Dragon Prince

Chapter 18: Curses Are Meant To Be Broken

CHAPTER 18

CURSES ARE MEANT TO BE BROKEN

Certain losses really put things into perspective.

Be it pride, ego or even a magnificent ship; each take their toll on an individual and help them see things differently.

That neither they nor their possessions are invincible.

That doesn't mean their entire demeanor has to change - just a little part of them. Something that adds to their lessons from life.

Isaac watched as Neil flirted with Raine before smacked him upside the head and walked away. He was glad Neil had come back to his old self but he could see something else in his eyes as he looked at Raine.

Also, Callie seemed to be doing much better, though he'd caught her a couple days ago furiously wiping tears from her cheeks while she sat in the crow's nest.

She looked a little different without her hat but she was still as eccentric as ever. She was currently inspecting the sails again by hanging upside down from the yardarm.

They would soon reach Phitumari for supplies and had dutifuly removed the pirate flag lest Commodore Tarik swoops in to arrest them.

"For the last time you stupid bird, I'm not an 'it'," Isaac heard Arty tell Woogah.

The swift-gust had taken major damage to his wings since the pirate attack and had been treated by Mrs Pepper.

"It," the bird replied.

"Land ho!"

Isaac nearly jumped ten feet in the air when Callie landed right next to him, seemingly out of nowhere.

"I dare you to join us on the beach," she challenged.

He could say no. He could back away right now.

But he did not.

Which is what found him shirtless and barefooted on the beach with his trousers rolled up to his knees.

"This is ridiculous," he pointed out to Neil, who was also sporting his lack of clothing besides his breeches.

"At least we get to show off to the ladies," he remarked, flexing and grinning pointedly at Raine, seemingly unaware of the line of young maidens that had fainted at the sight in a domino fashion.

"You're ridiculous," Isaac corrected with a shake of his head.

Glancing at his right arm which still had his dragon mark, he couldn't help but think what his dragon would have said at a time like this.

He missed Osyren more than he'd care to admit.

Returning to reality, he focussed on his opponents on the other side of the net. He, Erik, Neil and Arty were up against Callie, Aurora, Kadi and Raine.

The moment he saw Callie though, his brain drew a blank. She had in knee length pants and a sleeveless green tunic with a black sash around her waist. Her hair was damp and she had pushed it back from her face to expose those lovely dark eyes.

"Get your head in the game, loverboy," Neil snickered.

Isaac glared at him. "I'm not a lover boy,"

"Oh, sure," Arty cut in. "We see how you and the Cap'n have your little moments,"

Mortified, Isaac turned away from them without a word.

"Have you kissed her yet?" Erik asked this time.

Arty and Neil guffawed.

"Let's just play this stupid game," Isaac grumbled.

"Aw, I bet he's too shy,"