Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 255 Crab Feast

The leader had to tally the numbers and arrange enough boats to accommodate everyone. They had to hand in the list before ten at night.

After supper, Violeta took the roster and went from door to door, canvassing each household about their interest in tomorrow's boating venture and needing a headcount by ten o'clock for the boat arrangements.

Few were keen, while most were apathetic.

Reasons varied; some cited exhaustion from the day's walking, craving rest, while others professed fear of the water....

The student council's mandate was clear and set by the school.

If their group couldn't muster enough for a boat, it spoke volumes about the leader's rapport. That meant no one was willing to pitch in.

"Our legs are knackered from all the walking today. We haven't an ounce of strength left for rowing."

"Yeah, there's no gain for us in boating. What if the boat capsizes? Accidents could happen."

"I'm still not going. Water terrifies me."

"I'm not going either. I just want to get some shut-eye."

More excuses were thrown about when asked if they wanted to go.

After inquiries, only four, including Violeta and Kaylee, agreed to participate.

Clearly, this was an anomaly. It seemed certain parties were undermining Violeta, the leader.

Those opting out of the group boating demanded Violeta refund their share of the class fees so they could buy their own food.

plead with them to join, but

quarters,

of this, fretted, "Violeta, what should we

and get some sleep.

the end, she wouldn't suffer for

felt the outing

had scoped out the endpoint

That place...

It promised significant rewards!

The next morning came.

Kaylee, and another couple turned

usually kept a low profile in class, likely joining to avoid

could

their group had only

up, Violeta positioned herself at the bow, taking

noticed their meagre numbers and dispatched two lads from the student council as reinforcements to bolster

it lessened

they commenced rowing, Nolan declared that their destination lay at Lake Skyward ahead, where locals awaited their arrival. The first to reach would be treated to

excitement soared. Lake Skyward

night, when she scouted the nearby lakes and learned of Lake Skyward's fame for Hoiten crabs. Clearly, the school had orchestrated this boating

guys who skipped out are

they commenced, Nolan, clad in a life jacket, joined Violeta's boat

off on their

Violeta's boat, comprising herself, Kaylee, and the two student council helpers, they totalled

smaller group facilitated swifter manoeuvres. Consequently, despite