The general summoned the soldiers. “Bring the horses forward and prepare them for travel. We head up the mountains, today”

A

heavy mist hung over the island as the king’s ship approached.

The king stumbled slowly across the deck of the ship. Soldiers parted like waves as the king neared the front of the ship. His hands grasped the railing. “It feels like as though this is a dream. It’s beautiful. Mysterious and wondrous all at the same time. No man has ever been here. But here we stand, with the help of the Almighty.”

“Prepare for landing!” The general’s voice boomed, shattering the silence. Soldiers scuttled about, working fast. The horses were brought up from the bottom of the ship. Neighing and tossing their large heads, as if danger were imminent, the horses struggled against their handlers.

“Steady!” the general roared. “Steady now!”

There was a scraping noise, a boom, and then the ship shuddered and rocked no more. The excitement and anticipation could not have been stronger.

“Move out!”

The king’s guard marched off the ship, spreading out across the sandy beach. Weapons were raised, hearts beat frantically behind armor, and eyes darted in all directions. Were there people on this island? Protectors of the waters, perhaps? Had they brought enough men, resources, and weapons to survive here if a long battle took place?