Notch's Arc

Chapter 1 of 2

Notch gripped his blade and studied the worn map spread across the tavern table. His brother Brandon had vanished three years ago, leaving only cryptic notes and cold trails. The shark warrior had searched every port in Highover, following rumors and lies. Tonight, a merchant claimed to have seen Brandon's ship heading north. Notch rolled up the map and stood. He would find his brother, no matter how long it took. The next morning, Notch broke into Brandon's old quarters at the dockmaster's storage. Dust covered everything. He searched through crates and chests, tossing aside rope and tools. His clawed fingers found something soft wedged behind a loose board. He pulled out a diary bound in shark skin. The cover felt familiar under his touch. Inside, Brandon's handwriting filled the pages with stories of their childhood and notes about ancient Sharkin traditions. Notch flipped to the final entries. His brother had written about strange calls from someone up north, urgent meetings, and a debt that needed paying. The last page listed dates and times of conversations. Notch traced the ink with one finger. These records would lead him to answers. He tucked the diary into his belt and headed for the northern docks. By afternoon, Notch found what he needed. A two-story row house sat near the water, built from sand-colored stone and coral. Seashells decorated the doorway. The owner wanted to sell fast and didn't ask questions. Notch paid in silver and moved in that day. He set the shark skin diary on a wooden table by the window. The northern docks stretched out below. From here, he could watch the ships come and go. He could track down every lead the diary gave him. Brandon's words about the debt and the urgent meetings filled his mind. Someone up north knew where his brother went. Notch would find them, question them, and follow the trail until Brandon stood before him again. This house would be his base until that day came. The next day, Notch walked into the community center near the market square. The building stood solid, made of brick and stone that had weathered many seasons. People gathered inside, talking and sharing news. Notch approached the main board where notices hung. He pulled out a drawing of Brandon he'd kept for three years. The image showed a Sharkin with kind eyes and a wide smile. Notch pinned it to the board along with a note asking anyone with information to come to his row house. Several people stopped to look. A woman nodded at him. A dock worker studied the drawing closely. Notch left knowing the word would spread. His brother's face would be known throughout the northern district. Someone had to remember seeing Brandon. Someone had to know something. And when they came forward, Notch would be ready to follow wherever the truth led him.