The Vengeful Tide-Ch. 30 (Patreon)

Greetings my patrons!

As we're about to end March, it'd be a quite the shame to not give you a chapter for all your waiting. Anyway, we'll continue with chapter 30 of the novel series. This chapter shall lay the groundwork for nearly all the other interactions down the line. Enjoy!

WttW

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I sat in a chair, contemplating this new turn of events. Diane and Goron stood next to me. Neither spoke a word which allowed me to gather my thoughts. When I woke up in Liara’s bed, I’d been expecting to meet the gaze of the beautiful witch when the sun hit the sky. Unfortunately, I was met with only myself. At first, I thought she might have gone to get her work done. I tried to sense her out, but to my shock all traces of her aura, her great magic, her very presence… were gone.

When I found my way back to the entrance of the second shop, I saw Diane and Goron waiting for me. As if expecting them to know the answer, I asked them where Liara went. I was stunned when neither knew the answer. I was a little suspicious of this. I’d never known Liara to be without Diane and Goron. Diane certainly didn’t hold much to her title as the Witch’s Guard if there was no fucking witch to guard.

I thought to read their minds and ascertain a lie, but I only entertained the idea for a second or two before I discarded it. There was no point. Even if they were lying to me, that wouldn’t get me closer to finding where Liara went. If the witch disappeared on me, then clearly she didn’t want to be found. I didn’t know why this was the case, but there wasn’t much I could do about it. The demon I used to track her before wouldn’t be of any help either. They don’t work on the same target twice. Even if they did, I knew Liara would have some countermeasure against them. As far as I was concerned, if Liara didn’t want to be found then not even Zeus or whatever fucking Divine Spirit rules the celestial realms would find her.

“Did Liara mention anything before she left?” I asked.

Goron slowly nodded. “Yes. Lady Liara has entrusted all of her resources on D’orn to use as you see fit while she is gone. We are also at your disposal,” he said, referring to himself and Diane.

I leaned back in the chair and scratched my cheek. While this might sound like something to be joyful about, it was anything but. While these resources were valuable, I didn’t trust myself, even with Liara’s knowledge, to handle them without issue. Many of her resources, contacts, and partners were dangerous individuals. Each of them could cause the end of D’orn by themselves if they wished. Most of them weren’t even on D’orn to begin with.

“You don’t seem particularly happy about it. Figured you’d be hot off your ass like a brat that’s found his first gold coin,” Diane said while I tapped the table with my finger.

“Don’t mistake me. I know of many who’d kill to be in the position I be in right now, but I ain’t no fool. This be a delicate matter, one even I’ll need to handle with some discretion. Why would the mighty witch give free rein of her affairs to a pirate?” I asked.

For the first time, I heard Goron laugh. His belly jiggled and his voice was like deep thunder. “I believe Lady Liara’s got high expectations for you, Captain. Or perhaps she enjoys messing with you. This isn’t the first time she’s done this.”

I grumbled beneath my breath for a moment. “And I assume you knew about this too?” I asked the woman I was currently sharing my soul with.

“That thee did not know was of thine own undoing. Her demeanor was most unusual. I had not assumed that she would leave. Nor do I know where she went.” An’raie replied.

I rolled my eyes and sighed. No, of course she wouldn’t know. That’d be too easy otherwise.

I turned back to Diane and Goron. I stood to my feet, hearing the sound of the ricketing chair. “Well, this wasn’t how I thought I fucking recruitment would go, but for the sake of a fucking tradition let’s just keep it. Diane, Goron, sail with me. DIscover great battles, powerful enemies, fierce adventure, and the thrill of gold aboard the ship of Eric Drakclaw. Stand by the Son of Poseidon as I make your name ring throughout every hall in D’orn. Sail beside me!” I exclaimed.

Being the old crusty dog that I was, I couldn’t resist the occasional pirate speech that masked itself as a recruitment. It brought a certain child-like joy to my salty heart that would most likely never go away.

“Come up with that one yourself? You already knew we weren’t fucking going anywhere. Ain’t got much for guns without a target, and you promised me better challenges. You don’t give ‘em to me and I’ll do more than shove a barrel in front of your face,” Diane said, sporting a wide grin while Goron nodded dutifully.

I chuckled. “Aye, that I did. Now, grab what things you need and take them to the Callamum ship. We won’t be staying on Draegnar for very long,” I said.

Diane shook her head. “Right, there’s that deal with the Hæňgaram bitch that you’ve got to sort out. Fucking uptight pricks,” she said with a suck of her teeth before she stuffed her hands in her coat and walked off.

Goron too left me alone and I stared at Liara’s office for a time. I’d seen so many meetings, both mortal and immortal, pass through here. Now, the main receiver of these meetings was gone without so much as a trace. I walked out of the office and closed the door. After a moment, I walked out of the main shop’s door and into Draegnar’s bustling streets.

My nose burned and I turned my head down to see Pete with his fucking fish stall right next to The Root. The old geezer quickly took notice of me. “Damn son, I heard the fucking rumors but I never believed two whale’s turds of ‘em. Look at ya. Sun’s kissed your skin a lot,” he said, smoke blowing from his cigar and through the air. I weaved it away with some water in the salty air.

“Ya know, you’re fucking stall might actually make some coin if ya caught some good wares,” I said while Pete cackled, the stench of his catches even worse than I remembered.

“Come on, brat! Don’t get much better ‘an this! This here’ll put some hair on your balls… or cunt if ya prefer! Besides, it’s an honest living ‘round here amongst the serpent denizens and the like. Now, enough about me. What happened on your voyage? Found what you’re looking for? Cause according to the rumors floating about, you’re one pathetic shit of a captain. Returned with a bigger ship and no loot. Being a sailor of treasures is more than big ship, boy. Any man can wish for a huge cock, doesn't mean he gonna find the cunt to take it in” he said with a mischievous grin.

…sometimes I couldn’t decide whether Pete was actually a dumbass or a bastard pretending to be a dumbass. “Who knows. Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t. You know better than to brag about your shit here,” I said.

Pete released a tobacco-filled laugh. It sounded more like a fucking cough. “Hahahaahughuhgugh! You’ve wizened up, brat. Good on ya. But what pirate be you if you ain’t bragging your name to high heaven? Also boy, best you know make sure you ain’t tempering with things beyond yer control. You’re a young one, not even gotten your fucking feet wet into the ways of the world. You’ve been given a great task. See that I don’t bury ya a second time!” he said.

“Bury me a second time?” I asked before the old man cackled.

“Aye! Remember when I gave ya the fish the first time? Your mother damn near punched me jaw off when she saw me burying you on the Draegnar shores. Never seen a lass so angry!” he said.

I thought Pete even more insane because of all the things I remembered with him, I didn’t know about that particular memory. I thought perhaps he simply had one shot of druag too much. I merely waved him off and continued along my path.

After some time, I finally came up to the Dead Tales. As usual, I saw a fucker passed out on his ass with a bottle in his hand. One of his eyes had been busted up. No doubt the son of a bitch got into a nasty brawl before he’d been thrown out.

I pushed open the doors. My ears were filled with the sound of music, laughter, and loud talking. Pitchers filled with ale and rum bashed against each other as barmaids weaved through the crowds. Well, it was pleasant to see that the business hadn’t descended into chaos since the time Ellen had been gone. I saw a female beastman from the lineage of Lrinthios laughing with her companions. Her sharp ears and long, yet thin tail reminded me of a feral cat.

On the other side, I saw a group of pirates sitting at a round table, a heavy stack of gold coins surrounding them. On a platform was the obvious band who played their instruments well. I noticed that no one seemed to recognize me after the months, but that was fine by me. In fact, it was better that they not know who was running their fucking ship now. That would offer me less of a headache. I had enough shit on my plate as it was.

I walked over to the stairs. Luckily, the guards seemed to know me. Hell, the two guarding the stairs were the same bastards I’d knocked out when I made that bet with Ellen. Both avoided my gaze as I ascended the stairs, hearing the patrons applaud the musicians.

I made it up to Ellen’s office and opened the door. As I expected, there she was with a stack of papers lining her table. She looked at me, annoyed by her predicament. “Is it already the time of day for you to piss me off? Now I’m stuck doing your paperwork, Sir!” she exclaimed while I laughed.

“We all got shit we’re best at, Ellen. Besides, I’ll pay ya for the task. Still, you run a better ship than even I thought. Place is still standing even after so much time has passed,” I said while Ellen scoffed.

“Of course it is! You know how much money I’ve fucking poured into this place? I’d sooner skin all the fuckers below alive if my tavern wasn’t still standing!” she growled as she picked up one piece of paper.

My lips curved upwards. “Isn’t it my tavern?” I asked, simply trying to rile her up.

I definitely got her rebuttal when she threw a knife past me. “Next time I won’t miss,” she hissed before she sat down. I watched her work for a moment, her beautiful hair gleaming off the sunlight from the open window to her right.

“Noted,” I said as I slipped behind her and took a look at the papers. Most of it was a load of shit regarding the sales and supplies for the tavern. After a moment, she slapped some papers on my chest.

“Best you look over this list. I’ll be setting up your little auction by the end of the week. Ships are gonna be flocking to the damn island more than usual. I never held auctions a lot even when I conducted my business, but the ones I did always drew a crowd. This’ll be no different. You better know what the fuck you’re doing,” she said.

I laughed. “Don’t I always?” I asked.

“The missing lung says otherwise,” she remarked before she returned to her work. My smile lessened as I was reminded of my folly. I sat down the papers and hugged Ellen from behind. She sucked her teeth again, but didn’t refuse my embrace.

I kissed her cheek, eliciting a huff from her lips. I then pulled back and grabbed the paper. “Spread the news. I’ll send the shit we’ve uncovered to the hall. The coin will be flying through the halls like a brothel cunt’s wet panties,” I said while Ellen continued her work.

I stayed with her for an hour or so, helping her with the situation regarding the tavern as well as the movements of her forces and materials. Though this work bored me, it had to get done. This would lay the groundwork for my future endeavors.

“Ellen, how good are your people at finding someone?” I asked.

She pushed a piece of paper to the side. “Depends on who the fuck they’re being sent to find. You got a name?” she asked.

“Le’a Crowmere. She was a slave. A part of the group that sold Aesteal and Maeloson. I want you to find her. I don’t care how many forces you spend or how much it costs, I’ll pay all of it,” I said, my voice cold and filled with rage.

Ellen stared at me for a moment. I don’t know what she saw in my eyes, but she fully faced me. “Whatever you got planned in that fucking head of yours, make sure the cunt doesn’t end like the last one,” she said.

No, this would not end like Boreli. I would not allow it to happen. I would fucking make sure of it this time. “It won’t,” I said. I’d soon gouge out my fucking heart than let a repeat of Boreli happen again. I’d sooner sign my name in blood and give my soul to every fucking demon that ran through Hades’ Underworld.

Ellen nodded and smirked. “Now that’s a fucking look I can get behind. I’ll send out what I can on the name. Don’t be surprised if ya don’t get anything for a while. Its common for slaves to change their names several times in order to evade traders,” she said.

I hummed. “I’ll offer a guess that she’ll go by Leah Crownmore,” I said, which got a scoff from my Quartermaster.

“How fucking original. I’ll get someone on it. Also sign this shit. Remember you were gonna assign that adventurer team as my official group. This is the paperwork you’re gonna have to fill out so I can send it back to the Adventurer’s Guild. Best make sure it's right, we’re treading the line of even signing them as it is,” she said.

“Aye, it be a flimsy balance, but it’s one I’ll need as they get more and more experienced. Once the world learns of Yrmindle it’ll turn the all the nations upside down. Ravens’ Shadow is gonna be in the fucking limelight and so are you as the one they signed first. A lot of businesses and nations are gonna want them and those funds will go to us which will finance not just the voyages we undertake, but also the operations of the agents in the rest of these shitholes. Anything goes on, I wanna fucking know about it,” I said before Ellen looked at me strangely.

“You sure you're that same piece of shit I remember employing? You nearly make me wish I’d given your mother that medicine for free if this was what you could bring for me,” she answered.

Despite my mood, I laughed at her insinuation before we continued our work.

Unfortunately, not much time passed before there was a loud bang on the door. “What?” Ellen shouted as the door opened.

“Sir, Ma’am, we have a problem!” one of the guards exclaimed.

“Bring Me Eric Drakclaw! Where the fuck is he?!”

Ellen and I heard the shouting downstairs. She looked at me with a scowl and pushed back her chair. “Never a fucking quiet moment with you, is there?” she asked as I stood up as well.

The guard led us downstairs where we heard the sounds of broken plates and broken chairs. A few people were screaming and there was a lot of shouting. As Ellen and I descended the steps, I saw a young man standing before everyone. Others backed away from him as he swung a knife through the air like a lunatic. In another hand I saw the remnants of a broken bottle. His steps were clumsy and he looked like someone made him chug a whole barrel of high-spiced ale. His eyes were bloodshot and his clothes were torn.

“Eric Drakclaw! Fucking show yourself! Don’t hide behind the cunt of your fucking Dead Tales’ slut!” he shouted as we came down the stairs.

Everyone stood away from the raving boy. However, this wasn’t out of fear. A fucker holding and threatening someone with a knife on Draegnar wasn’t anything new. Anyone in the bar was capable of bringing this bastard to his knees. However, everyone knew the iron rule in the Dead Tales. There was to be no fighting and no spilling of blood here. Though, I suppose I’d broken that rule a handful of times back when Ellen and I were not so accustomed to our new relationship.

“Who the fuck is this kid?” Ellen asked.

“No idea, ma’am. Fucker just came in and started raving like a drunken fool. Despite his frame, he’s pretty strong. Took out three of us when we tried to restrain him,” one of the other guards said while Ellen growled.

“Clearly I need to invest in better fuckers if all of you are gonna get taken down by a runt who can’t even handle his first bottle!” she said as she began to walk forward, but I stopped her.

She and the others looked at me as I walked down the last few steps. I stood in front of the drunken young man. I sensed the tears from his eyes rolling down the side of his face. He turned to me.

“Who the hell are you? I said bring me that poor slut’s fucking galvalan-shit son! I’ll carve all your fucking necks if he’s not given to me!” the young man shouted.

I doubted the poor fucker was capable of that in this tavern, but he seemed crazy enough to try. “You barge into a tavern with only a blade and a broken bottle. You’re either a stupid bastard or a brave one. What business have you with me?” I asked.

Despite the silence, I felt every eye on the two of us. I focused on the young man as he took in my appearance. That said, given his drunken stupor, I doubted he took in much. “Y-You’re Eric Drakclaw? You’ve bulked from the scrawny fucker you were on Draegnar. Glad you at least had the fucking s-s-stones to show up. Now I can do this!” the young man shouted as he charged, more like wobbled, at me with his knife.

It didn’t take much for me to move out of his way, tripping him over his feet and shoving him away from me. He gasped and stumbled. In his drunken stupor, he crashed to the ground, dropping the bottle that was in his other hand. “I-I’ll kill you! I’ll fucking kill you! I’ll string your fucking innards along the Draegnar shores, watching the s-s-s-sharks feast on them one by one!” he threatened as he charged at me again.

I moved out of the way again and he crashed into a table, a tankard of ale spilling over his head. He then got up again, his body filled with great rage and unbearable suffering. I’d seen that type of suffering before. All men have it when they are confronted with it, the loss of a parent.

I pushed the young man away and he fell to the floor again. “K-K-Kill you! I’ll fucking kill you!” he scowled as he got to his knees, crying and trembling. When he got to his feet, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a fistful of gold coins. He then threw them on the ground.

“What is this shit? Where is my father who joined your ship?! Where the hell is he? I heard the news that the youngest pirate captain on Draegnar had returned. I was eager with anticipation. With the money I saved, I made all my dad’s favorite meals. I waited for him, but… the day grew longer and longer. Then, a knock on the door comes! I’m not greeted by my father, but by a member of your fucking ship with a crateful of treasures. They told me the treasure was supposed to be given to the family of the… ones who didn’t make it back. You! Where is he? Where is my father?!” The young man asked.

It was then that I understood. This guy was probably the son of one of my crewmates that hadn’t survived either Delverhold or the trip there. Judging by the coins on the ground, they didn’t appear to be like those I’d gathered on The Lost Isles. If that was the case, then it had to be from… the Sea of Greed.

“Your father’s become one with the sea. It be a path we all shall tread one day. It is the life of all who seek fame and glory,” I said firmly.

The young man trembled with such great anger that I could feel it rolling through the tavern. “Then you shall go after him!” he shouted as he lunged at me.

Though I was a rough man, I wasn’t a heartless one. The despair on the young man’s face when his blade broke off my chest after it tore my shirt. No offense to his anger, but I’d have to give up on the alchemist path if my body couldn’t at least take on a dulled blade like that.

He threw the blade away. With a pain-filled scream, he swung at my face. To his credit, I felt the blow, but he felt it more. “ARGH!” he screamed as he held his broken wrist.

He was very tenacious. With his other fist, he tried to punch me again, but there was hardly any strength left in his blow. “Fuck you! Fuck you! Fuck you! Fuck you! FUCK YOU!” he shouted as I took his blows one after the other.

Finally, in defeat, he dropped to his knees, sobbing. “We were gonna leave this fucking shithole, and build a craftsman shop somewhere up north. No fucking thieving scum to worry about, no poverty, and no empty plates for the winter. He told me of all the things we’d accomplish together, that bards would write tales of the man who made it. Now you come to me with all the coin I could want and no one to fucking share it with! If he’s gone, there be no point in liv…”

The young crafter groaned when I kicked him out of his moanings. He crashed into the floor before I picked him up by his hair and forced him to look at me. “Quit your moanings and fucking listen. The sea, nay the path of life be a treacherous one. It ain’t fair to no one. It ain’t fair to you, it ain’t fair to me. Like many others, your father died in the pursuit of the riches and glory that lay within the world. Aye, he didn’t make it. Most don’t. However, he didn’t squander it. He brought it back that you might continue that path you’d destined. Die and you’ll have squandered the very efforts he even made the fucking trip for! He knew the dangers yet he went anyway. If you wanna die, fucking do something worth telling him about. Ya owe him that much,” I said as I released him.

There, that man cried before I turned to Ellen. “Send him home. I’ll pay for the damages to the tavern. Let no harm come to him,” I said while she looked between me and the young man. She sucked her teeth and nodded.

“Fine. It’d leave a bad taste in my mouth to kick him out anyway,” she said before she glanced at everyone else.

“Alright, all of you clear the fuck outta here! We’re fucking closed now! You’ve got ten minutes to be out before you go out permanently!” she shouted.

One by one, the patrons left the Dead Tales tavern, none being confident enough to grab the fallen son’s wealth. Once the tavern was cleared, I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Let’s finish the rest of the work later. Ain’t in much of a mood,” I said while Ellen turned to the crying man.

“Fine. I’ll close the place up. Can’t work anymore either. I’m heading back to the ship if you gotta find me,” she said as she walked back up the stairs.

As I left the tavern, I sighed. I stared up at the bright sun in the sky. I supposed it was unavoidable. There were many on my ship who came from unfortunate circumstances and poor families. Many had lost their lives, attempting to lay claim to the great wealth of the sea. It was a great blessing and a greater curse. I’d dealt with it before. I couldn’t remember the number of tears or anger I faced when the family of a crewmate came to me. Were it any other circumstance, I wouldn’t tolerate a blade, dulled or sharp, against me. However, I knew that great pain which anchored the heart in a sea of dread and depression. I’d dealt with it myself when I learned of my mother’s death. She wasn’t the most understanding bitch I’d ever known, but she was still my mother, one I loved and came to love deeply. She was without a doubt one of my greatest treasures.

However, there was a bit of regret that filled my spirit. I didn’t even know the fucker’s name who died. As a captain of a ship, what greater disgrace could there be than that?

Luckily, I had some measure of atoning for this sin. I knew that this treasures we’d all gained from Delverhold would be exposed eventually. No one would believe that a brat who hauled a fucking Callamum vessel into the shore returned with nothing. Someone would investigate and the truth would come out. With this latest display of gold, silver, and precious jewels. I imagined thieves and bandits were already trying to track down my former temporary crew to steal or plunder from them.

Unfortunately, that wouldn’t happen. In the weeks that rolled by back to Draegnar, I’d placed a protective charm on the majority of everyone’s treasure and themselves. I’d had plenty of contact to do so. With it, they’d at least be able to repel attackers for the next five to six years barring some type of powerful mage coming to the island. I’d cover the crew and their families for those years. That should give them enough time to establish themselves, or even leave Draegnar if they wished. After that, the sea would do with them what it will.

With my mood soured, I decided to head back to my ships. I noticed people kept looking at me as I passed, nevertheless I paid them all no mind. When I came up to the Callamum ship, I boarded it. On the smaller pirate ship, I got from the deceased captain and his crew, I saw Aesteal and Maeloson continuing to train my future network of nation spies. Everything seemed to be going well. I sensed the increase in their mana. They’d grown much stronger since their time on Hilvir.

When I stepped on the deck, I was a bit surprised to see Naala there covered in soot and gunpowder. She had one of the ship’s cannons in front of her with a bucket of water and a rag. She quickly took notice of me. A smile graced her brown face. “I guess the saying’s true. ‘A captain loves his ship more than any woman for he can’t keep away from it for too long.’” she said while I walked over to her.

“And where did you hear that from?” I asked.

“I might not look it, but I fancy a book every now and then. Though sometimes, I fancy more with company,” she said, teasing me with her beguiling ways. I chuckled, falling to her ways and giving her a kiss. As expected, her kiss was filled with smoke and gunpowder, but I oddly didn’t mind.

When we separated, she smiled. “Gimme fucking more of those and maybe this won’t be too much of a chore,” she said as she dipped a scrubbing brush in some water and began cleaning the cannon.

“Have you been doing that all day?” I asked. A chore like cleaning the cannons wasn’t something to do half-heartedly. I was actually impressed by the large number she’d already gotten through. A Callamum ship’s cannon cleaning wasn’t something one got through easily. The ship boasted at least a hundred cannons, some even more depending on the rank of its leader.

“Yup. And no, I don’t need help so don’t bother assigning anyone here. They’d just get in the way and it’d only make me mad. Cleaning cannons, guns, and the like calms me down. It always has. Though, there’s one cannon I can polish better than the others,” she teased again, sending me a rather suggestive look.

I shook my head, but didn’t shoot the idea down. “Be a good bitch, and that just might be possible,” I said while she winked.

“Oh, I’m good at being a bitch, Sir,” she replied. Never had I thought Naala to be this playful, but it was actually rather welcoming. Just as with my mother, Ellen, and Diane, I enjoyed a little playful banter from the ladies in my life. Yet, there was a certain brightness to Naala’s that I found refreshing. At the very least, it got my mind off the encounter back at the Dead Tales.

“Naala, have you seen Alteria? I have need of her,” I said while Naala scrubbed the cannons free of dirt and powder.

“The Balamar bitch? Aye, she’s been on the Hæňgaram ship. Hasn’t left it since we made land. Dunno what she does over there. I sometimes hear her swing her blade from my room,” she said, hiking her thumb back to the Hæňgaram vessel.

I hummed and thanked her, walking over to it. With a simple jump, I moved from the Callamum vessel that became my new ship and onto the Hæňgaram one. As I expected, even the wood of the ship felt vastly different to the wood on the Callamum one. Hell, it was leagues above the wood on my previous ship. Aye, much firmer and naturally attuned to magic. Just the wood could absorb a large quantity of magic from spells. That provided them with a natural defense against other magic users. Of course, that was nothing compared to what An’raie was capable of, but against the mages that roamed D’orn at this time, it was more than enough to deter even the mightiest ones from attacking it half-heartedly.

It was almost a shame to give it up.

After a moment, I honed in on Alteria’s aura. It wasn’t hard to do since, as a member of a noble family of light mages, she had a rather bright one. I noticed her in the brig… along with the prisoners that I’d placed there since the battle between Hæňgaram, Callamum, and my crew. Curious, I walked all the way down there. By the time I made it to the brig, I heard voices.

“You have dragged the honor and dignity of a Hæňgaram citizen through the mud. I’d expect nothing less from the cursed child of the Balamar family!”

“A true knight of Hæňgaram would never seek aid from a pirate!”

“The contributions of Lord Zevmar have helped build the very foundations by which Hæňgaram have stood! What right have you to question the effort and honor of the Lightfeathers?”

“May the emperor disavow you and banish you to the furthest reaches of the Sands of Ranthul!”

More and more words that I never thought Hæňgaramians would use were thrown until I saw the door open. Alteria walked through and closed it. Though she could keep the tears and despair from her eyes, I could tell by her aura that she was greatly disturbed by what happened.

Nevertheless, she walked up to me proudly and professionally. “I’ve shown you something disgraceful, Eric Drakclaw. Please accept my apologies,” she said with a firm bow of her head.

I snorted. “What Hæňgaram knight bows their head to a pirate? It matters not to me. Though your brothers and sisters in arms are more boisterous than I expected.”

Alteria sighed and asked me to follow her back up the stairs. I obliged and moved after her. “I believe their pride has been wounded since their defeat at your hands. For a member of the Hæňgaram Empire to be captured by an evil force is the height of dishonor. Allying with a pirate, sailing with you, fighting at your side, all these are crimes that would have me hanged,” she said.

“And yet you fight for this nation anyway,” I said as she led me into a room. She sighed and placed her sword down.

“If my nation wants to hate me, then that’s fine. As long as they are alive to hate me, then that is while I will fight,” she said with a strong resolution that I just couldn’t counter.

I stared at her, taking in her beauty and her strength. It seemed that I’d underestimated Lady Knight a little bit. “They be lucky to have you even if they don’t recognize it,” I admitted before I cleared my throat.

“Alright, Lass. You’re the one who made the deal. What be the plan? Once my business on Draegnar is finished, I’ll begin sailing towards Hæňgaram. Best make something of it now,” I said.

Alteria sighed and scratched her head. “Yes. I’ve been thinking about it a lot and I still don’t have much of an answer. As you saw just now, there are many in Hæňgaram who idolize Zevmar. He is a paragon of the empire’s ideals. There are only a few who know his true vile nature. Plus, I have no evidence against him. Perhaps the sight of my countrymen weakened me and I tried to get who I could. As you can see, it didn’t work,” she said with a heavy heart.

I nodded. “Aye, many are not so willing to go against a hero, especially one that can deceive the masses by deeds of merit,” I replied and I noticed she looked at me strangely.

“...you seem to have experience with matters like this despite your age,” she said. I chuckled, staring out into the open Draegnar sea from the Hæňgaram ship.

“Aye, I’ve been involved once or twice. Either way, your empire ain’t gonna do shit unless we either expose this coup attempt or deal with it before it gets to your empire’s fucking door.”

Alteria slowly nodded and sighed. “I’ve been attempting to do the latter for many years since I’ve learned of his betrayal. As you can tell, it hasn’t worked out well for me nor for anyone else investigating them. I suspect Zevmar has great connections not just outside Hæňgaram, but also inside as well. He covers his deceit very well,” she expressed with a deep frown on her noble face.

“Aye, well it won’t matter how much he covers himself. When the treasures and materials we’ve collected from Delverhold become public, then he’ll come to either buy them or find out who’s supplying them, especially if the bastard’s as ambitious as you claim he is. Ain’t no sense in trying to chase the guy when he’ll come to us. Him and his allies will buy up all they have to bolster their forces,” I replied.

She nodded. “I see. However, they won’t ignore the fact that the empire will do the same. These items and trinkets will make the world revel in jealousy. I have no doubts many will go to war for these possessions. Why would you desire this?” she asked.

I frowned and continued to look out the window. “To make the fuckers who stay in the dark reveal themselves. Either way, we can have your little… overzealous compatriots ruining our pla…”

Before I could even finish, I saw Alteria withdraw her blade and point it at me, her eyes fierce and unwavering. “They may say what they will about me, but they are still my brothers and sisters sworn to defend the great empire of Hæňgaram. I will not let their blood be spilled if I can stop it. Even if it means burying my honor to the promise I made upon our deal,” she said, her sword mere inches away from my throat.

I had to give Lady Knight credit, she wasn’t the fucking type to let private matters deter her from her loyalty to her nation. Granted, I thought that loyalty was kind of stupid, but that was her own life to lead. “Aye, stay the blade. I see even you can be quite the hot-headed lass sometimes,” I said as I knocked her sword away. She eyed me suspiciously as I leaned off the wall.

“As I wanted to say, we’ll be erasing their memories of this encounter. It’ll be best for everyone. You’ll go back with them to Hæňgaram along with a couple of the men and women from Hilvir that I’ll send with you. They will be the point of contact between you and me. Your fucking reputation, and that of your house, will be on the line if your empire knows you’re working with a pirate. Use them as you see fit, but remember that I’m only loaning them to you. They still answer to me,” I said.

The Balamar woman sheathed her blade and sighed. “I can accept that. Better yet, I can assign some to the Balamar Mansion. All our servants are required to be well-trained. Though I abhor your kind and your methods, I will admit that the training of the elves has made them all acceptable. There are many towns that can be raided by pirates and bandits. Their stories would easily be accepted,” she replied back.

I looked at her, a little surprised. “I assumed you’d be more against the suggestion of erasing their memories,” I said.

Alteria sighed. “I’m not for it, but it is the best choice available to us. I hope you’re strong enough to make Ivios submit. He’s one of our stronger military officers,” she answered.

I laughed. “It’ll be a simple matter. Set sail in two days. I’ll need you back in Hæňgaram to give me any information regarding this war of yours. In the meantime, I’ll also send you information. Use it as you will, but do not draw attention to yourself. Once Zevmar realizes that you’ve returned to Hæňgaram, he’ll either believe you truly escaped me or that we’re working together. I’ve no doubts there will be attempts on your life if you be not careful,” I said.

She firmly nodded. “Rest assured, Eric Drakclaw. What happened last time will not happen again. That said, you will also have to be careful. You’re a pirate, a relatively new one with a very high bounty. There are many who will recognize you. You and those of your ship will need disguises if you wish to enter Hæňgaram. I have no doubts your infamy will rise as you continue the secrets of the Delverhold Isles become more and more explored. Even I have felt strength more than I thought possible. Delverhold will shift the world’s great powers.”

“Aye, that it will. Now then, we’ll leave them down there until you set sail. I’ll work on their memories tomorrow. After that, it will depend on your own will. Best not let yourself down,” I said as I walked out of the vacant room.

As I left Alteria to ponder her thoughts, I returned to the deck of the Hæňgaramian ship. With a quick hope over, I landed back on my new vessel. I noticed that the Hilvir group was having more combat training. Naala was still whistling some tune while she washed the cannons.

I decided to land back on my original pirate ship in front of the others. Aesteal and Maeloson noticed me. They made to dismiss the warriors, but I shook my head. “Leave them. It’ll be time for more stealth training. This time, it’ll be done in the city of Draegnar,” I said.

Just like before, I assigned them stealth training. Find information or trinkets and bring them back to me. Whether by day or by night, I didn’t care, but I’d grade them all on their performance before the rise of the sun the next day. I ushered them all out and they ran off, leaving Maeloson, Aesteal, and I alone.

“How are you two feeling?” I asked.

Aesteal rubbed her shoulders. “Still a little stiff, but nothing that shouldn’t be worked out in one or two days, Sir,” she said while Maeloson walked up to me.

“You were walking aboard the Hæňgaram ship. You have the next moves regarding the empire?” he asked, still stoic as ever.

“Aye, but before that, both of you come to my chambers,” I said, enjoying the curious gazes on their faces.

Once we returned to my new quarters, I sat in my chair and looked at them both. “Honesty ain’t the trade of a pirate. I hope you both know that. However, I’ll break the usual mold and speak with the two of you as befitting of you both,” I said. They nodded.

“Even now, I don’t fully trust either of you,” I said, not attempting to hide my words. However, despite my statement neither seemed perturbed. Aesteal’s aura was still calm, reaching out to mine. I gently mixed it with my own.

“I won’t ask about your origins or how you came to be slaves. It ain’t my business and I don’t particularly care one way or the other. However, your intense desire to come aboard my ship leaves me wary, especially given the fact that your elves. I’m not unused to the minor deviation here and there, but as a whole your race is known for its distaste of piracy and the gold-driven lifestyle. It makes me desire to know your true motives. That said, I’m sure somewhere deep in your hearts neither of you trust me either. That be fine. It actually makes me all the more accepting of you both,” I said as I stood to my feet.

I patted them both on the shoulder. “I welcome you aboard my ship as my crewmates. I hope you both know what that means. It ain’t something you get to take back easily. Best you make your decision now you’ve locked in yer choices. You both got fierce grit that would make any pirate captain proud and yer will ain’t small. I’d accepted you two a long time ago, but all pirates desire a ceremony of sorts to welcome their members. Since I don’t fully trust you and you don’t fully trust me, then let’s fucking sail and prove each other wrong. What say you both?”

Maeloson and Aesteal quickly knelt before me, something I wasn’t expecting. “We sail beneath the flag of the Son of Poseidon, Eric Drakclaw. May the spirits bear witness to our pledge!” they said in unison. Though the declaration was appreciated, the united speech unnerved me a little bit.

I quickly brought them both up. “Good. Now both of you, bring me your clothes. I’m going to be rune sewing until my fucking fingers fall off. Sea gods fucking know how many things I’ll mess up. If there be a storm outside, then I’ll apologize in advance. Now, tell me now that you’ve trained the men and women for under half a year, what do you think of them?” I asked, interested to know their thoughts on how best to arrange my forces.

“They still have a lot to learn. Even more, they have much to experience,” Maeloson said before Aesteal took over.

“Some of the women still aren’t comfortable around their male colleagues. I believe it will take time for them to properly adjust given the trauma they’ve all experienced. However, many of them have proven capable of handling the hardships of adversity. I believe Delverhold has strengthened many of them not just physically, but also mentally and spiritually. However, if I may be honest, sir, you’ll need a greater instructor. Maeloson and I aren’t spies. I was trained a little in the arts, but they were not my primary focus. For them to turn into what you wish, you’ll need someone other than us,” she said.

Those were words I really wished to not hear. Of course, I knew by their temperaments, Aesteal and Maeloson weren’t the best for this type of work. Hell, I was still struggling to figure out Aesteal’s ancient order that An’raie wouldn’t tell me about. Not only that, but she was also a part of some other elven tribe that made her even more unique. Then there was Maeloson, I hadn’t forgotten what that spirit back in the Sea of Souls said to him. There was more to both of them than I knew.

That thought was a little scary, but it wasn’t a reason to lose my head to suspicion. At least, not yet. Besides, Aesteal’s aura was a comforting reassurance that maybe I hadn’t chosen wrong. Usually, aura couldn’t lie.

“Aye, alright. I’ll think of something to do for them. In the meantime, once we arrive in Hæňgaram, you both should scour for more materials from their local blacksmiths and merchant shops. The empire is known for its exquisite materials. That’ll go into crafting your weapons. You also should have collected a fine assortment on Delverhold,” I said.

Maeloson nodded. “Yes, but you still haven’t told us what we’re collecting these materials for. Most of these aren’t even claimed to be real,” he argued, which got a laugh out of me.

“Just like Delverhold wasn’t real?” I questioned. He offered me a blank stare in return. Clearly, he wasn’t so amused at my attempt at humor.

I stood up and looked out the window. “As I’ve learned, the world of D’orn is greater than even I’d foreseen. There will be many more dangers such as Delverhold waiting for us and just as many formidable enemies. What we’ve received on Delverhold won’t be enough to stop the storm that’s coming,” I said.

“Storm?” Maeloson asked. Of course, Aesteal didn’t have to wonder. I saw the fierceness in her gaze. Aye, whatever had caused the collapse of D’orn was something extremely powerful. Something so powerful was clearly beyond anything Delverhold could produce. It was either the realm of tenth-tier magic, or something way beyond that. Perhaps it was even something from the greater realms.

All I knew was that Liara told me it started with my death. I had to know what for. “Aye, a great storm that will no doubt pull the seas to cover D’orn if we ain’t powerful enough to stop it. That’s why whatever mystic shit we can find, then we’ll need it,” I said.

“With your abilities, shouldn’t it be easy to take what you want?” Maeloson asked.

I chuckled dryly. “Not when there are potentially three others out there like me. Also, you’d do well to remember what happened when we landed on Delverhold. That moonstone stripped me of my powers for weeks. I have no idea if these three are aware of that weakness and if they’ve spoken of that to others. Besides, I don’t need a full scale war against me. It would only restrict my activities.”

The two elves slowly agreed before we heard a knock on my door. “Enter,” I said.

My mother came through the door and rolled her neck. “I guess someone fucking squealed like a pig. Bastards attacked me while I was getting my shit appraised. Kept asking about the treasures on Delverhold,” she said as she grabbed a towel off my rack and rubbed some sweat from her brow.

I leaned forward. “Aye, there was a bit of a complication on my end that led to that. Worry not, the others should be safe from the rats and draags of Draegnar for the next few years. That’ll be my last duty to them as captain,” I said while she tossed the towel on a wayward table.

“Yeah well, they fucked up the house. Nothing left there but a bunch of boards ‘n shit. I’m actually a little glad for it. Don’t need the fucking anything anymore anyway,” she replied.

I might have been mistaken, but I was sure my mother seemed almost happy that the house had been destroyed. There was a delicate brightness to her eyes. “Well, the only thing they’ll find is the piss and shit from a poor draag anyway.”

I walked over to one of my tables and picked up a sheet of paper. “All of you get ready as well. We’ll be heading to another auction. We won’t be staying for very long. Once we’ve sold shit from Delverhold, we’ll move on. Mother, I hope you haven’t forgotten about your materials that you best be collecting,” I warned with a smirk.

My mother rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I got it. Ya don’t gotta remind me, Eric,” she said, rather annoyed. This wasn’t done to simply nag her. I desired for my mother to experience the fullest of the life she once lived and even greater facets of it. I’d keep that smile on her face for as long as I could.

“Good. Then, do a favor for me, you sexy lass. Head into town and find a crafter. Tell him to make a new sewing machine with the materials in this bag. Pay the bastard whatever he wants, but warn the fucker that he’s gonna need a sealing mage. It gotta be anyone fancy, just one that’s got even a lick of common sense. I’ll be using that to do the rune sewing from now on as we sail to Hæňgaram,” I instructed, dropping a bag filled with supplies in front of my mother. I’d worked on getting this shit ready ever since we left Delverhold.

My mother grabbed the bag. “Fine, but after this I’ve got stuff of my own to do. Also, I’d better not have your cock pounding me into Northsmere at this auction,” she fired back as she left with what I gave her.

My lips curved upwards, especially when I saw the look of embarrassment on Aesteal’s face. As usual, she hadn’t gotten fully used to debauched talk. Still, I enjoyed her desperate cling to some of her elven ways. Her naive goodness was a breath of fresh air in the salty air of guns, blood, and smoke.

“Well, if we’re dismissed, I’ll head into the city. I’ll make sure to keep my cloak on lest the House of Lindengar catch wind of us,” Maeloson said before he turned around and walked out of my quarters as well.

Despite his words, I was sure that wasn’t the reason he wanted to leave so quickly. I noticed Aesteal standing in front of me. She seemed a little nervous, almost like when I told her to pleasure herself for the first time. I patted my legs, inviting her to sit. She took the invitation. After a moment of hesitation, she sat her beautiful butt on my thigh, swinging her legs to the other side.

I touched her sweet face, pulling her eyes to mine. I then pulled her to me, kissing her lips like I’d always done. She kissed me back, sighing beautifully in my ears. It was only a moment, but it seemed like fucking forever before we slowly pulled apart. I brushed a piece of her silver hair from the side of her face. She rubbed my chest, right where I lost my lung.

“You seem to have adapted fairly well,” she said.

I grabbed her hand. “Looks can be deceiving. However, the benefits of alchemy have allowed me some measure of comfort, but the lesson shall never be unlearned,” I said.

Aesteal slowly nodded. “So then what are your plans for the others? Now that you’ve lost the first, I assume that’s only emboldened you further,” she said.

I closed my eyes and shook my head. “I be in a good mood, Aesteal. Let’s not ruin it with such talk right now. Just know that I have not forgotten them, nor shall any of them escape my wrath,” I answered. This time, I tried to keep a storm from running over the head of Draegnar.

Thankfully, Aesteal dropped the subject and looked around the room. “I haven’t seen the fairmaids from Delverhold. Where are they?” she asked.

Ah, in my excitement, I’d nearly forgotten about that. I closed my eyes and searched for them through the tides of water. Thankfully, that didn’t take long. They weren’t exactly subtle. Nei swam deep beneath the island with her sisters, all of them continuing to explore their new environment. However, one thing I noticed was that their auras seemed a lot stronger. I wondered why.

“Aye, they're fine. Clearly, the ladies be enjoying their new environment,” I said, attempting to ease Aesteal’s worries. She nodded slowly, continuing to sit with me as our auras melded together. There was something about this that I couldn’t get enough of. If my younger self could see me now, he’d fucking laugh at me. A fucking pirate being bonded to an elf, and enjoying it? Shit like this ain’t much for sense.

“When should I get up?” she asked.

“When I say you can leave. I’ve been without you for weeks. Let me enjoy you. You can actually aid me in something else. I’ve missed your beautiful voice, so read to me while I get started on your alchemy. This will take some time,” I said.

How I enjoyed the look Aesteal gave me. Clearly she didn’t believe her ears.”Sir, you’re going to do alchemy like this?” she asked, taking the book from me.

I playfully looked back at her. “I hear a tone of disapproval. You do realize I be doing this for you and yet you be so ungrateful. Sounds like all that sleep ain’t helped you learn your lesson,” I said, smacking her thighs just enough to sting. I… didn’t have it in me to hit harder. Luckily, that seemed to be enough.

“Nnnngh! Y-Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir!” she said, a tremble in her voice.

“Aye, good. Now get to reading. I’ve got you, Maeloson, Diane, Naala, the Hilver men and women, Goron, and possibly even the fairmaids! All be for land in Hæňgaram,” I said urgently. Once I made it into Hæňgaram, I just imagined Alteria would fucking keep me busy that I sure wouldn’t have the fucking time to enjoy anything.

“The Witch of Draegnar’s attendants are joining us again? I assumed that after Delverhold they would go back to their own business,” she said while I weaved a bit of water, opening my drawer and pulling out a Draegnar stone mortar and pestle. Aesteal watched me split the water off in silent awe as the tails of water I made began opening other cabinets around the room, pulling out various herbs, spices, and ancient materials.

I thought over her words and sighed. “Liara’s gone. No one knows where she went. However, she named me as the overseer of her affairs. Diane and Goron have agreed to sail with me,” I replied. I heard Aesteal gasp in shock.

“So that’s why I could sense the mighty woman’s great mana anymore. Legends state that she holds passages into other realms. I wonder if she went into one of them,” Aesteal said as I continued to place a great many things on my table.

That was very much true. When one experienced the type of shit that Liara did, there was very little she either hadn’t seen or places she hadn’t been to. “And she left it all to you, Sir. Why would that be?”

“I don’t know, Aesteal. Any guess you’ve got is better than any that I have,” I said as I rubbed her long legs with one hand. I was the biggest sucker for them.

“She has also made countless enemies,” Aesteal warned.

“And they shall fall like all the others should they get in my way,” I reassured her before we started to get to work. Aesteal flipped through some pages in the tome while I started using the tails of water to pour the herbs and spices into the mortar. One of the tails grabbed the pestle and began grinding them up.

Aesteal scrunched up her nose and so did I. The smell from the ingredients was very rich and very strong. She read off the instructions from the book while I worked. I pulled a bottle of dark purple liquid from a cabinet and poured it into a separate bowl. I added in a fistful of salt, fish bones, blood leaves, and scraped off a piece of the last jade shell I had left. I quickly put a top over the bowl. The water tails picked up the rumbling bowl and placed it on top of a small alchemist’s stove.

With a small fire spell, I lit the stones and Aesteal kindled the flames with a practice arrow from her quiver. Once the flames grew wild and strong, she continued reading while more water tails held up my materials.

“Aesteal, drink this. It’ll make your body more willing to accommodate the shit that’s about to happen,” I said, handing her a vial of blue juice.

Aesteal took the vial and looked at it. She sighed, uncorking it. “Had I not been with you, I would not have even considered this. If I were not exiled already, I’d surely be now. There are many elves who consider the art of alchemy to be a sacrilege to the great spirits,” she said.

“And why is that?” I asked as Aesteal rolled the vial around.

“Our bodies are those created to serve the will of the great spirits. To make changes to that would be seen as a great offense. Though I do not commune with them, I pray that I am not cast aside,” she said before she drank the vial.

Her face grew flushed for a moment. She leaned against my body and I had to give some effort to keep her upright.

I started to feed Aesteal pills and she accepted all of them. She shifted uncomfortably a few times, grabbing my clothes and pulling them. Elves were widely known as a race with large sources of mana. Elves especially coming from the north like Aesteal had even more due to their connection to the natural spirits that lived there. Now, all of that mana was being drained at a rapid pace. That left Aesteal faint and unsteady. I dared not do this to anyone else on my ship. They might have died from such a rapid shock.

I trusted Aesteal to survive this since she used to be a pinnacle warrior of her race through her secret sect. As elves weren’t known to be the most… durable bunch, I was already sure whatever concerns she had about offending the spirits wouldn’t matter. In my experience, these little… orders and sects were more willing to bend their values if it meant the safety of their individual nations. Then again, I doubted I knew much about that from a race so strict on their traditions like elves.

Either way, I kept Aesteal steady. She tried to continue reading, but she was hardly in the right mind to accomplish the task. Hell, she wobbled like Ellen had just given her ten shots of Snake’s Tail. Powerful drink that was.

While Aesteal rested, I continued to craft my alchemy. Her hot breath tickled my neck as she tried to deal with the discomfort. I wiped off some sweat from her burning forehead. I wasn’t worried as these sick-like symptoms were supposed to be normal.

While Aesteal struggled to regain herself, I fed her some of the fruits and vials we’d procured from Delverhold. These would make the process a little easier. Already her mana was growing stronger, perfect to accommodate her bow. She could probably fire more arrows than an entire unit of the Sairan army.

She trembled in pain as I held her, hearing the snap and crack of her bones while I continued to feed her special herbs and pills. “Ugh!” she groaned, clenching up her body, but I tickled one of her ears to loosen her up.

“You’ll be in even more pain if ya clench up like that,” I said, but it didn’t seem like Aesteal heard me. She was as stiff and rigid as that time we nearly froze back on the third island.

To get her to relax, I stopped tickling her ears and nibbled on them instead. In my time with my bonded elf, I came to realize her ears were one of her sensitive places. “Nnnnngh! S-Sir!” she mumbled as she moved her hands on my chest. Her thighs squirmed as I licked the full length of her ears. After a moment or two, she finally unclenched her body. The process would now go much easier.

I continued to hold Aesteal in my arms, feeding her various vials and pills as the smell of rich alchemy filled my quarters. Some of these items she was too slow to chew or swallow, so I had to feed it to her through a series of kisses. Naturally, she didn’t seem to mind. In fact, I think she tried to deepen them on more than one occasion.

It was only after the tenth pill that I noticed a shift in her demeanor. Her aura got stronger, fluctuating up and down like a violent tempest. She started to rub my thighs with her legs. With her fingers still coiled in mine, she placed my hand on her thigh. I was a little surprised by her straightforwardness. When I looked up at her, I saw the flickering flames of lust beginning to burst in her eyes. She started rubbing me more fervently. Her nipples jutted out against her white shirt.

Intrigued by her boldness, I spoke. “And what do you think you’re doing?” I asked, amused as she lightly sighed.

“I-I’m sorry, Sir. I feel very strange. It feels so good with you so close to me. T-The demon’s aura is too enticing. It makes me desire you, even more than usual,” she said, breathing heavily.

Her movements got even more frantic and I became aware of Vilinlith’s aura once again. As expected of the Mother of All Succubus, her aura was not to be underestimated. I could already feel my body absorbing her lust. Once again, the flames of her sexual awakening slowly started to fuel me with great strength.

It was then that I remembered the inhibitions of elves tend to have lower inhibitions the less mana they have. I remembered my previous elven lover was that way when she’d been attacked by a mana-draining earthworm. It’d taken her at least twelve days to refill her mana and in that time she’d been the most uninhibited woman I’d ever met. There wasn’t much she wasn’t willing to try out with me when that happened. Hell, she might have been the only woman other than Liara that effectively fucked me into the bed. The faces of her tribesmen the next morning were a greater treasure than Delverhold itself.

I sighed. The fact that Aesteal hadn’t fucking tried to jump my cock just showed the worth of her own self-control. Even as she gave into her baser instincts, biting and nibbling my ears just like I’d done to her, she maintained this odd air of submissiveness. She looked at me as if asking me if what she was doing was alright. She licked my cheek, her tongue scaling my cheek. “Make me yours, Sir! I w-want your cock inside me. Make a mess of your depraved elf,” she said, causing me to tremble as more and more of her lust filled me with both power and arousal. My cock was already rising to the challenge. It brushed against the berth of her thighs, and she was aware of that. She rubbed it slowly between her legs while I struggled to keep working.

“You’re so hard, Sir! Your cock is harder than the wood of the Great Fgg’rial Tree. I feel it full of your virility. I want it!” she said shamelessly until I slapped her thigh. She shivered, but her lustful gaze held strong.

“Cease your temptress ways or I shall do worse when I’m done with you,” I responded, handing her another pill. Aesteal took it, sucking on my fingers.

Throughout this entire process of delicate alchemy, I was tested to the limits of my patience and my endurance. Between Aesteal, her provocative attacks, my own rising lust, and the alchemy, I earnestly thought I was in a personal hell of my own making. Two hours of teases, heavy pets, and luscious words passed me by before I gave Aesteal her last vial. She drank the mana strengthening elixir and set the glass down.

“Good, now eat this,” I said, holding up an apple-looking fruit that had been picked from The Maddening Root’s body.

“I’d rather devour you, Sir,” she replied, groaning when I grabbed her nipple and twisted it.

“Eat!” I stressed and she grabbed the apple. She ate it slowly, slathering it with her tongue. Clearly, I’d corrupted Aesteal more than even I thought possible. I watched her and was stunned at how much of her aura was flowing into me. I even heard An’raie’s light panting in the back of my head.

She ate all of it and licked her lips. Once I saw that, I leaned into her ear. “Good. Now, be a good little elf slut and maybe I’ll reward you later,” I said.

Whatever clever response she had was gone because she fell forward and fell asleep. It was no surprise why. All the shit I’d made her eat and drink, her body was exhausted. However, she’d come out stronger than before. I quickly placed her in my bed. She slept peacefully and I decided that now was a good time to begin my own work.

I picked up my rapier and began fervently studying it. I wasn’t sure why Liara left, but clearly she must have thought that where she went no one else could follow. When I met with her again, that would not be the case. I pulled out the notes from the frozen castle on fire magic. It shouldn’t be a coincidence that the rapier was in the castle where fire magic was studied. I unsealed all the notes I got from the castle, and so began my days of studies and utter boredom.

The next few days were frustrating for me. Between my studies of the fire notes, practicing those fire spells, trying to find something to use in completing the rapier, performing rune sewing for my crew, training the Hilvir men and women, and performing alchemy on my crew, I had very little time for anything else. It got to such a point that I just had to put my fucking rapier on hold. I just didn’t have the time. I even soaked up my pride and asked An’raie for some help.

“I shall have nothing to do with the Betrayer's cursed works and notes! If thee wishest to wield his weapon, then dare thee to not involve me! That I must even share the same space with them is a ridiculous indignity!”

…you can fucking see how well that turned out.

Either way, two days finally passed and my burden was lessened. Alteria and the Hæňgaram ship were ready to leave. Being so close to the witch for so many years, Goron was more than capable of removing the memories of the Hæňgaram soldiers over the past week. I doubted anyone would find anything wrong with them. The loyal Hæňgaramians, along with the Callamum soldiers, had simply met a ferocious storm with a powerful sea creature. There were no survivors from Callamum. On their way back to Hæňgaram, they stopped at a small island where they found Alteria. She had been protecting a group from pirates and bandits. Moved by her resolve, the men and women desired to serve under her. The Hæňgaram soldiers would take them back to the empire to be processed and serve under the Balamar family.

Aye, it wasn’t perfect, but it was what we could come up with for right now. I wasn’t sure when Zevmar’s little… war would begin and I needed Alteria on the inside. Besides, I didn’t want to be tied to this fucking war more than need be.

Maeloson and Aesteal gave me a list of the most suitable men and women to maybe use. With their help, I set a handful of them into two  groups. Each one had a leader, sub-leader, and a sect of about eight people. For the sake of efficiency, I did my best to make sure they’d all be comfortable. I desired for nothing to impede their success in their missions. As for the others, I’d decide what to do with them soon. Of course, I’d rather not rush their study. It would be a road to misfortune if I did.

Once they were sorted, I disconnected the Hæňgaram ship from my own. Alteria and the ones going with her sailed away. I offered her some parting words. For their first mission, I would have given the group some sort of weapons, if only to honor their rite of passage in completing their training, but that shit would have to wait. Hæňgaram wasn’t an easy empire to get into. They didn’t need any chances against them. If everything turned out well, I would make sure to reward them all.

What remained of my crew watched them leave. Neither Aesteal nor Maeloson offered them words of encouragement. They just proudly watched them go. I wondered if this was some type of elven custom from their sect, but I didn’t pry. At least I got all the rune-sewing done. Sea gods know I would just wanna fuck break the damn sewing machine into a thousand fucking pieces!

Unfortunately, my time wasn’t meant to be easier. As I expected, a few of my former crew mates had been attacked for their possessions. Since that brat’s shouting back in the Dead Tales, at least five people from my crew asked for asylum aboard my ship. Admittedly, though this was my fault, I didn’t allow it. My ship was no place for brats… even though I had a few in my previous life. The fucking point still stood!

To ease their worries, I told them about the defensive runes and magic barriers I’d placed on them. They’d be safe from any possible threat for the next few years as long as they kept their heads on straight. As Draegnar was a bit of a lawless zone, there wasn’t much of a proper education system here. Sometimes, can’t no one tell his right hand from his left.

Then, there was Aesteal. The two days hadn’t done much to help her recover all the mana she’d expended. I still wasn’t done with her, but I had to let her body rest as even her durable frame wouldn’t last if I continued. Since her mana had to refill slowly, she was as uninhibited with me as one could get. I swore she was doing this on purpose since she could be serious with anyone else, but alone she was the sexiest minx I’d ever encountered.

“When shall my reward be bestowed upon me, Sir? Have I not performed my duty admirably? I desire you to warm my aura and my body. Make me wail by your touch,” she whispered, kissing my neck as I tried to work.

“Let your lust simmer, Aesteal. It shall boil and boil until I release it as I see fit. Though, I do love your bold side,” I said, turning around and kissing with as much passion as I could. She sighed blissfully as I took her into my arms. Her arms wrapped around my neck. Her excited aura hurriedly mixed with mine and she slowly rubbed my chest. It took all my power to get her off, smacking her ass to get her to leave. She bit her lip and excused herself, quickly returning back to her stern, yet calm expression.

I placed my notes down and sighed.

“Not that it shall be any concern of mine, but why doth thou not lay with the elf? Her interests are clearly quite known to thee,” An’raie said as I turned my head and noticed her levitating a magical tome from Liara’s library. Any little free time I had was spent looking through the vast stores of wealth that Liara had. At least that couldn’t be clouded from me like her memories.

I opened my jar that I’d been using to cultivate the spirits I collected from the island. So far, none of them gained sentience. Then again, I shouldn’t have expected them to. Spirits gaining sentience was a long process, one taken over a multitude of years. It also didn’t help that I provided them with a rather generic environment in the form of a jar. Spirits, especially very minor ones, took the mana from the surrounding area to form themselves. Spirits around a large body of water were likely to become water spirits. Spirits around large bodies of fire could become fire spirits. There were many who invested themselves in spirit cultivation.

“I don’t know what man ya take me for, but there ain’t no fun in enjoying a woman not fully aware of herself. I can feel it in her aura. Her unhinged state has made her uneasy even if she doesn’t fully realize it. I ain’t in no rush. Neither is she despite her actions,” I replied as I slowly reached for a spirit with a reddish-orange hue.

This was a minor fire spirit and one not even close to sentience. I decided to try and merge it with the ice rapier. Clearly, there was some type of fire element to this rapier that hadn’t been completed. The red orbs on the rapier were evidence of that. In comparison to the frost part, the fire part was very lackluster, almost like the dirt side of a silver coin.

I made the fire spirit inhabit the red crystal orb. In an instant, it faded away from the frozen aura of the blade. It hadn’t even gotten a chance to warm the orb. My mouth thinned.

I spent some time working on various methods of trying to merge fire magic with the blade. Unfortunately, the ancient frost magics imbued in the blade were not so easily accommodating. Every attempt was thwarted and some turned my room into a frozen wasteland. I had to hurriedly get rid of all of it, lest the artifacts in my room break apart under the intense cold.

After failing for over three hours, I left the rapier alone lest my anger and impatience make me do something stupid. At this point, I was willing to try.

As I left my quarters, I noticed Ellen speaking to the members of Raven’s Shadow, mostly Brant. As Ellen would be handling the business end of my endeavors. This adventuring group would go to the furthest reaches of the world, collecting materials for my ship. I’d also try to get them to control two or three dungeons for my personal benefit. That would make Ellen the spokesperson for those dungeons which would have others pay her for those materials. The more this happened and the more powerful the dungeon, many characters would come to gather materials. Most of them more than likely this group that had caused the end of the world. Many of the greatest adventuring groups had their claim on good dungeons.

Ideally, the best dungeon to take wasn’t even a dungeon. It was one of the Ten Yalorian Crypts. Not necessarily a dungeon, but a place filled with great rewards that no one in D’orn could deny.

Unfortunately, those endeavors were a long-term goal. Raven’s Shadow was hardly close to one of the best adventuring groups, but I could wait for them to advance their skills. Besides, once they presented the head of the Frost Troll, hundreds of clients would be asking for their services.

I decided to place these thoughts at the back of my mind. There’s never been a record of a pirate holding ownership of a dungeon. I hadn’t even opened one of the crypts.

After a moment or two, I then rejoined Anastasia in her chambers. I swore her outfits were getting more and more scantily with each fucking visit. Unlike last time I didn’t see any barriers attempting to prevent me from entering her chambers. It seemed that she’d learned her lesson from last time.

“You haven’t been entirely honest, have you? There’s talk around the island of Eric Drakclaw’s mysterious treasure. Many have tried to lay claim to it. Doesn’t seem like they’ve been very successful,” Anastasia said with a small smile before a shiver ran through her shoulders.

Though she couldn’t see it, An’raie was floated around and stared at her curiously. I figured the Lonely Wail was just fucking with her so I didn’t question it. “You know well every pirate’s got his precious rewards and treasures. Now, worry less about what I have and more about what will benefit us both. Do you have any more information?” I asked.

Anastasia shook her head. “I haven’t been informed as of yet. Please remember what you’re asking for is very well-guarded and precious. It took a lot of favors just to get what I gave you. It is very hard to make my husband listen to tales of myths. He attempts to use our resources to cover his investments as well as the funds of our allies. He continues to chase after remedies and elixirs that will cure his predicament. He’s already sent many of our estate’s forces into the nation of Thynia. I have no one to spare,” she replied.

I chuckled. “Ah, so he believes his mast’ll raise from Thynia, the nation known for the greatest of medicine in all of D’orn. He’s quite desperate,” I said.

“Indeed. Only the most desperate would deal with such a nation. The price for their so-called ‘elixirs of the gods’ is a very high price. For someone like my husband, I shudder with what he will think of. He is a most ambitious man,” she replied while I stared at the refreshment offered to me.

The fucking worst part of this was that I couldn’t exactly tell if Anastasia was lying or not. All of it was very likely. However, the good thing about this was that I had a way to check, at least if a certain someone was willing.

I turned to An’raie and she looked at me entirely unamused. Despite me feeling her glare behind the cloth covering her eyes, I also felt her begrudging compliance. “Thee would do well to remember this when I have need of thee. I have nothing to gain from this!” she growled before she merged her soul back with mine. I felt her righteous indignation rumbling through my soul.

“You complain, but remember that it’s because of me that you’re reading Liara’s valuable tomes and texts. That said, I appreciate your help, Wail,” I replied.

I didn’t receive a reply, but the indignant aura that I felt had been considerably lessened.

I then turned my attention back to Anastasia. “Aye, well that’s unfortunate, but I suppose nothing can be done about that. Then, you shouldn’t have anything to do at the end of the week. In honor of your efforts, you’ll attend the private auction hosted by Ellen tomorrow night,” I said.

Anastasia didn’t seem impressed. “I’ve been to plenty of auctions, almost all of them dull. What would I need to go to one for?” she asked, Yile standing at her side as silent as always.

I took the cup and curiously looked it over. “Oh, don’t tell me a woman of such ambitions as you wouldn’t take the time to form connections with the powerful royal and noble families that’ll be gracing the Draegnar shores. It would certainly give ya a leg up on the House of Solunaris. Don’t tell me you don’t wanna fucking exploit your advantage over Madam Amelia,” I said with a small smirk.

Anastasia frowned and looked at me curiously.

The Solunari were another noble family on Draegnar, one in direct competition with the Lindengars. They were a family of mercenaries that worked for the highest bidder. Of course, their mercenary status wasn’t anything of worthy note, but they earned their profit from being allowed to pillage the corpses of those their contacts wanted dead. They tended to also employ the desperate from Draegnar. I once thought about joining them when I was younger, but I wasn’t a fool. I wouldn’t have made it under them considering most don’t make it out alive enough to turn a profit.

There was also another reason why I didn’t want to interact with them, even with my abilities. To contract with them was to be subject to a very powerful slave contract for the next one hundred years. Of course, I could break it, but dealing with that fucking hassle was not something I wanted. I didn’t fucking enjoy slave contracts at all. In the hundreds of thousands that Liara knew, many of them came with at least a hundred backup curses. Now that I had the Mark of Hoɖ, allying myself with the House Solunaris was a waste of time. Besides, I’d have them eventually. Once Anastasia killed her husband, she proceeded to also take control of the Solunaris estate, thus adding to her family’s already notable army.

Anastasia partook of her elegant beverage, her arm pushing up her ample-sized breasts against her robe. “And why would I have any interest in what the lady of the Solunaris does with her time?” she asked.

“Because you fucking nobles love to compare the size of each other’s cocks and tits. Then again, if you don’t wish to show up then that be fine with me as well. Best change your mind else the opportunity will be gone,” I said, standing up and leaving her alone.

When I returned to my ship, I spent the next three days either sewing more runes into clothes, performing alchemy on my crew, or plotting my course for the next fuckers on my list after Boreli.

In that time, ship after ship continued to come into the Draegnar shores. Vessels from many different lands, and families came to the island. Even now, I marveled at Ellen’s connections. Many from bandit to mercenary to noble, every class of warrior in between them all showed on the shores of Draegnar. I decided to hide my ship from the view of a Callamum vessel. I didn’t need the fucking hassle of them wondering how another ship from their empire landed here.

As the moon replaced the sun, I stepped out of my chambers. My mother, Aesteal, Naala, Diane, and Maeloson, stood waiting for me. “And our fucking captain makes his spectacular appearance. Almost thought we’d have to drag you out by the hairs on your head,” Naala said, twirling the trigger of a pistol around her finger.

I stretched my tired arms, my chest feeling uncomfortable from the intake of air on my lung. I felt my hair move and out came Nei, stretching along with me. Aesteal’s fairmaid was on her shoulder, her wings flapping. Another was deep in Maeloson’s shoulder pocket, poking her head out to view the Draegnar lights. The last was with my mother, utterly irritating her by flopping around in her shirt pocket.

“Keep still before I throw you over a hot stove and turn you into a Draegnar plate of loaves and fish!” she threatened, though without any actual fire in her voice. In response her respective fairmaid poked out her pocket and… flipped her off with her middle finger.

My mother stood, surprised. “You fucking piece of…”

She tried to grab the half-fairy half-mermaid woman, but the fairmaid was too fast, ducking back into her pocket.

“I believe we’ve effectively corrupted the tiny ladies if one of them can fucking flip us off now. Captain, did you really have to let them traverse Draegnar for all this time?” Naala asked while my mother tried, and failed, to grab the slippery mythical woman creature.

Aesteal slowly nodded. “Indeed, Sir’s debauched lifestyle is the ruiner of the purity of many,” she answered, biting her lip and gazing at me despite herself.

I looked up at Nei who stuck her tongue out rather childishly for a… grown mythical creature. Then again, I’ve seen many a man just as childish. I’d also been called such by my previous lovers.

“Well, the only thing they’ve known is a damn island filled with horrific creatures and a small pond. They’re like brats that’ve finally gotten their first tankard of ale. They’ll learn eventually,” I said as I heard Nei squeal for a moment when I lightly whipped her butt with water. She hissed at it before she slapped me with her fin.

It got to a point that I grabbed her and held her in front of me. “Alright Nei, behave yourself before I punish you,” I said while she looked at me. She then proceeded to flash her eyes at me and lick my palm with her tongue. Her fin slowly caressed my fingers as she winked at me.

Naala took notice. “She’s quite the seductress, isn’t she? Hope you don’t lead us into a shipwrecked pile of stone,” she replied before I sighed and sat Nei back into my hair. She became notably less rowdy.

“It’d be pretty embarrassing if I led the lot of you through treacherous seas with powerful demons, spirits, and deities just for us to meet our end on a pile of jagged rocks,” I responded before I figured that was enough with the banter. The night was getting longer and we weren’t fucking getting younger.

I quickly summoned about five men and women from Hilvir. They each bowed before me, their bodies cloaked in black material. Aesteal and Maeloson had done a phenomenal job in training them. “Alright, you five. This ain’t gonna be a lesson. Best get this right to the best that you can. If you do, I’ll make sure you’re properly rewarded. Now, off with ya!” I said.

“Aye, Captain!” They said as they descended the planks and slowly disappeared into the crowd of people. I then turned to the others. We headed off the ship and moved through the crowds of people, some of them in raw armor, others in exquisite clothing, most in everyday attire that wouldn’t differentiate them from a commoner.

Of course, as we walked, I took the time to hone up on my pickpocketing. Even my mother joined in and the fairmaids were clearly amused by our antics. By the time we made it to the Dead Tales, I had quite a sizable amount of coin. It was always a rite of passage for foreigners to get their shit stolen on Draegnar. Only way a Draegnarian’s gonna get his shit taken is if he’s mugged or he bets it away. Both were a daily occurrence upon this island.

As we stepped inside, I saw the tavern come alive with the sounds of bards, adventurers, business deals, and partygoers. Men slammed the table with cards while others threw their gold in frustration. A woman on a barstool laughed her ass off while one of her friends poured her a tankard full of ale.

“I’ll fucking give her this, Ellen knows how to cause a fucking scene for an auction. The few times I even bothered to show up here haven’t been like this,” Diane said as we walked up the stairs away from the other patrons, some who were being led down a flight of stairs following Ellen’s guards.

The guards on the upper floors noticed us and silently guided us to another room. In the room was a magic circle. We stepped on it and I activated the spell. A warm light enveloped us all and we were teleported to a large auction theater overlooking the masses. As one might expect of Ellen, she did everything extravagantly. The floor was laced with red carpet and covered with beautiful chairs. I noticed this wood was the same as the bark from the trees on Delverhold. Clearly, she wasted no time in trying to turn a profit with what she’d gotten. We were offered the perfect venue that allowed us to see everything. While the stage presented wasn’t as grand as C’ula, it was still worth its own merit as an underground auction sight. Even when I worked for Ellen in my previous life, I’d never been down here. Ellen built herself quite the foundation.

We each took our seats. Well, most of us. Diane decided to lean against the wall. The auction house came alive with the sound of chatter. Nei popped out of my head to look, but I carefully hid her. A lot of fucking eyes were on my crew and I. I noticed a lot of mages, some from the Mage Association, a few rogues, and even some from the royal cabinets of empires and kingdoms.

I figured it was because they were all more than a little intrigued at the combined magical power resonating from my crew and I. The rigorous effects of alchemy that I’d worked on the past few days bolstered the already considerable mana within all of us. I fucking bet amidst the small candles we were like a large fireplace, cackling away loudly.

Not to mention An’raie. The mages below were rather lucky that she decided to lower her mana. If she didn’t, I bet they’d all be fucking terrified of us, ready to attack at any given moment. Not only would I lose my profit, but I’d be making enemies of almost every nation here. After all, what nation likes a group that decimates its forces?

As more and more people filed in, my lips curved up when I saw Anastasia and her husband conversing on the ground floor with the other nobles of Draegnar. As expected, a lot of backhanded compliments, ass-kissing, and rubbing of shoulders moved through the crowds below. Anastasia spoke with some noblewoman, chuckling with a glass of some fancy drink in her hand.

I even saw a lizardman in powerful armor speaking to a lion beastman, both of them laughing like comrades.

Maeloson leaned forward, a bit angry. “I am now reminded why I never cared to indulge this nonsense. This mask which must be played to cater to the ego of another, I despise it. Never are you to feel safe because the enemy is both in front of you and behind you. A true den of serpents,” he said, his fingers interlaced together.

“Plan for your enemies, lest they plan for you. Justice and Injustice, good and evil, the Life Giver and the World Ender, all must come together that there might be spiritual harmony. It almost reflects the very nature of mortals themselves from when they first communed with the Great Spirits themselves,” Aesteal said, her eyes honed in on the crowd.

“You think that’s bad. You ain’t seen the worst of it,” Diane said with folded arms, her gun holsters brushing up against her thighs as we all continued to look downwards.

A few more minutes passed before the magic circle behind us lit up. Out of the light came the beautiful woman who orchestrated all of this for me. “Feel free to thank me for all the shit I’ve been forced to put up with,” Ellen said as she took a seat right next to me. Once she sat, the last fairmaid popped out of her pocket, waving to her sisters while Ellen growled in frustration.

I brushed a piece of hair from the side of her face. “Don’t act like you haven’t made a sizable profit from this. You’ve done a fine job,” I praised while she snorted.

“Fine, my ass! Got all my clients on my ass wondering why I pushed its usual date up. Pieces of shit, should be happy I even considered the fucking contact. I’ve been answering the same goddamn questions all day,” she replied as she angrily tapped one of her fingers on her arms.

Feeling her displeasure, I patted her shoulder. “Good work, Ellen. Trust that once the auction gets into the swing of things, all your anger will blow away,” I said as I continued to observe the proceedings.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats as the auction is set to begin very soon. We have an entire warehouse of prizes and possessions just waiting for you today. Let us pray to the gods that everyone might become a winner tonight!” the auctioneer said while some in the audience politely clapped.

“You don’t fucking seem the type to hang around shits like this, Ellen,” my mother said while my quartermaster shrugged her shoulders.

“I hang where there’s coin to be had. Probably why I have to stomach this group as much as I do,” she fired back while Diane scoffed.

“Keep telling yourself that. It’ll line up with the rest of bullshit the people in this place spout,” she replied, receiving a glare from Ellen before we all turned our gaze back below.

We watched a group of men hand out a scroll. After a minute or two, an entire library’s worth of books fell on the floor, kicking up a lot of dust. “Well, I’ll be fucking damned…” Diane said absently as we observed the shock on the faces of a few high-ranking mages from the Mage Association. Each of them leaned forward, some murmuring to each other almost frantically and with great concern.

“What is it?” Naala asked.

“You’ll see,” Diane replied.

The auctioneer cleared his throat. “As you all know, The Dead Tales’ proprietor embarked on a long journey for a number of months. Once she returned, she came back with more than anyone might have predicted. Though dusty and worn, these old tomes contain boundless wisdom and knowledge. I’m sure our friends which study the arcane can just feel the power radiating from within these vessels. Coming from a very mysterious set of islands, these tomes contains texts which can only be deciphered by the most studious of patrons! Dare thee to take a look? The starting big shall be 100,000 gold!” he exclaimed.

“Grrrrragh! 100,000 gold for some old, dusty crap? That bitch is losing her nerve if she…”

“100,000!” Someone quickly shouted over the wolf beastman who’d been voicing his anger.

“200,000!”

“500,000!”

“1 Million!”

“1.2 Million!”

“1.3 Million!”

I heard my mother and Naala gasp behind me as the bidding continued to rise higher and higher. I leaned back with my head in my hands, the sounds of exchanging coin running high in my ears. “Well, it seems that the legends of Delverhold certainly can’t be underestimated. Even if the material is old, the remnants of mana still left from the Alchemist and his studies still reside with them. I suppose it shows how much we’ve all changed. It didn’t even bother us when we felt them. Those mages below must be seeing a massive waterfall of mana right in front of them,” Maeloson said.

It was just as he said, I could see the vast mana still seeped into the pages of those tomes. If I could, then those mages below could as well. Naturally, the non-magic users were all fucking confused. What could possibly be so fucking worthwhile with a full table of dusty old books?

Unfortunately for those non-magic users, they couldn’t help themselves. “2 MILLION!” a Lizardman shouted, raising his scaly hand into the air.

If powerful individuals like those from the Mage Association were trying to grab the tomes, then clearly there must be something extraordinary about them. If those tomes held the power and knowledge to bolster the forces of others, then they couldn’t afford the risk of those books being used against them.

“8 Million Gold!”

The crowd grew silent as a member of the Mage Association raised his hand.

“15 Million!” My eyes slowly fell and I noticed the head of House Solunaris raise his hand. Othunlor Solunaris, a well-built man with a gruff face and nigh-graying, black hair. Othunlor was the type of fucker I never saw myself getting along with. He was too much like me. If I even tried making a deal with the bastard, he wouldn’t rest until he could pinch every inch out of any profit that was to be made. He was a greedy son of a bitch and he earned the right to his attitude with his mercenary group. Alongside Falvor Lindengar, most of the military force under House Solunaris helped govern Draegnar. A few of his men frequented my mother for her services when I was but a lad.

“18 Million!” another of the Mage Association said.

After a few seconds, the sound of a gavel came down. “18 Million to the guest in red!” the auctioneer exclaimed as the tomes were rolled away.

Never in my life had I seen a bigger grin on Ellen’s face than now as the others with us slowly realized just how much this shit was actually worth.

“50 Million Gold for the hide of that creature!”

“20 Million for the enchanted row of tree bark!”

“36 Million to the beautiful lady for the crystal ice shards!”

“10 Million to sir in the back for this bushel of everlasting fruits!”

More and more hours rolled by as more and more of my items from Delverhold were sold away. Suits of armor, beautiful pottery, pieces of art so beautiful they’d adore any royal chambers, statues of every type of stone, and precious jewels, all were thrown away as more and more coin was flung around.

“I almost wish I’d kept Lady Knight around,” I said, frowning as I stared down at the patrons.

“Yeah, she might’ve been able to tell us if any of that bastard’s forces were here. Speaking of that, Eric, now that the witch is gone and she left you in charge of all her shit, doesn’t that mean you’re gonna have to be dealing with all these nobles and her other business partners?” my mother asked, whispering to me so that none might hear.

“Aye, that’s another thing I’ll have to manage. I fear Liara’s wrath should I run her previous endeavors into the ground. However, she understands my way of doing shit. I sail where I desire and for the greatest adventures. Besides, I have two assistants to help me,” I said, staring at Diane. She sucked her teeth, but didn’t seem to mind. After all, she’d done such work before.

“Just bring me the next fight and I’ll be willing to deal with almost anyone’s shit. I really wish I could be back on the third island,” she said, a battle-hardened grin on her face.

My lips curved upwards as well before we all heard the auctioneer speak again.

“Now, we shall showcase one of our main attractions for the night. Worry not ladies and gentlemen, we still have an entire vessel’s worth of great items for you! Up next is a great manifestation of the gods or spirits once thought to be lost to time itself! Once thought a myth, now unveiled! Feast your eyes upon the glorious presence of Pure Ice, ice which is said to never melt even under the gaze of Helios himself!” the man proudly stated as three large men pushed a cart, carrying a mountain-shaped block of ice into the room. It shined brighter than silver, almost like a diamond beneath the glow of the auction house.

As the men wheeled it in front of the patrons, I noticed that Ellen had taken special care to seal up the power of the pure ice with magic arrays. If she didn’t, the ice would have frozen the people and the house in a matter of seconds.

“You’re selling that? I assume such a precious and mythical resource you’d keep for yourself,” Maeloson said. I shrugged my shoulders.

“I already have the largest supply of it thanks to the frost troll. Besides, the fish ain’t gonna bite if there ain’t no proper lure,” I responded. I felt everyone’s gaze on me before there was a crash of a chair.

“Graaaaaagh! Do you take us for fools and small babes still suckling on their mother’s milk?! There is no such material as Pure Ice. Such a resource has been labeled as the stuff of myths and bard tales! Has all of this stuff proved any real value?” a lizardman shouted, pointing his sword at the auctioneer.

“Pfft, there’s one in every auction, let me tell ya,” Naala said with a grin before the auctioneer nervously looked at Ellen. She then looked at me and I grumbled to myself, a little irritated at this turn of events.

I waved my hand and Ellen permitted the test. “Then, sir! To ease your worries, how about we test the nature of Pure Ice? There are hints of truth in every myth after all,” the auctioneer said as the Lizardman grinned with a nod. His scaly feet stepped onto the podium.

“It was said that Pure Ice could stand against even the flames of the mighty phoenix. I might not have the bird’s fire, but I am no less fueled with burning desire!” he shouted as his sword blazed with a large fire. People took a step back as the lizardman roared and struck the sculpture.

The crowd stared in shock as the ice overwhelmed the flames of the lizardman’s sword. Instantly, the sword and the warrior in question were frozen solid. “Lord Xuliti!” a couple of men shouted as they jumped on stage. After a moment, they retrieved their commander and took him away. Never thought a reptile bastard would try to combat something cold.

After the lizardman, a few more tried their own tests, most of them mages and most of them without touching the block. As expected, it withstood arrows, spells, and spirits of fire. Luckily, Ellen paid for a few mages to safekeep the area. Some of the patrons tried pretty fucking hard to make the ice melt. In fact, I wondered if they were trying to test the ice or burn the damn place to the ground. Either way, everyone was filled with astonishment when the pure ice stood tall. The auctioneer returned to the platform.

“The bidding starts at 20 Million gold!” he exclaimed.

“40 Million!” someone shouted.

“80 Million!

“85 Million!”

“100 Million!

“110 Million!”

“150 Million!”

“Prince Atelasa, what need have you of Pure Ice?! I suggest you stand down!”

“What better to give for the ring of my future wife than a mythical piece of ice crystal once thought lost to the ancient times? Let me have this piece, Lord Olgora, and I shall show you great favor!”

The price climbed higher and higher until the mountain of ice was sold for 350 million gold. Usually this number would be something amazing, but I already knew what it was going towards. For all the fucking coin I made today, I’d be lucky if I even got a tenth of it left for myself. As the ice was carted away, I already knew that it wouldn’t be leaving with its original owner. This was an underground market, no one played fairly down here.

The auction continued to move on and I continued to observe the proceedings with great interest. That said, I began to  notice Aesteal’s aura eagerly reaching out for mine. When I checked on her, I saw how red her face was. In fact, rather than pleasure, she looked to be in pain. My eyes narrowed. Her body was drenched in the purple aura. Her lust was an almost consuming inferno. All of it was being absorbed by me in vast quantities.

I slowly stood up and stretched my body. “Aesteal, come with me. We’re leaving,” I said while the others looked at me.

“W-Where are we going? The auction isn’t o-over yet, Sir,” she panted before I grabbed her and took her into my arms.

“It’s going as I expected it would. Besides, I haven’t properly finished your alchemy anyway,” I said with a smirk. Before the others could ask, I chanted a spell and we were teleported onto my ship. Aesteal slumped to the ground and I quickly moved to pick her up.

Her aura was blasting at me now, her face red from so much lust. Just as I thought, I’d have to train myself in using the Essence of Vilinlith. I assumed this powerful aura was only used for the purposes of pleasure. Clearly, I was fucking naive. Vilinlith was the Mother of all Succubus. Though pleasure was their speciality, how they gave that pleasure was not. Somehow, the pleasure had turned to pain from me not satisfying my bonded elf for so many days. No wonder that bastard kept this treasure hidden behind that door. It wasn’t for the weak-hearted. Not to mention, Nei and the other fairmaids had taken a dip in it as well.

I quickly led Aesteal into my room and shut the door. I slowly placed her on the bed while Nei and the other fairmaid hopped onto the other side of the mattress. All of us saw the sweat pour from the side of her face. I quickly wiped off her forehead and sat back in my chair for a moment, staring at the raging inferno of violet energy that was her lust.

Now that I took a look at it, I noticed a few black wisps in the midst of those fire-like aura. I stood up again and brushed Aesteal’s hair. “Have I teased you for too long that your lust rises to this ridiculous quantity? It reaches to the heights of Zeus, Aesteal. How many nights have you gone to bed thinking about all the things I would do to you? Has it been one night? Perhaps two or three?” I asked slowly as my bonded elf opened her eyes. In them I saw lust so refined that even Aphrodite might moan in pleasure.

She grabbed my hand. “Every night, Sir! Every night I dreamt of your body against mine. The depraved taboos of my creed stimulated the furthest edges of my mind. I dared not attempt to sate them, reveling in your control of my wants. There is a feeling of restraint that my creed once taught, but there is great liberation in your touch. Sir, please…”

Aesteal didn’t need to speak further. I gently grabbed her head and brought her lips to mine.

When I kissed Aesteal, I offered no lie that this was the greatest kiss I’d ever experienced. Just the taste of her lips fired a blast of lust so powerful at me, it felt like an erupting volcano. Almost instantly, my cock was hard. It roared to life, ready to go at a moment’s notice. Aesteal kissed me hungrily, almost desperately. “Sir. Sir! Sir!” she exclaimed over and over between kisses.

I hunched over her, pressing my body against her as we laid on the bed. My body soaked in her lust almost as powerfully as her lips sucked on my tongue. Her breath was hot and her kisses were like fresh, sweet fruit. My nostrils flared, my chest pumped, and my body ached. So much raw lust was being poured into me I nearly thought I’d drown myself.

Nevertheless, I continued to sate Aesteal. I grabbed her head and deepened our kiss. Our lips locked in such a way that the only movement made was from our tongues. Slowly, as I absorbed more and more lust, she regained more movement. Her arms wrapped around my neck, clawing at my shirt or ruffling my hair. “Mmmmmmm! Haaaa! Sir! Ooooooooh!’ she moaned when we parted with a smack of our lips.

I caressed her cheek and stared down at her. She looked at me hopelessly enthralled. “Steady yourself, Aesteal. I’ll relieve you of your torment momentarily. Stay there and close your eyes,” I ordered.

Being who she was, Aesteal obeyed and closed her eyes. I made haste and knelt beneath my new bed. I pulled out my favorite little box of supplies. When I opened it, I shivered for a moment when I looked at my previous tools. My hands trembled and I felt oddly cold for a moment. Nevertheless, Aesteal’s pants made me hurry.

I quickly found what I was looking for and kicked the box back under the bed. “Keep your eyes closed,” I said as I got on the bed.

“Y-Yes, Sir!” she moaned before I grabbed her hands and placed them behind her back. I wrapped her arms in rope and I then placed a blindfold around her eyes. Like this, she looked positively stunning. Her excitement increased rapidly. She most likely didn’t know what was happening to her, but she had some inkling. Her breathing got sharper, her chest kept pumping and jutting out her pointed nips at me.

“Good, you’re this pirate’s little captive elf. Fit to me used at my leisure,” I said as I traced a finger over Aesteal’s thigh. She quickly shivered, groaning and lifting her head up.

“Ha ha haaaaa. Sir! T-This is…”

“Shhhh.”

Before I could begin my next action, Aesteal moaned into the air. I noticed the cause of her pleasure was my two little assistants. Nei and Aesteal’s fairmaid were busy licking the side of Aesteal’s right leg. The former winked at me, her body bursting with the same lust as mine.

“Nnnngh! Mmmmmmmngh!” Aesteal moaned before I moved behind her. Her ears twitched as she tried to take in every sound that she could.

“S-Sir? Sir!” she said before I touched her neck, causing her to tremble with great need. I then lifted up her shirt, exposing her glorious melons to my quarters. They looked just as puffy and pointed as always. I licked my lips and grinned.

“You’re such a fucking pervert of an elf, but I would not have you any other way,” I said as I latched my mouth onto her left ear. Aesteal arched back, her panting continuing.

“Ooooooh! N-No, Sir! N-N-Not my ears! T-That feels so goooooood! Mmmmmmngh! Nnnnnhaaaa!” she said her bound arms brushed against my chest. Meanwhile, I wrapped my own arms around her form and firmly grasped her breasts. She couldn’t even get a proper gasp out before my hands groped and fondled her chest. I rolled her breasts around this way and that, pinching and pulling at her nipples, causing her to squirm and her eupohoric aura to explode around us.

I shot out my tongue and licked the full length of Aesteal’s long ears. My hands rolled each of her breasts in perfect synchronization. WIth her blindfolded and restrained, her lust seemed to almost triple in strength. This would help me get it out of her faster and the fairmaids seemed to understand that. Their lickings of her lower body increased.

“Mmmmmmmmmnhaaa! W-Wait! Oooooooh spirits! It feels amazing! S-Sir! Ooooooooh, p-p-pleassssse! I-It’s great! F-F-Flininmir! NNNNNNNNGH!” she cried, trying to shake her head back and forth, but I had firm hold on her body. Her aura mixing with mine, I felt the jolt of a thousand lightning volts rushing through my brain.

“Aye, moan for me Aesteal. Make your pleasures known to all in the land of Draegnar. Waste not a single breath,” I said before I continued my ministrations.

Between the assault of the fairmaids and I, Aesteal stood no chance. “HNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGH!” she roared as her cunt convulsed over the sheets of my bed. Yet, the lust was way too mighty for her to have been satisfied with that. I kept stimulating her, painfully twisting her nipples. Her rapid pants for air fired off into the air like hot bullets. A trail of saliva rolled down the side of her mouth, her hands too bound to try and fix it.

“Mmmmmmmmmmngh! Oooooooh s-something feels good, Sir! I-It feels… sooooooooo…” she wailed. I opened my eyes briefly and saw Nei slipped between Aesteal’s legs, her small tongue licking my elf’s pussy with great fervor. Aesteal’s fairmaid was behind her, groping Nei just like I was groping Aesteal. Their fins slapped the bed happily while I decided to move onto my next step.

I moved my mouth away from Aesteal’s ear and trailed her neck. One of my hands left her breasts and slid down her sweaty stomach until I reached her mound. “Look at you. Are you that eager for my cock? A waterfall flows out of your pussy and onto my sheets. Is this what you imagined every night?” I asked before I lightly bit into her shoulder.

“Y-Yes! Mmmmm yesssss, sir!” she said as she wiggled. Her forehead was covered in sweat and her bound hands desperately tried to reach for my stiffened cock. However, I didn’t let her. I maneuvered out of the way each time as my forefinger and middle finger vigorously worked over her little nub. Through our aura, I felt the myriad of stimulating sensations pressured down upon her.

“Gnnnnnnnnnnnngh!” she cried out before she exploded her female lust juice all over my bed again. This time, the fairmaids were caught in the crossfire, but they didn’t seem to mind. With themselves thoroughly drenched, they turned to each other and kissed passionately. Bit by bit, they licked the remnants of Aesteal’s lust from each other’s body. Nei grabbed her sister’s hair, fully dominating her mouth before she pushed her onto a small part of the bed.

Meanwhile, I leaned Aesteal back on the bed. Her arms bound so beautifully, and her eyes covered by the blindfold, she panted. Her legs twitched across the sheets, her body an entire bundle of frayed nerves.

“W-Why?”

As I leaned up I heard a voice through the reaches of my head. “W-Why does it always feel so good? My body is on fire, the ropes hurt, and my senses are disrupted by the b-blindfold. Yet, it feels so good. It always feels so good. M-My breath is hot, my chest hurts, and I can’t stop the pleasure from erupting through my mind. T-Truly I have fallen so low, but… I’ve never felt more free than now. I-I can’t even speak as I wish for my love’s touch! M-More! Please give me more!”

I was a tad stunned at the words moving through my mind. There was no doubt in my mind that they were Aesteal’s. Neither of the fairmaids ever talked and they were in the midst of sexual rapture. Nei still had her tongue crotch-deep in her sister’s pussy. Aesteal’s fairmaid grabbed her hair, squealing in delight before I turned back to Aesteal.

I bet if I could see myself, my old face would have sported a fucking smile to turn the seas into gold. What elf falls in love with a pirate? Better yet, what pirate falls for an elf?

I quickly undressed myself, springing my cock out from my pants. I then brushed it over her lips. Aesteal moaned for a moment before she stuck out her tongue and reached for my shaft. Unfortunately for her, I pulled away. “I think I’ve spoiled you a bit too much, Aesteal. Surely, a lass like you would know to ask for what she wants,” I said as I swiped my fingers across her shivering skin.

“Y-Your dick, Sir! Please let me suck your hard dick! I-It’s so hot that it scorches my lips. I-I want it,” she huffed before I leaned over her and spread her legs.

“Good girl. Partake of me while I partake of you!” I said as she opened her mouth. My cock slid inside and fuck if I didn’t feel like my length had been engulfed in a sea of boiling water. Aesteal bobbed her head in and out fervently, passionately, greedily.

Meanwhile, I pulled the lips of her snatch apart. She already started dripping again, the smell of her heat utterly intoxicating. “Nei, c-come here!” I said, a tremble in my voice when I felt the intense vacuuming of my cock by Aesteal. Her tongue kissed the slit of my dick, coiling around the shaft like a snake. Her mouth was so eager my brain fried in an instant.

“Uunnnngh!” I groaned before I fired a stream of cum right into Aesteal’s mouth. Her throat swallowed all of it, her lips sucking to extract every bit that she could. I hadn’t even finished cumming before she started sucking me off with renewed vigor. Fuck, I’d need to remind myself not to let her lust go so high again.

Nei, who’d been busy getting her cunt licked by her sister fairmaid, nodded. Both of them came over to me and I held them in my hands. Neither missed a beat, trailing their tongues over my palm. I held them a little closer and Nei surprised me with a quick, if amateurish kiss to my lips.

I grinned. “Help me ease the flames of lust surrounding Aesteal and I’ll make sure you’re rewarded,” I said. Nei and the other fairmaid nodded happily. I dropped them on Aesteal’s chest. Like fucking magnets, they each claimed one of her nipples.

“Eeeeeeeugh! MMmMMMngh! Nnnnnnngh!” my bonded elf quivered, undulating her body up and down. I watched Nei swirl her tiny tongue over my elf’s nipples, caressing it with her fingers. The other was gently biting Aesteal’s other nipple.

Deciding to get my own show on the road, I latched my tongue onto Aesteal’s pussy. My slippery tongue slid through the walls of her moistness. Her legs trembled and shook against my face, but I held them apart. Her toes curled when I vigorously and meticulously rubbed the outer walls of her labia for a moment. My tongue then slowly walked its way around her inner lips.

The final blow came when I moistened my middle finger and slowly penetrated her ass with it. “OOOOOOOOOOONGH!” Aesteal cried, her lips vibrating my cock before she squirted her female lustful essence in my face.

I managed to wring another two orgasms from Aesteal and she got one more out of me before I slid out of her mouth. It seemed that I came more than I thought because a small trail of it slid down the side of her mouth. I picked up Nei and her sister. They both wantonly licked up the fluids on my face.

Once I was clean, I took the blindfold off Aesteal. I was greeted with the face of a woman completely enslaved to her desires. Aesteal’s disheveled hair, sweaty face, glowing eyes, and restless pants were a sight to behold. Despite her depraved state, I couldn’t mistake the smile etched into her face. I caressed her cheek and my body continued to absorb her lust. It wasn’t long before my cock was ready for more.

Without even asking, I eyed the fairmaids. They stared at the both of us, their eyes wide and their lips moist. Aesteal eyed me and saw me push her legs apart. “A-Are you going to fuck me, S-Sir? Are you going to slide your long, hard, p-powerful cock inside me once again? Y-Yes, relieve me of my strong desires for you! P-Please give me everything!” she begged.

I planned on doing just that, but then I gave pause. Feeling rather playful, I laid on my back. My cock pointed straight up in the air, a few vestiges of cum still seeping out its opening. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Nei and her sister lick their lips.

“No, Aesteal. You’re gonna do it. Come to me and fulfill your own desires.”

My silver-haired elf looked at me for a moment before she managed to lean up and get on her knees. Her arms still behind her back, she slowly walked over to me, her eyes never leaving my cock. Soon, I was met with her hungry gaze. I was a little amused when she tried to slide my cock into her cunt. Unfortunately, she missed a couple of times, moaning in delight when my girth rubbed across her slit.

However, never had Aesteal been one to give up. It didn’t take her long at all to get my cock so far deep inside her pussy that her crotch met mine. I wasn’t even ashamed to say I bit my lip and gripped the bedsheets for perseverance through the undeniable pleasures that soared through my mind. The walls of her pussy were tight, almost strangling me to death.

“Mmmmmmngh! Y-You’re so deep inside me, Sir. I can feel every pulse of your cock conquering me. Rubbing every corner in my body. I’m such a shameful elf because of you, Sir. Now I’m going to pleasure your hard, sturdy cock with my body,” she said as she raised her hips, revealing my cock saturated in her love juice. She then slammed her hips back down.

I smirked. “Best you not disappoint then,” I replied and she mimicked my smirk.

“Ngh! Nnnnnnngh! Nhoooooah! Ooooooooooh! Y-Your cock is so strong! It feels so good!’ Aesteal moaned as she bounced her hips on my cock, pleasuring herself with my cock while I watched her tits bounce. The rapture exploded through my brain just like all the other times, but her lust was so strong I felt every piece of it flowing into every part of my body.

Over and over, this studious elf and I gave ourselves over to greater pleasure. I wasn’t even surprised when I came inside her. I didn’t even try to fight it. I just let it happen and she responded appropriately, cumming on her own as well. Nevertheless, the lust kept us going.

With how much we’d had sex, Aesteal had clearly gotten much better with her movements. She took me all the way down to the base of my cock, rotating her hips left and right, wriggling my cock inside her cunt. The massage of her slimy, yet bumpy walls against my own flesh left me weak and my eyes blurred by bright lights.

Pretty soon, it got to such a point that I couldn’t take it anymore. I just grabbed her hips and vigorously slammed her down on my cock. “NNNNNNNNGH! Oh fuck, S-Sir!’ she wailed, cumming again without restraint. Then, I proceeded to fuck her. I fucked her hard. I fucked her hard enough for the bed to shake. The music of her voice became a chorus in my ears. I gritted my teeth, the lust exploding and slowly dissipating around the both of us.

“I love you.”

Through my lust-filled haze, through the erotic sounds of Nei and her sister, I heard the piercing words that echoed through the depth of my mind. “I love you so much, Sir!”

I watched Aesteal scream, her hair flowing wildly like a sea of bright silver coins. Almost like I was unconscious, I grabbed her breasts and fondled them. I leaned up, grinding my pelvis with hers. The look in her eyes was one lost in our copulation. I touched her cheek and she focused on me. I was sure if her hands were free, she’d throw them around me when we kissed.

Now, I might be a piece of shit and one of the lowest fuckers in all of D’orn, but there was something in that kiss that released all my inhibitions. “Y-You’re so deep inside me! Fuck me harder, Sir! May I only know your touch and your body! M-Mmmmmmngh, s-so powerful! Your thrusts send shivers through my very core!” She praised to me.

“Aye, and you do the same to me,” I said before I turned us over. Her legs wrapped around my waist, keeping me lodged inside her snatch. I pistoned my cock in and out, hammering over and over into her as if trying to brand my very name on her soul. It became clear to me she’d already done it to me. The sweat pouring down my face and hers dripping on my chest oddly reminded me of that.

“MmMmmmnGH!” she groaned, trembling and clenching my cock enough to make my toes curl. Into the night air, she sang like a siren fit to draw all sailors into her embrace. Her orgasm stimulated the start of my own, my final one. All the lust in my body seemed to culminate to this very moment. My hips were sore and so was my cock, but my drive was not to be denied. I wanted to cum inside her. I wanted to cum inside this elf who loved me, a pirate, with all my strength.

Worst of all, she seemed to know it as well. Her cunt kept goading me, twisting and shifting trying to pull the last spurt out of me. Over and over, thrust after thrust, I captured her lips and shoved my cock as deep as I could. Cum fired out of my cock like a stream of cannonballs. My nuts ached as they rested on her ass. Even just to continue the sensation, I maneuvered more cum out of my cock with my powers in the hopes of filling her up a little more.

Unfortunately, the feeling couldn’t last forever. I fell on top of her, my single lung working overtime to provide me with enough air to breathe. It was actually kind of painful. We panted, the last of the lust being circulated out of my room, dispersing in the air.

“Haaa… haaa… haaaa… mnnnhaaaaa,”

Clearly, even An’raie was satisfied by our performance before I felt something pleasurable on my cock. I looked down and saw Nei sliding her tongue up and down my shaft, licking away both my and Aesteal’s juices. Meanwhile, Aesteal moaned a little, opening her legs to reveal her own fairmaid slowly slurping up the cum from her pussy. Both continued until we were clean.

Nei crawled up my body until she rested on my chest. I was offered one wink before she fell asleep. I leaned back and sighed. Well, ain’t no point in going back to the auction now. I wished I could still see the circulating of coin around the auction, but it was indeed a circumstance brought upon by myself.

Still, I wondered why I’d been able to hear Aesteal’s thoughts. It wasn’t like I used a mind-reading spell to do that. She also didn’t seem aware of it herself. Hell, once she was cleaned by her fairmaid, she was already asleep. I quickly, yet quietly released her arms. She groaned a moment, but I wouldn’t deny the smile on her face. I brought her into my arms and she rested her head against my shoulder.

I grumbled, staring at the ceiling. Eric, you fucking old, salty scourge. How the hell could I allow my heart to be moved for a fucking second time? I stared at one of my drawers, holding the list of my crew, each of them just waiting for a slit throat or a hanging on the Jagged Rocks.

I thought of Boreli, the one that fucking got away. I thought of my enemies that laid in the dark. I thought of my plans should all of these be wiped out. The sea was grand, perhaps grander than any adventure that lay upon all the realms. I wished to sail them for as long as I could. Preferably, with this foolishly honest elf and the others at my side.

I turned out the light and fell asleep. As one might expect of Draegnar, there was a sound of gunfire over the air, too far away to keep me awake any longer.