CHAPTER TWENTY
The Big Splash Back
We set sail at once. The wind was at our backs, and the lilac sea looked like glass. I stood at the ship’s rail and rolled gently back and forth with the rhythmic sway.
“‘Tis a fine morning for a float,” a voice called from beside me, and I turned to see a tall, slender, elf with long bluish-white hair, pointed ears, and a red cap, standing a little way off, staring out at the water. “The name’s Tinlef.” He strolled around a pile of coiled rope. “I come from the realm of the dragons. We were there on Thunder Rock long before they arrived. Now it is our pleasure to serve or die for them, whichever comes first.”
“Aiden Greene. Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise,” he said. “Are you ready to do battle, Aiden Greene?” …show more content…
I changed into a thick pair of blue pants, a long-sleeved black shirt, and tall leather boots. Then I grabbed a copy of Moby Dick and read for a while, listening to the rain drum against the ship, until I dozed off and had another weird dream that was filled with gigantic sea monsters. Some wanted to chat, and others wanted to devour me.
The clang of a dinner bell woke me. I glanced out of the porthole and saw that the rain had stopped. Relieved, I dashed into the dining hall and sat next to Tinlef.
“Well, Aiden, I see you’ve changed into your battle attire.”
I nodded, still half asleep.
The table was covered with serving platters piled high with different types of bizarre vegetables.
Emma wobbled in, clad in scarlet and looking a little green. “I like your dress. How was your nap?”
“Okay, but with all the bobbing and jerking, I didn’t sleep a wink. As a matter of fact, I feel kind of seasick.” She covered her mouth with one hand and ran out to the rail. A few minutes, later she reappeared, even greener than before, and sat down across from Tinlef.
“Are you okay?” I …show more content…
“Lean on me. I’ll help you down the hall.”
She wrapped her arm around my neck. “Thank you.”
We followed Tinlef down one of the ship’s narrow passageways into a panel-lined cabin. He took off his hat and black cloak and laid them carefully on a coffee-colored sofa that rested against the far wall.
“Please sit,” he said, picking up an old copper kettle and peering inside. “I’ll be right back. I have to fetch some water.” He popped out, and then was back in a flash, bustling around the room’s tiny kitchen.
Emma and I sat down in two blue high-backed chairs that flanked a roaring fire.
There were a couple of clangs, a thud, the sound of a hand grinder mashing something and the scent of roses filled the air. Moments later, Tinlef joined us by the fire, holding an elegant reddish pink china cup and saucer. “Here you go, dear. Try this.”
Emma took a sip and spat hot tea everywhere. “Sorry, it’s just so bitter.”
“I know, but you have to drink it if you want to feel better.”
She nodded and took another sip.
“What are those?” I asked, pointing to what looked like sticks, stacked inside something in the corner.
“That’s a quiver and arrows. Over there is my bow. Go ahead, take a
The Big Splash Back
We set sail at once. The wind was at our backs, and the lilac sea looked like glass. I stood at the ship’s rail and rolled gently back and forth with the rhythmic sway.
“‘Tis a fine morning for a float,” a voice called from beside me, and I turned to see a tall, slender, elf with long bluish-white hair, pointed ears, and a red cap, standing a little way off, staring out at the water. “The name’s Tinlef.” He strolled around a pile of coiled rope. “I come from the realm of the dragons. We were there on Thunder Rock long before they arrived. Now it is our pleasure to serve or die for them, whichever comes first.”
“Aiden Greene. Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise,” he said. “Are you ready to do battle, Aiden Greene?” …show more content…
I changed into a thick pair of blue pants, a long-sleeved black shirt, and tall leather boots. Then I grabbed a copy of Moby Dick and read for a while, listening to the rain drum against the ship, until I dozed off and had another weird dream that was filled with gigantic sea monsters. Some wanted to chat, and others wanted to devour me.
The clang of a dinner bell woke me. I glanced out of the porthole and saw that the rain had stopped. Relieved, I dashed into the dining hall and sat next to Tinlef.
“Well, Aiden, I see you’ve changed into your battle attire.”
I nodded, still half asleep.
The table was covered with serving platters piled high with different types of bizarre vegetables.
Emma wobbled in, clad in scarlet and looking a little green. “I like your dress. How was your nap?”
“Okay, but with all the bobbing and jerking, I didn’t sleep a wink. As a matter of fact, I feel kind of seasick.” She covered her mouth with one hand and ran out to the rail. A few minutes, later she reappeared, even greener than before, and sat down across from Tinlef.
“Are you okay?” I …show more content…
“Lean on me. I’ll help you down the hall.”
She wrapped her arm around my neck. “Thank you.”
We followed Tinlef down one of the ship’s narrow passageways into a panel-lined cabin. He took off his hat and black cloak and laid them carefully on a coffee-colored sofa that rested against the far wall.
“Please sit,” he said, picking up an old copper kettle and peering inside. “I’ll be right back. I have to fetch some water.” He popped out, and then was back in a flash, bustling around the room’s tiny kitchen.
Emma and I sat down in two blue high-backed chairs that flanked a roaring fire.
There were a couple of clangs, a thud, the sound of a hand grinder mashing something and the scent of roses filled the air. Moments later, Tinlef joined us by the fire, holding an elegant reddish pink china cup and saucer. “Here you go, dear. Try this.”
Emma took a sip and spat hot tea everywhere. “Sorry, it’s just so bitter.”
“I know, but you have to drink it if you want to feel better.”
She nodded and took another sip.
“What are those?” I asked, pointing to what looked like sticks, stacked inside something in the corner.
“That’s a quiver and arrows. Over there is my bow. Go ahead, take a