Michrinor: The Fates of The Heirs

Chapter 29 - The Path of Wisdom

Twilight had settled over Serahughes Lake, painting the sky in strokes of deep amber and violet. The ship had been cutting through the still waters for nearly four days, leaving only another day or so before they would reach the Region of Loxca. Ava stood at the stern, her eyes fixed on the fading horizon, the weight of their journey pressing heavily upon her small shoulders. The mist that began to rise from the lake only added to the sense of foreboding that clung to the group like a shroud.

Harvan joined her, his presence a comforting anchor amidst the uncertainty that lay ahead. "We're nearly there, Little Bean," he said softly, his gaze sweeping the darkening waters. "If the wind holds, we should reach Loxca by tomorrow evening. Try to rest, Ava. You will need your strength for what lies ahead."

Ava nodded, though she knew sleep would elude her. The events of the past days had been relentless, and despite the nearing end of their voyage, her heart remained uneasy. She glanced back at the others—Svonman, Lanonir, Taci, and the rest of their companions—each lost in their own thoughts, the strain of their mission etched on their faces.

As night fully descended, the mist thickened, swirling around the ship like a living entity. It crept over the deck, muffling the sound of the water lapping against the hull and casting the world in an eerie silence. Harvan frowned, his instincts alert to the unnatural shift in the air.

"Something is amiss," he muttered, his hand unconsciously resting on the hilt of his sword. He exchanged a glance with Lanonir, who had been keeping a vigilant watch from the bow. The warrior's sharp eyes scanned the fog, but it was as if the very air had swallowed their surroundings whole.

Suddenly, a faint sound reached them—a rhythmic splashing, almost imperceptible beneath the thick blanket of fog. It grew louder, more distinct, as if several oars were cutting through the water in unison. Lanonir's hand tightened on his bow, his voice low and tense. "We are not alone."

The warning was barely uttered before dark shapes began to emerge from the mist, shadowy vessels gliding silently toward them. There were no calls or shouts from the approaching ships, only the quiet menace of their advance. Harvan's heart sank as he recognized the figures aboard the lead vessel—clad in the unmistakable black armor of the Queen's elite soldiers.

"Prepare for battle!" Harvan barked, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. The crew and the group sprang into action, drawing weapons and taking defensive positions. Ava, her heart pounding, felt Svonman's reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Stay close, Ava," he said, his voice calm despite the looming threat. "We will protect you with our lives."

The Queen's forces struck with precision and ferocity, their grappling hooks latching onto the ship's sides as they boarded from every direction. The deck erupted into chaos as swords clashed and the cries of battle filled the air. Harvan and Lanonir fought side by side, their movements fluid and deadly, but the enemy's numbers were overwhelming.

Amidst the chaos, the two Momos, Meepat and Lundas, clung to each other near the mast, their big blue eyes wide with terror. Meepat, always the more emotional of the two, let out a series of frantic whistles, his fluffy ears quivering as he tried to find a safe spot. Lundas, despite the dire situation, remained optimistic, his carefree nature pushing him to comfort his friend.

"We'll be alright, Meepat," Lundas chirped, his voice a high-pitched whisper as he nudged his companion. "Just stick with me. We'll find a place to hide!"

The two Momos scurried across the deck, dodging the clashing swords and stomping feet with surprising agility. At one point, Meepat's jumpy nature got the better of him, and he accidentally leaped three times higher than a human, landing on a sailor's head. The startled man swatted at what he thought was an enemy, only to find the tiny Momo staring back at him, wide-eyed and innocent.