A Horror Revealed
I just realized I am spending Waay too much time on this "intro" my originally planned story-line hasn't even started yet. Sheesh! Please bear with me!!
Freezing water rushed over Ichorlin's body, causing her to breathe in sharply. Consequently, water gushed into her mouth and she coughed uncontrollably. Regaining her breathing Ichorlin pushed forward through the water, searching for Piri's body. Waves roared behind her and she hit with the force of falling stone; rocketing her below the water once more.
Suddenly Piri's kicking limbs were sighted in her peripheral vision, and turning she sped through the water. Surfacing she grabbed for Piri whose body was rapidly drifting away. Got you! She thought wildly.
Piri was gasping loudly now, and his frightened eyes widened further as he clenched his arms around Ichorlin's neck. Ichorlin grimaced; his extra weight made swimming near impossible, but nevertheless she managed to hold both their heads above water. For now though, her thoughts were on finding the boat, and she turned to find it only meters behind. A shudder of hope filled her body and she used as much strength as she could to reach and board the boat.
Reaching the boat Ichorlin grabbed at the side, but her hand continued to slip on the wet surface. Growling with determination she kicked with as much effort as she could muster and flung Piri aboard. He skidded to a stop, and slowly rose. Ichorlin sighed with relief and attempted once more to board the small vessel. Again, her hands would not grip; the water drenched wood resisting any firm connection.
Ichorlin started to worry, and continued around the boats perimeter as best she could against the waves; attempting to find any way to board the boat. Reaching once more in vain a suddenly wave of fear hit her in the chest; making her gasp. Looking below her into the water she screamed as a huge black shadow grew closer. Her worst fears were coming true; the only beast she could defend herself against was now coming at her with a natural intent to kill. With one final attempt Ichorlin reached blindly upwards and relief flooded through her body as something warm and hard met her grip.
Ichorlin's body was suddenly wrenched from the water before a loud explosion ringed in her ears. BOOM! It was Piri, aiming one of the cannon deep into the water. The huge mass of steel plunged into the water, hitting the bulls-eye perfectly. The water suddenly thrashed beside the boat, making it rock even more. Ichorlin reached for the closest immobile object and clung on desperately as Piri continued to fire; his once frightened face now full of hatred and determination. BOOM! Another cannon fired into the water, this time the thrashing lessened before the shadow raced away into the distance. Piri roared a war-cry and spat into the water.
"Get ye gein'!!" He cried loudly. Get you going! Ichorlin smiled softly before collapsing unconsciously onto the deck; cold, wet and exhausted.
***
The remaining days passed without much hassle, and with recovering strength the two entered the Brandenbrass harbour aboard the small yet sturdy sloop. Ichorlin almost expected a small crowd to be standing and cheering their arrival, but all they were met with were more vinegaroons and important looking people strolling upon the wood dock.
Securing the boat, Piri sighed with relief and smiled at Piri.
"Thet wes wen o' the werst sterms me ever did see." He admitted. That was one of the worst storms me ever did see. "I mest thenk ye fer sevin' me." He added with a blush. I must thank you for saving me. Ichorlin smiled.
"I must thank you as well. If you hadn't have pulled me out I'd have been food for that kraulswimmen." Piri shrugged.
"Tis' all en me deety." He assured. Tis' all in me duty. Ichorlin smiled, and tears threatening stepped forward and hugged Piri.
"Never have I been so vulnerable." She whispered. "I truly thought I'd met my end." She paused briefly. "But I must leave you to your true duty now." She released Piri from her grasp and stood back. "Thank you." She whispered, and turning her back walked off as a silent tear streaked from her eye. Thank you very much Piri. She thought softly. You are a truly courageous man.
Piri watched respectfully as Ichorlin disappeared into the crowd. He smiled softly once more before he too disappeared into the crowd to finish his task.
