I stare out in front of me, willing for something to appear beside an endless vista of liquid. A dot suddenly appears ahead, and I keep my eyes on it for a minute, watching it grow bigger. Great, I've been imagining it so hard that I'm beginning to see things. "Guys, I'm losing it."
"What?" Dax stops rowing for a moment and leans forward. "Is it your powers?"
Dear God. "No, but I think I'm seeing things." I point out in front of me to where the dot seems to have gotten even a little bigger. "Is that something besides water up there?"
He lets out a breath and nods. "Yeah, it sure is. It looks like there is an island or something."
"It's about damn time." Charlie grumbles and stretches out his arms. "I'm not sure how much longer I could go on. I was beginning to wonder if there was ever going to be any land."
"It's strange though." I glance curiously around at the endless water. "It looks like this place is surrounded by these farms. Back on Earth we have some variety, but not here."
"You're right." Dax nods and picks up the oars. "But we haven't seen the whole world, or, at least I don't think we have."
It doesn't matter because seeing our destination has re-engerized us. The guys begin rowing faster, and the land gets bigger.
As we get closer, tall buildings come into view as well as machinery that seems to be pumping water out of the reservoirs and into what looks like a huge manufacturing plant. There is condensation blowing out from the top of a large building as the water is run through some type of process.
To the right, there is a long pier that has places for a boat to dock. There are several openings, and we begin to head in that direction.
"Do you think it's smart that we are just walking in here unannounced?" I don't know why, but I'm kind of nervous. These types of things never end well for me.
"It'll be fine." Charlie grins from behind Dax. "It's not like we have much of a choice anyway."
I hate to agree, but he does have a point.
"Yeah, we'll be fine." Dax points forward. "It's not like we have a choice now. Someone is heading our way."
A man who looks just like us walks in our direction as we pull into the dock and tie off. He's around six feet and appears to be in his mid-forties. He adjusts his blazer jacket as he gets close and straightens his shoulders. He comes off as one of those political types from back home, similar to those on the council.
That sucks for him. I really dislike the council. I climb out of the boat and already feel my feathers ruffle.
Dax and Charlie get out and flank me on each side.
"Well, hello there." The man smiles, and his teeth are so white they are almost blinding. "Welcome to Golden Cascades. I've never seen you before, so I assume it's your first time here. My name is Tide, and I am here to help you. Is there anything in particular you are after?"
A strange feeling overcomes me in that moment, and the three artifacts inside me begin thrumming and reaching out. It's like I'm being pulled past him and into the city. Something is calling me, but I can't get an exact read. I think it's the Water Artifact. It's here and close, yet it's not.
When I focus on the tugging sensation, I realize I can't focus on one solid direction. It's as if it's all over the city and being reflected in my mind. I don't have time for this. I need to find it and fast. "We are after something. It's an artifact that's made of three individual water bubbles."
Charlie looks down at me and raises an eyebrow.
Yeah, maybe that's not the smartest to say. But in all fairness, he asked, and we're low on time.
"Three individual water bubbles?" He laughs loud and adjusts his collar. "I have no idea what you're talking about. Water doesn't stay separated; it merges together."
Oh, wow. He's a condescending asshole. Why am I not surprised?
"Not when they're artifacts." Dax tilts his head and looks him over.
"Uhhh... I guess." Tide clears his throat and glances at Charlie. "You can get a cleansing spell if your stomach is upset, an age-defying spell if you want to stay young." He looks at me and then Dax. "A strength and quickness spell to aid in fights. There are all kinds of spells you can find throughout the market. If you can just give me what you're looking for, I can lead you in the right direction."
He's acting shifty, and I'd bet almost anything that he knows exactly what I'm talking about. "I'm here for the Water Artifact, not any spells. We can do this the nice way or hard way. Which do you prefer?"
Both guys step closer to me, and we face Tide together.
7
Tide arches an eyebrow at me and crosses his arms. "Once again, I have no clue what you're talking about, and to come to a new place and threaten isn't very wise."
The artifacts within me are beginning to pulse. They sense the fourth one close by, and it's causing them to activate. My reaper and healing powers attempt to tug away from the elemental powers, wanting to hide my core. "I can sense it's here." I take a step toward him and try to hide the chaos that's going on inside. "I just need you to tell me where it is instead of playing this game. I've
