The Other Tide

Chapter VI

She looked out on the water, seeing the island in the distance. The seagulls above squawked as they followed the ship's sails. The wind blew through their hair, casting a golden hue on their faces. They had already set sail that morning, leaving Tarlo behind. "And that necklace of yours is the key to the map." Cassian pointed to the small mirror shaped necklace that hung around her neck. She looked down, holding onto it. "My mother's necklace is the key to this map?" She raised an eyebrow. He nodded. "Precisely." He wiggled his eyebrows with a smirk. She rolled her eyes, shaking her head. They stood at the front of the ship, admiring the view. She wore that dress Runa lent to her. It was a light blue, with a white corset. The corset had a pretty design with a blue bird. It was still pretty moveable, if needed. "Captain!" Mohan called out, causing the two to turn. "Take a look!" He handed over his spyglass to Cassian as he approached. "An enemy ship." His face became serious. "What is it?" She asked, looking out. Cassian turned, walking to the quarter deck. "Hoist the sails!" He yelled, Mohan copying his words as the men hurried to their stations. Sariah climbed up the stairs. "What's going on?" She asked, seeing as Cassian seemed deep in thought. A hand gripped her arm, pulling her back down the stairs. "Come on, you'll be safe down below." Oxi dragged her down the hatch. "What is going on? Why is everyone so serious or in a panic?" She asked again, following behind him. "An enemy ship was spotted heading the same course. It is most likely going to attack if we are not careful." He informed her, letting go of her. The cannons rolled, men filling the cannonballs into the cannons. "Attack?!" Her boots clomped behind Oxi. "Don't worry, these men know what they're doing." Oxi reassured her, leading her to the kitchens. "Take this." He handed her a dagger. "Use this if necessary." He gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze before leaving her. The cook called her over, telling her she could hide in the pantry. She couldn't help but feel panic. She fidgeted with her necklace, looking out the small window. She noticed the sails looked familiar, the boat itself looked too familiar. A flag raised above, causing her to gasp. "Father!" She rushed past the cook, running back up to the main deck. "Steady the cannons!" Arien shouted, raising his hand in the air. "Wait!" She called out to Cassian. Both Oxi and Cassian turned, seeming concerned that she was up here. "Akira, take her back down." Cassian ordered. Akira stepped forward. "Come on, it's not safe up here." Akira gently placed a hand on her shoulder. She walked past him, up the stairs to face the Captain. "I know that ship." She exclaimed, taking her last step to him when all of the sudden cannons from the navy ship whistled towards them. "Take cover!" Mohan yelled, men ducked down as cannons flew past or hit the side of the ship. Cassian grabbed onto Sariah's arms, pulling her down. "Steady men!" Arien called. "Ready, aim...." Cassian's hands never left Sariah's side. "What do you mean, you know that ship." He asked, his eyes narrowing. She looked up at him. "It's one of the royal navy's ships. The most powerful one on that fleet." She warned, the intensity of her gaze was strong. "For heaven sakes, my father is on that ship!" She raised her voice slightly, yelling over the guns and cannons firing. "The General of the royal navy is commanding that ship." Cassian turned his head, looking out at the ship. His eyes wandered to a cave nearby. "Head for that cave." He commanded the man at the wheel. The man nodded, turning the wheel. "Hold steady!" He yelled to the crew. 

Meanwhile on the navy ship, The General was watching the ship through his spyglass. "Hoist the sails!" He commanded, the men hurrying to stations. "Sir, are you sure they have your daughter?" One of the Sargents asked. "I know she is on that ship." He was determined to bring his daughter home. "And I won't stop until she is back home." He sounded serious, determined to get his beloved daughter back.

The two ships sailed through the nasty waters, following one another. Orders were being barked back and forth. "Hold onto something!" Cassian yelled as the boat made a sharp turn. Sariah stumbled to the edge, squealing before she caught herself. "Sariah!" Oxi quickly grabbed onto her, holding onto a rope. She held onto him, the ship steadying. The Hornwood ship seemed to be steady, avoiding the rocks. "We lost them." Mohan informed Cassian. It seemed calm as the ship traveled through the cave. Oxi let go of Sariah, making sure she was steady. "You okay?" He asked. She nodded. "Yes, I'm alright. Thank you." They smiled at each other, having an understanding. Sariah turned, watching as the water started to glow as they ventured more. She stepped down the stairs, looking over the edge. "Mermaids.." She gasped, amazed at seeing such creatures.