baz’s nerves were alight; he felt each sway of the boat, heard each creak as if it were his own bones. there’d been murmurs among the crew of trouble at home, on the island. baz’d never been. he was too new, too recently recruited to have been to the island, but he’d heard stories. the bars, bright throughout the night with candles and song, the markets that smelled of mulled wines and fresh fruits. a pirate haven. and the queen. she was lovely, he’d heard. a sight for sore eyes, and clever, too. ❛ she’s a force to be reckoned with, ❜ the quartermaster warns, arms tense as he pulls the oars toward himself ❛ but follow the rules, and you’ll do just fine ❜ he follows with a toothy grin.
the boat lurches beneath him as the hull hits the soft, sandy floor; lurches again as each man stands, jumps into the shallow water. baz follows suit, grabs the hull and drags until the rowboat is secure on shore. and then, he drinks it in. the island is surreal in its beauty. the shore leads to rolling hills, over which he can see streets, bustling with carriages and folks of all sorts. one of the crew, a woman older than him, smiles and pats his shoulder. ❛ welcome home, kid ❜ she smiles. baz nods, unable to find words. his chest feels heavy, but he can’t quite place why. something about this place feels right.
❛ we better get you up to the castle ❜ she points up the hill, where a stone wall stands above the treeline. ❛ it’s time you met the queen. ❜