221
THE BLUE FEATHER
Later, the group of explorers built another campfire, ate a
relaxed dinner, which included sweet kiwi fruit for dessert, which
they found growing wild on the island. Then as the largest
moon’s tide came in, they launched both sailboats back into the
ocean, and set sail for Kaóc Island. Early the next morning, still
twenty-five kilometers from the south shore of Kaóc Island, the
waves became large. Lightning could be seen coming in from the
western skyline. A huge squall line of dark clouds soon
surrounded both boats. Both Moka and Eegh came down from
atop the mast, and found a safer spot next to Bardala at the tiller.
Tital looked out at the rapidly approaching storm and realized
they needed to make for the closer southern shore, rather than
try to return to the north shore from which they had originally
set out. “Make for that bay to starboard. We can anchor the
boats there. It will give us some protection.” Tital said to
Bardala, as he walked aft in the boat. He signaled Mahucutah to
follow their lead. The waves grew larger and more violent as
they fought their way through them, headed towards the island
bay.
Are we going to be okay?” asked Kuó, in a worried voice, this
being his very first time at sea.
“Yes. Tell everyone our boats are sound. The sails are new
and strong. In less than an hour we will be sheltered on the
leeward side of the island,” Tital told him, as he picked up the
ancient Staff of Power that had been tied to the mast. As soon as
his hand touched the staff the lapis lazuli stone began to glow,
faintly at first, then more brightly.
“What does that mean?” Jonathan wanted to know.
“I don’t really know. It doesn’t always glow.” Tital answered.
Just then, from the storm clouds overhead, a lightning bolt