26 Calay Harbor

With all sails set to catch the dawn breeze and the ties loosed from dockside stanchions, the Dyscovera pulled away from the wharf. The crew, including Captain Vora, the chartsman Aldo, and the cabin boy Javian, waved furiously. Burly Kjelnar, now designated as first mate, stood at the prow like a figurehead behind the ice-dragon horn, exuding pride in his ship, his masterpiece, as they sailed toward the two lighthouses at the harbor's mouth. From the stern, Prester Hannes watched the cheering crowds, his face chiseled from stone, as if his own prayers propelled the ship along, rather than the winds and the outgoing tide.

Five of Destrar Tavishel's sturdy Soeland warships escorted the three-masted carrack to the open Oceansea. The Soeland vessels were refitted whaling ships that now patrolled the seas, attacking any Urecari ship they encountered, seizing prisoners and booty. The bearded destrar, whose determination seemed to match Hannes's own, would guide the Dyscovera beyond the Soeland islands to the edge of known waters.

As fanfares played and people whistled and cheered, an oddly silent King Korastine watched the glorious vessel depart. Without him. Even the king of Tierra could not have all that he wanted. He had known it would be impossible to join the crew, but he still dreamed of the historic voyage. Now he sat on a padded chair with a blanket wrapped around his left leg. It ached so, and this morning he had been unable to bend his knee at all.

Standing beside his father, cheeks flushed pink by excitement as well as the morning's chill, Prince Tomas waved and shouted, trying to make the crew notice him.

Anjine looked regal, her honey-blonde hair caught by stray breezes. “It's a great relief to see the ship safely launched, Father.” She looked down at him, her expression serious. “If we had protected the Arkship more carefully six years ago, you would have made it to Terravitae.”

“And I would have been back by now.” Korastine gave his daughter a wistful smile. “If I decided to come back at all. Maybe I would have remained with Holy Joron for the rest of my days.” His voice trailed off. Tears misted his eyes as the departing ship passed the two tall lighthouses on the headlands.

“Will they find Terravitae?” Tomas asked.

“For all our sakes, they will have to try.” There was no other option than to try; he had learned that much. He had tried to establish a peace with the Urecari. He had tried to rule Tierra wisely through the hardest times and the greatest tragedies. He had tried to find happiness in marriage.

And we must never stop trying.

Destrar Broeck wore an ermine-lined cape for the occasion. “There she goes! How I wish we could have joined them.” He squeezed Korastine's bony shoulder. “But adventures are for younger men.”

“We were young enough once, Broeck, but we missed our opportunity. Don't begrudge them their chance.” His heart ached. “I wanted to do this for Ilrida. I wanted to see Joron, face him…” His voice cracked. “I wanted to ask him why Ondun allowed so much sadness into the world.”

“Ondun also created love.”

“Yes, and that's what makes the sadness even more painful.”

Anjine frowned at them both. “You two talk like a pair of old women. See what you have, not what you've lost.”

Korastine patted his daughter's hand. “Of course, my dear. I know full well I would just have been another anchor aboard the Dyscovera.”

Tomas shaded his eyes, continuing to watch the disappearing ship. “Will I be old enough to go on the second voyage to Terravitae? After they return?”

“I guarantee it, Tomas.” Korastine stared after the Dyscovera, his eyes sparkling. “Someday, we will all see Terravitae.”

The next morning, the servant Enifir carried a tray containing a traditional breakfast of fresh-baked scones, potted berries, and two boiled eggs to the king's chamber. At first, Korastine had argued that he was not an invalid and did not need to eat his meals in his bed, but soon it became obvious that he took so long to dress himself and make his way down to the banquet hall that Enifir no longer asked permission. She simply came to the king's quarters with his food, and he grudgingly accepted it.

Enifir granted him an extra hour to sleep, for he had seemed especially weary the previous evening, after seeing off the Dyscovera. When she knocked and received no response, she couldn't believe he was still dozing. She worked the latch and opened the door, deciding to wake him.

King Korastine lay in his bed, his leg stretched out, arms atop the down comforter. The candle at his bedside had burned out in the middle of the night, and a large leather-bound volume of the Tales of the Traveler lay beside him, its well-thumbed pages open to the story of Terravitae. His eyes were closed, his expression peaceful. His fingers rested lightly on a picture of bearded Joron surrounded by imaginary animals.

Enifir knew immediately that he was dead.

King Korastine had held on just long enough to see the Dyscovera sail, before he had made his own journey beyond the horizon, following a different course.

With warm tears heavy in her eyes, Enifir stood for several minutes, gulping long breaths, placing her hands across her rounded belly. She spoke a quick prayer, then hurried out, running through the castle halls to find Anjine.