The jewelry laden pirate fired their cannon again. The noise joined the cacophony of all the guns pointed in their direction. Humbol jerked his hands upwards and a sudden gust of wind gave Wavedance a burst of speed, pulling the ship out of the way just before another barrage of metal balls hammered into them. He staggered, catching himself on Patty’s shoulder and grimacing.

In the distance, Maya watched the mast of one ship crumple and fall forward, slamming into the deck with a thunderous crash. A cheer rose up from her crew.

“Don’t get too excited yet,” Cyll warned them. “That’s one ship out of nearly fifty, and they’re still headed straight towards us.”

That sobered them up quickly. Cyll was right – the huge fleet was gliding forward like a massive serpent to cut off their escape. Wavedance was much faster, but Katrina’s ships had a significant head start, and the only way out was past them. Going back through Greenhill’s sea gate wasn’t an option.

“You got any more wind you can give us?” Cyll asked Humbol, focusing on the rapidly shrinking gap in the water between Katrina’s fleet and the edge of Greenhill. It was the only path to freedom. His knuckles were practically bone white as the man did his best to crush the steering wheel with his bare hands.

“A little,” Humbol said, weariness evident in his tone. He was still leaning against patty. “It takes a lot of effort to use the wind. It doesn’t come as easily to me as it did before my death. I’ve got a few more tricks, but nothing that will help us against a fleet of this size.”

“Then we’re done. We won’t make it,” Cyll said. A thin sheen of sweat covered his forehead. “If we try to turn back to Greenhill, their cannons will tear us apart.”

The cannons fired again. Humbol returned fire and summoned another gust of wind, launching Wavedance forward once again. A cannonball tore through the railing and the upper deck, but the rest splashed harmlessly into the water behind them.

“Keep on course,” Maya ordered. “Even if they make it there before us.”

“We’ll get torn to bits!” Cyll exclaimed.

“Then we’ll take as many of them down along with us. Don’t turn that goddamn wheel until they’re behind us or we’re at the bottom of the sea,” Maya ordered.

“Understood, Cap. Get the guns ready, Humbol. Patty, start throwing cannonballs once we’re in range,” Cyll barked. “I’ll keep us steady.”

Maya peered over the railing as her crew burst into action. She drew a deep breath and mentally reached out to the vast ocean below them. There was no response. The captain pursed her lips and reached deeper inside herself.

She closed her eyes and kept digging deeper. The world receded. Cannon fire turned silent. The smell of gunpowder and smoke gave way to a cool breeze.

“I don’t see any Essence,” a familiar voice said. Each word hit Maya like a violent wave, nearly knocking her to her knees.

Her eyes opened again, but she already knew what she would see. An endless expanse of storming sea surrounded her, massive waves hammering mercilessly against the small circle of protection around her.

The Heart of the Sea stood before Maya, an angry expression on his bearded face.

“I don’t have any, yet. We’re headed to get it now,” Maya said. “But my ship is under attack by a huge fleet! The ocean needs to help me–”

A wave broke through the barrier. It lifted Maya off her feet and slammed her against the other side of the circle, drenching her and knocking the words out of her chest.

“You misunderstand our relationship,” the Heart thundered. “You don’t give the orders here. You are the vessel. The vessel provides Essence. In return, you gain power. I have already given you a portion of strength. If you desire more, give me Essence.”

“I’m trying!” Maya yelled. “But we’re going to sink before I can get it.”

“Then I will find a new Vessel.”

“No you won’t. Some warlord in control of a huge fleet will stick you in their cabinet and you’ll never see the light of day,” Maya said. “I’ll get you the Essence, but I need to make it there first.”

“And then you’ll come begging for more power every time you get into a fight,” the Heart replied. “I do not give anything for free, and you have come to me with no coin.”

“I don’t need something permanently. I’ll earn that later. Just get my ship away from this fleet!” Maya pleaded.

“And how will you pay for my services? You overestimate your worth, vessel. You are not the only one that can wield me. If you swear the next year of your life to obeying my every order, then I will assist. Otherwise, leave my sight until you return with the Essence you have already promised me,” the Heart spat.

Maya’s eyes narrowed. The Heart’s face was overbearing and smug. It already knew what her answer would be. Losing one year of her life was a steep price, but it was better than dying and not having any years at all.

The grizzled man raised an eyebrow.

“Time is ticking,” the Heart said. “Make your choice, girl. I don’t like people that waste my time.”

“Fine,” Maya spat, pushing her soaked hair out of her face.

“Perfect,” the Heart said, giving her a wide grin. “Now –”

“You misunderstand our relationship,” Maya said, baring her teeth in a savage snarl. “I got the Heart because I needed to replace my Life-spark. I’m not going to beg for scraps. And I’m damn sure I’m not going to become someone’s lapdog. So here’s my choice.”

Maya punched the Heart in his face with all the force she could muster. The man let out a startled cry. The raging sea vanished along with him. The young woman was once again standing on Wavedance’s deck.