Robert leaned on the rail of his ship, the Terra, watching the waves. He dug into his coat pocket and fished out a cigarette.


“No smoking, Robert,” said a voice behind him. “How many times do I have to tell you?”


Robert smirked, his back still turned. “Three times. So far, it's only been two.” He flicked the cigarette overboard and turned to face his overprotective best friend and lieutenant, Emilio Barios.


Standing almost six feet tall, Emilio practically screamed power and authority. His chiseled face, thick beard, and rugged hair gave off the impression that he was not someone to mess with. Emilio’s armor was dark green leather with plates of enchanted steel. His sword rested at his side.


Robert had a handsome, shaven face with dark brown hair. His armor was also enchanted steel plates but the color of his leather was gray, not green. Robert had a light but muscular build and he was shorter than Emilio. A one foot rod was attached to his belt.


The two friends embraced one another and watched the churning sea and stormy skies.


“Woke up bright and early, didn't you?” asked Emilio, raising his eyebrows. “It's four o’clock in the morning.”


Robert waved his hand dismissively. “I told you already. Smoking clears my mind.”


“It's not just that. The fact that mortals smoke makes the whole idea seem...wrong to me. We're better than them. We're supposed to be better than them.”


Robert wanted to argue but decided against it. “How's the crew?”


Emilio scoffed. “It's been three months since we've set sail and we've found nothing. What do you think?”


“Good?” Robert replied hopefully but deep down, he knew otherwise.


“Not so good,” Emilio corrected. “They think you don't know where you're going and that you're sailing them to their impending doom. I'll be honest, Robert, your wife is the only reason why they haven't rebelled yet.”


Robert looked away. He was never much of a leader because confidence never suited him. And even though he'd never admit it, Cassandra will always be the better commander.


“They think I'm crazy, right?”


Emilio shifted his feet. “Well….some of them. Few have hope.”


Robert cursed. “Don't they understand how vital this is? We need to find the sea serpent or our chances against the Black Souls go down--dramatically.”

“Look, Rob…the thing is, the majority of them thought that they'd set sail, find the sea serpent in a week and come back home before dinner.” He spread his hands helplessly. “It's been three months.”


Robert whipped around. “Fine! I'm tired of having this conversation so you know what? If they want to go, they can be my guest! I don't care anymore! I was sent to find and kill the beast, and I will do it--with or without them!” He punched the railing in anger and stormed off.

Emilio watched him go with sad eyes.


Robert opened the latch that led to the lower deck and went under. Seconds later, Cassandra’s head poked out.


Cassandra raised an eyebrow. “Is he okay?”


Emilio grunted. “He's fine. Just a bit angry, is all. You know, with the whole crew issue.”


“Oh.”


Cassandra pulled herself up. She was an intelligent, soft-spoken woman with a hidden ferocity very few witnessed. “Did he say where we're headed next?”


“No.”


She frowned. “So decide for him. I'll talk to him, okay? Just...try and find ‘em, Emilio. I have hope.”


“I wish I had your optimism.”


“It's not optimism,” Cassandra said, yanking open the latch. “It’s called faith.”


Emilio said nothing. He took out his map and ran his fingers through his hair. He didn't understand. They checked everywhere. Maybe the sea serpent didn't exist…


Just then, the ship leaned heavily to the right as something rammed it from the side. Emilio barely had to time to yell before being submerged into total darkness.