The Story of Gladianima (Part X)

The 30th day at sea in the 56th year of the reign of King Brieuc of House Erdos.

The water was still. A thick fog had begun to swing low over the mirrored waves. It made an eerie sensation settle over Thyra as she stood at the helm of the ship, watching across the sea.

She felt like eyes were watching her from somewhere out in the fog.

"You alright?"

Thyra turned to look over her shoulder, realizing she was hugging her coat tightly to her middle, as if to fight off a chill. "This fog is giving me the creeps," she said as she watched Kegan walk toward her.

He leaned on the railing next to her, looking out over the water. "I know what you mean," he said slowly. "Seeing the waves swallowed up into the mist..." He shook his head. "Makes it feel like you could sail off the edge of the world."

Thyra didn't respond as she looked back across the water. That wasn't the creepy feeling she was getting. It was something else; like some monster waited for them just beyond the fog. But she didn't want to tell Kegan that. He already thought she was getting too caught up in the diary's words.

She hadn't wanted him to come. She'd wanted to do this alone. But sometimes, when she felt like the call was too strong or the waves were too monotonous, it was nice to have him around.

He caught her eyes when he straightened and faced her. "You should come eat something," he said. He rolled his eyes. "Cookie was adamant that you not starve under his watch."

Thyra shook her head and forced a tight smile. "I'll be there in just a moment," she said.

Kegan nodded and retreated into the bowels of the ship.

Thyra looked back over the water before turning her eyes to the sky. Despite the thick fog, she could see that the sunlight was fading. The idea that they would soon be lost in this thick mist in the dark made her stomach roil. She didn't know what was waiting for them in the distance, but she knew it wouldn't be good.