Beyond the Rabbit Hole

The Dread Sea

The next morning, Alyss, Morgyn, and Benard rode quietly in the back of the carriage Ash prepared for them.

"We're here," said the coachman.

Alyss and Morgyn departed first, bubbling with curiosity that could boil over at any minute. Benard scratched his head, watching the utter shock envelop them.

Alyss swallowed the lump in her throat and pushed forward first as a great maw of billowing darkness stretched across the horizon, and the harbor workers and civilians went on with their days as normal as any other.

"This is the Dread Sea?" Morgyn's voice trembled.

The expanse of undulating blackness was like a shroud covering a forest of nix, and the screaming remnants of lost souls echoed through the canopy, barely escaping their shadowy prison.

Morgyn forced himself to follow after his bolder half. He took a deep breath, pushing the nausea down to the depths of his stomach, lest it erupt from his throat and stain the ground in front of him.

"Are you all right, Morgyn?" Benard put a hand on the reaper's shoulder.

Morgyn looked up at Alyss. The energy in her strut as she marched toward the harbor despite the overwhelming sensation pushed Morgyn to nod and continue after her. He tried his best to mask his pain with a similarly stern gaze and stoic demeanor.

Benard's brow tensed with worry, but he couldn't find the words to say and only followed behind in silence.

To think, even with something like this, the people just go about their daily lives. Alyss clenched her fists. I suppose they can't feel these horrid sensations like we can. It's like a cacophony of tortured souls, shredded beyond recognition. "Dread Sea," she scoffed with a soft chuckle. "Aptly named." She took a deep breath and glanced behind her. I feel like I'm going to vomit any second now, so it must be even worse for him. Her eyes widened as she met Morgyn's gaze. Well, if he's keeping it together, then I need to as well. She cracked a smile and continued forward to the harbor.

Lines of docks spread out along the harbor and scores of workers carried crates and other goods through the shallow misty darkness oozing onto the platforms. Sturdy railings prevented any accidents while the people worked. Beside every dock was a massive elevator—each one nearly twenty feet long and fifty feet wide. These elevators were held aloft by thick bands of winding chains held up by rows of steel-reinforced wooden crane-like structures stretching all along the back of the harbor and towering over the docks. Five strong men worked a crank several docks down. Covered in sweat and their bodies enchained, they worked the elevator for several minutes.

Alyss grit her teeth as she watched. She placed a hand on the railing and squeezed.

Seeing the iron railing crumpling like paper in her hand, Benard rushed to her side and stepped in front of her as the whip cracked on the slaves' backs, signaling them to work harder.

Anger narrowed Alyss's eyes. "Get out of my way, Benard."

"I understand your frustration," Benard pleaded. "But we cannot afford to make an enemy of the empire. Not right now."

Alyss contemplated his words but wasn't convinced. She attempted to brush past the old soldier.

"We're already short on time as it is," Benard insisted. "The journey to Deeprine Castle is a long one, and I need to reach Autumnrock in twenty days."

"He's right, Alyss." Morgyn betrayed the pain displayed on his face and placed a hand on Alyss's shoulder. "It could also get Ash into trouble if we cause a scene here."