Chapter 23

Chapter twenty-three- The travel to Krokotopia

         

          Sierra didn’t seem extremely pleased to have me along the ride. I could tell, even when I hadn’t boarded the boats along Ravenwood. She had a priceless scowl upon her face, matching her freezing skin and looks. Why did Ice students have to be so cold?

          I didn’t know if I was going to have a chance to do anything before I am to be swept up by the boats. Could I say goodbye to Abigail? Or even Richard, despite not having such wanting to talk to him?

          Will I ever see my burned home again?

          Will I ever have the ability to do so in the first place, after all the pain?

          I never got an answer, as suitcases filled with not-much things from my dorm, which I had spent one simple night in, shuffled upon the boats by heavy set men. The one night I spent in the Dorms happened to be the worst night of my life, so at least I was happy about that. I was also pleased with myself, for doing what my mother had asked.

          But I was still on the verge of sobbing.

          I had few clothes left over from the fire, and no furniture. The only thing I had left from the life I had once obtained was my precious amulet from my mother. Oh, how I wish I could end the suffering…

          The worst part was the hate. It felt gathered up inside me, like anger, and I couldn’t let it out. It was like an itch in the back of my mind, and I wanted to destroy something. I wanted to make somebody pay.

          However, nobody noticed. Nobody could hear my screams in my mind. I realized I have never experienced silence so loud.

          Evening turned to dusk, and Sierra and I, along with a sailor to sail the boat, were off into the sea, never saying one goodbye to anybody who would love to have a last look at the horrid Mary Ravengem.

          Which, I believe, aren’t many.

          I was escorted to a cabin room, shared by Sierra. Since I had nothing to unpack, unlike Sierra, I again failed to sleep, even with the humming of Sierra’s voice, and the sway of the musical sea outside the ship.

         

          I awoke by somebody calling my name.

          The voice was petite and pretty, and I knew it was Sierra.

          “Mary, wake up! Its breakfast! I need to tell you my rules, and about crossing to Krokotopia- wait, are you awake?”

          “I’ve been awake…” I sighed, glaring at the harsh sun in the window.

          “Really? I can’t wake up early. It’s too hard for me. Well, since your up already, get moving so we can attend breakfast, and I can start my article!” Her voice was slightly annoyed, and her hands were on her hips like some concerned teacher.

          I did not tell her that I had not wakened up early, for I did not fall asleep at all.

          I stood up, and the sway of the ship almost knocked me over. I reached for my bed in support, and Sierra looked at me in confusion. “Boy, you look tired…”

          “Really, I didn’t know.”

          “You can seriously go back to sleep if you want it… You look like you seriously need a nap.” She looked scared to anger me, despite her sassiness. I scowled. Can’t I just be normal for once? My head throbbed.

          “No,” I shook my head. “I won’t have the ability to do so anyways.” I would know, I haven’t slept in two days.

          “Are you sure?” Her voice cautious.

          I scrunched up my nose in annoyance, trying not to be testy with her. I changed the subject, while walking out of our cabin room. “So, you’re a writer?”

          This did the trick. I noticed she lifted her head up slightly in a proud position, while walking with me to the eating area. “Yes, actually. I’ve gotten all A’s in writing, and have published many essays and articles. I have actually done a few books, but they are not famous… Yet, of course…”

         

          I smiled kindly. “I’ll be sure to read them.”

She began to talk more, and I followed along, not listening to one word. I did the: “Oohs” and “Aahs”, as though I was listening.

          The ship lurched, and sent me rushing out of the cabin room faster than expected. The sun’s glare caught me by surprise, and it hurt my eyes and stabbed my head. There was probably not a cloud in the sky.

          The one sailor who was left behind was at the wheel, stirring it, and he did not pay attention to Sierra’s rambling or my “hangover” from pain. He had brown hair, with a purple suit on. He was a gangly thing, but apparently strong enough to handle the wheel of the ship. He looked about twenty-five, nine years older than I.

          “Hey Sierra,” Interrupting her talk. “Whats the Sailor’s name?”

          Sierra glanced at him and smiled, rather ignoring me. “Hi Ronan! How are you today?”

          Ronan turned his head, revealing light, comforting brown eyes. He smiled back, and waved. “I’m quite fine, Sierra! How are you this fine morn’?

          “I’m well, just working on writing, as I always am.”

          I sighed. Since Sierra was now concentrated on talking to Ronan, I sat down on a bench and tried to block the light of the sun. Where was the breakfast room?

          Ronan seemed very kind, and quite social. However, I could tell Sierra was as bored as I was hungry, so I decided to speak up. “Sierra, I’m quite starved. Could we go to breakfast now?”

          She minded Ronan, and waved to me to follow. Together, we walked into the dining room of the ship. It was a small room, with a wizened table and wooden chairs. On the table were eggs and biscuits, already made and ready. Their aroma was hard to resist.

          We sat down and began to eat. In the middle of the meal, I noticed Sierra studying me. As I tried to ignore it, she then stopped eating just to look at me. Slightly irritated, I put down my fork and focused my eyes on hers. She glanced away.

          “What is it?” I asked.

          “Nothing.”

          “It’s obviously something. Just tell me.”

          “I’m just thinking, that’s all.” She coughed, and took a swig of apple cider.

          “Uh huh.” I contemplated her. “What are you thinking?”

          She glared at me, unable to escape. “I was thinking that you’re a lot different then people are saying about you.”

          My eyes widened, slightly surprised. “How is that?”

          “Well,” She put a final bite in her mouth, chewing softly. “You’re definitely not some little girl looking for attention.”

          “And?”

          “You’re also not evil.”

          I winced. Did people really think me evil?

          She smiled a little, and spoke lightly. “Most people are forgetting that you are also the daughter of Sylvia Drake, and not just the production of a mad man.”

          I stared. “Do you see him in me?”

          She looked me in the eye. “I don’t think it would that be easy.”

          Then she left the room, leaving me to a half full plate of food that I wasn’t hungry for anymore.

          That night, they reached Krokotopia, land of the Ancients.