Someone Else's Kingdom, BOOK II - Scene XLVIII

The ship's boy entered, as ever the spritely monkey tagging along at his feet, not too far away. "Where's Essen?" he asked, already suspecting that his long-time companion had left the island.

Colm was concise in his response.

"Gone."

The confirmation was a relief to the young traveller, but he felt disappointed nevertheless. He didn't want to leave the island himself, especially so soon after returning, but still, he felt slighted that he hadn't been asked.

"He knew you didn't want to go, so didn't ask ..in case you said 'Yes,'" reassured Colm, "So there's no point wasting worry over it."

This longer sentence pleased him more so. Satisfied, but still feeling mildly abandoned, he then turned to head back out of the door. However, as he turned another thing crossed his mind.

"Yes?"

"I'm not sure whether to mention this, but the Northern Kingdom folk - the ones that came over with Eartaria. They know about the outer lands. I'm not sure how they've found out - I don't suppose anyone's told them - but they've been asking me about it. The woman called Liofia in particular. She's even talking about leaving and going there."

Colm laughed. "It sounds like a nice plan. Maybe we can use it ourselves as a back-up when things get really bad here."

"You don't mind them knowing?"

"We're not in the business of patrolling the world and hiding its secrets. Who are we to say she can't know what we do? I only knew of it a few short days ago - that's even if it's true. I'm still not sure I know it now."

"It's true," insisted the boy, not wanting Colm to doubt the very real, but strange adventure he'd been upon, and looking more lost knowing he was now the only one on the island who could vouch for the tale. As he said this the little monkey, as if in protest, leapt up onto the table. Then, from there, began scaling the shelves, knocking books and ornaments to the floor.

"I don't doubt what you've told me," said Colm with patience, ignoring the clatter, "You need to remember though that others haven't seen what you've seen. They don't have your eyes. So, when you speak again to these strangers bear that in mind. Be careful you don't sell them false dreams, or undersell the dangers of heading out into such dangerous seas." The ship's boy nodded his head, trying his utmost to absorb the counsel. He looked at Colm for moment, then finally disappeared out the door. The mischievous monkey scampering down and bounding across the floor to follow.