After weeks at sea, Edmund Oakforest's ships were at the mercy of the vast and relentless Zafira Sea. Food and water were beginning to run low, and the crew's morale wavered between hope and despair. The wind battered the sails as the sailors worked tirelessly to keep the fleet together.
The sea offered them no respite. Violent storms struck the fleet, with colossal waves threatening to capsize the ships. Many men were lost to the treacherous waters, dragged away with no chance of rescue. The freezing nights brought fear and exhaustion, while thunder rumbled on the horizon. To make matters worse, strange shadows were seen in the water during the early hours—massive shapes lurking beneath the waves, awakening the terrifying thought that they were not alone in this vast expanse.
Hunger began to erode the crew's strength. Provisions, initially calculated to last for months, had been consumed faster than expected due to spoilage. Fresh water became a precious commodity, and strict rations were imposed. Small mutinies were quelled before they could escalate, but Edmund knew his leadership was being tested with each passing day.
On the dawn of the twenty-second day, when hope seemed almost lost, a cry echoed from the crow's nest of the flagship:
— Land ho!
Edmund rushed to the railing, his eyes wide with anticipation. On the horizon, bathed in the pale glow of the moon, a cluster of islands emerged from the dark waters. Towering mountains covered in dense forests rose majestically, and the distant sound of waves crashing against the rocks brought an indescribable relief to the exiles.
As they approached, they could make out golden beaches and lush tropical jungles. Small rivers snaked through the trees, suggesting sources of fresh water. The air was thick with the scent of dense vegetation and exotic flowers—a stark contrast to the salty taste of the sea. Vibrant birds flew above the treetops, while the calls of unseen creatures echoed through the jungle. At the heart of the largest island, an imposing mountain loomed, crowned with thick clouds, hinting at the presence of dormant volcanoes.
However, not everything inspired tranquility. Stone structures, covered in vines, peeked through the foliage—signs of a lost civilization. Weathered statues seemed to watch the foreigners' arrival with hollow eyes, some bearing inscriptions in an unknown language. Traces of ancient paved roads led into the depths of the jungle, hiding secrets waiting to be uncovered.
— Lower the sails! Prepare to make landfall! — Edmund ordered, his voice filled with determination.
This archipelago could be his ruin or his salvation. But one thing was certain: Edmund Oakforest's journey was only just beginning.