Chapter 229: Glacial Area
Irwin's mind was blank as he steered the ship forward. He was staring into the distance, enjoying the ability to gaze as far as he wanted without obstructions. The temperature sank with every passing hour, pale frost appearing on the sail and the railings, then spreading to every other surface. By morning, Zender had gone down, the cold too much for him, leaving Greldo and Doomblade above deck. The massive Galub was shivering constantly.
"Can we go back down already?" Doomblade grunted, not for the first time.
"When Rindiri comes to take the wheel," Irwin said.
"If this is your way of getting rid of me, I'd prefer you just make it quick," Doomblade said through clacking teeth. His eyes were burning with anger as he glared at Irwin. "You're too afraid to let me fight back!"
Irwin didn't even bother responding. It wasn't like he hadn't thought about tossing Doomblade overboard, but Daubutim had said to let him be. Having the Galubs on one side, separated by an area of frost, would be better than having nothing there. It meant that anyone or anything moving from this side had to pass through them.
"Can he not hear me?" Doomblade rumbled angrily at Greldo.
"He can," Greldo said. "He just doesn't want to reply to your whining."
Exactly, Irwin thought, trying to tune out Doomblade's angry retort.
It was getting more difficult, though. He'd been trying to ignore the Galub's incessant complaining for the better part of an hour. He pondered warming the area with his steam, then thought better of it. It wasn't bad for Doomblade to realize just how cold it was and would become.
Half an hour and a dozen more complaints later, the door opened, and Rindiri stepped out. Her breath came out in plumes, and her brow lowered in a frown as she slammed the door shut.
"Right, finally inside," Doomblade shouted.
"Wait till I'm ready," Irwin snapped.