Journey and the Lost Treasure of Killer Cove

chapter 2

     Journey awoke in the stillness of the early morning, the faint light of dawn just beginning to filter through the small window of the orphanage dormitory. She slipped out of bed quietly, careful not to wake the other children. Her backpack, packed and ready, waited by the door. She took one last look around the room that had been her refuge and prison for the past three years. With a deep breath, she steeled herself for what lay ahead and slipped out the door.

     Max was already waiting by the edge of the town, the silhouette of his tall frame outlined against the first hints of sunrise. He grinned as she approached, lifting a hand in greeting.

     "Ready?"

     "Ready," Journey confirmed, her voice barely above a whisper.

     They moved quickly and silently through the deserted streets, the morning mist cloaking their movements. Max led the way to his grandfather's boathouse, a small, weathered structure perched on the edge of the bay. Inside, the air smelled of salt and old wood.

     The fishing boat, a sturdy little vessel named "The Seagull," bobbed gently in the water."Grandpa always leaves it ready," Max said, pulling the boat closer to the dock. "He says you never know when you'll need to set out to sea in a hurry."Journey nodded, helping Max untie the ropes.

     They loaded their supplies into the boat, double-checking that they had everything: the map, the compass, food, water, and blankets. Max's grandfather had taught him the basics of sailing, and Journey felt a rush of gratitude for the old man's wisdom.

     As they pushed off from the dock, the first rays of sunlight broke over the horizon, casting a golden glow on the water. Journey looked back at Boat Bay, the town growing smaller as they sailed away. A mix of fear and excitement churned in her stomach, but she pushed it down, focusing on the journey ahead.

     The sea was calm, the gentle waves lapping against the sides of the boat. Max took the tiller, guiding them out into open water. Journey sat beside him, the map spread out on her lap. She traced the route with her finger, her mind racing with thoughts of her father and the mysterious Thunder Cove.

     "We're heading northeast," she said, glancing up at Max. "We should hit the first landmark by midday."

     Max nodded, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "Got it. Let's hope the weather stays like this."

     They sailed in companionable silence, the hours passing with the steady rhythm of the sea. As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Journey spotted a rocky outcrop jutting out of the water. She checked the map and smiled. "That's it. The first landmark."

     Max adjusted their course, steering them toward the rocks. As they approached, Journey's excitement grew. The rock formation matched the drawing on the map perfectly, down to the peculiar shape of the largest rock, which looked like a giant's thumb.

     "This is it," Journey said, her voice tinged with awe. "We're on the right path."

     They navigated around the rocks, continuing northeast. The journey grew more challenging as they ventured further from shore. The sea became rougher, the waves taller. The clouds started to scream. Max struggled to keep the boat on course, his knuckles gripped the tiller.

     Journey held on tight to the boat, and gripped her dad's map.

     The waves crashed into the boat, rain pouring on the two. The largest wave imaginable emerged, the boat flew, and ultimately blew up. The two screamed, Journey held onto a plank from the boat, throwing her dad's map into her bag. She held on tight, losing sight of Max.

     "MAX!" She called "Max! Where are you!"

     No answer.

     Another wave crashed into Journey, sweeping her under the water, She fought to the surface, gasping for air, her heart pounding with fear and adrenaline. The storm raged around her, the sky a dark, swirling mass of clouds and lightning. The saltwater stung her eyes, but she kept them wide open, desperately scanning the churning sea for any sign of Max.

     "Max!" she screamed again, her voice hoarse and barely audible over the roar of the storm. "Please, Max, answer me!"