The Isles of the Cutlass Sea: The 13th Paladin (Volume V) by Weitze Torsten

Author:Weitze, Torsten
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-12-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

It didn’t take Ahren long to find the beach. He dragged his weary body out of the water and onto dry land. As far as he was concerned, they could sail back to the mainland the following day, and not a moment too soon. The sea seemed to have it in for him. From now on he would show the ocean more respect. He rubbed his aching arms and legs, which were dotted with circular bruises where the octopus’s tentacles had attached themselves to his skin. The spots burned like fire, his skin was hot and swollen.

Ahren trotted quickly over to Trogadon, who was lying on the grass on top of the cliff, humming quietly up at the stars, the empty rum-skin beside him. By now, an ugly dull pain was throbbing throughout the young man’s limbs. No sooner had he reached his belongings than he fished out a soothing ointment from his little bag of healing herbs, which he always carried on his belt for emergencies. Much to his relief he discovered that the cream worked, but just to be sure, he still chewed on some herbs which were an antidote to potential poisoning. Then he painfully pulled on his clothes while Trogadon got back up on his feet, a troubled look on his face.

‘Are you feeling alright?’ asked the dwarf, pointing at Ahren’s bruises. Although the look on his face suggested otherwise, the Forest Guardian nodded quietly. Trogadon immediately cheered up and he slapped Ahren energetically on the shoulder. ‘Then it won’t be long before you’ll be telling everyone your fantastic maritime yarn.’ he said encouragingly.

‘You mean, how I nearly drowned while you were having a great time up here knocking back the rum? Oh yes, the others will be sure to love my story,’ responded Ahren, his tone rather too biting, as the pair began making their way back towards the mountain.

Trogadon stroked his beard, his embarrassment all too evident. ‘I’m just useless when it comes to water,’ he said, genuinely crestfallen. ‘Dwarves cannot swim, our bodies are too heavy. HE, WHO IS designed us to be inside mountains.’

‘Selsena was there for me anyway,’ said Ahren, steering the conversation in a new direction. He had immediately regretted his sharp tone. ‘She really seems to have grown used to her watery residence.’

They walked on in silence, taking a direct route through the forest, while the moon slowly sank in the cloudless sky. Ahren was intensely aware of the different smells in the night vegetation, and he started wondering about where the aromas were coming from. With a sigh, he gently rubbed the bark of a tree. He realised he would always be a Forest Guardian at heart, no matter where his journey took him.

As they continued their march Ahren noticed that the dwarf was picking up small fragments of rock every now and again and putting them in his rucksack.

‘We have what we need,’ said Ahren irritably. ‘I don’t think another two dozen arbitrary shards will be necessary.

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