The Three Islands and the Sea Route

My Father's Dragon

This flow follows the geographic chain from homeward departure through Cranberry and Tangerina to the crossing that leads to Wild Island.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Port Departure The Port Departure from "My Father's Dragon". Setting Out by Ship A route chosen Elmer boards a ship bound for the port of Cranberry, carrying the supplies needed for the rescue.

The Port Departure from "My Father's Dragon". Setting Out by Ship A route chosen Elmer boards a ship bound for the port of Cranberry, carrying the supplies needed for the rescue.

Setting Out by Ship A route chosen Elmer boards a ship bound for the port of Cranberry, carrying the supplies needed for the rescue. A hidden beginning Because he travels without permission, the sea route begins in concealment. The ship offers distance from home but no guarantee of safe passage.

Cranberry at Night Cranberry at Night from "My Father's Dragon". A Port Reached by Chance Disembarkation Elmer emerges from the grain bag after dark and leaves the unloading area.

Cranberry at Night from "My Father's Dragon". A Port Reached by Chance Disembarkation Elmer emerges from the grain bag after dark and leaves the unloading area.

A Port Reached by Chance Disembarkation Elmer emerges from the grain bag after dark and leaves the unloading area. He has reached Cranberry without being sent home. The route continues The port is not the destination but the entrance to the search for the island chain. Elmer must travel onward on foot.

Tangerina’s Coast Tangerina’s Coast from "My Father's Dragon". Finding the Right Island Recognition Tangerines and the island’s name confirm that Elmer has reached Island of Tangerina.

Tangerina’s Coast from "My Father's Dragon". Finding the Right Island Recognition Tangerines and the island’s name confirm that Elmer has reached Island of Tangerina.

Finding the Right Island Recognition Tangerines and the island’s name confirm that Elmer has reached Island of Tangerina. He gathers fruit and begins looking for Wild Island. Distance remains Arrival at the correct island does not complete the journey. The sea still separates Elmer from the captive dragon.

The Ocean Rocks Route The Ocean Rocks Route from "My Father's Dragon". A Natural Passage Crossing the chain Elmer follows Ocean Rocks across the water, leaping between stones and enduring the darkness for hours.

The Ocean Rocks Route from "My Father's Dragon". A Natural Passage Crossing the chain Elmer follows Ocean Rocks across the water, leaping between stones and enduring the darkness for hours.

A Natural Passage Crossing the chain Elmer follows Ocean Rocks across the water, leaping between stones and enduring the darkness for hours. Arrival at the threshold The rocks turn the sea into a difficult footpath. Reaching their end places Elmer on Wild Island, where the real inland search begins.

The Return Direction The Return Direction from "My Father's Dragon". A Journey Reversed Escape over the same coast After freeing Baby Dragon, Elmer flies over Ocean Rocks and away from Wild Island.

The Return Direction from "My Father's Dragon". A Journey Reversed Escape over the same coast After freeing Baby Dragon, Elmer flies over Ocean Rocks and away from Wild Island.

A Journey Reversed Escape over the same coast After freeing Baby Dragon, Elmer flies over Ocean Rocks and away from Wild Island. The route that once demanded hours of dangerous walking is crossed through the air. Transformation The geography reflects the change in Elmer’s circumstances. He returns from the island not as a hidden traveler but as a rescuer with a companion.

the week after Elmer and Old Alley Cat make their plan

after the ship unloads its cargo

the morning after Elmer sleeps beneath a tree

the night after Elmer spots the green island

at the ending, as Baby Dragon flies toward the shore