But a few nodded more seriously. Fear or not, curiosity was stronger. The rumor alone was enough to draw a crowd. If Erik was right, if something truly showed itself, none of them wanted to miss it.
That evening, the entire village gathered by the bay. Some brought lanterns, their light casting jittery reflections across the water. Others stood back with arms folded, muttering that it was a waste of time. Children clung to their parents, wide-eyed, sensing the tension.