Part 1
Dermott's sharp hawk eyes scanned the horizon. Even in the black of night, he could still make out the surface of the ocean from the darkness of the sky. Nothing. They had been sailing for ages it seemed, and yet they had not come across land yet. They had lost their direction in a storm a few days back, and neither Sinbad nor Doubar could place their position. Not even Firouz, with all his science gimmicks could figure out where they were. And Rongar had been the first to notice that the stars in the sky did not form any constellations known to any of them.
Where could they be? Dermott wondered for the millionth time. Maeve was being quiet on the topic. She could sense magic tingling in the air, but she didn't want to alert and upset the crew. So she kept it to herself. But she couldn't keep it from Dermott. He could sense the powers acting on them as well. And he knew that as long as the powers wished it so, the Nomad would not find familiar land anywhere. They were virtual prisoners on their own ship.
Dermott sighed. He knew all too well what it was like to be a prisoner. He was held captive in this body. So he knew how Sinbad felt as he paced the deck of the Nomad each day, refusing to go below even to eat.his eyes always searching for land. They wouldn't find it. Dermott was certain of this fact. Maeve was slightly more optimistic, believing that they would eventually sail out of this enchanted area. Dermott wasn't sure if she said that to comfort him or herself. Either way, she didn't tell the crew anything about her suspicions. Not even Sinbad when he asked her if she felt magic at work. Inwardly Dermott knew that Maeve was afraid for all of them. But like always, she put up her mental shields so quickly he couldn't 'feel' anything from her.
It was night now. Another night. And tomorrow would be another day. Sinbad would pace. Doubar would steer the ship in the same direction they had pursued since the storm. Firouz would stand with his magnascope fixed on the horizon. And Rongar would watch over them all as he calmly sharpened his dirks.
Dermott had a feeling that somehow, the Moor knew something was going on as well. The way he looked at Maeve told him this. He knew she was lying to them all. So he sat, and waited. Dermott wished he could ask Rongar what he felt, for the Moor was very perceptive. But that could never be, for Dermott was in no position to ask Rongar anything, nor was Rongar in the position to reveal his thoughts. Dermott shifted his position on the mast as he thought. He felt a kindred spirit in Rongar. They were both trapped in their own ways. Unable to communicate, to contribute what they wanted to.
Blast this body! He thought in anger, and not for the first time. If it hadn't been for that witch none of this would have happened! He blamed Rumina and Rumina alone for his present condition. And he wished desperately that he could console Maeve on that issue. She was in no way to blame. She had stood up to that witch.stared her down while others ran for cover. No. He could never blame Maeve. She had saved them all. But Rumina he could blame, and hate.
Dermott let his thoughts wander to the past as he waited for sleep to claim him. It was difficult to sleep with magic tingling through his feathers at every moment. Distracting in a way that cannot be described. Just as the fingers of sleep began to stroke at his mind, Dermott felt another presence on the ship. A presence - not of that dimension.
*What was that!* His mind perked up immediately. *It couldn't be! Could it?* He thought in wonder. But even as his mind sought out the mind that had just touched his - it vanished, without a trace. Dermott wasn't sure he'd even really felt it. His eyes scanned the deck. No one was down there. No intruder. Nothing. No, he thought to himself, what he felt was not physically present on the ship. Reaching out with his mind again, he found nothing.
*I'm going crazy. * He thought honestly to himself. * This fog is starting to cloud my mind and I'm going crazy. Imagine the foolishness. Maeve will have a fairly good laugh at me when I tell her. And to think I really thought it was -*
There it was again!! Stronger than before, but fading all the same. It didn't matter this time. Dermott felt it and recognized it immediately. He felt the exhaustion and the desire to break through. Felt the frustration and the - fear?. Yes, he felt it all this time. And he felt the direction it was pulling him. Wanting them all to go. **Sinbad**, Dermott thought, **we're going the wrong way!** But there was no time to waste right now. He couldn't wait for Sinbad to wake up and turn the ship around. It was still hours before dawn and not a soul was awake. Not even Maeve's mind was receptive while in slumber. There was no time to wait for them.
As the force began to fade again, Dermott launched himself into the air and headed back the way they had just come from. He couldn't wait for the others to wake. He had to go now! He would have to contact Maeve in the morning. Tell her what happened and have her turn the ship around. But right now he was needed. Dermott beat his wings harder. Forcing himself through the air with incredible speed he didn't know he had. Master Dim Dim needed their help.
*I'm coming. * He called out with his mind. He only hoped that whatever was wrong, he might be able to help in some way.
Part 2
Master Dim Dim sunk to his knees in the dungeon. He failed again, he had not managed to reach Maeve. Trembling from the exertion of such a powerful spell, he leaned back against the cold wall, content to let sleep claim him again. But he was given no such blessing as the heavy door swung violently open.
"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING OLD MAN" the voice thundered. "What could I possibly do trapped in here Turok" Dim Dim retorted. He wasn't in such poor spirits that he couldn't goad Turok into a fight. "I felt something old man. I know you've been using your powers again. I thought we talked about this already" he said cruelly. "Now I'll have to punish you." With that, beams of black magic shot from Turok's fingers hitting Dim Dim directly in the chest knocking him unconscious immediately. "Try using your powers now old man" he laughed evilly.
Since his body had been reanimated by that foul creature Scratch, Turok had spent every moment of every day planning how to torture and kill Sinbad. Killing him was simply not good enough anymore, he wanted him to suffer. And what better way to do that then to destroy everyone he loved. Starting with that old fool who had raised him to be such a nuisance.
He had immediately travelled to where Dim Dim had been 'imprisoned' where he wasted no time in over-powering that fool and truly imprisoning him. He had conjured the dungeon himself and thrown Dim Dim in it, but somehow he had been unable to completely snuff out the other sorcerer's magic. A fact that truly annoyed him, but he could see no remedy to. So he opted for continually zapping Dim Dim of his strength.
The whole experience thus far had been great fun, he thought, if not slightly boring. He was tired of the old man and his 'antics.' Soon he would contact Sinbad himself - to gloat of course - and to challenge him. Once he lured Sinbad to the isle they were on, nothing could save him, or any of them for that matter.
Turok laughed evilly as he walked away from the damp hole where Dim Dim was being kept. His stupid daughter had never been able to do what he was about to accomplish. He would make Sinbad the Sailor quake in fear, drop to his knees and welcome death! Yes, he would have his revenge on that rogue who had beheaded him and spurned his daughter!
Soon, yes, soon he would appear to Sinbad. But not just yet. He needed more time to allow his powers to strengthen. That fool Dim Dim was becoming quite troublesome. He couldn't have that old wizard getting in the way. He couldn't allow him to invite the sailor ahead of schedule. *The welcoming party isn't even ready yet* he chuckled to himself.
Now back in his makeshift temporary throne room, Turok looked out over the small isle. **Too many damn flowers** he thought viscously while watching the tiny bees flit from one bright flower to the next. **It wasn't supposed to be this cheery!!** he though angrily. **Well that's what happens when you send a monster to do a mans job.** He should have taken care of Dim Dim personally. And Sinbad as well for that matter.
He couldn't wait much longer. He needed that boy to suffer. Turning to his scrying pool, he allowed an image to come into focus. An image he was becoming quite familiar with. The Nomad, sailing aimlessly for there was no where for it to go. He couldn't very well have that boy sailing off right when he had him so close! One night, while some lone sailor was directing the ship and everyone else on board had fallen asleep, he had called the fog forward to surround the ship. It was then that he had used the last of his powers to bring the ship and crew intact into this dimension with him and Dim Dim. Now he was just letting Sinbad drive himself to distraction with trying to find land.
Dawn was breaking over the Nomad now, and he could already see most members of the crew on deck. Yes, he would enjoy killing them all. He then focused his attention on two individuals in particular. A cruel smile broke out across his face as he watched the pair standing at the railing looking out over the sea. He would make the sailor pay alright, pay dearly. Maeve stood looking out over the water, when she felt Sinbad's presence behind her. A year ago that sensation would have sent shivers down her back and put her on guard. But that was a long time ago. She smiled softly, it was comforting to be near him. And she welcomed his presence.
'You alright?' he asked quietly, concern colouring his words. Dermott had been missing all morning and it wasn't like there was anywhere for him to go. Maeve had tried to contact him, but it appeared that whatever magic held them captive, was also dampening Maeve's connection to Dermott.
Turning to face him, she forced a smile, "I'm alright Sinbad, just . worried about him. That's all.'' Her voice dropped at the end of her sentence and she turned back to the sea.
Sinbad put a hand on her shoulder, also looking out to the sea. He knew she was worried about Dermott. He was too, but he didn't want to upset her any further so he said "I'm sure he'll be back anytime now. He's probably just out stretching his wings you know.'' Trying to lighten the mood, he added "At least Dermott gets to leave this floating heap!".
Maeve turned to him, amused by his comment. "So I can't call the Nomad a boat, but you're allowed to call her a 'HEAP'?" she asked in mock shock.
"Well I am the captain" he stated matter-of-factly with a wave of his arm. He smiled, glad that he had distracted her from worrying, at least for the moment.
She raised and eyebrow, a smile upon her lips. "Still" she retorted, "that's certainly no way to speak about a lady. And I thought you knew how to treat women."
Sinbad smiled at her. His calm exterior successfully hiding the turmoil in his mind. He was never truly certain how to respond in situations like this. At least not in situations which involved Maeve. With other women he would have a smooth and confident response. But Maeve wasn't trying to bait him. or was she? He could never tell! And if he said the wrong thing she would turn away from him or worse... turn him into a bar-be-que. And neither of those options were desirable. He made a split second decision and decided to feign confidence right now and see where that would get him.
"I do know how to treat a woman Maeve" he stated, then lowering his voice he privately whispered in her ear "I could prove that to you if you'd let me" Then he waited, breath held, for her response.
She chuckled lowly. His heart met his stomach. She continued to laugh as she nodded her goodbye and headed past him and back below to her cabin. "I think I have some more studying to do today sailor" she called back over her shoulder, "my deepest regrets, I assure you."
He watched her go, glad that she hadn't baked him alive for the bold comment, but sad that it had prompted her to remove herself from his company. He thought maybe he should follow her and apologize. **You're an idiot Sinbad** he chided himself internally. The comment had been too bold for him to make. At least she treated it as a joke. But if she only knew how serious he had been..
Maeve rushed down the hallway to her private cabin. Once the door was securely closed behind her she allowed her cheeks to flush red like they had been dying to up on deck. That idiot sailor! Didn't he know what he was doing to her! True she might have given him the opening, but she really hadn't expected him to use it. Her and Sinbad were rarely so... open with comments like that. She tried to calm the beating of her heart and regain her composure. She could handle compliments and conversations with double-meanings, but not with Sinbad, and not so spontaneously. And she barely bothered to wonder why that was. She had long ago given up lying to herself about her feelings. Now she only had to lie to Sinbad, Dermott and the crew in general.. that she could handle with grace and ease!
But up on deck he had caught her off-guard. Reflecting on the moment she wondered if she had come across looking like a little school-girl with a crush. Running off to her cabin with the excuse of studying had certainly been a mistake. Now she was stuck below deck for at least the next hour.. **Just great** she thought to herself. She sat down on her bed and looked around, trying to decide what to do to pass the time.
Dermott's sharp hawk eyes scanned the horizon. Even in the black of night, he could still make out the surface of the ocean from the darkness of the sky. Nothing. They had been sailing for ages it seemed, and yet they had not come across land yet. They had lost their direction in a storm a few days back, and neither Sinbad nor Doubar could place their position. Not even Firouz, with all his science gimmicks could figure out where they were. And Rongar had been the first to notice that the stars in the sky did not form any constellations known to any of them.
Where could they be? Dermott wondered for the millionth time. Maeve was being quiet on the topic. She could sense magic tingling in the air, but she didn't want to alert and upset the crew. So she kept it to herself. But she couldn't keep it from Dermott. He could sense the powers acting on them as well. And he knew that as long as the powers wished it so, the Nomad would not find familiar land anywhere. They were virtual prisoners on their own ship.
Dermott sighed. He knew all too well what it was like to be a prisoner. He was held captive in this body. So he knew how Sinbad felt as he paced the deck of the Nomad each day, refusing to go below even to eat.his eyes always searching for land. They wouldn't find it. Dermott was certain of this fact. Maeve was slightly more optimistic, believing that they would eventually sail out of this enchanted area. Dermott wasn't sure if she said that to comfort him or herself. Either way, she didn't tell the crew anything about her suspicions. Not even Sinbad when he asked her if she felt magic at work. Inwardly Dermott knew that Maeve was afraid for all of them. But like always, she put up her mental shields so quickly he couldn't 'feel' anything from her.
It was night now. Another night. And tomorrow would be another day. Sinbad would pace. Doubar would steer the ship in the same direction they had pursued since the storm. Firouz would stand with his magnascope fixed on the horizon. And Rongar would watch over them all as he calmly sharpened his dirks.
Dermott had a feeling that somehow, the Moor knew something was going on as well. The way he looked at Maeve told him this. He knew she was lying to them all. So he sat, and waited. Dermott wished he could ask Rongar what he felt, for the Moor was very perceptive. But that could never be, for Dermott was in no position to ask Rongar anything, nor was Rongar in the position to reveal his thoughts. Dermott shifted his position on the mast as he thought. He felt a kindred spirit in Rongar. They were both trapped in their own ways. Unable to communicate, to contribute what they wanted to.
Blast this body! He thought in anger, and not for the first time. If it hadn't been for that witch none of this would have happened! He blamed Rumina and Rumina alone for his present condition. And he wished desperately that he could console Maeve on that issue. She was in no way to blame. She had stood up to that witch.stared her down while others ran for cover. No. He could never blame Maeve. She had saved them all. But Rumina he could blame, and hate.
Dermott let his thoughts wander to the past as he waited for sleep to claim him. It was difficult to sleep with magic tingling through his feathers at every moment. Distracting in a way that cannot be described. Just as the fingers of sleep began to stroke at his mind, Dermott felt another presence on the ship. A presence - not of that dimension.
*What was that!* His mind perked up immediately. *It couldn't be! Could it?* He thought in wonder. But even as his mind sought out the mind that had just touched his - it vanished, without a trace. Dermott wasn't sure he'd even really felt it. His eyes scanned the deck. No one was down there. No intruder. Nothing. No, he thought to himself, what he felt was not physically present on the ship. Reaching out with his mind again, he found nothing.
*I'm going crazy. * He thought honestly to himself. * This fog is starting to cloud my mind and I'm going crazy. Imagine the foolishness. Maeve will have a fairly good laugh at me when I tell her. And to think I really thought it was -*
There it was again!! Stronger than before, but fading all the same. It didn't matter this time. Dermott felt it and recognized it immediately. He felt the exhaustion and the desire to break through. Felt the frustration and the - fear?. Yes, he felt it all this time. And he felt the direction it was pulling him. Wanting them all to go. **Sinbad**, Dermott thought, **we're going the wrong way!** But there was no time to waste right now. He couldn't wait for Sinbad to wake up and turn the ship around. It was still hours before dawn and not a soul was awake. Not even Maeve's mind was receptive while in slumber. There was no time to wait for them.
As the force began to fade again, Dermott launched himself into the air and headed back the way they had just come from. He couldn't wait for the others to wake. He had to go now! He would have to contact Maeve in the morning. Tell her what happened and have her turn the ship around. But right now he was needed. Dermott beat his wings harder. Forcing himself through the air with incredible speed he didn't know he had. Master Dim Dim needed their help.
*I'm coming. * He called out with his mind. He only hoped that whatever was wrong, he might be able to help in some way.
Part 2
Master Dim Dim sunk to his knees in the dungeon. He failed again, he had not managed to reach Maeve. Trembling from the exertion of such a powerful spell, he leaned back against the cold wall, content to let sleep claim him again. But he was given no such blessing as the heavy door swung violently open.
"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING OLD MAN" the voice thundered. "What could I possibly do trapped in here Turok" Dim Dim retorted. He wasn't in such poor spirits that he couldn't goad Turok into a fight. "I felt something old man. I know you've been using your powers again. I thought we talked about this already" he said cruelly. "Now I'll have to punish you." With that, beams of black magic shot from Turok's fingers hitting Dim Dim directly in the chest knocking him unconscious immediately. "Try using your powers now old man" he laughed evilly.
Since his body had been reanimated by that foul creature Scratch, Turok had spent every moment of every day planning how to torture and kill Sinbad. Killing him was simply not good enough anymore, he wanted him to suffer. And what better way to do that then to destroy everyone he loved. Starting with that old fool who had raised him to be such a nuisance.
He had immediately travelled to where Dim Dim had been 'imprisoned' where he wasted no time in over-powering that fool and truly imprisoning him. He had conjured the dungeon himself and thrown Dim Dim in it, but somehow he had been unable to completely snuff out the other sorcerer's magic. A fact that truly annoyed him, but he could see no remedy to. So he opted for continually zapping Dim Dim of his strength.
The whole experience thus far had been great fun, he thought, if not slightly boring. He was tired of the old man and his 'antics.' Soon he would contact Sinbad himself - to gloat of course - and to challenge him. Once he lured Sinbad to the isle they were on, nothing could save him, or any of them for that matter.
Turok laughed evilly as he walked away from the damp hole where Dim Dim was being kept. His stupid daughter had never been able to do what he was about to accomplish. He would make Sinbad the Sailor quake in fear, drop to his knees and welcome death! Yes, he would have his revenge on that rogue who had beheaded him and spurned his daughter!
Soon, yes, soon he would appear to Sinbad. But not just yet. He needed more time to allow his powers to strengthen. That fool Dim Dim was becoming quite troublesome. He couldn't have that old wizard getting in the way. He couldn't allow him to invite the sailor ahead of schedule. *The welcoming party isn't even ready yet* he chuckled to himself.
Now back in his makeshift temporary throne room, Turok looked out over the small isle. **Too many damn flowers** he thought viscously while watching the tiny bees flit from one bright flower to the next. **It wasn't supposed to be this cheery!!** he though angrily. **Well that's what happens when you send a monster to do a mans job.** He should have taken care of Dim Dim personally. And Sinbad as well for that matter.
He couldn't wait much longer. He needed that boy to suffer. Turning to his scrying pool, he allowed an image to come into focus. An image he was becoming quite familiar with. The Nomad, sailing aimlessly for there was no where for it to go. He couldn't very well have that boy sailing off right when he had him so close! One night, while some lone sailor was directing the ship and everyone else on board had fallen asleep, he had called the fog forward to surround the ship. It was then that he had used the last of his powers to bring the ship and crew intact into this dimension with him and Dim Dim. Now he was just letting Sinbad drive himself to distraction with trying to find land.
Dawn was breaking over the Nomad now, and he could already see most members of the crew on deck. Yes, he would enjoy killing them all. He then focused his attention on two individuals in particular. A cruel smile broke out across his face as he watched the pair standing at the railing looking out over the sea. He would make the sailor pay alright, pay dearly. Maeve stood looking out over the water, when she felt Sinbad's presence behind her. A year ago that sensation would have sent shivers down her back and put her on guard. But that was a long time ago. She smiled softly, it was comforting to be near him. And she welcomed his presence.
'You alright?' he asked quietly, concern colouring his words. Dermott had been missing all morning and it wasn't like there was anywhere for him to go. Maeve had tried to contact him, but it appeared that whatever magic held them captive, was also dampening Maeve's connection to Dermott.
Turning to face him, she forced a smile, "I'm alright Sinbad, just . worried about him. That's all.'' Her voice dropped at the end of her sentence and she turned back to the sea.
Sinbad put a hand on her shoulder, also looking out to the sea. He knew she was worried about Dermott. He was too, but he didn't want to upset her any further so he said "I'm sure he'll be back anytime now. He's probably just out stretching his wings you know.'' Trying to lighten the mood, he added "At least Dermott gets to leave this floating heap!".
Maeve turned to him, amused by his comment. "So I can't call the Nomad a boat, but you're allowed to call her a 'HEAP'?" she asked in mock shock.
"Well I am the captain" he stated matter-of-factly with a wave of his arm. He smiled, glad that he had distracted her from worrying, at least for the moment.
She raised and eyebrow, a smile upon her lips. "Still" she retorted, "that's certainly no way to speak about a lady. And I thought you knew how to treat women."
Sinbad smiled at her. His calm exterior successfully hiding the turmoil in his mind. He was never truly certain how to respond in situations like this. At least not in situations which involved Maeve. With other women he would have a smooth and confident response. But Maeve wasn't trying to bait him. or was she? He could never tell! And if he said the wrong thing she would turn away from him or worse... turn him into a bar-be-que. And neither of those options were desirable. He made a split second decision and decided to feign confidence right now and see where that would get him.
"I do know how to treat a woman Maeve" he stated, then lowering his voice he privately whispered in her ear "I could prove that to you if you'd let me" Then he waited, breath held, for her response.
She chuckled lowly. His heart met his stomach. She continued to laugh as she nodded her goodbye and headed past him and back below to her cabin. "I think I have some more studying to do today sailor" she called back over her shoulder, "my deepest regrets, I assure you."
He watched her go, glad that she hadn't baked him alive for the bold comment, but sad that it had prompted her to remove herself from his company. He thought maybe he should follow her and apologize. **You're an idiot Sinbad** he chided himself internally. The comment had been too bold for him to make. At least she treated it as a joke. But if she only knew how serious he had been..
Maeve rushed down the hallway to her private cabin. Once the door was securely closed behind her she allowed her cheeks to flush red like they had been dying to up on deck. That idiot sailor! Didn't he know what he was doing to her! True she might have given him the opening, but she really hadn't expected him to use it. Her and Sinbad were rarely so... open with comments like that. She tried to calm the beating of her heart and regain her composure. She could handle compliments and conversations with double-meanings, but not with Sinbad, and not so spontaneously. And she barely bothered to wonder why that was. She had long ago given up lying to herself about her feelings. Now she only had to lie to Sinbad, Dermott and the crew in general.. that she could handle with grace and ease!
But up on deck he had caught her off-guard. Reflecting on the moment she wondered if she had come across looking like a little school-girl with a crush. Running off to her cabin with the excuse of studying had certainly been a mistake. Now she was stuck below deck for at least the next hour.. **Just great** she thought to herself. She sat down on her bed and looked around, trying to decide what to do to pass the time.