Inside the sky, the woman's voice echoed with authority.
"Search for that young man. Bring him alive or dead… and don't return without the amulet."
The shadow quads bowed low.
"Yes, Your Majesty," they said in unison, before vanishing into the clouds, flying in a different direction.
The night faded. The sky slowly brightened with morning light. At the shore, Jhuni stood still, facing the vast, endless sea. His eyes were firm, yet filled with silent prayers. He clenched the golden amulet tightly in his fist before stepping into the boat.
Was he sailing to Barbados?
Yes. That was the only place on his mind.
But halfway across the sea, things took a terrifying turn. The clouds darkened, the waves grew wild, and water began pouring into the boat. It wasn't sudden—it crept in slowly, then all at once.
The boat tipped. Jhuni struggled, gasping as the sea swallowed him whole. He tried to swim, but the waves overpowered him. Still, he refused to let go of the amulet.
Dark figures hovered above the sea. It was the Shadow Quads.
They flew in a circular motion, their eyes scanning the crashing waves below—searching. Then, one of them pointed.
"Target spotted."
Without hesitation, they drew their bows and released a storm of arrows.
One arrow grazed Jhuni's arm underwater, drawing blood. He winced in pain when the salt water came into contact with the wound. But still, he didn't let go of the amulet. The shadows quads looked at each other fearing to enter the raging sea. They hesitated a moment before flying away.
Jhuni's strength was fading. He looked up one last time, pleading silently to God. Then slowly, he closed his eyes.
That very moment, the golden amulet began to glow… A soft, warm light in the deep, as though it had a mind of its own.
The once wild and raging sea suddenly calmed. The current shifted—slowly, but with purpose. As if something unseen was directing it.
Jhuni's lifeless body floated while the amulet remained clutched in his fingers, glowing gently like a star.
Hours passed.
Then his body drifted onto a distant shore. The sand was golden-brown and warm beneath him. Birds chirped softly in the background. The wind was gentle and soothing. Then the glow on the amulet dimmed.
After a moment, a series of coughs and salty water came from the body lying still. He slowly sat up, eyes blinking against the light. He looked down at the amulet, then smiled faintly. Rising to his feet, he glanced around and shouted. "Thank you God!!"
He was at the exact place he wanted to be.
It was Barbados.