The Peculiar Adventure of Mr Norton

Chapter 15

"Where are we?" Denise asked in confusion.

"This must be Liu-Feng's house. He told me this scroll would teleport us here," Edward responded, his eyes looking around.

"Edward, why did you not run away when I told you to!" Denise asked after she came to her senses.

Apologetic, Edward evaded the question and indicated that they should, instead, hurry on to the Northern Continent.

"The only head start we have is the distance between Hong-Su and Jian-Xing, which is not a great extent. However, we should use it to our advantage," Edward said as he heads towards the exit.

"Do you think it knows we are heading there?" Denise asked.

"It knew about the Potion of Death Defiance. To be on the safe side, I would say that we will have to assume that it knows about the Potion of Return as well. In that case, it will try to beat us to the Holy Celestial Shrine. We have to hurry," Edward replied. When they exited Liu-Feng's shack, they found themselves in an area very close to where they encountered the steel cages and fought the Euphorics. In most likelihood, Liu-Feng must have heard Denise's screaming before he came to their rescue. Edward could not help but feel sad knowing that Liu-Feng had paid the ultimate price for helping him. When they reached the market area, it was night time.

"I cannot believe I am saying this, but I am rather tired," Denise said as she yawned.

"Yes, I almost forgot, you are alive now. It is only natural that you might feel tired," Edward said.

"My only concern is that we cannot afford to sleep here tonight, not is Hong-Su at least. It is too close to Jian-Xing. The Death may decide to search here before it heads to the Northern Continent," Denise said.

"I agree, in that case, we should ask the captain who took us here if he can perhaps sail for us at night," Edward said as they walk toward the harbor. Fortunately, when they arrived at the harbor, they were relieved to discover that a few ships are able to sail between Hong-Su and Port Aliwa. Unlike their trip with Captain Gideon, the moon was bright enough tonight to set sail.

"Are there no ships that sail directly to the Northern Continent?" Edward asked out of desperation.

"No Sir! No ships from Exurax would sail to the Northern Continent. In fact, no ships that I know of would sail to the Northern Continent. The weather is too cold and the water too icy! Ships would get stranded on the ice," the chubby captain replied.

"Are there any way that one can reach the Northern Continent?" Denise asked.

"I would say the only way that you can reach the Northern Continent is from the Harken Airfield. It is situated some distance north of Port Aliwa. Fortunately for you, you can reach it via land. Once you are at the Harken Airfield, you should be able to reach the Northern Continent using one of their airships," the chubby captain replied.

"It would appear we have little choice but to go there," Denise said as they paid the chubby captain and boarded the ship.

When the ship finally set sail, Edward gave out a sigh of relief. By tomorrow morning, they would be arriving at a different continent. The captain showed them to their cabin, it was small with just enough room for two, with two single beds.

"Make yourselves at home," the chubby captain said and left. For once, they could catch their breath as they both sat down on the bed.

"Edward, there were things which I wanted to explain to you, which I think now is the time given what we have learned at Jian-Xing," Denise said as she leaned her back against the cabin wall.