Leo - Sailing North

It's been over a week since the rumble. Nothing has been out of the ordinary since then so life on Southern Isle carried on as usual. Kane and I spent a few days preparing to sail to Northern Isle for trade. The land on Northern contains a very unique mineral that we use in our blades. Something about the mineral makes steel extremely sharp and much more durable. Our blades can be thinner and lighter than traditional weapons giving an advantage in speed. The mineral was used to make my sword along with Kane's spear and short-sword. I also used the mineral in a select few arrows in case I need to penetrate an exceptionally thick hide. In return we trade lumber from our Oka trees. A very durable, yet flexible wood perfect for making bows, arrows, fishing poles, and just about anything else crafted from wood.

Kane and I along with a small crew set sail two days ago. The currents have been friendly, the skies have been clear, and now the Northern Isle is visible on the horizon. A small dome-shaped mountain covered in lush green jungle lies at the center of the island. At the west end of the island are small rocky crags that jet up from the ground. These crags contain the mineral we trade for.

We sail north passed the island so that we can turn and approach the north-east side of Northern where white-sand beaches line the shore. Until we reach the turning point our canoe keeps close to the main continent where the water is shallow. Giant eels pass our outrigger canoe from time to time but they're not aggressive or powerful enough to harm us. The danger is in the deep with the Krakes and if we're foolish enough to venture into the open ocean the Kraken will take anything it wishes. We navigate near the continent until we reach the channel of shallows that connects to Northern.

When we sailed far enough north to begin the turn toward Northern, which was clearly visible on the horizon, we noticed something about the continent. Part of it was missing. It looked as if a Kraken had swam ashore to bite and tear away the landscape. But these waters are too shallow for Krakens. Krakes are too small to do this kind of damage. An entire mountainside was missing. How? I wonder if the rumble had something to do with this...

We've found the channel of shallows and we're navigating toward Northern Island now. From here the shore seems peaceful and calm. It should be smooth sailing to the beach. The wind even shifted into our sails so we won't have to paddle until we're ready to run ashore. As we near the beach I should be able to spot the welcoming party. Northerners have a strict protocol to welcome incoming vessels. A small group will line the beach to signal where to run our outrigger ashore. We'll be greeted by the island chief who will then take us to the main village to relax and unwind from the voyage. There will be fresh fruit and some sort of spiced meat, usually a bird or fish, to welcome us to the island.

There was a movement in the water and I spotted black scales gleaming in the sunlight. A giant eel had swam up next to the canoe. It nudged one of the outriggers but the canoe is too stable to be bothered by that. The the eel's head breached the surface and displayed its razor-sharp teeth. Its eyes appeared narrow and it's mouth seemed to curl almost like it was smirking at us. It dove under and left. All the better. We'll be on land soon where it couldn't follow us anyway.