Free The Last Portal by Robert Cole Page A

realising he had
never been on the water in a storm.
    There was a
brief pause before Altac answered this question, and Chris read
apprehension in his thoughts.
    ‘We should be
across the lake by the time the storm hits,’ Altac replied.
    Chris looked
towards the mountains in the distance. Already, some of the peaks
had been engulfed by a large black mass. ‘So... is this a
particularly bad storm?’ he asked, realising he actually hated
boats and was nearly always seasick.
    ‘I don’t know
what you call bad,’ Altac said, ‘but small craft will have some
difficulties if caught in the open.’
    ‘But we’re not
small, right?’ Joe asked.
    Altac rose to
his feet, his large form blocking out most of the lantern light. ‘I
can assure you, we’re in good hands. Batarr doesn’t make these
decisions lightly,’ he said, his voice strong and resolute. ‘Now if
you would excuse me, I must go and secure the boat.’
    With these
words he began to move off, but after a few steps he turned back.
‘Remember, Mytar, from now on you all must be very careful. The way
ahead will not be easy.’
    Chris tried to
probe Altac’s thoughts as he left but only received impressions of
all the supplies he was thinking of strapping firmly to the deck of
the boat.
    ‘What’s that
supposed to mean?’ Joe said. ‘And what does he mean; “we’re in good
hands?” Whose hands? Not Batarr’s, I hope.’
    ‘Keep your
voice down,’ Susie hissed.
    ‘Why should
I?’
    ‘Because you
will be overheard and these soldiers are very loyal to Batarr.’
    ‘Just because
you can read their language and Sasli has told you a few things,
you think you’re an instant expert.’
    ‘I don’t think
I’m an expert,’ Susie replied indignantly. ‘I’m just not as rude as
you.’
    ‘I’m just
honest.’
    ‘You’re rude
and insensitive.’
    ‘And you’re a
know-it-all who can’t keep your nose out of other people’s
business.’
    ‘Not when it
makes us all look bad.’
    Joe glared at
Susie a moment. ‘Well, anyway, I hate water and I’m not very good
at swimming in mountainous seas.’
    ‘It won’t come
to that,’ Chris said.
    ‘And how do you
know?’ Joe replied.
    ‘I’m sure
Batarr has a plan if the weather turns bad.’
    ‘Yeah, we all
swim.’
    Chris could see
Joe was in one of his stubborn moods. ‘There are probably something
like life-jackets around here, or a life boat if something really
bad happens.’
    ‘Where?’
    ‘I don’t know,’
Chris replied, trying not to allow his irritation to seep into his
voice. ‘All I’m saying is Batarr wouldn’t take unnecessary risks.
Not with all that’s at stake.’
    Joe didn’t
answer. He just turned back to looking over the water.
    The activity on
the boat had increased markedly after Altac left. The soldiers were
busy stowing away, or strapping down, anything that could cause
damage in bad weather. Altac reappeared and suggested they should
get a few hours rest while the weather was still calm. This
suggestion was eagerly accepted. They followed him below deck to a
cabin with several rows of bunk beds, some of which were already
occupied.
    Despite the
excitement of the day’s events, everyone felt tired and accepted
the beds gladly. Within minutes, Chris fell fast asleep.
     
    Chris woke with a
jolt. He had landed on the floor of the cabin after rolling off his
bunk. As he rose to his feet, another wave hit the boat and toppled
him back onto his bunk. It was light, and he could hear rain
pounding on the deck above. Joe and Susie’s bunks were already
empty. He noticed a light coming from his trouser pocket and pulled
out the key - it was glowing.
    More waves
crashed into the boat, sending him sprawling across the floor for a
second time. Mainly by crawling on his hands and knees, he managed
to reach the hatch to the main cabin. When he opened it, he found
Susie and Joe clinging to a series of benches in the corner of the
cabin with the rest of the crew. There was no sign