Chapter 29
Overseas
The Amphitrite was still anchored, and the fungi were lounging on the main desk, resting from the voyage. They were surprised to see their passengers return so soon, and with new guests! The plumber explained the union as well as the message they received and the crew didn't hesitate to restock the ship. Morwenna studied the charts and estimated it would be a full day of sailing to reach the island. Everyone looked forward to the adventures, except one.
"Man, I hate sailing! I hate ships, boats, any means of water transportation. Ooh, I feel seasick."
"You're so silly, Bowser. We haven't even cast off yet."
The Koopa King was slanting over the bulwarks, appearing greener than usual, his claws digging into the wood. Beside him was the Princess; the others had wandered off. She leaned on the railing, her feet dangling above the desk since her new height made her barely above eye level with the rails. Wondering why she accompanied him and relieved he had someone with him, especially Peach, at the same time, he turned to face her, making contact with her immense ultramarine eyes. Her gaze drifted, now regarding the dressing that covered the wound on his arm.
"How is it?"
"Doesn't hurt," he answered.
She beamed, "I'm glad I was at least some help."
"Believe me, you're more generous and helpful than you think," Bowser mumbled quietly.
"What did you say?"
"Nothing," he responded quickly. Peach was unaware of Bowser's ecstatic expression. Jumbled thoughts raced through his head. Why was Peach with him? Maybe she liked him after all and didn't want to tell him! Ooh, please, please, please, let that be it.
"Bowser?"
"Yes?" he squeaked, then cleared his throat before speaking again in his normal gruffly voice. "Um, yeah?"
"Will it be all right if I examine that…" she trailed off, eyeing his arm. She shrugged and knelt down on the deck, he was still taller than her, but his upper arm was now reachable. Carefully placing her hands on the dressing, she slowly unbound the bandage. The injury was healing nicely, and it had coagulated, but it still must have been painful to move.
"Some cut," she said, scrutinizing the wound. "It's not as bad as before, I think I can speed up the recovery, if not fully cure it, and I'm certain the dark magic is gone from it now."
"You would do that for me?"
"Of course," the Princess replied, positioning her hands near the injury. "If I got hurt, I would want someone to help me. Now hold still. This might take awhile."
Closing her eyes, she bit her lip in concentration, focusing her energy into the deep cut. She radiated a light pink and a warm sensation poured into the wound. When she finished, there was no trace of an injury and the pain had completely gone. Bowser flexed his arm.
"Thanks a lot," he said gratefully. "I mean, really. If there is any way to express my gratitude I would do it."
"Truly?" she questioned and he nodded. "Um… It's ok if you don't want to answer. I want to know what exactly happened to Mario," her eyes were moist with tears but she held them back. "I feel as if he died… and this… thing has taken over him."
"He has fallen to a curse called the Binding Spell," said Bowser, searching his memory. "Forgeron gave the spell to me to bewitch tough enemies. If it succeeds, the victim will be brainwashed. He'll be lost in his mind, and he'll be easy to control."
She clambered back on the railing, her elbows and chest supporting her, and watched the incandescent sun that dipped into the horizon. The Amphitrite rocked in a steady rhythm in the gold backed ocean. She never noticed when the ship had left the harbor. Heavy treads of the reptile told her he was leaving the starboard side and she was alone with her thoughts.
Oh Mario, she said silently to herself, What has happened to you?
Tears streaked her delicate face as she sobbed quietly, thinking about her imprisoned friend.
