Eterna

~Chapter 21~ Dark Waters: The Road to The Underworld Part 1

After Roxy shouted her directives at her newfound crew, she set herself behind the ship's wheel and braced it firmly.

"Wait! Wait!" A voice was heard in the distance.

"Leonyda!" Devon called out.

"Aye, drop the anchor!" Roxy called out to Payne.

"I haven't even raised it yet."

"What in bloody hell were you waitin' for?"

"Devon! I want to speak with you before you go!" Leonyda called from the docks.

Devon nodded and looked to Isaiah, who swooped down and offered her an arm.

"Thank you." She smiled and kindly draped her arms around Isaiah's neck as he picked her up and placed her on deck.

Devon approached her and placed his hands on her shoulders.

"What is it?" He spoke softly.

"I wanted to give you this last night but you were gone when I woke up."

Devon looked around as his cheeks turned a light shade of pink. Leonyda took the necklace from around her and placed it over Devon's head.

"It's of my people. It will protect you on your voyage to find your friend."

"Thank you, Leonyda." He smiled as best he could.

"I want to wish you all a safe voyage. Please, come back to the Capital for a visit!" She waved as Isaiah carried her back to the docks.

Kalu, Sera and Isaiah waved back and they set sail on the Northern sea.

I clenched my fist as I braved the open road. The dirt kicked up in my midst and the sun stood behind me. I needed to travel West around the mountains and then North, to the Deadlands. My sword slept on my side as I traversed the seemingly never ending terrain. The sun began to cower, and I knew I grew closer to my goal. There was much distance between myself and the Capital. I tried not to think about the family I'd left behind. I let the bitterness carry me forward, down the dark road.

The ocean air was fresh and brisk as Roxy directed the ship toward the northern seas.

"How are we lookin' Harley?" Roxy called out to the Crow's Nest.

"We're looking like a lot of water." She called back.

Roxy grunted. "I'm serious! Your job is the most important! If you see something out of the ordinary, it's up to you to let us know! Our lives are in your hands!"

"Do you get the idea that Roxy takes this a little too seriously?" Isaiah chuckled.

"It was her life before she started this adventure." Sera answered with a smile. "She must be excited to be back out on the open seas again."

"Isaiah! Enough chit chat! Full sail ahead!" Roxy waved her arm violently and Isaiah scurried to the ropes. He was joined by Reuben and Payne soon after.

Sera approached Devon with a faint smile.

"I don't mean to be rude, but who was that woman?"

Devon looked out at the open sea.

"My wife."

"Your wife?"

"Well, she was my wife before I lost my memory. I had an accident awhile back. It wiped my memory and made me a very violent person. I didn't recognize her or any of my friends. Evelyn and Payne helped me through it, and I made a quick recovery. I just never fully recovered my memory."