his nose with a fresh, salty scent. Despite his lack of sleep, he felt a renewed force of energy surge through his body. It was Kale’s first time sailing and, until that moment, he had only watched boats from afar while resting upon the cliffs as a dragon.

  The day went by quickly and Carver assigned each member of the group a specific job. The men were in charge of labor intensive tasks, while the women learned the basics of maintaining the deck.

  Before long, twilight was upon them and the pink sky began to dim into darkness. They entered a cabin where ceramic bowls held a mashed mixture of fish and vegetables. Though it looked repulsive, they found the taste to be quite pleasing.

  “Enjoy the food.” Carver tipped his hat and made way for the door.

  “You’re leaving so soon?” Neelan asked.

  “Aye. Can’t leave the ship driftin’ for too long—especially here.” A grim look crossed his face as he turned and left.

  Once Carver was gone, Reem slid his bowl across the table to Neelan. “Please eat, my Queen.”

  The other sand-people followed the gesture and pushed their helpings to the center of the table.

  “We must discuss the situation with the young child,” Reem spoke. “You had mentioned crossing paths with this individual before. Why does she wish to lay harm upon our Queen? I wish to know all information on this person so that we may be better prepared in the future, should she return.”

  Thomas explained the situation in full to Reem and his men.

  They sat in silence as Reem pondered the newly acquired details. “This is bizarre indeed. There seems to be no reasoning behind such actions. We must take great caution once back upon the soil of Ravondore.”

  Moments passed and Marg cleared her throat loudly, breaking the heavy silence. She dabbed at her mouth with a small, cloth square and looked up at the group.

  “I have something I wish to discuss.” She laid the cloth in her lap. “I left my home to join you—not even knowing where exactly it is we are going, or why. I’ve placed trust with all of you, and yet, there is still so much you keep in secrecy.” She straightened her posture. “I understand we have not travelled together for long, but I deserve to have at least some explanation.” She stared toward Kale. “We can begin with you. While at the tavern in Perun, when you assumed Neelan to be in danger, your hand …” She raised her own hand up, curling her fingers in a claw-like fashion.

  “It was magic—my magic.” Thomas immediately interjected while leaning forward into
the table. “I cast a spell upon the boy to strengthen his hand for combat. You see, we were unsure if you were the one who attacked at that time.”

  “I see.” Marg looked unconvinced. “And them?” She pointed to Reem and his comrades. “Are they a result of your magic as well? I can see by their eyes that they are not human …”

  “They are indeed human,” Thomas once again snapped back.

  “We were born with a rare condition that has given us deformities we would rather not show. It is not pleasant, and we are quite uncomfortable about the matter,” Reem cleverly joined in as he looked to the ground in an act of self-pity.

  “Fine. I suppose there will be another excuse as to why a high-elf travels by your side …” Marg looked to Kale and Neelan.

  “Marg, what has overcome you?” Illadar turned and looked deep into her eyes.

  “I’m—I—please accept my apologies.” She exhaled. “I’ve just never had any real friends. My family kept us slaving over the farm, so there was little time to ever meet anyone. I suppose I’ve just felt as though I’m being singled out of the group … and that I might be unwanted.” She faced the group. “It’s not like I can simply return home now. Even if I did, my own brother would probably muster the strength to beat me terribly. I’m not ever going back.” She hung her shoulders. “I guess I thought that if I could get answers out of you all, there would be no fear of hiding anything from me. I was hoping that, just maybe, you might welcome me into your group.”

  “Marg …” Illadar placed a gently hand upon her back. “I—”

  “We’ve told you everything.” Thomas shot a quick glare toward Illadar.

  “We don’t want you to feel like an outsider,” Neelan added. “Personally, I am glad you’re here.” She smiled.

  As Marg relaxed her defensive guard and reached out for a sip from her mug, a loud thump startled the group. The boat rocked, sending their drinks to the floor.