Foreign Tides (complete/editing)

Chapter 1

Rough seas, sun kissed days, and the smell of the salted ocean was Liam's life. He stood tall as he observed the deep and endless sea from his ship, inhaling the mist of the waves as they caressed his skin; he was a captain after all. A very ruthless and respected captain that conquered all the known seven seas; his parents had taught him the treasures and secrets that hid the perfidious waters; he absorbed every skill his father taught him from fishing without many necessities to fighting with swords and even his bare hands.

Liam was one enticing young man; Untamed silky black hair that glowed a light smoky coal hue in the light from years of sunlight and saltwater, a clenched angular jaw, a very defined nose, dark stormy gray eyes that complimented his fair olive tanned skin tone; and stood tall at six feet. This man had every girl across the seven seas begging to be his, except Liam couldn't see why he should settle down if he could sleep with any of his choosing. He desired a woman who he could lust and love; a woman he could fuck endlessly till she woke the next day moaning in pleasure of such shakiness and soreness he would bestow on her and expects her love in return for his.

Who was he kidding? Liam knew very well any girl he came in contact with either offered herself to him or didn't try too hard to make it a challenge, and that lost all the intimacy he stopped searching for years ago.

"Liam! We're reaching the island, about 30 minutes before landing." Liam turned around to face his first mate and best friend since childhood; A young man with wavy hair similar to Liam's in length, except a light dirty blonde; fine features with saltwater blue eyes and lighter skin tone than Liam's tan. Jace leaned on the bridge of the boat sighing in appreciation next to him. "Damn, think we'll find the gemstone?" He watched the island as the ship approached its shore.

"Giving up already my friend?" Smirked Liam with pride. "We've found creatures that stalk the night in the previous island. A lost treasure that sits with our names in the dry lands which we claimed on the island before. And let's not forget the lethal god's swords that rests in our sheaths." stated Liam. "And you doubt we'll find a gemstone?" Jace grinned at his words; Liam was the richest captain and person in his homeland. They weren't just ordinary sea men, they were hunters of myths and lost treasures. Jace was his friend and shared the same dream and glory.

"You brother, mock my judgment." Jace said faking hurt as he held his chest. Liam pushed Jace as they started to fight in the deck showing dominance. Of course it was them messing around like they always did, but they always proved why they were who they were.

Liam swung his fist straight at Jace's jaw as he barely dodged it, Jace lunged at Liam to tackle him to the wall effectively but only made Liam chuckle and find easier access to punch Jace's ribs. Liam grabbed him in an immediate headlock, he laughed in amusement as the crew had already formed a circle around the deck to watch their superiors show dominance.

Jace grunted and slid one of his legs in front of Liam's and pulled it back with all his force, causing Liam to trip and lose some balance while Jace recovered.

"You and your leg swings." Taunted Liam as he stood and faced a grinning Jace who had pulled out his sword and was pointing it to his captain. "Don't cut yourself Jace." Liam teased and pulled out his sword right when Jace struck first, blocking the sword from him.

The crew was roaring with excitement and awe towards the rare chance they got at seeing their superiors fight against each other.

The swords clashed as they struck each other, piercing the air with the sounds of the magic iron object. The swords had quality; Liam's sword was the lost swords of Achilles. Bound to only a true warrior of courage, strength and loyalty. Liam was chosen to take the sword without any consequences due to his loyalty, fearlessness and skilled traits. He was told by the white dove that guarded the swords "Every sword has its breaking point, as well does every man." And he informed Liam that the heel of the sword under where his hand held it firmly was where it could be conquered. "You will meet Achilles' ambush in your future. You will know what to do when the time comes." The dove warned Liam in advance of a future he would come across. Liam thanked the dove as he admired the long elegant iron; Jace on the other hand was given the sword of Athena. He thought it had been an insult to give him a goddess's weapon, but it was his to find. Jace saw the power of Athena's sword, it was meant for a warrior of strategy and skills. It was less powerful then the sword of Achilles but still lethal as well.

"Captain! We've arrived!" Jace and Liam were sweating by then as the coordinator yelled to his captain.

Liam swiftly knocked the sword off Jace's grip as he stumbled to recover it and was met with Liam's sword to his neck. "Nice try my friend." Liam smirked at the defeated co-captain.

Jace shook his head and slid his sword into its sheath. Liam did as well.

"Anchor the boat!" Liam ordered his crew and turned to gaze at the jungle like island. "We will set base here, who knows when we will find what I came here for." He said to Jace. Jace nodded and followed behind his captain as they walked to the mysterious island.

"These trees are years old. The things this islands confides." Liam said as he admired the mystifying Aura that drew him to seek inside the jungle island.

"I'll take a head start while the crew sets up. Send the crew to search for necessities after they are done. Catch up with me; I'm heading towards this magnificent scenery." Said Liam taunting his friend who would have to give out orders first to catch up with his captain.

Liam walked into the eerily quiet jungle, hearing the animals that claimed their freedom in this island. That is how he felt, free; enjoying his love for the sea and mystery. He climbed the roots of an old tree as he stood on a hill that showed the jungle.

Bright and dark hues of green, the sun rays that shined through the branches and glistened in the river and ponds. The trails of treachery that could lead anyone to unknown regions of the enormous island, he grinned and enjoyed the view. He walked along the river lines, knowing that there would be a waterfall in this jungle. And maybe a hidden gem behind the cascading water.

Because it is that easy. He thought to himself, amused at his rhetorical statement. He approached the base that flowed the river; he saw the cascading beauty of water that stood a good 7 stories high. He heard a splash and saw movement in the corner of his eye as something hid in the river streams that no doubt led to depths of the oceans. He slid his sword out.

Approaching the water around the waterfall, he cautiously stepped closer to where he saw movement next to the flat stone that sat near the edge of the fall but out of lands way. He stared curiously at the emerald green and blue water, something was catching his attention as it slithered very slowly out of his view. He couldn't quite make what it was due to the depth and plant life, but it glowed a pale wine color. Almost like a cream white with a shade of primrose that glistened in the light that arrayed the water. It moved in the depth, and instead approached the out of reach rock where the noise came from. He kneeled carefully to get a closer look, but the snapping of a branch caught his attention behind him. Liam swung his sword as he stood and was met with another sword striking his.

Jace stood there amusement clear in his eyes, as he watched his captain recover from the previous alarm. Liam turned back to look at the Rock and the thing was gone. He circled around the body of saltwater that hid the rock and it was no longer there. He cursed at his friend from distracting him.

"Damn it Jace! Something was here, and you scared it away." He glared at Jace.

Jace raised his hands in a defensive stance with a smile playing on his lips, "You're the one creeping up on it by yourself. You barely know if it was deadly or not."

Liam knew it wasn't good to approach creatures on your own, he learned that lesson awhile back, before he even got his powerful sword; but something was different. It almost seemed like silk clothing he had seen, Liam wanted to see what mysterious creature held it, it seemed frightened.

"I couldn't find out." Liam smiled with confidence. He slid his sword into his sheath.

"The crew found something. Apparently it's worth vodka celebrating." Jace said shaking his head.

"Alright we'll check it out. Mark this location. Something is in the waters; a creature. I want to find it. Maybe it will know where the gem is." Liam stated as they walked back towards the crew. Jace nodded taking a curious glance at the waterfall and streams as he continued behind his friend.