The Adventures of Exodus Creed & Co.

In Which Exodus Nearly Dies, But is Rescued by the 'Dastardly' Julliard Quinn

Exodus awoke with the breeze in his hair and a contented yawn. He sat up, stretching, and patted the whale's head.

"Well old girl, thanks for letting me hang out, but..." He paused. Looked to his right. No ship. Looked to his left. No ship. Looked behind him.

No ship.

"Well...well, oh dear...oh...what the FLIMFLAM!!" He bellowed. The sudden noise startled the whale, and she flinched to the side. Exodus felt himself begin to slide off of her, and he flattened himself against her head, terrified. But he had nothing to hold onto, and he felt his heart fly to his throat as he slid farther and farther until, finally, he fell off completely.

He screamed as he fell. He couldn't help it. The whale shrank as he went and then was completely lost to view as tears filled his eyes from the rush of wind and he lost all control, flipping over and over through the never-ending sky. But it would end eventually. He knew that for certain. But he figured he'd lose consciousness before he hit the earth, as the wind was stealing his breath.

He screamed again. One desperate cry for help, and then blacked out.

"Is he awake yet?"

"His eyes are closed dimwit, he is not awake!"

"But sometimes they pretend like they're not awake so that they can hear secrets!"

"Great fishes, you're right! Boy! ARE...YOU...AWAKE???"

Exodus backhanded the voice right next to his left ear and felt a face connect with his hand.

"Yowch!" The voice yelped, and Exodus opened his eyes.

"He's awake, Captain!" Another voice cried, and hands lifted Exodus gently into a sitting position.

Exodus was on another airship. It was fancier than The Queen's Haven, and the crew was dressed smart and fancy. A tall, mustached young man, only slightly older than Lochland, sauntered over and studied Exodus with interest. He had thick, well poufed black hair, glittering black eyes, and a fantastically straight nose. His clothes were outlandish, and seemed to be a mix of French and British styles. He spoke with a British accent and used his hands to add a flourish.

"The sky child awakens! Can you speak?"

"Yes, of course I can! Thank you for rescuing me." Exodus answered politely. The young man held out one of his hands and Exodus took it, thinking he was being helped up.

"No no, you kiss the hand of your savior." The young man explained, as if to a dunce. Exodus hesitated, and the man pulled his hand away with a sigh.

"No gratitude. Ah well. C'est la vie. Come." He motioned for Exodus to follow, and together they strode across the deck. Exodus looked about him with interest, only slightly impressed with the fop and finery. The ship was almost feminine in its appearance, but as his eyes searched higher, he saw the unmistakable skull and crossbones flag flying above them. Only the flag was white and the skull and crossbones were metallic gold.

"Welcome to my quarters." The young man said grandly, opening a flashy door which revealed an even flashier room. Exodus entered uncertainly, feeling very dirty and out of place.

"Please, sit."

Exodus did so, sitting right on the edge of a plushy white chair.

"Now then..." The young man sighed, sitting across from him at a desk. He studied him a moment and then began grandly.

"I am Captain Julliard Quinn. This is my ship, the Spikenard. Or the Spike, whichever you prefer. How did you end up falling through my sky, young man? And what is your name?"