Dusty

The Adventures of Caleb Crowsnest

Carrion bird could sense when death walked near. Like dark shadows they circled overhead, cawing in their raucous tongue, calling their brothers and sisters to the feast. Many a bird heard their morbid summons but knew better than to approach uninvited. The victim would depart this world soon enough they knew. The Corvids could smell his dying breath; they could see his feeble movements. The faltering rise and fall of his chest grew shallow, and the bolder of the Murder drew closer, settling amongst the branches waiting for death’s final victory. The unconscious form twitched and grew still, and the corvids shuffled closer. One, bolder and larger than the rest croaked, he would take the first pecks, lest a lesser bird suffer his wrath. The others squawked and grumbled but did not argue the simple truth. He would prove a formidable foe, they would wait, impatiently. The corvid, a large oily crow hopped forward, jabbing experimentally at a green foot, his razor beak leaving a line of crimson against the emerald flesh. No reaction emanated from the dying, so he strove nearer, working his way around until the creature’s delicious eyes, concealed behind only thin eyelids were in pecking range. Crowing victoriously the bold corvid drew back his head to feast and struck.

A grey and white thunderbolt ploughed into his back! Driving webbed talons tore deep into his brilliant black plumage, and an orange beak snapped at his head. Feathers flew in every direction as the two birds tussled, rolling across the loam covered floor, screeching, and calling terrible battle cries. They were evenly matched it would seem. Roughly equal in size and strength and equipped with sharpened beaks. The crow thought himself a ferocious warrior, and did not back down easily, tearing into this meddling gull who would intrude upon his meal. The other crows croaked their displeasure from the sidelines, making a thunderous racket but they dared not intervene. First pickings were sacred amongst their kind, this was their boss’s fight alone.

The bloodied duelists broke combat, settling only a few feet apart, circling and sizing the other up. Arguably the gull had taken the worst of the bout, despite her ambush. Puffing out his feathers the corvid near doubled in size, sending out squawks to prove his meanness, impressing upon this outsider she should not have dared disturb his dinner. His display of bravado would have cowed any lesser bird, but gull did not seem shaken, indeed it seemed she would remain unto the bitter end. Who was this insane fowl? So far from her coastline and piers where she belonged, and deep inside the city proper. Was she this desperate for food that she would die fighting for it? As good a meal as the dying creature promised was it worth such a brutal sacrifice? He could kill her, but at what cost to himself? The gull did not share his own doubts. Raising her wings, she launched herself forward, the mournful cry echoing throughout the tree’s interior.

Dead things were common in the forest, the crow decided. One could find plenty of slugs, or insects should one become desperate. No prize, no matter how delicious would be worth this. Turning tail, he fled, flapping away, cawing angrily before the maddened gull could engage. Circling once the gull landed astride the green creature’s chest, glancing this way and that to see if any others amongst the Murder dare test their mettle. None stepped forth. Seeing the strongest among them be driven off impressed a great deal, and they settled down discontentedly to allow this formidable stranger first rights at the feast.

Flower shuffled her feet atop Rainbow’s chest. His heart still beat, she could feel it. The rablin lived, but barely. He was dying, something lurked beneath his skin slowly killing him. His ragged breaths grew few, and far between. She could sense the Murder shuffling ever closer, nearly two dozen hungry crows growing more exasperated by the second. Why hadn’t supper begun?

She screeched as the bolder amongst them hopped within pecking range. They croaked back, twisting their beady intelligent eyes right to left, trying to understand. Wondering if it would be worth fighting for. Time was of the essence. Hopping down she pecked gently at his hands, eliciting no response. She tugged as his toes, and pecked at his nose, and even called into his ear, each attempt showing less reaction than the last. One corvid, braver or hungrier than the others inched nearer, giving his own experimental jab at Rainbow’s face. Flower retorted in kind, grasping the crow’s head by the feathers, and tearing them free with a powerful tug. The crow flailed, screaming bloody murder as his black crown splattered scarlet droplets. That was when the corvids decided then that they had had enough. As one mass of black wings they descended upon the lone gull, determined to kill this intruder and feast. They swirled about, tearing at Flower, as the helpless gull battled fiercely, giving as good as she got. But there were to many, and these crows were not going to just drive her away, they were out for death. The battle exploded into the air, and across the table scattering this and that until a small chest, empty and open was sent clattering to the floor, shattering on impact.

Rainbow’s purple eyes snapped open. He writhed in agony; his body engulfed in a swarm of angry birds. He tried swatting them away, but each contact his hands made sent spine splintering pangs throughout his entire body until he screamed for all he was worth, the birds directly above him were forgotten as black residue leak from every pore on his body. Even the crows, accustom to the scents of rotting flesh blanched at this offending stench and sight. They scattered to the four winds confused and furious at a lost opportunity.

Rainbow began to hyperventilate, his muscles spasming uncontrollably as the last of the black curse exited his body. Black ooze was replaced by putrid sweat and the agonizing pain faded into a dull ache. He whimpered trying to remember what had occurred. Everything was a haze. Memories of children, oceans, forests, and monsters swirled through his head, clouding his thoughts. He dared not move unless the pain return.

A soft bird’s call emanated from his left, and Rainbow turned his head ever so slightly, feeling the liquid murk squish beneath his head. His entire being resisted the movement, but he managed until his eyes could lock upon the flyer who had made the noise. His violet gaze came to rest on a battered seagull. It was Flower he realized, after a moment. She lay awkwardly on her side missing a great deal of feathers and looking considerably worse for wear. Not a far cry from himself in fact. One wing looked bent out of shape, and it seemed she bore a score or more wounds. How she had found him, or why she was in such a state was beyond Rainbow’s mental faculties at that moment. Licking his dry lips Rainbow stretched out a hand, his entire arm shaking from the effort. “F-f-find… Help…” He managed to say, even as the rational part of his brain still functioning told him the bird would not understand. “P-please…”

Whether his words made sense or not, the gull struggled gamely to her feet. Giving Rainbow one last seabird’s cry she limped into the air, flapping raggedly away from the suffering rablin. Searching the city for her lost friends would be arduous, especially with a sprained wing and numerous injuries, but Flower was not the kind of bird to give up easily. Of that at least, she was certain.

The Adventures of Caleb Crowsnest

“I’m sorry. Captain John and everyone else died two years ago.”

At Caleb’s morose affirmation of the crew’s fate a gasp erupted from Jake. The brown-haired boy shuddered, his lips quivering, tears brimming beneath long lashes as if he struggled to hold them back. He fled, bounding through the homely garden before Roger could seize him, vanishing over the gate and scurrying away like a startled rabbit. Skyla, being much younger did not recognize the weight of Caleb’s words, giving the skeleton doctor a chance to snatch her up and pull the little girl into a tight embrace.

“Oh, dear. Oh, dear me.” Rogers muttered as reality sank in and the child began to cry. Caleb suddenly felt a lot more awkward, fiddling with his sword hilt and kicking at the lawn. It was amazing the amount of emotion the bleached skull could emote, even without proper eyes or facial features. The empty sockets were stricken by grief, and the clenched jaw bespoke unsounded sobs of his own.

“I- I’m so sorry.” Caleb said, feeling as if he might cry as well. He beat himself again and again internally. He should have broken the news first to the older members of the family and let them gently ease the younger children into the truth. “I should have known better; I was bringing news of their grandfather’s passing. I’m sure he was a good man; Rainbow spoke well of him.”

“Such a terrible loss.” Rogers shook his head sadly. “You could not have known the scope of this news, do not blame yourself Caleb. You merely brought the message, as dreadful as it is. Though to learn of their grandfather and father’s deaths. It is no easy thing.”

“W-what?” Caleb said aghast.

Rogers nodded. “Aye, Herrown was John’s son-in-law and journeyed with him. An up and coming sea captain himself supposedly, and a good man. A good husband to Mary… Oh dear who will tell Mary? She will be distraught. Always holding out hope that one day they’d both return safe and sound after all these years.” Skyla cried even harder into his shoulder as the kind skeleton patted her on the back. “I know, I know it’ll be alright Skyla.”

“Maybe we should go.” Caleb offered, looking to Edward for some sort of support. The Hippocampus shrugged, looking for all the world as awkward and heartbroken as Caleb felt.

“No, no I must insist you stay. If you would not be imposed. With Rainbow missing, you are the only one who knows the story. I’m sorry I have to ask this of you Caleb, but this family needs the closure you could provide.” Caleb who did not think he could deny Rogers anything at that moment agreed to stay. Rogers rested a thin hand on Caleb’s shoulder. “Thank you, you have done us a great service. We should get the children inside, and send summons to Sara, Mary, John junior and his daughter Kayden, and Marrathew as well. I will have the serving staff on that at once.” He looked to Edward and gave the tiniest shake of his head. “I’m sorry Edward, but a horse of your size simply will not fit comfortably within the homestead’s dimensions. You will have to remain in the garden. There is a bell you can ring to summon one of the servants if you require anything, I will instruct them to cater to your every need. Is this acceptable?”

Looking a little mystified at the concept of a bell, or servants Edward bobbed his head up and down. “Uh sure, that’s fine...”

The busy doctor glanced behind him, a pained look on his unmoving features, and a miserable sigh escaping his rigid jaw. “Caleb, I asked so much of you already. But Skyla needs my support until Mary can be brought back from her place of employment. Would you be so kind-?”

“Yeah, whatever you need.” Caleb said instantly before Rogers could finish. As long as it kept him busy. He did not want to intrude any more than he absolutely had to upon their sorrow afflicted abode. For his own sake as much as theirs.

“Could you fetch Jake?” That certainly was not the task Caleb had been expecting. He never really considered himself very artful at sympathy. Some people had the talent to make others feel better, but it was not one of Caleb’s skills. Not by any means. And what did he know of losing his father, he had never known his own parents, much less Captain John or his son-in-law Herrown. Caleb was a distinct third party in all these events, and probably not a welcome one to Jake’s personal grief or space. “The poor boy needs to be here when his mother arrives.” Rogers continued. “I would not ask if my arms were not already occupied.” He indicated the weeping child clinging to his chest.

“I – I’m not sure I would be the best…” Caleb trailed off, unable to refuse the pleading look Rogers was giving him. The skeleton doctor had been John’s friend, but he was looking to his young charges first and foremost before his own anguish, and it was only right as the bearer of this dark news that Caleb do something to ease his colossal burden. “…Alright.”

“Bless you, you’ve done so much for us already.” Caleb did not feel that way, but he nodded along with the doctor’s words. “You’ll probably find him in the boughs of the mighty Arrocmor. It stands at the southern corner of our grounds. He is quite fond of that old climbing tree, it seems the logical place to locate him in his current, mood. A good place to cry in private.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t bother him there, if that’s the case.” Caleb hesitated. “He would be better left alone.”

Rogers seemed to consider this at great length, preforming a rather odd motion with his hand. He stroked the air beneath his chin, as if he were running his fingers through a beard his face might have once possessed. An old habit from life before reanimation perhaps? “No, I would prefer he were here to meet his mother and be amongst family. Healthier that way. They will need each other. He is an obedient and well-mannered boy, for the most part, tell him I request his presence for a cup of my calming tea to help him feel better. He will follow I’m sure.”

“Oh – uh okay.” Caleb was not sure how he would feel after losing someone as important as a parent. He was fairly certain a cup of tea would do very little in making him feel better. But surely the doctor knew more on these matters than he?

Edward offered to be the transportation, and Rogers, after pointing the general direction of this Arrocmor tree retreated indoors carrying the still sobbing Skyra with him. Hippocampus and boy made a subdued pair as they traversed the significant sward that once belonged to Captain John Nieve. “Y’know Eddy.” Caleb stated, clinging to the Hippocampus’ golden mane as the proud, and freshly restored water beast trotted southward.

“Hm?”

“I somehow thought bringing them the news would give the Nieve’s happiness. Or at least I thought giving them the answers they have probably been waiting for years to receive would cheer them somehow. I guess I did not think about it the right way though.”

“Oh? Why not?” Edward asked, genuinely curious.

“Ever since I could really think about these sorts of things, I’ve always wished someone would come and tell me why. Or at least offer clarity. Answers were all I have ever longed for. Maybe it’s because I have never expected good news, or anything like that. But questions like why did they leave me at Red Twig Orphanage, or Eagletown? Who were they and who am I? They have been haunting me my entire life. Anything to fill that empty hole would be better than waiting and expecting nothing. It seemed like all the other boys who shared my story in Red Twig felt the same way. We just wanted answers, any answer really. Even if it ultimately was bad, it would be better than nothing at all. I thought my experience with loss would be everyone’s, but it wasn’t. They are heartbroken and disappointed, not at all glad or satisfied. It makes me worried how I might feel when I lose someone important, or that I won’t be able to handle the explanation of my own parent’s deaths, however they occurred. Maybe I shouldn’t want to know, maybe it should always remain a mystery, lest I feel the loss and pain the Nieves’ feel today. Does that make any sense?”

“Its all above me.” Edward admitted after carefully contemplating Caleb’s words. “I’ve never felt that sort of loss, hippocampus live such long lives, I shouldn’t have to worry about any of my family passing for quite some time. And you are going to be alright. You’re so smart and skilled with that sword of yours. And Rainbow, he’s tougher than a whale. Flower is a bird and can fly away from any danger… Nope, I don’t think I need to worry myself over losing anyone for a good long time to come.”

“So, you’re just not?”

“Yup.”

“Wow,” Caleb sighed pressing his face into the pale fur. “I wish I could be that way.”

The Arrocmor was not hard to spot. A massive tree that stretched up into the heavens, covered in large, low hanging branches. It was large enough to build a comfortable home within and still have plenty of tree to spare. It was awash amongst bright blue leaves that seemed to sing in the breeze, and soft crimson bark run smooth by generations of hands. Large plump fruit hung from its thinner upper branches, the lower more accessible ones having already been picked bare. Caleb craned his neck skyward, searching the mighty boughs carefully as Edward began the long circuit around its wide base. He spotted Jake when they were nearly a third of the way around, sitting with his back to the trunk, staring back, his face smeary as if he’d just had a good cry, but ceased at their intrusion, wiping away the evidence with dirty hands.

Giving Edward’s mane a gentle tug to have him stop Caleb hailed the arboreal mourner. “Uh, hi Jake. Um, do you mind coming down? Rogers wanted you to come back into the house for tea…” No response was forthcoming, and Jake looked away sniffing. Edward was not offering any assistance, and the one tactic Rogers gave him had flopped. Caleb wondered if he should just walk away having failed in this task. That would not do though. Slipping off Edward’s back he approached the root base of the tree. Hesitantly he laid a hand on the red bark, and almost cried out in surprise flinching his hand away. The tree seemed to thrum, as if it had a heartbeat. He pressed his palm against the wood once more, welcoming the sensation of a beating heart. The tree was alive, truly alive, and warm to the touch. It was so comforting, almost a substitute for a loving parent’s embrace. No wonder Jake had fled here. If given the chance Caleb thought, he might rest against the Arrocmor for an eternity. Pressing his fingers into he soft bark Caleb began to climb, hand over hand, springing from branch to branch with all the lithe strength of a young boy skilled in arboreal movement until at last he surmounted the middling branches, coming to a halt just beneath Jake’s own seat. The boy did not rebuff his presence, but he did not acknowledge it either, pointedly looking in a different direction, trying awfully hard not to cry.

“You know there’s no shame in tears.” Caleb echoed, thinking back to a dark and bloody night deep beneath the ground in the enemy’s lair. He set his back against bark, closing his eyes, and enjoying the rhythmic sensation that permeated from the mystical tree. Somehow it worked, driving the nightmares away, the twisted and bloody shapes that haunted him every night were swept aside, and their memories replaced by solace. “I never knew him, your dad, but Rainbow said the crew that sailed with your grandfather were good men. So that includes your father, right? I bet he would be happy to see you are safe here in Thorn. Um. Real proud of you too…” His words were having no effect. No response whether positive or negative were being initiated. If anything, Caleb felt like he was intruding upon Jake’s space. Maybe it would be best to leave, but the tree felt so soothing he wished to stay and unpack some of his own baggage. Whether for Jake’s benefit or his own he could not say.

“I never knew my parents, y’know. No one did, I was found on a doorstep freshly born with only a note bearing two words and a blanket. The couple who discovered me there did not want me. They gave me to an orphanage, in Eagletown. The matron Adria was nice, and the other children were as good a family as they could be. But it never felt like home, like home should feel like. I never had someone to hurt for, someone I felt so strongly for. Part of me has always wanted to feel the way you do today, and a part of me wants to protect myself from that pain. Seeing you hurt, it rips me apart thinking about how much you must have lost. You clearly loved them so much. I guess what I’m trying to say is I wish I could have had parents like yours. But I cannot ever feel that loss, or that love. Which is why I urge you to cherish his memory and treasure your mother too. For her sake as well as yours. Because not having that love is the worst thing in the world…” Caleb felt a small hand squeeze his shoulder and looked up to see Jake’s tear stained face staring down at him.

“I’m sorry…” Caleb whispered. “That was selfish of me, talking about my problems when-“

“That’s alright.” Jake cut across. “You’re right, I think. Mom is going to need me to step up now more than ever. Take care her, and Skyla, and my cousin Kayden too. I don’t really have a choice anymore.”

Caleb smiled, reaching up and giving Jake’s shoulder a squeeze in return. “I wasn’t lying when I said your grandfather and dad would be proud. That’s very grown up thing to realize.”

Thanks, I hope I make him proud, wherever he is.” The younger boy relinquished his grip and Caleb followed suit. “Do you know how he died? They died I mean?”

“From what Rainbow told me…” Caleb said hesitantly.

“I’d like to know.” Jake spoke with such seriousness Caleb had to check and make sure he was still talking to an eight-year-old.

Carefully, with halting words Caleb laid out the story as Rainbow had told it. Mulling over how much he needed to share, and watering down the more gruesome parts of Rainbow’s no doubt already watered-down version of events. Jake’s face never changed once during the retelling until he asked after the fate of the dwarfs, and Caleb explained their attack and his own part in ending the dwarfen menace. Jake’s face twisted into a bitter frown and he nodded appreciatively.

“Good, they deserved that.” Was all he said, before letting Caleb finish the reciting.

“-So we took their ship, and set sail towards Thorn City.” He concluded in short order. It all seemed so long ago to Caleb, but in reality, it’d only been several weeks since that night. Giving himself a little shake Caleb tried to remember how much his life had changed since being here to there, how much he’d learned and experienced and how many people he’d met. It felt almost surreal. “We should be heading back, Rogers wanted you to be there for you mom when she arrived.”

“Yes, and you’ll have to tell everyone what happened.” Jake reminded him. Together the two boys tore themselves away from the heart tree’s embrace and descended from their lofty vantage, plunging branch by branch until they joined a rather confused, but content to wait Edward amongst the spreading roots.

“Can you carry two Eddy?” Caleb asked, eyeing the golden hippocampus.

“Aye-up. No problem. You two don’t seem too heavy at least.” The sturdy equine assured them. “But don’t ask me to carry Byures as well, he wouldn’t fit.”

“Whose Byures?” Jake asked, as Caleb helped him scramble aboard before hopping up and straddling Edward’s flanks.

“A friend of ours from the Forest district.” Caleb explained. “We wouldn’t have found our way here without him.”

“I should thank him.” Jake said after a moment of thought as Edward began their slow trot back to the homestead. “You were able to shed light on something really important for me and my family. I am glad you made it here Caleb. Thank you.”

Avatar | The New Cycle

Y’know considering the release of ATLA on Netflix, and the subsequent popularity on this interest check, and general confusion as to the setting. I think it says something about the current supply and demand for an Avatar RP...

Someone should really get on that.

The Adventures of Caleb Crowsnest

“I can’t preform any of my magic either.” Edward confided, pawing at the turf underfoot. The hippocampus tossed his mane, snorting his displeasure at this realization. “It’s too far away, my powers are so weak here I cannot preform even the simplest spell. As if I am reaching with all my might, but it’s always just out of my grasp. It must be the distance from the ocean for me, with us being farther inland than I thought. Maybe your source of magic is too far away as well Caleb?”

“That wouldn’t make any sense.” Caleb argued growing ever more frustrated at his inability. He tried the movement again, positioning his hands just the way Byures taught, and uttering the incantation. To no avail. The magic simply refused to work, denying his every attempt. “I don’t even have a source of power. Or if I do, I am not sure what it is. Or how I could be separated from it here.”

“The forest district is mighty, old, and interwoven in a twisted web of ancient spells and powerful beings. Magic is a strange force in this world, complicated beyond our understanding. There is a chance it interferes, keeping you locked from your source.” Byures indicated the ancient twisted trees that surrounded them, and the shimmering air that indicated not all was as it seemed.

“So, my magic is blocked here?”

“Perhaps, perhaps not. I do not know for certain. Attempt to preform a spell you are confident you could accomplish. We might be given more insight upon the outcome.”

Caleb mulled this over, rubbing his fingers together. He knew a simple sparking spell, that almost all the Red Twig orphans were taught. A basic incantation that summoned a tiny flurry of sparks, something that could be accomplished by mundane everyday items, but handy in certain situations. Basic survival skills were a must for everyone and knowing how to produce a fire ranked near the top. Feeling his fingers beginning to produce heat from the friction Caleb clapped his hands together, reaching for the magic within. Nothing happened, no burst of yellow sparks materialized in a brilliant if short lived eruption. No matter how deep within himself Caleb searched he could not locate his magic. Byures was right, he could not access even the simplest spells. Caleb’s shoulders slumped in defeat. Sure, he had never been particularly skilled enough in magic to have aspirations of becoming a true mage, but he had always liked the reassuring feeling it provided. It was like an integral part of him was stolen, leaving an empty hole in its place. Even the normally cavalier Edward seemed taken aback by his lack of powers. No doubt being a creature of magic he was feeling the bite of its loss even worse.

The alligatorman nodded his head, as if he expected this to occur. “It seems my suspicions were well founded. No matter, an opportunity lost but no real harm done. I shall fulfill my promise and see you to the border, but no further. I cannot pass into the other districts. You will have to find your own way or locate a new guide to finish your search. Once you have unlocked your magic once again young Caleb, I urge you to reattempt this spell. You may find it useful on your journey.”

“Thank you Byures.” Edward said sincerely. “We would have been hopelessly lost in here without your help.”

The Hunter merely grunted, then in his slow ponderous way turned towards the city borders once more, his young companions following dutifully in his footsteps.

The Adventures of Caleb Crowsnest

“Caleb?” Edward snuffled at Caleb’s sleeve. They’d been walking a further twenty minutes, apparently Byures’ definition of close by being somewhat different to his own. No building tops or elegant tower spires were in view, though Caleb did find himself spending far more time staring exhaustedly down at the broken path keeping focused on placing one foot in front of the other, rather than towards the sky. The Hunter did not slow his gait, indeed he seemed utterly single-minded in achieving his destination as if nothing in all the world could hurry or stall him. His lumbering gait covered ground steadily, leaving his travelers lagging in his wake, drawing ever further behind. At Edward’s request Caleb glanced tiredly up from the never-ending trail, giving the weary young hippocampus a inquisitive glance. Edward was limping now favoring his right foreleg. His pale gold fur was smeared by dirt and dried sweat while his once watery eyes were crusted over. Mane like golden thread was tangled and burr bedraggled, giving what once was a proud, strong yearling foal, the appearance of a broken old nag. Caleb rested a hand upon Edward’s withers, feeling the muscle tense and ripple under the pressure.

“What’s wrong Edward, are you well?”

“Noooo,” came the hippocampus’ whine. The pale head sank lower, as if he were too exhausted to hold it up any higher. “I’m so, so thirsty Caleb. My mouth is dry, my brain aches, something is stabbing into my foot, and everything hurts.” He lifted his gaze, one eye fixing Caleb with a pleading desire. “I want to go back to the ocean.”

Now that Caleb thought about it Edward did seem a bit dried out, as if his body was withering away under the sun. The boy winced, scratching at a scab that had formed where a whipping branched had struck him during their wild ride. “Tell you the truth Eddy, I’m not feeling to chipper either. I could use a break and a drink of water myself. But we must find Rainbow and recover Valentino’s gift! I would hate to tell the prince of the ocean that his treasure was stolen.” Caleb did not want to admit, but the sooner he was out of the forest and away from Byures company the better. Both gave him a sense of dread, that hung in the back of his mind. Edward only whined in response, his head sinking a little lower. “But a short break wouldn’t hurt.” Caleb sighed, broken by Edward’s pathetic appearance. “Maybe Byures’ knows about a stream or pond nearby.

The aligatorman in question stopped so suddenly the youthful duo nearly crashed right into him. It was all Caleb could do to avoid stepping on his long, dragging tail.

“These things I know.” He acknowledged, twisting his long reptilian snout to appraise the two. “Away from our final destination we will march, but closer, much closer freshwater rests. I do not trust the human wells, rank and filth infused. Follow.” He turned a perfect ninety degrees and stalked off. Caleb and Edward exchanged glances but hurried to follow. At this point they were far to lost amongst the trees to ever hope finding their own way out, much less a good water source. Encouraged by the promise of water they limped behind the Hunter, eagerly awaiting the first sight. True to his promise they were not far off, and Caleb was the first to hear the blessed sounds of running water. They broke through a patch of willow trees and there before them rested a shallow forest pool, fed by a small waterfall that trickled down a patch of mossy rocks. Giving a happy cheer Edward darted forward, splashing straight into the pond’s surface. Caleb followed at a much more reserved pace, kneeling, and dipping his hands to cup a mouthful of the sweet relief into his parched mouth.

“Ew, gross, phath!” Edward emerged from his submerged position coughing and gagging, shaking droplets from his golden pelt. “Caleb don’t drink that, somethings wrong with the water!”

Caleb spat it out hurriedly. “What’s wrong? It tasted fine to me?”

“The water is well.” Byures assured them from his place of observation. The alligatorman watched Edward curiously, tilting his large head ever so slightly. “You are creature of the ocean, yes?”

“That’s right,” Edward concurred.

“There is no salt, the water is fresh.” Byures explained, his voice deep and slow, soothing the worried hippocampus. “The taste is different, but I do not think one who can breathe the air, and yet survive beneath the waves should be concerned. Drink child, the water shall do you good.”

This was enough reassurance for Caleb who drank his fill greedily. Edward hesitated, but his thirst won out and he dipped his head, sucking down the life-giving liquid by the gallon.

“Careful Eddy,” Caleb laughed, splashing some water towards his friend. “You’ll drop the level of the pool drinking like that.”

“It’s nasty,” Edward complained, his tail whipping at the pond flies that were trying to settle on his flanks. “It makes my stomachs feel queasy, but it’s better than nothing I suppose.”

They relaxed along the pool’s shore, swimming in the shallows and laughing at the different tricks Caleb could preform jumping off the rocky waterfall’s summit, spinning or twisting through the short fall before splashing into the deeper portions, scattering the small fish that resided there. All the while Byures watched, silently. So perfectly still he almost blended into the leafy green background. At one point Edward swam out to the deepest part of the pool, where his legs still managed to scrape the bottom and submerged his head, but he burst above the surface a short while later and returned to shore looking deeply concerned. Caleb lounged on the grassy bank plucking a blade of grass and twisting it between his fingers.

“What’s wrong Eddy? The water still making you feel sick?”

“Yeah, it is. But it isn’t that.” At Caleb’s insistence he explain further Edward laid down, a very odd affair for a horse but he managed it, lifting, and twisting his right forehoof as if he was trying to see beneath it. Yet despite his best efforts he could not managed to adjust his body enough to get a proper look. “Something was hurting my foot,” he admitted resigning to laying on his side. “So, I thought I might transform into a fish, because fish do not have hoofs, or legs, or feet. That should have worked, except I cannot transform. I was trapped somehow, stuck in this body. Neither my true self, nor any of the other three would appear, it was as if my magic is severed, or at least strained.” Caleb thought he saw tears emerging from Edward’s large eyes. The boy leaned forward wrapping his arms around the powerful neck of his equine friend.

“It’ll be alright Eddy,” Caleb assured his young companion. “We ran so far inland chasing after that thief, you’re probably just not used to being so far from your home. Once we find Rainbow, we will go back to the ocean, and I’m certain your powers will return.”

“You think so?”

“I guarantee it.”

“Alright,” he gave his best horsy smile he could muster, but Caleb could see the worry in his eyes. Not doubt fearing he would be forever trapped on land.

“No offense, but having legs is painful.” Edward commented after awhile. “I don’t know how you go around on land and surfaces without end.”

“Oh, right!” Caleb sprang up, motioning Edward do the same. “Let me check your hoof, maybe something is trapped there.” Edward did as he was bid, gingerly returning to his feet, still favoring his right foreleg. Caleb knelt on one knee, taking Edward’s injured leg like he’d seen farriers preform to his home village’s horses. Taking two fingers he rubbed them along the hoof wall and then the sole, brushing aside the mud and gunk that clung there. He discovered the source of Edward’s discomfort almost immediately. His fingers brushed against the base of a thorn, and Edward flinched, giving a little yelp of surprise.

“Ouch, what did you do?” He grumbled, nudging Caleb with his nose. “That stings.”

“Stop twitching and bumping me Eddy, you made me lose it. Hang on here it is. You’ve got a nasty thorn in your hoof.” Caleb rediscovered the offending barb, trying to set his fingernails around its stubborn base. It was lodged deep, and it was huge, Caleb did not know how Edward managed to walk so far without more serious complaint.

“A, thorn?”

“Yeah, a big one. I can pull it out, but it’ll hurt.”

“Will it hurt more than the hooked jaws of a giant sea monster?” The question was asked so casually it gave Caleb pause. Boy and hippocampus exchanged a glance and Caleb shook his head.

“No, I don’t think it will.”

“Then I shall manage.”

“Okay, here goes.” Securing the thorn Caleb gave a sharp tug and twist and out popped the two-inch spike followed by a little spurt of blood. Edward braced for the pain barely flinched. Whistling Caleb held the absurd barb up to the sunlight, shaking his head in amazement. “I do not understand Eddy, you were walking with a whole spear stabbing into your foot and only now mention it?”

“It wasn’t comfortable.” Edward tested his hoof on the soft loam, sighing appreciatively. The aggravating sting that had been bothering him for the better part of two hours was finally gone. “Thank you, Caleb, that’s so much better.” He moved his head around, examining the gore streaked trophy curiously. “So that is a thorn. Its rather small isn’t it, to be the culprit of so much discomfort.”

“Small!” Caleb cried aghast, knowing full well if the thorn had been in his foot, he would not have been able to walk more than a few agonizing steps. He flicked the spike away for some other unfortunate to trod upon and stood. “C’mon then, we should finish our little walk. And try to avoid stepping on any brambles this time.

“I’ll certainly try. They are less friendly than a sea urchin.” Edward concurred taking one last sip from the forest pool. “Shall we be off then, Byures?” Edward raised his head, twisting this way and that. “Hey, the Hunter is gone.”

“No he’s not, he’s right over…” Caleb began a frantic search of his own. He had noticed the alligatorman’s uncanny stillness, and ease of blending in before, but now it seemed he was well and truly gone. How could someone so large have vanished without them noticing? And why would Byures leave them alone by this pool?

Battle of the Nations

Oh, @TJByrum make sure you do your @s in a second post, because if you do them in the opening they don't work. Its a known bug.

The Adventures of Caleb Crowsnest

Minutes passed, and hours faded away as the moon slowly rose and dipped in the evening sky. Eagle’s Deliverance guided by Edward’s steady fins kept a sure course. Meanwhile the young friends conversed well into the night. Caleb asking for answers and stories about life beneath the ocean, and Edward piling on his own inquiries regarding the land, each marveling at the mysterious wonders that lay outside their respective reach. Words droned into obscurity for Caleb, and as the stars slowly faded away, he felt more and more challenged to keep his eyelids from drooping. The child yawned larger and larger until at last he resisted no more and dozed against the rail, giving into the urge to pass unto peaceful slumber. Warm sea air, nor gentle rocking of the ship disturbed him, and Caleb dreamt of grass and trees and earth of his distant homeland, far, far beyond the horizon. He could not say how long he slept, it could not have been exceptionally long however as the sky was still black of a late evening, or an exceedingly early morning. Caleb stirred, uncertain as to what woke him. Nothing seemed out of place on deck. Rainbow was most likely below, sleeping. Flower roosted nearby head tucked under her wing, and Ribbon was nowhere to be seen.

“Edward?” He asked, rubbing at his eyes, and forcing back an overwhelming yawn. No answer was offered by the hippocampus, or by anyone for that matter. Deciding whatever it was did not require his attention Caleb reclined against a coil of comfortable rope and prepared to return to his dreams of home.

THUNK

This time it could not be denied. Something powerful impacted their keel, sending shivers down the sloop’s wooden spine. Caleb sat up straight, all tiredness leaving his body in a sudden surge of adrenaline. Standing the boy leaned out over the darkened waters, scanning for any sign of his friend. Edward was gone, or at least deep enough to be out of sight. That was unusual, Caleb frowned, the young sea beast always kept close by, guiding their vessel true. If he was not there, they were sailing randomly wherever the water bid. The sea remained calm under his sharp gaze, Caleb sprinted to the port railing, scanning those waters as well. “Edward?” He called again, this time louder and with a hint of urgency. No response from the hippocampus curtailed his concerns. Perhaps Edward had gone to the ocean floor to find something to eat, or maybe he was resting. The waves seemed calm, perhaps they would not be blown to far off course. Besides, the hippocampus surely knew the ocean better than Caleb. He would be back in no time, the boy reassured himself, forcing his body to relax. And whatever hit their ship? A large piece of driftwood most likely, and nothing to worry over?

A sudden burst of power rocked the ship from bow to stern sending the proud prow high out of the water and crashing back down with a tremendous force. It was all Caleb could do to clench tight to the port railing and keep himself from being thrown overboard. A surge of water crashed down around him, soaking the boy to the bone as he released a terrified cry. Flower, startled from her sleep rocketed off the mast spar, squawking at this injustice. Then, before Caleb could catch his breath, he heard the scream. A young voice, crying out in pain and terror, alien, and yet all too familiar to Caleb.

“EDWARD!” Caleb screeched as the ship rocked again. He clung tight; his arms wrapped around the railing in a death grip, desperate to maintain purchase as the ocean roiled angrily beneath the sloop. “Edward, where are you?” The ocean frothed as if some massive storm raged just beneath the surface. Edward’s forlorn cries echoed out from the dark depths where Caleb’s eyes could not penetrate, and he knew something terrible was happening. But Edward was a giant, spanning nearly the length of the Sloop and undeniably powerful even in his youth. He dragged the ship through a storm for crying out loud! What could possibly cause him to yell out in such horror. Caleb thought he saw a sheen of blood in the water and his heart jumped to his throat. “Edward, no.” He croaked; his voice having gone hoarse from his own cries.

“Caleb, hang on. Do not let go of that railing.” Rainbow appeared, outlined in the shadows of the cabin door, clinging to the frame to keep balance. “What’s going on, whose screaming?”

The impossible sound ceased, as if in answer to Rainbow’s inquiry and the waters stilled. Eagle’s Deliverance rested uneasily on a freshly calmed surface, but Caleb did not reduce his grip, lest the turmoil resume. Not once did the boy stop searching the waves, his hands shaking as tears ran freely down his cheeks. All he could think about was that terrible shriek, and the way it so suddenly concluded. A flash beneath the surface caught his eye, and he leaned out, unable to believe his eyes.

A shape, an enormous monster three times Edward’s size resided below. An eerie bioluminescent spine glowing a victorious evil green, illuminating its pale scales, four massive flippers, powerful amphibian tail, and long wicked jaws within which was trapped the writhing form-

“Caleb no!”

The boy did not heed Rainbow’s cry. His sword set between his teeth Caleb plunged into the icy brine, forcing his eyes to remain open against the agonizing sting of salt and blood. The aquatic monster did not even heed the tiny, insignificant being who now swam ten meters from it. So intent on the prey, ensnared by her foot long teeth. She shook her head this way and that, trying to break the spine of the stubborn hippocampus who fought bitterly for his very life, a rare treat to bring back to her brood…

Battle of the Nations

I do think if we are gonna be using Napoleonic military terminology we ought to match proper scale. Which would have regiments of line infantry closer to three thousand men. It would also help make the battle seem far grander in scale.

Battle of the Nations

This sounds pretty cool. How many players are you hoping to collect for the allied forces?

The Adventures of Caleb Crowsnest

As if to punctuate this point the freshly freed yardarm dropped upon the deck crashing through timber and railing alike. The crewmembers ducked, the elder of the two cursing like a true sailor as the aft mainsail and jib flapped free, twisting, and tumbling about on the playful ocean breeze. Attached only at the stern and bowsprit the twin triangular sails fell across the sloop like a white shroud, trailing behind Edward’s steady current, resembling the bedraggled wings of an exhausted waterfowl. The aforementioned hippocampus paused in his efforts having felt the added drag he rose from the ocean, an expression of confusion upon his aquatic features.

“Why did your ship suddenly become so heavy? Oh my…” Caleb’s arm and aim were true, that at least could not be said against him. The intricate web of ropes, whose functions and usage were so painstakingly taught to him by Rainbow through his own limited knowledge of sailing were severed at their source. The collapsed rig made for such a depressing sight it was all Caleb could do to repress tears of shame and guilt that threatened to flood his eyes.

“I-I thought there were snakes, dozens of them slithering down the mast towards you.” Caleb said in his own defense.

“In the middle of the ocean?” Rainbow asked, incredulous. “I was clearly practicing illusions; did you not see all the other impossibilities going on? You did not think Caleb, you acted in truly rash fashion and now we have many hours of work ahead of us to try and repair our sails, or at least one. Hopefully, the dwarfs knew to store enough spare rope in the hold.”

Bristling at the notion he was solely to blame for this disaster Caleb pointed an accusatory finger towards the self-titled captain. “I acted poorly! What about yourself Rainbow? You could have warned me you were turning all our vital ropes into venomous serpents. A little heads up might have been nice!”

“While I appreciate the compliment to my illusion handiwork, I am still not the unobservant fool who threw a sword at our mast.” Rainbow ground out; his jaw clenched as he was convinced of his own innocence on the matter. “If I wanted a mess of everything, I’ll call. Otherwise ask before you ruin our ship next time why don’t you?”

“Well maybe next time, when it’s for real.” Caleb choked back sobs, unable to control himself as his wittier opponent thrashed him in their duel of tongues. “I’ll just let the snakes bite you while I wait for permission to wipe my nose!” He turned and stomped towards their shared cabin, Rainbow’s scathing words following his retreat.

“Where are you going? We have your mess to clean up.”

I wouldn’t want to break it more!” Caleb cried before slamming the door behind him.

Rainbow grumbled and paced, kicking at the collapsed yardarm. Edward, who had watched the entire event in a mixture of confused reservation bent down, nuzzling at the trailing sails, trying to push the fallen water-soaked cloth back onto the ship’s deck using his long elegant snout.

“I don’t understand why humans can be so unreasonable, “Rainbow complained to the only creature left to listen to his tirade. “If you make a mistake, just own up to it. This is not the first time he’s gone into one of these moods either. He should know better.”

“I thought it was a bit mean.” Edward supplied, finally succeeding in forcing the dripping jib aboard, and starting work on the mainsail. “He was just trying to save you, or at least he thought he was.”

“Yeah, sure, it doesn’t change the fact that it was a stupid thing to do. What do you know anyway, you’re six years old.”

“Uh, seven.” Edward huffed, before vanishing below the rolling waves leaving Rainbow alone amongst the tattered ropes and waterlogged sails. He sighed, prying Caleb’s sword from the mast, leaving a sizable gouge in the hardy pinewood. A few stray strands of rope clung to the honed edge and brushed them off with his thumb. It looked like it was going to be a long day of hard work, or a long conversation with Caleb. Neither sounded very appealing at the moment.