The Ark of the Shadow-Workers

A Sailing Legacy is a thrilling adventure with Captain Phinnisee, the female sea captain of the ocean liner Slava. At first glance, Slava looks like a normal ocean liner, but once she sails, she brings many more layered stories. She carries regular guests on regular schedules with hybrid power. Underneath it all, she becomes an ark for the Shadow-Workers, who call her a hotel, a sanctuary, and even a home.

This contemporary journey takes you to a world where tradition and technology coexist on the high seas, inspired by the timeless Southeast Asian folktale “Two Brothers and the Sailor.” Meet the Ceolmund brothers, where the younger one serves as the ship’s first mate, while the elder brother ensures your cruise’s safety as the third mate. Guiding them through challenging waters and unexplored seas is Zhou, an orphan with an extraordinary sense of navigation.

For those who are drawn to the sea’s wonder, A Sailing Legacy offers an adventurous journey aboard the Slava. As you embark on this adventure, prepare to be immersed in a world where tradition meets innovation, secrets linger beneath the surface, and love may just be the most powerful force of all.

Get a copy of this book, where romance and mystery dance across the waves and every page brims with the suspense of the unknown.

EXCERPT 1:

“What took you so long?”

I blinked at him. “What—what do you mean?” I pause to watch his face, full of unspoken, hidden struggles. I’ve never seen this version of Lance. “I, umm... I didn’t know, Lance. It was only last night that Sandy mentioned something about you.” He turns his face towards Sandy. Lance keeps his right hand as my necklace. Considering Sandy’s habit, he must be shrugging his shoulders by now. He returns his face to me.

“How long have I been sailing beside you?”

“Three and a half years. Lance—”

“That’s right. THREE.AND.A HALF YEARS. Three and a half years, not to mention a freaking year before that, begging to be transferred to your rotation. Three freaking and a half years of running around those women with similar eyes, a similar smile, similar hair, a similar silly hopping walk, or the similar whatever that could remind me of you. I’ve been chasing your shadow this entire time.” His left hand was pointing a finger at nothing on the high wall while he spoke. His words made my tears run like a waterfall. 

I unconsciously placed my hand on his chest, feeling his heart beating fast. I want to feel this man’s heart that he has for me. Four and a half years in total is so long. I feel like a fool for not noticing him. I start to sob, feeling his pain rush into my chest. “I’m sorry, Lance. Please, I thought you were nice to everyone.”

He grins while watching me sob like a child. “No, I’m not nice. Now, show me how sorry you are.”

EXCERPT 2:

He tucks my hair behind my ears. “To you, I set my course to set sail. Always has been. I’ll sail through every ocean, sea, and river for my love. I’ll build my own raft if I have to. You’re the Polaris I navigate my life with.”

“Oh, foxtrot! That’s way hotter than him saying, ‘I love you,’ for sure.” I’m undone by his words. “Lance, I—”

“Shh... You don’t need to say anything back. I just need you to know my feelings. And please, stop feeling bad about yourself. It was me. I’ve never made a move. I was a coward.”

About the Book:

This book can be read as a standalone. Readers can read this novella with or without reading the author's other books, although the story is related to them.

Fair Warning:

This publication contains explicit language, explicit romantic scenes, and uncommon courtship. Readers' discretion is advised.

This work of fiction is NOT suitable for minors. The age limits may vary from one area of jurisdiction to another. In the absence of clear guidance and/or limitations from the governing bodies, the publishing company and the author suggest that 21 years of age be the minimum age for reading this publication.

Disclamer:

This book is a work of fiction that draws inspiration from a Southeast Asian folktale and history, with some parts added for a dramatic purpose.

The literary work might be a disruption to the later wave of feminism around the time of publication. By the end of this book, readers will understand the reason, but not before that. If it starts a discourse on redefining feminism, then this book serves its purpose.

This work of fiction is for entertainment purposes only and is NOT to be treated as a matter of fact or as the ground for theories. This publication may be treated as a subject to study in the language arts, literature, culture, psychology, or any other related department or faculty.

The manuscript and art cover of this literary work are not generated by artificial intelligence and may NOT be utilised for AI training without the written permission of the copyright owner.

Publisher's Note on the Digital Version:

Readers who pay the licensing fee for the digital version of this book will continue to receive updates, including corrections, improvements, or revisions.

The price point of the digital version is calculated from the print version with a deduction of printing costs.

Content Update: August 21st '2024.