in a single day and night of misfortune

The swim out to this strange, rocky island had seemed like a good idea… at the time. Jack, drunk on the victory the adults had claimed against the Armadain wolves, had decided to go out exploring… and found himself in the North near said Armada. However, Calico Jack was not like the adults who sought out a fight but instead is up here to satisfy his wanderlust. And that island out there is the perfect place to do it! The calico pup had not known just how cold the water was until he charged in but, determined to make it to the island, he had thrown caution to the wind and continued on.

Small paws scrabble put the rocky shore, depositing the sopping wet pup on the island. Chest heaves as the boy sucks in great lung-fulls of air and starts to think that might only slightly regret the trip here. The sheer stone cliffs don’t leave Jack room to rest and the tired pup is forced to find a cave to take shelter in. Once on solid, mostly level ground, the pup shakes out his coat, giving it a rough cleaning and sending huge drops of water flying every which way. The pup doesn’t consider the fact that he might not be the only one out on this remote island, exploring.

So, when the sound of someone further in finds its way to him, Calico Jack stops trying to get the water out of his ears and casts his pale blue gaze down the dark, eerie cave path. He attempts to scent the air and ends up in a sneezing fit as he inhales some of the salty water that dared to cling to his nostrils. Once it has subsided enough, the boy calls out, “’Ello? Anyone there?” Jack might have sounded intimating if it wasn’t for the fact that his voice is young, uncertain, and now, slightly congested.

Damn, this trip is off to a great start.


"Calico Jack"