Merrileen the Reef Rider by Cyle Young

Author:Cyle Young [Young, Cyle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: A3 Publishing
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

6

Hate fills the caverns of an empty man’s soul.

Kethian Proverb

Merrileen ordered Jux to destroy the ship. His razor-sharp talons gashed the hull and the boat began to sink. A snap of his jaws around the thick mainmast sent splinters across the deck. The crow’s nest plummeted into the water along with its frightened occupant.

With the kick of her heels, Merrileen prodded Jux into the sky.

Xilgo had already set fire to the ship he’d attacked. Three distinct pillars of smoke rose high about the masts.

That was quick.

The remaining pirate ships were all in various stages of raising their mainsails. Some of the more distant ship had already departed.

“Father, should we give chase and destroy as many as possible?”

He didn’t respond.

She slipped one leg over the saddle giving her the ability to face him. His face was as white as bleached coral. He breathed, but only barely.

What happened?

From the front he looked fine, but when she peered over his back she found the reason. Jo-ban’s spear had lodged itself into father’s ribcage. The weapon split through his travel cloak and leather armor with ease. The broad megalodon tooth lodged in his back. Deep enough the saw-like edges would make removal impossible without the help of a healer.

“Hold on.” Meerileen braced her father. She slipped one arm behind his back to support him. With the other, she found an exposed area of draka hide and pressed her fingertips firmly against the reef’s blue hide. Closing her eyes, she focused all of her being into her emotions.

Jux needed to know what she felt. She needed some of that leftover magic to work right now.

Without delay, the reef barked an agitated call. His wings churned as fast as Merrileen had ever seen.

Get us home.

Merrileen wasn’t normally a religious person, but she prayed with all her might. Ol just had to hear her cry for mercy. Father couldn’t lose his vigor. Not now. She still needed him. Mother still needed him. He had so much good left to do in Kelldonia.

She clutched father into her chest, while the ocean blurred beneath them. “Hold on, Father. Hold on.”

Within minutes, Jux had carried them home. Deciduous forest traded places with the ocean below. They approached a complex of two-story stone buildings surrounded by an aging stone wall. A mixed race crowd loitered in the courtyard and upon sight of the reef draka a victorious cheer erupted.

But there was no great victory for Merrileen. Not while father was hurt.

The multi-colored crowd separated enough that Jux could land in the cobblestone courtyard. The draka landed amid much fanfare, but Merrileen wished they would all shut up.

“Help! I need help.” Merrileen cried out to the onlookers. “I need a healer.”

A short Dwarol man, no more than four feet high, rushed to her side. He carried the customary belt pouches of a healer. A much taller man hurried alongside him. The men helped retrieve father from the saddle. Holding tight to father’s upper arm, she guided him into the awaiting hands. The Dwarol healer examined the wound as Jux dropped to his belly.

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