'The volcano was weeks ago and hundreds of miles away!' Melcorka paced the length of the ship, sword held ready. 'I've never seen anything so ugly in my life, or fought anything so strong.' She shook her head. 'I stuck Defender into its eye as hard as I could, and it just bounced off. Defender bounced off!' Melcorka lowered her voice and stared at the still-disturbed water. 'That's never happened before.'
'Be thankful the creature has gone,' Bradan said. 'You chased it off and saved my life.' He touched Melcorka's arm. 'Thank you. Now, look at yourself. That thing has opened cuts all over your arms and legs.'
'You're the same.' Melcorka pointed to the blood that seeped down Bradan's legs. 'We'll have to patch up the wounds before they fester.'
'Do you think it will return?' Bradan lifte
