I breathed a sigh of relief.
Flower petals shimmered with a glowing luminosity inside the glass. Although it had only been a short time since I’d seen it last, I’d forgotten how beautiful the flower was, and how fragile.
After opening my backpack, I carefully placed the orb inside. I’d have to keep it with me at all times. With a goblin aboard the boat, I couldn’t afford to have it out of my sight.
I replaced the panels as I heard footsteps behind me. Turning, I found Firro and two crewmen approaching me.
“What are you doing back here?” Firro asked.
I scrambled for an excuse. “Hiding from the Wult. I know what his temper is like.”
Firro gave me an evil glare before shoving past me and prying open a barrel. He removed a small, wooden box and then walked away with the crewmen at his heels. “You stay where I can see you,” Firro called over his shoulder as he marched back to the table where Kull sat.
Following the three men back to the table, I found a seat on a crate. I kept my backpack on my lap as I watched Firro place the odd wooden box on the table.
I couldn’t understand how they’d come upon all this Earth junk. Had someone traveled to Earth and brought it back? It was a remote possibility, but crossing worlds required more magic than most people possessed. Not to mention the side effects. It didn’t seem likely that someone would cross worlds just for a bit of junk. But how else would they have gotten it?
Firro unlatched the lid and carefully opened the box to reveal an unopened soda can. The paint had faded, but the maroon letters DR PEPPER were still visible.
Firro held up the can for inspection.
“What is it?” Kull asked.
Oh boy.
Kull didn’t remember, but when we’d crossed worlds to Earth, he’d become a soda addict. Great. This was just what he needed.
“It is a magical elixir from Earth Kingdom. Captain Tobin has come upon many rare items in his travels, but this elixir is the rarest of all.”
“What will it do?”
“This potion will cure any ailment.”
“How do you know such a thing?”
Firro pointed to the letters. “In Earth Kingdom, DR is a simplified abbreviation for doctor, which we know is another way to say healer. Thus, this potion is for healing.”
I tried not to roll my eyes, although I supposed you could sell anything with the right story.
“Where did your captain get this elixir?” I interrupted.
Firro looked up at me. “His travels have taken him all over both our worlds. He has captained his own ship since the age of thirteen and thus has become an expert in geography. There isn’t a place in Faythander or Earth Kingdom that he’s never explored.”
“Is that so?”
“It is.”
“But you haven’t answered my question—where did he get this?” I pointed to the soda.
“It is impossible for one to say for sure.”
“Why is that?”
“Because his ways are mysterious indeed. He has explored many places in Earth Kingdom—the Amazon, the Louisiana Purchase, and the kingdom of Las Vegas—all the while searching out the rarest and most exotic items.”
“All those places, huh? Has he ever said how he’s able to travel so far without a memory charm?”
“As I’ve said, his ways are mysterious. We do not question our captain. You would be wise to follow the same advice.”
Kull spoke up. “Then how can we be certain that these are from Earth Kingdom?”
“I will answer your question with a question of my own. You have traveled many places in Faythander, have you not?”
“Yes.”
“Have you ever seen such an item in all your journeying?”
Kull carefully inspected the can. “No. I do not believe I have, for it is made of a strange metal, and I have not seen its likeness. However, how can I trust that its contents are safe? How do I know this is not some goblin potion that you are trying to poison me with?”
“I have no reason to harm you. If I were to poison you and you were to die, then that would be very bad for our captain’s business, would it not? I assure you, this is a genuine article from Earth Kingdom. It will do you no harm.”
Kull turned to me. “Have you seen an item such as this in Earth Kingdom?”
“Yes,” I answered with a sigh. “I’ve seen something like it a time or two.” Times two billion. “But I’d still like to know how it wound up here in Faythander.” I eyed Firro.
He ignored me. “I will sell it to you for twenty pieces.”
I stifled a gasp. Twenty pieces for one can of soda? Kull would be crazy to pay that much.
“Twenty?” Kull asked.
“It is a fair price.”
“For twenty pieces, I would expect more than one elixir. What else do you have to offer?”
“I assure you—this is my most valuable item. Perhaps a taste of this potion will convince you?”
“I doubt it.”
“Do not be so hasty. I am positive that you will not be displeased. In fact, if you will take one taste of this liquid, then I am sure you will agree that twenty pieces is a fair price.”
“Is that so?”
“It is.” Firro popped the tab, causing a quiet hiss to fill the air as he handed the can to the Wult.
Taking the soda can, Kull stared at it with suspicion before taking a small sip. His face revealed no emotion as he placed it on the table.
“Twenty pieces,” he said, his voice solemn. “We are agreed.”
Chapter 27
The storm never relented, making even the most hardened deckhands green around the gills, myself included. I was beginning to see why no one traveled these waters, which was why I vowed it would be my last trip.
I walked with Kull through the swaying hallways. He kept the half-empty
