The Water (Part 15 and 16)

Part 15

I try to keep my eyes open, but it is just so damn difficult. Especially if it is before dawn and you are waiting to go on a rescue mission that could possibly kill you. I sigh and stare at the hut beside me. Before coming to the beach Stalwyn and her sister, Xena came to my house with a load of furs. Those furs turned out to be the most unbearable items of clothing I have ever worn, which are called parka and pants. Both Paku (who was coming with us on the suicide mission for unknown reasons) and I had to get dressed in our usual items of clothing. Then another layer of cloth which consisted of a long shirt and pants followed by a heavy wool coat and pants made with the same material. To finalize the torture there were boots, heavy, heavy, boots made of who-knows-what with mittens made of fur.

I really got to give my condolences to Tutok and her brothers, for having to dress like this everyday. But it would probably be bliss because I hear Kallallitt gets awfully cold.
I swear I am dying of heat because the atoll is NOWHERE near being cold! Bickering interrupts myself -pitying thoughts. Emerging from the little hut Tutok and her gang are set for traveling. Everyone except Xena and Stalwyn are wearing the same suffocating outfit. What the two sisters are wearing consists of an overflowing cape with pants and a shirt.

At least that looks more comfortable than the situation I am currently in.
"Well everybody, grab a weapon from the pile." Tutok says while placing her hand on her hips.
I'm about to ask what pile when I notice a small stack besides the palm - frond hut.
The weapons range from small daggers, to bows and cross bows.
I am good with a spear but it would probably be useless against guards who might be guarding Tukluk.

A sword would be useful, even though I am not so fond of them after the Tutok incident. I pick the sword and a normal bow. Why a bow you ask? Because beside spears my people use bows to hunt for fish in the lagoon.
THAT is why.
After everyone has picked their weapon, Nadia (who hasn't bothered to pick a self-defense instrument) takes the lead in the non-existent conversation.

"Alright people, here is the deal." She yells.
"I have opened a portal as you can see." Stalwyn gestures and the massive black rip in the sky, smiling as if she were presenting the news of a good rice harvest.
"This portal leads right to Thywdlyn, where the prisoner is being held. Of course, it does not lead right to Sarata's palace so we will have to suck it up like big kids; and travel for three to four days."
I roll my eyes at her comment.

"However, this portal has a few FLAWS. Apparently my powers aren't developed enough, so I am the only one who can come through the portal."
There is much complaining
"Eh! wait, I am not done!" Nadia yells.
Everyone shuts up and resumes listening to her.
"I have found out that if we all hold hands, we can all get to our destination, but we have to float as fast as possible or we will all disintegrate and die."
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Part 16

The last part of dying stuck out more than any other word of Nadia's speech. The only thing I can do is stare in shock, my mouth hanging open in surprise.
"Don't worry, everything will be fine." Xena assures as she pats my back.
"Everyone, grab hands with the nearest person."
I am about to grab hands with Xena, only to find her gone. That leaves me with my hard-ass brother.

Paku
I groan internally and grudgingly grab his callused hand. Surprisingly he doesn't pull away, like most of the time.
"Is everyone set?" Nadia asks from the lead of the row.
"Yes!" We yell back
And with that, we go into the black hole.
As soon as I go in (I am the last one) the incision in the sky closes, only for us to be floating in a fast jet of blue fire-like current. I kick my feet just like if I were swimming. I can feel the hilt of my sword hitting my hip every time I "swim". I can still feel the bow and arrows strapped tightly against my back. The effort of keeping up with the current is taking its toll on me, leaving me breathless.

WE ARE ALMOST THERE I reassure myself as I kick with all my might.
There is a portal up ahead. As soon as we get near there I can see nothing but white . The current spits us out and we are left to fall freely towards the ground.
I try not to scream, to not show my weakness. Before I can become human rice paste, strong arms catch me. I look at the face of my rescuer which is the goofy Zurik.

"Please put me down." I whisper angrily. I never liked to be carried.
He gives me a look of whatever-you-say and puts me to stand on my own to feet.
"Alright we have arrived!" Stalwyn squeals in delight
"I would usually ignore you, but I thank you for saving our butts from becoming pudding." Tutok says with a wink.
"What did she do?" I suddenly interfere.

"Why, I summoned the scarce mold spores that were floating around to form platforms to catch each one of you!" Stalwyn replies with her usual smile.
I nod slowly in gratitude and look at the landscape.
I am actually GLAD I am wearing the parka because I am frozen to the bones. Everything is white with snow for miles, not a single distinct life form is around. I shudder and begin walking with my group.
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After an hour of hearing nothing but the wind howling in my hears, Amaroq breaks the silence.
"I think I see something among the snow." He says while pointing to the far North.
I squint and see nothing but a huge brown blur.
"It is a fortress, a citadel to be specific." Nadia replies.
Ok I am seriously doubting if Nadia is blind or just messing with us.
"A citadel?" Paku inquires coldly.
"Yes, a citadel full of people, an inn."