This is a story about heroes and I am not one of them. They will never be forgotten. Never. The story begins in the azure waters of the Fay Ocean.

   “Help!” I hollered to the docks.

   Two men in a dinghy rowed my way. The man behind the ores had broad shoulders and large arms. His hair hung down to the middle of his bare back from a knot at the top of his head. The other man was thin and wore a loose white shirt. He smiled at me as he tossed a rope my direction.

   I grabbed hold and he pulled me to the gunnels. I let go of the driftwood I had been clinging to for two days and nights and gave a sigh, feeling that I would reach land again.

   “That’s quite the gash you have there on your side.” He pushed back the tattered portions of my shirt. The touch of his hand was near unbearable.

   Through clenched teeth, I replied, “indeed.”

   In mock grandeur, the thin man swung his arms about as he spoke. “Welcome to the Guppy, our fine galleon! I am your captain, Gravis. This is my first mate, Logan, and you are?” On most days, I’d say the rowboat was not much to look at, but I was happy to see it.

   “I’m Pearce.”

   “Well then Pearce, from the looks of you, we ought to see you to a healer. While Logan rows, you might share your misadventures as to how you came to the bleak shores of Alcoa.”

   I nodded. Talking was not something I was interested in, but staying conscious was and I thought that maybe, if I kept talking, I could keep breathing.

   “Our ship was taken by pirates. I think I’m the only one who lived.”

   “I’d say you were lucky, were it not for where you ended up.”

   “We were sailing from Treffaren to bring goods north to Kellathin. At night we had dropped anchor to prevent running ashore in the fog. I think half the crew was dead before we knew the pirates were even on board. With black powder in the hold, I knew I had to jump overboard when the fire started. Really, the black powder saved me.”

   Gravis clapped his hands and slapped me on the shoulder, not minding at all that my entire body hurt through and through. “Smart lad! Well, it’s good to have you aboard.”

   Logan grunted, maybe it was his way of laughing. “Out of the kettle and into the fire.”

   The ocean breeze was stiff and helped push us to shore. Once Logan had tied the boat to the dock, he grabbed me like a gunnysack, despite some rather loud cries of objection from me, and hauled me to the temple.