Half Heart Hero: Rise of Sifa [Book 2]

Talon Clan

Raya had hoped they might make it to the port of Talon by nightfall. But without Sisu pushing, the boat drifted only as fast as the current. She watched as the sun sank lower in the sky. By the time it dipped below the horizon, the land surrounding them was still dense forest.

The Druun were never far away, but they came out more at night. Raya, Sisu and Boun watched from the deck of the boat as an eerie darkness swept through the trees near the shore. Raya patted Tuk Tuk who was trembling in fear. "I know, buddy."

"You know, during the day, you can almost forget they're here, but at night... This is why I never leave the boat," Boun said, his eyes huge and frightened.

"You're a smart kid," Raya said, remembering he was only a child.

"What are Druun, anyway?" Boun asked.

"A plague. Born from human discord. They've always been here. Waiting for a moment of weakness to attack. They're like the opposite of dragons." Sisu said. "Instead of bringing water and life to the world, they're like a relentless fire that consumes everything in its wake until there's nothing left except ash and stone."

"They took my family," Boun said.

Sisu picked up some flowers and walked to the edge of the boat and dropped petals into the water. "They took mine, too," she said as she dropped petals into the water.

Boun joined her, who gave him some flowers. As he began dropping petals, Raya came over. She dropped one single flower into the river, for her father. As the boat continued on, moving away from the Druun, the petals floated when they fell.

*****

They arrived in the city of Talon at dusk. Despite the evening hour, the port was bustling. Over centuries the Kumandra River had sunk lower and lower as the emerald water dwindled. Talon had adapted by building their docks lower and lower. Ladders connected the series of long wooden walkways that extended into the river at odd angles.

A thriving marketplace had sprung up atop these many boardwalks. Stalls decorated with colorful lanterns were crammed side by side on their docks. As they floated into port, Raya saw merchants selling everything from vegetables and seafood to clothing and jewelry. The thick humid air was heavy with the smells of food and the cries of vendors hawking their wares.

"Looks like we're here. So, where are you guys heading after Talon?" Boun asked. "I might be heading there, too. I mean, for a fee, of course."

"Of course," Raya said.

Sisu leaned over the edge of the boat, smiling approvingly. "Wow! What a smart way to Druun-proof your house," she said. "Build right on the water. People of Talon are geniuses."

"Yeah. Talon may look nice, but it's a hot spot for pickpockets and con artists."

Sisu turned her pockets inside out. "Lucky for me. Empty pockets!"

"Okay, so here's the good news," Raya said. "I know where the gem piece is. The bad news? It's being held by the notorious chief of Talon, Dang Hai. What Dang Hai lacks in style, he makes up in mean.""

"Gotcha," Sisu nodded. "Now, we're just gonna have to turn up the charm. Let's go get him a gift." She was about to get off the boat before Raya stopped her.

"Sisu, I think maybe it's safer for you to stay here on the boat," Raya said.

Sisu's mouth opened in surprise. "What?"

"Without you, we can't put the gem back together," Raya explained.

"But I wanna help," Sisu argued.

"I know, and you will. By staying safe," Raya said. "I'll be back before you know it."