The two ancient Kings regarded each other for a long moment across the broken space, the last remnants of the water between them evaporating into nothing.
Then the whale spoke.
Not in words.
The meaning simply arrived inside Francis, the way air arrives — not felt until it's already acting on you.
"Good job," the whale said, the words settling into Francis's mind like stones dropping into water. "At first, I was not convinced you were the right person for this. But Eerak told me you were the best candidate."
"Ruthless. Efficient. You take every opportunity given to you, without hesitation, without waste."
The serpent beside it shifted, six eyes narrowing slightly, as if weighing the words against something only it could see.
"Is that a compliment?" Francis inquired.
"Take it whatever you like." It responded.
"I don't care about those details. What I'm more concerned about is the revival of my daughters."
