Lyondestiny

Chapter 2

The next few weeks were tense. Even the ocean wind seemed to grow hot every time it passed over the deck of their Brig. The Queen and Prince were at the apex of the oven. It was typical of sila'ch elves, something Marisa would never grow envious of. The pestering and cold social posturing they did amongst their own family. She had hoped that this clan was a bit different from the rest of the Elven clans, but Elves were still Elves. Prideful warriors who lauded skill and intelligence; strength and power. Real savages, even if they like to pretend they were not. Yet the sun rose for them, just as it did for mice and butterflies. Accepting the sun's invitation, she rose a bit later than she was used to as helmsman. Nonetheless, she was grateful as the mark of Kryg upon her chest laid dormant once more. She'd been with the Clucans for a month, a clan of oddballs who were supposed to be the sailing clan among the Elven droog. Those responsible for controlling the waterways located up north and maintaining trade with Junee. They were quiet. She walked over to Cain stretching the early morning off her body.

"Weather report,"

"Can't say runes on the long-eye ain't workin,"

"You sure it's not your age?"

Cain barked with laughter and closed the spyglass. He tossed to her wordlessly, which Marisa caught with ease. Uncharacteristic to humans, Marisa instantly tried to channel her spirit into it. However, the runes only faintly glowed the Cain said.

She cursed, "this is the 5th one that's stopped working ships equipment is running out of magic and another clan's on our hide." She opened the spyglass, hoping that putting her eye through it would yield results.

Cain shrugged and sighed. "Why do you care? Another clan wins we just move on to the next till we earn our freedom out or you might be able to just escape."

"Don't want to take the chance on a zealous one. Also, I'm marked you git," she pulled on her sleeve, revealing a simple brown circle that resembled a birthmark.

Cain sucked his teeth, "unfortunate child,"

"I have already told you, slimdach"

"Insults aren't gonna jog my memory," Marisa huffed and leaned against the sail post. "Lighten up child, I said we can earn our freedom,"

"A lie fed to those farmed and fish-brained," Cain gave a heavy exhale. The sea breeze was silent and the ocean cradled their crew gently.

"I can't convince you but I can suggest holding your tongue." His eyes moved away from Marisa to tall shaded figure that glided towards them. "If I remember this clan isn't known for their hearing so you should be fine," Cain showed a bar of cracked and yellow teeth at her expense before taking a small bow. "My Queen,"

Marisa also bowed, but before she tried to channel her magic through her eyes. The young woman didn't know if it was possible, but it would've been nice to have blown her father's head off at that moment.

"Cain, Marisa. Navigator and Quartermaster. Time for words?" She head bowed to the left and to the right, respectively.

"Yes, my Queen" they announced in unison.

"I have need of you both, since I must address urgent matters to attend. Matters that do not concern my son right now because he must be focused on the coronation," Her form remained strange and sturdy like a weathered copper statue. Her hesitation, ironically momentary, was the cracks of all those years standing still. She pressed forward, "I fear, he is not prepared to face it without counsel, so I'm imploring you to accompany him to the capital for awhile."

Marisa was shocked. She dropped her bow to look at Cain in bewilderment and saw an equally pensive look on his face. A look she'd never seen from him, confusion and deep thought. The Queen snapped her fingers to regain their attention, her large flat black eyes indecipherable. Marisa dropped her stare and bowed again.