The Drowned King

People drown and usually stay dead. Ainmire wasn't so lucky. Whatever he did while alive got his crew killed. It got him drowned. And in the darkness at the bottom of the sea, something ancient wanted to annoy him with a continuing existence. Now he's back—very undead and sharing his skull with an entity he calls "Bob." Bob has opinions. Bob gives unsolicited advice. Bob really wishes Ainmire would stop trying to befriend the living and accept his new role. The crew who pulled him from the water wish they hadn't. Winter follows in his wake. Every time Ainmire tries to be helpful, someone ends up frozen—or worse. He's accidentally building a following of the undead. He's accidentally becoming something terrifying. And somewhere beneath the ship, something vast and patient is watching and waiting for his every move. Ainmire just wants to figure out who he was before he died. Bob wants to remind him that who he was doesn't matter anymore. Neither of them is getting what they want.   Major author's note. This is experimental. I am largely a sci-fi writer.  This seemed like a fun challenge. If people end up liking it, I will continue. If not, then it was worth a try! I hope I did a first attempt justice.New chapters are currently uploaded on Tuesdays! Cover art by: blackash.bsky.social