|
"What is the next step in your search?" |
Bruto asks the question with an air of friendly chatter, but Vergot receives it like a
hammer banging at his chest. |
| "I would like to say I have a plan, a clear idea of where my next
step is, but the truth is I'm lost... I've wandered these islands for what seems like ages
(and maybe it is) and I've found nothing...." |
"But there are other lands, other territories far beyond
this tiny archipelago." |
As he says it, Bruto points with his hands towards the south, the warm lands of
careless love and easy death. |
|
| Vergot looks towards the south and shudders... from what he has heard this
forbidden port is a safe haven compared to the cities of the south, the seas are awash
with pirates, the lands are crawling with thieves, violence, disease and corruption. |
"The south? Is that where you're going?" |
|
Bruto smiles, sensing Vergot's inner panic.
"That's where I first appeared in this strange voyage, and I must go back to find
a friend that I left there." |
"And this friend...do you believe he will help you in your
search? Could he help...us?" |
"I don't know if he can help or not... but
along the way I've learned one thing... you need all the friends you can get." |
| Vergot hesitates. He feels he has gone too far, trusted this stranger too much. But
the words stick at the edge of his lips. |
|
Bruto smiles very broadly and anticipates the question. |
"If you didn't ask it, I would have to ask you!
Of course we can travel together... as much as I know this countries, I can't go alone
into such a frightening realm! And besides, I don't have a boat!"
And with that he stands and they both start walking down the hill, towards Vergot's boat. |
