The Tale of Cloran Hastings by Brandon M. Dennis

Author:Brandon M. Dennis [Dennis, Brandon M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Fantasy, General, Juvenile Fiction, Fantasy & Magic
ISBN: 9780615724331
Google: shvnzO_cSd8C
Amazon: 0615724337
Publisher: BookBaby
Published: 2012-11-01T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Pale-Faced Hospitality

Cloran and crew stood aboard the dinghy in the shallows of the island. Arrayed on the island was the host of women, downcast and sorrowful due to their loss, but striking in the morning sunlight. The Lady with the Red Hair came forward to bid the sailors farewell.

“I wish our parting could be a more joyous one. Perhaps you could stay longer?”

“If only the sea could give us the time,” said Cloran, standing tall at the front of the dinghy. “But there is an important matter that we must attend to and time is not on our side. I fear we have delayed too long already.”

The Lady nodded.

“I understand. Go then, and fulfill you duties. Thank you for your help with the creatures from the sea. This is not the first time they have raided this island, and had you not been here, today would have turned out just as bad as before.”

Abruptly, the Lady drew close to Cloran and spoke softly, so only he could hear.

“As special as your relationship is with the Sea, I know her much more intimately,” she said, looking Cloran in the eyes. Cloran frowned and raised an eyebrow, but the Lady kept on talking, quickly but quietly. “She chooses her objects of hatred on a whim, and once she has chosen, she never relents. She has chosen you, Cloran, and so be on your guard at all times. You never know what menace lies crouched and waiting behind each wave. For my part, I will watch and wait. You will not come to harm, as long as I am able to intervene.”

Cloran nodded and smiled. Certainly she did not intend to ride with them. There was no room on the ship for her, especially if they would be bringing a princess back. Perhaps the best thing to do would be to thank her, and then set sail as swiftly as possible.

“Thank you Lady, your help is always appreciated. And now I must leave and sail north to Miotes. Farewell!” With that, the crew rowed towards the ship. They boarded her and raised the anchor. Cloran took the wheel and with the sailors at the oars, eased away from the island. The island got smaller and smaller until it disappeared completely. A large wave appeared behind them and soon overtook them. It lifted Wavegrazer and then lowered her, and the wave continued to go out before them until it collapsed back into the sea. They lifted the oars, pulled tight the halyards, and Cloran spun the wheel north. Wavegrazer, catching a strong wind, cut through every wave before her like a knife.

But when the ship had long gone and the sea showed no ripple, a head peeked out from the waters. The face was adorned with long, braided red hair, and the owner fully emerged and stood atop the waves. She closed her eyes, inhaled, and then faced north with her green, piercing gaze.

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