Continued -
His body was weak, but that didn't stop him. He grabbed the journal and snapped the lock. He didn't want to be here anymore. This island was insane. He wouldn't survive another day. The dead boar on the other side of the room was also about to be his food. It felt as if someone had starved him for years.
Jumping up, he walked over to the boar's body. Grabbing the legs he pulled it over to the fire. It was a small flame, but he managed. He sliced the boar into pieces and cooked it. His mother showed him this when he was younger, and it stuck. It was nearly done. The sent of it filled the cave and traveled else where..
The pork was done. He ate every slice he could. Then foraged wrapping paper from the journal he has. There were many blank pages. He wrapped the pork and placed it in the pack he found.
"Oh yeah.. thanks again for the supplies mate." He nodded towards the dead skeleton. He didn't mind stealing from a dead man that was unmarked.
He looked to the journal now. It was time to finally read. He wanted off the island. He wanted to be home. No, he was going to be home. Opening the journal again, he looked to the first page and skimmed.
-------
Day 1:
Expedition :
We have found a rather large temple today.. It was South East of the port we made. We start for it tomorrow again, at dawn. We have the supplies to gain entrance and find what lays in side. The Captain will be pleased with us. Our seven man group, we are the only ones to do this.
------
Day 2:
Entrance :
We gained entrance! Though, we lost a good man. Fredrick, you should not have pushed for the gold.. Greed will be demise I guess. We are camped at the entrance and will move further in. Damn dynamite, leaving bits all over the ground. It's hard to sleep!
------
Day 3:
Exploration :
We did it! We opened the entrance more. We have successfully entered and went far into this cave. Many weird bugs. Deadly as well, we lost two men. That's okay though, all were tempted by greed. The four of us can do this.
-----
Day 4:
Findings :
Well we lost another during the night.. Seemed as if he drowned to death. Odd thing too, there's no water. I suspect Gregory to have something to do with it. He's acting odd, something about the ghost's of the dead. We made it to a room filled with statues! That's where we are now. Just the three of us now.
------
Day 5:
Unexpected :
We found something.. Something very strange. It seems it is the ship we sailed in on, but in a bottle. Odd, I'll stick it in my pack. Hm, just heard a noise, going to go check it out. I'll write tomorrow.
------
Day 6:
Demons :
I'm not sure what the hell happened. These - these damn things crawled from the walls of the room we were in! I ran deeper into the tunnel. It's filled with blood in places.. I'm the only one left. I can't take this.. I'm going back. The Captain.. Wait. THE CAPTAIN!
-------
Day 7:
Captain's log :
I found his journal today. It was in his pack. I shall destroy it before I set sail.. These.. fools never seen what hit them. Ha, now it's off to Port to find more for the sacrifice. I shall return in a couple of years.. This time with my son.
-----
*the log has blood and finger prints on the pages*
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The man looked up, out towards the cave entrance.
"What the fuck did I just read?" As he watched outside, he tossed the book over the flames. He took a gulp. This was it.. The island from hell. This was going to kill him. These men that traveled here were killed by their captain. A man they should have been able to trust. He thought about it.
This captain went back to Alder. He crafted a new crew. This time with his son. Was he going to try and teach him how to do it? Or to just kill him here as well. He stood up and grabbed the pack on the floor. No matter what, he would escape the island. He would die here like these men. His captain wouldn't do this to him. This must have been a wrong in some way. A ploy to someone. Maybe him. This island was right in one bit.
He moved. He wouldn't stay in the cave. He needs to find this 'temple' the book told of. Maybe it was his ticket off the island, or even his death. Either way, it would release him from the island. Picking up his pack and sword. He jumped from the cave exit and into the water. It stopped at his knees, which was odd. It seemed to come up to his waist yesterday. Looking down into the clear water he made out what had stopped him from going further down. It was the deck of a ship. No.. not a ship. It was his fathers ship.
The Mabuly.
Terror struck. What was this ship doing in a lake.. Better yet. How the hell did in get into the lake? This was all happening way to fast. He didn't have time. Plus it wasn't real. It just couldn't be. He jumped to a part of cave that he could. Moving towards an exit of the lake. Into the forest he went. Judging by the sun, he moved Southeast. Hopefully he could find it. The place where the dock would have been is where the beach is now.
Moving through the forest, this would be his final hours. Either to be on the island dead or finally he would be able to leave...
Continued - He pulled his sword and chopped the vines that dangled in his way. This was it. This was the final countdown to the arrival of the truth. The thoughts that were in his head moved in circles. How was he able to take all of this in. More vines dangled around and he chopped then to.
Each step echoed in his ears. He could feel is heart beat. Pounding louder and louder. He moved faster. He was almost at a full sprint when his foot caught a rut and he fell. His ankle popping and dislocating itself. His sword fell to the right of him and struck the tree. Once his body hit the ground he felt the pain of his ankle, nearly screaming.
“This was only a minor set back" he said to himself.
He looked up, only to find a boot rushing for his face. Everything went blank. His body was limp and laying on the ground. Blood ran from his nose and onto the ground. The dirt was mush and his head laid sideways in it. Within, what seemed like, a moment he was awake again. Only this time, some place different.
He head was hanging and his hands tied behind his back. He was sitting on some type of rock. He tried moving his head and opening his eyes. It was dark and way to blurry to try. Nothing came into focus. From what he was able to make out, he seen a candle and bowl. A knife was stuck into the side of a wooden pillar. The candle was lit and had been burning for a while. Stuff seemed to come into focus more. It still felt as if the room was spinning.
The only upside to this was the fact that his ankle wasn't hurting as bad. In fact, it felt way better. The only thing that did hurt was his mouth and that was caused by smashing kick. He could taste blood and dirt. He spit it out to the side. Now was the time he should try and get free from his restraints. He was always a fast thinker.
He felt around his wrists to feel what kind of rope and knots held him together, sail knots. A particular type of knot his captain showed him. He wasn't fond of the name, it was called the dead man's knot. His captain said they would tie prisoners up with these knots and push them into the water. So this confirmed it. This man in the journal was the same as his captain. So this could also be his father.
He knew it would be impossible to get himself out of the knots so he quit trying. He looked up and around the room in search of anything that could help him. The knife would be the best bet, but how to get there would be the worst part, after seeing what was at his feet. He noticed he was sitting on an alter in the middle of a room. A pit-ring was around him. It had to be at least ten feet wide, from what he could tell it was far to deep.
Knowing he could try and jump it, but would probably fail. He was stuck with nowhere to go. So this place, it would be the death of him. He sighed.
“I should have just stayed away," he spoke. Another voice came from the other side of the room. "Aye, you should have," it spoke harshly. "You should have never agreed to come with us, you should have died in that fucking cottage. Along with that.. Whore of a mother.” He looked to where the voice was coming from. “Eh? Who are you to say that. Hm? That’s right, you’re just a cowered like the rest of them!” The man screamed.
He pulled himself up from the stone which he sat on. “How dare you hide behind your crew. How dare you stand there and tell us how useful we are!” He stepped forward. Inches away from the pit, he looked down. Judging the jump. “Yeah? You think I like this, that this is some little game I play? Well fuck you and your conclusions.” He stepped from the safety of the cave wall. His face entered the light and the man on the stone could finally see. “Ah, so I was right. It’s just a filth playing captain. You’re a monster.” “No! I’m not a monster, I’m someone trying to live!” He looked down again then back up and took a few steps back. “Well, I’m not letting you live off of me!” He jumped into the pit. The air rushed passed as he fell.
The next feeling was shock and awe. His head went under first and the water engulfed his body next. Thank the gods he knew how to swim with only his legs. He popped his head up from the water. Time was wasting, so he headed straight. Feeling the side of the wall with his foot under water. Kicking with his legs he moved. The rope had become wet. This made would make it easier to escape from later. His feet touched a small patch of something. He stepped up onto it and could feel it was solid. The moved to touch the side of the pit only to find it was a hollow part of the wall. A passage.
He stepped soft to check if there was parts destroyed. He walked on. Following the path. His body soaked in water. He stuck his elbow out and touched the wall. He had hit something on the wall and it fell to the ground. He looked down but it was too dark to see anything. He walked forward and bent down. Feeling for what it was. It seemed as if it was a torch holder. It had sharp edges and he was going to use it. Picking it up slightly he rubbed the sharp pieces against the twine. It snapped almost instantly. “Fucking fool. Next time buy the better rope.” He gripped his wrist and rubbed them. He stood up and grabbed the metal object.
He walked forward, feeling the wall. His foot steps slightly echoed down the long path. His eyes adjusted to the darkness. It became a bit easier to see, though, it was still dark. He watched for any sign of light. Finally breaking the long stretch of darkness, he could see some light. He started off at a jog, then a run, and finally fully sprinting. The faster he ran the faster the light grew. Until finally he was in the light. His eyes burned and he covered and rubbed them. Trying to quickly adjust to the sun. “Ah, there you are.”
He turned and looked up. This is when he realized he was on top of a large cliff. Off to one side he could see a ship in the sea and to the other side was a large jungle and wrecked ships, then a coast. This is where he was for the beginning of it all. He seen the lake he slept near and sure enough, he could see the tip of the mass he stood on. “Well, it’s a beautiful island, I can say that,” He looked up. Only to see the captain looking down upon him with a flintlock. “Aye, that it is. And with such a place, you have to keep it clean. Pure.” He looked down at him.
“You see, I bring my crew members here. I give them a chance. I ask them if they think they can protect the island from all a great threat,” he led off and then began again, “the threat of man.” He looked down upon him again. “So, you bring them here to see if they can. Yet instead what? They dock here and take from the island?” He looked at him oddly. “Why yes, that is exactly what they do. So you do see what I see. Maybe you can even help me.” The man looked at the gun. “No.. instead I’m going to peacefully say, fuck you.” The flintlock rose into the air. “Ah, then you do understand that you will be treated with death.” The flintlock came down and the man holding it jumped off the small pile of rocks he was standing on. “So, anything you wish to say? Anything you wish know?” He smirked, “only one thing. Why is it that every time I talked about my father, you never called me out on it. Obviously, you knew it was a lie. You knew answers that I didn’t. Why not tell me you are my dad? Hm? Why lead me this whole way and not once hint towards it? I just don’t see why..”
The flintlock came down again. “Ha! That’s rather easy.. See, if I told you straight out that I was your father.. You would have shown love instead of honor.” “Is that a problem? Would you not have wanted love? See, this is why mom must have hated you!” “No!” The flintlock struck his face and made him drop the object he had. It rolled off the cliff and to the trees. “Your mother was a whore. She slept with anything that walked into port! Either it be for money or personal sex, she laid with anything.” The man held his face from where the gun hit him. “Ah. So that made you up and leave. Then decide to use me as a fucking sacrifice? Well then hell to you!” As the gun swung for him again he ducked. This time coming back up with and upper-cut. Striking the man’s chin. He fell back. “Ah,” He sputtered out. “You little bastard.” “Huh, I guess I am.” The flintlock dropped from his foes hand and clattered on the ground. A shot rang off.
They both leaped toward each other. One fist going one way and another fist going the other. Both struck each other and neither could keep count on the amount of times each missed. Finally the man pushed his father to the ground. “You know.. I never thought I would have to kill my own father.” He took a deep breath. “You don’t,” the man spoke. They both bled profusely. “You can end this now and become the heir to this island. Have it all. Watch it grow and become beautiful. Surely you have led some poor woman to bed and laid with her. Maybe have a son or daughter somewhere that can take over where you leave off.” “No..” He shook his head. “I. Am. Not. Becoming. Like. You.” With each word his fist struck the man’s face. Finally, he dropped his head and got up. The man on the ground laid there. Dying.
He backed up and looked over the edge. Breathing heavy. A groan was heard and he turned his attention to his father. Whom was now picking himself up off the ground and standing. “Well.. Then we both die here.” “I said no..” His father dashed at him. “James.. This is where it ends.” His father gripped his shirt and pulled him toward the edge. James gripped his father’s shirt as well. Though instead of diving off the cliff he twisted and threw him off. His father instantly let go and dived towards his end. Screaming all the way.
This was it. This was the end of it all. Watching his father dive to his finish. “Heh, I never thought I would see this day.” James drew in a large amount of air and sighed. “Fuck it.. I’m done.” He walked down a small path set off to the side. Leaning down he picked up the gun as well. Then something else caught his eye. A small gold coin. It laid to the side where he had nearly beat his father’s face in. Picking it up he looked at the design. It was big enough to have two people holding a baby on it. On was marked ‘A’ and another was marked ‘E’. The baby was marked ‘J’.
===================================================
Several fucking years and words later -
He stepped off the cart that had carried him from Port Alder to Whitehold. Taking in the people walking around. The smells of a city, the food and flowers. His time at sea had come to an end. He was over excited. He was going to finally meet his dad. All he need to do was take the boat at the dock to Tyro. The man at port said it would only take a few hours. He rushed through the city not caring at this point. Down to the docks of Whitehold. "Ah.. I can hardly wait!" He stuck his hand into his pocket and felt the letter he received a while ago.
-------------------------------
-My son,
Please forgive my rudeness. This was the only way for me to get a hold of you. I wanted you to know your father and once I heard you were in Alder.. I knew I could finally see you. Show this to your Captain. He will know it's important. As I to have never known my dad, I see you should know yours. Please, come to Tyro Island. I run a shop there. Find your way to the tavern and have someone show you to me. I'm sorry I could find you myself. Like I said, I run a shop. I can't find way to leave. Please come at once. I feel as if time may be short for myself as I have grew with age..
I love you,
~ Captain James A. Patchez
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Tears littered the page. From himself and his father. This was truly it. He had already gone aboard the ship that was taking him to Tyro. Within minutes he'll be there. He was tired from the journey, but nothing was going to bring him down. He heard someone call above, "Land ahead captain. Ready to dock!"
He moved above deck now. The sea was rocking slowly underneath the giant vessel. It was slightly cloudy out, but the sun was there. The air was cool. Perfect weather for now. He watched the vessel dock. The crew took to the dock and so did he. The other people he traveled with took off in different directions.
He headed for a man that sat on the dock. "Hey.. remember to-" "Yeah okay, where can I find the tavern?" The man watched him. "Uh, well first you have to register yourself at the register building." He grew impatient, "No.. I need to find a shop first. It's owned by a man named Captain-" "Look sir, you need to-" The man pushed past him. "No.. I need to find my father."
He walked up the path. His black hair swayed in the wind slightly. He seen a sign that stated it belonged to a tavern. He headed in and seen it was empty, other than the barkeep. "Ah.. Welcome!" He walked to her, "Yes, hello. Do you know where I can find a shop? It's owned by a man named Uh.. James Patchez." She looked at him curiously. " Um yeah, actually you follow the main road. It takes you out a gate and to a small side road. That side road will take you to his shop. Are you a customer of his?" He nodded. "Thank you! I must go now, also, no I'm his son."
She grinned, "Ah.. I should have assumed. Your a handsome one." She winked and went back to her counter. He smiled and picked out a thirty crowns and tossed them to her. "Thanks.." He left. Running down the road he exited the north gate. Taking off for the small road. He was bouncing in every step. At some point he began sprinting. Finding the small road he seen the small port ahead of him. "Ah.. There it is!" Came to the gate opened it. Swinging it forward he entered and then closed it.
Looking at the two ships off to his left he walked in further. A man met him, "Oi can I help you?" He snapped into attention. "Aye.. Maybe. My name is Faren Patchez. I'm looking for my father." The dock hand stepped back. "Oh dear..." He looked over towards the large shop. It was to Faren's right. A couple of men stood by a cart.
Faren's eyes widened and he ran over. "Excuse me!" The men by the cart were laughing. "Excuse me! Can one of you help me?" The men turned their attention to them. "Da fuck you want boy?" He looked at them. Do you know where I could find Patchez?" They all looked at him. "Yes we do.." He stared at them waiting for an answer. "Well?" He watched them intently. "Oh right." One of the men picked up the sheet on the cart. "This is him. Dear old.. Uh.. What's his name? Patez, Pat, Cheese?" The boy looked at the cart. His eyes began to water. "No.. No th-this can't be. Is-is this truly him?" He the men looked at the boy. "Yep."
He stepped back.. "Oh yeah and this was in his clutches. It was some type of note." He took it from the man's hand and read it.
--------------
-Faren
I know.. It's to late. I feel as if I'm passing. Please, remember I love you. By the time you get here I will be dead. There will be things for you to do in my honor, I have them listed below:
1. Take care of my shop.
2. Tell people of my passing. People may stop by the shop.
3. Retrieve the gold piece from the mantel.
Doing these and you can have my shop. Please note that it's stocked, and the only way to keep it stocked is with the money I will be leaving you. Please do not fail me.
I love you,
~ *Instead of a name it was a fingerprint in blood*
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Faren looked at the body then back at the note. It had become littered with dots. Water. Though his eyes remained dry. The sky had started to rain.