9
Gregor sits on the boat as it glides through the water. The Underlanders explained how the first part of the journey would be by sea, then they would enter a tunnel. Gregor did not mind, except that there was no escape from the shiners, Lumis and Gleam. Luckily they changed to the other boat, where Lapblood keeps them in line.
Right now, Gregor seems to be the only one relaxed on the trip. The gnawers do not care for trips by boat and the fliers (besides Aurora and Nike, Hector and Hippolyta joined the party) soar overhead. Gregor's cousin leans over the side of the boat, afraid that the movement of sitting back down may make her throw up again. Gregor is not sure if the sickness comes from the motion of the boat or some form of claustrophobia finally catching up with her. Probably both. Now he switches his attention to the Regalian cousins, who are still arguing.
"If we take a more direct route, we may cut a day from our journey," Luxa says, pointing at a map.
"If we take the route you suggest, we would travel through difficult waters. I am the only one with experience for such a situation, so we would be unable to navigate both boats through," Howard argues back.
"The fliers could lift the boats when we approach dangerous waters."
"They would only be able to carry one boat." Luxa bristles at her cousin's argument.
"This route wastes time. I order you to change it." Gregor hides a smile as he watches Luxa try to take control. Before leaving, Howard was put in charge of the mission because he had the most experience. The queen was not used to not having her way. Howard kept a straight face, but Gregor could see his amusement.
"My apologies, You Highness, but as leader of this expedition I must insist on our current route." Luxa turns red with anger. "He must enjoy messing with her," Gregor thought.
"You will regret your… insolent behavior, cousin." The queen turns on her heel and climbs on the boat being towed behind them. Howard smiles broadly.
"Of course, Luxa," he says with a bow, happy he won. Gregor is also happy he won, as he trusts Howard's judgement better than Luxa's when it comes to water travel.
"You like messing with her," Gregor says.
"Of course not." Gregor sees the lie in his eyes. "This is the best route for out journey."
"I don't know how you stand up to her," Gregor admitted. "She might actually execute you."
"The trick is to not show fear."
"Do not be foolish, cousin," Luxa called from the other boat. "I see the fear in your eyes."
They travel on, trying to entertain themselves during the journey. On one boat, Gregor practices his echolocation, Howard tries to help Wynnora before getting pushed away, and Kik and Kot sit quietly. On the other boat, Luxa sharpens her sword while Lapblood and Whiptail gnaw on some bones and Hippolyta rests in the back. Hippolyta was huge for a female flier, and no doubt impressively strong. Her coat was a beautiful grey. Gregor liked her from the start, when she said he could call her Hipp. Underlanders did not often shorten names.
Howard says it is time for rest, and Whiptail takes first watch. After some rearranging between boats, Whiptail is in the front one and the weight is balanced. Gregor feels bad when he sees Wynnora sit with her knees to her chest, clearly still feeling sick. Howard puts an arm around her, which she surprisingly accepts, until she falls asleep. Gregor finds a place next to Luxa, and he tells her about the Overland until they both fall asleep.
If feels like he has only been asleep for a few minutes before he is awakened by a sudden movement. The boats tilts sharply, and Gregor is thrown against the opposite side. The breath is momentarily knocked out of him, and he quickly tries to gather his bearings.
Howard is already shouting orders, and everyone on the boat is scrambling. Gregor stands, trying to ignore the sharp pain in his shoulder.
"Luxa and Wynnora, climb to the other boat! Gregor, you stay to help me!" Howard yells. Gregor is thrown across the boat again, then slips on the water washing on board while trying to stand again. He finally catches his balance and sees Luxa and his cousin climb to the other boat. Kik helps keep Howard stable as he tries to steer the boat, and Kot appears next to Gregor.
"Keep Overlander balanced, Kot will," the crawler explains. With Kot's help, Gregor makes his way over to Howard. He cannot see much, but they obviously hit some sort of rapids sending the boats on a wild ride.
"Cut the other boat free," Howard orders. Gregor is not sure what he has planned, but he does as he is told. Leaning on Kot, who is incredibly stable on the rocking boat, Gregor makes his way to the rope and cuts it before anyone on the boat can object. Now Howard orders the fliers to pick up the other boat and carry it above them. Gregor hopes he can steer through the rapids.
"There are rocks I cannot see," he calls to Gregor. Kot helps Gregor to the Underlander's side, and Gregor tries to use his echolocation to give Howard more warning about rocks and the wall (when did the wall get to close?).
The rocking lessens enough for less water to wash on board, and Gregor thinks they are almost in the clear. Then the boat suddenly hits something. The side shoots up, sending Gregor rolling to the other side and bouncing out of the boat. The last hit against the wall knocks the breath out of him, and when he tries to breathe again, his lungs fill with water. He cannot get his bearings, and does not know which way to swim. Not that it matters, he chest burns so much he can barely move. Gregor gives one more burst of effort to save himself before relaxing and slipping into darkness.