Learning From Our Mistakes

“Captain…” Eurylochus says as our ship ports just off the coast of another island. Our sails had been greatly tangled by the winds of the harsh storm, and such strong waves lead us completely off course. “We have land once again.”

I slowly step up to the front of the ship and peer into the jungles of it all. Through the tree line I saw a glowing light, much unlike the ones I had seen before. These weren’t man made, in fact they almost seemed… natural. As if the plants themselves were glowing.

Among the lights there were shadows rushing throughout the vegetation, quickly, with purpose, not even stopping for a second for the fleet that had just docked among their coast. There was light hesitation as I remembered our previous landing, and my breath remained hitched in my chest as I watched.

“As much as I hate to admit it we are once again running low on supplies.” I say as I stare out once more. “Zeus’s law be damned, after our last island I highly doubt any of these locals will take very kindly to our presence.”

I felt another hand on my shoulder, and as I slowly looked back it was a face I was not expecting. The strong jawline of Harmocydes smiled to my left, as he too stared out into the tree line.

“Captain, if I may be so bold, I believe that a scouting party may be the best option before we send our entire fleet into these woods.” He says, before standing up straight and meeting my eyes again. “I humbly request that me and two other members of the crew disembark. We will spend some time among the locals and report back when we are done.”

His voice was calm, the bravery I had seen when initially selecting him for this voyage was once again at the forefront of his tone. I couldn’t help but smile softly at his words, before taking a small step back.

“Very well, Harmocydes.” I say, nodding to two more soldiers as they stood out to the side. “You three will scout ahead, make friends with the locals. When you report back the rest of us will follow what you believe is the best course of action.” I smile, before glaring back out to the forrest once again. “Though, if you do not return before sunrise, I will come on the island myself to collect you. Whether it be your corpse, or your soul still intact.”

Harmocydes doesn’t hesitate, and in fact his smile only grew slightly larger at the challenge. He nodded, and gave me a quick salute.

“Yes ma’am! With pleasure, ma’am.” He smiles, before nodding to the two other men, and fearlessly leading them off the boat towards the new lands we had just discovered.