A Tale That Could Not Be

“It was a pleasure sailing with you again, Captain Silver,” Hook said, clasping hands with his old friend. “I hope to see you on the high seas once again.”

Captain Silver gave the hand a good shake and then raised a finger and winked. “Aye, Jimbo, it was a mighty pleasure to have you on me deck again. Can’t say that I won’t miss ya’ but mayhaps if we meet on the seas again you’ll be givin’ me a little break, bein’ a pirate hunter and all? I wouldna’ want to have to sink your shiny new vessel, eh?”

Hook nodded and smiled. “Of course. I’ll give you a wave and look the other way, as long as you promise to behave.”

“Haha, oh lad, you know that’s a promise I can’t rightly keep!”

Hook chuckled and then waved goodbye to the rest of Captain Silver’s crew. Waiting for him in a rowboat ready to descend into the water were Jack, Sinbad, and the three girls. Bigbad sat on the deck behind Hook, his glowing blue eyes watching with interest. Hook gave Captain Silver a pat on the shoulder, which startled the sleeping Flintlock, and then turned and left.

The rowboat was descended into the water and Sinbad began rowing it away from The Hispaniola. Bigbad leapt into the water with a huge splash and swam about happily, grateful to have a chance to exercise and stretch. Hook smiled at the sight of the huge wolf and then glanced up at the departing pirate ship. Captain Silver was at the wheel, guiding it back out to sea, its tattered sails catching a strong wind and bulging greatly. Though his stay on the ship had only been a few days long, he would miss it nonetheless. He and his old captain had shared many stories, reminisced on old times, and even discussed the future, though Silver preferred to avoid such talk. He was thankful that he hadn’t had the need to partake in any piracy but wished he could have somehow done more for his old friend. Perhaps once he acquired another ship he would save up some gold to help with some of Captain Silver’s ship repairs. It was the least he could do.

Ahead lay the massive Port of the Sun, a huge expanse of wharfs that hugged the shoreline for miles and piers that shot out toward the ocean like dozens of wooden spikes. Beyond the wharfs were scores of shops, warehouses, drydocks, and inns bustling with activity. Ships of all sorts and sizes glided in and out of the busy port. Some were frigates, corsairs and brigs with several masts and square sails while most were the sleeker Sauradian ships with triangular, lateen sails, lighter hulls but far greater speed and maneuverability. Hook watched a dhow skim by, its crew preparing nets and tackle for a fishing excursion. A xebec, a much larger ship than the dhow which was little more than fishing vessel, with many cannons and dozens of crewmen cut through the water right beside the rowboat. Its wake made the small boat bob about wildly, much to everyone’s chagrin, but Hook was nevertheless impressed by the speed of the passing ship. Jolly Roger had been a swift vessel but these Sauradian ships seemed impossibly fast and would have easily overtaken her. Hook had had few dealings in the southern seas, strict and constant Sauradian patrols keepings its water free of most pirates, thus seeing the sleek ships was wondrous to him. He began to imagine himself on one, chasing pirates and catching up to them before they ever had a chance to even load their cannons. Perhaps he was destined to captain one of the unique and fascinating ships.

“What’s a man o’ war doing here?” Jack asked, snapping Hook back to attention.

Hook spotted the huge ship of the line immediately. With its towering masts, multiple gun decks and massive size it was rather hard to miss. He produced his spyglass and studied the obviously foreign vessel. “It’s one of King Charming’s vessels. It flies the crown and sword Frenis.”

Sinbad glanced at the vessel and shrugged. “King Charming always had had strong ties with Sultan Ali Baba thus it’s hardly surprising to see one of his ships here.”

“I assume they are convening for matters of war.”

“Most likely…”

“Will Prince Aladdin have any time for us?”

Sinbad nodded, frowning with determination. “He will make time if he has to. I will get you a ship again, captain. I promise you.”

Hook smiled, confident that his quartermaster would follow through with his promise. He had never steered him wrong before. He only hoped that matters would be dealt with quickly and efficiently as too much time had already passed. Selvina wasn’t even of this world and yet Hook felt responsible for her. If it was the last thing he ever did, he would save her. That was his promise to himself.

Once the rowboat finally arrived at one of the piers, Sinbad and Jack pulled it toward the platform and secured it to a few mooring posts. After it was stabilized the two men helped the women off the ship. Hook left last and glanced back at Bigbad, who had paddled faithfully behind the rowboat, keeping pace with it. The wolf reached for the pier and gripped it with his clawed forepaws. With powerful kicks of his hind legs he heaved his body out of the water and wasted no time shaking the water out of his thick, black fur. Everyone nearby was drenched from the shower and a few Sauradians cursed and shook their fists at the large wolf but most didn’t mind. The day was intensely hot and a cold spray of water was mostly welcome.

Red climbed atop Bigbad and helped Cindy climb up behind her. She then glanced about with a confused expression on her face. “They don’t seem alarmed by Bigbad here. It’s as if they see animals his size all the time.”

“Princess Balaura is often seen riding her tiger,” Sinbad explained. “Namuran is about the same size as Bigbad so it’s nothing new to the people here.”

“A tiger? Is it dangerous?”

Sinbad shrugged. “I suppose he could be but I’m certain Bigbad will be fine. Princess Balaura despises the sight of blood and won’t allow her big cat to start a fight.”

“I’m more worried about Bigbad starting something. He can be extremely protective…”

“Bigbad won’t start a fight unless you tell him to,” Cindy assured the concerned redhead. “We’ll be fine.”

Hook got everyone moving toward the gathering of buildings lining the shore. The Sauradians in their turbans, shawls, and other silken garments were accustomed to traders, merchants, and sailors from other kingdoms and hardly paid them attention. They went about their daily business as usual and Hook preferred it that way. There was no time for any unneeded quarrels or questionings.

They soon reached Port of the Sun and Sinbad used the few coins he had left on him to purchase camels and horses for everyone. The beasts were unafraid of Bigbad, which was more good news that Hook appreciated, and after a short break for refreshments and something to eat the riders soon left Port of the Sun, following Sinbad down a sandy road that wound its way up and around craggy hills toward mountains of red rock.

“The city of Arababyl lies just beyond those rocks,” Sinbad advised, pointing at the mountainous protrusions of stone in the distance. “It will take most of the day to get there but this road is heavily used and we should encounter no dangers.”

“This place is so hot,” Red complained, fanning her face with her hand and panting as much as Bigbad was. “You never get heat like this in Midae.”

“Kenmard never gets half as hot as this,” Cindy said. “I feel comfortable, however. Do you think it could be because of my resistance to fire?”

Red shrugged, still fanning her face. “Probably.”

Jack removed his shirt and wrapped it around his waist, revealing a rather lean and ripped body sporting a few scars. Red had never noticed it before and suddenly found herself sweating a little more than she had been earlier. She looked away, setting her eyes on Belle who was attempting to get comfortable on her camel. The sight was rather amusing and it captured Red’s attention, but not before she stole another glance Jack’s way.

“These strange beasts smell awful and are absolutely awkward to sit on,” the annoyed woman growled. “I would much rather have a horse…”

Sinbad, leading the way, looked back and grinned. “I am sorry, Belle, but they only had one horse and I figured Hook should be the one to have it.”

“I’m not trading my horse,” Hook said firmly.

“Please?” Belle pleaded.

“No. My horse!”

Red giggled. “There might be room on Bigbad for you, Belle, if you want to try.”

“I would but Beast is saying that I shouldn’t. He can tell that Bigbad is at his limits and isn’t taking the heat very well. Another rider might be too much for him to handle.” Her camel groaned and swung its head about, frustrated with how she was handling it, and Belle nearly fell off. After she recovered and regained control she gave the camel’s hump a hard slap. “You stupid animal!”

The camel then thrashed about and threw her off.

Belle landed face-first into the sand and growled angrily. “I really hate these things…”

It took some time but eventually Belle patched things up with her camel and the two rode on in silence the rest of the way. A passing caravan lent the riders a few pails of water for their animals and the riders took the time to stretch their legs and drink from the water flasks Sinbad had purchased for them in Port of the Sun.

Red gave Bigbad’s neck a pat, worried at how hot his black fur felt on her hand. “Hang in there, old friend. Drink up. We’ll be in the city soon enough.”

Belle approached, looking as worried as Red was. “Beast says he’s doing better after the drink but that the heat is really bothering him.”

“Beast can tell those things?” Red asked.

Belle nodded. “He, and I, I suppose, have a connection with some animals, mostly just wolves and bears and the like. Bigbad is healthy but the hot sun is making him tired. Beast thinks that if we don’t reach the city soon that he might faint.”

“Where the hot sun will just keep beating down on his unconscious body…”

“Yes, exactly.”

“Does Beast know what I should do?”

“All he says is that we should keep moving. The sooner we reach the city the better.”

“Hey, Red!” Jack said, walking over to her with his arms on his hips and his bare chest soaking in the sun. He neared his face close to hers as if inspecting something and Red felt an onslaught of sweat pour from her skin. What is he doing? Why is he looking at me like that? Jack suddenly blinked and then grinned widely. “Ha! Just as I thought! I can actually see the freckles popping up on your face. I heard rumors that redheads got all freckly in the heat and I now know it to be true!”

Red blushed deeply and flipped her hood over her head, doing her best to cover her entire face. As much as Jack knew it was to shield her skin from the sun but it was actually to hide her embarrassment. He’s just a friend, she reminded herself. Why am I feeling this way around him?

The riders were off soon after, Red still hiding her face in her hood.

“What are you doing, Red?” Cindy asked curiously. “I would think you’d want to take that heavy cloak off, not embrace it.”

“I hate freckles,” was Red’s muffled reply.

“Freckles? Oh, haha, that’s all? Pfft, there’s nothing wrong with freckles. I think they’re cute.”

“Well, I hate them. My brother would tell me freckles came from bugs burying their poop under my skin. I believed him too, for a while…”

Cindy burst out laughing. “That’s amazing! Your brother sounds hilarious.”

“He was a pain.”

“I doubt that. You don’t know painful brothers, Red, trust me.”

Red sighed. She couldn’t argue with that. She couldn’t think of anyone who had endured as much pain as Cindy. She supposed Hook came close after losing his wife and unborn child to Pan’s viciousness. Robin, as brothers went, had been annoying and bothersome but he had taught her archery and the art of survival among other things. She missed him and hoped one day to see him again.

“Where is your brother?” Cindy asked after a while. “I know you said he was in this forest or something but is he going to be there forever?”

“As far as I know. Before he left Midea he said that he wanted to make a difference in the world and that he’d only find that across the sea. I haven’t seen him two years since.”

“I’d like to meet him one day. Maybe when this whole business with Selvina and The Writer is done with we can go visit him together!”

Red slowly slipped her hood off of her face and smiled at her friend. “I’d like that. He might not annoy me as much if you’re there with me.”

“Aww, I was hoping he would. I’d like to see what normal brothers are supposed to behave like.”

Red rolled her eyes and shook her head. “I am so sorry to disappoint you…”

“Your freckles are cute.”

Red groaned and quickly slipped her hood back over her face as Cindy burst into laughter. “No, they’re not. They’re ugly…”

The sun mercilessly beat down on the six riders, baking the sand and stone around them and making it feel as if they were inside an oven. There was not a cloud in sight and the sandy hills in the distance undulated in distorted waves of heat. They met few travellers, which Sinbad remarked as odd, and had nearly exhausted their entire supply of water by the time the sun was at its zenith. Sinbad informed that they still had a few hours of riding left before reaching the city thus water would have to be severely rationed or they risked fainting from the heat exhaustion, which he warned was far more dangerous than it sounded.

After a time, Bigbad began panting more heavily than usual and suddenly lay down on the road. Red and Cindy disembarked from his back and sat beside him, the former wide-eyed and worried.

Hook slid off his horse and hurried to Bigbad. He uncapped his water pouch and began trickling some water into the large wolf’s panting mouth. Bigbad lapped it up eagerly but before long the pouch was empty and he rested his head on the sandy ground once again.

“This sun is killing him!” Red shouted fearfully. She turned to Belle, tears in her eyes. “You said he would be ok!”

“Beast admits he might have been wrong,” Belle replied, her face sympathetic. “He’s sorry, Red…I am too…”

A lot of good that does, Red thought angrily. She didn’t voice it, though, for she understood Belle and Beast did care for Bigbad’s wellbeing. Starting a fight would solve absolutely nothing anyhow.

“Give him room,” Hook said, gesturing for everyone to step back. “He’s hot enough already; we don’t need to make it worse.”

“What can we do?” Red asked the former captain. Her heart was racing and she looked to the older man with hope. Hook had been through many hardships in his life and surely he’d have a solution to this problem. He had to…

Hook immediately looked to Sinbad. “You know deserts far better than I do, Sinbad. What can be done here?”

The former quartermaster narrowed his eyes in thought as he gazed at the exhausted wolf. “If he is unable to walk then there is little we can do. The longer he remains on the ground the smaller his chances are of surviving the heat. He needs to keep moving. That is his only option.”

As if understanding what Sinbad had said, Bigbad abruptly rolled over on his stomach and lifted his body, albeit shakily. Red stood at his side, helping him balance himself. She rubbed his neck, smiling wide and utterly proud of him. “You can do this, Bigbad. Just follow the road. Cindy and I will be right beside you.”

Bigbad, still panting heavily, trudged ahead, his head bowed low but his pace steady. Hook, Belle, Jack, and Sinbad returned to their mounts and kept pace with the large wolf. Sinbad led but ensured that he was not too far ahead, as to not make the wolf feel like he was lagging behind. It was a slow walk but everyone was pleased that Bigbad was moving.

An hour later they reached the chain of red mountains Sinbad had pointed out earlier in the day. The road through them was narrow and bordered with boulders and rubble left behind from rockslides. It was a perfect place for bandits to stage an ambush and everyone was on alert. Despite the danger the mountain pass presented there was ample shade at some points, which helped ease the heat off Bigbad’s furred body.

Another hour passed before they were through the mountains, grateful that there had been no ambush or threat of any kind. They encountered a merchant on the road who, upon seeing Bigbad’s condition, generously sold them a few barrels of water for a discount price. He would have given them for free but Sinbad insisted that he paid him, if not for the barrels than for his timely appearance. Bigbad had almost an entire barrel for himself and was soon reenergized. Red and Cindy returned on his back and the pace was much quicker. Sinbad and Belle’s camels held on to the remaining two barrels and with everyone refreshed, rehydrated, and resupplied the last hour before reaching sight of the city went by quickly.

Great red walls of stone surrounded Arababyl. Behind the walls rose spires, obelisks, minarets, towers of all sizes, including one that almost reached the sky, golden temples, ziggurats, countless rooftops and grandest of all was a huge dome with four ornate towers surrounding it, each topped with a brilliant flame. From their position on a slight rise they could see a wide river snaking its way south through the middle of the city. Dhows skimmed the water, fishing and distributing cargo.

“Did that statue just move?” Belle asked, pointing at two massive stone statues flanking the open gate the road led into. The statues were huge, man-shaped constructs of rock, as if someone had somehow stuck many boulders together in the shape of a human.

“That’s not a statue,” Sinbad said. “Those are golems, one of Sultan Ali Baba’s most powerful guardians. They have existed in this desert long before humans and only through mastery of fire magic can they be somewhat controlled. High Flame Gaphir and his best fire mages are the only ones capable of doing so. The golems have kept Sauradia at peace for many generations and are looked upon with great respect and admiration.”

“Well yeah,” Belle said, her eyes wide with wonder. “Who would attack anyone with living mountains on their side?”

“The warships in Port of the Sun suggest that the peace is nearing its end. I suspect the golems will soon see combat and woe be to whoever is foolish enough to stand against them.”

“We better hurry to your cousin,” Hook said with a frown. “As dreadful as the looming war is going to be, I still need a ship and we still need to save Selvina.”

Sinbad nodded. “Aye, captain.”

Hook smile at the title and followed Sinbad as he led them toward the city of Arababyl.

Jack stared at the golems, awestruck, as they steadily approached them. “I want Selvina back as much as the rest of you all do but I sure would like to see those guys in action… They make those giants I met seem like children.”

They were stopped before the city gate by guards with spears and dressed in silk and scaled armour. After a short discussion with Sinbad they were eventually allowed through, though under careful watch. Red craned her neck to look at the nearest golem’s face and two tiny dots of crimson stared back. She felt insignificant under its gaze, as if there wasn’t anything in the world she could do stop it if it suddenly chose to crush her under one of its feet. Her thoughts flashed back to Selvina, alone and under the clutches of the ruthless Peter Pan.

Was she feeling the same way?