Chapter 4: The Waters of Menehune

Admiral takes all this in with an increasingly frustrated expression. He slashes at some vines blocking the path. He wishes Ebzer had discussed all this with him before he died. "And you think freeing this Deep Dragon, Sekkor, is a good thing? I’ve felt that longing you spoke of, the call for freedom, from Reaver, but my sword is not my master and nor is Sekkor. The man who wielded this sword before me, my former captain, he never heeded the sword’s call. I figure he must have had a good reason for that."

Regan stops to take in the obelisks.

"Huh. Honestly not sure if this is good or bad," Regan says to no one in particular. He will cautiously move closer to the first one, and see if he can make out anything of importance.

REGAN
With a closer examination of the first obelisk, Regan confirms that under the vines and mossy growth there are symbols similar to those in the old Makai tome. The rest still continue on into the jungle, perhaps marking a path.

Coincidentally, through some nearby undergrowth Regan spots sunlight warming a small clearing in front of a small cave entrance.



Still standing next to the first obelisk he hears some rustling of footsteps and some chatter from the direction he came. He faintly recognizes Admiral's tone.

ADMIRAL
"Your captain..." Khyree searches her memory though disjointed fragments before concluding, "...Ezber. Right."

"Perhaps he never did. Or perhaps passing the sword along was its call."

She reflects inwardly momentarily. "I was taught by my master that I would be the reunitor. But I think we have more control over our own destiny than the wise ones and prophecy lead us to believe."

Admiral does not respond, but his frown deepens. He took pride in the fact that Ebzer had chosen him as his first mate and then as his successor. Even when he doubted his own capabilities as a captain, he could at least find reassurance in the knowledge that Ebzer had believed in him. The idea that that might not have been Ebzer's choice, that it had all been the whim of some stupid sword, a matter of destiny, makes him feel sick.

After waiting a bit for the group to get closer so he doesn't have to shout as loudly, Regan calls out, "Over here!"

Admiral follows the sound of Regan's shout, stopping short when he sees the obelisks. "...Interesting," he remarks. He steps closer to the nearest obelisk and taps one of the symbols with his claw. "Does anyone know how to read these?" he asks, looking back at the rest of the group.

He then spots the cave and asks Regan, "Have you had a chance to check out the cave? Could be a good place to rest, if it's not already occupied."

"I haven't yet, no. I heard you all coming, and figured getting your attention before I vanished into some random cave," Regan replies. "I'll check it out while you guys look at these? Maybe someone can read them."

REGAN
Regan spilts off and heads toward the cave. As he approaches the cave, a thick, humid scent wafts out—a strange blend of wet earth, charred roots, cooked fungi, and something sour-sweet, like truffle stew left too long in a hot spring.

ADMIRAL
Cordey steps up to examine the obelisk on Admiral's prompt. Clutching the amulet hanging from his neck, he pulls aside vines and digs moss away from the symbols until a number more are revealed.

"Nā lani i ka wai, e komo ana ka malihini i ke kapu noho aliʻi..." he reads slowly but surely. Surprising himself, he translates for the others. "From heavens to mountains to waters, the shaman follows a path that pleases the sacred lords of the shifting mist..."

He pushes a few more vines aside. "These stones mark an Old Makai ceremonial procession...ancient."

Admiral can see a carving of star clusters exposed on the obelisk beside the symbols Cordey read.

The fact there are very distinct odors emanating from the mouth of the cave suggest it may be inhabited... although by what is anyone's guess. Regan will use his hammer to rap on the wall. "Anyone home?"

REGAN
A slow, wheezy voice returns, sounding not too loud, as if not to disturb. "Yes, yes. Home indeed. Enter if you will, but don't stomp too loud, you'll disturb the proper balance, the blend is almost perfect..." Regan hears a long savored slurp. "Yes, yes, almost perfect."