The Vengeful Tide-Ch. 37 (Patreon)

Greetings patrons,

I hope you're all enjoying the beginning to mid-part of October. Try not to eat too much candy. Anyway, chapter 37 has been finished and Eric begins the first steps in figuring out the mystery around Taptos. Enjoy!

WttW

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I rose quickly the following day with my cock buried in the crevice of Naala’s ass. She didn’t seem to mind and gave me a slight rub every little while. However, much to my own surprise, I chose not to ravish her. Instead, I let her continue to sleep in the bed along with Aesteal and Ellen. The fairmaids had long since huddled together, sleeping softly at the bottom of the water-filled barrel we’d put in the room.

I managed to get out of bed without waking anyone only to notice that Diane was gone. Unfortunately, my mind was too preoccupied with what happened to think about much else. I walked out of the mansion, staring at the sun's dawn just barely over the Hæňgaram mountains. The dim orange of the sky made the mountains of white ash sparkle like a bastard’s treasure cove of countless jewels. It makes a bigger bastard like myself want to plunder the lot of it. If my devastation of C’ula wasn’t enough to earn the empire’s ire, then I’d bet plundering the mountains was.

Nevertheless, I turned my eyes away from the mountains and sat on the stairs of the mansion. Despite feeling refreshed from my sleep, and from the amazing sex I’d had with Nei and Lei, my mind still felt restless. Though unhappy, I’d grown used to the fact that I wasn’t at An’raie’s level in terms of magical prowess. A lot of what I needed to properly combat someone like her was locked deep within Liara’s memories, and I’d definitely require a stronger body than what I had. In essence, I’d grown used to being forcefully removed from her side of our shared souls. Were she to venture into mine, I’d not have the strength to remove her. I assumed I was just lucky that she chose not to interfere with me at all.

Still, even as I returned to my own dreams, I couldn’t remove An’raie’s voice from my deepest thoughts. I heard her voice and I knew that was the voice of a woman in deep bliss. However, I wondered what caused such a reaction. I thought it might have been the sex Nei, Lei, and I had when our minds melded together. It was also possible that she was using the essence of Vilinlith for her own purposes. Since we shared my body, I held no illusions that she couldn’t make use of it, but what had she done to compel such a voice from her?

I thought to ask, but our thoughts were normally separated from each other’s. It’d be a hassle if she knew my thoughts every moment of the day and the same for her with me. I’d also imagine she wouldn’t be too pleased if she knew I went sneaking about in her side of our shared soul.

“Well, the shit ain’t my business anyway. I know little else of what she does since the lass refuses to even acknowledge my existence anymore,” I thought as I stared off into the Hæňgaram mountains.

“Of all the dirty faces I’ve got to see first thing in the morning, it has to be yours.”

I turned and noticed the missing member of my bed strolling towards me. Her face was wrought with sweat and her knuckles were wrapped tight in bandages. Her left hand also seemed to be bleeding.

I grinned as I turned to her. “And what makes you restless? Should not a mansion’s bed calm even a fierce spirit like yours, Diane?”

The woman snorted, wiping her forehead with her shoulder. “It probably would if it had like four less bodies in it. But I won’t complain, the nights in this region are pretty cold, especially after the storm last night. Keeps the body warm, especially since Naala paws at almost anything she can find when she sleeps. Girl’s true to her pirate ways,” Diane replied as she took a seat next to me.

I silently watched the sweat fall down her face, through her neck, and down into her cleavage. She leaned back and laid her head on the steps, stretching out her chest which gave me a show of her nipples against her shirt. I wasn’t sure if this was deliberate or not, but I enjoyed the view as much as the one of the Hæňgaram mountains.

“So what were you doing that brought you up so early?” I asked.

Diane grinned. “I trained. Punched and kicked a bunch of trees for two hours. Hands hurt like hell too, but it’s better than trying it out on the masts of the ship. I’ve always done this whenever I get up. There’s actually a realm that Lady Liara created just for me. Nothing’s there but a piece of floating land and a large stone made of enhanced black stone. She let me punch it for as long as I wanted when I had the time. Still haven’t left a dent in the fucking thing and it’s broken my hand more than once,” she said, a small smile on her face.

Thanks to Liara’s memories, I knew which realm that was. It had no name and it was locked behind a very simple wooden door. Ever since Diane joined Liara she’d punched that thing nearly every day. I know not many who would attempt to endure such a thing, man or woman.

“You might get your chance to hit it more. I might have to head back to the ship with you and Goron,” I said as I leaned up, hearing the sound of a horse-drawn carriage far off down the road.

Diane, her eyes closed, and her body still relaxed, answered. “We’re not going to handle that business of yours to the east? I thought it was important.”

“It is,” I immediately replied, my mind already wondering what Anderen was up to. I’d have tried to use my soul to travel that vast distance, but I was still recovering from that arrow Maeloson shot at me. Plus, I’d rather not put more strain on myself than was already there with having to keep the magic in place that bound An’raie and I together.

Diane opened her eyes and looked at me. I saw something in her gaze and she leaned up. “So which fucker are you dragging onto the ship this time?” she asked, the relaxed look on her face disappearing as she asked me.

At this point, I wasn’t really surprised that Diane started to suspect some things. She already knew that I was much older than my body might claim since our bout on Delverhold. She never seemed to delve into it, not seeming to care one way or the other about my circumstances.

I took out a knife and moved the handle between my fingers. “He ain’t gonna come on my ship this time. If he does, then it’s gonna be in pieces as food for the monsters beneath the seabed,” I replied, not even attempting some roundabout explanation. Someone like Diane would have seen through such bullshit anyway.

“Something tells me Hæňgaram isn’t gonna turn into a pile of ash and dust in the few days we’re gone. Besides, just do what you need to and we head back. If it’s to the east, then it won’t take any more than two or three days. We’ll be back in less than a week. Besides, why do you need to go back to the ship? Goron could easily do it,” she responded.

I leaned back with her. “Aye, let’s just say I be in need of a second opinion from a difficult client,” I answered as Burnwood stared at me, her tone shifting to unease. It was no surprise why. A lot of Liara’s clients were dangerous spirits, demons, gods, and the like. Many of them could make a man go mad simply being in their presence. In fact, even Liara had to prepare a few counterspells just to speak with them herself.

“You’re not really narrowing the list down. Do you know how many assholes I’ve seen walk through those doors back on Draegnar?” she questioned before my smile widened.

“Then, shall I request the name of Yyril before you?” I asked.

Instantly, Diane lost her unease. She sharply inhaled and exhaled. “Fucking dammit. I hope that old shit got himself hanged on those strings of his,” she said under her breath. She then looked at me.

“If you weren’t serious, I’d blow your head off right now. You do know what you’re getting into when you deal with that fucker right?” She asked, her gaze clearly wondering if I had the resolve to see this course through.

I relieved her of her concerns with a confident smirk. “Who do you think I be, Diane? Of course, I ain’t gonna let the bastard run his mouth till the high seas turn yellow. I’ve got something he needs also. He’ll work with us, or he’ll run his decrepit body into the wayward dirt,” I replied. Diane took a long look at me before she finally groaned.

“Fine. But if he makes one wrong move, then I’m the only one who’s gonna put his ass in the dirt,” she said as she stood up. She then walked back inside and I continued to stay out, watching the sun climb higher and higher.

After a while, my crew began to stir. I had no plans to go out so a few of them mentioned that they’d be leaving. I warned the lot to stay out of trouble. Of course, one of them couldn’t resist taking a shot at me.

“Well, we ain’t next to you, Captain. We might be able to this time.”

While the point held weight, I didn’t like it. Though, it was less true that trouble found me. I was the bastard always looking to find it. Then again, in my first life, I’d had a penchant for trouble that had Leah mocking me numerous times. She always wondered how she fell in love with a being as cursed as I. Now, I could only wonder if she ever loved me at all.

…not that it mattered either way.

When Ellen woke up, I spoke of a change in my plans. Diane, Goron, and I would be headed back to my ship as soon as Hæňgaram decided to confirm our story. As for Anderen, I came up with an idea for that. It merely hinged on the hopes that Alteria’s little table friends would take my suggestion. Then again, even if they didn’t, I’d already come up with another way.

The rest of my time was spent eating and preparing the spells I’d need for meeting with Yyril. If nothing else, the bastard had a forked tongue. He could easily trip up the poor guy who spoke the wrong words to him. While I’d never met him personally, Liara gave me quite a few experiences to draw from. Even she never liked dealing with him all that often.

Nei and Lei continued to keep me company, the two of them feasting on enchanted water grass. The others were off with Aesteal, Ellen, and Maeloson. The two fairmaids watched me work, intrigued by what I was doing as I studiously crafted runes in the air with my mana. Lei seemed the most curious, trying to touch one of the runes she saw as her eyes sparkled like those of a mystified acolyte.

Nei would simply watch from the barrel, a knowing smile on her face that made me suspicious of her. Her fin flopped playfully, amused at what she was doing to me. That said, I managed to mess with her by using the water to grab her tail. I’d dunked her beneath the waters of the barrel a few times which made her glare at me.

Either way, my work continued for a little while longer before my ears picked up on harsh marching steps. The clink of armor against dust and dirt rose over the trees that guarded my crew’s temporary homestead. I slowly put my things away as Nei and Lei became aware of the noise as well. Their ears flicked and they turned their heads toward the window.

“Looks like we’ve got a few visitors. Best we see what they want,” I said as I stood up.

Nei quickly jumped out of the barrel and flopped her way toward me. She climbed my torso and hid in my hair, taking her spot as always. I picked up Lei and she settled into one of my chest pockets. Her small head peeked out for a moment before a knock came on my door.

“Eric, a Hæňgaram patrol march toward the house!” my mother warned from the other side of the door. I grabbed my coat and straightened my disguise. I opened the door and moved past her.

“Then we best not keep the loyal guard waiting,” I said as I gathered my crew together and worked their disguises as well. Once everyone was prepared, I pushed open the doors. Immediately, I noticed there was only one person present. I knew who it was almost instantly. I’d never forget the mature, calculated look on the woman’s face who’d led the table of Alteria’s little group from a few days ago.

I stepped out from my crew and walked out to meet her. Now that there was better light, I took some time to observe her. Already, I knew she was different from other Hæňgaram soldiers. Her hair was fashioned in a noble’s bun braid. Unlike most Hæňgaram soldiers who wore the nation’s symbol of white and blue, she wore an embellished black cape with finely crafted crystallized ash burned deep into its stitches. On her left shoulder were various decorated medals. On her right hip was a rapier so long the scabbard nearly touched the ground.

She stared at me like a hawk, never even taking the time to consider the other members of my ship as I stood before her. “And what brings you to our honored mansion? Surely, we’ve been the good group while you’re men have been off on their own ventures,” I said, a wide smile on my face.

Unfortunately, I received no rise to my provocations. Instead, the woman continued to look at me as if clearly disgusted at the thought of speaking whatever she wanted out of her mouth. In the meantime, I turned my attention to the woods. Though they did their best to remain hidden, I saw a least two dozen subordinates standing amongst the sea of trees. While I didn’t know the reason that she’d left them there, I assumed it was because she wished to meet me alone.

“The men have returned from Taptos,” she said.

I quickly noted something was wrong with the way her face scrunched up. “And that be either good or bad news for us?” I asked, my jovial tone slowly disappearing.

“Unfortunately, it seems the magics around Taptos are quite powerful. They moved to arrest you and your crew. You’d then be put on trial before the emperor for dishonest conduct and malice towards the Hæňgaram Empire,” she replied.

I took a moment to process what this woman told me. At the moment, I came to two conclusions. Either the men knew what happened and were trying to cover it up, or they’d all gone into the range of Taptos and had the same fate fall on them as with all the other victims.

“And what of the man we brought back with us? Even they can’t deny something strange must have befallen him in Taptos to render him that way,” I said, feeling a little irritated at this misfortune that had come over me.

“I’m sure they’ll work a story about your group turning him that way before you arrived in Ynro. And before you ask, we’re not too sure he can survive if we look into his memories. If not for his beating heart, many would think him dead,” she answered back.

While I’d say fuck the bastard and look into his memories anyway, I knew that wouldn’t go over well with this woman before me. In fact, I was sure it’d only sour our already abysmal relationship. My work would be much easier if I didn’t have her and the others on my ass the whole time.

“And yet, you haven’t stormed the mansion and wrapped us in chains. Obviously, you know the truth from the unfortunate fable,” I remarked. She looked at me for another moment or two before her gaze settled.

“Indeed, and a Hæňgaram soldier does not distort the hard truth for the convenient lie. When the men reported to me, I took charge of the matter. As of right now, your group is moving to a larger building close to mine,” she said while I hummed.

“So I’ll have to be close to you, will I?” I asked, a small hint of jest in my voice. I noticed her lips curve up into a smile of her own.

“Indeed you will…” she folded her arms behind her back and then glared at me.

“...and I hate being close to people, especially your kind. However, it’s also thanks to you that we’re even aware of the situation regarding Taptos. While I can’t remove your suspicion, I’ll at least allow you to roam Hæňgaram freely provided you’re with an escort,” she said.

I snorted to myself. “You mean a watcher?” I asked, staring quizzically at her. She didn’t seem to mind much.

“Call it what you will, but I suggest you take heed of it lest you feel the full weight of the empire come down upon you. At the risk of inflating your ego, I’m not too sure which would survive the encounter,” she said.

I stared off to the side at the hidden soldiers. “Best it not come to that then. I stand to lose quite a bit if the lot of you antagonize me as well. Either way, you’ll be in luck. I hope to find the mystery to this matter for myself,” I said, watching her look at me.

“And what means have you to do that?”

“Keep your eyes on me, Lass. You just might find out,” I teased, aware of her stern gaze upon me. She didn’t seem amused by my words, but she didn’t seem the type to find amusement in most things.

She turned around, looking out into the forested path that led from our temporary home and into the outskirts of the empire. “Keep whatever secrets you must, Eric Drakclaw, but as I warned you before, I shall be watching you. Now then, perhaps it’s best if we move this conversation elsewhere before the patrol comes to see a not-vacant estate.

“And how many of your men over there know that you’re aiding a pirate?” I asked curiously.

She looked back at me with a smirk. “Indeed they do. They are members of my unit after all. Handpicked by me to serve the empire. However, unlike me, they aren’t quite so amenable to your presence. Now then, gather your men and vacant the estate. I’d like to have your… crew settled quickly as I have other matters to attend to other than entertaining you,” she said, her tone bereft of patience.

We exchanged a few glares but I relented first. “Aye, then we’ll be journeying with you for a short time, Lass.”

I turned around and walked back to the rest of my crew. “So how many sets of chains have they prepared for us?” Truon of Raven’s Shadow asked which made Racaell jab him in the arm. While he rubbed his shoulder, I addressed them.

“Turns out Taptos ain’t as easy as we thought. We’ll be under the care of the lass over there. Do whatever pleases your heart that you were doing before, but don’t draw any attention to yourself. Since Taptos failed, we’ll be under a bit of scrutiny from the guards,” I warned.

The others groaned for a little while and Daen sighed. “And here I thought we’d just arrive when the bastards had their walls torn down and their blood-ridden armor scattered across the fields from Hil to Aknorn.”

“Aye, when shall we scavenge and plunder, Captain? We settle in these lands anymore and we’ll all turn into the tight-lipped, and dressed shirt bastards of Hæňgaram,” another complained before a woman’s laughter pierced the group.

“Putting your ass in a dressed shirt would dirty the damn cloth in seconds. I’d sooner feel pity for the seamstress that designed such a thing only to have an ugly toad like you loosen its buttons,” she said, cackling to herself at the man’s expense.

Once everything quieted down, Ellen appeared before me. “So if the shit’s a bust, then why aren’t we fighting for our lives right now?”

“Cause the lass over there is craftier than I gave her credit for. She already knows my ship ain’t the type to be easily captured. She’s also aware of the state the empire’s in right now. Aye, they’ve got the resources to tangle with me, but not with Zevmar at their backs at the same time. While I am confident of my victory in the end, I’m not so sure many of you would survive the encounter. Aye, you’ve become strong in your own right thanks to the rewards of Delverhold, but the lot of you would fall against seasoned and disciplined warriors. It was for that reason that I chose not to aid you in a naval battle. Best you lot get used to combat with battling others more trained than you are…” I said, pausing to gather the reactions of everyone present.

They all stared at me with hardened eyes, their merriment diminished by my words. I’d sailed these vast seas for many years and I’d lost a lot of men, good bastards and bitches, worth more than any piece of Hæňgaram crystal. However, that was what it meant to come aboard my ship. They’d all see things they’d never thought possible, and battle things most thought only existed in fables. Were they not ready, I’d only turn the seas red with their bodies.

“Anyway, she’s aware of the situation regarding Taptos. We’ll be making our moves beneath her gaze and the gaze of her troops from now on. Now, gather your belongings and let us make haste that we not lose the morning light,” I ordered.

“Aye, Captain!” They said before Ellen ordered them all back inside. My mother and I locked gazes for a moment. She turned around and marched up the stairs while I walked back to the Hæňgaram woman. I saw her troops in front of her, each of them saluting her.

“We understand, Grand Elder Lorentia. May the Hæňgaram Empire stand forever strong upon your orders!” her troops spoke bravely before they noticed me coming. Their eyes immediately bore great hatred toward me, but I paid them no mind.

Instead, I looked at the woman named Lorentia, an odd feeling running over me. I felt like I remembered that name from somewhere in my old life. I sure as hell didn’t recall ever meeting this lass before, but the name brought back some kind of recognition for me.

“Are your men ready to go, Eric Drakclaw, or are you content to continue to stare upon me?” she asked, which brought me out of my musings. Her arms were folded below her elbows, and her gaze remained unforgivingly stout.

I found her mood rather tiresome but figured there was no point bringing it up. “We’ll leave soon. Just practice your empire’s anthems until we’re done,” I replied, garnering a few unpleasant frowns from Eska’s men.

After about an hour’s worth of work, we had flushed the mansion of our pirate presence. Unfortunately, Grand Elder Lorentia and her guard didn’t honor us with any singing of the empire’s anthems like I’d suggested. Instead, they continued to look at us with unpleasantness when we stood before them. Amongst those of her guard, I saw one of them was an elf. He in particular looked at Aesteal and Maeloson with pure disdain, not that they paid him much mind. In fact, I dare say they seemed uninterested. Aesteal seemed to disregard him, but Maeloson kept up an indifferent look, paying attention but no more than necessary.

We followed Lorentia and her troops. They led out away from what had been our home for a few days and through the great lands of Hæňgaram. We passed by numerous men and women of humble beginnings, riding their carts filled with wood, crops, or broken stones. A few of them saluted the brave men and women of the empire’s army, thanking them for their service. It was enough to make a pirate groan.

Nevertheless, we continued on, passing by a large cathedral with a statue of Lumnina in front of its doors. There were plenty of people kneeling down, worshiping her divine glory.

“I bet the lass sucks more god cock than any wench that Zeus has laid hands on,” someone behind me said while another snorted.

“Ain’t a fan of the gods, are ya?”

I heard a huff. “Bastards ain’t much good for shit besides exercising the knees. Nah, I only got one and his name is Gold! I’ll do all the kneeling in the world for that!”

From that conversation budded others until we were escorted to our destination. Before our eyes lay a large valley that seemed to stretch out for miles. Within it was so many buildings one might think it a small town of sorts. A few of them were large, easily dwarfing the size of the mansion we’d been in just an hour ago. Others were so small they could hardly be huts. Nevertheless, all of them in their brilliance waved the mighty flags of the empire.

My eyes drew attention to the hills surrounding the cluster of buildings. There were three of them, and at their apex lay three of the largest buildings, only dwarfed by the size of the emperor’s estate at the front of the empire behind its massive walls.

Aye, speaking of walls, I also noticed a wall made of enhanced wood at the bottom of the valley. It seemed to reach all the way into the distance across the valley. It was only when I saw the various armored soldiers at the bottom, each of them performing rigorous exercises did I start to figure out where we’d been led.

“This is one of the empire’s training grounds, the Naalin Valley. Once we’ve passed the gate, you and your men shall be situated upon the right hill. Everything of importance has already been vacated. Take note that we are not your servants. You may leave to gather your own food whether outside the gates or in the valley. However, I’d urge caution. This is an area lined with numerous wild beasts, some of which have given even our best difficulty. Should you lose one of your men, our nation won’t shed a tear for it,” Lorentia advised while I hummed, finding myself intrigued by the prospect. Perhaps that could be another matter of labor for my men. I’d rather them not grow fat and lazy from the inactivity.

“We’ll try to leave something for your men to hunt,” I boldly claimed, receiving something between a laugh and a scoff from one of her men. Unluckily for him, I knew which one it was by the flow of water between the mouth and throat.

“I wish you luck in your hunts then,” she said.

Lorentia then signaled to her men and they followed her down. We followed after them and the gates were opened upon our arrival. A group of five men for each door pulled them apart, saluting the Grand Elder. She barely gave them a glance, acknowledging their posture and militaristic poise.

Once we were all through, she led us over to a tent. In front of it was a desk with a woman garbed in armor seated at it. She looked up at Lorentia and then looked at us. Suffice to say, like all the others, her expression wasn’t so pleasant. Instead, she saluted the Grand Elder and offered her several pieces of paper.

Taking the papers, Lorentia guided us toward the hill. We ascended its steep slopes and some of the Hæňgaram soldiers stared at us in surprise. Given that this was a training area, it seemed that climbing this hill wasn’t supposed to be easy. However, there was hardly even an expression of discomfort on the faces of my crew, some of them even bickering amongst themselves about which rooms they’d get.

I wondered if the lot even knew that they were on a hill meant for training.

Either way, we arrived at the building and Lorentia faced me. “I don’t believe what I said before needs repeating. These are the papers which authorize your group to be here. Lose them and you’ll have more than just your disguised reputations to worry about. Do as you wish, but do not distract my men from their daily regimen. With war beyond the horizon, there are many who are tense, readying themselves for the trials ahead,” she stated, causing me to turn to her.

“Aye, the bastards from Sairan must be nearing your doorstep. Off with the lot of you then. Even a drunken Draegnarian’s beaten face and broken mouth look more pleasing to the expressions on the faces of your men,” I fired back, not caring enough to turn around and see her reaction. Instead, I heard them march away until they were out of sight.

Ellen came up next to me. “This shit better be worth it. Bastards piss me off almost as much as you do,” she uttered, pushing a hand through her blonde hair.

“I’ll be sure to tell Zevmar to hurry his plans along,” I returned while she snorted.

“I’d sooner put him in the dirt than deal with this lot further…” she returned, taking a step forward so that everyone saw her. “Alright, get inside and pick your rooms. And I ain’t changing who you were rooming with before!”

With no one willing to test Ellen’s patience, the crew was led inside and we spent the better part of the day fixing our things once again. Naturally, I took the largest room with the largest bed. Unfortunately, this bed wasn’t easily able to accommodate the four of us like the previous one. However, I had a solution for that.

I got rid of the original bed and muttered some magical words, conjuring up a replica of the bed back in the previous mansion. With its size, the room was notably smaller, but no one seemed to mind.

“When the hell did you manage to do that?” Naala asked, pressing her palms down on the mattress.

I stared at a desk that was next to the window, providing a small view of the training fields below. “During the time we packed our things. Best make the most of it, the spell doesn’t last long,” I said before I noticed their gazes on me.

“Will you still be heading back to the ship, Sir?” Aesteal asked as my gaze relaxed.

I dropped my disguise as did the others. “Aye. The shit around Taptos stinks worse than the Draegnar’s Blood Docks. Ellen, take the members of Raven’s Shadow with you when you go out. With as much activity as Hæňgaram’s gotten over the last few weeks, I imagine those powers in the dark are hoisting their sails as well. Scope the lot out under the guise of selling our wares. We’re sure to get something outta someone.”

“And should they not talk?” she asked.

“Has that ever stopped you?” I asked back. For once, I saw the pleasant grin on her face in its full glory.

I then turned to Maeloson and Aesteal. “I’ve also got a change of plans for both of you. Head out from the walls and venture into the northern provinces of the empire. Head out as far as you can. Find out how far any opposing force is from its borders. Should you spot one, then track it slowly. If you find more than one, head back here,” I ordered.

“The empire spoke of skirmishes that have picked up since the auction of that beast’s corpse. It seems as if many nations want some part of it. We’re obviously likely to find more than one,” he retorted while I leaned back with a nod.

“Aye. However, that proves the severity of this poor lot’s circumstances. If they got northern kingdoms upon them and the Sairan empire to the southeast, there ain’t much of a hope for them. In fact, it’ll be better if we take out one while Hæňgaram focuses its efforts on the other,” I responded, digging up what I could of this war from my old memories.

Without a doubt, as far as I was aware, Hæňgaram survived this war, but I knew that my interference had changed things considerably. The matter between these nations had brought Seraphina to me and potentially connected another of my former crew. If I had to combat these mysterious people who ruined D’orn, then there’d be no way for them to ignore an event such as this.

From what I remembered, Hæňgaram’s seas had been closed off at some point during the war. I remembered because I’d looted a great number of merchant vessels forced to sail through the more treacherous southern oceans to get to their destinations. I remembered a certain man complaining about their voyage and how it wouldn’t have happened had Hæňgaram not closed their waters. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but now I wished that I’d paid more attention.

For the empire to cut off its northern sea trade, the lot of which it was proficient in, then I wondered if it had something to do with the kingdoms in that area. The limited knowledge from Liara that I was able to access on the matter gave me some measure that this was correct. One of her many… knowledge-gatherers had once informed her of a northern plague that had begun making its way across the sea. Apparently, some fucker named Aldergaud had contracted it. However, Hæňgaram had talented medics, and those priests proficient in limited divine healing magic. I wondered what could be so potent that Hæňgaram was willing to offer a quarter of its riches to Liara for an answer.

Unfortunately, it seemed I’d be figuring that part out myself. Though she was gone in my own time, I wondered if Liara was doing this shit on purpose just to mess with me. Still, it wasn’t like it was impossible to figure out. There were millions of books on diseases that I could search for through her memories. Hell, I could even ask Yyril when I got the chance, but I wished to be careful in inquiring too much from him. There was a reason Diane never liked interacting with him.

The day slowly started to drift to a close. I stayed in my room to continue my work, prepared to leave in two days. Aesteal asked me what I’d do about Anderen, even offering to set out and confirm him for me. As much as I’d enjoy that, I told her not to trouble herself with the matter. If Anderen was in Hæňgaram, then I’d make sure he didn’t end up like Boreli. That fucker would die by my own hand and not because he escaped my grasp by way of my own stupidity.

After a while, my work was interrupted by a harsh knock on the door. “Enter,” I said, turning around to see Ellen come through. I noticed her body was covered with dust and dirt, along with harshly depleted reserves of mana. The smell of smoke and gunpowder wrapped themselves like towels around her skin.

“And where have you been that you’re dirtier than a mountain troll?” I asked.

“Busy. Anyway, the Grand Elder bitch is outside. She wants to see you. I’m gonna go take my damn bath,” she replied before I could even offer a clever retort.

I looked down and saw Nei and Lei staring down at my notes in bewilderment, their innocent inquisitiveness never failing to make an old bastard turn his lips up. “Now, let’s be seeing what the lass wants,” I said as I stood up. They both settled into their spots, yawning slightly from eating their fill of enchanted water grass.

When I walked outside, I saw Lorentia patiently waiting for me. I noticed that she hadn’t changed her clothes despite the shift of day to night. “Just so we be clear here, I promised to work with the lot of you, but I ain’t one of your little army scouts. Don’t expect me to come running every time you ask for my attention. Now, what brings you all the way up here tonight?” I asked as she continued to look at me for a moment or two.

“I’ll keep your comments in mind. Rest assured, that I wasn’t keen on coming up here either. However, now that the day has passed and my load of work has lightened, we have further things which we must discuss. Were it up to me, I wouldn’t bother discussing with you, but your relationship with Alteria has made the matter rather complicated. Please come with me,” she urged.

I said nothing after that. I allowed myself to be led down the hill. Neither of us spoke a word even after we made it to the bottom. She beckoned me to follow her to one of the buildings at the base of the valley. Most of the lights in the buildings were out and I’d taken it for some type of administrative building where the Grand Elder worked.

Two guards were in front of the pristine and magically enhanced doors. Each of them held a magic-imbued spear and shield. Their bodies were covered with suits of armor. A small breeze moved through the air, making their armor rattle a little like the creak of a ship upon the waves of a distant sea.

The two spoke not a word and saluted Lorentia. They then opened the doors for both of us. When we stepped inside, I saw a few office desks here and there on the first floor. A couple of comfortable chairs for either guests or soldiers themselves were positioned directly apart from each other with furnished tables between them.

She led me up the stairs to the second floor where I saw more office spaces and more chairs. However, in front of each door was an insignia for seasoned members of her guard.

She led me all the way up to the eighth floor. As expected, her office was the only one there. It was also the most prestigious, lined with a noble purple carpet and a hallway of plaques and swords. I figured it to be a line of succession of the leaders of this training area.

We came up to what I assume was her office. She opened the door and I immediately noticed that we weren’t alone. Inside were two women and a man, each of them with their swords at their hips. For two of them, I was subjected to harsh glares, but another was a little more amiable. However, it shouldn’t be a surprise why. She’d sailed on my ship for Delverhold.

“I see you’ve been released, Alteria,” I said as Lady Knight slightly shook her head, her white hair casting a bit of a glow from the candles. Despite my greeting, she spoke not a word to me, not that I was expecting her to. Though I’d consider her better than most Hæňgaramians I met, we were still not what you’d call friends either. No doubt it wouldn’t look good on her to speak casually with a pirate, especially not in front of the woman behind me.

“Is this the one, Grand Elder Lorentia?” the other woman asked.

When I took the time to observe her, I noted the heavy disdain laden on her face. Her hair was a slight tone of brown, short and trimmed almost like that of a man. The only thing which gave her away was the breastplate and slightly wider hips. Embedded in her forehead looked to be a magic stone meant for amplifying the wearer’s magical might.

The door closed behind me and Lorentia walked over to her desk. “That’s correct, Eressa. I trust that I will have your discretion?” she asked.

I took a seat on one of the couches, putting one of my boots on the table to rest my leg. When I observed reactions, they were mostly in disapproval. Granted, Alteria seemed the slightest bit amused by what I’d done even if her lips didn’t curve up to showcase it. However, the one named Eressa sent the most hateful glare at the Balamar knight, a glare that was so hidden from Lorentia and the man in the room.

“I shall go along with what you believe to be right, Grand Elder,” she returned, grave disdain embedded in her face. Her face then lessened in anger when she saw the look on the face of her superior officer. Lorentia clearly wasn’t pleased with her behavior.

“Good…” she said, taking a seat behind her desk. She then turned to the man. “Galadard, give me your report.”

The man, Galadard, eyed me cautiously before he opened his hand. I saw the intricate languages of magic come together to form a light blue matrix just above his fingers. Out of the matrix came a scroll with a tied red cloth. He opened it.

“As suggested, once the pirate informed the Grand Elder and the Table of the fate of Taptos, a select few men were ordered to follow Commander Stillfire and his unit. Once the company entered Taptos, they too were stunned by what they saw, immediately sending out the messenger raven. Unfortunately, the bird fell dead before it could leave the Taptos area. Commander Stillfire’s unit continued to observe for a little while, investigating the area. However, after a certain time, they were spotted packing up their things. After they left, the group grew irrational and angry, campfires spoke of being toyed with by a merchant from the south. The fate which befell Scout-Commander Lina also seemed to have been shared by the unit. Many of them spoke of various headaches, coupled with failure to attend to menial labors such as gathering firewood, fetching water, or pitching tents…”

My lips curved upwards, rather childishly at the double meaning of what was said. It was no wonder Hæňgaram women were so uptight.

“...it seems that the effect of Taptos begins about 300 kilometers from the location. This was tested with one of our own as well. Attempts at counting these effects with defensive magic have proved ineffectual,” he finished as he held down the scroll.

Lorentia sat in silence for a little while, the flickering of the candles a brief distraction for the eyes. “What would it take to have the Mage Association assist us?” she asked.

“Aid from the Mage Association seems likely, especially with the favorable talks from the Emperor and the High Guards of the Association. They wish to come here, some even staying indefinitely to study the remains of the beast auctioned off by… Eric Drakclaw,” he said, turning to look at me.

The others looked at me as well. “The reason I asked for you, Eric Drakclaw, was to reveal your watcher. Since the both of you seem to have an… agreeable relationship, I have authorized Alteria to monitor you and your group until you’re removed from our lands. She will be journeying with you to uncover these… results of yours that you hope to find,” she said.

Neither Alteria nor I made any notions showing favor to the decision. While I didn’t know what made Alteria so despised by her allies, I knew that she’s show no alignment with me. I imagined the fact that I’d save her and Hilvir from Saviara was all that kept me in a somewhat positive light for her. Though, I also bet my circumstances around C’ula didn’t help her impressions of me. Either way, if I became an enemy of Hæňgaram… well, more than I already was, I had no delusions that she wouldn’t turn her blade against me.

“Is this a good idea, Grand Elder? Should we not send one more?” Eressa asked.

“I have not the manpower to expend on that. The drums of war loom closer every day,” Lorentia returned while Alteria quickly saluted the Grand Elder. Eressa hardly seemed pleased with the decision, but continued to hold her tongue.

“If the pirate’s word is to be trusted, then if he can provide answers for the reason for Taptos, then we shall start to uncover this grave mystery and whether it leads to Zevmar or not,” Galadard reasoned.

I took my foot off the table and leaned up. “Aye, speaking of that bastard, when is he set to return?” I asked.

“A month, give or take a week,” Eressa replied.

“And do any of you lot know of the name Aldergaud?”

The four Hæňgaramians looked at each other in confusion. “What does this have to do with our situation?” Galadard asked and I stood up.

“Well, it doesn’t mean shit to me if you lot lose your northern sea routes, but if ya don’t listen then you’ll find this war a lot harder!” I stressed.

Lorentia gazed over me with great suspicion. “Do you know something?” she asked.

I looked back at her and shrugged my shoulders. “Well, we clearly ain’t sure if my word can be trusted, so I’ll just offer the lot of you a suggestion. Two members of my crew will be headed to the north. I suggest you look into a man named Alderguad. Should you find the bastard, I suggest that you check him before he enters your lands. Who knows what he might bring with him.”

With my piece said, I watched Lorentia call Alteria over to her. The two whispered back and forth. Thanks to my stronger hearing since I’d done all the enhancement to my body, it wasn’t hard to pick up on the conversation.

“Do you trust this pirate, Alteria? Do remember that your sentence is only suspended. It can be reinstated at any time!”

Lady Knight shifted her gaze to me for a moment before she faced the Grand Elder. “He’s arrogant, perverse, violent, rude, disrespectful, foul-mouthed, and short-tempered, all the traits that would brand him the worst soldier of any nation. Nevertheless, I would at least consider his… suggestions, Grand Elder!” she answered before they pulled away.

Lorentia thought in silence for a little while before she told Galadard to bring her a file on Zevmar’s known men and company detail. I watched the armored man carefully walk out of the room, returning a few minutes later with a file in his hands. Lorentia took it and laid it on her desk, perusing its contents.

Finally, she looked up. “There’s none by the name of Aldergaud here from the company of a thousand men under Zevmar’s service,” she said.

All eyes quickly turned to me and I found myself confused by this. Liara’s memories clearly told me she’d been informed that a person with the name Aldergaud had come from Zevmar’s company. At first, I thought it also be from my tampering. Perhaps Aldergaud had been in a different company. He could also have been someone Zevmar hadn’t met just yet.

Well, in the end, whether it was one or the other didn’t matter. “If that be the case, then it sounds like you lot will be busy when I’m gone. If Aldergaud ain’t in the company of Zevmar, then he’s either in a different company, or… the bastard meets Aldegaud while he’s out of the empire’s lands. Could you confirm if such a man exists in other companies?” I asked.

“That would require going through numerous records of our military personnel. You have yet to tell us why you would even suggest…” Galadard was stopped by a hand from Lorentia.

“There’s no one by the name of Aldergaud in any of the present companies. Furthermore, it seems that whatever you suspect comes from the north. He also carries something fatal to the empire,” she said while Alteria took the time to speak.

“This could be a lot of things,” the Knight-Captain replied before I noticed the ship’s wheel turning in Lorentia’s mind. She looked at me, seemingly arriving at the conclusion I’d hoped to lead her and her group to. I neither gave her a nod nor a shake of the head. What good was my confirmation for anyway if no bastard or bitch believed me?

Lorentia turned to Alteria. “Your assignment begins now. You and the pirate are dismissed,” she said.

Clearly, Alteria was surprised by the quick turn of conversation, but I saw her bite her tongue. “By your will, Grand Elder!” she said, saluting the lass before she turned around and urged me out of the door.

While there wasn’t much she could do to get me to move, I decided to let myself out as I’d had enough of the presence of Hæňgaramians for the night. When I got up, I saw the nastiest sneer from Eressa directed at not only me but also at Alteria. Once we left, Lady Knight closed the door slowly, following me down the stairs I’d been led up to by Lorentia.

Finally, we exited the building and walked up the hill back to our abode. “So are Hæňgaram prisons as formidable as every pirate dreads?” I asked, assuming we were far enough to not be heard.

“I wish you’d take this matter more seriously,” the Balamar knight returned, keeping her professional distance from me.

I smirked. “Trust lass, I actually got other shit to do than help keep your empire’s walls up. I only be here because we made a deal. That alone proves how seriously I’m taking this. I sure as hell wouldn’t endure the bucket-soaked shit that is the glares of your countrymen if not for you. Rather hard to help those who don’t want it,” I said as Alteria remained silent for a time until I noticed her gaze on me.

“For a pirate, I’m glad to see that you’ve wizened up from the experience,” she said as I touched my chest.

The walk back to the mansion was strangely quiet again. A pirate and a Hæňgaramian, two ships that shouldn’t even be weighing anchor on the same docks, now walked together. Aside from my ship, I believed this was the only time I’d ever been alone with Alteria. From all I’d seen, the lass was a great soldier, one loyal to death to the Hæňgaram empire. It made me wonder why so many would look upon her with obvious disdain. I’d seen eyes such as those many a time in the lands of Draegnar and in my days of piracy. They were the eyes that were cast down upon a traitor, a vile being, a danger left unchecked, a pistol loaded to fire and with no trained marksman. The thought kept pinning me to ask, but my mouth stayed shut. I wasn’t sure what the hell I’d do with the information she gave me should she provide it. I doubted she would anyway, there was no reason for her to.

“Tell me, what does this Aldegaud have to do with the empire?” she asked.

I pondered the best way to answer her question for a while, speaking with a grin on my face. “You’d trust the words of a pirate?” I asked.

“One within the reach of my blade is better than one that’s not,” she fired back, a smirk finally showing itself on her admittedly lovely face.

“That you not question my sanity more than you no doubt already do, let’s just say the fucker leaves your troops too weak to properly fight back should there be a war,” I explained.

“So it is a disease like I thought…” Alteria replied, more to herself than to me before I chimed in.

“Surely there be a lot more things than a disease which can weaken the masses,” I suggested before she shook her head.

“Not many that would make it past the Hæňgaram walls’ detection. I also heard what methods you used to gain entrance. Surely your depravity knows no bounds,” she criticized while I laughed.

“Just be glad that you weren’t a part of it,” I said as I turned back to her.

“Where are your things? Each room has been taken,” I said as she took a step back. Surprised, I then watched her point into the woods.

“The circumstances of rooming on your ship were unavoidable. However, I believe it best we distinguish our relationship at this point. I am a Hæňgaram knight of the Empire and you are a pirate. It is a stain on the symbol of my countrymen and my home to room with your kind. I have already given the Grand Elder and others many reasons to doubt me. I’d prefer to not pile on the rest of my sins. I believe I’ve tarnished it enough. Worry not, I shall not let you out of my sight,” she said as I watched her walk off.

My eyes narrowed, staring at the solemn look on her face. It was that look that oddly reminded me of Leah. She too had worn that look many times when she thought I wasn’t looking. I continued to watch her until there was nothing left to see. I faced the door and opened it.

“Evenin’, Cap’n! Fancy a chance at losing all yer coin?”

I stared at the group of men seated around a table with various gold, silver, and bronze treasures laid down there. I wanted to pinch the bridge of my nose and groan in irritation, but I was too tired.

“Were I to join the lot of you would leave my ship in anger. Play amongst yourselves, but if one of you bastards comes to me about knocking the keyholes in a fucker’s mouth out, it’ll be more than just your wages that you’ll be losing,” I warned, making sure they all heard me.

They all nodded, agreeing with me. “We shall be as prim and proper as the Hæňgaram princes in the emperor’s grand halls, Captain!” another said while someone else laughed.

“That is if ya don’t fall over drunk and laden with dawn’s musky mouth, Thaidan!” a man bellowed while the other growled.

I left my crew to their game and walked up the stairs. When I entered my room, I saw Aesteal and Naala already there along with the fairmaids. The five of them had already gone to sleep, descending down into the water inside the barrel together.

“What happened?” the latter asked as I threw off my coat and rolled my shoulders.

“A lot of shit that’ll be told tomorrow. Just know that Alteria will be joining us again for a little while,” I said as I sat down, kicking off my boots without much worry.

“That knight that you made a deal with back in Hilvir?” she then asked.

“The very same,” I said as I yawned, feeling the coming of my exhaustion all the more. Whatever questions Aesteal and Naala had, they decided to hold them. Instead, they blew out the candles and lay with me.

About ten minutes later, I absently heard the door open. I heard a suck of teeth before someone climbed into the bed as well next to Naala. With a tired eye, I noticed Ellen had turned over, ready for bed as well.

After Ellen came Diane, a not-so-subtle way of opening the door an hour later. She slipped in next to Aesteal and pretty soon, we all fell asleep.

The following two days passed by fairly quickly. I informed Aesteal and the others about Alteria, as well as the fact that she would not be living with us as we were accustomed. Rather surprised, I saw a few disagreeable looks, but no one made mention of the matter further. I also told Diane and Goron that Alteria would be coming with us back to my ship.

The two agreed though I took note of their worried looks. It was no surprise why. I doubted Alteria knew of the existence of Yyril. I’d have to be careful in coming forth with the matter to her.

I also noted how uneasy Diane was each time the topic of Yyril came up. Ever since I brought up the bastard, she’d grown a bit more agitated constantly demanding bouts with me. Naturally, I accepted which got me more than one busted lip a day ago. Luckily, I had a handful of potions ready to mend any damage. As expected of a woman raised in brawling pits. Her fists hurt more than I remembered when I faced her before. Well, I shouldn’t have been surprised at that. She’d also been eating the numerous fruits and foods grown on Delverhold. They’d easily made her more powerful than when she’d arrived.

For now, she seemed content to be alone and I left her to that. In the few times I’d been led through her mind, I wasn’t too sure of any time that she’d had a bad history with Yyril. Of course, I figured that she’d met the spirit before since Liara made scheduled visits to him from time to time.

Naturally, I delved into Liara’s memories for an answer and, naturally, I only got a large fog restricting my mind from it. As much as I enjoyed Liara, I sure as hell didn’t share in either her sense of humor or her attempts at life lessons.

On the second day, I spoke with Alteria, telling her that I’d be heading back to my ship on business. Of course, she claimed that she would be following as were her orders. I assumed as much and told her when we would be leaving. I also told her that I’d have no qualms about leaving her behind if she took too long.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” was what she said before she entered back into her tent.

By the time the sun reached its zenith, Goron, Diane, Naala, and I stood before the rest of the crew. “Try to stay out of trouble,” Truon of Raven’s Shadow said with his arms folded.

‘Afraid we can’t promise that one. Captain attracts it more than any piece of treasure. Ain’t that right, Goron?” Naala asked as the tall lug grunted dismissively.

“How much trouble we get into depends on him and him alone,” he answered.

I decided to ignore these slights against me in favor of looking at my mother. She looked at me neutrally, but she pushed a piece of her hair from the side of her face. “Try to keep the other lung this time,” she said, making sure I heard her clearly. Whether that was concern in her voice or not, I wasn’t sure.

“The journey shouldn’t last more than a week or two. Just make sure I have a crew to return to,” I answered back.

Ellen scrunched up her face. “No promises,” she said, glaring at a group of my men who tried their best to look innocent. Unfortunately for them, Draegnarians got about the least innocent-looking faces in all of D’orn. If there were ever an untrustable lot, then it’d be them.No doubt my Quartermaster found them doing something stupid when I wasn’t looking.

With the brief goodbyes given, the four of us ventured off. I still spotted no sign of Alteria as we headed for the entrance to the spiked walls that sealed the valley from the rest of Hæňgaram. However, the four of us quickly found her waiting there. Off to the side, I saw a great number of Hæňgaram soldiers training at their posts. A few stopped to look at us, scowling before they returned to their own business.

When she saw us approaching, Alteria came to meet us. “I’ve spoken with the guards. We’re free to leave without issue,” she said, looking the rest of us over. When she saw Naala and Diane, it seemed like she almost wished to give them a greeting, but her lips remained sealed. I supposed that wasn’t a surprise since the guards were behind her, watching our every move like aetherwing hawks. Of course, that didn’t stop Nei from poking her head out of my scalp to get a look at Lady Knight.

I looked at the guards for only a moment, and that seemed to be enough. I saw the unfettered disgust and disdain on their faces towards Alteria. If Alteria was aware of it, she dared not show it. One of them whispered to the other before they caught my gaze. They immediately turned away and resumed their work. I’d been noticing such hateful gazes at Lady Knight for some time since our battle with that Hæňgaram vessel and its captain. Yet, I wondered why they’d have such a gaze at one of their own.

Confused, but aware of other matters, I turned back to the others. “Aye, then let’s not waste time,” I said.

With all of us gathered, the doors were opened and we were ushered out. Once we were out, Alteria led us through the vast lands of Hæňgaram until we came up to the infamous walls of Yron that foiled so many travelers. Naturally, we made sure our disguises were in place while Alteria spoke with some of the guards, giving them a scroll from the Grand Elder.

“Raise the gate!” one of the soldiers hollered.

In front of us, a small iron gate was raised to allow our exit. It seemed to be one used only for the military as I noticed no merchants, carpenters, blacksmiths, or any other profession make use of it. We stepped out, surveying the large line of people with weighted carts and stuffed bags hoping to enter the glorious Crystal Empire.

“When I look at such multitudes, I don’t know whether I should thank or chastise you for your contribution to it. We’ve never had such a wealth of visitors before now. It’s a great opportunity and a grave misfortune. I’ve heard that many fear the nation to be overrun if not handled properly,” Alteria said as we came upon a hill and viewed the grandness of the empire from afar.

“Best be thankful for it. Many nations would enjoy such a hefty burden,” Naala replied.

We then continued on our walk and entered the forest’s roads. As our shoes kicked up dust and dirt, Alteria spoke. “So what need have we to head to your ship? Even more so, why the journey?”

“Have you heard of the news regarding Taptos?” I asked.

Upon hearing my question, Alteria’s mood quickly shifted. She grew thoughtful and grim. “Grand Elder Lorentia… told me about it. I still find it hard to believe that even I didn’t know anything about it. It sounds like something out of a fable.”

“Still can’t believe it myself even though we all got a pretty damn good look at it. But Captain’s got a plan to find out what happened,” Naala interjected, causing Alteria to turn to her.

“And something in his ship is gonna help him do that?”

Naala nodded as I figured now would be a good time to speak with Lady Knight on the matter. “Aye, we’ll be heading to someone who can possibly help us solve the answer to your riddle. Though, best keep your wits about you, lass. Yyril ain’t the type of fucker to say the wrong thing to,” I warned, silently gazing at Diane. She made no obvious motions that she cared about the story.

“Who is Yyril?” the Balamar knight asked.

“I’d like to know that as well. What shit are we about to step in?” Naala asked.

A small silence seemed to fall over us, the only sounds being our feet upon the dirt path.

“He has no proper name within D’orn. For he exists in a realm outside of it. However, within many other realms, he is known as The Collector. None know of his origins and stories surrounding him are few. As his name suggests, he collects information regarding nearly everything within every realm. Some would say that even Athena’s great wisdom pales in comparison to his. He knows every spell that’s been cast, every nation that has fallen, every murder that has been committed, and every lie that’s been spoken from someone’s lips. He collects information no matter how useless it might seem to anyone else,” Goron said, his eyes fixed on the road before us.

“So he’s like a spirit of scholars or something? The hell does he use it for?” Naal asked and I then noticed Diane’s gaze tighten.

“Fucker doesn’t use it for nothing. He collects it because he knows other people have a use for it,” Diane interjected, her mood worsening. The others saw this as well, and Naala’s face made me believe she wondered if she should keep asking.

Alteria spoke next. “So he collects this information and knowledge so he can sell it to others?”

“Aye, though that be in the simplest terms,” I said.

The conversation seemed to slow down to nothing after that. Instead, we settled into our journey passing by other travelers. Some exchanged greetings, but we ignored them. Were it just Goron, Diane, Naala, and myself, I’d have allowed us to run there. The enhancements made to our bodies would have easily made the trip shorter. Unfortunately, Lady Knight hadn’t the honor. Even the full day of walking, which left the four of us unbothered, seemed to make Alteria struggle.

To help with this, I fed her some pills nourishment pills. Those allowed her to keep up with us for at least another day. Unfortunately, these types of pills couldn’t be consumed day after day without anything else. We were forced to stop so that Alteria might rest. Of course, true to her stubborn, knightly ways, she tried to show grit in keeping up with us. She didn’t desire the break, but I sure as hell wasn’t gonna carry an unconscious Hæňgaram soldier through lands such as these. It’d just be asking for a headache.

To save her pride as a warrior, I insisted on the break for myself. We feasted on a few baked apples and dried meat slices. I saw Alteria enjoying a slice of fruitbun, a type of baked pastry known to be served to members of the Hæňgaram military. As for Diane, she hardly touched her food.

In time, night fell upon us. With our tents set up, we lodged for a brief time. I wished I could say that I got some rest, but that wasn’t the case. I’d been using the time to study up on Yyril from Liara. Even she had trodden carefully around him, despite their seemingly amicable relationship. I’d perhaps have to tread even more carefully than her.

My studies ran late and when I left the stores of books that were in my mind, I briefly noticed that Diane wasn’t in the tent with Naala and I. Wherever she’d gone, she hadn’t left for too long. I feigned my slumber, hearing her lay down next to me before she fell asleep as well.

The next two days continued on like this. Diane would leave in the middle of the night and return an hour or two later. I knew Naala and Alteria still wanted to know more about Yyril, but they didn’t dare mention the bastard’s name while Diane was around. I wondered why they wouldn’t just ask Goron. Hell, he could probably tell them more than I could since a large portion of Liara’s dealings with Yyril were unknown to me.

Nevertheless, that was how we found ourselves on the fourth night. Alteria, Naala, and I sat around a fire while Goron had taken an early rest and Diane had gone off somewhere. “By Diane’s reaction, I take it he isn’t just gonna give us the information we want out of the goodness of his fucking heart, is he?” Naala asked.

“Aye, there might be bastards of the faith that do shit like that, but you ain’t gonna find that from a spirit, especially not one like this. Yyril’s a cruel fucker. His cruelty be known throughout the realms outside of D’orn by many. Only the desperate would dare seek him out, for he amuses himself with favors and requests, many of which have led to the death and misfortune of many. Hell, there even be tales that Zeus began to think with his cock because his wife visited Yyril for information. Whether that be true or not shall be up to whether you believe in them or not. However, best you steel yourself because the price for that knowledge might be more than any lot can bear,” I warned which made Naala nervous.

“No offense, but you make me wish to endure the journey back to the empire,” Naala said nervously before I looked at her.

“I shall not lose you, Naala,” I said making her look at me in surprise. I stared down at the fire, remembering all of the men I’d lost on my journey through the seas, remembering all that I’d lost due to my own pride. I’d not make such a mistake again.

The three of us sat together before Alteria got my attention. “Has anyone… prevailed against him?” she asked, her tone tense and focused.

I chuckled, oddly amused at the question. “Aye. Many a man and woman have not only dealt with Yyril but have also overcome him. For many, the knowledge is worth the pain. There are also those who have swindled him from time to time,” I answered.

“Then clearly you’ve gotta have some way of dealing with him too, right?” Naala asked as I stared out into the forest. I heard the sound of a creature rummaging through the overgrowth.

I turned back to her. Her eyes followed mine, staring warily out into the forest. “If I told ya that then how could I use it against him?” I questioned. Naala sighed slowly, putting her head in her hands while Alteria continued to look at the fire. I pondered the way the flames reflected in her pupils as if she was trying to discern some answer from their glow.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Diane near one of the trees. She slowly disappeared behind them, drawing closer into the forest until she was out of my view.

Not long after that, we retired to our tents. As Naala and I fell asleep, I felt Diane next to me. She faced her back to me and when my hand brushed her thigh, I noticed how damp she felt. I also sensed the rush of water that moved through her body, evidenced by her beating heart. Whatever she’d been doing, she’d been doing it hard.

The next day continued like normal until the night. I decided to skip dinner and settled for bed early. However, instead of sleeping, I stayed awake in the recess of my mind while my body rested. I studied up on Yyril and any interaction with Liara before I sensed Naala head into bed with me. After her came Diane.

Soon enough, the rest for my early sleep and study presented itself when I also sensed Diane get up about three hours later. I heard the shift of our blankets and the loss of her muscular frame. Deciding to wrap up my studies, I left the deep recesses of my mind and opened my eyes.

I didn’t leave immediately. Instead, I decided to wait for a little while. I’d rather not confront Diane on her worries immediately. For a woman who loved or fed off confrontation, it wouldn’t go well this way when she was obviously upset.

When I figured enough time had passed, I managed to get free of Naala. When I stepped outside, I grunted to myself. The night seemed a little more chilly than normal, and not by my own hand this time. I spotted Goron and Alteria’s tents. Each of them was still and quiet.

Luckily for me, tracking down Diane wasn’t hard. Having been with the witch for a lot of her life, Diane had a rather large pool of mana, larger than almost any human on D’orn. I’d also been close to her many a time. I’d grown used to her aura.

Surprisingly, she lay two miles to the east. Curious, I followed after her. I used the walk to wake myself up, the unnaturally cold breeze of Hæňgaram’s weather aiding me. The walk itself was a bit more difficult than I expected. The journey led through a lot of uneven ground, and groves of vines with thorns and thistles. Granted most of these thorns snapped when they pushed against my skin.

My journey led me to a rather large hill. I felt Diane’s aura at the very top and began my endeavor to climb the hill’s side. Thankfully, this trip wasn’t as tedious as the one Lorentia guided me and my crew to.

When I made it to the very top, I saw Diane standing just near the edge of the cliff. She seemed to be gazing out into nothing, making me wonder what she’d been doing all the way out here.

I turned my head and noticed a few of the trees with dented blows in their bark, a bit surprising since the trees in Hæňgaram were known for being hard to knock down. Then again, what would do against someone the caliber of the Witch’s Guard?

When I turned back to Diane, I saw her body covered in sweat, her knuckles bleeding. I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised since Diane told me she had her morning routine. Still, it was hardly morning and I knew she’d hardly gotten any sleep since I took my slumber early tonight. However, I’d seen, and felt, her blows before. I’d also got Liara’s memories of the thousands of times she’d secretly watched her guard. I knew how Diane punched. I’d also gotten a view of it when she fought Ellen and Nz’ia. I’d felt the peace of her spirit in her blows and the anger or regret within them. The lass was a fighter to the fucking end.

“What do you want?”

I raised an eyebrow, trying not to chuckle that I’d been found out. Granted, I wasn’t exactly trying to make myself invisible. I doubted that’d be my temperament anyway. My mother always said I had the subtlety of a stone in a rockslide.

I stepped out from behind the tree and walked onto the cliff. “A tad cold for a walk, ain’t it?” I asked, fully making my presence known.

“What, Naala wasn’t enough to warm the sheets of your bed on a cold, dark night?” she asked, her tone obviously not welcoming me.

I laughed, making light of the mockery as I stood next to her. “Aye, she’s enough to warm the bed and assault the ears sometimes. It be louder than any gunshot from her,” I replied. Unfortunately, Diane didn’t seem to share in my humor. Instead, she just continued to look out into the dark horizon.

“Then why are you out here?” she questioned.

“Aye, why would I be out here when one of my crew goes missing in the middle of the night one day after the other? It boggles the mind just like the way of the tides along with their ebb and flow,” I returned.

Diane snorted. “Funny. Well, you can go back to the site. I’m fine. I’m preparing for the shit you’ll get us in,” she said as I looked back at trees with numerous blows in them.

My eyes narrowed. “And what shit would that be? I’ve gotten us in quite a bit and shall continue to get us into a lot more.”

“...You’re making me want to punch you.”

“Aye, this’ll not be the last time either.”

The two of us stayed silent after that exchange. It was then that I decided to take a step back and stand in the clearing. “Well, perhaps it's best if I prepare for the shit I get us into as well. Ya might as well get the punch in now. Come,” I said beckoning to her from the middle of the field which led into the trees.

“I’m not in the mood.”

Now, I was sure there was something wrong with Diane. Whether it be day or night, rain or snow, storm or breeze, Burnwood was always in the mood for a fight. Sometimes I wondered if she and Nz’ia would fucking destroy all of D’orn before they settled an outcome with each other.

“By the seas and men that betray their own hearts to plunder the gold of the world, Diane Burnwood hath turned down the glorious pursuit of combat, I never thought I’d see the day. Perhaps I’ll sell all my riches and give them to the poor bastards on Draegnar,” I said before my eyes hardened. Using my powers over the seas and waters, I took control of Diane’s body. I then forced her to face me.

She grunted and groaned, glaring at me until I spoke. “I wasn’t asking, Diane,” I said, releasing my hold over her. I then rolled my shoulders and stretched my arms.

After a while, Diane fired a bullet of spit at the ground. “Fine, just make sure you have a spell ready to repair the number of teeth you’re gonna lose,” she said before she dropped her gun belt and pulled up her fists.

Into the night, Diane and I fought, punching the fucking snot out of each other. Thankfully, my body was much more adept at dealing with her blows now than before. Aye, she could still knock the wind out of me, but at least I’d not feel like I was at death’s door like the time she was overtaken by the Flames of Raganthor. However, I also noticed the hesitance in some of her moves. It was that hesitance that had her head rolling once or twice when I buried my fist in her cheek. Unfortunately, my victories weren’t longstanding. She grabbed my shirt and drove her knee into my stomach.

As the moon lay in the sky over the both of us, our faces beaten and bloodied, the ground under our feet torn asunder, we panted. Diane glared at me with her busted lip and swollen eye while I glared back with five broken ribs, a broken arm, and a black eye. Aye, fun times.

“Has your fire returned?” I asked, my body writhing in agony from the pain I tried to ignore.

Diane continued to glare at me before she spat some blood on the ground. “Let me punch the shit out of you a little more and it might,” she said, huffing. However, I couldn’t mistake the small smile on her face.

We stayed on that cliff for a little while before we finally fell to our knees. I watched Diane cast a spell to heal herself and I quickly followed suit. With a bit of discomfort, our mangled bodies were healed, though with a great amount of soreness and aching.

When we were done, we stood. Neither of us said a word to the other. I decided to take the time to sit down, the cold breeze of Hæňgaram’s air a pleasure on my sweat-riddled face.

I felt Diane sit next to me. I didn’t open my eyes to see her reaction, instead leaning back yet not allowing myself to fall asleep.

“Thanks.”

I opened my eyes, seeing Diane stare out into the greatness of the lands of the empire. “Worry not. Sometimes ya gotta beat the shit out of someone who can fight back. Gotten me through many a rough day when I was in rags for pants and mangled cloths for shirts,” I replied before we both fell silent again.

We stayed like that for a little while before I spoke. “Worry not, Diane. Yyril be a man on a mighty ship filled with small holes. It might take a long time, but he shall sink beneath the tides of his own arrogance sooner or later. It be a fate shared by all who draw breath,” I said, watching the clouds slowly begin to gather before I eased my mood.

I felt her eyes on me. “Yeah well, I’ve seen it more than once, yet I’ve still got a hard time believing it with that old shit. Fucker never seems to go away no matter how hard you might desire it,” she returned before I controlled her head and turned her gaze to me.

“It shall be alright. All my fortune shall I give to you should I be a liar,” I responded, hoping to reassure her.

She leaned down next to me, her hands rubbing my chest. “You’re lucky I don’t got the shit for a blood oath on those words. I’d fucking take it. Though, it ain’t too bad to be proven wrong,” she replied, grinning at me before I reached around the back of her head and pulled her down. Her lips touched mine and her rough hands touched my cheek.

A brief peck of our lips here and there quickly grew until her tongue wrestled with mine. I heard Diane pant into my mouth, our tongues wiggling like snakes. She moved her body until she lay right on top of me, her muscular frame melting into mine. I used my other hand to wrap around her waist, grabbing a handful of her voluptuous posterior.

“Nnnnngh!” she groaned, pushing her hands beneath my chest. She rubbed my chest, her nails clawing at my skin. Vigorously, she pulled my shirt off and threw it to the side revealing my bare chest. Satisfied for the moment, she kissed me again, her hands roaming through the fields of my hair. In response, my cock grew more aroused, bulging within my pants and brushing up against her snatch.

I knew she felt it because she began to slowly grind her hips against it, stimulating me with great pleasure. Our lips slowly pulled apart and she looked down at me, her eyes beaming against the bright color of the moon. “You be rather vigorous tonight,” I commented which got a smirk out of her.

“Please, I’m always like this. You’re just fucking slow on the uptake,” she said as she leaned up, her mood clearly changing. She grabbed her shit and pulled it over her head. How I’d never tire of watching her tits fall out. Her muscular stomach glistened with sweat before she put the full weight of her ass on my cock.

I groaned for a moment, smirking at her. She smirked back, fondling her tits. Her pointed nips pushed between the crevices of her fingers. “Have to say, after feeling pissed off for almost a week… this is nice. Now hurry up and make it nicer,” she said before I leaned up and pinched her nipple. She squirmed from my touch as I looked at her with a fierce, yet passionate gaze.

“Perhaps it’d be best if I restrict the greatest pleasures from you until your tone shifts. Shall I do that instead?” I questioned before she smiled, clearly her arrogance intentional.

“Please, you Draegnarian shit!” she replied before I matched her smile.

Our embrace tightened as I held her in my arms. We kissed and my hands groped her breasts. Her arms around my neck, she panted and wailed her sweet voice into my own. Rolling her tips between my thumb and forefinger, her lower body reciprocated by humping my cock, trying to take off my pants to get it inside.

However, I instead released our kiss. “Mmmmmmngh! Oh fuck! Yes!” She cried when I leaned my head down and suckled her teets. Her inhumanly strong arms cradling my neck, she all but pushed me deeper as my tongue slathered her right nipple with spit and licks. I then moved to the left one, constantly fondling the other as I sucked and pulled. How I wished there was something to garner from all this suckling, but it wasn’t meant to be for me.

“Nnnngh! Ooooooh shit! Yeah, suck my tits dammit! Goooods, that feels… hmmmmph… good!” she praised.

I noticed that the further I toyed with her tits, the more aroused Diane became. Her pants were soaked, spreading the soaked dew of their glorious bounty into my own pants. The lust I took from her body made this intimate exchange all the better, firing the stimulating nerves in my brain for more.

When I lifted my face from Diane’s tits, I saw her huffing into the night air. She brushed her hands through her soaked hair, her chest puffing out in rapid, irregular spurts. When she finally regained her senses, she looked at me. I saw something there in her eyes, something comforting and acknowledging. “Mmmmm, I suppose I knew your mouth was good for something other than shit-talking, but it’s always nice to experience it alone sometimes.”

I didn’t respond. Instead, I flexed my cock through my pants and into her the crevice of her cunt. Aroused, and annoyed, she stood up and pulled me up with her. She then kneeled on the grass and pulled my pants down, no methodical bullshit approach anywhere. My cock sprung forth, seeping with precum. Diane licked her lips and looked at me. She grabbed a hold of my shaft and gave it a few quick pulls.

“This might be one of the few things I actually like about you. The damn thing gets me going like nothing else on that ball of water and dirt,” she said before she opened her mouth and swallowed my cock.

“Mngh!” I grunted as she started to bob her head back and forth. I felt the back of her throat multiple times when her nose met my pelvis. Her black hair swayed to and fro, and her lust poured into me granting my mind the same sensations that she felt. It only made my cock harder, so hard to the point of almost being painful. Her mouth was as fierce as a seastorm, blowing my cock between her left and right cheek.

I threw my head back, trying to keep myself standing as the pleasure nearly forced me to my knees. I could tell Diane knew it as well because her tongue flicked into my hole rather mischievously.  In response to that, I steadied myself and grabbed her head.

“Mmmmgh! GnnnnngH! Mmmmmm!” She groaned when I bucked my hips, forcing my cock further into her throat. She didn’t seem to mind. If anything, her sucking got stronger. The forest was filled with our groans. If any Hæňgaram patrol rested here, it’d leave no doubt in their minds what was occurring if they were close enough.

I watched a thick coat of spit fall down the side of Diane’s mouth. She tapped my leg only for a moment which made me stop. When I did, she took my cock out and lifted it up. Her tongue licked the length of my balls, sucking on one and then the other. “Haaaaaaah… now that’s a good cock. Long and hard with balls filled with cum,” she said, gazing at it with glossy eyes.

“Aye, and there be a place for it,” I said, my breath ragged and hoarse.

She looked at me, biting her lip. “And where the fuck is that?” she asked.

It didn’t take either of us long to find out. I answered her question by furiously fucking her throat until my cock released a torrent of my cum down and into her mouth. I felt her tongue on the underside of my mast, licking beneath it to coax out every piece of my load that she could get.

When my cock went soft, I slowly pulled out and watched the trail of semen between her tongue and my cock. With a quick work of her throat, my cum was gone from her mouth. “Fucking drown me why don’t you,” she said, coughing slightly. That caused me to grin.

“Perhaps you be just slow on the uptake,” I retorted, firing back what she gave to me.

For my reward, I received a playful glare. “Funny,” she answered before we both noticed my cock steadily rise back to full mast. The essence of Vilinlith concentrated itself there, eager to be released.

“I’ll never get tired of seeing that,” Diane spoke, watching my cock when it pointed directly at her.

“Aye, there be something I’ll never get tired of as well,” I said.

Diane seemed to get my point and stood up. She dropped her pants, revealing her soaked slit. So soaked was it, a trail of her juices flowed between her pussy and down to her pants. She quickly threw them aside. “Yeah? And what would that be? Actually, don’t tell me. I can fathom a guess,” she claimed before she walked over to a tree that wasn’t beaten and rested her hands on it. With her hand, she spread her asscheeks, revealing her womanly cavern to me.

“I think I’ve figured it out. So get to it. I fucking need this,” she said.

Not one to disappoint, I obliged. “Mmmmmmm… oooooooh fuck! Yes! Stuff that fat cock inside me! Yesssss!” Diane hissed as I speared her cunt with my cock. I went as deep as I could. Slowly, patiently, Diane and I savored the intimacy between us. The walls of her delicate flesh gripped my male pole delicately, massaging the entire length with its curves and grooves.

When my balls rested against her pelvis, I knew that we were deeply connected. Diane looked back at me, a wide smile on her face. “Fuck, that’s the spot. Thick and hard,” she said, wiggling her butt. My cock moved with her curves, soaking in her snatch’s fluids.

“Aye, you make many a man desire you, Diane. ‘Tis a straight shot to the mind and cock of men,” I praised while she clenched up.

“Then prove that you’re one of them. Fuck me, and fuck me hard!” she pleaded.

“That I intend to do,” I returned before I withdrew my hips and shoved my cock back inside her.

“Nnnnngh! Yeah! Come on! Shove that strong cock inside me! Make me feel alright.”

I spoke not another word. Instead, I let my body speak for me. I fucked Diane and her voice pleased my ears. We both grunted like wild beasts. The slap of my pelvis against her ass moved through the forest. “Hnnnngh… so dep! Yeah! Fuck me~! Ooooooh god fuck! I love your cock! Gnnnnnngh!” she said as I leaned forward and grabbed her mounds. I toyed with them, molding them like bread dough as her hand reached my head.

Seas, I wanted to fuck her. I wanted to grant her pleasure. I wished to grant her the assurance that beneath the flag of Eric Drakclaw she need not worry about anything, god or demon. I would be the one to worry about those bastards who’d stand before me.

My senses linked with hers, I felt what she felt. The intense rapture of our sex rushed into our brains. Her pussy coiled around me like a serpent, rubbing every corner and wringing me like a rag. When she came, I felt it too. Her orgasm spilled into my own. Our thrusts connected together as streams of hot cum filled her body. I could feel her legs trembling and her pussy quivering when she received my essence-infused load.

Every shiver, every pant, every quiver of her snatch I felt. Likewise, the sensations I felt she also felt. “Mmmmmngh! Fuck! So… deep!” she said until we both felt my mast ready for sail again.

This time, Diane and I faced each other. Her back against the tree, she rubbed my shoulders, staring into my eyes as I bucked my hips. She perfectly matched her movement with mine, the sloshing of our previous endeavor creating a powerful, musky scent that filled our nostrils.

One of her legs wrapped around my waist, keeping me close and begging for deep, strong thrusts. “Ngh! Hah! Mmmmngh! S-Swear to me…” She said, suddenly groaning out. Her face tried to look serious even as she was lost in the pleasure, her face delirious and glistening.

“Swear to me that you’ll give the old man the biggest headache of his eternal life!” she managed to get out all at once, even while her nether regions held mine within them.

Sea gods by the still waters, Diane continued to amuse me. I slowed down my thrusts, almost allowing for a more sensual embrace than the powerful one from before. “If Delverhold has taught a bastard anything, Diane, it be that no voyage is ever without its stormy seas. The beautiful treasures which lay within are only found by the brave, the bold, or the fucking stupid. I’ve yet to figure out which I be, but… I’ve not fallen yet. That I shall swear by,” I said, cupping her chin and kissing her.

I would never know if that was the answer she sought for I rarely swear by anything. What I did know was that she quickly started to buck her hips, a lecherous grin on her face. “Cum inside me again! But this time, look at me! Look me in the fucking eyes when you explode. Hnnnngh! Do as deep as you can!” she exclaimed.

Fortunately for Diane, she didn’t have to wait long for her request. I could already feel another orgasm approaching, ready to fire a cannon’s load of cum right into her eagerly waiting pussy. When the time came, I stared at her for as long as I could before my cock exploded. Thick ropes of my semen flooded her cavern and painted her walls. In some weird way, it felt like Vilinlith’s Essence was trying to wring all the cum out of my balls to give it to Diane.

“Nnnnnnngnh! YES! Oooooooooh fuck that feels so good!” Diane hollered, holding me close to her. My chest pressed against her nipples, her pussy strangling my cock. Her fingers vigorously rubbed her clit before a torrent of her lust seeped into my body when she came just as hard, if not harder than me. My ears rang, numbed by the sounds of ecstasy.

My legs weak, I slowly detached myself from her. I watched the cum slide out from her womanly treasure cove and down her leg. Her arm on her forehead, her face gleamed from the afterglow. Her eyes seemed to be in a brief daze as her chest huffed in and out.

Meanwhile, I was trying to regulate the lust which had been thrown into me all at once. I could already feel my cock getting hard again.

Diane must have seen this because she suddenly appeared in front of me and pushed me to the ground. “Mmmm, still hard? Well, we sure as hell can’t have that. Luckily, I’ve got the best deal for you right now!” she said as I grunted something between a chuckle and a snort.

“And what might that be?”

“You’re the fucking captain. Figure it out,” she said before she got on her knees and impaled herself on my shaft.

For the next hour or so, Diane and I became slaves to our passions. We indulged in each other until our bodies tired themselves out. I lost count of the following orgasms or how much of my cum filled her eager honeypot. What I knew was that by the end we were staring at the sky, huffing and dying of thirst. My cum oozed out of her snatch and my flaccid cock was sleek with her fluids.

“Thanks.”

I turned my head and saw a smirk on Diane’s face. “I still don’t fucking like it, but Lady Liara did a lot of shit I didn’t like, and look how long I stuck around with her. However, if things turn to shit, you best pray that the old fucker kills you 'cause I’ll do it if you manage to get us out,” she answered.

I smiled. “I’ll be sure to keep this trial at the forefront of my mind,” I said.

Diane then leaned up and stretched. “Good, 'cause I ain’t dealing with your mother if things go to hell. They were bad enough back on Delverhold,” she stated, laughing into the cool air.

After a little while, we got dressed and made it back to the tents. Diane entered ours, but my eyes lingered on Alteria’s tent. I noticed a small hue of purplish aura radiating from there. It seemed for even Hæňgaram soldiers the nights could get lonely as well.

I entered our tent and saw slept. Naala, none the wiser to our endeavor, rolled over and placed her hand on my chest. Diane rolled over and folded her arms, however, the air of the tent was much more relaxed. With my body taking a beating from Diane and the passions we’d just shared, I quickly found myself falling asleep.

The next morning, we stored our things and Naala looked at Diane. “You seem… better,” she said while Liara’s guard rolled her neck.

“Yeah, the fucking things a night’s sleep can do for you,” Diane responded before Naala looked at me. I gave nothing away, instead choosing to watch Alteria. Try as she might to resist, she yawned a couple of times, apparently having had a rough sleep. The purple aura that surrounded her hadn’t gone away. In fact, it’d grown in strength since last night.

Only when I reached for it, did I realize it was a piece of the essence of Vilinlith. It flew over to me, invigorating me with its touch while simultaneously easing Alteria’s burden. I thought nothing of it then, assuming it’d just been her harsh duties as a knight-captain that left her so dissatisfied.

Once we were packed, the journey back to my ship continued without incident. In two days, we reached the lands of Taptos. As usual, nothing remained but a massive hole. Alteria offered no comment, but the group would have had to have been blind to miss the anguish on her face. For her sake, we hurried along through it. I noticed that Alteria didn’t have a violet reaction to leaving the area like that beast mage of Lorentia’s table. I supposed it wasn’t impossible for her body to have also been enhanced by Delverhold. Just breathing its mana-rich air could change even the most inept of scholars into a powerful mage should they have the talent for it.

After a long trek, we came to the illusionary rocks where I’d hidden the path to my ship. Dispelling the illusion, we walked down through the tunnels until we came into the familiar cove, and there laid my ship.

“Alright, captain, we’re here. What now?” Naala asked.

“Now, we prepare,” I said. I looked at Goron and he immediately nodded. He walked down and boarded the ship. Diane lightly grumbled before she went with him. The two of them disappeared below the main deck of the ship, no doubt heading towards the room where The Root was stored. There they’d make the preparations for us to venture into Yyril’s realm.

“And what shall we do while they do… whatever they’re doing?” my powder monkey questioned.

I then sighed and rolled my neck, Nei enjoying the movement. “Aye, we end the day with insufferable patience,” I said as I boarded the ship, Naala and Alteria behind me.

“I’m not sure how I should feel that I find a sense of familiarity in coming aboard this vessel once again,” Lady Knight said, her sword on her hip.

“Proves that we’ve slowly corrupted you, lassie! Soon you’ll be talking shit and drinking a fine tankard with the rest of the Captain’s bastards!” Naala said with a wide smile on her face.

At the risk of ruining the moment, I decided not to point out the nigh crack of a grin on Alteria’s face. It seemed she was trying hard to keep that statement from ringing true inspite of herself. “Prithee you to not hold your breath,” Alteria answered before I continued onward.

I pushed open the door to my room. The strong stench of magic, like the better part of nature’s aroma, stuck to it. I felt Nei squirm in my scalp, perhaps a sign that she enjoyed the familiar smell as well. Even Lei stirred from within my pouch, poking her head out to smell the room as well.

“Both of you shall sit there,” I said, pointing to the floor as I walked over to my desk.

Confused though they were, they both obeyed. I continued to rummage through my drawers filled with trinkets, my ears picking up on the sounds of Alteria’s clanking armor. I opened one of the drawers and grabbed a vial of yellow1 liquid. I’d gottent it from the remains of Delverhold back when we waited for Liara’s ascension to finish.

I grabbed some black ink and unsealed a couple of animal bones from one of the scrolls in another drawer. One by one, I placed them on the ground while the others observed. “You ain’t about to sacrifice us, are you?” Naala asked.

I smiled. “And why should I give another the pleasure of partaking in you? I’d sooner shank the bastard who tried. Aye, no. These materials be needed for another matter. And for that, Alteria shall need to shed her armor,” I said, not attempting to make the matter graver than it already was.

“Excuse me?” Alteria asked while Naala chuckled.

“Aye, it be that kind of ritual! Very well, I shall begin with the speed of Hermes, Captain!” my black powder monkey said before I heard more of Alteria’s clunky armor.

“Stray your hand near me and I shall make your head roll on the entire length of my blade!” Alteria fired back, her tone stressed and violent. In fact, I looked up from my work to see Naala rather taken aback by the display of the normally calm knight. Of course, I knew when Naala enjoyed jesting with those around her, however, it seemed Alteria knew not of it.

“Calm yourself. The matter ain’t complicated. Your empire’s armor be blessed with notable resistance to magic casts not of the wearer. Should it interfere with what we be doing, then you’ll likely end up like that poor bastard we found in the remains of Taptos,” I said as Alteria visibly calmed herself.

“If that’s the case, it doesn’t sound like anything good,” Lady Knight responded, eyeing me suspiciously.

“Now that be where you’re wrong, Lass. This be the best kind of good!” I replied, dipping my finger in some enchanted squid ink. Dipping it over and over, I drew a large circle around both of them.

“And what good be that, Captain?” Naala asked before she and Alteria stiffened when the ink quickly lit up in green flames, not so dissimilar from the Flames of Raganthor back on Delverhold.

I stood to my feet and smirked. “The kind that keeps you alive!”