The Adventures of Exodus Creed & Co.

In Which They Visit a Deceptive Island

Weeks passed into months. Lochland decided not to raid any islands for a while, as they had plenty of gold, and instead, they explored the 'outer reaches' of the sky. 

"Until the floating islands appeared," Lochland explained to Exodus, "there was absolutely no reason to explore the sky. Space, sure, but since everyone is convinced the islands came from space exploring them made more sense than trying to go any further into outer space. But there are some islands that have yet to be discovered. Very few airships are brave enough to travel outside of the regions of islands already inhabited."

"Why?" Exodus asked.

"Well, if the islands came from space, and the Galactic whales came from space, what else could have come from space? Anything, that's what. And 'anything' could be on those islands."

"So what I'm hearing you say," Cassiopeia interjected, "is that we're going to go explore these potentially dangerous islands?"

"Yes. I'm so glad you cottoned on so quickly." Lochland smirked and ignored Cassie's red face. Exodus had been growing bored over the past few weeks, so the idea of finding some potentially dangerous island was actually appealing to him.

"Do we have to travel far?" He asked, staring out into the distance. There were few clouds in the sky this morning, and he could see nothing but the never-ending expanse of blue.

"No, not too far. I stole...I mean, borrowed this map from a trader on Prism Island. It marks an unknown island not far from here. We should be there in about four hours."

"If it's even there," Cassie grumbled.

"I'm really getting tired of your pessimism, Miss Flynn," Lochland grumbled back. "Why don't you take a quick flight around the ship; get your attitude adjusted."

"Why, you little...!"

Exodus left the deck and climbed the rigging to the crow's nest as quickly as he could to avoid getting caught in the middle of their argument. Honestly, he often wondered who was the kid on this ship.

Exodus remained in the crow's nest until the island was in sight. It was very large, much bigger than any island Exodus had ever seen, and it was very odd looking. The foundation was a rock as black as space, but lush green grass and thriving trees spread over the top. It was not multi-layered, but flat, with colorful birds and exotic flowers. It was at least five miles long and six miles wide. A floating paradise.

"Well, it's actually quite lovely!" Exodus heard Cassie say as he climbed down to the deck. "But it doesn't look like there's much to explore."

"Don't be fooled, there is more to this island than meets the eye," Lochland answered, handing the wheel over to Picalo and motioning Exodus over. "Let's go. I think I see a lake."

Picalo hovered The Queen's Haven right next to the island so that the railing met the island's edge perfectly. Stepping into the lush grass with Lochland, Exodus took a deep breath of sweet air. He smelled grass and flowers and sunshine and another scent that he couldn't name at first. But as they walked further in he finally saw what it was.

Fruit trees.

Apples, oranges, pears...other fruits he didn't recognize. The trees were full to the brim and starting to sag towards the ground with the abundance. Lochland picked an apple, cut it open, smelled it, tasted it, and smiled.

"Fresh and delicious! Grab some baskets off the ship, men! We'll feast on a bounty of fruit tonight!"

The crew cheered and hurried to obey as Exodus, Lochland, Cassie, and Picalo walked deeper into the trees. Cassie was smiling and enjoying herself, and even apologized for her disagreeableness earlier, causing Lochland to blush and turn away with a muttered apology in return. Picalo held a large basket for Exodus as he leaped and climbed and cavorted about in wild ecstasy. His previous desire for danger was gone, and he was quite content with the idea of a leisurely day on this beautiful island.