Under the night sky, the monochrome, burning sun cast a pale light that caught a creature so vast and so graceful it seemed to swim through the clouds, its silver body mimicking a moon.
The Silver Whale, known for its speed despite its massive body, was moving slowly tonight. It did not look in a hurry; it drifted as if on a peaceful walk.
Passengers crowded its immense back, and at the front, four figures stood out.
Silverlight Zephan stood at the very forefront, straight-backed on the Whale's head, eyes on the horizon as if sunk in deep thought.
A little behind him, an ogre sat cross-legged with his eyes closed; it was hard to tell whether he was asleep or in deep meditation.
A little to their side stood Liora Virell, her small, muscular body giving the impression of a compact mountain. Yet despite that impression, the shock and disbelief on her face made her look more like a young girl handed an expensive gift for her betrothal.
