Author's Note: Sorry for the long, long wait. Somehow, when Bryn said, "Run, Sinbad, run," I wanted to say, "Run, Forest, run!" Hehe, anyway, hope you enjoy the chapter. Italics are the character's thoughts.

Chapter 2 – A Dream Come True…..Almost

Sinbad scanned the crumbling walls as he carried Maeve. Boy, what was I thinking. She's dead. But she is my love, and I want to be with her. But your crew needs you. What if you die? Then, I die with her. But what about your crew? They are safe. For now. They'll be safe. You think so? Without you, the dark forces will crush them. They have Bryn. Yes, but they need a leader. Okay, okay, I got it. Now I just make sure I don't die. The girl? Over my dead body. Now be quiet, so I can concentrate. I need to focus on getting out of here. I don't have much time. Good luck. What did you say? Nothing.

Tired of listening to him self, he followed the light where Doubar and the others had gone. That was the way out. Pieces of the walls came crashing down. One of the pieces almost fell on him.

"That was close," he whispered in relief. He then looked at the lifeless Maeve in his arms. He smiled at her face, which still held her sweetness. "Don't worry my love. I won't let them fall on you." With that, he smirked and dodged another boulder.

Outside, the others were anxiously waiting for Sinbad's arrival. They knew there wasn't much time before the whole building collapses. Bryn's heart was pounding in her chest as she watched the blackness in the doorway and prayed for her captain's life. Rongar and Firouz also looked worried. Doubar was growing impatient. "I'm going in there to get him."

"No, wait," Bryn called out as she placed her hand on Doubar's shoulder. "I think I see something."

Rongar looked hard, but he soon saw it, too. Out of the darkness, a figure emerged.

"Come on, little brother! Run faster!"

"Run, Sinbad, run!" Bryn panted.

Everybody started yelling for him to hurry up. It was almost like approaching the finish line of a race, and the crowd was cheering for you and telling you to speed up. Sinbad tried to run as fast as he could. The bright light was getting brighter and brighter. Finally, he made it, just as the side walls came crashing down.

"Sinbad, you should be resting."

"Aw Bryn, it's just a sprained ankle."

"Nonsense. Firouz says that if you don't rest it, it may take months to heel."

"Yes, I know, Firouz knows everything."

She looked at her captain with a challenging glare.

"What?"

She chucked. "Nothing. Now lie back down and rest. Everything will be just fine."

"Yes, mommy."

"What?"

"Nothing."

She raised her eyebrow and smiled at him. "I'll be back in an hour to check on you."

"And Maeve?"

Bryn took a deep breathe. Sinbad had requested for Maeve's body to be placed in her cabin and in a casket. The Nomad was her home, and he thought this would be the best place for her. They were sailing to Basra which would be her finale rest place. "She's resting peacefully."

He nodded and smiled. He wanted to make sure the body was safe. Bryn smiled back and closed the door. Sinbad then lied down and tried to fall asleep. But Maeve's body preoccupied his mind.

"So Bryn, how is my little brother"

"He's sleeping."

"Good, you know I'll do anything for him."

She smiled and placed her hand over his and took a seat next to him at the table. Firouz had made dinner. "I know, Doubar. I know."

The gentle giant nodded and patted her back. "Thanks little one." He then turned to Firouz. "Okay, now what's for dinner?"

The proud scientist spoke with his most cheerful voice, "My specialty, fish soup with a touch of spice!"

"Better be good," Doubar mumbled, causing Bryn to lightly slap him on the back.

"What it's not my fault. I'm hungry."

"You always are," she chuckled.

Rongar past around the bowls, and Firouz poured the soup. They then all sat down to enjoy their meal, unknowingly that someone was watching them.

"Aw, poor Sinbad lost his love. Maybe I should pay them a visit. Mwhahahaha."