My stomach growls in its emptiness.
As I move towards the door, I stare into the corridor. Did he forget to lock the cabin door? I wasn’t sure, but I couldn’t wait around for him to join me again. I wanted to go exploring. I am two again, looking at the wooden structure of the ship. Feeling the roughness of the planks against my palm.
I am a denizen of a world I belong in. Familiar smells, shouts from the crew, and the wind in the sails bring me to the deck. I’m alone, apart from a lone dove on the railing. He stares at me before flying away.
I wasn’t allowed to look over the edge when I was here last. Now I let the wind kiss my face like a best friend. Will he let me stay? Will he kill me? What will happen to my friends without me here?
A plan of a devious, pirate, was in order. I slide across to see if my little boat is still there. They cannot know of what I am about to do. When I was little I used to go down to the galley, where the food was stored. They would need at least a couple of days worth of food and water.
I think of a simple spell my mother used to say when we had no rain for months. With my eyes closed I recite ‘Bring forth water, food, and life into this little craft, enough to keep alive, till reaching land, they will thrive.’ I couldn’t use it on myself. Spells took away precious energy if used too much.
Time isn’t on my side, the clouds are already closing in, the wind is turning, and if I do not act today their lives may be at stake. I won’t be going with them – I have spent too long searching for this ship. My father may not be alive, but I have a brother.
I’m not sure he understands the danger he is in, or will accept my help, but my brother will need a witch’s spell before the week is out. If I leave this ship, then those dark clouds will follow until nothing is left.
Writer Ravenclaw 