Beyond the Edge

k with the smell of wet leather, cheap rum, and smoke curling from a half-lit hearth. Nathan Cross sat at a corner table, the

flatten out the secrets it contained. His finger traced the intricate l

a triangle. Nathan had encountered this symbol before, in fragments of ancient texts, whi

dead end, Cross?" Zane's voice

dripping water onto the floor. Zane shook the rain from

d firmly. "This map...

n chasing this island for years. What makes

dropping to a whisper. "Because t

y. "Lazaro? The smuggler wh

found it in Lazaro's belongings. And if Lazaro

back. "Alright. Say I believe you. What's the plan? You'

I've already secured a ship and a crew willing

after

rest of the

icker of excitement in his eyes. "You'r

door burst open. A gust of icy wind swept in

ly on the wooden floor. At their head was a tall man with a scar running from his

an f

Zane muttered u

ld of treasure hunters. A man who left a trail of

he knows?" Z

n replied, quickly folding the m

a slow smile spread across his face. He motioned t

voice smooth but laced with m

s expression neutral. "H

ve been busy. Rumors of a map. An

bout," Nathan said, his hand inch

w you're terrible at lying. Why don't you sav

is voice steady. "Even if I had a map

ing closer. His men began closing in, their

oice barely audible.

, Hale," he said loudly. "You

ying and plunging the corner of the tavern into darkness. He grabbed

hem!" Ha

tartled cooks and overturning pots of stew. They crash

houted, pulling Zane

ones. The alley opened up into the docks, where ships swayed violently in the storm.

he said,

wind whipping against their faces. Just as

ing Zane down with him. The bulle

n looked up to see the ship's captain, a wiry wom

n yelled, shovi

rew. The sails were raised, and the sloop began pulling away from

than. Even from a distance, Nathan could see

orm, Nathan leaned against the mast,

h?" Zane said, grinni

ed. "Somethi

knew this was on