The ghost ships felt the eerie and irresistible call to return to their seaweed purgatory far out at sea. The crews had said their farewells to their former lives. Even Ondun was not keen to arouse anger in the ancient underwater titan, and so Captain Shay took his last leave of Criston. The shadowy ships cruised away from Ishalem harbor, accompanied by clouds and storm winds.…
When Ondun was ready to return to Terravitae, crowds gathered on the piers. The followers of both Urec and Aiden had all been chastised into good behavior (for the time being). Before He climbed aboard the huge Arkship, He summoned His golden seahorse-serpents and harnessed the majestic gold-scaled creatures to the vessel. They hooted from their blowholes, restless to be off.
Joron the Traveler walked to the end of the pier where his bearded father stood with the ethereal beauty of Ystya. Joron said, “Though I miss Terravitae, I will remain here, Father. Tierra and Uraba are my home now—and have been for centuries. I don’t know if anyone is left back there.”
“That is why Ystya and I must search,” Ondun said. “Watch over these people, my son. I don’t envy you the task.”
Joron simply shook his head. “They will take care of themselves. I’ll just become a wandering hermit again and slip quietly among them.”
Much to Saan’s disappointment, Ystya had decided to return with her father so that she could explore the continent that had been the home of her people. “It’s Terravitae, and it’s where I belong, Saan. I need to go back…just as I understand why you need to stay here, at least for now.” Her eyes were filled with longing and difficult decisions.
“I’ll miss you, and I want to be with you,” Saan said. “You’ve shown me so much magic that I believe anything is possible now. But there’s so much damage that needs to be healed in Uraba…and the land of Tierra is also part of me. I can’t just sail away again. Not yet.”
“I know.” Her face shone with contentment now that she had reached her decision. “But it’s all right. I’ll be around for a long time. I hope you will come to me. The whole world waits for you.”
“I’ll find a way to return to Terravitae—I promise. Somebody has to lead other ships there.”
Beside them, Criston reached out to clap his son on the shoulder. “We will. Now that the war is over, think of how much time, energy, and money our two lands can use for exploration.”
Saan embraced Ystya, but withdrew awkwardly as he noted Ondun looming over them. Self-conscious, he tried to give her a chaste hug, but Ystya threw her arms around Saan and gave him a passionate kiss. Her lips sparkled, and he felt that she had just placed an entire season of springtime inside his heart. He swayed and almost begged to go with her after all, but he stepped back to stand with his father.
“We know the way now,” Criston said. “The Saedrans have their Mappa Mundi, but I kept my own charts. When our lands begin to recover, we can set our course.”
“I will see you again, Ystya,” Saan said.
Ondun addressed the people who had gathered on the waterfront. “There is much work to do here. Put your own house in order. Once Tierrans and Urabans learn to cooperate and support one another, you will be welcome anywhere in the unexplored world.” He lowered his voice, looked directly at Saan and Criston. “I expect to see you soon, Captains.”
Ondun strode up the ramp to board the new Arkship, and Ystya blew Saan a kiss before running to join her father.
The seahorse-serpents strained at their filigreed harnesses and pulled the vessel away from the dock and out to sea. The magnificent Arkship sailed away toward the horizon.