Dangers of the sea

Earlier that day in the sea north of Octopolis.

Captain Ealdred stood at the helm of his formidable ship, the Northern Fury, as it plowed through the icy waters of the Northern Sea. 

The cold wind was biting at his skin, but his heart was aflame with determination. For weeks, they had been on this journey, hunting the elusive Aurora Whale, a creature of myth and legend said to bring unimaginable riches to those who could capture it.

"The Aurora Whale will make us legends," Ealdred murmured to himself, gazing out at the endless expanse of the sea. His crew, a hardy group of sailors and fishermen, originally had the same sense of anticipation that matched their captain's. However, as the days turned into weeks, their hope had begun to fade.