LIORA'S POV
The other ships fall behind to let the Emporer's ship take the lead. Around the island’s shoreline, hills rise sharply, forming a jagged stone wall that seems to close off everything beyond. The only visible feature to anyone approaching is a sweeping archway carved between two towering cliffs.
"Where are the gates?" Lucas wonders aloud.
Everyone has left their seats now, standing against the ship’s railing for the best view of the mysterious island ahead.
As we draw closer, two massive stone arches appear low at the base of the cliffs, wide open and large enough for two ships to pass through side by side. Our vessel slips smoothly under the nearest arch, and the towering stone walls above swallow the light.
Seconds later, we emerged into a vast, wooden sanctuary dock, wit
