The Engkanto Quartet: Voyage to the East

Mischief Island

The thought that there was an island where they could anchor the ship was just as enticing as the reality of the island itself. The land they saw the other day disappeared without a trace, but the picture of it was playing on their minds. They had not gotten over their excitement of drinking spring water and seeing the greenery that they dreamed of having while sailing day and night. 

Although they had not seen the sun all day, one could tell that it was about sunset, and soon, it would be dark. Yet, they’re still on the same sea that glittered not with golden colors, as they looked toward the horizon, but dashed hopes. A few miles away, on their right, was a misty spot the size of a large town. Slowly, darkness began to consume the light of day. 

“It might be that the island sank while we’re approaching,” Ito teased. “But as I always told you, the sea is full of tricks, so don’t be deceived by what you see.”

“That is not possible,” Velmer replied. “An island does not simply disappear without a trace. But I got it. There’s not an island around this place.” The dwarf maintained the idea that it was just an illusion, a mirage created by the refracted light, mist, and shadows. 

The Whaler disappeared into the thick fog created by the mist, where there was almost zero visibility. Isuk was relying on his guts to navigate the sea, blinded by the fog and haze. “If it’s only my way, I would have asked the gods to clear the path of the fog,” he said. 

“The gods won’t pay attention to people who don’t know how to listen to warnings,” Ito responded. “Even if the gods had already performed miracles, yet big folks still think they do not need the gods.”

“I believe in the gods,” countered Isuk.

“Cluck, cluck, cluck! You only call on the gods in times of need. How selfish of you, big creatures! You’re using the gods to provide you with comfort and convenience, but you’re not doing the dirty work of paying attention to what the gods had revealed,” preached the Sarimanok. “Now I tell you, big folks. Don’t be deceived by what you see. We can’t get out of this place for days and weeks.”

While Isuk and Ito were debating and discussing the gods and men, Rakly had an idea. He thought it would be better to keep on navigating the misty area and circle the possible location of the island just once. “I want to know why an island’s image appeared from out of nowhere only to disappear when we headed to it.”

“It will not cost us much time since we’re already here,” Tikloi seconded. “Then let’s give it a go.”

“The rustling water seems like there’s a beach nearby. It’s an enigma, but we can’t confirm the existence or non-existence of an island unless we look for it,” Rakly explained. 

“That’s a good idea,” Velmer joined. “But Tikloi should take the helm from Isuk, who can’t see in the dark.”

The Whaler roamed around the area as they were searching for the island that night. They went through the cold and mist. Isuk holed up in the cabin for warmth the whole time they were circling the location of a mysterious island. The Sarimanok stayed beside him as they began to develop a special bond. They’re hitting at each other and debating on the matter of the gods. “The island must be close nearby. It must be within our grasp, but it’s so far,” Isuk said. He had kept his belief that the island existed somewhere. 

“I’ve been telling you not to get deceived,” Ito countered.

“Yeah, you’re right. We can’t see the island if ever it exists because we’re hiding our butts off in this place.”

“But it’s warm in here,” said Ito. 

Meanwhile, Rakly and Tikloi never stopped searching around, sailing the ship through the thick haze. But every time they go through the fog, they end up with another layer of mist in front of them. “I could hear a rocky seaside somewhere,” Rakly said. “Right now, we’re far away from it. But let’s keep going.”

“Instead of running in circles, why not sail straight ahead, and let’s see what will happen,” Tikloi suggested. 

So, they sailed straight just as Tikloi said, hoping to reach the island it ought to be, but it was not an island at all. Besides, they could not see anything beyond the ship’s figurehead because of the fog. The Engkanteans might have the ability to see in the dark, but the haze had impeded their vision. No one could tell whether they’re moving at all from one place to the next. 

They felt they’re in the same place over and over again. The dwarf, Isuk, and the Sarimanok were already sound asleep in the cabin. Rakly and Tikloi had spent the night searching for the mischievous cause of that island’s image. While the stars had not come out for so many nights they were in the ocean, and the westerly winds could not drive away the dark clouds to give way to the waxing moon, the two Engkanteans kept their eyes open as a way of keeping their hopes alive. 

The next day, the island was nowhere to be found. So, Rakly and Tikloi decided not to pursue the search. They headed in the direction of the east. But they had no more food in the storage, and their tongues started to dry of thirst. If they could anchor the Whaler somewhere, it would be their salvation. They shared the last earthen jar of rainwater, saving and savoring every drop of it. 

Everyone abandoned their hope of finding an island around this part of the ocean, except, of course, for Isuk, who looked back only to be surprised. “The island’s there!” he exclaimed. “It exists, after all. Look, there, behind us.”  

“It’s true,” Rakly wondered. “But how could it be possible? Was it because of the fog that we failed to find it?”

“I now remember. I’ve been searching my memory about a disappearing island somewhere in the Western Ocean all night,” Velmer said. He recalled it was the island that puzzled many mariners and storytellers of old. The island would appear from a distance, but it seemed to disappear the moment they approached it. It was because of the mists. As the strong waves hit the rocky shores, it created a massive wall of haze. “This island is called Mischief Island. It was in the old tales. Many ships had been wrecked here. There was a verse that said, ‘Into the island of mischief, the ships disappeared; and into the walls of mist, they buried their dreams.’”

Disappearance and burial were vivid in Isuk’s imagination. They meant death. “We can’t get to that island,” he said. “It will spell disaster.”

“The gods have no use of cowards!” Ito clucked to Isuk.

“Or we can go straight into the haze again to reach the island,” Rakly proposed. 

“It may not be a good idea, but we have no other choice. We need to land to replenish our supplies,” Velmer said. 

“But we don’t know what awaits us,” Isuk protested.

“I thought you’re excited to land?” asked Tikloi.

“Yes, I am. But I don’t want to die.”

“Well, if you’re afraid of dying, then you die of thirst and hunger. And it’s painfully slow.”

“To the island off we go!” Isuk yelled.

Ito nodded his head.

They sailed back into the island of mischief. It was their last chance to get through the lack of visibility surrounding the island. It was not far away, and they’re moving around ten knots an hour due to a favorable wind. The ship passed through a wall of mist and fog. And a haze covered the rocks and the reefs around the island. The day was short as it was almost dusk, and it was cold. A mix of saltwater and freshwater drizzled all around. 

“Let’s look for an opening through these rocks,” the dwarf said. 

“I can see one on the left of the huge reef over there,” Tikloi responded. 

Over a hundred meters offshore stood tall boulders of sandstone that surrounded the island. Connected to the sandstone boulders were the rocks and reefs with rough edges. As the waves hit the rough and rocky surface, they created a wall of mist that blended with the unusual coldness of the area. Isuk maneuvered the ship toward the small opening that Tikloi was pointing at — about a few hundred yards away from the shore. 

They found the entrance to the island, passing through a narrow opening. Everyone was on their feet. They’re all soaking wet in the cold drizzle that did not quench their thirst but had their bones chilling. But they all remained upbeat at the opportunity to stay longer on the journey alive. The cold wind got stronger. Tikloi climbed up to furl the sails while Isuk was on the wheel. They could see the island’s green vegetation from afar after getting through the thick fog and mist.