Deep blue, part 2

As the ship drew closer, Cael saw that the snake… wasn't all that giant at all. It certainly wasn't big enough to sink their ship. Cael could imagine it sinking a boat, nothing bigger.

It still was big for a snake. Long, pure black, and shining with moisture. A beautiful sight, but could that really be the sea monster everyone looked for?

"Strange," Niko said. "I was sure that what I saw was bigger. Much, much bigger."

Myrna looked at the snake with hungry eyes. "How much snake skin! Guys, let's kill it, anyway. I want a snake coat!"

"A snake coat?" Cael asked. "Can you even sew from snake skin?"

"Of course! It would be water-resistant. Imagine—an entire coat to keep you dry in the rain. Or the sea. Or…"

The hairs on the back of Cael's neck stood on their ends. He raised a hand up, forcing everyone into silence.