Wheeling Gull Isle The darkness, forever

He knew that voice, but instead of rain and fire, something else crawled through him. Not anger, not hate — though those currents still flowed, but a deep sorrow punctured them now.

And as Everett moved over sand and sea towards his brother, he wrestled with it all.

Water concealed the land bridge but he knew the way to the shore by now. He plunged into the shallows and ran until his feet left the loamy ground and he swam. A sodden and salt spun mess. And sure enough, Tybault was there.

Tybault, he called out in greeting, but held no snap to his voice. He was guarded, but he didn’t shy from his younger brother as he pulled himself ashore.