The Inkwell Writing Challenge | THE TREATY OF THE GRAVEYARD ABYSS

Nobody expected the Treaty of the Graveyard Abyss signed just one year ago to wipe from existence the blood shed over two decades. This and other thoughts kept me focused as I headed home.

The uneasy alliance forced me to steer away from the coast of The Abundant Waters, off the East Brakkon Islands.

Brawn, the helmsman, looked squarely into my eyes for confirmation. "Do you think they bought it, Capt. Amos? It took me several minutes to answer as my entire body was trembling. I knew this didn't go unnoticed by the rest of my crew.

Looking over his shoulder at the beast, I mustered enough strength to give him and the rest of my crew an answer. A nod in the affirmative caused their shoulders to relax. They deserved that.

Nogard. Standing all of 10 feet tall guarding the perimeter of the island, the scuted beast stood vigilant, ready to release his death sentence upon any seafarer who dared venture off course, by accident or otherwise. No preference was given. Only orders by the Thurgami were followed.

I knew that The Abundant Waters survived the horrific death sentence Humans dealt their inhabitants.

All the time, I prayed we'd reach the International Treaty Zone, known as the "ITZ", before the Thurgami discovered our real reason for venturing into The Abundant Waters. But navigating The Trecherous Depths Humans were now confined to required special training in which not many seaman applied.

Once out of range of Nogard's watchful eye, I beckoned Greggie, the 1st mate, to fetch the box for inspection. This time, my crew would be witness to the discovery if my theory held up.

Startled, Greggie stepped back as I unfolded the drenched box. He was the only one hesitant to sign on again with me for this mission. But with a skeleton crew, I needed him, and only my most trusted were aboard.

I didn't regret the decision to accept the mission. Our top world, The Barren Expanse, was disintegrating. As a 40-year veteran of the seas, I'd seen everything and was there at the beginning. The beginning of the collapse of The Abundant Waters, known as the bottom world. I don't fault them for retaliation. I fault us. Mankind.

Presently, only the animals who live in The Barren Expanse that truly depend on the bottom world for their existence are exempt and granted access to The Abundant Waters' domain. Never again would any Human be able to take from The Abundant Waters. Its Council handed down the punishment. Their decision; upheld by the International Treaty.

And now I, a disheartened sea captain, whose only accomplishment was the ability to speak the language of the bottom world, was being asked to help resuscitate in one year what it took us Humans decades to strangle.

If only the heads of the other Barren Expanse quadrants had listened to me.

But for now, with box in hand, I head back to report to base and hopefully bring proof to my Commander. If only the heads of the other quadrants would cast aside their hubris. For the sake of Mankind.