18. Gar and the Maw (Part 3)

Joyrot stepped up to the railing and smiled that half smile that almost looked as if it spread a-crossed the boned side of his skull. He gave an over exaggerated bow.

"Lord Zackereth. A pleasure to see you taking a stroll amongst theses waters. As you never know what lurks beneath." He said with a small laugh.

"Joyrot. What makes you think I dont have my men and the adventurers attack you where you stand." Zackereth spoke loudly for all to hear. Kalyssa stood there transfixed on Gar the looked to his hand holding the vile womans hand. Has he given himself to her or has she brainwashed him with her foul magic. It took everything not to break into tears not only for seeing him unharmed but not knowing if her little friend was still of right mind or not.

To which his eyes turned to her and she could see him almost turn excited but he then again faced back to watch the conversation at hand with Joyrot and the Leader of the Elves. She took this as a sign of him playing along. Her heart ached for him to return to her side and for him to hold her hand and not the vile woman that was holding it now.

Kalyssa found that she had gained more than a companion within Gar but a soul like connection with him not as a lover but more of a trusted companion. Or was it love. She didn't know but the day she laid next to the goblin after being save from the attack by the imps earlier. She knew Gar was something more to her.

Joyrot smiled and said. "You could have them attack me. Yes you could and should. But I don't wish to see all of you weakened before todays main task now would I? No Zack. I simply wish to return something to your beautiful daughter and be on my way. As you can see I have a offering to another to fulfill as well." He then points behind him. People of many different races bound and gagged to various heavy items or structures of the boat.

Zack moved to demand the prisoners be set free. But with the palm of his hand stopped his retort. "Fear not Mighty and Good Lord of the woods. These are mere pirates. Pillaged and robbed the weak for goods. I am a mess. Yes but to do what I must sometimes think of punishing the bad to make my point clear. Sometimes doing good can be fun. As long as it doesn't conflict my main goal."

"And what offering are meaning to fulfill this time. Ritter." Zackereth asked demandingly. Joyrot smiled. "Last I knew. The seas are not under your position of power. So I must respectfully decline to tell you." He motioned to Alannah and Gar to step forward.

They stepped up to Joyrot and said. "I return the little one to you. Lady Kalyssa. He is unharmed. I promise. Alannah took what wasn't hers just yet." Alannah with a flash of anger looked to Joyrot then bent down to Gar. She whispered to Gar. "Goodbye for now love." Then pushed him towards the edge of the boat. He stumbled forward then started to climb the railing. Balancing there he looked to Alannah and smiled. "Know not of the trouble you know just yet. But part of Gar wishes he did." She bit her lip then looked away.

Joyrot laughed and with a flick of his wrist used magic to launch Gar across the gap and onto the boat ship floor of the Swift Leaf with a rough tumble. Without thinking Kalyssa dashed to Gar and after checking him for injury she brought him into an embrace sobbing.

Upon the other ship Alannah snapped at Joyrot which was quickly dismissed. "If I intended to harm him. He'd be dead." He then smiled to Zack. "I wont tell you but instead I will show you." He spun his finger in the air and their boat started out to sea. Leaving all on the Swift Leaf staring at their departure.

Others started to file out from below deck. Thia leading the others. She spotted Kalyssa hunched over on her knees sobbing. She sped forward thinking she was harmed. Only to find her cradling Gar close to her. Thia dropped next to her and said "Is the little one alright dear." Still sobbing Kalyssa nodded. "Good."

"You should of seen him ragdoll acrossed the ship. Was…." Thok said then immediately stopped after seeing the glare of his sisters face. "Don't you ever know when to think before speaking brother!" She placed a hand on Gar cheek.

Gar looked to both women and smiled. "Gar is ok. Kah no cry." He got up and stood before Kalyssa and Thia then dusted off his tunic and pants. "See Gar is good." A sharp pain came to his forehead and he his hissed to the pain. Something was wrong. Kalyssa went to hold him but he waved her away then pointed to the other ship. "Something bad is coming from the water." Thia looked at him worriedly.

"Whats bad Gar?" She questioned him. Gar didnt answer he ran to the side of the elven lord. "You need to turn the boat and leave now." A gruff and commanding voice came from Gar. Taking Zack off guard he turned to look down at Gar. Gar blinked up to him and point at the boat. "Maw." Gar said not know what he was saying. The elf's eyes went wide the spun towards the helm. "Captain! The Maw is rising!" The captain smiled and yelled out to the crew. "Men raise anchor and lower sails. Lets let them know what the Leaf can handle." The crew shouted hurrahs and got to work.

The waters started to show signs of dipping and seems to start emptying at the center where from the water large sharpe teeth begin to rise from water in a circle of death to anything that would enter the center of it.

A thunderous roar of terror ripped through the sky. All on the ship had to cover their ears for it was so loud. The race to flee such a terrible monster was about to begin as dark cloud started to fill the sky and one monstrous sea entity upon the now dark waters.