74

You might get to see father again. He could be across the waters waiting for you. It's all going to be alright.

You watch happily, a content smile stretching your lips, as giant fins emerge from the water followed by a gray, slimy head. Huge yellow eyes pin you in place. Then another head emerges, then another, and another—so many of them you know they have the barge surrounded.

Every person on deck is standing motionless next to the railings, the song still suffusing their thoughts. Their eyes are glued to the grotesque creatures below.

Long, spindly arms reach out, and huge claws stab their way through the hull of the ship. The sirens slowly, inexorably drag themselves up, each thunk of their claws into the wood bringing them closer to their enthralled victims. They are almost here. Their mouths open, revealing rows upon rows of razor-sharp teeth.

They are smiling at you.

Then suddenly, unexpectedly, the song ceases. Its loss leaves you disoriented for a moment, and you take a stumbling step away from the railing. Turning around, you see that Morkai and Straasa have done the same. You had completely forgotten about them.

Dread fills your veins. The three of you can't possibly drive back all these sirens alone. The others around you are still enchanted for some reason!

And then the reason reveals itself.

Next