by Jeremy Dwyer
When they sailed past Mount Rurik, Massimo caught sight of what he feared. “We are not alone here. Four hundred forty-five (445) ships and armies of tens of thousands of soldiers are ahead,” he said.
“God will protect us,” Lady Onora said.
“For some reason, I’m just trusting you and going along with this whole thing. A few years ago, I would have accused you of leading us into a trap or just being an old fool. Now, I think I’m starting to believe we really are meant to be here,” Akantha said.
“The message was true and you know it. Trust in God. Trust in His Plan. It’s not about trusting me. I am only a servant of God,” Lady Onora said.
“We need to protect this crew. Their wellbeing is just as important. We will help those in need, of course, but we are not here to fight a war,” Captain Pradrock said.
“There are two (2) cargo ships gathered at the eastern side of the valley, near the border. I can read the markings on the first – the Consecration of the Hopeful,” Massimo said.
“That ship belongs to my friend, Kaija. That’s where we should go,” Lady Onora said.
“The other cargo ship is the Sandstone Cutter,” Massimo said.
“That’s Captain Arata’s ship. He carries the constructor for Fantine,” Captain Pradrock said.
“Both those ships are close together, and away from the warships,” Massimo said.
“Akylas, take the ship over there,” Captain Pradrock said.
Akylas pulled levers to pivot the sails and the masts to the sides of the Resolute Traverser and elevated the ship to thirty (30) feet of altitude. He steered the ship over land and pulled a lever to bring the vessel down to the ground near the Consecration of the Hopeful. He then pulled a lever to extend the boarding ramp.
“I need to meet with Kaija. I did not expect her to be here. Something extraordinary is about to happen,” Lady Onora said.
“I’m starting to get that same feeling,” Akantha said.
“I’ll escort you off the ship and meet your friend. I need to know how my crew and I can be of assistance. Massimo should keep watch and Akylas should stay ready to chart a course away from here,” Captain Pradrock said.
“I need to go with you. I heard the message, too,” Akantha said.
“If you believe that’s for the best, then you should accompany us,” Captain Pradrock said.
“Under the authority of the Oath, I will also accompany you to record everything I observe,” Alonso said.
~~~
Alonso followed Captain Pradrock and Akantha as they escorted Lady Onora. They all exited the wheelhouse to go out on deck and then they walked down the boarding ramp.
“Onora, thank you for coming,” Kaija said as Onora stepped onto the ground.
“Kaija, do you know what is happening? I received a message telling me to come here, and that it was urgent. This young woman, Akantha, also received a message – from a powerful spirit – instructing her to meet me in the Port of Reliance, and then to travel here,” Lady Onora said.
“Yes, I know about the message. God will provide the answer. I’m just glad to see you again,” Kaija said.
“As am I,” Romana said.
“Don’t forget: there’s going to be a war. That is what the spirit told me,” Akantha said.
“Do remember: we came here to help protect people, but not to fight a war,” Captain Pradrock said.
“You’ve experienced many difficulties, Captain Pradrock. You are very generous and your concern for protecting others is a virtue. You focus on solving the problems of the moment, and you succeed because of your determination and careful calculations. However, you don’t truly understand why things are as they are, or believe in a higher purpose. Night and day, poverty and prosperity, war and peace – these things come and go. The One True God is always present. Rely on Him, and He will protect you and your companions. Faith is what you lack,” Kaija said. She probed the captain’s mind and found his thoughts to be evasive regarding the subject.
“We’ve been through a lot of trouble. Trouble is the one thing we can rely on. How did we get into this mess? Show me God’s Protection,” Sophie said.
“Faith in God is the only answer, Sophie. He is The Creator and The Provider. To put your faith elsewhere is to build your life upon shifting sands,” Kaija said.
“God was with us on our journey. Enemies surrounded us, and attacked us, and entrapped us. Still, we were protected. If God had abandoned us, we would not have survived,” Elise said.
“Sounds like you’re either really lucky or some powerful spirit might be watching over you,” Akantha said.
“I’ve won a few card games in a row. Lucky happens. I’ve seen that and I can believe in that. I don’t believe in any religion or God or spirit watching over me. The few spirits we did meet in the desert tried to attack us,” Sophie said.
“Elise’s songs helped us. You were there, Sophie. She helped us twice,” Ciaran said.
“That’s the music. That’s not God,” Sophie said.
“The music comes from the power of the oceans. The oceans were created by God,” Kaija said.
“Prove it,” Sophie said.
“Find the person – or even the great nation with billions of people – who created the oceans,” Kaija said.
“That’s not an answer. It’s just another question you can’t answer. It proves nothing. You haven’t shown me God. You haven’t shown me where the oceans come from,” Sophie said.
“I agree with Sophie. There’s no logical proof that God created anything. This debate isn’t getting us anywhere,” Patrick said.
“Standing here is getting us sick. It’s still cold. There’s ash in the air. We can’t stay in this valley much longer,” Molly said.
“Molly’s right. You can have your religious debates later. We can’t wait around to get sick from breathing in the volcanic ash or get killed in a war. Something needs to change for the better, and soon,” Ruth said.
“God has a plan. That’s why we’re here,” Kaija said.
“We need action. We need results. All of us are in danger,” Ruth said.
“Have faith in God’s Plan of Action,” Kaija said.
“If having faith doesn’t keep us healthy and alive, I really don’t see the value of it. These are my friends. Their lives matter. I don’t know you well enough to trust you. And I don’t trust a God I’ve never met without seeing some results first. Look around you. This desolate valley, with barren soil, and those fallen trees, and the cold wind blowing around volcanic ash, is no place to be. This land is dead,” Ruth said.
“Look around you, Ruth. Remember everywhere you’ve been and everyone you’ve met. This world is alive. God created all those places. God created you and your friends. He will protect and provide for you and for them,” Kaija said.
“I trust the oceans. Their waters help us cut the stones to build. Their waters help the farmers grow the crops that we eat. The waters even gave Elise the songs so we could be free. The oceans provide the waters. That’s what I believe,” Ruth said.
“I am Alonso, Chronicler of four thousand three hundred eighty (4380) years. Under the authority of the Oath, I will be recording everything I witness here,” Alonso said. He recorded all of this conversation into his book, along with a description of everything he saw, including the volcanic ash of the valley and the desolation.
The Chronicler Ximenez was also busy recording the conversation and visible details into his own book.
“Great! Now we have two (2) Chroniclers who can write the story of how we die here, horribly, so everyone else can read about it,” Sophie said.
“You’re wrong, Sophie. They’re going to write the greatest story, because something wonderful is going to happen. You refuse to believe, but I have faith that God has great things planned for this place and everyone in it,” Kaija said.
~~~
From the spirit world, the Guardian Angel Ondothel watched over both Alonso and Ximenez. He pro
tected the Chroniclers from the volcanic ash swept about by the cold winds blowing through Cinder Valley. Even their books were shielded from being smeared by the acrid air.
CHAPTER 60: Battle of Spirit and Might
Tapani sailed the Silver Jackal eastward across the Zovvin Ocean until reaching the Road of Kovoxotu land bridge. At that point, he pulled levers to pivot the masts and the sails to the sides of the ship and elevated the vessel to one hundred twenty (120) feet of altitude. He steered the ship eastward across the land bridge and returned it to sea level in the Kazofen Ocean. From there, he continued sailing eastward.
“That could have been a smoother descent, Counselor Tapani,” Captain Kyosti said.
“That was a soft landing on the water, Captain,” Tapani said.
“Time moves slowly for me – when I need it to – and I can sense everything around me, no matter how quickly it happens. I detected an extra force to the impact when you brought the ship down. The ripples in the water will be noticeable,” Captain Kyosti said.
“The ship is cloaked, Captain. Ransu saw to that,” Tapani said.
“Yes, I did, but the ocean water is not cloaked, Tapani. The Captain is right. If he thinks that you brought the ship down too rough, you need to have a little more finesse. We can’t afford to be detected,” Ransu said.
“I’ll slow our descent next time,” Tapani said.
“Be as careful as you would if you thought that moving mountain was approaching us,” Captain Kyosti said.
“Yes, Captain, but nothing is perfect,” Tapani said.
“We need to be as close to perfection as possible, Counselor Tapani. The cargo is extremely valuable. Focus your energy in being gentle. If the schedule slips because you have to slow down, that can be forgiven. If we lose our cargo because we crash or get found and attacked by pirates, that will not be forgiven,” Captain Kyosti said.
“Yes, Captain,” Tapani said.
“There are thirty thousand (30000) soldiers protecting this ship. That should tell you how vital the cargo is and how much danger we are in. Our jobs – and even our lives – depend on successful delivery. Perfection takes time, which we do have. We do not have extra lives,” Captain Kyosti said.
“I will strive for perfection, Captain. We will likely arrive behind schedule several days, however. We’ve already lost time on repairs, and I need to steer through the calmest parts of the sea. What concerns me is that we are now back in the same ocean where we had the collision,” Tapani said.
“Here’s your chance to be even more careful than before, Counselor Tapani,” Captain Kyosti said.
“The moving mountain is not directly visible, Captain. The ripples in the water are what gave it away,” Tapani said.
“Counselor Ransu, I need you and Gabija to monitor the waters around us for any signs of this supposedly moving mountain or whatever it was,” Captain Kyosti said.
“Yes, Captain,” Ransu said.
~~~
Ransu exited the wheelhouse and walked across the deck to Gabija’s cabin. He knocked on the door but there was no answer. He turned around and walked across the deck, passing by the six (6) brigades of soldiers, thinking that Gabija was probably hard at work seducing a few of them. Despite his best effort, he saw no sign of her and walked back toward her cabin. The door to Tearlag’s cabin opened and Gabija came out on deck.
“Why are you pacing around on deck, Ransu? Looking for another girl to play with?” Gabija asked.
“No. Captain Kyosti wants us to watch out for any sign of that moving mountain, and just keep our eyes open for threats,” Ransu said.
“You’re the number one threat, Ransu. It wouldn’t take much to fix that,” Gabija said.
“We have a job to do, Gabija. We have to look out for the ship’s safety. We could all come under attack if the ship collides with anything and damages the cloaking crystals again,” Ransu said.
Gabija drank anew of the waters of the Lujladia Ocean from her vial to be energized with the powers of light and far sight. She gazed out to sea in every direction and said: “All clear, for one hundred thirty-seven (137) miles. No mountains or ships are on course to cross our path. Everybody’s keeping their distance.”
“Did you look for ripples in the water? That’s how to spot the mountain. You may not be able to see it directly. That’s why we collided with it before,” Ransu said.
“So it’s just like a sleazy guy – hard to see until it’s too late and the damage is already done,” Gabija said.
“We all need your help, Gabija,” Ransu said.
“You’re worried about other people? Really? Who knew you were so selfless, Ransu? Who knew you truly cared about other people?” Gabija asked.
“We need to keep the ship safe to keep her safe. Tearlag is counting on you,” Ransu said.
“She’s counting on the father of her child to take care of her and act like a family man. The problem is he’s not a man at all. He’s just a boy who likes to play,” Gabija said.
“We don’t have time for this, Gabija,” Ransu said.
“Tearlag doesn’t have time for guys that play around with a girl and her sister and get us both pregnant,” Gabija said.
“We talked about this before, Gabija!” Ransu said.
“And the problem is still here, just like before, Ransu!” Gabija said.
“We need to protect the ship. If not for me, then for her,” Ransu said.
“I’ll do anything for her. I’d even kill you – or worse. I wouldn’t mind seeing the ship sink with you on it. But my sister is here, and that’s the only reason I’ll help protect the ship,” Gabija said.
“Look for ripples in the water,” Ransu said.
Gabija focused her far sight on the surface waters of the Kazofen Ocean in all directions. She correlated the ripples to the movements of the ships, and found nothing suspicious. She turned to face each direction and examined the sea thoroughly. “I’m looking,” she said.
“We still have to keep looking for pirates,” Ransu said.
“Don’t you have a far sight crystal? Do I have to do everything?” Gabija asked.
“As a matter of fact, I do,” Ransu said. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a crystal with a specially modified low-level structure. He gazed through it and looked in all directions for signs of pirate as well as for ripples in the water.
~~~
The poisonous red mist – now pale and barely visible, but still toxic – descended upon the Scholar’s Path land bridge from both the east and the west. Sailors and soldiers, dockworkers and merchants, began falling ill.
In the Port of Hithagredil, Kassia and Daley were waiting in the docks and hidden by the cover of darkness, but the darkness did not shield them from the toxin. They both felt it enter their lungs. Kassia began coughing and spitting up blood. Daley fared no better and also coughed up splotches of blood. Unable to fend off the poison, they ran into the center of the port town to try to escape it. They returned to the traveler’s lodge and went to the room where Aura was hiding with Arik.
Kassia unlocked and opened the door. She and Daley entered the room, then closed and locked it behind them. Daley eased his powers of darkness and made them both visible again.
“Where have you been? What’s wrong? You don’t look well!” Aura asked. She sat on her bed and held Arik tightly.
“Something’s out there!” Kassia said, gasping and coughing up blood.
“Some kind of poison!” Daley said, breathing heavily and spitting up blood.
“Is this a virus? Why did you bring it here? He’ll get sick! What’s the matter with you? You’re coughing up blood! Get out!” Aura said.
“We wanted to warn you!” Daley said, stilling coughing and spitting up blood.
“Wait!” Kassia said, coughing and spitting up a small bit of blood.
“What do you mean?” Daley asked. He coughed and spat a small amount of blood.
“Wait for what?” Aura asked.
“I don’t feel as bad as when it hit us. Not even half as bad,” Kassia said. She coughed and spat again, bringing up a trace amount of blood.
“You’re not good now! Do you mean you were twice as bad before?” Aura asked.
“We ran to get away from the poison cloud,” Daley said. He coughed again and spat, but with no blood.
“I feel better after the run,” Kassia said. She coughed and spat, but no blood was visible.
“Then you need to keep running. Run away from here before we catch this virus or whatever it is!” Aura said. She stood up and stepped backwards toward the wall. She held Arik close, and brought his face toward her chest to protect the boy from catching whatever illness Daley and Kassia might have had.
“I don’t think you can catch it. That’s my point,” Kassia said. She coughed and spat, bringing up blood again.
“There’s still blood! You’re still coughing up blood! Get away from my son!” Aura said.
“We’ll go. But we came to warn you to stay away from the danger,” Daley said. He coughed and spat up more blood.
“Go now!” Aura said.
~~~
Kassia and Daley unlocked and opened the door and exited the room. They closed and locked the door behind them. Daley drank anew of the waters of the Ikkith Tar Ocean from his vial to be energized with the powers of darkness. He exerted the powers, cloaking both of them. They left the traveler’s lodge and ran back to the docks.
“Keep moving! Walk, jog, run, whatever!” Kassia said. She coughed and spat, but no blood was present. She and Daley walked briskly through the docks, watching for signs of the ship they were expecting.
~~~
On board the Incisive, Admiral Tiede felt the sickness and immediately said: “Keep moving! Don’t let it get the best of us. Pace the deck, get your heartrates up, and don’t stand or sit idle!” His crew moved about and continued to function, but they were sickened and coughing up small amounts of blood.
~~~
On board the Blazing Payback, Captain Fernao felt the effects of the poisonous mist, descend on him. He immediately started moving around deck and commanded his crew, saying: “Move! Don’t stand around! We have to walk this off! Run this off! Fight this off!” He and the crew walked briskly around the deck of the ship. They were sickened, coughing and spitting up blood, but they pushed themselves to remain active.