Chapter 42. Wonderworld

CYRUS

The waters are calm, as our boat drifts calmly toward a dark hollow tunnel. I stand unruffled while the cold winds of a cloudy day sweep through.

“Perhaps a storm is coming,” Azeez complains and I turn to see his troubled face and hair dancing with the wind. He is clad in the familiar dark armor. I smile.

“We will not stop or turn back, Azeez,” I say as a matter of fact, shifting my gaze back to the scenery.

“Sir, with all due respect, no one, not even the sailors know what lies at the end of that tunnel. Iridians are forbidden from venturing thither.”

“I guess it’s our lucky day then,” I reply.

“Sir!” Another calls me and I turn, only to see Roma edging toward me with urgent strides. She bows slightly on reaching me before speaking. “The crew is troubled. We have drifted too far away from home with no ammunition or backup in these times of war…”

“Is it not fun?” I giggle, spreading my arms and refusing to heed their counsel.

“Wi