Nocturna League (Episode 1: The Witching Book) (Nautical Fantasy Short Story) Read Online Free Page A

then.” The Captain follows the guard, leaving the other three to wait outside.
    The guard leads The Captain through the door into a dark room. It is closed and barred behind him as the guard dismisses himself, leaving The Captain alone in the pitch blackness. Slowly, like a moon rising in the night, a great tome opens with the grace of a flower to illuminate the room.
     
    Chapter 4: The Captain is Seduced by Thoughts of Home, and Colette Misses Terribly
    A luscious, mature voice emanates from the pages of the book, stroking The Captain with soft, intelligent tones. “Well, another adventurer heard of the legend and wanted to see if it was all true?” the book speaks, illusions of flowers and nature overtaking the room.
    The Captain, originally in an alert stance, takes a gentler composure. “That’s correct. Just what, or who, are you?”
    A cheery laugh comes from the book, lighting up with each expulsion of magic breath. “I am Vuuya. A sorceress from an old time… And you, sir, you too seem like an older creature that has taken up a new life in modern times. By the looks of you I’d say you are at least… oh, three hundred?”
    The Captain scoffs. “I hate to correct a… lady, but I’m not even sixty,” he says, standing about comfortably.
    The voice in the book coos with intrigue. “Oh? But your body’s composition… and that uniform, I’ve seen that symbol before. The Nation of Lascardia hasn’t existed for a hundred years, if not more. Why do you think otherwise?”
    The Captain places his hands in his pockets. “Again, you are misinformed. Lascardia is still as strong as it ever was. A matter of fact I was in Lascard Port just a few months ago.”
    The book hums in thought. “How very intriguing. Well, I’ll be certain to write it down. Now, adventurer, what have you come for?”
    The Captain lowers his head in thought, and then snaps back up. “I’ll be frank with you, miss. My crew and I have been charged with the recovery of a relic, it’s called ‘Vuuya’s Witching Book’. I presume, claiming to be Vuuya, and taking the form of a book, that it must be you.”
    Vuuya laughs. “Well, yes, it would be me, or the book that contains me, that you’re looking for. I would certainly be happy to turn myself over to your capable arms, but I feel you are rather missing a considerable opportunity.”
    “And what that might be, miss?”
    “I can grant wishes. All the people in the town worship me for a reason, you know. Go on, name something,” she invites, the room brightening as flowers bloom at The Captain’s feet.
    The Captain takes a short moment to scuff through one of the roses with his boot-his foot goes right through the illusion. “I am curious, just what are you capable of?”
    “Anything your heart desires, young man.”
    The Captain stares at the ground and takes a deep breath. “… Could you… No, it’s impossible.” He looks away, readjusting his glasses.
    The voice of the book coos seductively. “Not at all, good sir. Go on, name it.”
    The Captain takes a breath. “You wouldn’t be able to... Well, it has been a good while since I’ve tried wishes. Very well, could you …”
     
    Minutes later, The Captain bursts from the room with his arms bent around the shoulders of invisible figures, one at each side. “Yes! It has been a long time since I’ve had a bowl of porridge! To the kitchen immedia-Oh, Miss Ketiere, Mr. Masthaven. What an unexpected surprise! How did you find this island? Could it be the two of you are now sailing together privately? How scandalous .” The Captain says with a tone neither of his sailors have heard him with before – fakeness, as if he’s experiencing a lie.
    Colette looks to The Captain’s sides and squints. “Captain, you okay, sir?” She asks, the rifle hanging limply from her slender hands.
    He laughs. “Okay? I’m feeling brilliant! I’m home!”
    Colette and Jim exchange shocked, dumbfounded glances. “In all due