Ship Ride

*POV* Clay Sparks

We stepped onto the creaky wooden narrow platforms that reached far out into the deep blue water.

"I can't believe you are coming to see this old man again, Hazel. It has been so long." Mink had an arm slung around his small frame that seemed so fragile that it might blow away if the wind was strong.

"You know I love the ocean.. plus my friend here." She turned to point at me. "Hasn't ever been on a ship. We can pay…" the old man smiled and turned to continue leading the way out farther. "Nonsense, you don't have to pay." Mink and the old man talked as we walked past a large ship with blue and white paintings of great sea creatures.

I couldn't help but stare as we passed the great works of art. Soon we stopped at a smaller but still large ship that sat low in the water. "What do you think, Hazel? I have repainted." My eyes widened as I admired the paint.

A young girl with fiery red hair stood on top of the head of a great water dragon as it emerged from the water to strike at a ship. "It looks so cool!" exclaimed Jamia. Mink was smiling. "Yes, it captures her perfectly."

"I thought so too." The old man beamed as he started up the steep gangplank, the ship was old, the wood being worn by prolonged exposure to the sun and seawater.

Once on board, the old man walked to the huge wheel that steered his ship. It wasn't hard to see that the ship had already been loaded for the journey.

"Come on Clay, you can't miss this." Mink pulled my arm and directed me towards the railing as some large men worked to get the sails open.

I looked out over the edge of the ship and out over the dark water, my eyes flicked up to the sky. Dark clouds gathered. "Don't worry about the storm," Mink said from beside me. "The storms are the best part."

"I thank you all for coming to take this journey with me and I, Captain Ander Mullins promise this will be the adventure of a lifetime." He grinned from behind the wheel and those on board began clapping their hands together loudly.

The ship began to move with help from the sails; it groaned loudly. My stomach lurched a little giving me a slight headache. Mink eyed me.

It wasn't hard to see that the ship was being helped along the water by magic both wind and water. Soon the port town disappeared from view and all that was left was the wide open ocean.

Mink led us up to stand beside Captain Ander. "It shouldn't be long before we start picking up speed." He said to us as he stared out at the horizon.

"How fast do we get going?" Jamia asked him with bright eyes. He smiled. "Almost 130 miles an hour." Jamia stared with her open mouth. "Woah.. that must be fast." Mink put her hand on her shoulder. "Yes. Fast."

Captain Ander started explaining to Jamia how his ship operated. Mink smacked my arm lightly. "Come! I wanna show you something." I followed her down inside the ship to a room that looked like it had once been an office.

"What's this place?" I asked as I saw the footprints that my boots made in the thick dust that covered the floor. "What does it look like?" She asked, pointing to the painting on the walls.

I took a closer look at the art that seemed to tell a story about a little girl with fiery red hair. "Who was she?" I asked. Mink smiled sadly. "She was a good friend. She was also Captain Ander's wife. The greatest woman I have ever met."

She moves to touch one of the walls. "And since you're probably wondering what happened to her, I will tell you." I couldn't deny that I was a little curious.

"She died from an unbeatable sickness, not sure what it was called." she laughed a little. "Like I said, the best person I have ever met." a loud groaning sound followed but a high-pitched screeching sound made Mink jump for the door.

On deck, I stopped short. Right above us taking a great leap over was a giant black and white whale. Mink laughed beside me as she started up at it. "Yes!!" with a gust of air she disappeared.

I watched until the whale had dived into the water again before I looked down and realized I was swaying. I caught myself from falling over. "Wasn't that awesome?" Mink said excitedly as she floated to once again stand on the deck.

"Yeah…" I breathed.

Jamia ran to meet us grinning, Mink lifted her off the ground and twisted her about. "I missed this." she laughed. I was glad she was feeling better and glad that sailing wasn't as scary as walking on land.

It figures that if great beasts lived on land they would also live in the water. I wondered if Cassy had ever been on a ship. My thoughts were cut short as I spotted a firebird coming my way.

I took the note right before the small bird vanished. "What's that?" Mink questioned as she peered over my shoulder.

The note was to the point and immediately had me worried. "Hey, sorry. I know you are looking for Cassy but The twins disappeared without a trace after we had a nasty flood come through camp. I got a message about… Uncle. We will be moving back to the old camp. signed by Destiny"

"Great…" Mink sighed. Her bust of happiness was replaced with concern. "Coral's going to be devastated."

"Yes, she is. This is bad." I said as my heart sank, I hope we find Cassy. And soon.