Last Ship Out of Kunark (An Everquest Next novella)

by thompson.radcliff

The people of the Combine Empire are returning to Antonica after a centuries long exile to Kunark. The Shissar Empire does not plan to let them go quietly, it seems. A boy wakes upon a ship the morning after a night of fire and death forces a group to flee. The previous night's horror is just the first challenge he will have to overcome.

9. Chapter 9

9

Promised Land

"Land ahoy!" came the call from the crow's nest. It had been four days since the kraken. It had rained and allowed the ship to refill its water supply, but the food supplies, aside from the fish caught by Winsul and Tomon, were gone. Land was a welcome sight.

Tomon looked ahead tugging on the shirt of Winsul. "Look! I see mountains!"

Winsul smiled in response, continuing to pull in more fish. "Look! I see fish! C'mon, boy. We've got to earn our keep."

Tomon turned to the fisherman. "Aren't you excited?"

Winsul smiled as he hauled the last of the line in. "Of course I am," he said. "But I can't reel it in and staring at it for hours won't make it get here quicker. Still work to do for all of us."

They'd arrived in Antonica at the towering Rathe Mountains. Comforting though it was, it would be several more days following the coastline northwest before they could put in at shore to gather firewood for the galley, hunt for small game, and give all a chance to set foot on the continent.

Several days later, at dawn, Tomon would wake to the sight of the sprawling castle and city of Qeynos through the morning mist. Ships in the harbor flew friendly flags of various races. All shared the flag of the Combine as well.

As they neared the docks, people emerged out on the deck. Captain Vagano chose some spokesmen to move into the castle and secure a place for the refugees. The relative safety of Qeynos loomed like a golden promise in the thoughts of those on the ship, but Vagano knew that difficult times were ahead for most as they sought to carve out a living.

Speaking to the harbormaster that met them at the dock as they tied up, Vagano learned that a few other ships had arrived before them. One knew nothing of the troubles at Warslik and Dalnir. Another had reported a narrow escape from further up the coast. No word had yet been heard of Kurn's Tower or just how widespread the devastation was. Vagano thanked the harbormaster as the man left with the group of representatives for the refugees.

As he turned away from the group, the alarm bell started ringing. He searched the wharf and recognized it as his own from The Seahorse. He hurried back to the gangplank and climbed it to the main deck of the ship. The Master-at-Arms was awaiting him.

"Cap'n," he said with some urgency in his voice, "the dwarf is waiting for you on the sterncastle. There is something you must see."