The Vengeful Tide-Ch. 28 (Patreon)

Hello my wonderful patrons,

Well, I can honestly say it wasn't supposed to take this long to finish. It also doesn't seem likely that I'll be getting Book 2 out. Never mind polishing up the editing, the cover isn't even finished. Oh well, I'd rather it get done slowly than be done lazily.

Anyway, enjoy this chapter in this continuing saga of a betrayed captain!

WttW

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Kavtha, the Water Golem and Guardian of Cula.

As large as the heavens above, and a temper as deep as the seas below, Kavtha was a god not big on too many words. Legends state that should the last of those wielding C’ula’s blood be killed, the wrath of the of Kavtha shall engulf the realms for a time, times, and half a time. Scholars of C’ula once found ancient texts of the water god.

“May the people of C’ula give thanks to the great water stone. May thine waters churn forevermore. May thine enemies know the wrath of thine tempest seas. By the great hand of the highest waters, thine throne hath been brought forth. Pray thee that many attest to the aversion of C’ula destruction. Thine fury shall engulf and drown the lands of the earth and seas of air until Poseidon himself might crown thee Prince of All Waters Beneath and Above.”

Even now, I could feel the waves crashing against my ship. Each one was filled with divine anger. I grabbed my coat and ran outside.

When I came outside, I was greeted by the might of the seas. A chorus of rain and thunder crashed down over the Isles of Delverhold. I watched trees rip up from the ground. Monstrously high tsunamis rose in the air. My crew screamed in the distance. The earth shook with such violence that waves of magic and water crashed against the barrier of my ship, effortlessly breaking it into pieces.

Despite the dangers, I worried for Nei and the other fairmaids. They still hadn’t returned and the storm was making it a little difficult to find them. My crew screamed behind me. The skies grew dark as a tower of water threatened to overtake not just my ship, but also the whole fourth island.

I chuckled while An’raie’s voice stirred within me. “The false god doth reveal his presence quite extraordinarily,” she said.

Aye, that he does.

With a wave of my arms, and clench of my hands, I ripped the enormous wave apart, crashing it back into the sea. Those aboard the ship stared in awe as I gathered the falling rain and crashed the clouds together. I weaved and motioned my hands, my fingers working as tremendous whirlpools, strong enough to suck in my ship were created. Luckly, I managed to pull a piece of the sea up for the ship, keeping it from being pulled away.

“What the fuck is going on?” I heard behind me.

Thanks to the rain, I got a pretty good image of Ellen, her body soaked, screaming at me. The others aboard the ship arrived as they stared in awe, looking over the side of the wooden railings.

“We’ve angered a minor spirit-god, Ellen! Make haste and bring out the urn to me! Fucker’s already angry enough to drown this part of the Coffin’s Mouth. Luckily, I won’t let that happen! You’re in command until I get back!” I said.

“What the fuck do you mean until you get… What the fuck are you doing?!”

Deliberately not allowing Ellen to finish, I jumped off the side of the ship. My body sailed through the heavy rain and ferocious wind. I landed in the sea with a loud crash, its floors shaking as the body of earthstone and water continued to make its way before me.

“Mine aid is limited. The task of breaking the seal from the Betrayer’s spawn hath left me without much mana. However, I sense thine confidence. Perhaps mine words were unneeded,” An’raie said as I quickly started gathering a large body of water around me.

I grinned. “I be lucky that I have the care of such a beautiful spirit,” I said.

An’raie didn’t respond, choosing not to speak further. However, I chose to leave her with my words for now. I focused back on my task, crafting the image in my mind with the seas at my disposal. I’d faced impossibly large beasts before. Some of them could be so big that they’d blot out the sun of all underneath them.

With all the water I needed, I resurfaced. I quickly opened a part of the water surrounding me to breathe. The rest I crafted with large arms and a large body. From my left hand to my right, I formed the shape of a being entirely held together by my abilities of the sea.

The waters beneath my feet kept me upright and balanced inside the form of the beast I’d created. Large wings made of water formed out of its backside, a violent maw of jagged water hooks resembling teeth were crafted, and a body strong as I hoped was revealed. A gargantuan figure that I’d morph from the torrential rain and turbulent seas raised its mighty hand in the air and crashed it back into the water.

Now, I admit this performance was a bit more grander than what someone like Kavtha was worth. However, I felt the desire to stretch my power as far as I could. Like a starving man who suddenly found himself in front of a king’s table, I felt the urge to relish in the feeling.

Naturally, I turned back to see how my crew fared. I was greeted by their stunned looks. Ellen, Diane, and Naala watched my creation in stunned silence. Thankfully, they’d retrieved the urn. I noticed Nz’ia standing just near the door, far away from the waters that surrounded the ship.

With a wave of my hand, I gathered the urn into my creature formed entirely of the sea. I then lowered the ship back into the ocean. I maneuvered a few waves to push it back to the fourth island’s shore. Never did I think I’d see worry on Ellen’s face. I merely calmed her with a wink of my eye before I turned back to the open sea.

Suddenly, the seas exploded in front of me. I was greeted by a being the same size as my giant avatar of the sea. A body of refined, enchanted stone, eyes like whirlpools, and an open torso lined with four blue orbs, each spilling out water enough to fill a damn desert, appeared in front of me. The stone was lined with numerous archaic runes from times long gone. I was amazed when I saw the maelstrom of magical energy coursing through this minor god’s body.

To be honest, though I felt good about my chances, I was still amazed that I trembled slightly. As of right now, Kavtha was stronger than the succubus who returned back to the depth of Hades. His power was clearly not to be underestimated. Had I not my abilities, I would not have considered combating him so casually. In fact, my luck might have been stronger than I thought. Truth be told, without Liara, I doubted I’d reliably take down someone of Kavtha’s level. I sure as hell couldn’t rely on my crew of makeshift pirates.

The mages would be no help. Any spell they fired wouldn’t get through the powerful, enchanted magics that the god wielded. In fact, I doubted all but the most powerful mages outside of Liara and perhaps An’raie had only the slightest hope of defeating such a bastard. The frozen troll of Delverhold couldn’t even hold a fucking candle to Kavtha.

Just my mortal body alone barely covered one of his watered eye sockets.

“The Golem of Twin Seas hath grown in vast power since I last felt his divine essence. It’s still more than even I would dare handle,” An’raie said while I slowly nodded.

“Aye, he be an impression being, especially for a minor god,” I replied.

The storms continued to rage. Kavtha and I, god and mortal, continued to stare at each other. I didn’t expect the being of water and stone to speak. In all recorded history, or that I know of from Liara, no mortal has ever heard Kavtha speak. In fact, I should be glad he doesn’t. Unless deemed worthy by a god, even a minor one, a person could lose their very mind should they hear the manifestations of the god’s voice.

How Liara survived such encounters time and again puzzled me, but it was known that the witch communed with many great spirits, gods, and demons. The knowledge of how she even did that was beyond me, but I couldn’t afford to have my attention diverted anymore.

Using my avatar’s massive arm of water, I pushed the urn to the front of it’s palm. Holding the urn, I held it out to the water golem. Without taking its eyes off me, it’s mighty arm ruptured out of the sea. I wondered what my men thought when they looked up and saw this mighty transaction. I wondered what Liara might say if she could see this as well.

Before Kavtha could grab the urn, I moved my arm and maneuvered the water avatar’s limb to quickly jerk it out of the god’s grasp. Seas churned with even more fury than before. The ground beneath us shook. The earth split under the seas. Giant tsunamis, enough to drown the fourth island ten times over, rose into the air. However, they didn’t get far. With my opposing hand, I crashed them back into the sea.

Using a spell to increase the volume of my voice, I spoke. “Not so fast, Kavtha. For all intents and purposes, this urn be mine. Your people sold it away and I paid precious coin for it. Your people were the ones who sold it away. If ya want your precious relic back, then you best give me something of equal value. Nothing in this world be free, not even to you,” I said, making sure my voice was heard.

I believe I succeeded because Kavtha suddenly raised his stone arms. Crashing one of them into the side of my water avatar’s body. The blow staggered me for only a moment, the rumbling of the seas in my ears letting me know how strong the blow was. Thankfully, his fist crashed through the waters just a few feet from my face. I rolled the waves back into place while the storms grew stronger around us.

“This ain’t gonna do ya any favors, Kavtha! I won’t kill you and you can’t kill me. Ya should be glad you’ve met a pirate willing to make a fair deal,” I said as I clenched my hands. Tendrils of water exploded from beneath the tides. One wrapped around the Guardian of C’ula’s arms while others grabbed his neck.

It was true. I wouldn’t slay Kavtha even though it was within my means to do so. Even though he was a minor god, and I shall use such a term loosely, there were consequences to killing a being filled with divine essence. Great misfortune was supposed to befall one who took down such a powerful creature. The divine essence would be released and absorbed into the one who slayed the god.

Now, that might sound like a fucking joy to anyone able to accomplish the task. After all, the powers of a divine being, even a minor one, grand immensely powerful benefits. Naturally people worship that deity. All that praise, mana, and essence was transferred to the slayer of that god. It might seem like the perfect dream for anyone wishing to obtain great power.

However, there are numerous curses as well. Mortals, no matter how well they trained or studied, were still mortals. Divine essence would fuck up the body worse than any shot of drug or pitcher of snake’s ale. From the inside out, just like An’raie nearly did to me, the divine essence would slowly leak out, breaking the slayer’s body before they were destroyed. Just like with the void worms, the slayer would be forced to feel their own immense power leak out. Every part of the process was enough to tear the mind to pieces, and there’d be no way blunt the fucking pain.

Next, just like the minor god, or minor spirit, the person was restricted to whatever laws or territories the slayed being was. If I slayed Kavtha, I’d be unable to ever leave the lands of C’ula. I couldn’t settle mortal affairs such as wars, usurpation of thrones and powers, or even search the seas for treasures. I would be merely bound by the oath Kavtha made with the first settlers of C’ula. I would only be able to intervene if the nation known as ‘C’ula’ was in danger of being annihilated.

This and many more consequences followed suit if one carelessly killed one of these minor gods. Now that said, obviously shit like doesn’t fucking happen like the sun rising and setting every fucking day. There’s a reason these fucking beings were considered gods. One doesn’t just trifle with them easily.

…unless they were fucking me of course!

I admired the Water Golem’s strength. Just trying to restrain him brought me back to those times I’d defeated a kraken. His body crashed against the surface of mine. I used more tendrils. Violent tempests raged in the distance. Lightning struck the ground around the fourth island, catching trees on fire and burning the sand to cinders.

I hoped to deal with this quickly. While my powers are good for causing storms and the like, I don’t got too much control over the wind and lightning they produce.

I slowly watched the enchanting runes on Kavtha’s stone body emit an ominous glow. He then opened his mouth. A spray of water, enough to drown the whole of Delverhold blasted out of his mouth. How I wondered what was going through that god’s mind when I held out my hand and the waters stopped there in the middle of the air.

Sorry, Kavtha. I’d already been in one intense battle on this voyage. I wasn’t ready for another so soon. In any other circumstance, I’d love to test my powers against Kavtha’s. However, I’d have to humble the minor god.

“I told ya, Kavtha, there will be no victor in this battle. Settle your pride and we shall part our ways” I said as I gathered the waters of the sea and lifted the mighty god out of his home. His fury became evident. The rain turned into hail, each of them crashing down in such mighty blows that I had to weave another piece of water just to protect my crew on the fourth island from the deadly boulders.

One might think this impossible to do with just water, but the density by which I could manipulate the liquids easily made it the perfect barrier for such an onslaught. No matter how Kavtha raged at me, firing spouts of water and intense magic, I deflected them all. Some of them were fired right back in the fucker’s face.

Naturally, these attacks only seemed to infuriate the god more. I slammed my hands together and large spears of water punctured through his body. The force hurled the monster of water and stone back into the sea, the force enough to even unsettle me where I floated within my avatar.

I barely had any time to rest before another blast of concentrated water was fired at me. This one was even faster than the last, shocking me when it ripped through the arm of my avatar with ease. I watched the arm crash into the sea before I pulled it up and formed it again.

Another blast was fired at me, but I was quick to deflect it this time. With an upward swipe of my arm, the pure water sailed into the air and pierced through the clouds. I, and my crew on the fourth island, were greeted by the sight of a gigantic blue magic matric large enough to cover all five isles of Delverhold at once.

“His countenance is rather grandiose,” An’raie said before the matrix cracked into pieces. The skies were blown apart. A chorus of water enough to drown the largest desert on D’orn rained down upon us.

Unfortunately for Kavtha, our fate was not to be crushed beneath the pressure of an entire Isles’ worth of water. As the waves came crashing down, I swiped my hand. The upper seas exploded in a vast array of rain that showered both my avatar and the seas below. I frowned and tightened my fists.

“Alright ya minor god, never say I didn’t give ya the chance!” I said as I maneuvered my avatar’s watery hands into the air. I felt Kavtha beneath the tides, his gigantic form impossible to miss. Left and right, left and right, I swung my arms fervently. I wrapped Kavtha in a prison of water. I could feel the explosion of his god-like strength.

If Kavtha had faced anyone else, he might have inspired great fear and humility in them. Unfortunately, he had the fate of falling prey to me. I controlled all forms of water, even those that powered the minor god himself!

I yanked my hand and I heard an ear-piercing scream from beneath the ocean. A large blue orb flew into my hands. Soon, the seas lost most of their tirade. I couldn’t do much about the storm that began to naturally take its own course.

I looked down at the orb. It pulsed in my hands, small ripples like those of the ocean coursing through its body. It was wet and radiated with power. Water continued to drip off my fingers without end. I felt almost overwhelmed by the mana just waiting to be absorbed into my body.

That said, I didn’t allow it. I merely watched it continue to circulate back into the orb, the Heart of Kavtha. I took a deep breath, my one lung burning from the strain. It would always be a constant reminder to the results of my greed.

While I held the orb, I smiled when Kavtha didn’t make his appearance. Naturally, he wouldn’t be able to do so. I had taken the thing which kept the water golem together, the same thing that powered those fucking intricate runes that lined his body. If I truly desired, as long as I held this orb, Kavtha’s body would never form again. In fact, there was something I could do with this orb that’d almost be worth the consequences.

Unfortunately, my mind held to other matters. It wouldn’t do well for me to cause Liara trouble with great gods and demons if, and when, she decided to take refuge beneath my flag. After all, I couldn’t fathom the depth of her relationship with such powerful beings. It’d be better to not break such a thing.

With Kavtha temporarily indisposed, I did a quick search for Nei and the other fairmaids. Thankfully, they were all fine. I sensed them hiding in one of the caverns beneath the fourth island. I sighed, relieved that, despite the chaos, they were safe.

I then turned back to my business.

“Alright, Kavtha, this battle has wasted enough of the day between us. I already told ya. You can’t kill me and I won’t kill you. There can be peace between us. I suggest you take it as I’m not usually known for such mercies. You may have your urn back. All I desire is a barrel of Water Crystals. I believe that to be a fair trade,” I said into the orb itself.

Even with his body in pieces, I knew Kavtha heard me. The orb glowed brightly in my hands, a pulse of divine essence moving through me every now and then. It was very angry. Well, Kavtha wasn’t known for his fucking patience. That said, Kavtha could blow and howl until his damn heart orb exploded into pieces. That wouldn’t transfer the essence to me and he’d be left down there in the Delverhold waters until the end of time.

What I wanted was something only a water god or spirit like Kavtha could give me. Water Crystals were exactly as their name suggested. They were crystals formed and shaped from the deepest parts of the ocean while being fused with divine essence. When eaten, the water from a water crystal can cause a mortal to go without thirst for a hundred days. It was said that within each water crystal, there lies an entire clear stream’s bank of water. If broken, that stream could be released.

Those water crystals would be fucking vital to me in arrid climates. Of course, I could pull the water from the air in these desert climates but, even for me, that was pretty fucking hard to do. I’d allow for anything to make my fucking life easier in those horrid circumstances that I knew I’d find myself in. Plus, there was another use for them. It was one I fucking wished I knew in my last life. That would not be repeated this time.

Ten minutes passed as I listened to the angry pulses of the Heart of Kavtha. I frowned. “My patience wears thin, Kavtha. Lay whatever pride you’ve got as a god beneath the sea and accept my offer. I could just as easily break the urn into a thousand pieces, but that serves neither you nor I. I shan’t ask again,” I said.

The heart pulsed even harder. Water spilled out of it in droves. If this continued, Kavtha would gather enough essence to form himself again, if only barely.

I was already coming up with a plan for this until I felt a hand touch my shoulder. “Now, Kavtha, though I have not seen fit to honor my gaze with thee, I’ve known thee to be far more practical than this. I believe the Dear Captain has made a rather amiable offer. I suggest you not pursue the matter further, unless you would have no further need of my services. That would open me up to more encounters with Halrim,” the most beautiful voice I’d come to now said next to me.

I turned my head and noticed Liara, standing right beside me, in the realm of the waters I crafted. “I hadn’t even sensed her presence! The Crimson Witch hath grown in great power, greater than I’d even thought possible,” An’raie said.

It was true. I could feel a well of power from Liara that almost seemed endless. Her eyes were filled with great strength and deep understanding. Even her attire had changed. The shoes she stepped onto the island with were gone, leaving her barefoot as she floated next to me. Her garbs looked much more regal. I felt like I stood next to a king’s queen. Her body was dressed in beautiful red garments and violet accessories. Strands of gold bands wrapped around both her arms and ankles. I did not think it possible before, but she seemed even more beautiful now than before. The raw mana exploding around her made my soul shiver. Even if I tried to break the numerous languages I saw apart, they’d come at me too fast and overwhelm me with great ease.

“I see your ascension has been completed. Perhaps congratulations are in order,” I said, finding my voice. I couldn’t very well remain entranced by the Witch of Draegnar.

Ilzahold smiled. “I would take them if not for a simple matter. One that I think that you will enjoy, Dear Captain. I require one more thing to finish my ascension. You have become stronger as well. I sense great forces within you, they call out to me and my body responds in kind. You have experienced a lot,” she said.

I chuckled. Aye, that I did. They would be lessons well learned.

Our brief talk was interrupted by an even harsher pulse from the Heart of Kavtha. It was starting to make my hands shake. Liara didn’t seem to mind though.

“Now, now, Kavtha. Such a temperament doesn’t suit you. Your people have always been this way. Thee knoweth this. ‘Tis not the first time thine urn hath found itself in other lands. Very well, to appease you, I shall offer thee my service at a reduced cost for one century. Take care to not squander it,” she said.

The humming stopped.

A few minutes passed before Liara trailed my arm with her finger. “You may release the heart, Eric Drakclaw. Kavtha shall abide by these terms,” she said.

I had no reason to doubt Ilzahold, so I did as she instructed. I released the Heart of the Golem back into the sea. Almost instantly, we were face to face with Kavtha once again. The golem glared more at me than Liara.

The Water god of C’ula then noticed my ship. He swam over to it and we followed him. Naturally, my crew was fucking terrified. All of them were ready to combat the god, or pray to it for forgiveness. They all looked at me, perhaps still stunned that I’d created my own water beast to combat the god’s great size.

Without another word, Kavtha held his hand over the ship. From his stone palm, crystals like rain fell into the deck of my ship. It was definitely more than a barrel like I’d wanted. Each of them glimmered like stars in the night sky. Naturally, I had to keep the storm off us. I doubt Kavtha would have cared if we all drowned beneath the seas so long as his end of the bargain was met.

In the end, he loaded my ship with Water Crystals. He then glared back at me and I nodded with a grumble. I weaved my avatar’s arms and handed the urn back to the golem. His large stone hands swiped the urn away and he quickly dissolved into the water. I felt the water golem’s essence get smaller and smaller before he was all but gone from our presence.

I released my water avatar, floating Liara and I back to a ship of utterly stunned pirates. Liara hummed. “Hmmm, I find myself rather nostalgic. It has been quite a few days since I stepped onboard the ship of the powerful Eric Drakclaw. All of your men have shown remarkable improvement as well. Most would not think them cretins of Draegnar. In fact, I think some become legends in grand armies. The coin they would make would settle them for years,” Liara said.

Aye, that they could.

“Alright, you fuckers. That’s enough gawking. Gather some barrels and stuff these crystals inside. I’ve got plans for these!” I said, but I noticed no one moving. They were all just staring at me.

It was only when they dropped to their knees that I understood. I was then sorely tempted to fucking shoot myself in the head.

“Poseidon Ganvami! Poseidon Ganvami! Poseidon Ganvami!” They all chanted.

I pinched the bridge of my nose while I heard both Liara and An’raie chuckle. I didn’t even think the latter knew how to laugh.

“Chant one more time and I’ll keyhole the lotta ya! Now get moving!” I hollered.

The crew got up and started to get to work, filling up the barrels with the water crystals. Meanwhile, Ellen managed to get everyone else who was on the island into the ship from the prevailing wind and rain.

I did what I could to calm the seas, to make sure our voyage ended not in a sunken ship and dead men. People scrambled on board the ship and hunkered down below deck. Diane quickly fell before Liara.

“Glad to see you’re still in one piece, Lady Liara,” Burnwood said with a bowed head. Can’t say that was like her from what I could tell.

“As are you, Diane. In fact, I sense a growth within your spirit and strength as well. There is much conviction in your eyes. No doubt, you’ve been under the joyous care of the captain. Now, join me in my quarters. I wish to inquire into these finer details as well as take the next step in this soon to be ending voyage of ours,” Ilzahold proclaimed.

“Understood,” Burnwood said before they disappeared into Liara’s chambers while I kept us covered from the rain and thunderstorms.

While I worked, Ellen came up behind me. “I’ve seen some fucking shit in my life, but I’ve never seen anything like that. I’ll have to make sure we keep that goddamn stone from touching you from now on,” she said as she punched my arm.

I felt elated from Sothshore’s awe and praise while she directed everyone else to work. Pretty soon, the deck was cleared up of water crystals. I slowly dropped my arms, a feeling of intense pain moving through them from holding my arms up for so long. The storm was still pretty violent, but the worst had been dealt with. A few crashing waves wouldn’t be too much of a bother for me to stop.

The crew rolled up the flags of the masts and soon the entire ship was quiet. I was left alone in the rain with An’raie. With the battle having passed, the ship wouldn’t be sailing anywhere. Well, at least not if I really wanted it to. I’d allow my mother, Aesteal, Maeloson, Alteria, and Goron their rest for one more day. I hoped the storm would settle by then.

I then reached out my hand. I moved the waters beneath the sea towards the fairmaids. In one swift motion, I scooped them all up, chuckling at their frantic movements. It was only when I resurfaced them out of the water that Nei understood what happened. She jumped off the water spout and on top of my head.

“You’re a real pain in the ass sometimes. Fortune however favors your beauty, Nei. You and the others,” I said, feeling her mermaid tail slapping my scalp.

I brought the fairmaids inside and sighed. Now that I lost Kavtha’s Urn, I’d need another place to hold the four of them. Aesteal’s fairmaid hadn’t left her side the entire time. One of the others was constantly looking for someone and I assumed that person to be Ellen. None of the others had grown attached to anyone else aside from her.

In the end, I decided on a unique resting place for them. I ran back outside and into the storm, retrieving an empty barrel. With a few enchantments, magical words, and a barrel full of water, I had one fully enriched environment for four beautiful mystical creatures to reside in.

…or perhaps I should say three.

I absently heard An’raie chuckle in the depths of my mind as Nei fell asleep on top of my head. I guess the excitement had exhausted her. Her miniature body sensually rubbed my scalp. Her fingers caressed my head as she slept.

In the meantime, I sat in my chair, silently tapping my finger against the table. My thoughts were an absolute mess. There were too many things to do and I didn’t know where to begin exactly. I had so many materials that I’d be locked in my room for weeks, crafting them into new elixirs, pills and the like.

“Tell me, what do you think I should work on?” I asked.

“That thee would asketh me for an answer reveals just how perplexed thee might be. Though thine abilities are great, thine body is but a feeble piece of dust within the wind. Remember thine experiences within Delverhold. What shouldest thee fix quickly?” she asked.

I frowned, touching the wound that Nei repaired on the third island. I also remembered the other islands. It was true, I knew what best to start with. In fact, the timing couldn’t be better than right now.

That said, it seemed like The Fates had other plans for me. There came a knock on my door followed by an explosion of thunder. “Enter,” I said a little hurriedly.

The door opened and I was graced with Liara’s beautiful face once again. Despite the storm outside, there didn’t seem to be a shred of rainwater on her. She stepped inside, the door closing behind her. Each step she took made it seem like the entire realms froze to take her in. Her aura of strength held an intoxicating smell and something within my soul burned for her greatly.

Of course, I controlled myself. She didn’t have the overpowering feeling like a certain flower did when Aesteal and I lost ourselves. There was something more eloquent to it. When she leaned in close to me, swiping her hand across my desk, never actually touching me, I got an oddly… enlightened feeling. It only reminded me that she’d withstood the trial of the five dragons.

Speaking of that, I was a little surprised there wasn’t a more… glorious ending to her ascension. I imagined stars falling out of the sky, thousands of spirits singing praises, and the gods themselves descending down to claim the beautiful witch. None of that happened like I thought it would.

“You have my gratitude, Dear Captain. Goron continues his rest from his battle with you. I understand that you had some help keeping him alive. You make the most interesting deals,” she said, chuckling as she sat on my desk. She flipped one leg over the other, her foot sensually swaying back and forth.

“I figured you’d be less likely to turn me into whatever vile mess you had planned for me if I did. Shall I kidnap a bard to sing praises of your ascension?” I asked, hearing the heavy rain and thunder outside.

“It would be the longest tale of any musical talent. Instead, shall we focus on you? There is much to unpack with you. Your mana has increased considerably, your physical energy has grown stronger, and… I sense the great magics of Vilinlith upon you,” she said, using one of her fingers to rub my arm.

I found the touch nice. “Diane said that not even you have a favorable opinion of this Mother of All Succubi. I figured you’d be less… amiable,” I returned while Ilzahold chuckled.

“‘Tis not so. Her aura is very delightful though her vile personality is one i wish to not encounter upon too many lifetimes. Perhaps I underestimated you. There are not so many men willing to bargain with a powerful archdemon and escape their embrace. I shall commend you on accomplishing your task,” she said.

I smiled, turning my chair back to my desk, my eyes settling on the flaming candle for only a moment. “Is that all? I think our oaths have been made plain before us, Liara. Have I kept my end of the bargain?” I asked.

Ilzahold continued to look at me. She smiled at me, but I could tell her eyes were searching for something. “And what would you ask of me, Dear Captain? My soul shivers for I am unable to deny any single request made of you. What immoral acts shall you command of me? Shall I be a slave to you until the very ends of time?” Liara asked with a lot of playfulness in her voice.

I offered something between a snort and a chuckle. “You have a flair for the dramatic, Liara,” I responded while she touched my cheek, drawing me back to her gaze.

“I have lived a great many years, Eric Drakclaw. ‘Tis wise to find amusement where one can even upon matters such as this. Now then, will you make this undeniable order of me? Or shall my soul wait with anticipation?” she asked.

I grabbed her hands and kissed them. Seas, even her skin burned the corners of my soul with great lust. “Tell me, what would you do if I ask the question you think I’m going to ask?” I asked.

Liara looked at me, amused. “I’d be handing my dear captain a note to the fulfillment of my quarters’ needs if I am to spend the rest of my life aboard a sailing vessel under such an intriguing flag,” she replied .

I dropped Liara’s hand and sighed. Had it been me from a few weeks ago, that’s exactly what I would have done. However, nearly losing my life made me a little humbled. “It’s rumored that you can predict the future, LIara. What future do you see right now?” I asked.

A couple of minutes of silence passed between the two of us. The smirk on Liara’s face never left until she slid off my table. “Take care of that young woman atop your head, Dear Captain. You and she shall form the highest bond than any other mythical creature,” she said.

My eyes looked up, feeling Nei lazily on my scalp. “Ya make it sound like the lass will help me decide the important matters in me life,” I responded before Liara walked outside.

“Perhaps she will. Well, enjoy your endeavors, Dear Captain. I shall require what I need at a more opportune time,” she said. She then left me with that.

I pondered those words for a little while. I also noticed that she avoided my question, but I saw no need to pursue the matter further. Instead, I turned around and went back to my desk. I didn’t know what she meant by a more opportune time, but I placed it away for later.

Instead, I reached into my pouch for the many scrolls I’d used up during my time on Delverhold. I slowly unsealed one of them, revealing the numerous plants, bark, leaves, shoots, and anything else I could use.

An’raie was right. There was something vital that I could work on now that took priority over everything else.

My mana.

I might have thousands of spells and millions of incantations flowing through my head thanks to my Liara’s knowledge, but I definitely didn’t have the mana to back those spells up. I’d blindly rushed to the isles thinking that my previous knowledge and my powers would be enough. Clearly, that turned out to not be the case. In fact, I might as well have died from the sheer stupidity of my fucking actions. They be the actions of a child, not a captain.

I pinched the bridge of my nose and exhaled. I couldn’t allow for such shit to befall me again. Clearly, I hadn’t taken this matter as seriously as I should have. Liara warned me there were unseen forces moving throughout the Realms who, even now, plot the very destruction of the world. Naturally, that meant no more adventures for me. I couldn’t allow that.

It was almost pathetic that I even nearly fell before I got to the point of confronting the fuckers who orchestrated this entire ordeal. To uncover them was the whole reason I even bothered saving those men and women of Hilvir. Of course, the bastards and bitches had grown on me a little since bringing them aboard my ship.

However, I was a pirate captain. At most I’d commanded about two or three hundred men and women. I wasn’t someone used to combating hundreds of thousands of troops, armies, spies, and the like. Yet, I’d need to do so to further my own goals.

I picked up some of the leaves, their glorious scent filling my nose. I grabbed an enchanted mortar, the light of my candle flickering in my eyes. I filled it with the leaves and poured a bit of the enchanted water inside the bowl. I then grabbed the pestle and began grinding the leaves and the water together.

One of the problems with increasing mana was the means to do it. Mana was dependent on the physical, mental, and spiritual energies combined within a person. Most believed mana was dependent on mental and spiritual energy, a result being why most considered mages to be weak physically and strong mentally.

It was probably why all those fancy fuckers send their children to the Mage Academy or scholarly institutions rather than to the lines of battle. However, a look into the most powerful mages, from Liara’s dealing with them, revealed to me that they were actually very strong. Their bodies had been honed by numerous experiences. While they weren’t giants or the most muscular individuals, no one would dare cause these bastards and bitches untrained.

That made me wonder how a woman such as Liara could keep such a beautifully seductive body. With such physical energy being needed, especially considering the type of fucking mana she held, I assumed she’d look more like Diane. Then again, I had seen her handle Burnwood’s mighty blows in the mind of the latter. While she looked thin and womanly, I dared not underestimate her physical strength.

I worked slowly and quietly, hoping to not wake Nei and the other fairmaids. The rain outside and the howling winds continued to keep me company. The crushed leaves and water quickly started to form a kind of bluish-black paste. I dipped my finger in it and placed some of it on my tongue.

My fingers clenched and so did my teeth in distaste. “A-Aye, that’s fucking strong like I assumed it be,” I said to myself as my throat burned. However, I also felt my mana veins being stretched and tightened. There was a load of pain moving through me all at once.

It took a total of five minutes before the pain finally subsided. I chuckled, already feeling the effects of the mythical herbs I’d collected. My mana had already been strengthened once again, my body tempered to hold its vast quantities. An’raie helped me with dispersing the excess by casting a variety of spells outside the ship. That at least kept my mana from overwhelming my body. That would at least give my body the chance to catch up with what I was about to do.

I grabbed another bowl and placed it on top of the mortar. I dropped a fire stone that I’d gotten from the third island’s castle inside and closed the bowl. I sealed them both tightly with some rope and allowed the mixture to take its course.

While that happened, I moved to my next task. That was making use of all this other shit that I’d collected. I compiled a list of materials I’d need for my new ship. In order for it to be constructed, I’d need many other materials. It’d be even greater than my last one. It would be one that would test the might of the seas themselves over and over again.

That list took me a little bit, but I managed to complete it without too much time being lost on me. I decided to spend my team feasting on some of the other herbs I’d collected. Unlike most of the others, these leaves, grass roots, and even some of the fruits from the first island tempered me further.

Unfortunately, my progress was halted when I heard the heavy bangs on my door. “Enter,” I said, rather uneasily given the intense nature of the exercise I was undertaking.

The door quickly opened and closed. “What the hell are you doing, Captain?”

I slowly opened one of my eyes. A sea of beautifully rich chocolate met me in the form of Naala, one of the gunners of the ship I’d just recently shared my bed with. She was thoroughly soaked. “The trials of the sea wait not for any man to be ready to face them,” I said, pausing to remove the water from her hair, clothes, and skin.

I sent it out the window and into the stormy air. “Well, thanks for that. At least now I won’t smell like a wet ratchmole anymore. Here’s your food. Ellen told me to hand it to ya since I was going to see you anyway. Seemed all too pleased to let someone else take the job. Fuck her any harder and all the cunts are gonna run from you,” she said as she set a wooden plate down in front of me.

Feeling jovial, I responded. “Even you?” I asked.

Naala laughed. “Maybe, who knows. Anyway, why does it smell so good in here? No offense Captain, but you’re makin’ a woman want to stay in here forever,” she said.

I smirked. “A lot of natural herbs and spices. Feel free to stay if you’d like. In fact, I might need ya more than I thought. You’ll be a good distraction from the pain,” I answered.

“What pain?” she asked.

“You’ll see.”

I heard Naala hum for a moment before she sat on my bed. “You know, I’ve been on other ships before this one. Been a gunner going on five years now. Seen plenty of ships sink or get blown up. Fire and water mix together until it’s all gone. Even got to see a few mage battles from time to time, fucked a few too. Good, but they all ain’t got shit on you. Ya completely blew my fucking mind when I saw you fight that massive rock creature. Crewmates falling on their knees, singing tales of your shit like you really are the god, Poseidon. Truth be told, a few bastards and bitches had the idea that fucking you would give them the same powers,” she said.

I frowned momentarily, but continued with what I was doing. “And you were one of them?” I asked.

I heard Naala laugh. “I pondered it, but it’s way too much trouble. Some people don’t know what they are nor what they got. I’m a gunner. I like the smell of gunpowder and sulfur. Don’t need much else. Though, I did wanna try you out for myself. Seeing how many times Ellen, the elf, and even yer own mother leapt from your room. Turns out they had a reason to be like that. Of course, I offered to be the guinea pig since most of them were too scared to do it. Don’t worry, I downplayed you a little. Figured the hassle wasn’t needed,” she said.

I shivered a moment, my lung on fire as I moved the mana through the corners of my body. “And what be my actual rank given by you?” I asked.

“Well, let’s just say you’re good enough that I’ll be honored to be one of your ship’s personal gunners. I’ll be honest, I was one of the ones who really wanted to get off the ship when I first saw ya. You were a pretty fucking scrawny thing after all. Yet, you filled out very well. Glad I stayed. I already know when this voyage is over you’ll be assembling your real crew. I’ll just assume you’ll say yes because if not, I can just spend the rest of the voyage thoroughly convincing you otherwise,” the black beauty answered.

Amused, I pushed my mana outward, creating a heavy ball of magic with which to hinder myself. “Then I’ll have to make you change my rank from good enough. Welcome aboard,” I said and the woman smirked.

“Best choice you’ve made ever since we landed here,” she said.

I snorted. “Aye, well, my powers can’t be transferred as far as I know. Besides, even if they could, they still wouldn’t overthrow me. Ya might think it easy controlling something that be around ya all the time, but it ain’t. It took a lot of practice to get me here,” I said.

“So I see. Never seen a water mage do that shit. So, not that I’d like to see you in pain, but when should I expect the agony?” Naala asked.

“Right about now,” I said as I dispersed the wide ball of mana and walked over to my desk. Naala’s dark eyes followed me as I unwrapped the string from the bowl and the mortar. Finally, the flames had turned the dark blue paste into a brown one. With this, I’d begin tempering my body, making it even stronger than my previous life.

During this voyage, I’d do the same to all the members of my crew as well as the men and women of Hilvir. I grabbed a brush and walked back to the center of the room. “Please tell me you’re not gonna cover yourself in dogshit,” she commented.

“That would be preferable to this. Now, we be a little backward in this situation, but tell me about yourself. Distract me with tales of Naala, the Gunner. Above all, don’t touch me. you’ll be thankful not to,” I warned.

“O…kay,” she stressed while I stared at the brown paste.

I stirred it with a stroking brush. I grabbed a wet cloth and clenched it with my teeth. I threw off my shirt and most of my clothes. This left me in just my boxers. “Are you trying to do your little magic shit or get me to lock ‘n load on that cock of yours? Either way, I won’t be sorry,” Naala said behind me.

“I’d much enjoy the latter,” I huffed out from the cloth before I swept the brown paste over my arms, chest, stomach, forehead, back, and legs. Slowly the brown paste seemed into my skin and slowly urgent pain started to build within me.

I groaned against the cloth. My body started to burn up. My muscles ached and I resisted the urge to scream. “So anyway, not sure if there’s any facets of my life the Great Water Weaver might care to know, but I come from the southern lands of Askergard. Father worked in a mining colony. It was just him and me. Didn’t remember mom. Father never spoke about her. One time I asked and I got a busted lip for it,” Naala said.

Despite the melancholy words, I listened to the words as the paste seared through my skin, making my bones snap in several places. I focused on the sound of her moving lips while the overgrowth of mana cracked the ground beneath my feet. I tried to keep myself steady, eyeing the purplish veins running through the pores of my burning skin.

“That was the only time he ever hit me so severely. Other than that, he was a good man up until he died. Breathed too much of the shit in those caves and got buried in one. When the news was brought to me, I sold all the shit he gave us and moved out. Let me tell ya, the sea ain’t kind to the bitches. Had to cut my damn hair just to sail from one island to the next. Got pretty fucking good with the gunner spots of a ship. Of course the daughter of a mining bastard would fall in love with explosive dust and powder,” she said, continuing to regale me and distract me with her story.

I continued to listen, oddly intrigued by the words of her past. I feel blood slip through my mouth and onto cloth. My bones quickly began repairing themselves, the mana sustaining me through the entire process. My breath was hot, and the clenched screams within me threatened to tear my mind to pieces. Nevertheless, I remained steadfast. If I passed out, if I failed to listen to Naala, this whole fucking thing would be for naught. I struggled onward.

I took in a breath of air. I nearly passed out when I thought I felt my heart puncture in at least five separate areas.

A total of three hours of stories and pain passed before I was finally allowed to breathe easily. Through that time, I wandered the realm between life and death, the concentration of powerful medicinals breaking and repairing me over and over. I fell forward, my arms barely holding me up.

My eyes felt hazy. My chest burned something fierce. I wiped my face with my hand. Large traces of black mess stuck to my fingers. “Oh, you stopped groaning. Did I help?” Naala asked.

“A-Aye. Hand me that pitcher. I need some fucking water,” I said.

“Aye, aye, Captain! So what’s all this shit on the ground?” she asked.

I started at the black goo that had been forcefully expelled from my body, probably a testament to just how fucked up my body was in terms of proper health. “For simplicity's sake, let’s just call this a fucking clean up. Didn’t even realize I had so much bad shit inside me,” I said as I felt the sting of every fiber within my body, urging me to rest.

Naala came back to me with my pitcher. I drank the full contents like I’d been traversing a barren desert for years. When I looked into the remains of the water in the pitcher, I saw my bloodshot eyes, bloody mouth, and sweaty body. I also noticed I was bulkier than a few hours ago.

While I doubted I’d match Goron or Nz’ia’s frames, I still had a much firmer base compared to last time. I also noticed some of my hair had grown out, rolling down past my neckline. I’d have to cut that later.

“Stare any harder lass and the only thing ya be firing will be yer eyes from their sockets,” I said when I heard Naala clear her throat.

“The fuck happened to you? I mean, you weren’t a scawny stick before, but… you definitely filled out,” she said. Perhaps I was mistaken, but I was sure I heard a hint of want in her voice.

Of course, I think whatever image she had of me at the moment crumbled away when I lost my foot and crashed back into the floor. It seemed the effects were far stronger than I’d prepared for. The breaking of my bones, muscle tissue, and mana veins had ripped my coordination to shreds. Based on my knowledge from Liara, this was supposed to be normal.

“Less sexy, but still funny,” Naala said, bruising my ego.

She picked me up and laid me on the bed. The crash from before woke Nei up. She landed on my chest, taking in my appearance. Though she was small, I didn’t mistake the animalistic hunger in her eyes. Clearly, she learned some things because she bit her lower lip, licking her lips over my torso.

“So this is a cleaning of sorts?” she asked.

I nodded. Now that I took a moment to relax, I could feel the flow of mana moving around not just me but my room. All of it circulated through my body without end. Now, not even continuous seventh-tier spells would slow me down. Granted, it would take me the whole voyage to get my body used to this sudden influx of mana, but it wasn’t like I’d be going anywhere.

“Aye. And before ya laugh, you’ll be undertaking it too,” I replied. I found joy when I saw the merry on her face turn to worry.

“Why me?” she asked.

“All those of my crew will be undertaking this pain. The seas be a dangerous place and the stronger ya are, the further you are permitted to sail,” I responded.

The black-skinned gunner looked at me and sighed. “It ain’t too late to opt outta this ship, is it?” she asked.

I cackled. “I be a pirate, lass. Do you think I’d take a resignation so easily? Now, if you be done, hand me that plate. I’m in the mood to eat something!” I said.

Naala mock saluted me. “Aye aye, my bastard of a captain!” she said before she started to feed me.

I settled into this act for about an hour or so. Naala fed me my food while Nei explored my body in her own intimate way. In full view of Naala, Nei started licking my stomach or kissing my somewhat noticeable abs. Her tongue was as hot as I remembered. She flipped her hair to the side while giving me the sexiest wink she could.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t respond to her provocations. I just had to let her basically have fun with my body until she got bored. The soreness started to kick in and I was fated to remain a stone for the next few hours. Once Naala finished feeding me, she left with a few chuckles.

Of course my situation got a few laughs out of Ellen as well, but I took it in stride. It was sort of funny if I had to think of it myself. Of course, the other fairmaids had to get involved. I was overrun by tiny, beautiful fairy mermaids enjoying my body every which way until they fell asleep on me.

With nothing to do until I regained control of myself, I decided to shift through some of the notes and books I’d looted from Delverhold. This was another way of increasing mana, studying and evaluating. No wonder those fucking mages enjoyed having their damn noises in textbooks longer than their damned heads.

Unfortunately, I didn’t find much to read at the moment. Most of what I read was failed experiments, daily routines, and slow descents into madness. At some point, I was sure all I had read was bullshit. Nonetheless, I persisted.

I persisted and persisted until I fell asleep out of sheer boredom. My last thought was how I’d rather be chained to a fucking desk and rune sew for the rest of my days than read in this fucking manner.

I slowly fell asleep, exhausted from the day.

At some point in the night, I felt a shift in my bed. Something grabbed my left arm, enveloping it in soft pillow-like clouds. A sensation of wonderful warmth flew through from my arm and into the rest of my body. Unfortunately, I was too tired to focus on the feeling anymore. I drifted off into further sleep.

When I woke up again, I noticed it was still raining, if only slightly. The skies were still gray, but there didn’t seem to be any thunderclouds. It was good sailing weather.

As I leaned up, I noticed that indeed I hadn’t been dreaming. Someone was in my bed that wasn’t there previously. It sure as hell didn’t take me too long to figure out when I saw the sea of orangish-red. My eyes softened and my salty heart leapt in bounds for next to me rested my mother.

With my young hands, I brushed her hair from the side of her face. There was no sign of the Flames of Raganthor upon her. She looked peaceful and delectable every time I laid my eyes on her. Never in my most twisted dreams would I have foreseen this future I’d crafted with my mother. Still, I wasn’t about to complain. For one such as I, my mother was neither some cheap fuck, nor a single inn’s night of pleasure. She was a great jewel I’d unearthed and refined until she glowed like the grandest queen. I always found her rough and tough exterior to be rather annoying, irritating, and infuriating. However, as I saw the peace etched across her face, I was utterly enthralled by her, taken and charmed by her spell. In some ways, my mother reminded me of Leah, at least before the backstabbing cunt turned my crew against me.

I quickly shook my head, not in the mood to feel anger so early in the morning. Additionally, we’d have to set sail and make way for Draegnar again. After that, I’d need to honor Lady Knight’s deal and aid her in the battle for the Hæňgaram Empire. I’d rather not take another day just for my storms to settle because of my damn temper.

So instead, I enjoyed my mother sleeping. Now that I be honored with the time, I noticed she hadn’t let go of my arm the whole night. Even back on Draegnar, she was hardly the cuddle type. Then again, she’s greatly changed since we’ve gotten off the island. Aye, she still had the fucking mouth to rule them all, but she’d released a lot of her former sterness and guardedness. Before the Shark’s Bite, I wondered if my mother was ever like this with my bastard father. Then again, I’d rather not know. I desired to be the only one to see her this way. None else might receive such an honor.

Not wanting to disturb my mother, I decided to familiarize myself with more of Liara’s memories. I viewed the rise and fall of more kingdoms and empires. One by one, rich and poor, slave and free, entered the witch’s doors, begging for an audience. Some came to her, willing to give their fucking lives in the hopes of reviving a lost loved one. Others were foolish enough to try and control her with magic only to have a heavy curse placed upon them.

Slowly, my journey through her mind took me to Charon’s Landing. I actually fucking remembered the place seemed familiar to Diane. Now that I viewed it, I was mildly impressed. There were large towers of wood and stone. Hundreds upon thousands of denizens, human and demi-humans, were all living together. A place of study, meditation, and serene beauty, I wondered what the hell this kind of place might have with someone like Vilinlith. Unfortunately, I’d only get my answer when I allocated some resources there.

Another hour or so passed me by. I busied myself with more mana exercises and spell training until I heard the pleasant sounds of my mother. I ceased my training with fire magic and faced my mother. “I believe you have now taken up the habit of sleep-walking, mother. Has the Land of Dreams enticed you so?” I asked, hoping not to let my joy show too much that my mother had awoken. She’d just punch me in the arm regardless.

My mother yawned. “Fuck if I know. Sure as hell don’t know how I ended up here. My bastard son’s bed is the last place I’d think to find peace and quiet,” she said tiredly.

Despite her crass remark, I couldn’t mistake the smile on her face. Nor could I mistake the way she sighed when my hand touched her cheek. “How do you feel?” I asked.

“Like I drank myself under the fucking table at Ellen’s tavern. Got a fucking headache with the best of ‘em too. What the hell even happened, and what the fuck happened to you? You look so fucking different,” she stated.

“Ya don’t remember?” I asked, curiously.

“Oh yes, Eric. That be why I asked. I clearly asked you to repeat back to me what my fucking head already knows,” she replied, a little playfully and snarkily.

I grabbed her hands. “Keep up the sass and you’ll have an even bigger headache before the day’s over,” I said before I leaned forward and kissed her.

“That might be a headache worth having,” she panted as she kissed me back, one of her hands caressing my scraggly cheek. Her familiar smell filled my nostrils, and her lips tenderly breathed hot air on mine. I even felt her tongue strike the face of my teeth. Never had I thought I’d miss her embrace so easily.

Unfortunately, our time was interrupted by a knock on the door. A suck of her teeth, my mother grabbed the sheets and pulled them up to her chest. “You’re a bastard with poor timing,” she said while I placed my feet on the ground.

“The luck of a pirate shall not stand too far long against the wrath of Tyche,” I said as I rubbed my head.

“Enter,” I called.

The door opened and in came Ellen, observing the scene with a roll of her eyes. “Well, I guess we’ve now solved the fucking mystery of the Missing Cunt. It just had to be latched to bastard in the sheets next to it,” Sothshore said as she stepped into my quarters.

I yawned, reaching for my pitcher. My body was still stiff, evidenced by my slow movement. “Didn’t know ya were one for mysteries and stories, Ellen,” I said as I took a large gulp of water.

Sothshore sucked her teeth and moved some of the maps on my lone table. “Yeah well, when I got half the fucking crew about your mother going missing, I might as well have my ears tuned up for a damn story. Can’t blame some of them though. No one wanted to tell you. Feared you’d sink the whole damn world if you knew,” she said.

“...Aye, they might not be wrong to think that,” I said as I stood up.

“Aww, I’ll fucking weep like a bitch that my son might destroy the whole world in a tide of vengeance just out of worry for me,” my mother said as she stretched out across my bed.

I turned to her. “Aye, you be a great treasure none but I might hold. That shall never change, mother,” I said as I looked at her.

I could tell my honest words stumped her. She sighed, grumbling to herself. “You’ve gotten too fucking good at these silver and gold words. I know you won’t let shit happen to me. Now, can one of you fucking tell me what happened?” she asked.

As I got ready, I told my mother about the whole ordeal. I spoke about the son of the alchemist, the deal I made with a succubus, Ellen’s love for me, which got me a stiff jab in the gut, and the battle against Kavtha. By the end, my mother stared at Ellen, clearly unwilling to believe what I’d told her.

“Bastard’s right. All that shit happened. All to keep you from being a lone fucker’s playthings. Though between you and me, I don’t think your fate changed much,” Sothshore stated, glaring at me.

“Aye, I’m fucking aware of it myself,” my mother answered.

I had no idea why I was undertaking this constant barrage of gunfire, but I took it all in jest. “Don’t pretend you two don’t enjoy my care,” I said before I decided to become serious. I faced my Quartermaster.

“Ellen, round up the ship. We make way for Draegnar. We’ll leave through the south. Ain’t no need to sail through the Coffin’s Mouth a second time. During the trip back, I want you to sit with me, Ellen. We’ll need to go through the treasure for those we’ve lost. We shall offer their share to the families they’ve got back on Draegnar. One keeps what they procured for themselves. I shall honor those words,” I said.

“Fine with me. If I stay any longer on these damned floating islands, I’ll blow my own brains out,” she said, turning around to walk out the door.

“Actually, wait a minute!” I said standing up. Before Sothshore could even ask, I grabbed her waist and pulled her to me, kissing her with no less passion than I did with my mother.

As usual, her face scrunched up, but it didn’t take long for her to succumb to the embrace we shared while my mother watched. Her hands gently pounded on my chest before they grabbed my arms.

When we parted, I was honored with a dazed look in her eye. She then caught herself and scowled. “Your breath stinks,” she grumbled before she turned around, aware I’d seen how flushed her face was.

Ellen slammed my door shut while my mother leaned up. “Yup, that’s a bitch that loves a bastard alright. So now you mind explaining why you look more… put together than before?” my mother asked.

Amused by her sentiments, I walked over to the water barrel. I saw Nei and the other fairmaids sleeping silently at the very bottom, each of them wrapping in some type of mermaid intimacy.

“Aye, well, forgetting all the lengthy magic shit, I’ll just speak plainly. I got myself a lot more mana and refined my body to hold it. I have no doubts there might be many more worthy figures as I cross the ends of the seas. I must be prepared for them, to make them kneel and submit without mercy. For that is the only way one can be free, mother. Especially for those like us. You and the others will have this as well. The benefits are numerous, including a longer and stronger lifepool. This’ll just be the first of many enhancements we’ll all receive as we sail back to Draegnar,” I said.

My mother scratched her head. “I’m not gonna fucking sprout bat wings, am I? I’ve seen those scholar-type cunts in their fancy academies. I ain’t looking to get spliced with the remains of a hellbat,” she spoke.

I walked back over to her. “That might be a worse experience for the demon than for you,” I said before she slapped me on my arm. I then watched her slip out of bed, stumbling slightly in shock. Had I not grabbed her, I feared she would have crashed into the wall.

“Well, ya certainly the sea legs of a drunk wench down,” I jested, hoping to hide my concern.

“Maybe you should change your fucking title from Pirate Captain to Tavern Jester. Ya’d make a fucking killing,” she retorted before I held her up.

“I’d quickly run out of material,” I chuckled before I slowly helped her stand.

“You best take it easy the rest of the voyage. In fact, I shall dub thee as my acolyte as the ships sails the seas. You’ll aid me in handling all things magic for a little while,” I said.

My mother seemed less than pleased. “You know damn well I know jack shit about magic. I’ll fuck it up,” she said.

“Great is the mind who plunders not just physically, but mentally. Now, make haste and get dressed. We return home!” I exclaimed.

My mother did just that. She got dressed and accompanied me outside. When we stepped out, I was greeted by the hundreds of men and women still aboard my ship.. Some of them nursed hangovers, others stared at me in awe, and a few checked over their precious possessions that they’d acquired.

Liara, Diane, and, surprisingly, Goron stood on deck as well. The large bastard looked at me, his beady eyes followed me as I appeared on the upper deck of the ship.

Nz’ia rested near one of the walls, his spear in his arms while Ellen took her place next to the helm. All eyes were turned to me as I stepped out further.

The entire team of Raven’s Shadow was awake

“I’ll fucking make this short. This voyage is about to come to a close. Congratulations, you be the only men and women to set foot upon Delverhold and survive. Now, you’ll return home with great wealth and vast opportunity. When we land on Draegnar, we ain’t gonna be a pirate crew anymore. You’ll be free to carve your own destiny, and splurge upon your own wants. However, you’re all from Draegnar. You bastards know better than anyone how the law works there. If you don’t wanna find yourself gutted and robbed, I suggest you learn to keep your mouth shut!” I warned.

I’d gotten to see the temperament of some of these bastards and bitches while we sailed. Many of them would want to fucking scream to the heavens about what they’d earned, only to end up in the dirt. Though they’d joined under poor circumstances, I still wished none of them any ill will.

“Aye Aye, Captain!” they all hollered as I nodded.

“Good. Now, as customary upon a pirate’s ship, at least mine, grant safe passage to the bastards who could not be here to collect their wealth with you. The sea spat us out, and by the sea we sink back below,” I said.

Everyone looked at me strangely for a moment, but Naala moved first. She grabbed a bottle of liquor and poured it over the side of the ship. “The sea spat us out, and by the sea we sink back below,” she echoed after me.

One by one, more followed suit. All of them recited the words we Draegnarians used when one of our own passed away.

“Ooooooooh, where shall my soul go?

Ghorn faldrra elul meh ha!

I know the road is long and the seas are strong.

Still there I go, my search forever more.

Though I bleed, though I pray, casteth me not down to that great sea bed.

Meh ha! Meh ha! Meh ha! Meh ha!

Guideth me down, for with blade and gun, I carved my way through town.

For the fame of my pride.

For the blood of my brow.

Unrul! Ooooh unrul! Where shall my soul go?

Meh ha! Meh ha! Meh ha! Meh ha!

Though I bleed, though I pray, casteth me not down to that great sea bed.”

Ten or so of the crew sang this melancholy tune as we all prayed for the souls of those we’d lost. None spoke a word, instead continuing to pay respects. When it was done, they still sang as the helmsman took control of the ship, faced us to the south, and sailed us away from Delverhold. It almost seemed fitting that, as we sailed away, the fourth island began to sink as well. I watched Delverhold for so long until there was nothing more to see. Once again, I’d overcome them and yet to call me a conqueror was more than I deserved. However, I felt oddly invigorated by the trials and my own failures. I’d lost Boreli due to my own ignorance. Nothing would change that. From now on, I’d give my matters the proper attention they fucking deserved. None of the others would escape me this time.

As I stood at the stern of my ship, watching the adventure I’d lived disappear, I felt the sweet touch of great magic wrap around me. Pretty soon, Liara came into my view, standing beside me. With my new senses, I noticed Diane and Goron standing a few ways behind us.

For a little while, Liara and I didn’t speak. I tried not to make it so obvious that I wished to gaze upon her. She’d grown more powerful than even I’d anticipated. Previously, with the aid of my powers, I was easily her match. Even without her magical knowhow in my head, I was still confident in my abilities to best her. Of course, there’d have to be a few conditions to fulfill in order for that to happen, but I could’ve done them.

Now, even with An’raie by my side, I knew we’d have no hope of defeating Liara. In fact, I felt the Lonely Wail’s anxiousness just floating next to Ilzahold. There was great power behind her, not as much as what I assumed the Liara of my time had, but it was considerable. I knew not where her limits of her strength were, but I knew that no mortal in all of D’orn who could best her without proper aid. Until I was ready, I hoped I’d never have to see that proper aid either.

“Perhaps I should offer thee great praise. Even when I stepped aboard this vessel, I held a minor inkling of doubt to our destination. Yet, as I’m being shown, clearly my interest has not been misplaced. It’s been a long time since I’ve found one to hold so much of my interest to this day. You have found great favor in me, Dear Captain. You also have my highest gratitude. For thousands of years, I’d searched for Delverhold. To think my fortunes would come from a former poor young man, it is quite the mystery,” she said.

I chuckled. “Aye. What is life but one big fucking mystery? I hope you have achieved the power you hoped for. You shouldn’t have any problems breaking into the Ten Yalorian Crypts now,” I said.

Ilzahold smiled. “Perhaps, perhaps not. Though this strength does feel good, I wonder whether or not I truly desire it. It was not for strength that I sought out Delverhold, but rather for greater understanding. I have traveled the upper realms before and bore witnesses to the great powers that those spirits possess. There are many that would dare to dream of being a part of that realm, but they have not seen the great weave that the world weaves upon itself. They have not seen the great suffering placed upon these powerful beings and the principalities and spirits which rule over them,” she said.

“And you have?” I asked.

Ilzahold merely smiled, her face offering a subtle playfulness to the fact that she knew that I knew she wouldn’t answer my question.

“I could make you answer,” I said.

“That thee would speak that means that you won’t. I must admit, I’m eager with anticipation as to what you’ll request of me. However, you may take rest. While I cannot serve under your flag, doing so will invite great troubles upon you, I shall admit that it’s been a long time since I journeyed with one so interesting. Continue to hold my interest and perhaps I shall find your vessel as a suitable home for a time,” she said.

Though pleased about this arrangement, I turned to her. “I suppose I shall take that. Whether that was for answering your riddle or saving your guard and luggage carrier, I ain’t got the slightest thought. However, I’ll be sure to show you more interesting shit. Though I’ll admit that I never expected you to offer me the Mark of Hoɖ for help. Dare you give me an explanation on that?” I asked.

In response, Liara touched my arm. I thought I was reading too much into the look she gave me, but I swore it seemed a little lonely. “All things reveal themselves when we truly desire to know them, Eric Drakclaw. Now, if you will excuse me, I must make preparations for some private affairs later,” she replied as she turned around.

I wasn’t even ashamed to say I was captivated by the way she moved and the way her dress hugged her form. Ilzahold seemed to take special delight in swaying her hips before she disappeared down the steps.

“Oh, and Dear Captain, do be a dear and grant me the company of your newest ally at some point. I’m sure there is much I can glean from her,” Liara said lastly.

As I observed the seas, I leaned on the railing. “Nothing to say to Liara’s proposal?” I asked.

“‘Tis not a matter I am concerned with upon this hour in time. Mine steps shall tread carefully against her wiles. I am not disillusioned to her insensible play. ‘Tis not one that indulge in. I shall meet in my own time,” An’raie said before she continued about with her own business.

Soon, I found myself back in my quarters, entertaining four annoyingly beautiful fairmaids. Of course, all these ladies knew was that waterfall on the third island. They knew nothing of anything else outside that area. Everything in my room fascinated them and I had to endure watching them flop across the floor from one exciting thing to the next.

It got to such a point that I casted levitation magic on them just so the sounds of their fins against the floor wouldn’t continue to grate my ears or my mother’s. Thankfully, Ellen chose the perfect time to make her appearance. When she handed me the list of what to give to the families of those who passed away, one of the fairmaids all but sped to her.

“You goddamn, fucking piece of shit! Get the hell outta my hair before I fry you over a fucking tavern grill!” Ellen scowled while my mother laughed at her. For such a small thing suited to water, the fairmaid was clearly quite slippery.

In the end, Ellen was forced to accept her rider and stomped out of the door. It was clear that the fairmaid wasn’t gonna take no for an answer.

“Had she been the cunt I knew her to be before the bet with you, she’d have just shot the fish woman and been done with it. She’s changed her attitude thanks to a certain son of a bitch,” my mother said, handing me a jar filled with enchanted green grass. On her shoulder was another of the fairmaids.

“Are you saying this be my fault somehow?” I asked, taking the jar and pouring it into a bowl. I opened my window and drew a handful of seawater into the bowl. I then grabbed some fire root and tossed it in as well. Nei and the last fairmaid floated in the air, sating their ever-growing curiosity with what I was doing.

“Well the other other son of a bitch I’d know is your fucking father. So I’d say you’re all I’ve got,” she said with a chuckle as she sliced up some herbs and stone salts that I’d collected from the third island.

I chuckled, drawing mana to the tips of my fingers. I began to craft runes in the air with them. My mother and the fairmaids marveled at the bright colors, Nei reaching out for them every so often. The runes floated over the cup and I started adding a clove of the scarlet rose flower, known for its defense against magic.

“T-This might be harder than I thought,” my mother said, suddenly panting.

“What?” I asked.

“S-Standing next to you. It’s warmer than usual,” she said.

Despite my alchemic successes, I frowned. Clearly, Vilinlith’s aura still hadn’t left me. In fact, I doubted it ever would. It’d seeped into my bones and the rest of my body. I’d have to craft something to counter its ruthless effects. I’d bet fucking money some bitch was already knocked up with a bastard because of my aura. The amount of lust I often absorbed while I slept baffled me sometimes.

“You’ll have something to look forward to then,” I said as I continued to work.

“Oh, I’ll give your conceited ass something to look forward to,” My mother mumbled which made my lips curve upwards.

The next seven days passed by as something of a blur to me. True to my promise, I stayed in my room for nearly the full length of those days. By the sweat of my young brow, I crafted many powerful elixirs, many used on myself to strengthen my being. This left my body in a near constant state of pain. My body was constantly tempered and hardened from the smell of powerful herbs and concentrated magic. I actually lost all my fucking hard once only for it to grow back the next day, brimming with the essence of elemental magic.

My bones were also much more tempered than they were seven days ago. How I longed for an opponent that I could test this new body on. I worked on everything that I could, enhancing my natural senses. My eyes pierced through the darkness, my ears could pick up further sounds, my eyes could stop a lone coin from one part of the ship to the next. Everything within me had changed significantly. These were just some of the minor changes among the many I’d given to myself. Of course, there were a few abilities I could have given myself that I chose not to.

Above all, I be a pirate. Ain’t much to enjoy if it all be given to you without some adventure behind it.

I was naturally not the only one to benefit from this. I offered the same to my mother and Ellen, both amazed at their immediate changes. Though I wasn’t able to see them, if there had been any deficiencies in their appearances, then they'd have been dealt with. I never thought it was possible, but they both looked even more beautiful. My mother’s eyes burned with great fire and Ellen’s body stood proud against the coming waves.

Unfortunately, I’d have to take some of these changes slowly, as would they. So much change at one time wouldn’t only bring misfortune upon them and myself. Additionally, I had to spend some time controlling all these newfound abilities. I sure as hell didn’t need to hear one of my crewmates begging to get his ass fucked by another anymore.

The seven days ended with me pouring a fragrant liquid into the fairmaids barrel. It seemed like they enjoyed it because I felt Nei’s mana grow considerably. Her beautiful fairy wings pulsed with varying colors.

It seemed the magic in the air also had another effect on Nei. She, once again, became more affectionate with me. I couldn’t mistake the way she kissed me on my lips with her own tiny ones. She flipped her hair to the side, winking at me in that way a lass does to draw the attention of a bastard. Each time she kissed me, it felt like a small part of my mana veins were being refined. Of course, I coulda just been fucking delusional since her kisses always left a warm feeling inside me, but I thought about reciprocating her affections.

Nei clearly revealed her interests to me as a tiny, adult creature. Though I was unused to this difference in size, I still attempted to offer her the same. SHe must have enjoyed the things I did since she’d spend hours upon hours with me while I and my mother worked.

The only thing that stopped my work was the simple fact that I didn’t have a strong enough urn to continue everything. I’d wasted a few materials trying to force the mixtures without fail. It was only when I’d lost my third batch that I decided on a fucking break.

“Aye, alright, we’ll stop there, mother. I doubt I’ll get anything else done without the proper materials,” I said as I lowered at least fifteen to thirty herbs, stones, magical liquids, and enchanting runes to the floor.

“Fucking finally. I should have sent you to that fucking Mage Institution if I knew you were gonna bury your ass in books for seven days,” My mother said as she tossed one of the ancient manuscripts to the ground. I pushed back from my desk and chuckled, rubbing my tired eyes.

“Ya make it sound like a bad thing,” I said as I leaned back. I then helped my mother to her feet.

We then journeyed outside. The harshness of the sun made me squint my new eyes. Definitely hadn’t gotten them used to the rays of Helios just yet.

“Well, look what the fucking blood whale vomited out of its maw,” Ellen said as my mother and I emerged, the smell of magic and alchemy pouring from my room and through the entire deck of the ship.

Of the many things I noticed, I spotted Rieth of Raven’s Shadow. She glanced back at me with a rather bored expression. It seemed like I’d interrupted a meeting of sorts between her and the rest of her adventurer’s group. Brant had them all sat in a corner of the ship, various notes on the ground. I wondered why they wouldn’t stay their asses in their rooms, but I figured it wasn’t any of my concern.

I turned to Ellen. “You make it sound like you missed me,” I said, which got a scoff out of Sothshore.

“The fucking day I miss your ass is the day I invest my shit into Pete’s bastard seafood stalls. What are you doing out here anyway?” she asked.

I wrapped my arms around Ellen’s waist and leaned my chin on her shoulder. “A man can’t stay cooped up in his room for too long, otherwise he’ll miss the bountiful treasures which lay over the horizon,” I said before Ellen elbowed me in my stomach.

“I still got a spare bullet. I hope you test it out,” she replied before she pulled herself from me. I merely chuckled, amused by her attitude while my mother walked down the ship’s steps.

“And where the fuck are you going?” Sothshore asked.

“To fill up my damn stomach with more than herbs, fruits, and spices!” My mother replied, her middle finger pointed proudly at Ellen and I before she disappeared into the lower decks of the ship.

In the meantime, I turned to Ellen. “Where are we?” I asked.

“South of C’ula, Evir, and Callamum. We just passed the Ildenshire. Whether by the blessings of the wind or your hand over the seas, we’ve made excellent time. Sure as hell doesn’t feel like we spent nearly three to four months just sailing to the damn place. Given another week or two, we’ll be met with blood-soaked docks, and shit-faced bastards of Draegnar, provided you’ve got no stops to make,” she replied.

I sighed. We’d already sailed past the channel that would take us into Hæňgaram. I wanted to drop off Lady Knight and a handful of the men and women of Hilvir back into those lands. That would have given me more information into Hæňgaram’s circumstances. That said…

“What of our slumbering members?” I asked.

Ellen sighed, scratching her head. “Continue to dream the days away. Best look them over. Wouldn’t want any of them dying of thirst or hunger,” she answered.

My mouth thinned, but I wasn’t discouraged. Even though she lay unconscious, I was still aware of Aesteal’s aura. In fact, I hadn’t noticed until now, but it was much stronger than last time. Whatever was happening to her, it was for her benefit.

Of course, it wouldn’t kill me to check. I slipped away from Ellen. Naturally, I snuck in the quick touch of my lips to her cheek which made her snarl. I enjoyed riling her up, but I knew she didn’t hate it. In fact, I thought myself quite familiar with her tells by now. I’d more than gotten used to her true anger back on Delverhold. I’d never forget it.

I checked on Aesteal and Maeloson. I chuckled when I saw the former’s fairmaid peacefully sleeping on her chest. The creature never left her side even after all this time. Clearly, she’d evolved past a constant need for water, otherwise I’d wonder how she kept herself alive for so long.

The fairmaid, awakening from her sleep, noticed me. I was a little surprised to see a faint blush on her face. She bit her lower lip just like Nei would have done. “Hmmm, so it’s not so easy to suppress the essence of Vilinlith. As expected of the Mother of All Succubi,” I thought as I entered the room.

As I checked both, I noticed the fairmaid trying to grab my attention. While I moved my mana through Aesteal’s head with one hand, I held out the other. I watched the silver-haired fairmaid flap her wings and fly over to me. She landed in my palm.

“Continue to look after them. Do a good job and I’ll be sure to reward you,” I said suggestively.

The young fairy-mermaid hybrid must have known what I meant. She floated over to me and kissed me, licking my cheek just like Nei liked to do. I brushed some of her hair while she smiled lustfully at me. It was then that I was reminded that the fairmaids had also bathed in the pools of Vilinlith. Though beautiful before, the pools had done much to further increase their attractiveness. I should be lucky they don’t sing lest they lure my vessel to shipwreck. The fate of Davy Jones’ Locker be a cruel one.

When I finished checking on Aesteal and Maeloson, I moved to Alteria. I checked her over and moved my mana with her own. As I man, I held to my truth that she was still just as beautiful as she was when I saw her on the deck of the ship back on the second island. “Even when you sleep, you don’t look peaceful. You Hæňgaramians always be a stiff bunch,” I thought before I drew my hand away.

I left Alteria alone and proceeded back to the deck of the ship. I noticed Nz’ia wasn’t around, but I knew the Xhaluter was one for his own time. Besides, I had no need to bother him. Instead, I noticed a few of the Hilvir men and women with Naala. It looked like she was teaching the lot about guns and the like. This wasn’t too surprising since I assumed the men and women were not used to the way of D’orn weaponry. I’d not seen Maeloson nor Aesteal teach them about firearms.

“Captain, when yer appraising business be open?! I want to make sure I gets me golds worth for all the treasure I collected upon this voyage!” someone claimed as they swabbed the deck.

“Aye, that goes double for me, Captain!”

“Same here!”

“Instill us with yer fine wisdom, sir!”

More and more comments came as I pinched the bridge of my nose. Fucking bastards and bitches the lot of them. “And what makes you think I got the time for that?” I asked.

“Your alchemy thing ain’t doing nothing since ya ain’t got the proper tools ‘n shit! There be a saying, ‘A bastard mind shall rot in pig’s shit if… not… erm’,” another said slowly.

“Gyahahahahaahaha! Come on, Captain Laddie! A man’s work will never be done! Do this as yer last act of captain fer us!” Daven Wolfkiss, the one with a scraggly beard and crooked teeth said. I still hadn’t forgotten that deal of red dwarven snake’s kiss between us. I fancied a bottle of the shit with him if he stayed aboard my ship.

As I grabbed the door handle to my quarters, I turned back to the men and women of Hilvir. Perhaps I’d slow our travel a little bit. I still had to give them their proper training so that I could put them to work like Aesteal suggested.

When I opened my door, I was shocked to see that it wasn’t just the fairmaids preoccupying my space.

“Glad you could join us, Dear Captain. Have my guard and I come at a bad time? Pray thee to tell me,” Liara said, sitting on my bed with one leg over the other. My eyes were unashamedly drawn to her smooth skin and confident body positioning. Her arms pushed up her breasts and she wore the most inviting smile I’d ever seen.

Then I noticed Diane. The muscular woman laid completely naked on my bed. Her arms and legs were bound in rope. Her chest glistened with sweat and her succulent tits jutted outwards, waiting for lips to come upon them. Her eyes were gone, clouded by a thick veil of lust while she exhaled breathlessly.

I stepped into my room slowly, almost to make sure this wasn’t some type of illusion. If it was, then it could only be one crafted by Liara. I’d feel a little embarrassed of myself if I fell for fucking mind tricks after all the work I did with my alchemy.

“What are you up to, Witch?” I asked.

Liara turned to her guard. I watched her gently trace a finger across Burnwood’s skin, slowly catching the beads of sweat that continued to fall. Diane shivered, throwing her head back. Just before Liara brushed against Diane’s nipple, she pulled her hand away. That single action filled me with so much lust that I already felt my arousal fester within my body. My cock grew tight in my pants.

Liara noticed and licked her guard’s sweat across her tongue. She then stood up and sauntered towards me. “Thee are quite the insufferable young man. Your work has left you so busy that I am to take such a forward measure. It is quite unlike me to desire to pursue so vigorously. The essence of Vilinlith is a mighty presence as I remember. Your aura is quite rich, it’s flared mightily while you’ve been in your seclusion. We must temper your flames before they burn away all on this ship,” she said as she stood in front of me with confidence.

Though aroused, I thought on this. It seemed those pools were more troublesome than I thought. So because I hadn’t made proper time to settle this aura, I’d been affecting everyone on the ship. No wonder so much lust continued to return to me through those days.

“Additionally, it is only right that I offer a reward to you for keeping such a heavy promise and oath. Had it not been for you, I dread at how long it might have taken me to find Delverhold. Indeed, I have found the greatest wealth from the poorest soul,” she said as she traced her finger across my scruffy chin.

“I also understand that my guard has made quite the proud boast back on Draegnar. It is quite the stain upon my reputation if such boasts are not seen through to their very end. There are in fact many reasons for this turn of events. Would you wish to discuss them now, or shall we make my guard keep her vows?” Liara asked.

My lips curved upwards. Cupping Liara’s chin, I pulled the Witch of Draegnar to me. When our lips touched there was a great fire that flew through the depths of my soul. From my head to my feet, every vein in my mana was enriched with the flow of great mana. My cock sprang forward as Liara moved her tongue inside my mouth. It had been so long since I touched Liara that every stroke between us seemed so foreign. Never more than now did I realize just how honored I might be that I got to partake of this woman. It was not a boast many could make.

When we separated, there was no mistaking the look in her eyes. Vilinlith’s essence had inflamed her as well. However, she was fully in control of herself. In fact, she seemed quite amused by the whole thing.

Her eyes glanced down to my crotch. “Mmmm, you have worked extensively in your craft. I must not take thee for an amateur anymore. Just a touch drives the forces of desire within me. Yes, it is quite centered around this area,” she said as she stroked my cock with her hands through my pants.

The feeling was as divine as ever. My mind was teleported to another realm of vast pleasure, but I wasn’t so easily conquered this time. “Glad you approve,” I said before I noticed a swirl of pink magic in Liara’s hand.

“That I do. Now, I tire of these words. Come, let us experience your essence that you might practice to contain it. Bitch, present your body before us,” Liara said as the pink orb in her palm exploded, moving through the room.

I quickly noticed my clothes were gone and so were Liara’s. However, more than that, I was oddly aroused by the fact that she spoke a curse. Something about such a woman moving a common rat’s tongue through her lips made my hardened rod bounce with joy.

“Yes, Lady Liara,” Burnwood said as she turned over and stood up. Her naked body was on full display for me, such a beauty most wouldn’t think to uncover.

Unfortunately, I looked at the chains on her arms and legs. A thought ran through my head, a very unwelcome one. It was the weight of my shame.

“This be my reward, Liara?” I questioned.

“Indeed. But pray thee make haste. Your audience grows anxious,” Liara whispered into my ear.

I turned my head to the table and, as she said, I definitely had an audience. Nei and the other fairmaids stared at the sight with rapt attention. I saw Nei getting aroused by the display, licking one of her sisters’ breasts. The other moaned, grabbing Nei’s head, her finger shifting through her hair while the others observed. When Nei spotted me watching, she winked at me and continued her own pleasures.

I walked towards Diane. With a snap of my fingers, the ropes on her arms and legs came undone. She looked at me in surprise and I rubbed her cheek. Without a word, I quickly kissed her. I had no need of robes and reckless toys anymore. Instead, I proved myself through my actions. That always worked on someone like Burnwood. She fully submitted to me, her hands on my shoulder and her stomach pressed tightly against mine. When our lips smacked apart, I cupped her chin.

“Aye, you’re such a beautiful bitch, aren’t ya?” I asked, not really hoping for a response. Diane’s exasperated breaths were all the confirmation I needed.

“Answer me,” I whispered.

“Y-Yes, sir!” she said as I kissed her again.

“What are you?” I asked.

“A bitch. Your fucking bitch. To fuck in the ass whenever you want,” she breathed to me. Her breath was so hot, so needy, so sensual, that I was left with no qualms about continuing further.

“Show me then, you bitch,” I breathed out, no fire or steel in my voice. It was almost as quiet as a secret between fucking lovers. My words tickled Diane’s ears and she grew a confident smirk.

“Mmmm, fuck! Yes, sir!” she said before she leaned forward and latched her lips on my neck. Her warm, slender tongue licked across my skin. Her arms grabbed and claws at my arms and chest, she leaned into my ear.

“I’ll admit, I’m really fucking glad I was wrong. You had me on fucking edge ever since we landed on the damned isles. Every night, especially after you beat me, I dreamt if your fucking ass. You’d crash down Lady Liara’s doors and, with your strong, hard, stubborn cock, fuck me right in front of my lady and Goron. I might not get that big bastard’s eyes on me, but I’m willing to bet you won’t give me the fucking option to resist in front of Lady Liara. Unless you ain’t got balls to do so. That’d make me another liar,” Diane said before I grabbed a fistful of her hair.

“You’ve gotten a tad cheeky lately,” I said.

“So what are you gonna do about it?” she asked.

I answered her question with my new strength. I shoved her down to her knees, her face brought eye to eye with my crotch. A brief flash of shock appeared in her gaze. I doubted Burnwood was expecting such power from me. The wonders of my alchemist talents had already shown their favor. However, that shock was quickly replaced with a rising flame of lust.

“It ain’t about what I’m gonna do about it. It’s what you’re gonna do. You’re gonna prep me to take what I’m owed. Unzip me,” I ordered.

Diane sighed. “Mmmmmm. Yes, sir,” she said as she grabbed my pants and just yanked them down, no hints of sexual subtley to be found in her play at all.

My cock sprang forth, meeting the warm air around us. Diane licked her lips, her breath massaging the crown of my tip. Her firm, yet tender hands rubbed my thighs. Her eyes stared into mine as she rubbed her cheek against my rod.

Diane wasted no time gobbling down my length. I threw my head back, sighing in rapture and bliss as her hot mouth worked its vigorously on me. Every time she bobbed her head up and down along my shaft, I felt a piece of lust being absorbed into my body. This fueled my desires all the more. The power fires surrounding her body that was her lust drove her through with every action. Every strike of her lips, her tongue against each vein, was a wonderful experience of bliss.

Burnwood continued to work me over, alternating her stroke between deep and fast. Her eyes were closed, allowing her to fully embrace her actions as a cock-hungry slut. With the essence of Vilinlith, I could feel her arousal. I fed off it like a hungry bastard while her tongue coiled around me.

“Yes, Diane. Feel his mighty tool of vitality. Do not seek such a quick ending. Prolong the feeling. Indulge in it. Release the shackles which have bound you for so long. Feed off his immense virility,” Liara said.

Diane did just that. “Mmmmmmnh! Hmmmmmn! Fuck, s-such a strong cock! Gnnnnnngh! Nhaaaaa!” Burnwood groaned, vigorously rubbing her pussy with her free hand. The sweat on her brow slowly fell down her face and through her sculpted abs.

At some point, I was now sitting on my bed, sighing with bliss as Diane continued to pleasure me with her tongue. One of her hands rubbed her breasts, pinching her nipples while her legs squirmed. The bountiful wealth of fluids from her cunt slipped onto my floor.

I absently turned my gaze to Liara. She sat in the chair next to the table, amused by the interaction. One leg over the other, a smile to hide all her thoughts, she observed the both of us. However, I could feel the lust emitting from her as well. It was impossible to hide. That too kept me going. I saw the pointed tips of her breasts just beneath her attire. With so much lust in the air, I was rather amazed she could still remain so composed, but perhaps I shouldn’t have been surprised.

Finally, I stopped Diane and slowly pulled my cock out of her lips. I heard some movement on my table. I turned my head and saw the fairmaids eagerly enjoying themselves. Nei had her mouth latched onto the cunt of one of her sisters. She licked and sucked her clit while the receiving fairmaid buried her fingers in Nei’s beautiful hair. The other two were beautifully making out, kissing and sucking each other’s tongues as they observed us. I was a little amused when I saw Nei’s tail slap my table over and over.

Deciding that she’d done enough for me, I quickly picked her up and threw her onto my bed. Before Diane could right herself, I turned her over. Her firm, plump behind right in my face, I watched the lustful fluids continued to flow down her legs. I absently heard her pant while I turned back to Liara. The Witch was still amused.

“Tell me, Liara. What should a bastard do when he sees a fountain like this presented to him?”

The Witch of Draegnar chuckled. “‘Tis something most amusing. Perhaps you prepare her for the trial to come. ‘Tis quite the play on words, is it not?” she questioned.

Indeed it was.

I turned back to Diane. As my palms familiarized themselves with her glorious ass, my tongue licked up the juices rushing up and down her cunt. “Nnnnnnngh! Oooooooh fuck!” Diane exclaimed as I felt her ass begin to hump my face.

I stopped her motions with a rough slap to her ass. “Hold still, you wet bitch! I be in the mood to taste you properly before I dine,” I ordered. I wanted to enjoy this after all.

Diane stopped wiggling and I quickly began my assault. I started off small, licking her sculpted thighs free of the rivers flowing down them. Her cunt made quivering sounds, gushing with ripe fluid. I trail my tongue up and down both of her hegs before I latch my mouth into her cunt. “Ooooooooh fuck yeah! Mmmmmmmnh that feels so fucking good!” she sighed before I pulled back.

“Aye? That feels good? It feels good that you’re getting your fucking cunt licked by your captain in front of your mistress? What a slut bitch you are,” I said as I latched my tongue back onto her cunt. My tongue licked through the folds of her slit, massaging and working her insides and her little numb.

Diane writhed against me, shivering and moaned. “Nnnnnnngh! Ooooh fuck yes! It feels so goddamn good!” she wailed.

I then grinned as I withdrew my tongue and began striking the door of her ass. That made Diane arch back, falling forward from the loss of strength in her arms. “Oooooooooh fuck! Oooooooh gooooods! You nasty son of a bitch! H-Hnnnnnnngh! You’re gonna stuff that strong, hard cock inside my ass! All because I wasn’t fucking strong enough to conquer you!” she panted, her words muffled from biting the sheets of my bed.

I made sure to slather her hole with my tongue and slit, opening her little hole enough to push inside. It seemed she greatly enjoyed the experience. “NNnnnnnnnnnnnnghhH!” Diane groaned before she came, releasing a torrent of hot female juice over my chin and chest.

“Mmmm, fascinating,” Liara said from behind me. I heard a shuffle of clothes from that direction. I also felt a surge of lust being absorbed by my body. It seemed Liara was enjoying the show just like the fairmaids.

As I pleasured Diane, I thought about this energy circulating around me. It had to have some kind of purpose other than making me harder than steel ore. The energy floated in the air constantly, almost having no direction or place to go aside from me. There had to be something I could do with it. Such powerful essence had to be worth something.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t think about this much more. As delectable as Diane’s moans were, there was still a point to all of this. I vigorously fingered her clit while I continued to tongue fuck her little rosebud. I’d have to grab some materials to slather my cock down, making sure I’d be given enough leeway to do with her bountiful behind as I wanted. Tough though she was, I desired not to grant her pain as I knew this was a delicate matter.

That said, my mind was so clouded with lust that I became conflicted. I’d have to stop working on her to get my supplies, but I really didn’t want to. The groans and cries of Burnwood just kept me going. She’d long forgotten to stop her fidgeting, but I welcomed it. I plunged three fingers inside her, my thumb continuing to strike her clit. “Mmmmmmmmnaaaaah! YUessssssssss! Oooooooh fuck yes! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Ooooooh you strong, vigorous bastard! Hnnnnnnhoooooo!” she cried.

My body felt warmer and warmer. Precum slid out of my cock as my ears picked up on Liara’s moans. The sound of her soaking cunt behind me. Diane and I, Liara, the fairmaids, all of us were almost in an entire unison of lust that drove me wild.

“Nnnnnnngh! Ghnnnnnngh!”

I even heard An’raie trying to resist the pleasures as I continued onward.

Finally, I managed to pry myself away from Diane’s ass. She was a mess of a woman on my bed, groaning and sweating like she’d just been in the fight of her life. I leaned over her and whispered in her ear. “I’m gonna fuck the ass of a slutty bitch now,” I said.

“T-T-T-Took you long enough,” she sighed as she raised her glorious cheeks to my crotch and rubbed it.

When she rubbed me, I gave pause. My cock was wet, drenched, soaked to the brim in warm juice that I’d never felt before. When I looked down, I saw my cock with a glorious sheen of liquid around it. I wondered how that happened. I hadn’t put any of the oils or liquids on my cock to lube it up yet. However, it felt amazing. It felt more amazing than anything I’d ever felt. Even without being inside Diane, my cock was being tickled like it was being massaged by the hand of a goddess. How I didn’t spray my load over Diane’s ass was lost to me.

I couldn’t resist. I couldn’t hold back. I couldn’t stall anymore. My mind was a slave to my passions and Diane wasn’t helping. I grabbed her hips and lined my cock with her small hole. “Ooooooh yes! Finally! Give me that strong, hard, powerful cock! Fuck me so hard! Claim the fucking bitch right in front of you! Hurry up!” she wailed, her eyes drowned in the heat of lust and passion.

I shivered when I felt Liara behind me, rubbing my shoulders. She licked my cheek and then nibbled on my ear. “Shall you further embarrass my guard further, Dear Captain? Reveal to me your desires! Show me your… mmmmmmmmmnh!”

I was lost to my lust. The feeling was overpowering. I turned my head and kissed Liara, her lips igniting my soul as always. I grabbed Diane’s ass and slowly pushed past her puckered hole. “ooooooooOOooh fuck! Yes! S-So big! So strong! Ghnnnnaaaaa!”

Diane wailed and cried in ecstasy, clenching me so hard I thought she was trying to break my cock in two. However, I continued to slide in and out of her ass with ease. The mysterious fluids coating my cock made it so easy to slip in and out of her. I wasn’t expecting her ass to be so hard, warm, and filled with lustful fire.

My body burned, invigorated by our erotic actions. Liara continued to nibble on my ears, her finger teasing my nipples. “Yes, Dear Captain. Make a mess of my guard. Make her squirm with your powerful aura.”

Liara continued to whisper words into my ears, stroking my chest and stomach while my hands settled into Diane’s flesh. All reason left me. The lustful energy in the air flowed through my body and back out. Whether by knowledge or instinct, I knew what to do with it.

With a finger, I maneuvered some of the aura into the fairmaids. Their moans got louder. Nei grabbed one of her sisters’ heads and pulled them into a heavy kiss. The third used her fingers to punge three fingers into Nei’s slippery cunt. The last had her tongue buried in the pussy of the second, all of them enjoying themselves immensely.

“F-Fuuuuuuck! Ooooooooh fuck! Yeah! Harder! Harder dammit! Stuff the fucking prick all the way inside me! Make me cum! Punish me badly for getting my ass wrecked! Punish your b-b-biiiiiiitch Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck!” Diane screamed. The walls of her ass clenched my cock as she threw her head back, another powerful orgasm ripping through her body.

Diane’s orgasm quickly triggered my own. The soft walls of her ass, as my balls slapped against her pussy, drove me over the edge. My eyes rolled into the back of my head before I released a great quantity of cum right into her bountiful booty. She trembled, a torrent of lust energy flowing into me. That energy, just like back on Delverhold, invigorated me. My cock grew hard inside her ass making her sigh.

Slowly, I pulled out my cock. I then turned to Liara. She smirked, grabbing a hold of it and jerking it a few times. She didn’t bother discarding her clothes. She just leaned against the wall and chuckled. “Shall you ravish me as well, Dear Captain? Remember that I too had need of you. I need one last thing to maintain my ascension, a feeling of bliss. ‘Tis not something I’ve felt in too many years. Perhaps you’ll make it so,” she said.

My lips curved upwards. “I aim to please, Witch,” I said as I kissed her and lodged my cock inside her cunt. As always, I found myself cumming inside her before I even got a proper thrust in. The heat of her body, the mana she flowed into me brought me even greater strength, the haze within my mind that was her memories became clearer again. Unfortunately, I was way too aroused to go perusing through them now.

Instead, I fucked Liara. “Oooooooohhhh mmmmmmnh! Yesssss! Place the entire aura of your virility within me! S-Sever the realms passion and ecstasy with me! Mmmmmmngh! Nnnnnnnngh! Ooooooooooh yesssss! Give me your rod of flesh,” she said as I toyed with her breasts while I lifted her up. Her legs wrapped around my waist. Both of us groaned like we were mad.

Whoops and hollers were heard outside my door, but all I focused on was Liara cradling my head as I sucked on her nipples. Her cunt crushed my cock as she moved in unison with me. Just like myself, her eyes were covered by the clouds of lust. As we stared at each other, she bit her lip cumming on my cock and drenching me in warm fluids. In no time, I was cumming again, filling the Witch of Draegnar with my seed as she continued to buck her hips. “Mmmmm such a potent amount as well. Are you trying to best the effects of the Mark of Hoɖ, Dear Captain?”

Though I didn’t know what effects she meant, my thrusting got harder. I shivered when I felt Diane licked my balls, driving her tongue right through the crevice of my ass. My cock was harder than stone, the beautiful folds of Liara working me over and over. “Aye, but not now. I simply desire more of you both!” I said before I took myself out of Liara.

I had to have been delirious because I could see all the lust in the air driving itself into my cock. The next thing I knew, I was on the bed, driving into Diane’s ass again. Her legs were on my chest and her mouth was covered by Liara’s cunt, “Mmmmmmnh! That’s right, Diane. Make sure not a single drop is wasted. I-I have need of this potent product of male lust,” Liara sighed, rubbing her cum-filled pussy against Diane’s mouth.

Even the fairmaids got involved, Nei was on my shoulder, kissing my cheek and licking the sweat from my body. The others moaned, sucking on Diane’s nipples or teasing Liara’s clit. My room become the center of lust and ecstasy, no different from a succubus’ chamber. All of us came, one after the other. Truly, Vilinlith’s essence was something to be feared.

I wasn’t sure how long we went on for or how many times we all came, but the firestorms of lust slowed down to trickling embers. I managed one last orgasm, pouring it on Diane’s face and stomach before I fell back, huffing and exhausted. “Huhaaaaa… haaaaaa… hhaaaaa… oooooh fuck! That was fucking awesome,” Diane said while Liara bent down and kissed her.

I observed the fairmaids. The three of them slid on Diane’s body, licking and lapping at my cum while cleaning her off. Nei took a more active approach. She slid down to my cock and her tiny tongue licked what she could off my shaft. “You be a cornucopia of bad habits, Nei,” I chuckled while she turned back to me. She licked the sides of her lips, somehow amused at my statement.

As I settled into the afterglow of the sex I’d had, I looked at my hand. An’raie was strangely silent, but I could feel her pleasure. No doubt I’d satisfied her as well.

When I looked at my hand, I could see an aura of pink and black covering me. It was notably weaker than before, not powerful enough to permeate the air again. That said, it was still there, available for my use.

“Take heed, Dear Captain. A pleasure though this was, you have become enriched by very powerful magic. See that it does not consume you. It might become your second greatest treasure or your second-worst downfall,” Liara said, gently moving her fingers through her guard’s hair.

My eyes narrowed, covered by the sweat on my face. When I stared at all I’d done, I wondered how right Liara might be.

“LAND HO!” someone shouted outside my ship as I looked out my window to indeed see the ship coming up to some land in the distance.

With my new vision, I could see the docks of harbor. My mouth thinned when I saw the familiar ships… of the Hæňgaram Empire and the Kingdom of Callamum.