The Princess of Two Worlds

chapter nine

Everyone cheered when they reached the open sea. Never had the sparkling crystal blue waves splashing against each other to create a flurry of white sprays seemed so inviting. Now that they were on a smaller boat, Ev was able to reach down and place her hands in the cool water. Bringing her fingertips to her lips, her eyebrows raised. So it was true that the salty air matched the water's taste!

Leo placed down the scroll and scratched his jaw. "We came out of here and ended out here. We can't be in this small vessel forever, we'll have to see if there's some land with a village."

"You really think there is one around here? I doubt any is marked on the map." Arlo said.

The General sighed and crossed his arms. "Alright, Princess. This is the moment where you need to prove yourself useful."

Her mouth dropped open. "I have proved myself many times, thank you very much!" Nevertheless, she set to work. Going to the bow of the boat, Evaline kneeled down. Suddenly, her eyes flashed and her once pure purple eyes turned into a glowing mix of lilac, sky blue, magenta, and indigo. They scoured the landscape, almost desperately.

The General put a hand on her shoulder but she slapped his hand away and he cursed. "No, she's too deep in." He muttered. Spinning her around, he shook her slightly. "Snap out of it, Princess. Don't forget where you are."

She blinked, shook her head, then blinked again, her eyes turning back into their original shade. "Thank you." Looking behind him, Ev smiled shyly at the two men who seemed amazed but also concerned. "I'm okay. It happens. There's a village not that far away in the South. But I think there's a storm brewing."

Leo sighed. "We can't avoid it. We need to get to that village. Get ready everyone and tie down the bags. Things are only going to get worse from here on out."

Jasper smirked. "I do like a bit of a challenge. I may only be a knight but thick sailor blood runs through my veins."

"Then now's the time to show your skills, mate," Arlo said, grabbing a rope and tossing it to him. "Sit in between the benches, Your Highness, to keep yourself more safe. You'll get wet but it'll be better than having you tossed overboard."

Nodding, she slid in between the boards, and underneath the wood, she could feel the waves become choppier and the winds begin to pick up more. Putting her hood over her head, she silently prayed, 'Dear heavens, keep us safe.'

Nature was relentless against the three and soon ignoring the protests of Leo, Evaline began to help, picking up a bucket and tossing out the ice-cold water only having it to be thrown right back in. She attempted to keep herself steady as they were jostled left and right. Many times, Jasper came to pull her up again to which she was thankful for. If only she could see and maintain her balance! She thought she had mastered her weak link, yet perhaps not.

Suddenly Arlo yelled. A flash of white lightning cracked the sky, to which it was so blinding, that even she could make out faint color. Thunder growled and before she knew it, she was engulfed in a wave. Kicking as hard as she could and blowing bubbles out of her nose just as her brother had taught her when they were young, she was finally able to reach the top but not before being slammed with another high wave, her body feeling as though it was being trampled on by a thousand elephants.

'Is this it? Is this how I am going to die? Wait, no, I can't!' Ignoring those dastardly thoughts, Evaline once again went above the water and took a large gasp of air. Looking around to see if she could hear any signs of life, she started to yell out the names of her friends. More fear started to creep in slowly. All she could do was just swim out of the storm, it would be better that way. She started to kick when all of a sudden she felt something touch her back making her scream and turn around.