We ran aground when we hit the estuary. Captain Mead’s eyes widened as the ship crashed into the shallow rocks at the mouth of the river. I turned away to hide my disdain.

I had opposed the decision to head north, but he had overruled me. He was stubborn, and his pride had now left us all stranded at god knows where. I had tried to get the crew on my side before we departed Port Nolte. I had explained to them that we had to travel east to make it to the fortress in time to save the others. But they argued amongst themselves for too long. It seemed me and Captain Mead were the only decisive ones aboard this ship, and he was the one at the helm. At least for now.