Chương 57: Chapter XVI — New Lights for the Caged & Shackled

As Galan approached the port watch station, the cheering from the shore grew louder. He waved back, then stepped inside. The building was rustic but functional, the air scented with old wood and salt, while decorative fishing nets and dried pufferfish lanterns hung from the ceiling. A young woman behind the counter bowed deeply.

"Welcome back…" she began, then trailed off, her face going pale as her coworkers snickered behind her. Welcome back? That's odd, Galan thought, but he played along, a smile tugging at his lips.

"I'm back."

"Ah, of course, sir," she stammered, flustered. His mindcast brushed against her thoughts, and he understood, for this dock is mostly used by the locals. She had gotten so accustomed to greeting them that the formal 'welcome back' was pure muscle memory. Hmph. Guess I'll bail her out.

"Did the angels tell you about me?" he asked gently.

"Y-yes, sir. We… we were told you had visited Central Island before—so… we thought it would be fitting," she said, relief washing over her as she straightened herself up. Though her coworkers didn't relent.

"Right. Do I need to do anything to enter?"

"No, everything has been handled. You can leave through the passageway on your left to head to Moons' Valley village."

"Thanks." He started to walk away, then stopped.

"Oh, one more thing. Do I need to do anything to let the people outside board my ship?" The other workers gasped. The young woman blinked thrice, her professional composure shattering.

"S-sir… the pier is for disembarking only. As for… inviting the public aboard your private vessel… there is no procedure for such a thing." If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. She took a deep breath, offering a helpless bow.

"But, since you are a guest of the archangels… your ship and your person are not subject to our normal regulations. Whatever you wish to do is… at your own discretion." Hah, nepotism at its finest. Galan grinned, giving her a thumbs-up.

"Thanks! I'll let 'em know." He left the chuckling staff and approached the guards at the entrance.

"Apologies for the inconvenience, sir," one said.

"We tried to send them home, but there are just too many."

"Leave it to me," Galan said, stepping past them. He stood before the crowd, crossing his arms as they fell silent.

"Good evening, everyone!" he shouted, raising a fist. The crowd cheered.

"I'm here to tell you that everyone who wants to visit the peak of Sky Favored Island will get a free ride!" The cheering intensified into a roar.

"In a flying ship?!" someone screamed.

"Alright, calm down. It's a one-way trip, so make sure you can get back on your own, got it?" The crowd went wild. Galan opened a mental link.

"Hey, Pheidon. How long can you dock the Deliverer?"

"Whoa, you're actually serious about this?"

"Yeah. Meredith told you, right? You've checked with the air traffic controller, yet?"

"They said up to an hour. We're good."

"Thanks."

"Hey, I should be the one thanking you, Captain," Pheidon's thought came back, full of warmth.

"I've been wanting to ferry people in the Deliverer again for a few years now."

"Hmph. No problem." Galan looked back at the crowd.

"The ship will remain docked for up to an hour! Bring what you need and listen to my crew when you board!" The crowd quieted, then knelt as one.

"Yes, understood!" they replied in unison before scrambling to get ready. As they rushed past, Galan snapped his fingers, placing a ward against skysickness on the entire group. He followed the flow of people heading toward the village, his mind turning back to his mission. Hmm… I wonder if I should hear what the victims went through first instead of going straight to the ghosts… As he mulled it over, people occasionally stopped to bow and thank him.

The energy was infectious, but as the crowd began to thin, the quiet allowed his mind to drift, the festive night fading as it was replaced by the cold, dark forest once more.