Page 22 - UnderEarth
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uncle’s concentration to ask. Without warning, a trio of three sleek harrier ships appeared in front of them, apparently popping out of solid rock. A dark line appeared in the lava wall, gradually widening to form an opening. The ships had emerged from a tunnel in the lava cliff!
Storm felt a shiver of awe run up her spine. She was looking at the doorway to Bellum Island! Now the legendary wealth and power were explained. Not only was Bellum the belly button of the world, placed as it was at the exact centre of the Inner Sea, but the island itself was a freak of nature, encircled completely by a wall made of hardened lava. These were defences no pirate or Drowned One could ever penetrate.
“Belay the wind!” growled Lake.
Storm let her wind fade and stood, shivering with excitement. One of the harriers launched a small boat crewed by three men. Two rowers sent the boat bouncing across the wave-tops towards them while the passenger in the bow stood once they were within hailing distance.
“Identify yourself !” he shouted. “Island and captain.” “Yanlin. Lake of Yanlin!” her uncle roared back. The man checked a tally sheet, nodded. “Clear to
enter, Lake of Yanlin!” The boat reversed and rowed
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