Devoted to The Tide

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

It’s been two weeks now since the attack of the Ethereals. And every day that went by, I was focused on keeping my thoughts on anything but Perseus and his unconscious state. I hardly got reports from the healers anymore, given there’s been no sign of worsening nor improvement. I averted my gaze away from the healers every time I saw them enter the cabin that Perseus resided in. I knew they were doing everything they could, but it still pained me when they would exit the cabin only for them to say nothing. A wave of dread poured over me every single time. But this time, I threw myself into work. We were going to arrive in Varuna Groth, the capital of Zadavi in less than a month, and I need to get my head back on my shoulders for the mission that was in store.

Sitting quietly at my desk, I flipped through one of my historical books on the culture of Zadavi, scanning the pages aimlessly for anything that may stick out to me that would be considered valuable information. Zadavi was a peculiar place, with several different customs and practices that not even the most experienced explorers were familiar with unless you were a true Zadavian. They were spiritual folk, most of them with experienced practices of magic and spiritual intellect. Vasgatanians don’t believe in magic. Nor do we practice such things. But we do believe in our Gods, and take religious holidays seriously. Either way, knowledge of anything on Zadavi was hard to come by. Especially when it comes to the temple o Meh Thaylor.

“The Temple of Meh Thaylor is the longest standing monument in the world, created by Zadavian monks, 7,000 years before the founding brothers. Created to protect the heart of Zadavi from outsiders and foreign threats. Zadavi is the spirit of the world, soul of the people, and devine heart created by the hands of the gods.”

I’ve only visited Zadavi once. Many years ago as a child while my grandfather was still captain. However, we weren’t there for long, and my only impression on the kingdom was through a small village that wasn’t even on the maps. All I knew is that they were distant folk. They knew how to stay out of trouble. And they had close ties with Astorra.

I kept my eyes focused on the book in front of me as Caspian entered the room quietly, sitting at the chair across from my desk. “Zadavian history.” He reads, his tone intrigued by several different things I presume. “Aye. We should figure out what we're getting ourselves into. Do you have any ideas?” Caspian shakes his head, his expression hard to read. “I know a bit about the royal family but that's about it. Ghasili has been the Ashgah of Zadavi for the last forty years and his daughter is about to take the throne within the next couple of years.” My eyes finally peered up from the pages. “His daughter? Not a son?” He shakes his head. “Different customs. The Ashgah’s daughters remain on the throne as Ashleehs and their husbands then become the next Ashgah. Meanwhile their sons are married off to other women who still have spiritual purity.” I lean back in my chair, my mind struggling to retain all of this information. “That doesn’t make any sense.” “None of it does. Luckily, that doesn’t matter though, because that's not information we need to know to be able to complete the mission.” He says, his hands running through his blonde curls. “Perhaps not. But it’s important to be knowledgeable on other customs. We sail all over the world after all.”

Caspian and I got lost in conversation over what we know and what we did not know when it came to this foreign and complex land such as Zadavi. Information being exchanged back and forth fr as long as I could withstand before I lost interest in the topic altogether. I lean back in my chair once again, a deep sigh escaping my lips, allowing the silence between us to fill the room, surprisingly finding comfort in it. I felt Caspian’s eyes roaming my face before he finally spoke up. “Are you doing okay?” He asks. I slowly nod, staring off into space while I zone out. “Yeah, I’m fine.” “You say that a lot.” “Because it's true.” He leans forward a bit, his arms resting on the desk. “Is it because of Perseus?” Without moving my head, my eyes looked at him as I chewed on my bottom lip. “It’s because of a lot of things. We're still recovering from an attack while your cousin is fighting for his life in the other room.” “So it is about Perseus.” He confirms, his voice low. “Fine, sure. I don’t want him to die. Are you happy?” He shakes his head and I notice his jaw clenching in the moment. “Just a month ago you couldn’t stand the guy and now your anxiety for Percy’s health is the only thing you think of and it's affecting your performance. What is that about?” I lean forward myself a bit, my full attention now on him I prepared to defend myself. “He sacrificed his life for me even when I said terrible things to him. I am drowning in my own guilt.” “Really? Or is it because you care for him?” I felt a pang to my stomach as my body tensed at his question. “Wha-??” “Do you have feelings for him?” “Gods be good, Caspian! What is your problem?” “I just want to know why your behavior has changed so significantly since the moment you met Percy! And don't say it hasn’t because I am not the only one who's noticed it. Percy is an ignorant moron and you know that-“ “That ignorant moron is the only f*****g reason I am still alive! Aren’t you grateful that I am alive?!” He stands up, towering over the desk and myself. “Of course I am grateful that the mother of my child is alive-!” And then I stood up myself. “Then you should be praying that you cousin wakes up because I owe him my f*****g life!”

“Captain?” Bishop creeps in the room, glancing between us, both Caspian and my attention turning to him. “Yes, Bishop.What is it?” “It’s Perseus. He’s awake.”