The Beach at Locos

Landfall — the party’s current position

After the passage through the Gods’ Teeth and the remainder of the voyage, a jolly boat carried the expedition ashore. Four sailors rowed, including the now-familiar Millie and Swoosh. The company checked its gear before the boat withdrew.

Brandy’s Folly waited about 600 yards offshore, under its agreement to remain for six days. A signal flare from the beach would request retrieval.

Illustration

The beach at Locos

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What the party saw

Coarse ochre sand rose toward a jagged shelf of wind-carved stone. Dark green scrub clung to cracks, while concentrated bursts of brilliant flowers interrupted the shore's muted colors. The air smelled of salt, earth, and something faintly acrid.

Ashin led the company along the beach toward the landmarks in the reconstructed records. They looked around and walked toward the strange, intensely colorful flowers. Their beauty began to give way to something horrific.

Then the sand stirred.

The first giant crab emerged from beneath it.

Ashin called:

“To me! To me!”

That is where we resume.

For the journey to this point, see Previously on The Engine Run.