Chapter 15: Into the Depths of the Death Route

The Shem glided smoothly across the dark waters, its sails full as a steady wind carried it deeper into the Death Route. The air felt different here—heavier, colder, and alive with an unspoken threat. The crew moved with purpose, their usual chatter replaced by hushed tones and furtive glances toward the ominous horizon.

Hawa stood at the helm, her sharp eyes scanning the shifting clouds above. She was clad in her silver-plated armor, its edges lined with faintly glowing runes. Each piece had been enchanted to resist magical attacks, a precaution she had insisted on before embarking on this dangerous journey.

At her side was Captain Abdi, his one good eye narrowed as he gripped the ship's wheel tightly. "Princess," he said, his voice low and gravelly, "we're in Zawadii ya Mvumdu's territory now. The demon doesn't sleep—it senses intruders before they even arrive."

Hawa nodded, her expression calm but resolute. "That's why we're prepared, Captain. The warriors on this ship aren't ordinary—they're Nyemba's best. With their strength and my strategy, we'll stun the demon and reach our destination before it can react."

Abdi gave her a sidelong glance, a faint grin tugging at his weathered face. "You've got nerve, Princess. I'll give you that. I'm putting my trust in you—don't let us down."

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A Midnight Meeting

As the night deepened, the ship grew quieter, its crew and passengers retreating to their quarters for much-needed rest. Only Hawa and Abdi remained awake, each lost in their thoughts. Hawa sat at the captain's table, poring over the ancient map of the Death Route. The map was unlike any she'd seen before, its surface etched with shifting runes that glowed faintly in the dim lamplight.

Her finger traced their path, stopping at a symbol marked with three concentric circles. "This is it," she murmured to herself, her mind racing as she refined her plan. The circles represented Zawadii ya Mvumdu's lair—a place of darkness and chaos that no ship had ever survived.

Suddenly, a bell rang out, its sharp tone cutting through the silence. The sound jolted everyone awake, and within moments, the team had assembled in the main room of the Shem.

Hawa stood at the center of the room, a calm but commanding presence. In her hands, she held a world map—a masterpiece of cartography showing the five great continents: Mchichia, the desert continent; Nyanzaria, home to Nyemba; Mlimaia, the land of towering mountains; Savannia, with its vast grasslands; and Tukiumia, the icy expanse of the north.

"We've left Nyemba on the continent of Nyanzaria," Hawa began, her voice steady as she pointed to their current location. "We're heading toward the desert continent, Mchichia, specifically to the great kingdom of Kandora. That's where the Moonstone's trail begins."

Astou's face lit up at the mention of Kandora. "Kandora? The kingdom of fashion?! This is perfect!" she exclaimed, her excitement breaking the tension in the room.

Hashaan chuckled, his usually stoic demeanor softening. "I thought this was going to be a grueling adventure, but it sounds like a holiday!"

The team burst into laughter, the shared moment of levity easing their nerves. But the laughter was short-lived. Abdi's voice cut through the room, his tone grave. "Don't let your guard down. Zawadii ya Mvumdu is out there, somewhere in the shadows."

As if in response, the ship rocked slightly, and the room seemed to grow colder. The light from the lanterns dimmed, casting eerie shadows that danced along the walls. Outside, the sky had turned an unnatural shade of black, the stars hidden behind swirling clouds.