I traveled with the two bounty hunters as we grabbed a merchant ship out of Tirel, sailing east across the vast sea. The ride was relatively smooth, if not a bit on the chilly side. Even though they had inconvenienced me greatly by jamming this rock into the side of my skull, they did give me some warm furs to travel in.
I wasn't stupid; I know it was part of their cover so they wouldn't raise suspicion at the customs office. But I appreciated it nonetheless.
We were at sea for about a week before the sailor in the crow's nest caught sight of land. Having been given free reign to move about the ship by the bounty hunters (who knew with absolute certainty that I would not go anywhere or do anything stupid thanks to their snare), I moved towards the bow of the ship to see what was ahead.
The salty mist from the ocean stung my eyes as I squinted, trying to make out what the lookout had seen. I stood there for roughly fifteen minutes before a pale blob of gray appeared on the horizon. I continued to watch the island approach, standing perfectly still and silent as the wind lashed my bangs across my face. I paid them no mind, even after they began to sting with each new burst of wind.
Slowly, over the next few hours, the lumpy landmass began to form itself into a more definitive shape. What were dull curves drew themselves higher and sharper, turning into towering, snow-covered spires of a mountain range. This sheer wall of rock widened and widened as we drew closer. I could start to make out waves crashing upon the jagged shores as the boat began to veer to the north.
A small, nagging feeling began to form in my gut. Something is not right here. I should be angry. I should be terrified. I should be killing everyone on this ship and getting the hell away from here. But, for the life of me, I couldn't figure out why.
I scratched at the rock implanted in my temple for a moment before letting my hand fall to my side.
Another hour or so past as we rounded the northern edge of the island. I contemplated returning to the two bounty hunters who captured me and asking where they were taking me, but that feeling quickly melted away as well.
The dozen or so people who booked travel on the vessel back in Tirel began to emerge from below the deck, wrapped up in furs and towing their bags behind them. Among them were my two captors, who glanced briefly in my direction to make sure I hadn't defied their magical snare and escaped. I nodded in their direction before turning my attention back towards the island.
I had a feeling I had been here before, but I'm not sure under what circumstances. Was this another side effect of the rock's magic? A shitty memory of horrible times gone by at this place?
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