March To The Sea

"But it is very hot upon the sea. And we have no water." 

* * *

Roger sat on the end of the dock and looked out over the small cove. He could hear the party getting into swing behind him, but for the moment he was content just to watch the sun descending over the K'Vaern Sea.

He rubbed the cover of the bag, and unrolled it. The jeweled badge of an imperial servitor glittered in the fading light, and he unpi

One end held a lump, and he unsealed the bag and gently picked out a handful of fine ash.

"Oh, Da

* * *

"Roger?" Nimashet put her hand on his shoulder. "Are you coming? This is your party, too."

"I'm coming." He stood and dusted off his hands. "I suppose that food is as good a way to celebrate him as any."

Prince Roger Ramius Sergei Alexander Chiang MacClintock, Heir Tertiary to the Throne of Man, took one last look at the gentle swell surging across the reef at the entrance to the cove. Then he turned and walked back to the restaurant, hand in hand with a sergeant of Marines, and the fine film of ash still clinging to his palm mingled and spread between their hands, u

Behind them, the ashes slowly mixed with the salty sea and floated out on the tide of two moons. Floated out on the tide to wash upon distant shores.

MAPS