"Passage to Echo Island," the Rat called back, folding her arms impassively. "What's yer price?" Although she'd been quite willing to let her companion speak to Dawn, Tuesday noted, she once again was taking the initiative. This made sense, the Denizen thought, considering Dawn's disdain for the Raised Rats in general. Having a Superior Denizen question her would yield better results.
The Denizen on board frowned and gave a rather muddled reply, which clearly did not satisfy Grayfurre. For the next hour, she argued with the sailor (clearly a former clerk, and not a very bright one at that). Their lack of money did not help; the most that Tuesday could scrape up was a mere six nobles, and Grayfurre didn't appear to have any coins at all. Finally, Grayfurre matter-of-factly stated that her companion was Grim Tuesday himself, and if the crew didn't agree, well, she wasn't going to be responsible for what would happen. Tuesday was not very pleased with this, but it did work very well. Before long, they were underway.
It took them a week to reach Echo Island. Grayfurre was clearly displeased with the sailors' low level of expertise, and relieved her feelings by roaring irate orders at the crew. The diminutive Rat was soon treated with healthy respect by the Denizens, and everyone grew fond of her – especially those that were actual sailors, who fully appreciated her help. Tuesday was a different matter, but over time the crew began to warm up to him, once they realized that he didn't bite.
As for the Denizen himself, he felt truly happy for the first time in many years. He had forgotten how much he'd loved the Border Sea in the old days, as well as its mistress. Still, he couldn't forget why he had come. In the evenings, as darkness fell across the Border Sea, the usually talkative, cheerful Denizens grew sober and quiet. From their fearful whispers, Tuesday learned of the rumors concerning Wednesday's supposed death.
"They say she appears to the doomed crews of sinking ships. If you see her, you're in for it!"
"Oh yes, that's true enough. Seein' Lady Wednesday marks the end – she'll drag ye to the depths of the Void with 'er! They say she's half-Nithing 'erself now."
"She walks wreathed in an icy mist that freezes the sea before her."
"She floats in the eye of a deadly storm, more swift and dangerous than the Line of Storms itself!"
And on it went. Though nobody agreed on the nature of the danger, all of the stories spoke of the wraith-like Drowned Wednesday as mysterious, beautiful… and deadly. Tuesday remained silent, listening to the Denizens' tales, and shivered, a new fear beginning to emerge. Yes, they certainly believed her to be alive… and now Tuesday was afraid that if he found her, she would be terribly warped by Nothing in mind and spirit.
Finally land was sighted, a mere smudge on the horizon that soon manifested itself as an island as they drew nearer. As they anchored offshore, Tuesday got his first real look at Echo Island. It was a picturesque little islet, with sweeping golden beaches and palm trees swaying in the wind. Further back from the shore was a tangled forest, and from this emerged three Raised Rats.
"Ahoy there!" Grayfurre cried excitedly. Together with some of the Denizens, she and Tuesday rowed ashore.
"It's about time you showed up," said one of the Rats, relief evident in his voice. He looked at Grayfurre's companions and grinned. "And ye've done more than that! Looks like you've dragged a boatload of Denizens along for the ride. How did you manage this one?"
"Long story." Grayfurre returned the grin. Before she and the other Rats could get too involved in reminiscing together, Tuesday spoke up quickly.
"Here's the coal you need," he said, handing over the parcel, and stepped back.
"Thank you," said the Rat slowly. He said nothing else, but by the look in his sharp, intelligent eyes, Tuesday knew that he'd been recognized. Turning back to Grayfurre, the Rat continued, "A long story indeed. Come on and tell us your long story over supper."
"Sounds good t'me," she replied cheerfully. She threw an expectant look at Tuesday, but he shook his head.
"I'm going to take a walk around the beach. You go on. I'll come help with the repairs later."
She shrugged. "Suit yourself. Come over later if y'feel like having a bite to eat."
Tuesday smiled and the two parted. Walking along the shore, he sighed. His time in the Border Sea was coming to a close, and he was no closer to learning the truth about Wednesday than he had been before. According to the Denizens, she was horribly changed, a fate worse than death; Dawn believed her to be dead; and the Rats, the creatures most likely to know the truth, were prudently keeping quiet about the affair. Tuesday shook his head and sat back on the sand, head in hands. He was helpless; there was nothing he could do.
A sudden light startled him, and he sprang upright. The stars were out now, and it did not take him long to locate the source. Turning to it, he found himself face-to-face with a beautiful woman whose long sea-green hair floated ethereally around her, her slight form bathed in a faint aquamarine radiance.
Lady Wednesday.
(T.B.C)
A/N- Yay, climax next. n-n