The Story of Gladianima - Chapter 13

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The 32nd day at sea in the 56th year of the reign of King Brieuc of House Erdos.

Thyra barely had any strength left as she laid across the floating boards she and Kegan had manage to lash together. They had weathered the storm, but the sun was now beating down on them. The ocean stretched on for miles around them, endless.

Thyra turned her head slowly to look at Kegan, feeling how dry her mouth was. She wasn't sure she could speak as she grabbed his hand. His eyes fluttered open slightly, and Thyra could tell he was in pain from the dehydration and the heat from the sun.

"I'm so thirsty," he managed, letting his head loll to the other side. He started to roll toward the water, reaching for it. "I just need one sip..."

Thyra found the strength to grab the back of his shirt and yank him back toward her. "Don't," she managed, her throat raw and her voice harsh. "You'll die."

Kegan flopped on his back, making a pathetic noise. "If I don't drink soon, I'll die," he whispered.

Thyra didn't know what to say to him. She knew his pain. She pulled herself up to sit and look across the water. Despair was sitting in her chest.

Don't give up.

Thyra jumped. "Who said that?" she demanded.

Kegan looked over his shoulder at her. "What are you talking about?"

"I heard a voice," Thyra said. She watched as Kegan sat up and put his hand on her shoulder. His grip was heavy.

"You're just imagining things," he said quietly.

"Do you think I'm crazy?" she asked softly.

Kegan shook his head, wincing against the bright sun. "We just need to hold on a little longer," he said. "I know we'll be okay."

Thyra shook her head, letting it fall into her hands. "How can you say that?" she asked. She motioned around them. "We're in the middle of the ocean!"

Kegan sighed deeply, looking defeated. He turned to look over her shoulder, but his defeated expression didn't last long. "Thyra, look!"

Thyra turned to look over her shoulder, feeling her heart skip a beat. "Land," she breathed.