The Voyager and the Rogue

Chapter 47

Two slow weeks dragged by as I taught Eyarr the sacred wayfinding methods I was taught. He faced more difficulties and took longer to understand everything than expected, but it didn't bother me much. I knew he preferred the sky to the sea, anyway. Either way, I was proud to share my knowledge with him, and it brought me a different, yet excited feeling to see how receptive he was.

Despite the challenges, he understood enough of the basics, so I wasn't the only one guiding the ship. I became very jittery when I finally realized how close we were.

And soon, I heard it before I saw it.

Adrenaline surged through me upon hearing the waterfall's roar and seeing the towering mist rise above the sea. We were here.

But now came the problem of getting close enough without the risk of overturning the ship too soon. I leaned overboard and peered at the water, spying the rocks at the bottom, and I swore for a moment... there were bones down there. Bones of sailors from centuries past were killed the moment they approached the waterfall, unaware of the rocks and abyss that lay before them.

I turned to Eyarr, giving him a nod. He gave one back and dropped the anchor, securing it in place.

Now it was a matter of waiting. Would Cliffire and Riptide know we were here? Surely they would... They were smart, and they knew our scents. I just hoped the mist didn't obscure it too much that they couldn't find us.

While we waited, I leaned on the ship's edge, taking in the salty sea air's smell and the gentle breeze blowing my hair around. The waterfall's roar was almost peaceful, although it was somewhat deafening. I could see the figures of the Sentinels on their respective posts, still as statues. They didn't move upon our arrival, and I took it as them knowing us to a degree.

I watched the water and the rocks for a while, and the sun began setting. I yawned, exhausted from the lack of sleep from navigating us here.

"Babe, come on, get some rest. We have enough supplies to last us while we wait." Eyarr encouraged.

"Are you sure?" He patted the anchor system with a grin.

"This thing isn't going anywhere. Just relax for a bit, okay?" I sighed in mild defeat, following my fiancé as he took a seat and patted a spot between his legs for me to sit. I yawned again and closed my eyes, allowing the boat's gentle rocking to lull me to sleep.

I didn't know how long I was asleep but I woke suddenly with a slight jolt. Eyarr had fallen asleep as well, probably not long after me. I stood and went to look at the waterfall again and then at the sky, which was approaching sunrise. I didn't initially see anything, but when I looked into the water, I nearly jumped out of my skin upon seeing intense yellow eyes.

"Holy shit-!" I shrieked. I stumbled backward onto the deck, startling Eyarr awake, who instinctively grabbed a dagger.

"What the fu-" He sleepily exclaimed. He immediately relaxed, seeing me.

"Thor's hammer, Laeli. You scared me. What happened?" He said, helping me up. I rushed back to the edge of the boat, and I saw the eyes again. And then I spied a very familiar figure rising up.

It couldn't be...

"Riptide!" I exclaimed, holding my hand out to him. His serpent-like head broke the water's surface, leaning forward to greet me and pressing his head against my chest. I could feel the vibrations of a guttural rumble from deep within his chest. I missed him so much and took a deep whiff of his intense salty scent.

Eyarr greeted Riptide with an affectionate scritch under the chin, which Riptide appreciated. And then he turned his head and roared toward the waterfall.