Abyss

CHAPTER 3

- THE JADE SEA - 

The Medusa calmly sailed through the Jade Sea with the winds softly blowing a cool breeze. Darius and the other sailors had already bid farewell to Ravenbourne and had marked their destination for Everfrost to continue their business before setting sail again for Malum's Trench to seek the missing Angelus.

The Jade Sea had always been the calm waters that connect both the Ravenbourne and Everfrost. Most of the sailors venture into this area only for pearls and diamonds that could be collected right below its depths. 

Unlike the Regimere, the Jade Sea only has limited minerals. Another reason why the Angelus had strived to reach Malum's Trench. Unfortunately, they didn't return from their venture.  

The Angelus was much far stronger than the Medusa when it comes to the structure, Darius overheard from the people of Ravenbourne. Still, he had tried not to doubt what the Medusa could do.

Rumors spread like wildfire and the Mediterranean knew. If the Angelus got caught in the middle of Devon's Cradle, who was the Medusa to overstep such territory as well? They may not even last longer than the old ship that ventured there, considering that the domain's range got wider as time passed.

Everfrost was a land full of merchants and traders. The place was known as the great trading post for Ravenbourne and Arkenheilm's goods. If something was to be delivered to both nations, the sailors of Everfrost are the ones to be trusted due to their vast knowledge of routes for both the Jade Sea and Regimere. 

 However, they do not dare anger the Duke of the Stormy Seas that lies beyond Devon's Cradle. The name had been popularized by the people of Ravenbourne but the folks of Everfrost call his domain, 'The Abyss'. 

 Up to this day, the people of Everfrost do not dare say his name. To make peace with the sea was something much more important than trying to know more about the creature that lies within. It was said that the creature's eyes were like a ruby that is encased with a curse. 

Those who had dared to look in his eyes shall throw themselves from their ships and get cast away by the strong waves that linger that place, never again to return.

The horns on its head were never there as a display of dominance. No, it was said to impale sailors who fall on their ships after they had displayed pure intentions of disrespecting the creature. 

And those who do not believe in his tales and ventured out on the sea with such belief shall face being dragged by his sword-like tail to the depths of his territory, letting such sailor drown on his own underwater.

That was how the duke of the stormy seas had wanted itself known. However, nobody could tell how this creature had looked like. The only evidence that one could gather was from the survivor himself. Though, Darius assumed that the survivor had passed away from old age. Thus, making such a tale only a legend.

Darius had stared at the waves of the Jade Sea as they only had one more day before they reach the land of Everfrost. 

It would be nice if they had a rest back in the quarters, in the hammock swinging inside as the ship crosses the blue waters, he thought to himself. 

Seeing how Calista had already wandered around the ship, greeting the other crew members, he thought that this may be the right time to rest to get ready for the arrival.

"Calista, love, let's take a quick rest. We'll be arriving at Everfrost tomorrow," Darius suggested as Calista looked at him with a smile plastered on her face. Darius never really told her but he had loved it when he sees her bright shining blue eyes, flushed cheeks, curled lips in a smile, and that beautiful auburn hair that flows right along with the wind.

Darius noticed how she immediately got on his side as she then tapped his shoulder and nodded her head to the side. Bidding a farewell to the other crew members, both of them decided to go to the quarters to get a great nap. However, Aloysius was there — looking at Darius with a frown on his face.

He then told Darius to come over so that they could both talk privately. Darius noticed how serious his friend was so he then decided to tell Calista that he'll follow her and that she could go wait for him at the quarters. As Darius followed Aloysius, he was quickly struck by a surprising question.

"Have you told her about the Angelus yet?" Darius had thought that it would be about the Medusa. Alas, he didn't expect that Aloysius would talk about how he should open the Mediterranean's goal about finding the lost sunken ship to the poor lady they were with. 

He did have a point, Darius thought. It would be bad to keep secrets from the lass, especially after she had convinced Darius to let her come.

She was practically a member of the crew now and keeping her in the dark about this would just result in endless confrontations and problems. Thus, affecting the others as well. 

Darius could only shake his head at his friend, telling him that time would eventually come and maybe he could drop his lover off to Everfrost, where Calista's sister was in.

Calista's sibling, Ophelia, was almost the opposite of her. She was much outgoing than Calista and the type of girl who would not hesitate to greet you once you arrive. 

However, Calista has a much stronger personality than she has when it comes to decision-making, another asset as to why Calista had drawn Darius' attention.

Darius knew how everything would go into chaos if ever he told Calista about the mission inside the Medusa. He wanted to at least clear everything when they arrive on Everfrost. 

Though, Darius was still hoping to himself that he could indeed convince his lover to stay in that place, knowing how much Calista had persisted in being a part of the crew and venture alongside him at Ravenbourne.

If he had failed back then, he surely has doubts about succeeding the second time around. Aloysius noticed how Darius had quickly changed expressions into a worried one. So, he decided to chuckle and pat him on the back.

"No worries, my friend. I'll try to lend a hand this time."