Abyss

CHAPTER 6

- THE FANG OF GRYNDALE -

The waves of the Regimere trampled over the harbor of Everfrost. Its strong waters had been swinging back and forth all day and night, trying to taunt those people living near the sea.

Though, it seemed that some citizens were already used to its condition — considering that they have seen no violent or surprised reactions from them. Almost seemed like a normal day for the land of trades, one should say.

Ophelia had already given them a place to stay for the night, the nightly inn of the Gryndale's Fang, named from the creatures that laid upon the lost city itself.

Not only the Regimere was the one famous in this nation. No, Gryndale was also a noted spot for sailors. It was another place for treasure for some had claimed that at night, the lost city can be seen shining in the midst of the moonlight — showing its gold colors to those who seek.

However, Darius knew that if Everfrost did travel the place, they would've been rich than Arkenheilm.

Rumors had spread like wildfire that the city of Gryndale has its own protector just like the sea of Regimere. That was probably one of the reasons why most of the citizens never knew the real tale behind that place. All they had caught glimpse of was a dragon-like creature lurking underneath the waters.

Unlike the one in Regimere, this creature wasn't the one to show its face. People said that as soon as the boat reaches its territory, there was no guarantee that they would be able to return to Everfrost or even gain entrance to Arkenheilm. It was a sudden death zone as they had assumed.

But the creature doesn't roam like Azvathan. It sleeps and it guards Gryndale day and night. It acts as soon as someone dares to enter its place.

The one who had passed this story was probably one of the sailors who had taken a peek at Gryndale at a safe distance.

"Well, I'll call Fang for you so we can arrange some rooms for your crew to stay in," Ophelia stated before pointing at the vacant seats around. They only nodded and followed the lady's order, their eyes wandering to stare at the decor of the inn. It wasn't that crowded, considering that most of the people had probably left to go back to their homes.

The only person there was an old man drinking his sorrows away — eyes closed and snoring. He seemed to be sleeping in this spot as usual instead of going home with the others. Judging by how comfortable he was on his seat, Darius could tell that he visited the inn regularly.

Maybe he lost his wife or something. No one could be that lifeless. Eyes dull and lips beat black and purple.

A voice rang out from the other door, making Darius' focus go back to the innkeeper. The man had a black vest, brown eyes directed to the captain with curiosity. His dark boots and eyepatch already made sense to Darius that he was one of the second crew that went near Gryndale.

"So, you're the sailors that Ophelia had told me about? Such brave souls you have."

Darius made sure to note not to piss the man off, considering that a pocket knife was already tied to the man's coat. Though, he couldn't help but ask about the person on the very end.

"Are you sure that man's soul hasn't been taken away earlier?" Fang had then turned his attention towards the old man sitting on a stool with his head right on the counter — probably sleeping. His gaze then returned to the Mediterranean's captain before he chuckled as soon as he recognizes who the man was pointing at.

"Ah, that old fella? He's one of the first sailors that traveled Gryndale if that's what you're asking." As the name of the city was mentioned, the old man's hand quickly grasped his empty bottle and pointed it strictly at the two — his eyes dark with hatred as he made sure that topic was avoided at all cost.

The old man then started with Darius, his eyes almost wanting to kill him at this point. "Never think of going to that place, lad. You shall never come back alive if you do. That city and the sea is alive and its mouth swallowed my crew whole."

"What do you mean, 'swallowed', sir?" Aloysius' attention was immediately grabbed as soon as he heard the word. Mouth and swallowed were words that shouldn't describe a city and sea, Darius could say. But, when people start talking about creatures under the sea, it shouldn't be a surprise anymore.

The man was about to continue but the innkeeper already stopped him — raising his hand so the old man wouldn't continue his sentence. "Maybe we can discuss this tomorrow? I'm sure your travels already made you tired? Let me show you all to your rooms."

Darius' eyebrows furrowed at this. Surely, if these sailors were interested in Gryndale, they'd talk about it. But, this innkeeper was other news. It seemed like he was avoiding at all cost. Though, Darius knew that he shouldn't even question. All of them had rough pasts that doesn't want anyone to know.

As the Mediterranean followed the steps of Fang, the old man tried to stop the two young lads who were in charge of the crew. "You two, watch your steps now."

Darius and Aloysius looked at each other with confused gazes before deciding to listen to the old man. This time, he almost looked like he was sober — eyes not drooping and posture immediately still.

"That man is not to be trusted with what lurks in Gryndale. I wish you the best travels lads. But don't let the two guardians of Gryndale catch you," the old man said before his eyes widened to what he saw behind the two travelers. The drunkard immediately changed his expression, becoming aggressive in a second as he swings his empty bottle — shattering it into pieces once it came in contact with the wooden bar top.

A 'tsk' sound came from behind and the two friends already knew that it was Fang.

"Ah, making another mess, old man? You should go home now."