Chapter 7
Isaac stood at the helm of the ship, watching the fog roll alongside them.
"Getting to Lemuria should be a lot easier this time," said Piers from the wheel of the ship, "the Sea of Time has disintegrated since we defeated Poseidon."
"That's good," said Isaac. He wasn't really listening to Piers, his mind was on other things. He looked down upon the ripples of water as the ship's bow glided across them without even a wake. Isaac decided to head inside to see how Jenna was doing.
He opened the door to the inside of the ship, and saw the others sitting around the table, solemn, without a trace of conversation. They all looked up as Isaac entered the room.
"How far?" asked Garet in a monotone.
"Only about an hour," answered Isaac, turning his gaze upon Jenna, "Can I talk to you Jenna?"
"Sure," she answered. Jenna got up from the table with a creak of her chair, nodded at the others and followed Isaac to the basement.
"How are you?" asked Isaac.
"I'm fine," answered Jenna in an unconvincing tone.
"Is it Grant? Are you worried about him?"
"No, I'm sure Dora is taking good care of him."
"What is it then?"
"...It's this whole journey, Isaac, I can't believe this is...happening."
"Even now? After all the information we've received you still don't believe?"
"No, I just don't know why Tolbi of all places would create an empire."
"Me neither, they always seemed peaceful."
"Isaac, I don't know why I'm afraid. Do you think we should be going to Lemuria? I have a bad feeling," said Jenna, in a curious tone.
Isaac pondered this, "I'm sure it will be fine. Lunpa will help us, just like last time. And if things don't go well?" Isaac looked in her eyes, "you have me, and I'll always be there."
Jenna smiled and Isaac leaned in to kiss her before returning to the deck to be meeted by Piers.
Piers grinned at the others, "Welcome to Lemuria." The ship was now inside a cavern and Piers was navigating it through sharp rocks and pillars as only a true Lemurian could. Finally, he stopped the ship in between two docks. The eight of them slowly unboarded the ship and walked towards the light outside of the cave. Isaac squinted as the light hit his eyes.
"It's so much brighter," he commented.
Piers replied, almost giddy with excitement, "Lemuria has finally started on its long path to renewal. Look around you, Isaac, everyone." The concrete fences which were detailed with Lemurian art, were no longer covered with ivy and lichens as it was last time they arrived there. Shadows were cast by the fences and momentarily saved them from the glare of the sun every three steps. They approached the entrance, expecting two guards to be there as they were five years ago. To their surprise, however, there was no guard there and the entrance was left unblocked.
"Has Lemuria let their guard down?" asked Felix of Piers.
"Not that I know of. My brothers are usually guarding the entrance to Lemuria," he answered.
"Walk with caution," said Isaac then, "perhaps Tolbi's take-over is closer to being finished than we foresaw. Head straight for Lunpa's house, no detours." They then went up the stairs for the main centre of Lemuria. As they left the staircase they were greeted by a surprising sight.
First of all, the city was much cleaner and brighter than it was five years ago. All undergrowth was gone from the concrete and it was white as snow as the sun gleamed upon it. In the distance, the palace shone with beauty that Isaac had never seen.
"Kraden would have loved to see this," whispered Jenna into Isaac's ear.
"It's spectacular," he replied, nodding.
"Wait a minute," said Garet then, "where is everyone?"
In all the renewed splendour of the city, Isaac did not notice that there was nobody here. Nobody at the fountain, nor the cemetery, or even outside of the houses.
"This doesn't look good," said Felix uncomfortably, "let's get back to Lunpa's house quickly."
They walked quietly east towards the house they had found five years before. As it came into sight, they saw that it too was much brighter than before. Isaac tested the front door, it swung open easily, much unlike five years ago, when Lunpa had to slam himself into it just to move it an inch. The front foyer was empty.
"Lunpa, it's us, the adepts," said Isaac, with no answer.
"Lunpa! It's Felix!" said Felix loudly, also with no answer except for an echo.
"Come on, let's check the living area," said Piers. They walked into the living area, which looked quite the same as last time except for one detail. Lunpa was lying facedown on the rug, lifeless.
"Lunpa? Lunpa!" cried Isaac in despair. Lunpa did not move, "Mia!"
"Yes!" said Mia, rushing up to him and immediately tapping her psynergy healing Lunpa.
"Isaac, it's too late he's..."
"Dead," said a cool voice from the doorway. Isaac and Felix wheeled around at breakneck speeds. Alex was standing in the doorway, an evil grin spread across his face.
