As I awoke, I could hear Shouts and the creaking of wood. I opened up my eyes and took in the sight; I was in a small alcove, in a red boat. As I turned to face the ocean, something about this small ship seemed… familiar. But then I looked up. The ship's mast was tinder wood. Scorch marks marred what was left of the sail, and it was fairly clear that this ship was going nowhere without repairs. It was a shame, too, for it was a fine little boat, small enough for a fisherman, but with the right shape for anyone who would wish to travel Oceana. That got me thinking. If I could buy this ship before it gets repaired, and paid for the repairs myself… I could use a boat like this to travel the world! It was then that my memory returned to me in a rush. Sadness filled my heart as I thought of poor Aryll, alone in that huge hororland. But with a ship like this, I could sail over there and… and what? Be beaten by that dark-cloaked man again?
"Ah. You're awake!" A voice boomed. It was odd… I'd never heard the voice before, but it seemed so familiar… So like that evil man's… but different… I turned around, to face… the open sea. The ship's prow. I was alone in the alcove.
"Who… Who said that?" I asked.
"I did!" the voice boomed again. Then, without warning, the very prow of the ship turned toward me with loud creaks of wood. It was carved in the likeness of a lion's head… and it's mouth was moving. I fell back in surprise. The boat laughed. "Well, my boy, it seems that you've never seen a talking boat before, have you?" He said, laughing some more.
"N-no, sir." I said, shocked.
"That is… unsurprising, considering I have not seen another, as well." He muttered. "And I am no sir. My name is…" the very air seemed to sparkle as he said these next words; "The King of Red lions!" I stared.
"Um… what's a red lion?" I asked.
"Nothing, my boy. Nothing at all just a name, yes?" He said quickly. I noted that this was a tender subject.
"um… how did I end up here?"
"well, after I found you floating in the sea, I pulled you up and headed for here. But I was attacked by some pirates along the way… pirates of bone, to be precise. I made it here, but… well, you've seen the damage. Now, I'll explain more if you go and buy me a sail."
"Um… you'll need more than a sail to be able to sail the seas, Mr.… King… But I'll get you a repairman, too.
"NO!" He boomed. "I mean, I'll be fine. Just get me a sail. Ok? Can you handle that?"