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“The Maelstrom Depths,” Marek said, “are located off the coast of Gyoria, hidden within its rugged coastline of cliffs and rocky shores. It’s a massive underground network of sea caves extending deep into the earth and only accessible by navigating through treacherous, storm-swept waters. The rumored entrance is hidden in a sea-bound cove. Rumored because no one would be foolish enough to attempt to reach it.”

“Then how did he manage it?” I asked, already knowing Kael didn’t have the answer.

Shaking his head, he looked up to the sky, saying nothing. Then turning to Mev, his expression bleak, he said finally, “I simply don’t know. A few have attempted it. All have perished.”

“Perhaps with a bit of magic…” Mev’s voice trailed off as she likely realized what we all already knew. There was no magic that could calm a maelstrom. Unless?

I looked at Nerys, who shook her head.

“It has been attempted by Thalassarians too,” Nerys said. “Powerful ones lured by the promise of gemstones more powerful than could be found anywhere in Gyoria. But the water is too deep, the maelstrom too powerful. Even with the use of the Tidal Pearl, I cannot drain the sea. Push it back? Aye. But the force of it returning to its natural state would decimate anyone in its path.”

The group was silent.

“There has to be a way.” Mev appeared ill and I understood her anguish. Without that crystal, the Gate would remain closed.

Forever.

No one spoke.

“Sometimes,” Marek said finally, “magic isn’t enough.”

I knew that tone. It wasn’t one of defeat but resignation. All heads turned toward him.

“Thankfully, you’ve enlisted the aid of the most skilled seafarer in all of Thalassaria.”

“And humble too,” I murmured, Marek ignoring me.

“No,” Nerys said, her voice unwavering. “Marek, no. You are immortal, not invincible. Those waters are treacherous. None have survived attempting to navigate them. No one.”

Marek turned serious. “Is that a friend’s suggestion or an order from the queen?”

Mev paled. Kael and I remained silent as we watched Nerys’s expression change from surprise to… sadness. I knew before she responded what her answer would be. It would devastate her to lose Marek. And from what the others said, the chance of that happening if he attempted to reach the caverns of the Maelstrom Depths were high.

“It is a friend’s suggestion. One who loves you and does not wish to see you perish.”

“I don’t intend to perish. But if the Wind Crystal is needed to reopen the Aetherian Gate…” He looked at me. “To reunite humans who never intended Elydor to be their permanent home.” And then toward Mev. “And your parents, who were so rudely torn apart.”

Marek had such a way with words.

“I will navigate the Maelstrom Depths.” He grinned from ear to ear as if he was not facing imminent death. “And retrieve the crystal.”

* * *