The Sound of Blue

Chapter Three - At Sea

Eric gripped the mast firmly, staring at the blue patch where sky met water, and where his homeland had shrunk away into nothingness. His fingernails dug into the wood as the boat slowly rocked in the waves. A warm breeze brushed across his face, bringing with it the taste of salt.

Eric's eyes searched the skies and watched as the grey clouds drew closer. Maybe Gus was right about not going out today. A drunken man's decision isn't always the best plan to follow anyway. But he knew at some point he would have to go back into the world and start up sailing again. So why not now?

Eric veered his boat to the right. Straight in the direction of the approaching storm. A fuzz of rain danced in the distance, whitecaps whipping underneath, massive waves that looked miniature with the distance between the boat and them. And he was heading straight for it. There were other ways to get there, of course. But this was the quickest. And Eric, being the person he was, couldn't stand up a dare from the sea herself. Especially one so dangerous.

His boat shuddered and creaked as winds pushed against its worn wood. The sails clapped like the approaching thunder, violently pushing his boat further. The rain was approaching like a wolf to a sickly animal, quick and unforgiving. But Eric couldn't see through his pride the dangers that lie ahead.

One raindrop. Two. Six. Downpour. Clouds blackened the sky and currents bit at the boat's frame. Storms in this part of the sea were sudden. And while Eric thought he was prepared, no sailor in their right mind ever was.

Spray filled the air, and waves crunched the wood of his boat. Eric lurched for the deck, but slipped. His vessel trembled and dipped, threatening to tip. Eric was thrown sideways, hitting his head hard on the floor. He tried to stand, knees weak. Another wave crashed against the boat, but Eric's sturdy arms held him in place.

His brown eyes searched the waters that were now black with rage. A flash of lightning. His eyes widened. There was something in the water-there! Again!

A... fin? No. A hand. An outstretched arm. Had it only been his imagination? Eric blinked and another wave crashed over the front of his boat. He couldn't risk it. Erick lunged for the edge of the deck, rope in hand. His gaze was firm, unwavering. A second passed while the heavy rain pelted his face, and Eric saw nothing.

A gargled scream then pierced the air, He saw a flash of orange hair. Eric tied himself to the mast, diving headfirst into the foaming waters. Somebody was out there. And he needed to save them.

As soon as Eric hit the water, a cold shiver passed down his spine. His arms and legs flailed in the black current of water and the rage of the ocean. He kicked as his body plunged deeper and deeper. Eric's eyes stung and his lungs burned.

He paddled furiously, watching the blurry ship rock above him. He reached the surface, sputtering and coughing, sucking in both air and water. He gulped another breath and dove back down. Something touched his leg. No, grabbed it. Then , there was another flash of that orange hair. The grip on his leg grew weaker. In a panic, Eric quickly grasped back, his hand touching theirs. 

His lungs were aching for air again. He looped his arm around the person's back, and pushed them both upwards. The figure grew limp in his arms, slumping against his chest. Eric pushed them further, upwards, then grasped at the rope around his waist. They hit air, Eric gasping and trying to push the figure's head above the water. He pulled the rope tighter, their bodies moving towards the ship, their salvation.

Eric gripped the rope tightly as more waves thundered past, and held on for his life, screaming a prayer into the howling winds.

"Oh Lord above, save us!"