Shortening Seas

Between the merfolk’s invaluable scouting efforts and Vel’s newfound ability to propel the squadron himself, their relentless pursuit inevitably bore fruit.

Just two weeks after first claiming his aunt Vel was torn away from a morning session with his sister that sent a chill of mingled excitement and apprehension through him.

“SAILS AHEAD, SAILS AHEAD!”

A bell was ringing alongside the shouts, calling everyone to their stations. Filling up Dina would have to wait.

The deck was bustling with activity, but not chaotic. Everyone aboard this ship knew where they needed to be and what they needed to do. Vel could take no credit for that, but felt his chest swell with pride nonetheless.

Joining Captain Avlogg at the bow of the Aluvian Fury, Vel and Dina squinted at the horizon. Sure enough, there were a few tiny silhouettes in the distance.

“Looks like it will take us many hours yet to catch up, perhaps even a day or two.”

Vel felt confident in that estimation, he might have been near clueless about naval matters at the start of this voyage, but he had learned a great deal.

Avlogg snapped his spyglass shut, his expression dark.

“Aye, a day at least, if we catch up to them at all. They’ve picked up speed somehow.”

How the captain could tell that at this distance was a mystery to the siblings, but Vel trusted his judgement. And there was no way he was letting his prey escape, not when they had finally gotten close.

“Please signal the other ships that I am about to speed us forward, Captain.”

Avlogg nodded, a grim smile on his face.

“At once, your lordship”

He hurried off, shouting instructions at the crew. Once Vel’s ability to call the winds to their aid had manifested, a set of signal flags had been agreed upon to convey when he was about to make use of that power. Sudden gales without warning could be dangerous.

As soon as Vel got confirmation that all the ships had acknowledged the signal, he closed his eyes and focused. He wasn’t aware of it himself, but as he channeled the wind and the ships picked up speed, his body floated a few inches up of the deck. Hanging suspended above the same spot, the wind seemed to not even touch him.

Even while conserving his strength for the upcoming confrontation, Vel was confident he could cut down the pursuit time to a few hours. And then, then he could finally end this and go home.