The Scratazon Chronicles Origins

Chapter 10

Sorenn's POV:

We were still in the Sea of Phoolimere and its ancient mists were so thick that we couldn't see an inch in front of our snouts. I was at the helm, steering the opposite of where the waves were coming in (in case you're confused, the ship is a sailboat of some sort), writing on my mission log all the while.

"Sorrenno Titanis mission log: My friends and I are on the way to the Great Tree and the Guardians of Tortuga'hoole! The Sea of Phoolimere's mists make sure that no Pure One would ever find it! These black waves teeming with salt foam would smother inexperienced mouths with pungent slime to choke 'em, engorging their organs till they turn blue and bloated with bilge and brine and can scream no more."

Everyone was impressed with my mission report, even if nobody listened to them in the past.

"I never thought he'd be quite the poet." Stardust whispered.

"We heard that." Mrs Featherstone said, coiling around my neck softly, but strong enough so as not to accidentally slip off. I steered as much as I could, hoping I don't take the wrong turn and end up in the northern kingdoms where it was so freezing, even the snow was blue. I even remembered the one excerpt from the Gazetteer of the Scratazon Kingdoms about that place.

'Past the Frost Narrows and the Everwinter Sea, amongst blue-white bergs gleaming brilliantly, lies a frigid land of warriors brave shedding senseless blood upon frozen wave. Others, choosing a life of contemplation, seek wisdom in the icy desolation. Icy contrasts are stunning and sharp, like black razor claws plucking a silver harp.'

That excerpt was inspiring, but in the situation I was in, it served as a reminder not to go to far away.

"We have to find the island!" Stardust called out.

"We're still in the mist." I reminded. "The tree must be on the other side. I can sense it's somewhere close by!" 

"It's getting a little closer than you'd think, captain." Wing Dagger said, pointing at a huge ship coming towards our vessel.

"HOLY SHIP!" Gylfinea and Terra shouted in unison as they embraced each other. Just as both vessels were on an imminent collision course, they both stopped unexpectedly. Then two scratazons in armor looked down upon us. They were guardians.

"Wing Dagger. We're glad that you're alright." One of them said.

"Thanks, your excellency." Wing Dagger said. "I brought along some friends."

"Yes, we know." The other guardian acknowledged. Then our vessel followed the larger ship through the sea until it soon calmed down. The we got past an archway until we were visualizing The Great Tree, headquarters of the Guardians of Tortuga'hoole. I couldn't believe my eyes. If only Klludd were able to see it. My friends and I climbed a rope ladder one by one, but I decided to come up last. When I got there, I was able to experience everything the Great Tree had. The sights. The sounds. It was captivating. I pulled out the sword Merrin gave me and had a determined expression, bent on finding the Scarlet Talon.