The clouds and the lightning and the rain folded themselves up as if in a pop-up book that had suddenly closed.White clouds drifted in a calm blue sky.
I was soaked from the rain, and so was Captain Martin.
We gazed at each other, and then he smiled and ran to catch me up in his embrace.
“Rooster, you did it!You did it!”
I couldn’t help but grin as he lifted me and swirled me around, holding me close.I became aware of the muttering of crewmen nearby who must have seen a little of what had happened.
Dinesh let me go and stepped back.He grabbed my wrists, turning my palms up.They were only a bit red.
“Do they burn?”
“No.They’re a bit itchy, that’s all.”
I turned them back and forth, still amazed by the fact that the heat had vanished so quickly.I had summoned my powers again, and I had somehow remained in control the entire time.Nothing destructive had occurred, so I was relieved.
Wise to stop the incantation when I had.And perhaps the key was only using that final verse when we were threatened.
I thought about the words I’d left out:
Smite those who threaten what’s mine.
They’ll not have anyone this time.
Let the sea and the flame rejoice.
Let the ocean and sky make the choice.
Perhaps the words were the key.But I had so many questions.
Could I replace the word ‘smite’ with something a bit less…destructive?If I left out the final two lines, would that make a difference?If I changed the words, would that have any effect?
The idea was something to think on.
At the moment, I was dizzy with the impact of my success.I could hardly believe my triumph, after all.
“How are you feeling?Did the incantation tire you overmuch?”Dinesh asked.
“No.I feel all right, actually.Could use a cup of tea though.”
Dinesh laughed and clapped a hand on my back, whilst the men around us applauded and praised me.
“Well done, lad!”
“Amazing talent.”
“Unbelievable.If I hadn’t seen it with me own eyes…”
The captain took my hand.
“I shall get you your cup of tea.We need to tell Domingo and Guthrie and Squid and all the others.”
“Aye,” I said, letting him lead me, lightheaded with the implications of what had happened.
What I’d done.
What I’d been able to do.
