The engine died, and the motorboat drifted forward to thump against the rowboat, jostling the occupants. Newel and Doren sprang into the rowboat.
"These are our friends," Bracken said. "They travel with us."
The undead sailors made no move to stop them. Seth started up the ladder, followed by Bracken. Looking down, Seth saw Hugo transfer gingerly into the rowboat, the vessel wobbling beneath his weight. A moment later, the golem was following Doren up the side of the ship.
When Seth reached the top, he found the others huddled together, confronted by a crowd of twenty undead deckhands. Although the raggedly dressed sailors made no aggressive movements, a threat was implied by their grouping and their posture. Bracken, Newel, Doren, and Hugo joined Seth and the others.
"The captain's cabin will be at the stern," Bracken said, pointing. "I imagine they'll want us to wait here while you secure our passage. We need this to work. Whether or not we could stand against these cursed seamen, we can't make the ship ferry us to our destination."
"No problem," Seth said, gritting his teeth. He walked away from his friends, passing among the undead sailors. He kept one hand on the hilt of Vasilis and tried to betray no fear. None of the sailors impeded his way, and, as he left them behind, some of his concerns faded.
He walked to the door of the captain's cabin, considered knocking, then just opened it. The shadowy room looked richly furnished. A fine rug covered much of the floor. Detailed maps and charts hung on the walls. The desk was small but ornate, and the generous bunk had silky sheets.
The room appeared to be empty.
Kneeling, Seth opened the case, removed the music box, wound it, and placed it on the floor. Nothing happened. He opened the lid to the music box, and it began to chime.
Immediately the air started to swirl, and the temperature plunged. The door banged shut, and the shadows suddenly became much deeper. Maps and charts fluttered on the walls, and papers took flight from the desk. He saw no personage, but Seth knew that he was no longer alone. An inexplicable Presence had joined him.
Why have you imposed upon me? inquired a girlish voice in his mind. Although she sounded childlike, Seth intuited that the speaker was ancient.
"I have to reach Shoreless Isle," Seth said. "This is the only way I know to get there."
You did not come alone. What is the meaning of the unicorn? The golem? The girl was clearly displeased.
"I am traveling with friends to prevent a catastrophe," Seth said. "Will you take us?"
Will I take you? The words stung his mind, and he flinched. I will not. I hate that island. You and your companions will join my crew. Except for the unicorn and the golem, who will go into the deep.
"That's not acceptable," Seth said, worried, hand straying to the pommel of his sword.
Not acceptable! Have you any idea who you are dealing with? I heeded the summons, as promised. After you come aboard, I do as I will. You do not belong here. I will not bargain with you. Away! Deliver my verdict to your companions.
Seth drew Vasilis, and the warm comfort of rage awakened inside of him. Confidence crowded out his doubts and fears, and he felt shame for how he had been cowering. His friends were counting on him! The sword flared red, brightening the room and revealing a faint form in the corner. It looked like a sparse cloud of dust motes in the shape of a woman with long hair. Vasilis tugged him toward the hazy entity.
"Enough nonsense," Seth commanded, resisting the eager pull of his sword. "I've been through too much to argue with a thousand-year-old child. My friends and I go to our deaths. You are merely the ride. I summoned you politely. You will provide us with safe passage, or your existence will end as I carve your ship into matchsticks and your crew into fish bait." Silence.
My apologies, came the timid response, all menace gone. You carried yourself like a fraud at first. You are cruel to tease us so. Cause us no harm, and I hereby grant you and your companions passage to Shoreless Isle.
"You have three days," Seth said. "We need to be ashore well before sunrise."
As you say, Great One.
Seth turned to go. "I'd prefer if this were the last time we have to speak."
With no disrespect intended, I would prefer the same.
Chapter 26 Shoreless Isle
Kendra leaned against the railing near the front of the Lady Luck, gazing out over the gloomy water. Although clouds currently obscured the full moon, she could see for a good distance. The ship advanced smoothly and steadily. Even during the storm the day before, the Lady Luck had remained miraculously level, cutting through the heaving water with unnatural haste.
During their three days at sea, the undead sailors had never raised a single sail. In fact, once the sailors had dispersed after Seth returned from the captain's cabin, Kendra had not seen much of her undead shipmates. They mainly stayed down in the hold, never venturing into the forecastle where she and her friends were sleeping.
Bracken had wakened her a few minutes ago. Their voyage almost over, her friends were readying their equipment. Kendra had come up here to peek at Shoreless Isle, but she had not yet glimpsed land.
"See anything?" Seth asked, startling her.
"Not yet."
"How far can you see?" he asked.
"I don't know. A few hundred yards, I guess."
Her brother chuckled. "I can't even see the water."
"We'll all see land soon enough."
They stood together in silence.
"Have you smooched Bracken yet?" Seth asked.
"No, sicko," Kendra replied with annoyance. "That's none of your business!"
"You've been pretty cuddly," Seth observed.
"He's just keeping me warm," Kendra said. "He's trying to comfort me. And he might need a little comfort."
"I know what might give him some extra courage," Seth said, puckering his lips.
Kendra shoved him. "Don't be an idiot."
Seth laughed. "Just for the record, you may not have many more chances."
Kendra scowled. "I know. Hey, I see something."
"What?"
"Mist."
Seth rolled his eyes. "Mist doesn't count as news."
"No, lots of mist. A wall of mist. You'll see, we're getting closer to it."
"See anything in the mist?" Seth asked after a moment. "No. It's too thick."
Kendra watched as the bowsprit pierced the vaporous wall. A moment later, she felt the dampness on her face and hands, and tasted it when she inhaled.
"You're right," Seth said. "That was sudden."