Page 18 | Chapter 1 | The Ghost Ship | A Free Serialized Novel by Scott Telek

The sound increased, energy and bustle growing outside as the town quietly stirred to life. Moments passing saw the commotion intensify, yelling, excited shrieking, people walking, running in grand migration toward the harbor. John felt Iris’s hand rest softly on his hip as her arm passed around him, sign of her need for reassurance. He would have at once turned to attend to her, had the character of the disturbance not been one of unmistakable cheer. Those passing appeared full of bursting life, transported on a rolling wave of joy that pulled them to the expanse of the deep.

The barkeep’s attention had drifted from John and Iris to the sight outside. More and more people streamed by the window, hands clasped, faces of gratitude and release. John saw the older woman’s visage reveal an unlikely trace of tenderness he found affecting, in its way. The heaviness of her flesh lightened, the leaden quality in her eyes exchanged with a shining gleam of light. She glanced back at him once, vulnerable look of uncertainty on her features, before moving toward the far wall, and ducking out from behind the bar.

John looked behind. The few patrons in the tavern had stood from their chairs, still as statues, pale light of the street shining on wan, wrinkled skin, watching those outside as they rushed toward the waterfront.

The door to the tavern flew open. It struck the wall with a bang that sent a shudder through all inside. A young woman leaned in, panting breathlessly.

“The Helena!” she shouted. “She’s returned!”