Chapter 51 – The Artifact
Jerry looked around. He was on Blackshoals again. The sky was clear, and the sun shone overhead, warming his skin. There were no bodies in sight, nor was there any wreckage or other signs of battle. Even the volcanic vents were silent, leaving the north end of the island free of smoke. The ocean was blue and calm, and white sea-birds flew in lazy patterns, crying out and occasionally dipping into the water to pursue fish.
He turned. The fort's citadel stood, unbroken and undamaged, like an anchor in a storm. He wanted to go inside, and wanting was apparently enough; the view shifted, and then he was inside, standing just outside the Artifact room. The door was open, and he walked in.
The Artifact was there in the center of the room, floating and rotating lazily
