Seafarers

Chapter 18

Chapter 18- Fate

Governor Zaccheus stood with a sharp spear woven with his hands and Shadows guarding him and Ruqa. Eutha and Nico stood at the opposite end of the boat. They were so close to the edge, Nico even thought he would slip and descend to his impending doom. Zaccheus giggled, "Let me guess, you are here to bargain". , "Indeed–", before Eutha could say a word Zaccheus swung the spear, beheading Ruqa. Nico fell to his knees in despair, "We were too late" he wailed. Eutha gnarled back, "You are the definition of a monster". Worst of all, Zaccheus seemed to be enjoying and taking pleasure in the suffering and pain of others. "And now I have you. It was all a trap laid down by the genius, The Demon King, in Raiknos' absence". Eutha knew he was right. Nico and Eutha were doomed, the Light Love was too far away. Zaccheus had predicted this. Then, suddenly the swish of a sword could be heard. The sword swung, slitting the throats of many Shadows. Zaccheus walked back away in fear. The wielder of the sword made his grand appearance, Peleg, the Mage. Or Mage-in-training at least. "I see you picked a new move", Eutha retorted. Eutha dragged the grieving boy, as the three hopped into Peleg's vessel, the Lousy High, and drifted off into the void that was the sea. It would be difficult for the Demons to pursue as they were not running low on resources, but had another mission in mind. The Lousy High was being carried awkwardly by the stormy, rainy winds. Nico had not spoken a word since the incident with Zaccheus. Peleg was busy with his magic stuff. For once, Eutha felt lonely, and missed her father. It's like what Peleg went through after Tepan's death, and now Nico with Ruqa, she thought to herself. Finally she drifted off to a dream, If only I had a sibling whom I could share my thoughts with...

Eutha had woken to a cloudy morning. Warm porridge was served by Peleg, who surprisingly cooked well. Peleg was having a jolly time trying to slice fruits in mid-air with his blade. Nico, on the contrary, did not even pick up the spoon to eat. Before she ate, Eutha tried encouraging Nico to eat his food and even offered her a bowl, but Nico wouldn't say a word. Sometimes fate just determines what happens, whether or not you like it.

The Lousy High sailed to green, lush, White Tiger Island. Despite the sunny weather, the mood was just as doom and gloom as it had been. Eutha, Peleg, and Nico had barely talked to each other during their journey. The Dandy Bow, was seen resting at the shores, which meant Bishan, Randell, and Ilta had made it with the survivors. A lone fisher was swinging his rod back and forth trying to lunge for some unlucky prey. Then he widened his eyes as he saw the Lousy High approaching, and started calling out the name, "All Hail Queen Eutha!", and he wasn't alone. Hundreds of Revolutionaries were gathered around chanting her. Eutha watched, with guilty eyes. She had failed her people, Ruqa had died for one of the most random reasons. Although she knew she couldn't save everyone, she somehow had to feel responsible for the events that had taken place. She always felt lustful. What would my father have done if he was in my place as she thought to herself? Eutha, Peleg and Nico made their grand entrance. Even the survivors from Acheron were there. But the crowd's excitement died out when they realized Ruqa wasn't with them. And then there were murmurs. Then, instead of Peleg or Eutha, it was Nico who spoke, "The ruthless cruel commander... Zaccheus murdered my sister in cold blood, in front of my eyes. I have stayed quiet for too long. This is why they have to be stopped. I will continue to lead my people, so that won't ever happen again". Nico's words had moved and almost enlightened the listeners. Even Ilta who sat in was smiling while tears dropped from eyes. It was a bittersweet moment. And then it began, the chanting, "Hail Queen Eutha!", as even Peleg started chanting her name. Eutha knew she didn't deserve it, but she knew someone who did. She did not know the consequences of her next action, but nevertheless continued. She announced, "I could not even protect my own people, how I am to be queen. No. Ilta shall be queen!". The voices suddenly silenced. For a moment, Eutha actually thought the Revolutionaries were not going to approve of this decision. And then they started chanting, "Queen Ilta!". The True Queen she sighed and thought to herself as she walked away. Now this adventure was over. She was to begin a new chapter, where she was just another ordinary female fighter. But fate had a way of changing that.