The Aeronaut's Daughter

The Remote Island

I am so, so sorry that I haven't updated this for so long. I just got so carried away with other stories, and I've been so busy with my master's this year. But I am going to finish this book this summer without fail. And that's a promise. And don't worry, I'll be doing the same thing with Encanto 2 as well. I take no credit for anything in here that doesn't belong to me. Credit goes to Philip Pullman and Creators. Enjoy the chapter.

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(M/C) woke up and the ship was still sailing across the big open blue. Iera's fur had been so comfortable, and he was so eager to get back on his feet and enjoy the feeling of a sea breeze flying in his face. As a kid, he always dreamed of sailing off the seas away from Citagatzze with Lia. Sadly, that dream never came true.

"Did you sleep well?" Iorek asked, approaching him.

"Yes. Very much thank you, King Iorek,". (M/C) got back on his feet and walked to the railing, staring at the open ocean. "I've always dreamed of sailing on a boat and sailing the sea. I imagined doing this back in the world of the spectres, where I lived for years. Till I met Lyra, (Y/N) and Will, and my life changed forever. I hope we find her soon,".

"We will," Iorek's voice was sad.

(M/C) knew why. "I am truly sorry about Lee's death. And I'm sorry, Will and I couldn't save (Y/N) from being taken. But I promise you, Will will rescue her,".

"I do not doubt your friend at all. And I trust your word (M/C) Lionheart,".

"Lyra gave me that name. Just like you gave her, her name. It suits her a lot. You were there for her more than Asriel and Mrs. Coulter ever were,".

"It is because of Asriel that my kingdom's Icelands have melted and there is so little food for my bears,". Iorek's voice reeked with hatred.

"Does that man ever care about how his war affects others?".

"No. He does not,".

"I know he killed Roger, Lyra's best friend, to travel between worlds,".

"Another reason why he must die,".

"He will pay eventually," Iera came to his side. "For now, let's just focus on saving Lyra and reuniting the children all together,".

"I know there's a prophecy surrounding Lyra,". (M/C) spoke up. "And for some strange reason, me, Will and (Y/N) as well. And someone has been watching over every one of us since we were young, as if waiting for us to come together,".

"That is correct," Balthamos appeared to them, standing beside (M/C) at the railing and watching as the silent sea as the ship drew through. "You four are all special. You are all unique, unlike other people. The girl who can read the truth-reader. The girl who can fly. The boy who wields the Subtle Knife. And the boy who can see and control Dust. So fortunate that fate brought the four of you together,".

"I know you don't want to be here, but without you and Baruch, I never would have found Lyra. So, thank you," (M/C) said gratefully.

"Nearly 400 years with Baruch must have mellowed me.

"400 years? Do you know where he is now?".

"Yes. Angels can connect to any mind. But between us, the bond is ever strong. We feel as one, though we are two,".

"Where is he right now?".

"He and Will are resting in the next world, parallel to the one we just came from. Sooner or later, they will catch a hint of (Y/N)'s trail. Because she is only half-angel, she cannot go through the small spaces between worlds like full angels can. Because of that, her captors will be slowed down in transporting her to the Authority,". Balthamos noticed how quiet (M/C) was. "What is troubling you?".