Chapter Hundred-and-Ten
Regina's POV
During the days on the ship, the misery and vomiting had become a never-ending process. The smell from the people on the ship combined with the smell of fish, making it almost difficult to breathe. I passed most of the journey stooping in a corner, barely managing to keep whatever small food my stomach could and from rearing its ugly head through my mouth.
It was another day again and after managing to eat a meal, I was by the railing of the ship, leaning over to retch my guts into the water.
When I was done, I wiped my mouth with a cloth knowing that I could not use the water I got from the sea.
I looked to my left and I could see a man standing at the other side. He was leaning over the rail as well, at the lower part of the ship where one could easily lean over and touch the water. I walked towards him because I remembered Captain Thoma's warning. If that water should splash on him, he would be gone faster than expected.
"Excuse me," I yelled out, keeping my distance as much as I could.
He turned towards me slowly and raised his eyebrows. He was a tall and lanky man who life seemed to have dealt with severely. "You look beaten up."
"Beaten up?" I asked with a raise of my brows.
"The sea is dealing with you harshly," he said. His voice was raspy and aged and it fit his looks. Sturdy with a harsh stubble, dim hooded eyes. "You have been throwing your guts out for days now. Can't blame you."
"Um, okay?"
"I am not stalking you," he said firmly. "Let us make that clear. I just see things too much."
"I see," I mumbled. "Well, I just said to warn you. Do not let that water touch you."
"You think I do not know that?" He smiled.
"You do?"
"Of course. What I do not know is if what I'm chasing in the underworld is worth it," he sighed.
"What is your motive?"
"It could be evil. It could be good. It is subjective. But then, would I have to do this evil, or make this journey if evil which someone thought was good, was not done to me?"
"Probably not."
"And then the cycle continues, does it not? A repetitive evil for what we feel is a good cause."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Cecille Banks is it?" He asked. "What you are chasing may not lead to a cycle of evil disguised as good, but what I am chasing may."
"How do you know my name?"
"I do not know your name. What I do know is that you are not Cecille Banks."
"Well, if what you are chasing is not worth it don't give it a shot. Go back to where you came from."
"I cannot," he smiled. "So I'll take the coward's move."
"Start afresh somewhere new?"
"Start afresh... In the underworld." He turned away from me and then leaned over the railing.
My mouth hung open in shock as I watched him melt into the sea.
After the boat had been floating for several months, it docked at the harbor of The Underworld and I saw a tiny ray of hope penetrate through my tiredness. I stepped off the vessel happily hoping never to have to sit in that again both because of the smell and the filth. The harbor was crowded, a noisy market with vendors all yelling their stock, and seamen, bringing in their goods. People were still gathering and I had to force my way through the mass. My thoughts were about the possibility of finding shelter and getting myself together.
I had only taken a few steps when I felt a sharp prick on my neck. My vision blurred, and the world tilted alarmingly. Before I could cry out, darkness swallowed me whole.
When I awoke, I was lying on a cold stone floor, my head throbbing painfully. I blinked against the harsh light, trying to make sense of my surroundings. The room was bare, with walls of rough-hewn stone and a single heavy wooden door. Panic surged through me as I struggled to sit up, my hands fumbling against the stone.
“Regina,” a voice called softly. I turned to see Tyler standing a few feet away, watching me with a mixture of concern and relief.
“Tyler?” I whispered, my voice hoarse. Relief washed over me, mingled with confusion. “What are you doing here?”
He took a step closer, hands raised in a gesture of peace. “I’m here to help. Edvin sent me.”
My heart pounded as I stared at him, searching his face for any sign of deception. “Prove it. What’s the password?”
He nodded, understanding my caution. “A night on the lonely blue sky riding with girth.”
I exhaled slowly, my tension easing slightly. I reached into my shirt and pulled out a small, sharp knife. Tyler’s eyes widened, but he didn’t move as I approached him.
“I’m sorry,” I said softly, and before he could react, I slashed his arm. He yelped in pain, clutching the wound.
“Damn it, Regina!” he hissed, glaring at me. “Was that really necessary?”
I pocketed the knife, feeling a pang of guilt. “I had to be sure you weren’t an imposter.”
He shook his head, wincing as he pressed a handkerchief to his bleeding arm. “Fair enough. Just warn me next time.”
I took a deep breath, my mind racing with questions. “Do you have any leads on the twins?”
Tyler’s expression turned serious. “We need to check with the sorcerer’s department. If anyone has filed to use twins for a sacrifice, it will be documented there.”
I stared at him in disbelief. “There’s a department for that? And they just… release that information?”
Tyler nodded, his face grim. “The Underworld values transparency. Everything is highly organized and documented. The only thing is that the identities of the people involved remain anonymous. So, if someone did file to perform such a sacrifice, everyone here can know about it, but nobody will know who wants the sacrifice.”
My mind reeled at the thought. A place where dark rituals were not only acknowledged but systematically recorded? It was horrifying and yet… strangely efficient.
“How do we get to this sorcerer’s department?” I asked.
Tyler gestured towards the door. “Follow me. It’s not far, but we need to be careful. The Underworld has eyes everywhere.”
"You just insinuated we don't have to sneak around."
"Well, you don't want the wrong person knowing what you're looking for.”
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