“There was an expedition two years ago,” said Mamoru. “Well, actually it was more a field trip made by amateurs not unlike us. That is how these maps exist — they are less detailed than one might expect, but I have no reason to believe they are not accurate.”
“He’s right. People bang on about the Seven Maidens all the time — I mean our people, Honey,” said Peter. “Surely you’ve heard them at the club. Botanists, entomologists, deranged lepidopterists, avian-minded planters from Norfolk, Oxford historians manqué—they all chatter endlessly about the Seven Maidens.”
“Yes, but I don’t think that anyone believes they are real,” said Honey. “Not truly. That’s why all you ever hear is how two of the Maidens disappear at high tide, how they were formed from the bodies of murdered princesses. It’s the stuff of local legends. Anyway, none of this matters. We’ve got to go now. We’ve no choice.”
“They exist, of that I am certain,” said Mamoru. “The maps indicate that the journey should take no longer than three hours. These fishing boats are not equipped for long journeys. Look at this thing. Fifty nautical miles would be the standard range for such a vessel. A hundred would be far beyond its capabilities. Local fishermen do not travel great distances. Their fishing patterns are seasonal and easily affected by weather conditions. They would not venture far from home. If the Seven Maidens are within their fishing territory, then we should easily be able to reach them in time to strike camp tonight.”
“Of course the islands exist,” I added. “Everyone who lives in the Valley knows of them. They’re famous.”
Peter shrugged. “The professor seems to have everything covered,” he said.
“Besides,” Mamoru continued, “Johnny’s knowledge of the coastline will stand us in good stead. We have already been witness to his excellent navigational skills.”
Johnny was sitting cross-legged against the little shack. “I do not know the sea,” he said. “I cannot swim.”
Nor can I, I thought to myself. I did not mention this, though, for fear of appearing timid and hesitant. I did not want Mamoru to think that I would shrink from adventure.
The boat undulated gently under our feet as we stood in silence. Mamoru looked at me to see if I was worried or upset by this proposed journey. I saw no trace of fear in his face, and I smiled my approval in return. The slow rocking movement of the waves induced a curious sensation in my head, and I felt as if I would swoon. I sat down on a wooden bench nearby and shut my eyes.
No one spoke, but all the sounds I heard indicated only one thing: no one opposed Mamoru. We were going to the Seven Maidens on our own.
OUR SPIRITS LIFTED as soon as we set off. The light had started to fade, but we were not concerned. The steady rhythm of the boat as it cut through the water, rising and falling over the occasional wave, was thrilling to me. I could tell from the way Johnny and Peter sat — side by side, gazing quietly into the distance like a pair of hypnotised children — that they were happy too. I stood next to Mamoru as he steered, looking out at the open waters beyond the stern. Only Honey seemed unsettled. He examined the maps, frowning deeply.
“Don’t worry, Frederick,” I called out over the noise of the wind and the motor, “we’ll be fine.” I was (and am) convinced that Mamoru would guide us safely to our destination.
“Look at the amber sky,” Mamoru said, turning to look at me.
“And the sea too,” I added. The deep colours of the fading sun spread in streaks across the waters on the horizon.
“Do you believe in God?” he asked.
I shook my head. “I don’t know. Do you?”
“No,” he said, “although at a time like this, in a place such as this, I am not so sure. All my beliefs are ill-founded, all my convictions weak. Yet I feel strangely alive. Funny, isn’t it?”
“Not at all,” I said. The wind continued to sweep through my hair. I made no attempt to smooth it away from my face as I had done earlier, but instead enjoyed the sensation of knowing that here, in the open seas, no one would comment on my appearance. I lifted my chin and allowed the breeze to cool my neck. I felt whispers of wind on my collarbone, and I breathed deeply. Johnny and Peter remained silent and transfixed, staring at the setting sun. I put my hand on Mamoru’s. His skin was taut and cool. He continued to look into the distance, charting our course with an unwavering gaze. The corners of his eyes creased into tiny lines and his lips began to draw into a smile.
It is astonishing how much light there is at sea, even when it is dark. Night does not seem like night. The moon illuminates everything; it creates a white midnight. We ate simply, sitting in a small circle around some hurricane lamps.
