Mark of the Fool

Chapter 678: The Fool and the Siren against the Storm

Alex didnt know which was the bigger shock; finding Gel-Dor in the middle of a storm at sea, or seeing the crewman wash overboard. Whichever it was, the lost sailor took priority.

One of your crew fell overboard! he shouted, immediately feeling stupid.

Of course he knows that, you fool! he thought. Why else would he be half- way over the side?

I sent him some help! he shouted again. But I dont know how fast itll find him!

Gel-Dor peered through the storm at the crimson-illuminated wizard. WaitAlex? he cried. What are you doing her

A massive waterspout erupted; the ocean swelled as the greater water elemental surfaced with the sailor wrapped in its tentacles. Forceballs drifted to the pair, shining on the mans face.

He wasnt moving.

I dont think hes breathing! the young wizard cried, teleporting to the water elemental, quickly touching it and the sailor. In a blink, they were behind Gel-Dor on the deck of the Red Siren.

Alexhis flight magic stopping him from pitching over the railingwatched the greater water elemental wrap tentacles around a mast, securing itself to the rolling deck.

Lay him down, but hold him in place! he called, startling Gel-Dor. The first mate whirled, gaping at the young wizard. you were just His eyes shifted from Alex to the sailor. Nevermind! Fan-Dor! Berlamirs not breathing!

The first mate crouched by the sailors side, as a loud voice came from the ship's stern.

Captain Fan-Dorshirtless and with every thick muscle bulginggripped the helm for dear life. His voice was strained. I cant let go, brother! He roared over the storm. This windll take the ship and well all be in the drink before

Pausing, he noticed the newcomers.

What th he shouted. Arms up! We haveWait

Brother, its Alex Roth! Gel-Dor was on his knees, rocking back and forth beside the crewmans still form.

Have you lost your mind? How could Alex possibly be out here in this storm? Anyway, nevermind that for now, I cant let go of the helm! the captain ordered. Youll have to help Berlamir as best you can!

By the blackest trench! Gel-Dor pressed both hands to the mans chest. Dont you die on me!

Hold on! Alex knelt beside the sailors. I might be able to help! He spoke to the greater water elemental. Can you suck the sea water out of his lungs? Not the other liquids in his body, just the salt water in his lungs. We just need his airway cleared!

The elemental gurgled, reaching out with a tentacle, sliding it into Berlamirs nose and mouth. Letting out another gurgle, the tentacle expanded, swelling in size as it syphoned ocean water from the unconscious sailors chest.

Whats it doing? Gel-Dor shouted above the wind. I caught some of your wordsthey were from an elemental water tongue, right? I understood something about water and body!

Yeah, Alex watched Berlamirs chest closely. Im having my friend here suck the water out of his lungs to revive himthere, all done!

The tentacle slid from the sailors still face.

Dammit! Check his heart, see if its beating!

Gel-Dor leaned forward, pressing his ear to the crewmans chest. His face fell. I dont hear anything

A loud boom exploded, the ship struck a wave, sea water cascaded over the deck, nearly sweeping Alex, Gel-Dor, and Berlamir into the sea. The greater water elemental gripped the unconscious sailor, holding him down as the ship strained. Alex raised his staff, calling a lesser air elemental.

I need your help. Can you blow fresh air into his lungs? The young wizard pointed the aeld at the sailor, feeling his power surge, blood magic connecting them as his mana entered Berlamirs motionless form.

With Mana to Life, Alex shared his energy with the sailor while the lesser elemental gently eased air into his nose and throat.

All around them the wind screamed and sheets of rain pounded the deck.

Berlamir lay stone still

Until

He took a deep rasping breath.

His face contorted and his chest heaved.

What happened? he croaked, clawing at the lesser water elemental.

Berlamir! Gel-Dor shouted, taking hold of the frantic man.Youre alive!

Alex sighed. Thank the Traveller, now weve got to keep him and the rest of you that way!

Black clouds swirled above the ship, moving faster.

Hed been outside the storm; hed seen how bad it was. He knew there was little chance of it ending soon. If anything, the wind seemed to be picking up.

Time was short, he had to act now.

Were gonna ride out this storm! Fan-Dors voice boomed across the ship. No storm has ever sunk the Red Siren yet, and this one wont be the end of her or us! Hold tight! Were gonna make it!

Another wave crashed across the deck, battering the ship.

Alex didnt know if Fan-Dor was righthe was the experienced sailor, after allbut the young wizard decided to increase the odds that he would be. Raising his staff, he called on its internal energies, connecting to the elemental plane of air.

Mana raged through him as he thrust the aeld to the skylightning cracked across the sea at his backand the air began to ripple.

Four hulking greater air elementalsshaped like cumulonimbus clouds appeared in quick succession, crackling with their own internal lightning, swimming through the air around him, murmuring in voices of wind.

What do you wish of us?

Why have you called us?

What a wondrous storm!

The wind is howling with us!

Elemental kindred! he called. Those who Sweep Across the Sky, heed my call. Surround this ship with a current of winds to ease the burden on its sails! Help it sail to where I guide you!

The greater air elementals whispered.

It will be done, they said together, rising through the air, encircling the ship.

As one, they seemed to exhale, releasing a tremendous breath, blowing gusts into the storms teethlessening the impact of the gale battering the Red Siren.

By Ek-u-Dari! Captain Fan-Dor sounded amazed. I cant believe this! Theres much less pressure on the helm!

Alex spoke to the greater water elemental. My friend, I need you to go beneath the ship and control the keel. Hold it steady, keep it pointing forward.

The greater air elemental gurgled in acknowledgement.

I know you wont be able to do it by yourself, but you wont be alone! Ill be right back!

Buddy, Im coming to get you. Were going to have a lot of work to do in about five seconds! Alex informed Claygon through their link.

YesfatherI will be ready the golem answered.

The greater water elemental released Berlamirand slid toward the ships port side.

Wait Gel-Dor began, but Alex was already gone.

He appeared in the kitchen, startling Selina, who was doing her homework at the table.

Claygon was already marching toward him.

Outside, thunder boomed as rain lashed the windows.

Alex! You scared me! his sister cried. Whats going on? Claygon said you were coming to get him?

Captain Fan-Dor and Gel-Dor are out in that storm! the young wizard told her. Ill be back!

O-okay! her eyes went wide as her brother cast flight magic on Claygon then reached for his arm.

Instantly, they vanished.

By Ek-u-Dari! Gel-Dor jumped when they reappeared. Whats happening?

Were getting you out of this storm, thats whats happening! Alex called back.

The ship was already steadier; the elementals were doing their work.

Buddy, were going to get this ship to safety, he said. Im going need you to pull it. You think you can do that?

Claygon looked down at the ship for a long moment.

FatherI could have done it one evolution ago

Perfect, Ill get you something to pull it with. Come on, lets get to the front of the ship! Alex led the golem toward the Red Sirens forecastle.

The fronts called the bow! Gel-Dor informed them.

We can take a bow after were out of this storm! Alex called back.

No, thatswait, was that on purpose? the first mate demanded, but the wizard was already focused on the monster he was conjuring.

His inner powercombined with the aeld staffs energiesreached down to the lower planes, calling a familiar evil spirit.

There came a sound of metal clinking against metal, and suddenly, the hellchainer sprang onto the forecastle, hissing at Alex.

What do you desire?

I need you to conjure a chain! the wizard shouted over the storm. As thick as you can make it!

The hellchainer raised its arms and a massive chain burst from metal links enveloping its body, thick enough to anchor the Siren. Alex cast body enhancement magic on himself then wrapped the chain around the ships nearest mast.

His muscles strained with effort.

Claygon took a hold of the chain and flew straight ahead,keeping the links taut.

Alex concentrated, reaching for the last place hed teleported to. He thrust the staff in that direction, toward home.

That way, Claygon.

Yesfather!

And he pulled, taking the ship toward Generasi, adjusting direction as it crashed through churning waves.

The Red Siren stabilised, rocking quieted, the sound of groaning and straining planks grew faint. The ship was an island of calm in a terrible storm, being pulled by Claygon, protected by greater air elementals, and stabilised by the greater water elemental below the sea.

Captain Fan-Dor laughed, his muscles relaxing as the helm eased in his hands. It feels like were sailing through a light wind right now! What a difference! This is incredible!

It wont last forever! Alex called back. Im going to keep the summoned monsters here as long as I can, but my staffs eventually going to run out of power.

Cant be having that! the captain barked, eyeing the air elementals. Can those pet clouds of yours blow wind into our sails?

Sure! Alex floated to the main mast. I can summon another one and have it blow air directly into the sails, if thats what you need?

Wed be much obliged if you did! The captain suddenly glowered, noticing his crew still clinging to ropes, railings and rigging. Well dont just stand there you limp armed bastards! Unless your name is Berlamir, and you just nearly drowned, I want you up and unfurling those sails! Weve got ourselves a private wind, and by Ek-u-Dari, were not wasting it! Up, you lazy bastards, up!

Get to work! Gel-Dor roared, helping Berlamir below deck. Or Ill make sure you wished the storm took ya!

Shoulder to shoulder, the crew of the Red Siren sprang to life, rushing around, unfurling storm sails, raising them up the masts until they were wide and billowing in the wind.

As promised, Alex conjured a fifth greater air elemental, instructing it to fill the sails with wind so the ship could cut through the Prinean faster. With Claygons tremendous strength, the five greater air elementals wind power, and the water elementals guidance below the surface, the Red Siren skimmed the waves, riding them toward Generasi and safety.

They sailed along with Alex repeatedly calling on fresh allies to help as others disappeared back to their home planes. He offered his strength where it was needed, flying from crewman to crewman, helping with rigging, pulleys and sails, helping the ship and its crew get to shore.

In a voice that was like music to everyones ears, a sailor announced: There! In the distance! I see the lighthouse! Were almost to shore!

That welcoming beacon; the blue light of Generasis lighthouse beckoned to them, calling them to land.

Claygon, Alex, and his summoned monsters took the Red Siren through the worst of the storm, its peak lessening the closer they came to shore. Through lashing rain, the lighthouses light grew ever brighter, untilfinally, the shadow of Generasis walls rose on the horizon.

Shore neared.

Safety lay ahead.

When, at last, the Red Siren reached the port of the city of wizards, Captain Fan-Dor heaved a heavy sigh of relief. Brother, the next time you hear me say I want to go back to Generasi for some excitement? Remind me of this. This wasnt exactly the kind of excitement I was thinking about!