Chapter 21: Whispers of Meranthia

The ship was inexorably drawn into the vortex, its timbers groaning in protest. The crew scrambled, shouting commands and trying to stabilize the vessel, but it was evident that the pull of Meranthia was too potent to resist.

Seraphina and I locked eyes, the same thought was shared between us: We needed to take control. Breaking away from the railing, we made our way to the center of the ship, where a large, ornate compass was embedded into the deck. It glowed faintly, pulsating in tandem with the portal's rhythm.

"The heart of the ship," the old sailor murmured, appearing beside us. "Legend speaks of it being tied to Meranthia, though none have seen the city in eons."

"If it's connected," I mused, "then perhaps we can use it to navigate through the portal safely."

Seraphina knelt beside the compass, her fingers delicately tracing its intricate engravings. "There's an inscription here... It's in the ancient tongue, but I think it's a riddle."

"Read it out," I urged.

She cleared her th