The Silver Isles Kingdom

Chapter 23

Chapter Twenty-Three

The day started as always. Breakfast, morning meditation, packing, full control restored to the Governor, setting sail. The sailing trip seemed to lag a little though. Alexis wasn't sure if it was the lack of wind or the mage's purposeful slack of nearing his home island, where a presumed mad man had taken over it. Either way, the morning seemed longer than it should have and the approximate five to six hour sail to Loth was beginning to seem much longer than it should have. The heat of the sun seemed to be draining energy from both of them. Wearing their dark armor would eventually cause both John and Alexis to pass out.

"The heat is tiring you isn't it?" Alexis finally asked.

"A bit, yes. And lack of proper sleep. I feel as though I were like Jacque, he told me he felt like he hadn't slept for several weeks while in the cavern. If you could give me some water from the barrel that would be helpful."

While Alexis gathered the water she again thought of Jacque. She was still anxious to see him again, but was happy to be with his old friend, who still insisted to hide his face from her. Though he told her that he and Jacque looked a lot alike, she still wanted to see his face so she would have some idea of what Jacque would look like at around thirty or so years of age. She gave him the water which, again, he drank in one gulp. Alexis finally decided to remove the black cloak that she had worn over her gambeson some time since the beginning of their journey together, since the mage's dramatic return, it was now becoming unbearable to wear, the gambeson as well. Normally she'd keep both on, but now her white shirt and gray trousers seemed to be better in the heat.

"I have an interesting fact for you, princess, to help clear your mind on what has been happening," the mage said, handing her his empty cup. "And that is pirates and other sailors are known for not drinking much water. They drink mostly rum and grog because they don't spoil as easy as water does in a barrel. We have water barrels since we don't travel very far, and we are able to drink and replenish what we have each time we reach an isle. You already know of each fresh water spring on the isles, so I need not explain where we get the water, but I thought you might like to know where stories of how pirates are the drunken angry sailors that they have been known for. Gold Tooth's pirates are no exception either."

"Thanks, that is interesting. But I really don't need to take my mind off anything really. I know I shouldn't think too much on the matter of the islands, my people, and... Jacque. I can't help it. I feel so much responsibility."

"You don't always have to you know," the mage reassured her, "no one would want you to worry so much. Many people, myself included, help you and others to get nothing in return. Jacque, he too wishes nothing in return. From what I have heard about you though, you won't accept no as an answer to most things will you?"

"No. I feel I need to give him... and you something in return."

"Oh, you don't have to give me anything," speaking for himself as both John and Jacque, "but we'll see what you have to offer after we fully restore you to reign over your kingdom."

An awkward silence fell between the two of them for what seemed like an hour. Both contemplating their thoughts of what was going to happen once they reached the island of Loth. As they did so, suddenly, the mage threw the small anchor over board. Alexis was confused that they were suddenly stopping. Loth was still a few hours sail away. She was about to ask him when a large pillar of water rose out of the ocean. The water parted, revealing a beautiful woman in the middle of the pillar. She had no clothing on, just the water hid her nudity. She was a brunette, much like Alexis, but with longer hair. Even Alexis thought that she seemed to be the most beautiful woman that ever lived.

"Who is that?" Alexis asked, not realizing she spoke her thoughts aloud.

"That would be an ocean nymph, princess. And I must say I'm very surprised to see one. I thought they were only a legend or myth," the mage replied.