My hands were shaking the next morning, one touching my pendant, as William knocked my food to the floor, slamming his hands on the table and grinning at me.


    “William! Come on man I worked really hard on that food.” Lánn complained. William rolled his eyes, Jael and Klintock stood, getting ready to pounce.


    “Eat up Croí. Gotta be at full strength for training today.” He mocked. I moved from my seat, reaching for my plate and what little food remained. William stepped over and squished the food I was reaching for. “Oops.” He walked off towards the kitchen. I shrugged and sighed as I picked up what I could and finished breakfast.


    “We can beat him Croí. We want to. Just say the word.” Jael said eagerly.


    “I appreciate it, but like I said, ignore him unless he hits me. It’s not worth the extra energy.” Jael sighed in frustration and finished her food. All three of us went in for training, finding Zanataz talking with Gathaen.


    “Good morning, Agies. We will be having our second to last tournament at the end of the week.”


    “Second to last? We have two more? Anything special about them?” Klintock asked.


    “The one this weekend will be like the most recent, grappling and striking. The last one will be between Agers and Crewmen.” Gathaen replied.


    “Crewmen? Oh boy, that’ll be rough. Which ones?” Flint queried.


    “Us.” He replied, emotionless.


    So, we’re going to fight the crew. I wonder who I’ll be fighting. Lanaea would suck, it’d be a repeat of what happened with Sable most likely. Zanataz would just pummel me, same with Edorin or Gathaen. Cairen would beat me senseless I bet, even with him missing a leg, eye, and part of his hand.


    Either way, our training took precedence over anything else. Today the mentors were particularly devious. Gathaen went around tying up certain limbs on certain Agers.


    “We’ve been teaching all of you to work as a team, and you’ve been really good so far, though with a few hiccups.” We glared at William. He’d pulled Leola off the climbing wall yesterday, and had, on several occasions, ‘killed’ me by shoving me off cliffs or ‘accidentally’ hitting me with a spear, among other things. None of us were happy about it and at this point, even the mentors were tired of his antics. “We will be going over much tougher scenarios with you now. If your limb is tied off, consider it lost, or unusable.” ánadaí explained.


    Zanataz came over and took my spears and Sable’s bow.


    “Agers, come up to the cliff.” Zanataz said, heading up to the fake clifftop. Leola had ‘lost’ her left leg, so I offered to help her hop along. Flint, Klintock, Lánn, and I had lost arms. Sable had lost her right hand. “One more thing.” He tossed a circular red token to Keokin. “Dead token. Your leader is down.” Keokin looked disappointed and laid down. “Go.” Zanataz said, pointing across from where the ‘cliff’ was facing.


    Gathaen was there with dozens of softened javelins. There was a gap between our platforms of at least ten feet. The padded deck between was supposed to represent a ‘bottomless pit of doom’ as Zanataz had put it.


    The first javelin was thrown at me. I ducked and it whizzed by my head. Leola stumbled and fell on top of me. Flint was hit by three javelins and fell off the ‘cliff’ and ánadaí tossed a red token on him. Klintock used the stump of his lost arm to deflect a javelin and moved behind cover. With my good arm, I grabbed Leola and moved us behind a rock to cover us. Lánn tried to dive for cover but didn’t dive far enough and got pegged in the forehead.


    “Ow.” She said, rubbing her forehead a bit, then laying still as Zanataz tossed a red token on her. William grabbed two javelins off the floor as he dove for cover with the rest of the group, occasionally trying to peek as Gathaen tossed javelins, which ánadaí and Zanataz retrieved for him.


    “Do I have healing implements?” Leola asked Zanataz. He thought for a second as he tossed a javelin back.


    “Only the basics. No concentrate or potions.” She huffed and pulled out a torniquet, wrapping off my arm.


    “Klintock, I need to tie your arm off or you’ll bleed to death. You too Sable.” She tied off her own leg as the others feinted Gathaen out and switched cover. Leola wrapped up Sable, and as she was going to wrap up Klintock, he was hit with a red token.


    “What? Why?” He asked Zanataz.


    “They’re poisoned. Deflecting them with your arm was a good idea, but they were poisoned, and now you’re dead.” Klintock looked disappointed, then stuck his tongue out and feigned fainting.


    “We’re dropping like flies!” Jael yelled with a bit of a giggle. I chuckled, then a javelin zipped by me, and I got nervous again. William feinted, getting Gathaen to throw, then poked out and tossed a javelin back. Gathaen easily dodged it. William got greedy and tried another toss. Gathaen threw at the same time and hit William’s leg as he was dipping back into cover.


    “Shite!” William shouted. “I’m poisoned!” Leola looked to Zanataz.


    “I’m assuming I don’t know how to…” Zanataz shook his head and she sighed. “Sorry William.” She said, and Zanataz tossed him a token. William harumphed and laid down. What do we do? If we get hit, we die, and we don’t have ranged weapons to fight back with. What about catching a javelin? Or… I looked over at Lánn. The javelin that had hit her head was still near her. I pointed to it and motioned for Jael to toss it. Gathaen nearly hit her hand as she reached for it, but she got it. She was about to toss it to me, but I stopped her.


    He might hit it out of the air. He saw her pick it up, he’ll expect us to toss it across. Jael’s a good shot. If Gathaen is focused on me, she might be able to hit him. But I wouldn’t count on him just sitting there and taking it. I could make that gap, but he’d hit me two or three times before I reached him. I glanced down at Klintock.


    “How would you like to still be useful?” I asked. He grinned. Leola helped me pull him up, and I moved out of cover with him. Gathaen hit Klintock two times, then he started trying to shoot between his feet and hit me. Klintock’s dragging feet pulled a javelin into cover and I laid him back down. “Your sacrifice is appreciated.” I said, smiling. He chuckled. I used the javelin to reach out and pull in two more.


    Ok. Now the obvious thing to do would be to use Klintock as a shield and try to hit Gathaen, but Gathaen would expect that. He’d also expect us to sneak attack with one of the others.


    I couldn’t think of what else to do that Gathaen wouldn’t expect. Maybe just brute force him. Throw all we have at once… bad idea. He has cover too. Oh wait… I had an idea. I motioned to Jael and Céírde, telling them to throw what they had one at a time, then handed all but one javelin to Leola and Sable.


    “Keep him behind cover. I’m going to jump the gap and get in close to throw. But I’ll do it on the left side. Sable, you do it sneaky on the right and peg him.” She grinned and nodded. I counted down from three and they all threw javelins, one after the other, forcing Gathaen behind his rock. Now! I ran, trying not to be too obvious, and jumped. I threw my javelin in the air and was met with a javelin as soon as I landed, then another as I fell over.


    Sable landed and Gathaen noticed but seemed to hesitate a split second, and Sable’s javelin hit him in the butt. Gathaen dropped his javelins and showed a small, knowing smile and we all cheered. It felt good to win, even if he’d let us.


    “Great job Agies. Great job!” Zanataz said, collecting our tokens and limb ties. “Now let’s reset and try again.”


    William pushed me off the ‘cliff’ twice and was punished. ánadaí scolded him and made him do push-ups, but he didn’t care as long as he messed up my winning shot or just my fun in general. Lánn and William left an hour or so before break to go with Cairen, and we were left to defend against whatever madness our mentors could throw at us.


    We found it difficult to stop training when the bell rang but smelling the food from the galley made it easier. There was food set out on the table by Lánn and William when we walked in. Fish filets and mashed potatoes with a brown gravy and some fresh rolls. My mouth was instantly filled with saliva from the anticipation.


    “What’s this?” Sable asked, wondering why the food was ready two hours early.


    “We’re doing all the cooking for the Agers from now on. Getting ready for the Island. And what we can use from the kitchens is limited to only the supplies we might have available. Hope you guys like it.” Lánn said with a nervous smile.


    We didn’t fuss, sat down, thanked Lánn and William for the food and started eating. “We’re also supposed to start asking for things from people, like asking Sable to get us fish and stuff.” Sable chewed a bit before gulping, her hand still in front of her mouth.


    “My pleasure, how many do you need?” She asked.


    “Just one Red Line sized fish should feed us all for dinner.” William replied. “Get ready to eat fish and potatoes every day for at least a month.” He then took the opportunity to glare at me. I looked down at the food on my plate.


    Fish is delicious, especially cooked like this, and I love potatoes. Baked, mashed, sliced, grated. I don’t see a problem, but I wonder how I’ll feel about that in a month. I pushed the thought aside and ate my food, wary of William’s position. I didn’t want to lose my food like before.


    I finished quickly, then thanked William and Lánn and ran into the training room, continuing training until the others came and got me for lessons and bed.


    *      *      *      *      *


    *      *      *      *      *


    I awoke before any of the others, dressed and rushed out into the training room. Zanataz was there, early as usual. I was curious about just how early he arrived, and why, but I had something else to ask him.


    “Zanataz?”


    “Good morning Stud, what’s on your mind?”


    “I want you to train me. I want to spar with you and prepare to fight the crew.”


    “That’s what I’m doing, with all of you.”


    “I know. But I’m good with accuracy, not satisfied, but good enough to split my attention. I want to conquer someone, or rather, my fear of them.” He glanced at the galley and crouched down, motioning for me to do the same.


    “William?” He asked. I shook my head.


    “Sacae. But William is the first step to that, from what I figure. I’m terrified of him. I’ve been standing up to him the best I can, but I shake every time.” I sighed heavily. It was difficult for me to talk about my problems, always had been, but I’d learned from what happened with Sacae. Sometimes talking about it to someone who could help was the best thing to do. I was putting that realization to the test.


    “I can do that, but I’d like to know your reason.” He said.


    “I have to get over my fear of Sacae, or deal with it somehow. If I’m too terrified to face Sacae, what will I do when I face the horrors of the Island? William is the first step. I conquer my fear of him, then Sacae, then hopefully I’ll be ready.” He looked to me, brows raised.


    “You surprise me Croí, over and over this whole time you surprise me. I’ll do it. Very well, let’s get started.” I nodded and we got to work.


    Zanataz put on some large gloves and practiced sparring with me. Practicing dodging, movement, and striking. The gloves made the hits hurt less, but they were still rough. Eventually, the smell of some delicious breakfast wafted into the training room. After this match. I’ll get breakfast after… Zanataz hit my left cheek.


    “Keep your head in the fight Croí.” He scolded.


    “I can trade you places if you’re tired Zanataz.” William said leaning against the corner with a smirk.


    “William! Get your lazy arse back in here and clean up after yourself lad!” Cairen yelled. William sighed. I found the situation funny, and I chuckled and waved at William. His anger deepened and he paused before moving back into the galley. I felt a jolt to the side of my head from Zanataz.


    “Don’t antagonize him, he’s probably just as scared as you are. Now pay attention Croí.” Scared? William? How could he be scared? He’s been the loudest and most aggressive member. He’s beat everyone he’s spared with. Another bop to the side of my head. “Croí. What’re you doing?”


    “I don’t understand what you mean. William scared? How?” Zanataz sighed.


    “I don’t know for sure, it’s more of an educated guess. I’ve seen dozens and dozens of Agers, not one of them has gone in totally unafraid. All of them go in with a healthy level of fear. William’s no different. Now let’s get back to it.” He hit the big gloves together and I put my hands up to guard.


    We sparred for a few more minutes before Zanataz stopped. He took his gloves off and sent me in for some delicious fish and potatoes. Then it was back in for some team training.


    Later during break, Lánn was working on sewing together Sable’s boots, and William was cutting out leather for Klintock’s, getting caught up to Lánn. I was very intrigued by the whole process, and how it would look when it was done.


    “How much longer do you think it’ll be?” Sable asked leaning on the table, sitting next to Lánn.


    “I already told you, we ran a little behind so food will be ready in an hour.” Lánn said, slightly frustrated.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    “I mean the boots.” Sable specified.


    “Oh, well… tomorrow. I’ll have it done enough for you to try the fit on your feet, then maybe by the next day, or day after that. So maybe three days? Just be patient.”


    “But they look so pretty.” Sable whined. Lánn laughed.


    “I’ll take that as a compliment.” The other members of the group, including Keokin, came in and were all sitting around. I felt restless so I grabbed my knife and hatchet and practiced until it was time to eat.


    Occasionally I heard the group laughing. When I came in for food, I saw Keokin sitting at the table telling the group a story.


    “… So then my mom turned around and slapped him, and the guy looks at her all surprised and says, ‘I’m sorry ma’am, I thought you were my wife.’ And she slaps him again.” The group started laughing. I chuckled but didn’t really understand it or why it was funny. “Croí, good of you to show up. You done playing around in there?” Keokin jested.


    “Oh you know me. I can never get enough of playing with myself in there.” Several members of the group looked at me surprised then burst out laughing. I looked at them confused, unsure why a simple statement was so funny to them, then chuckled along anyways.


    “It’s funny because we all know that the only person you’ll ever play with is yourself.” William said laughing. I looked at him, confused. Technically I get to play with twelve people a day during training so that’s not true. I ignored him and grabbed some food.


    “Gross William.” Lánn said. Gross? Why? Is playing with someone an intimate act? Since when?


    “What? You telling me I’m wrong?” William accused.


    “Very regularly. Yes.” Lánn affirmed.


    “Oh? Then are you saying you want to play with him?” Her cheeks went slightly red.


    “That’s not… I don’t… I mean maybe if… That’s not fair and you know it William.” I was very confused; her face went through several emotions, and she looked very flustered. Some of the group members were laughing at Lánn’s frustration, others were shaking their heads in disapproval of William.


    “I don’t get it, what’s bad about playing? I’ll play with anybody, except maybe you William, you’re mean, and you’d probably cheat like you do with card games.” I said. The group laughed.


    “I believe you have been called out William. Your response?” Céírde quipped. William’s eyes narrowed. He had two kinds of anger. Normal everyday anger, and the anger he had now, which usually leads to threats and punching.


    “Take it back.” He ordered. I took a breath, feeling the rising tension.


    “What?” I asked.


    “I don’t cheat.”


    “Maybe not all the time, but I’ve seen you switch out cards when nobody’s looking. That’s cheating.” He took a step towards me. Jael and Klintock stood.


    He glanced at them then back to me, then kicked a chair towards them and rushed towards me. I dropped my food on the table and put my hands up, widening my stance and backing away, circling towards Jael and Klintock. William threw two left jabs that I swatted aside with my hand. He front kicked and I dodged to the side and slipped between the two who rushed him and grappled him to the floor.


    “Again William? When are you going to learn?” Klintock said calmly. I slipped back in for my food and went above deck with it to let everyone cool off and to catch my breath. I did it somewhat. I thought to myself looking at my hands shake. I stood up to him, and when he came at me, I didn’t get hit. I’m improving. I did my best to avoid William the rest of the day, playing cards with Cairen and Keokin, then helping and chatting with Lánn and Sable. Then I remembered the tournament when I’d touched an inappropriate area on Sable.


    “Oh Sable.” I said.


    “Yeah?”


    “I never got to apologize during the tournament, and I kinda forgot after that, but I’m sorry.”


    “For what? Oh, for that?” She glanced down at herself. “Don’t worry about it, just surprised me is all. I saw it as a good thing actually, my style of fighting focuses on quick and confusing movements, trying to confuse my opponent into making mistakes so technically that means I’m getting good at it.” I nodded.


    “Good. I’m glad you’re not angry.”


    “What are we talking about?” Lánn asked.


    “Just Croí playing with me.” Sable replied, putting some emphasis on the word ‘playing’ with a mischievous smile. Lánn blushed.


    “Really? But Sable that’s…” Lánn said surprised. Sable shook her head.


    “Just messing with you.” I still didn’t understand what everybody meant by playing, thinking that maybe they had a different version of children''s games where they had grown up and left it there.


    That night and the night after, I had trouble sleeping. Instead of lying awake till Kolob’s rise, I snuck out of the room and trained, lighting a few lanterns and using the low light to throw weapons and practice flipping and moving around like Sable and Gathaen had trained us.


    I found that Zanataz would usually arrive just after first light. He was surprised to see me the first day but treated it as regular the second. He took the opportunity to train my reaction times and combat skills, as well as regularly testing me on accuracy. The second day when break was called, I opted to stay behind.


    “Croí.” I looked up at Zanataz from push up position.


    “Yes sir?”


    “Don’t train yourself too hard, ok? If you overexert yourself, it starts to degrade your progress. Make sure you’re taking breaks when you need to.” He said.


    “Yes sir.” I continued doing pushups, then moved on to other strength building exercises with heavy metal weights, finally stopping an hour later, sitting down in the corner on a small stool breathing heavily. I heard a few exclamations of excitement coming from the galley and thought it might be time to go and eat but wanted to rest for a few minutes more.


    I heard a clicking sound, almost like the sound Edorin’s boots made when he walked around, but higher pitched coming towards me. Raising my head, I found it was Sable. She was wearing her new boots, happily walking over to me with a plate of food. I almost didn’t notice it; I was transfixed on her boots. They were black and form fit, and the creases on them changed with every movement she made. Sable sat next to me, crossing her legs in my direction, and slightly wiggling her boots.


    “They’re all finished! What do you think?” My mouth fell open as I stared at them. It was almost the same as what the pants did, but this was different. I was oddly fascinated. “I take it that means you like them?...” Sable asked trailing off with an eyebrow raised. I shook my head and rubbed my eyes.


    “Yes. Sorry I… They’re very cute. They suit you well. Are they comfortable?” She smiled and nodded excitedly, looking down with a smile and wiggling them.


    “Absolutely! Wait till you get yours! I love them. Lánn and William did a great job. But hey, is everything alright?” She asked.


    “Huh?...Yeah, I think so why?”


    “Well, you’ve been getting up super early, then training really late, and when I walked in here, you were looking at me kind of… weird. Are you sure you’re ok?”


    “Uh… I don’t really know. I mean, I feel fine physically for the most part. I’m just, wrestling with a few things in my head.” I wasn’t sure if it would be a good idea to get into certain problems with her, so I was trying to be careful.


    “Like?” She queried. So much for careful, but after Sacae, I can’t blame her for pressing.


    “Honestly, I don’t know where to start.”


    “Start with why the extra training? And that look. Do I look funny or something?” She asked, smiling. The look is the one I’m worried about answering.


    “I’m training because I need to be… better. I realized that I’m weak, in a lot of ways, but the biggest one seems to be… fear. I’m scared of a lot of the people on this ship, and all the things on the Island, but I realized that I need to get over those fears. The only way I can see to do that is if I make myself more competent.” She nodded, glancing towards the galley.


    “Can I tell you a secret?” I nodded and she looked around. “I’m terrified. I mean, I’m going to be the first one moving over the terrain, and any potential traps, pitfalls, predators, anything.” Her typically happy face had fallen serious. “These boots aren’t going to do much to protect me, I know that, but it’s better than being barefoot. I’m trying to just be positive, keep up with my training, and study those books as intently as I can, but the thought is always there. What if I miss something? What if I’m tired or injured and I mistake a circle of teeth for a pile of leaves? That’s it. I’m dead. Not hurt, not ‘oops try again.’ Dead. It’s a horrifying thought.” She inhaled, blinked slowly, and exhaled. “But what makes all of that a little easier to bear, is the thought that I’ll have all of you there with me. Able to help me… hopefully.”


    “I’ve had similar thoughts.” I admitted.


    “Yeah?” She asked.


    “Yeah, but mine are a little different. I’m horrified that I won’t get there in time or see the danger in time and one of you will die because of it. Or that when the time comes for me to step up and help, I’ll cower and run.”


    “Yeah.” She bobbed her head slowly. “I’m sure the rest of the group have fears like ours, but I’m starting to like our chances, just looking around at us during training.” She breathed in and smiled, handing me the plate of food. “So, tell me what that look was about.” I was hoping she forgot. We’ll see how this goes, I guess.


    “Look? Oh, well I’m not sure. I just looked up and saw you and the boots and just got… fascinated, I guess. Just looking at them, you know? I like them.” She looked a little confused and shrugged.


    “Ok then, well I’ll see you in there soon I hope.” She smiled and walked back into the galley. I watched her as she walked, absorbing every curve, crease, and wrinkle. Lovely. I shook my head, feeling guilty for staring and started eating my food. I looked forward to hearing the click of Sable’s boots over the rest of the journey, enjoying that strange feeling of excited fascination I got when I looked at them, and at her. Though not excited by the strange feelings of guilt and shame I got from looking.


    I don’t get it. It’s just looking right? Why do I feel so ashamed, and awkward about it? I’m not hurting anybody, I’m not having any weird thoughts, I’m just admiring… I sighed, annoyed, and pushed the thoughts aside, feasting on my food, and diving back into my training with extra vigor before some lessons and sleep.


    My thoughts, and our training was interrupted the next day by the hurried footsteps of what turned out to be Céírde running down the stairs.


    “You guys! Hurry! You must see this!” We looked at her, confused but interested. Then we looked to our mentors. Gathaen sighed, Zanataz smiled and nodded.


    “Go ahead.” We ran up above deck with Céírde to find the rest of the group peering over the port side of the ship’s railing. Keokin waved us over to an empty spot. I looked out over the ocean, at first everything was normal, then I noticed a massive shadow coming up from the depths. The shadow turned bright as the head of a giant creature broke the surface.


    A massive creature began to break the surface of the water slowly revealing more of its massive body. Just behind its off-white-colored head, there was a hole. From it came a tremendous noise and a jet of water at least seventy or eighty feet into the air. As it rose higher out of the water, another hole blew a second geyser. I was awestruck. The creature was massive. At least two hundred feet long. I stared, mouth open, as it continuously rose till it was taller than the railing of the ship by at least ten feet, revealing two large fins, and one below the waves that lazily moved the creature forward. Slowly it started to sink back into the waves.


    We felt the ship lurch, pushing us further towards the creature. I looked over to see another one on the other side of the ship, even closer, making a noise, like a high and low pitched whine. I stood there stunned, as several crewmembers ran to the railing to see it up close, the same massive geyser’s blowing high into the air. I was startled, feeling the ship lurch as the massive creature surfaced. Céírde grabbed my arm, helping keep me stable.


    “Don’t worry. They’re friendly.” She said somewhat giggling. “They’re just messing with us. They’re called Bone Head Whales.” Bone Head Whales? I never read about them. I looked back at the other whale on the port side, it had rolled in the water, raising all three of its fins sixty feet into the air, slowly moving away from the ship before stopping. Céírde patted my back as she grabbed the railing. “Brace yourself!” I grabbed on and held strong as the fins came down with tremendous speed, pushing a large wave of water up onto the deck, sweeping several crewmen from one side to the other.


    The water was cold but not unbearable. I shivered from the initial wetness. Both the crew and Céírde were laughing, I chuckled, but was mostly in awe at the enormousness of the two creatures. I heard another puff and turned to see a third and fourth whale behind the ship. There are so many of them. Are they all going to splash us? “Croí! Brace!” I ducked into the railing as a wave passed over me from the other side. Their version of playing around seems a little rough. We shouldn''t be near the railings. Me and Céírde laughed as we picked up Keokin, who blew water out of his nose with a smile.


    “Oh, it’s so salty!” He complained. We laughed and prepared for another wave. I was amazed by the whales, their power and grace, as well as how careful they were for such massive creatures. Then a thought came to mind, after seeing what looked like scars on the bone colored heads of some of the whales as they passed us by, most of them splashing us with a massive wave. A thought turning to a worrisome question. Are there predators that eat these creatures? Things bigger than them? I looked at the biggest of the whales, roughly three hundred feet long, as it glided through the water at the back of the group, passing the ship by and catching up with the rest of them. I turned and went to Edorin.


    “Captain.” I saluted.


    “At ease. What is it Croí?”


    “I was wondering. I saw scars on some of those whales, and was thinking, is there something big enough to eat them?”


    “Aside from the Leviathan? Not that I’m aware of. There are several creatures that can attack the whales when they are young, up to the hundred-foot range, but nothing that can get to them when they’re that big, and not when they’re in pods, usually.”


    “Would those predators be able to attack this ship?”


    “They could, yes, but they usually wouldn’t. They do from time to time, but as soon as they see or taste that the ship is made of wood, they leave it alone. Some on the other hand, are smart or lucky enough to have figured out that there are people on the ship, so they go fishing for us. But those are rare, we’re more like snacks to them, not something they’d want. Think about it this way, would you rather eat the nice thick piece of grilled chicken on your plate, or a single pea, or kernel of corn?”


    “The chicken.”


    “Exactly. To creatures big enough to tackle ships this size, we’re peas, or a few kernels of corn. Not worth the effort.”


    “But you said the Leviathan ate several ships.”


    https://www.tumblr.com/coldthane/711513152945340416/the-bonehead-whale?source=share


    “Yes well, it didn’t eat my ship. I don’t know what kept me safe from it that day.” He stared off into the water as he spoke, his eyes seemed to glaze over, and for the first time since I’d known him, a look of fear gripped him just for a moment, then he blinked and shook his head slightly, looking back at me. “That… monstrosity was unique, as far as I’m aware, something from myth and legend. It’s likely the only one, or one of very few. Doesn’t follow the patterns of nature, and as we don’t know where the Antilek are, or how to contact them, we’ll likely never know. But, to alleviate your fears, we are likely safe on this ship, don’t worry.”


    “Ok then. Thank you Captain.” I smiled and went below deck to finish up training.


    At dinner, Klintock’s boots were finished. They looked different from Sable’s in some ways. I didn’t get that same feeling of fascination from them, but they looked cool. Almost like Edorin’s, but not as shiny.


    “How do they fit?” Lánn asked expectantly.


    “They’re great! Not too tight, not too loose. Thank you both.” He made a slight bow to Lánn and William who nodded back.


    “We’re getting good at this.” Lánn said excitedly. When I looked at William, he was just glaring at me. I sighed and went off to the corner to read up on things in the legends book.


    There was an entry for a place instead of a creature or plant. It was called the Bowels. The observer found a large opening, somewhere on the Northwestern portion of the mountain. The opening was nearly covered in green moss. Apparently, he thought it was a wall and fell through it while taking a rest on a scouting mission. Inside, the floor, walls, and ceiling were hard, black, smooth stone, looking man made. He lit a torch and observed that it went deeper. He ventured into the cave deeper and deeper until it came to a three-way split. One of the directions was blocked by rubble, the other had webbing. Fearing it to be the lair of Bháis, he fled and rejoined his group. He couldn’t pinpoint its location on a map, and the group didn’t want to chance a run in with Bháis, so they moved on.


    I was curious about his description of the cave as ‘man made’. If it was, what would that mean? Are there people living on the Island? Or were they living there before, only to be killed or pushed off the Island by Bháis? I was intrigued, but not intrigued enough to go looking for it.


    “Hey Croí. It’s time to make your boots, come over here.” I looked up to see Lánn patting a chair next to her. Over there? With my feet up on a table where I’ll be at the mercy of William? No thanks. I glanced at William then back to her skeptically, then sighed and moved slowly over to the table. William glared as he sat there working on Céírde’s soles. “William. Remember what we said, if you can’t focus on your work then go somewhere else.” William glared at her, then grabbed his things with angst and moved slowly to another table, keeping his back to us. “Feet up.” She told me, I put them up, feeling embarrassed as she blocked in the basic shape onto some rough leather soles. “Ok, you can put them down for a minute.” I did so quickly.


    “Is there any way I can help?” I asked. She squinted at me with pursed lips for a second.


    “Sure. You can cut out more of these shapes in this.” She gave me one of the shapes she had cut and pointed at the thick leather. I set about making myself useful, finishing several before I remembered food was ready. Fish and potatoes with carrots, delicious the way they cooked it. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.


    While I was eating, there was something that kept coming to mind, something I needed help with. Once my meal was eagerly consumed, I went to find Edorin. He was the one that I thought could help me. Tomorrow was the tournament, and there was something I needed to do. It was terrifying, but that was why I needed to do it. I found him up on the quarter deck at the helm and approached him.


    “Captain.”


    “At ease.” He kept his eyes on the ocean ahead of him.


    “I want to ask you something, it’s about the tournament tomorrow. I’m not sure if it’s allowed but I wanted to ask.” I paused, nervously fiddling with my hands waiting for a response.


    “Go on.” He urged.


    “I want to fight William.” He glanced slightly in my direction.


    “Why is that?”


    “Because I need to conquer fear. I need to get over my fear of Sacae, so that I can be ready for the Island, but in order to do that, I have to start at the lowest rung of my fears with William.” Edorin sat motionless, aside from occasionally blinking, for ten agonizing seconds. Then he glanced in my direction and nodded, then went back to steering the ship. I’ll take that as a yes. Ok then, time to get ready. “Thank you, Captain.” I saluted and went below deck to get some rest to prepare for tomorrow.