Will swam closer to the shore. Until finally he arrived at the white sandy land. He stood and looked out into the sea, the mermaid girl, she was not there. Will felt half his soul missing. Even though he just got to know Ashley, the girl's kindness left a wound when he had to choose to return to Royal Caribbean.
He stepped away from the ocean with unsteady steps. The people and fishermen who were at the dock were very surprised by Will's return. So surprised, a fisherman dropped a bucket full of fish he was carrying and hit his friend's feet. The woman who was loading the caught fish immediately hugged her child.
"Holy Mother God!"
"Oh my God."
"Jesus Christ!"
"I can't believe my eyes!"
They said to themselves when they saw Will back in good condition. One of the fishermen who saw him immediately left work with a smile and ran away from the wharf.
Soon three people came running over.
"Will!" the man shouted.
Will smiled at him. That's Jack. He didn't come alone, but with Sam and Samantha. Will immediately ran to them and hugged him. They wept in their arms.
"I can't believe this! You can come back?!"Samantha said happily.
"Yes, God helps me," answer Will.
"I miss you, Dad!" Sam refused to let go of his hand.
"I miss you too, my boy!"
They walked into the pier gate. Leaving the group of fishermen and people who had been silent and now gossiping about it.
When they got home, Samantha brought Will a cup of hot tea and gave it to him.
"They'll definitely be following you here soon."
"I know."
Will put down his cup and fell silent. He knew that the troops would soon catch him again and perhaps wash him away a second time. They were silent for a moment without anyone speaking.
"What happened?" said Samantha breaking the silence.
The girl's face showed extreme curiosity.
Will looked around. This made Samantha follow him and feel confused. Sam looked at them both innocently.
"Can you leave us for a while, Son?" asked Will.
"Sure, Dad." Without asking the boy left his father and aunt out of the house.
Will brought his face closer to Samantha, "You won't believe what I've seen."
"What do you see?"
"Can you keep this as a secret?"
Samantha nodded, "Yeah, I will."
Will whispered something into Samantha's ear. It made the girl widen her eyes in disbelief.
'BRACK! BRACK! BRACK!'
The two of them were instantly startled when they heard someone banging on their door.
"Let me." Samantha stood up and walked towards the door.
Five royal guards came with swords and spears.
"We have come by order of the Governor to bring Mr. William Smith before Your Majesty!"
"You don't have to pick me up, because I'll come to him myself," Will said from behind.
"But…" Samantha tried to stop him, but Will nodded at her.
It was as if reassuring Samantha that all would be well.
"Will," she said quietly as she watched Will walk away with the royal troops.
***.
Lord Albert Stepanus sat in the hall with his chin on his hand.
"How can it be?" he asked.
"According to rumors circulating, he was able to return because there was a ship that saved him. But the fisherman who reportedly said that he had not seen any ships docked at all, even some people say that Will emerged from the sea swimming," explained Commodore Morgan.
The double doors opened revealing a bodyguard with a spear in his hand. He walked over to Lord Stepanus and knelt down.
"Your Majesty, we have brought Mr. Smith!"
"Bring him here."
"Aye!"
He turned away and disappeared behind the door. Not long after, two bodyguards came in carrying William with his hands tied behind his back very roughly. They seated the man before Lord Stephanus. Made him feel angry but could not do anything to realize he was now in front of the supreme ruler of the Royal Caribbean.
"So, Mr. Smith…" Lord Stepanus stood proudly while walking beside William, "Tell me how did you come back here?"
Will was silent, pondering the best answer to get a good reason.
"I met a ship while in the ocean. They helped me and took me home," Will said flatly.
Commodore Morgan stared suspiciously. Will accidentally glanced at him, making them stare at each other for a few seconds. Not wanting to look suspicious, Will immediately turned his face to the other side.
"But someone told me that no one saw the ship docked at the wharf and that you even emerged from the water."
Lord Stepanus crouched down, aligning himself with Will. Look deeply into the man's eyes. No! However, he must maintain his belief not to reveal secrets about Ashley and the Lyonasse Kindom.
"You know, I am the supreme law of this territory. If you lie to me, then I'll make sure your head won't be where it belongs again. So I ask you one more time, how did you get back here?"
Will looked back at Lord Stephanus without hesitation, "On a merchant's ship, Sir."
"What kind of ship?"
"The ship belongs to a Chinese merchant."
Lord Stepanus fell silent for a moment. Then laugh so loud that it fills the whole room. Making Commodore smile too.
Will was confused and thought about what was wrong. Suddenly he remembered one thing that made him very surprised. He forgot that China and Royal Caribbean relations were not good in terms of trade. Even Royal Caribbean declared to cut trade relations with China indefinitely.
Stupid! Of course, Will's answer clearly showed his lie.
"Take him to the center of the square and execute this liar!" Commodore Henry's orders.
"No… no! I can experience it, Sir! Let me explain it!"
It's late. Two bodyguards again dragged him out of the room. Leaving Lord Stepanus and Commodore Morgan who didn't look the least bit concerned.
***.
The great gate of the palace opened. With his legs and arms in chain cuffs and seven bodyguards behind him, Will started walking out. The people who were in front of the palace immediately stopped their activities. Look at Will with all kinds of hearts. Some felt pity and others thought that he deserved the punishment.
Several people whispered to each other. But that didn't make Will get emotional. He remained silent as he continued to walk straight toward the Royal Caribbean square. Facing the beheading pole and the executioner who had prepared to separate his head and body. Somehow death seems to always follow him.
The news spread quickly by word of mouth. Just in a matter of time, the entire population of the Royal Caribbean had gathered there. Watching Will who had been rigged by the hangman.
"Wait!"
A girl ran through the crowd. It was none other than Samantha.