Age of Darkness

Chapter 18: We Sail The Stormy Seas

I haven't talked much since we left. Just stared at the crashing waves. Certainly a creative, and true name. The Stormy Sea. Tell me about it. Rain, lightning, wind, waves. Our little boat can hardly take it. The boat. Yeah, I feel kinda bad, stealing somebody's boat, but it's a matter of world security.

''Nice weather, huh?'' I ask.

''Yeah, totally...''

The sun's beginning to set. We're going to be in this during the night... Fabulous.

''Look, Nicholas... I know you're bothered about what the Oracle said, but I doubt it's going to happen. You've got the Goddess. You've got all the good in Altaria.''

''I've got you.'' She smiles.

''And it all depends on the choices you make. The future can change.''

''I know. It just bothers me.''

''Yeah. It would bother anybody, but don't let it hurt you too much.''

''I won't...''

It's now dark. I create a hovering ball of fire to light the way, but still, all you can see are the oncoming waves. The boat rocks back and forth.

''This isn't too bad.'' No answer. Elizabeth's asleep. She looks so pretty when she's sleeping. She looks pretty anytime...

''Good night, Elizabeth.'' I stay awake, listening to the wind and waves. Watching the water. Letting my mind drift away. I wonder what Zirkon is doing now? What the village people are doing now. Where the Zarians are hiding.

I play with fire on my fingertips. Create sparks and little fireworks that shoot through the sky to entertain myself. I push back the waves, but this proves foolish when I let go, and they come crashing all at once on the boat.

How long has it been since I left my home? A couple weeks? A little longer? Then my grandfather drifts into my mind.

Grandfather, who gave his life trying to save Altaria. Who laughed in the face of danger. Who could remain happy in even the darkest times. Rest his soul...

Finally, I can think no longer, and I extinguish the fireball. I crawl next to Elizabeth, and drift off to sleep. I sleep well, for a while, until I'm suddenly jolted awake by a sudden slam into the boat...

Hello, people! So now we're at 18 chapters, and the true adventure, the true challenges have begun!