Gareth Margrave's Boiling Isles Chronicles

King's Tide

[King wakes up and finds himself again in the In Between Realm, overhearing a conversation between Belos and the Collector.]

The Collector: But—But you said. You said you'd let me out! [Whining.] I hate it here!

Belos: Just a little longer. We have to wait 'till after the Draining Spell.

[King floats over to the source of the voices and watches them from behind a pillar. The Collector is trapped in a mysterious floating orb, while Belos is speaking from a small round piece of glass floating nearby.]

The Collector: [Assertive.] You better not be fibbing. You pinky-swore me.

Emperor Belos: Patience, Collector, you can trust me. [King scoffs at this.]

[King wakes up in Willow's lap, breathing heavily.]

Willow: [Calmly.] It's okay, King, it's okay.

[Y/N is sitting next to Willow, petting Chot-San, who is resting on his lap. Axol is nearby, looking out the airship window.]

Amity: [Frantic.] Then fly faster! We're barely halfway there. Luz could be in trouble!

Y/N: We'll get there as soon as we can, Amity. We all want to help Luz.

Axol: And we need to stick together if we're going to take on Belos and his followers.

[Alador and Hunter argue over the steering wheel, causing the ship to tilt. Gus falls out of his seat.]

Gus: [Annoyed.] Hey, here's a bright idea: don't distract the pilot!

Y/N: [Mediating.] Guys, let's focus on getting to Luz and stopping the Draining Spell. We can't afford to waste time fighting each other.

[Everyone nods in agreement. Amity rubs her hands together from the cold, and Y/N notices.]

Y/N: Here, let me help. [He summons a small fireball in his hand to warm up Amity's hands.]

Amity: [Smiling.] Thanks, Y/N.

[Chot-San barks and jumps into Amity's lap, making her laugh. The group continues their journey, determined to save Luz and stop Belos.]

Cut to outside the Titan's head. The moon and sun are nearing an eclipse. All Coven witches from across the isles have gathered into a large, circular area. Belos appears on top of a raised platform in the center, and the crowd gasps. Belos grins deviously, then projects a larger version of himself. Everyone starts cheering.]

Belos: Children of the Isles! For too long, our world has been home to an insidious pox. A corruption that defiles the Titan's blessings. But today, that changes. United with the Titan, and the power of the eclipse, we shall wipe out wild magic forever. Paradise awaits!

[Belos' projection fades out, and six of the Coven Heads walk out onto the central platform. Raine, Eda, Vilador, and Hooty are hiding in a small hollowed-out area nearby. Vilador looks down to see Katya and Derwin disguised as Coven Scouts guarding the area, and Katya gives her a thumbs-up.]

Eda: Whoo! [Stretches, detaching and reattaching her arm by accident.] That last stretch was a long one.

Raine: [Worried.] Hey, pay attention. The other Coven Heads think they're gonna be royalty after today. And they'll do anything to make that happen. The cloaking stone won't cover your voice, so make sure not to speak. Also—

Eda: [Grabs Raine by the shoulders.] The curse will do its thing. I got this, Rainstorm. Don't worry. [Raine pulls away.]

Raine: Don't. [They grab Eda's arm sadly, rubbing the Bard Coven Sigil, then hold her hand between theirs.] Don't tell me not to worry.