The Young Shall Inherit: Aerolan Saga: Book 1

The men in the boats pulled with all their strength on the nets boiling with fish. Two young boys tried to help and pulled with the older men; their young arms ached with the effort.

  The nets were so full; some portion of the catch was lost with each passing moment. Between the two vessels, the fish flailed above the water, leaping and crashing back to the surface.

  Waves crashed over everyone, almost washing them into the sea.

  They all struggled to land the catch; larger than any they had ever seen. The village needed this; it was too long since there was sufficient food. Peetle was dying and could no longer exist without this catch.

  The boys strained with the men, pulling, pulling.

  Suddenly, a quietness fell over all. No sounds from the sea; no squawking of birds flying above trying to steal fish, their flight halted in mid-air, waves hung suspended above the surface, clouds like slits in the blue, cascades of emerald sheen hung in the air.

  The world had stopped.

  The boys could see and feel the change. They looked at each other; they didn't understand.

  Suddenly, the tallest stood and began to pull, with unexpected strength. The nets began to rise, pulling the boats together. The other, smaller boy, held forth his hands and the violence of the fish ceased.

  The churning mass of life stilled completely.

  As the net reached the top of the water, the quiet was shattered. There was confusion, fish leaped once more and pulled to free themselves. But it was too late, the catch was saved.

  The older men were unaware of that moment, unaware of anything except their salvation. They shouted encouragement to each other, laughing and shouting for joy as they pulled the massive catch on board their vessels, tightly surrounding the closing net.

  The boys glanced at each other briefly, almost embarrassed to look. They still didn't understand, but were happy the day was better for all.

  IMPETUOUS