The Edelin Chronicles: The Search for Cindias

Chapter 12: Now the Story Can Begin

The sun starts to rise as I open my eyes. I stretch and look at my wrist where the tattooed dormant form of my Espirmailius lay. Sighing, I decide to let him out, I feel energy pulse out of me as a large cougar starts to form in front of me. I get a small headache, but nothing too bad as I scratch behind his ear and get off my bed. I walk towards the wardrobe and look through the remaining clothes I have. Deciding on something fairly casual, I pick out one of my old Earth outfits, a light green shirt, along with a brown jacket and black pants with black boots. I see Domiens get off of the bed as I open my room door. I smile and show my forearm, letting him go dormant. I feel a small sting and walk towards the dining hall for breakfast.

The hall was remarkably different than when I saw it the first time, or hell, even yesterday. The hall was lavishly decorated with banners and ribbons and overall just a lively, cheery atmosphere. I made it up to the head table where all the royals were sat as I pull up my chair between my Mother and Princess Chantara. All of us sitting at a table, talking about trivial things. Like future marriages for the princes, Princess Chantara and her fascination with Mortealum. To the trip home for all of the people at the table.

Yet the meal was soon over as everyone stood up and we all head out towards the marina. Outside the castle, all the families got into different carriages, as my family and I got into one, soon followed by Raina, Roman, Lillith, and Julian.

We rode through the woods, seeing some of the animals stop at the side of the road, just like my first day in Edelin. Nonetheless, soon we reached the marina, where most of the citizens of Viritore were gathered, as a way of sending off their... heroes? Or are we just travelers? Maybe Adventurers? Yea Adventurers.

Anyway, after the procession of the crowd. We made it to the docks, every single boat was there, from small fishing boats made for coastal travel to the large ships used for international travel. And those were the ones we are taking. Row after row, ship after ship, we said our farewells. Ranging from heartfelt goodbyes to polite curtsy.

Yet, we reach the end of the marina, where our vessel was located. A large Galleon, with so many sails, I probably shouldn't count them right now. Craning my neck to see the top as the largest mast pierced the heavens as all of our belongings got brought aboard. I felt a small smile graces my lips, as I looked all over the ship. Yet I find my eyes trailing to a certain brunette. I look at her with a small grin as she stares at the ship.

Soon enough, we are invited on board this magnificent ship. I give hugs to Mother and Alador, then turn to see the others bidding farewell to their families, except for Lillith. Raina and Roman to their dads, and Julian to his sister. I pass a glance at Lillith before boarding the ship. I will say that the ship is as grand as it looks from afar, polished wood, that still creaked from age, but it didn't feel like it would snap if I put my full body weight on it. I walk towards the edge and gaze at the water, seeing vague shapes moving across the water.

"Those are hippocampi," I hear someone say from behind me. I turn to see a man, with a large unruly beard, wearing sailor clothing.

"Capitan Adrian Nauta at your service, Your Highness," he bows, his beard showing a slight smile. I curtsy back as I look back out at the water.

"So those are hippocampi," I reply, he nods as he stands next to me.

"Yes, though it is strange, they rarely come close to the coast," he examines. Then turns to me;

"Guess they know someone special is on board," he smiles even wider as I look at the hippocampi jumping up and down in the water, sea spray whipping from their tails.

"I don't know, it probably isn't me, it's probably any of the other royalty, like the Queens and Princesses of Ocephina, maybe them," I try to reason, but he looks at me suspiciously and points at a boat in the distance.