The Vengeful Tide-Ch. 38 (Patreon)

Greetings everyone!

Oh man, over 40 pages this one was. Never thought I'd get to this amount after Delverhold, but clearly, you never know how life's gonna throw you a damn curveball. Anyway, here is the next chapter as Eric heads off to face Yyril.

May you all enjoy it greatly, and may you have a happy Thanksgiving, if you celebrate it!

WttW

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Naala and Alteria looked at me nervously. The latter stared down at the circle of green flames that I’d crafted around them. “And this is going to help us do that?” Alteria asked while I ventured for more materials from my drawers.

“Aye, provided that you don’t snub your little Hæňgaramian nose at my words. Choose not to, and the war between you and Zevmar shall be the least of your worries,” I replied, as I lay some vials down on the floor.

When I looked up, it wasn’t hard to see the nervousness on Naala’s face. However, I eased her concerns with a wave of my hand. “Aye, the first time meeting the bastard be about as pleasant as a virgin’s first time, but after that, it be not so bad. Now, both you lasses sit up straight. I wanna do this shit once and only once,” I commanded.

Naala and Alteria while the latter slowly discarded her armor. Heavy thuds of Hæňgaramian material moved through my quarters until Lady Knight was left with a sleeveless shirt and shorts. She then glared at me. “Ask for more than this, and I’ll make you regret it!” she threatened, but I dismissed her worries.

“Aye, aye, fair lass. I shall not tarry nor wander my eye,” I returned as I dipped my finger in the squid’s ink again.

I decided to start with Naala first. I touched the center of her forehead and began slowly chanting magic. “Inun rolun. Xie hanmle rion dolor be. Wi me galvork,” I said as I traced three seals on Naala’s forehead. She groaned in discomfort as the three seals became enflamed by the green fire. One by one, they slowly disappeared, settling into her mind to conjure up the barriers that would keep anyone or anything from attacking her.

Naturally, this spell for creating mind barriers was one of the more powerful ones in Liara’s mind. It was also one of the quickest ones. Were I to try for higher than this, it’d take at least two extra weeks of preparation. That was time I just didn’t have. The only downside to this spell was that it didn’t last very long. It’d last long enough to get what we needed from Yyril and leave. I had no doubts that if we stayed for longer than necessary, he’d break through this barrier spell and our minds would be at his mercy.

Once the seals were done integrating with Naala’s mind, I strengthened them further by pouring a portion of my mana into them. Naala clenched her hands and gritted her teeth, groaning when sweat as black as the ink on my finger seeped out of her skin. Bit by bit, it fell to the floor until it started disappearing in black clouds of smoke in the green fire.

After some time, I was finished with her and Naala opened her eyes. “Fuck! I ain’t even drank anything and yet I feel like I’ve got the world’s shittiest hangover!” she complained, rubbing her head while I turned to Alteria.

“It will fade in a few hours. Once I’m finished with our ship’s knight, we’ll be done. You both can lie down until the feeling passes,” I said as I worked on Alteria. As expected of her, she took the discomfort with a lot more discipline than Naala did, barely grunting at all. The only given sign was the way her face scrunched up when I spoke the same words and performed the same spell.

Unfortunately for her, the black sweat that poured out of her body quickly stained her clothes instead of hitting the floor. It was a horrid smell. Worse than any homeless bastard’s stench on Draegnar’s dirty streets.

Once we were done, Naala covered her nose. “Fuck! Does it always smell this bad?” she asked as Alteria saw just how much shit she’d poured out from her head and body. She took a sniff as well and grimaced.

“Indeed. It smells like your ship on a normal day at sea,” Lady Knight said before she stood up. Unfortunately, she was quickly brought back to her knees when her legs gave out. Naala quickly tried the same thing before she also came to the same result.

I laughed. “Aye, that’ll pass as well,” I said as I opened the window. I pulled in some water from the cove outside and splashed Alteria with it. For my efforts, I received a glare from her as her white hair sagged over her face. She brushed her locks from her face while Naala smirked.

“Best to be drenched than smell like shit,” she said before Alteria all but forced herself to stand up. She grabbed her sword and used it as an old man’s crutch. Little by little, she walked until she opened the door and slammed it shut. We watched her go before I stepped into the circle and took off my clothes as well.

Meanwhile, Naala groaned, reaching to my bed to lie down. Once she was out of the way, I drew the seals on my forehead as well, levitating a mirror with another spell to help me. Unfortunately, my prowess in the mystic arts offered me no advantage over Alteria and Naala. I too felt the fucking discomfort from the spell and dragged myself to my bed, joining Naala there.

Neither of us spoke a word. It wasn’t long until I heard Naala shuffle, her head on my neck she fell asleep. I gently shook my head aware that the exhaustion she felt was fairly normal. The times Liara used this spell on others, they too felt deader than a bastard’s corpse in the Draegnar sunken seabed. I allowed her to rest peacefully while I retreated into the corners of my mind for more reading.

By the time Naala woke up, I’d already finished my studies. I’d managed to pry myself from her and perform a little bit of alchemy. Alteria returned for her armor, not sparing me a word whether for consideration of Naala’s rest or her anger toward me. Either way, she left quickly, and about two hours later, my powder monkey began to stir.

She grabbed her clothes and changed into new ones, not caring that she did so in front of me. In fact, I dare say she enjoyed my gaze. A slight grin came on her face when she saw me gazing upon her chocolate skin. I continued to stare unashamedly, matching her smirk. Once she was fully dressed, she offered me a small wink and left as well.

I stayed in my room after that, busying myself with work until a knock on my door came. I turned around while Nei and Lei glanced at the door. “Enter,” I said.

The door opened and I saw Goron come through, his wide body barely making it through the door. I made no mention of it, even if I found the sight rather humorous. I wasn’t sure he saw me grin. If he did, then he simply didn’t care. He walked over to me, his big steps making the floor thunder.

“We will be ready to venture there when you’re ready, Captain,” he said, his stern eyes piercing into mine. Even with his unrelenting gaze, I could tell he too was wondering if this was a good idea.

I pushed some of the books I was reading away and nodded. “Aye, good. Then we’ll make for his domain tomorrow. How long has it been since Liara had to visit him?” I asked.

“I would assume about 500 years. They normally only meet to trade information. Lady Liara has on occasion brokered deals between Yyril and those not so attuned to his cruel methods. You are aware of the methods to get to him, right?” he asked.

I turned to face him. “Aye, that I am. This be no a voyage that I’d make for stupid circumstances. I don’t like the bastard anymore than you or even Diane do. Hell, I hope this’ll be the only time I have to meet him in this lifetime,” I replied.

Goron continued to look at me curiously. It seemed as if he’d say something else, but it died on his lips. “Understood. I’ll relay that to the others,” he said as he turned around.

Goron was close to the door before I addressed him again. “Goron, do you not miss your mistress? Care you to not ask which lands or realms she’s ventured to?” I asked. I wasn’t quite sure what made me desire the answer to this question, but the matters of Yyril and Diane brought me back to other times. They were times when she’d talk about Liara here and there. Yet, the big lug of the three of them never made much mention of it.

“Lady Liara will return when she deems the time ready. I have traveled with her for many years, some of them I enjoyed, and a lot of them I hadn’t. Nevertheless, if it is my fate to meet my mistress again, then I can only obey her orders until they’re changed. At this moment, she orders that we stay aboard your ship, Captain. Best you live up to her expectations,” he said before he opened and closed the door. His heavy steps thundered in the distance until they were gone.

“Ain’t much of an answer that be,” I thought to myself before I turned around and continued my work. Nei and Lei stayed as my observers, fascinated by every little fucking thing I did. That said, despite their fascination, they seemed to understand how busy I was, preferring to remain quiet and watch. For some reason, Nei seemed more fascinated than Lei. I wasn’t sure if she understood all I was saying, but I couldn’t help describing a bit of the shit I was messing with since she seemed so invested in my work.

The day swiftly turned to night. My studies and replaying of events surrounding Liara and Yyril took a turn as I decided to work some more on my rapier. Once again, that turned out to be a fat horseshit’s waste of my time as I was met with more failure. I really needed a place where I might cultivate proper fire spirits. That was also one of the fucking reasons I needed that phoenix feather for. Even a small piece of it would stimulate a fire spirit’s growth.

Thankfully, a few of my forces from Hilvir had been headed in that direction after Anastasia news to me. I’d hoped that I could do it without the phoenix feather, allowing me to make use of more of it for other means. Unfortunately, the sea’s luck seemed to be at low tide for me today.

I decided to put an end to my failures, not desiring to grow more frustrated than I already was. So I made myself ready for bed. Just before I could blow out the candles, another knock came on my door. I didn’t even have to guess who it was. When the door opened, I saw Diane and Naala standing there.

They quickly climbed into bed with me and the fairmaids eagerly joined. We rested peacefully, and the ship became quiet. There was only the sound of the gentle waters in the cove of Hæňgaram.

When we woke the next morning, I noticed there was a bit of tension in the air. Diane checked the clips of her guns and fire off a few rounds into the caves, scaring a few bats here and there. Naala kept cleaning her pistols, checking the chambers even when there was nothing to check for. Alteria busied herself with swinging her blade, paying neither eye nor ear to anyone unless directly spoken to.

The only one I didn’t see was Goron. I assumed he was still in The Root, checking anything and everything for our venture. I just continued to watch the three lasses in their own little worlds before I clapped my hands, breaking them all from their musings.

“You lasses look like you’re about to meet the judgment of Hades. Ease your nerves for I’ll not let the spirit harm any of you. Now, prepare to head out,” I said.

Naala finally put down her dirt rag and chuckled. “Yeah, can’t see Ellen having the nerve to sail a group of bastards and bitches across the seas of D’orn on her own. She’d sooner make the poor shits walk the plank,” Naala joked.

Naturally, I knew Naala hadn’t said that out of ill will to me, I couldn’t find the joke funny from my own experiences. In fact, I’d gotten a few restless nights from it. Still, I did find some humor in Ellen trying to manage my ship if somehow this venture turned south. I could already see her and my mother butting heads and fists until they were both black and blue in the face.

Slowly the smile fell off my face. I remembered how my mother felt when I’d nearly died back on Delverhold. It seemed her insecurities ran deep and I remembered the guilt which my stupid actions forced upon her. Whether she hated me or would not share tender moments with me anymore, it didn’t matter. I’d not allow her to fall into that damn rut I’d pulled her out of.

Determined, I ushered them all down the stairs. Diane looked at me once more and I nodded, firm in my decision. She didn’t speak. She simply grabbed her coat from over the wooden railing and draped it over her shoulder. She holstered her pistols next and made her way down the stairs.

“Mate, this… good?” Nei asked as I felt her wiggle around in my chest pouch. She slowly popped her head out while Lei came out of my side pocket.

“Not feel good,” I then heard Lei’s voice as she brushed a hand through her silky, black hair.

“Aye, it be necessary. Just make sure you two keep your heads down,” I said. They quickly slipped back into my pocket. I actually wished to leave them here as I wasn’t sure how long we’d be gone. I’d rather not leave them without water for too long, but they seemed to fervently desire to journey with me, so I allowed it.

I walked down the stairs, the corridors seeming very long today. The hollow echoes of my steps through the wooden floors somehow made me uneasy. Even I started to wonder if this was a good idea. Despite all I’d seen from Yyril and Liara, I’d be a fool to think there wasn’t more hidden between the two of them. I was sure there were things about Yyril that not even Liara knew, or perhaps she didn’t desire to know. I sure as hell didn’t. Were Saviara to meet with Yyril, I imagine the spirit would laugh mockingly at the man’s sense of cruelty, a mere joke like a child’s game.

When I arrived at the door, I saw the others waiting for me. Naala and Alteria stepped aside as I grabbed the handle and opened the door. Inside, Goron stood ready. The magic array which would take us to The Root lay at his feet. When I stepped on it, the others followed after me. I activated the array and immediately we were taken to the front entrance of the store.

In my past life, never would I have thought that these shelves of books and jars of materials would become common for me. I walked past them and the others quickly followed behind me. Leaving the first building, I heard Naala gasp as we walked outside. No doubt she was stunned to see us walking through a black void of utter nothingness, the only thing allowing us to breathe being the magic circulating through the air.

We crossed the wooden bridge between the public face of the shop and the shop where Liara normally conducted her business. Goron opened the door and led us inside. “So just out of curiosity, what happens if someone falls off that bridge?” Naala asked as she

“Compared to other shit, it ain’t too bad. You’ll just keep falling and falling until your hair turns gray and your bones turn to dust. I dunno if you’ll rot though. Won’t be anything to feed on you while you fall,” Diane answered.

Naala slowly nodded, but I eased her worries. “It’d be impossible for you to fall off since the magic around the shop puts you back at the entrance,” I said while I saw Diane smile.

“Yeah, but she didn’t know that,” the Guard of the Witch said before she was jabbed in her arm by Naala.

Even Alteria made her own comment. “Before I ventured with you, I’d never have believed such magics were possible. I’d never even seen such a powerful display of spatial magic before. It seems there is much to still uncover, and much that men are still willing to manipulate,” she reasoned.

Diane snorted. “You haven’t seen the half of it. Stick around and you just might.”

We continued walking and I absently noticed Alteria curiously looking through the inside of The Root. Obviously, this had been her first time here. The mystical marvels that lay within the shop’s walls were a feast to the eyes of all guests, both first-time and longstanding. However, as expected of her status, she made sure not to make her fascination so upfront. Perhaps that had something to do with the hostility she’d been facing from her own people. In their eyes, maybe she’d slowly become used to the allures of the pirate’s life. However, I imagined they’d all rest easy soon enough. Alteria didn’t seem like the plundering sort. Lass had too much heart for the life.

After a bit of walking through the hallways, and up a number of stairs that seemed taller than the shop we were in, we arrived in front of a door coated in majestically enchanted iron. I could feel the presence of great mana exuding from the door while its finely crafted knob drew my eyes to it. I quickly recognized it as a warning sign. Liara enjoyed infusing the doorknobs of every door with a certain feeling that matched the things behind it. Warning auras meant that vast dangers lay beyond, and calm auras usually meant a more pleasant experience.

I wasn’t sure why Liara did this, but I didn’t much care. All I knew was that this doorknob meant that my goal was indeed as treacherous as the others felt it was. I already saw Diane glaring at the door, trying hard to riddle it with bullets if she were allowed to do so. Even Goron couldn’t hold a neutral gaze toward the damn thing. I now saw why Liara always gave either the option of not coming with her. She knew how much they hated it.

I quickly stepped forward and grabbed the door. My grip tightened when I felt a large portion of my mana get sucked out of my body. By the Drowned Seas of Landal, I fucking hated that feeling.

We all heard the door unlock. I pushed open the door and peered inside. Like the realm I’d thrown Raven’s Shadow into, this one was rather dark, barely illuminated by candles of dark purple fire. The walls were stone and rock resembling something of a cave. The tunnel led in only one direction, and that was forward. From Liara’s memories, I learned that nothing lived in this cave. Nothing would be stupid enough to try.

I stepped in first and the others stepped after me. The door swiftly slammed shut behind me. “Not to put a downer on this trip, exciting as it already is but… the door has no knob on this side. How do we get back?” Naala asked.

“You shall see,” Goron replied, his eyes peering through the darkness and forward into the unknown.

“Wow, thanks. You really know how to ease a woman’s worries,” she fired back before I started walking. Diane and Naala quickly followed after me while Goron and Alteria kept pace behind them. The clatter of Alteria’s armor was the only sound heard through the tunnel.

The tunnel slowly descended downward with carved and constructed steps helping our footing. As I’d seen in Liara’s memories, the walls also started to change from stone and rock to bits of flesh. Strange markings appeared upon the face of the walls barely illuminated by the dark purple flames. I advised Naala and Alteria to not try to read them. When asked why I told them that they were the stories of those humbled and handled by Yyril. To look upon one was too long was to invite its magic upon you. You would be forced to live out the experiences of that story until its dire end. Yyril did that with many of his victims before he finished them off.

For most who desired to see Yyril by way of Liara, she usually had them blindfolded. It seemed I didn’t need to worry because Naala blindfolded herself with one of the bandanas she wore today. “I’m kicking your ass if I fucking fall, Captain!” she warned as she grabbed my shoulder.

I merely grinned but made sure that she wouldn’t fall as we continued down. I sure as hell didn’t have the heart to tell her that the further we went down, the more markings appeared. Naturally, Goron and Diane were used to it, all but ignoring the walls like they weren’t even there to begin with. Alteria didn’t seem to mind either. That Hæňgaramian discipline those bastards loved so much seemed worth its weight.

When we made it down the stairs, I released Naala from her temporary blindness. When we got down, we noticed a river. Floating on its waters, tied to two posts, were two wooden vessels. Diane and Goron narrowed their eyes and so did I.

“Guess the element of surprise is over,” Diane said.

“What do you mean?” Alteria asked.

“The damn old man knows we’re coming,” Diane responded before she quickly got in one of the boats while Goron got in the other.

Aye, her words rang true. In the times that I’d seen Liara visit him. There’d only been one boat prepared. That was usually because Liara never brought more than four people, including herself, to meet with Yyril. Her, Goron, Diane, and one unlucky bastard usually comprised the group. Never in her life as far as I saw had there ever been a second vessel prepared.

Goron and Alteria sat in the other boat while Naala, Diane, and I sat in the one next to it. Goron and I untied the ships and the river’s current quickly began to take us away. I grabbed one of the paddles and pushed us faster. Goron and Alteria weren’t far behind.

After a while, I stopped bothering with the paddle. The current kept us all steady and I felt the otherworldly pull of the vessels. They would take us where we wanted to go without concern. And, on the off chance that they didn’t, I’d make them. Though outside the realm of D’orn, these were ones I could control as well.

“Tales of the Wretched Truthseeker were rather widespread in mine era. ‘Tis numerous the cults that sacrificed various vermin and even their own elite to summon his vile watchers. His tongue craves the fine taste of cruelty and his tongue is made of finer gold than thee’s. ‘Twould be wise that thee seekest the path of caution, Eric Drakclaw.”

I found myself oddly surprised when An’raie decided to make herself known. The Lonely Wail had been vastly silent since I’d landed on Hæňgaram. Well, that was aside from that time that I heard her shout with such strength that she forced me out of my own mind. I’d tried to find out what happened without much success.

“And you be not one of them?” I asked.

“‘Tis no desire of mine that I should mingle with such an entity. Take note that I carest not for thine wellbeing personally. Should thine body be destroyed by Yyril, then I shall once again be confined to the Isles of Delverhold at the hands of the Betrayer. I shall not share such a fate a third time,” she replied.

My lips thinned and I offered no retort. “Then best you be in for a good show,” I said before she retreated from my corner of our shared space.

The waterway began to grow narrower. Naala leaned over the side and saw a light green luminescent glow deep within the water. Nei and Lei slowly poked their heads out. I could tell they were curious about the water our boats sailed on, but neither seemed ready to jump out and give it a try, especially Lei. She hissed at the water before she quickly retreated back into my pouch.

Our voyage took us out of the narrow tunnels, our boats gently rocking against the small waves of the river. We entered a large cavern of sorts, the sound of water dripping from the high ceilings and into the waters around us. My eyes narrowed as I sensed the evil spirits hidden deep in the walls all around us. Each of them had their eyes trained on us, ominous shadows playing tricks on the eyes, moving in ways that shadows definitely didn’t move in.

The green glow of the ship slowly turned into a bright yellow hue. “Oh my fucking sea gods!” Naala said as she looked off the side of the ship. I turned an eye over and saw the bottom of the riverbed lined with a vast treasure trove of gold, shiny jewels, and precious stones. Golden crowns, beautiful rings embedded with enchanted, sculpted diamonds, fine ornaments of onyx, jasper, sapphire, and emerald.

Aye, it was beautiful. In fact, it was too beautiful. It was the type of beauty that a pirate captain and his crew would have to be fucking insane to ignore. It was the stuff of dreams and desires of the heart. However, my abilities over the power of the seas let me sense other things. Buried beneath the endless golden river of treasure lay countless bones: human, animal, and all in-between.

With my powers, I also felt the waters beneath the river move. It wasn’t a simple move like the natural flow of the river. One part moved to the left, another moved to the right. A third moved down. A fourth moved sideways.

Five.

Eight.

Eight varying movements that could only belong to living creatures swam beneath our boats, cloaked and hidden from plain eye. Diane and Goron seemed aware of their existence, the former preparing her pistols for the worst-case scenario. As for Naala, while she couldn’t see them, she must have sensed something was in the water because she had an uneasy look on her face.

Even Nei and Lei were disturbed by the presence of the creatures. Whether with nervousness or anger, I felt them shiver in my two pouches. I even heard Lei hiss a little. It held a testament to the great enhancements we’d all received from Delverhold. If not for my abilities of the water, even I wouldn’t have sensed them for the magic which surrounded these creatures was that of Yyril, much greater than Delverhold, and they bore his temperament.

Sadistic and playful, a horrid combination.

As far as I knew there was no name for these creatures, Yyril hadn’t given them one and Liara never seemed too interested in them to name them herself. However, she’d seen them attack people and I’d gotten a look at them through her memories. Eyes void of any light, unnaturally long nails for hands, forked tongues like snakes, and sharp teeth like the edge of a butcher’s knife, I named them ‘Nulous.’ In Draegnarian, it means ‘Revealer of One’s Dark Heart.’

From Liara’s memories, these creatures are capable of creating nigh life-like illusions. Though they are blind, they can see into the hearts of all who pass beneath this part of the river. They granted their victims illusions of what they desired most. By itself, that was all they could do… so long as you kept your fucking limbs inside the ship.

Should you reach out and touch the water's surface, you invite the creatures below to do whatever they pleased to knock you off. Quite a few of Liara’s clients had fallen victim to this, some she saved and a few she didn’t care about. In fact, she’d considered this a merciful death since meeting with Yyril would only be that much worse.

I wasn’t sure what they do to their victims once they got a hold of them, but I saw through Liara’s memories that the sounds they made were worse than anything that fucker Saviara could have cooked up. Either way, whatever they did, it left a pile of mangled bones down there, all of them not strong enough to resist their desires of whatever was shown to them.

And I be ashamed to say that I was almost one of them. It seemed that one of the Nuluos delved deeper into my heart. Beneath the waves, I saw every member of my crew. I saw my beloved, I saw Astell, I saw Anderen, I saw Barren, my first mate, every single fucker who laughed and jeered at me while I’d been left to my fate. I still remembered the pain of the sharks, my body numb from the moonstone.

All I could do was bite my lip and clench my fists, the memories coming back to me in droves. Like a barrel of unwashed monkey apples, I was filled with them and forced to endure this mockery. Aye, I could do away with the creatures if I wished, but that would only anger Yyril and that old shit wasn’t someone even I’d like to piss off casually. Besides, I already knew they were all waiting. Their days were numbered and Boreli would be the only one to escape from me.

I turned my head away from the water, not willing to toy with the temptation more than I already had. Instead, I turned to Goron and Alteria. The former kept his eyes forward, not even bothering with what he already knew. However, Alteria was looking at the river almost longingly. Her eyes seemed void of any happiness or will that I’d come to expect from the Hæňgaramian soldier. It almost seemed like she’d reach out to touch the water, but instead, she turned away and closed her eyes, perhaps not willing to ponder whatever was shown to her anymore.

The voyage through this part of the river was quiet, but we’d found ourselves coming up to an entrance. The stench of vile magic pierced through our noses as the boats sailed us through the entrance.

When we came out the other side, Naala widened her eyes in shock. Even Alteria wasn’t immune to the surprise on her face when we all beheld the Realm of Yyril. Just like inside the cavern, the realm seemed void of any light whatsoever. Dark clouds hung in the skies, and the land was wrought with the smell of blood. Men and women, young and old, beastman and non-beastman, were strewn up like some sort of macabre piece.

The land seemed desolate, fallen weapons and bones of unlucky bastards lay on the ground. On the path that the river took us to was a large black tower-like spire. Black chains connected to the top of its spiked frame. For some, they’d take it to look more like a prison than a tower. Above its head lay a rotating red crystal. Smaller towers connected to it through a network of lengthy structured corridors. Lightning flashed across the sky and pillars with various runes etched into them hummed one by one.

Tall, formless shadows moved about in the distance around the tower, surveying the work of their master. I noticed that a few victims were still alive, the water moving inside them slowly being drained away. Many were on top of the chains, either hung upside down with deep lacerations, and others were hung by their necks or arms. Others had been crucified over deep pits of lava. Ferocious lava lizards jumped out and snapped their fangs at them, burning the wood with each bellow. Some of them called for help and I saw Alteria almost wishing she could intervene. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t matter. They had already forfeited their lives to Yyril. Their bodies would waste away fit for the maggots and worms that I saw slowly crawling up the thin lines of rope that held them all high.

I was thankful I’d strengthened Naala and Alteria’s minds with the magic runes before starting this journey. Aside from Yyril, I doubted their minds could cope with such a depraved scene. I’d viewed scenes like this numerous times through Liara’s memories. Aye, though it was gruesome, I’d grown somewhat accustomed to it just as Diane and Goron had.

Our boats continued to sail us through a series of large, blackstone monoliths. Standing next to those upright stone pillars were two statues. On the left was a male devil with a whip. On the right was an angelic woman with a bow in her hand. Some liked to speculate that the left depicted Asmavolgos, a demonic spirit of water. His water was said to be so powerful that just taking a sip of it would give one affinity towards every spell that was or that will ever be. However, the water was so corrupt that the mortal heart would be forever changed, longing to seek bloodthirst and revel in the vile, disgusting acts held in the mortal mind.

On the right depicted Lakishlim, a warrior spirit of righteous fire. That fire was thought to be so strong that it could burn away even the evil thoughts of men. There were stories that when her fire burned away the thoughts of evil men, great wisdom and knowledge took its place. It also granted great resistance to evil temptations. Some even jested that it could repel the might of Vilinlith, and if one harnessed the flames properly… they could even turn Succubi into devout beings for the holy and just as well. Aye, the lass be popular in the Northwestern regions of D’orn. There were many fucking churches, saints, and followers dedicated to her.

Many speculated that these two were either Yyril’s children or his parents, standing guard against all who would think to trespass on his ruling ground. No one knew for sure, not even Liara, especially despite the fact that she’s spoken with both of them on numerous occasions during the innumerable years that she’s been alive.

Finally, our trip took us from the outer courts. As soon as we did, Goron and Diane handed Naala and Alteria their blindfolds before putting their own on. The two looked at me and I silently nodded, affirming that they would indeed need them. I saw Naala swallow nervously. She put it on and Lady Knight followed after. I then reached for my own blindfold.

To my knowledge, Liara had always done this because what was seen could not be unseen, and when something couldn’t be unseen then it lived inside someone’s mind. Once it lived inside the mind, it had power. Once it had power, it could conquer. Once it conquered, it ruled.

Even my soul felt An’raie simmer down, letting her consciousness fade into my own so that she’d not see what need not be seen. Meanwhile, our boats finally stopped. I heard a man whimper, his mouth muffled by something while chains rattled beneath him. My ears then picked up on another man, the same sounds of suffering and bondage.

“Takt volakc minum shkrie? Dak maut!”

“Akmut taluvm hilum warchae shalvem,”

I heard voices that no mortal would think to hear in their lifetime. A squishy, garbling noise as if stamping through a wet floor of live squid moved through my ears. A chain rattled and one of the men, human or not I wasn’t sure, groaned. I stood up and pressed my foot on the bow rowboat.

“Ichti varkrok calcium, gahat!” I said, interrupting the two… beings that seemed to be conversing.

As expected, they stopped talking. One of them then started to laugh. If I could see whatever it was, I would have thought it had the biggest grin filled with teeth that would put every bone shark in the seas to shame.

“Ikmi drakke ddaktimbi?”

“Kekavro plumis dormos naviadmika! Mroa slhef ude atmser!”

Our group waited and suddenly I heard a slurping sound. It imagined something happening to one of the men because I felt the water in his chest circulating wildly, a sign that his heart was racing, pounding like a dead drum in his chest.

“Iktum me! Tuqi!” One of them exclaimed. Having understood this language at least partially, I recognized the words that they would escort us to our destination.

Once we all, quite clumsily made it out of our boats, I heard the two men groan, each of them in utter agony. The chains rattled like the worst sound of a bard’s lyre. Diane grabbed my right shoulder and Naala grabbed my left. I couldn’t see by what measure Goron led Alteria, but based on her unsteady steps, they made due.

We followed after the two beings slowly, our ears assaulted by their warped sense of amusement as the suffering of the two men escalated. At first, it was just minor groans, but it quickly changed into such a horror that I was reminded of The Taker of Voices. It seemed that whatever the others had done to pass the time at that moment, they also chose to do so now, retreating into some measure of their minds where no insanity might tread too far.

Thankfully, this didn’t last for much longer. A separate rattling of chains and harsh steps came from our right. The two men were led away, kicking and screaming. I heard numerous other wails in that direction and there was a strong heat from there that brought Seraphina to my memory.

Once the two men were gone, the trip was notably smoother. That said, it was also very long. The only sound we heard after a while was Alteria’s armor and the occasional scream of agony in the distance. Nevertheless, as if descending into a maddening abyss, our trek took us deeper and deeper into the realm of Yyril.

Finally, after what seemed like days, we were stopped. The creatures left us, gurging their sadistic laughter through the echoing halls of Yyril’s domain. Even though they left, I still felt my body trembling. A grin appeared on my face. The magical presence of those beings was very powerful. Just one of them could fell half the island of Draegnar. Yet, the surge of magical power I felt in front of me was unlike any I’d felt before. Even An’raie’s paled in comparison. In fact, it felt similar to Liara’s after her ascension.

I grabbed my blindfold and threw it off. Diane cast hers off and so did Goron. We then helped Naala and Alteria. “Please tell me we…” I slapped my hand over Naala’s mouth. She looked at me confused before I spoke.

“Watch your words, Naala. Anyone might make use of them,” I said. I knew she wished to leave as quickly as possible. Hell, that seemed to be the aura that surrounded the entire group. I turned my head and stared at the large door made of crimson wood. It was surrounded by three candlestands on each side. They burned with white fire, granting us a little light through the darkness of the corridors.

“So what shall we do now?” Alteria asked.

“Give it a moment. The old bastard’s got a flare for the dramatic,” Diane answered.

Once she said that the door swung open. My eyes narrowed as our bodies were overcome with powerful magic pressure. Naala and Alteria stepped back in surprise, clearly not used to such a formidable mage presence coming upon them all at once. Hell, the fact that the later was even still standing proved her grit.

I took a step forward and frowned. “Then best we make him remember that this lot ain’t the proper ones for it,” I said as I slapped my hands together and released a cloud of sparkling green mist. Instantly, the pressure vanished away as my ears picked up on the soft pants of Alteria and Naala.

“What the fuck was that?” Naala asked.

“That was his welcoming,” Goron said as I took another step forward, my eyes glancing to the left and right of the corridor hallways.

“Aye, it be about as welcoming as a drunken bastard’s punch to the jaw after his hangover in a rundown bar,” I replied as I stepped inside. Diane and Goron came after me with Naala and Alteria not far behind.

When we entered, I noticed we were surrounded by heavy darkness. Its presence was so thick I swore I felt it touch and rub the entire length of my body. It must have had a disorienting purpose because I sensed the others veer off from me with my powers of the water. Had I relied on my senses of magic, I wouldn’t have noticed since the dark was filled to the brim with Yyril’s vile essence.

“Don’t stray!” I warned through a spell that connected our minds together.

“It’s hard not to! I can’t even see where I’m fucking going!” Naala exclaimed.

“It is a difficult situation, especially since I don’t appreciate the air that this room gives off,” Alteria said next.

Thankfully, we managed to find each other. It wasn’t hard when the fucking captain could sense the waters in all five people. I grabbed Naala first and got Goron last. When we all came together, a white peered down from above.

It was a very harsh and unforgiving light that made us squint our eyes. It cast its glow down on a wooden chair, its frame not quite refined as the wood hadn’t been sanded or trimmed. Hell, one might as well call it a chair made out of dirty branches and dried roots instead.

We walked toward the chair and my eyes narrowed. “Is someone supposed to sit in it?” Alteria asked.

I smirked. “Yyril doesn’t offer seats,” I said as I kicked the chair away and out of the light. Immediately the chair dissolved into a horde of serpents, each of them hissing violently at us before they retreated into the dark.

Having felt I’d humored the old bastard enough, I spoke out. “Play your games on some other lot that finds your fancy. I ain’t here to bring joy to your decrepit skin, Truth Seeker. Continue in this bullshit and you’ll never enjoy the pleasure of Liara’s company as your old lungs wheeze through your damn domain!” I shouted, a little fed up with this charade.

A bitter silence came after my tirade. The light above us faded soon after. Immediately, the entire room was lit up like a fallen noble’s banqueting hall. A long table lined from one end of the room to the other. However, it was unlike any table any mortal would want to feast or sit at. To save my own disgust, I shall just say that at least Yyril’s victims never needed to worry about going hungry. The food would have fallen right through anyway since its storage was used to craft the long table.

Thankfully a long noble’s cloth covered the top of the table, but it was a very decrepit piece of royal linen. Its covering was fashioned in dead skin. From Liara’s memories, I knew that Yyril had a very unorthodox sense of humor. He’d done this to all of his guests and even to Liara on numerous occasions. It got to the point where even she, with her very high levels of patience, had grown annoyed at them. Of course, that annoyance never made itself known on her face, but one could tell when they’d pushed the Immortal Witch too far.

Then, at the far end of the other side of the table, sat an old man. Somehow his skin had still managed to stick to his skin despite the thousands upon thousands of years that he’d been alive. To anyone who hadn’t seen him before, one would think he was just waiting for Death to swing its cruel scythe on his neck. However, I always assumed that was what Yyril enjoyed about passing off this look. He enjoyed the unassuming nature he might pose despite the environment around him, his guests blinding themselves and lowering their guard against his appearance.

He sat in a chair, a few steps higher than the table in front of us, almost like a king’s throne amidst a noble party. In his hands was an iron scepter. The tip of it was shaped like the head of a mace with elongated spiked tips. His body was larger than a normal man’s, easily dwarfing even Goron’s height. His body was covered by the dark shadows that once wrapped around all of us. The only things visible were his head and his old, decrepit hands with their abnormally long fingernails. His eyes seemed unfocused, but I could tell that he had no trouble spotting all of us out.

He raised a finger slowly, pointing it toward Diane. “My, my, Diane. You grow more beautiful as the years go by. Your gaze as well,” Yyril spoke, a crooked smile on his old face while his shaky, raspy voice pierced through the veil of our minds.

When I saw Diane’s face, I saw the nastiest glare that she’d ever given anyone. She didn’t respond. Instead, she flipped him off. “Please hurry and finish your shit while I can still stand to breathe the same air as this bastard,” Diane said to me, not taking her eyes off him.

Naturally, Yyril was used to this and so was Diane. Over the trip to the ship, I knew that there was some sort of history between her and the Truth Seeker, and it sure as hell didn’t end on friendly terms. In fact, I could already see Diane’s hand maneuvering slightly for her guns. If I saw it, then Yyril also saw it. Nothing escaped those old eyes.

Yyril then turned his gaze to Goron. “And Goron, it is a pleasure to peer upon your mighty frame once again. I see not the beautiful visage of your mistress. Where might she be that I may receive her company?” Yyril asked.

Goron stared at him neutrally, but I’d come to know a bit of the tall bastard during our months at sea together. He didn’t hold a favorable opinion of Yyril either and his stance showed as such. He seemed ready for combat just like Diane was. While I’d never seen Liara and her entourage come to blows with the old shit in front of me, it seemed like she always prepared them for the possibility. Hell, she might have even warned them to always be prepared for it.

“Lady Liara is currently following the path that she desires, Lord Yyril. In her stead, she has chosen this man to take over while she is set upon her journey. We answer to him and he is why we have disturbed you this day,” Goron answered, drawing attention to me.

For the first time, Yyril and I locked eyes. As I’d lived on D’orn in my first life, even the vilest bastard to walk the earth has got some shred of decency, no matter how minor, in him. Yet, I saw none of that in Yyril. His eyes were void of the very concepts of compassion and mercy. His eyes stared into mine, but I stared back defiantly. If there was one thing someone like Yyril got off on it was the fear of his appearance in the eyes of others. I felt his eyes pierce deep into the very depths of my soul, his wrinkly, long, bony hands tapping the dark arms of his throne.

“Yes, Eric… Drakclaw. It is a name which has begun to ring through the vast realms and the upper planes. The scent of The Cursed Witch lays upon your soul. You have gained the ire of many for few have gained the interest of Liara as deeply as you. A poor, almost homeless son of an ailing mother who was thought to be near death. It is quite unusual how you managed to pique her interest in only a few hours,” he said, his elderly voice grating on the ears.

“Perhaps I just be better at it than the rest of you lot,” I replied, well aware of just how many nobles, royals, gods, and demons had tried their hand at bedding Liara. Though, when I thought back to that first time, I wondered if I was the one that got bedded instead. I still remembered the look on Ellen’s face when I’d finished my third plate of food, having been drained of my stamina by Liara. Perhaps I ought to have been thankful she wasn’t a succubus demon. I doubted my life would have even made it to Delverhold.

“Perhaps…” The Truth-Seeker echoed, continuing to stare at me like he was trying to decipher a damn puzzle. With his thousands upon thousands of years in studying, toying, and examining the bastards and bitches who stood before him, I knew it wouldn’t take him very long.

“Now how's about we do away with the chitchat? Aye, it be nice to reminisce about Liara, but that ain’t why I stand before you now. Obviously, you know that,” I said.

Yyril leaned forward, the black cloak covering his body shifting this way and that. His lips formed a crooked smile, revealing decayed and rotten teeth. “I see her stories of your impatience were not false. By the look in your eye, it seems this isn’t your first time standing in my presence, yet this is most certainly my first time gazing upon you. Why is that?” he asked next.

I already knew this was a dangerous question to try and answer. I knew that if I answered it truthfully, Yyril would find some means to exploit it against me later. However, were I to deflect it, he’d only grow more curious. Granted, I knew this would happen when I came into his domain. Clearly, he’d kept some sort of eye on me at the start of my travel back to my old life.

“Maybe I just enjoy seeing your face in my dreams,” I replied.

The smile on his face broke for only a moment. It then came back. “An interesting explanation. I enjoy ones like you, Eric Drakclaw. I have met many of them. Their screams taste the sweetest,” Yyril answered back, his yellow eyes glowing in the ambient darkness.

I didn’t respond, but I saw Diane snarl out of the corner of my eye. Yyril then leaned forward. He held out his skinny hand and I saw ancient magic swirl about on the palm of his hand. A dark purple orb appeared and it got bigger until it revealed the lands of Taptos within it. Despite herself, I heard Alteria gasp lightly. We all looked at the massive hole where the City of Taptos ought to be standing.

“You wish to learn of the circumstances regarding Taptos, a piece of land in Hæňgaram,” he said, staring at the scene with a rather bored, yet amused looked on his damn face.

“Aye, we…”

“I was not addressing you, Eric Drakclaw. I was addressing… that one.”

Yyril pointed his disgustingly long finger up and all our eyes turned to Alteria. Her eyes narrowed while Yyril’s grin widened. “Yes, I see the lust for knowledge in your gaze, sweet soldier of Hæňgaram. You wish to know what has befallen your companions and your people. No, I see more within you. I see many questions and I see a life of unjust treatment. Mmm, I also see lots of anger. Anger toward pirates and… anger towards your nations. No, perhaps it is anger towards yourself. Yes, anger towards yourself and another, one very close to you. Perhaps you believe that this knowledge might help your nation see reason. Perhaps you shall not be the ostracized Knight-Captain anymore. What shall you give for this knowledge, fair maiden?” he asked, his eyes honed in on Alteria’s every move.

The others looked toward me for some kind of response, but I allowed the matter to play out for a moment. I was rather curious as to what Lady Knight might do, especially since I’d warned her and Naala that Yyril enjoyed his torment of people. I knew I didn’t have to remind the lass of that. Her eyes told me that she was well aware of this. In fact, the constant, yet distant screams through the building must have told her that as well.

That said, Alteria couldn’t hide her obvious anger. Despite her attempts to remain neutral, I could tell the Truth-Seeker’s words must have hit something in her core. The natural flow of her noble mana had been disrupted. Her eyes reflected a deep pain that I’d not seen in many others. Whether it was directed at Yyril or at his words, I wasn’t sure. All I knew was that she was trying hard to maintain her professional nerve and was failing to do so. Her body trembled lightly, tiny rattles of her armor being made apparent.

Her mouth remained closed, almost as if she were afraid to open it. Her hand kept caressing the length of her sheathed blade, almost as if she tried to use it for stability. And the thing which pissed me off the most was that Yyril had the biggest grin on his fucking face than I’d ever seen. His cheeks were spread out so wide I thought they’d circle around his damn head and press at the back.

Finally, after some time, Alteria spoke. “What would I have to do for this knowledge?” she questioned.

The room became quiet. It became so quiet, it felt like we were all choking on the silence. Naala looked at me, clearly worried. I knew Yyril wouldn’t miss that. Goron and Diane also looked at me, though I could see the latter clawing at the sleeves of her coat. I bet that Yyril saw that as well.

“She toys with flames beyond her control. ‘Tis best to rein her in before thine desires are forfeit,” An’raie said from within the depths of my mind. Nevertheless, I still waited. I watched Yyril hold up his staff and gently tap it on the floor next to him.

“I’m glad that you seek to ponder. I have something I wish to confirm,” he said as a magic array appeared on the table in front of us. From the array came a plate with a single human finger on it. My eyes narrowed.

“Eat it and the knowledge shall be yours, along with the future that you hold dear. It shouldn’t be hard, right? You’ve already compromised your ideals by working with a pirate. Surely, this is no different,” he said as we all looked at the plate. Despite the situation, I had to smirk when I saw Naala inch herself closer to me, clearly repulsed by the sight. However, she and the rest of us looked at Alteria. Lady Knight was quiet, staring down at the table almost… contemplating the weight of what she’d been told to do. The fact that she didn’t outright deny the request worried me a little, especially since Hæňgaram banned all acts of cannibalism on its borders since its creation hundreds of years ago. To be caught participating in the act was to be harshly judged with 50 lashes of a spiked whip. Then the culprit would be tied to a post out in the ocean. There they’d be food for the beasts of the air and of the water. Well, that was if Hæňgaram ever learned of it.

We all knew Yyril was taunting Alteria with this and I was sure she knew it as well. She also knew that none of us would bother with telling her nation if she ate the finger or not. As a pirate, I didn’t care what the hell she did to achieve her own ends. So long as it resulted not in the deaths of my crew, then it wasn’t my concern.

Alteria picked up the plate, her eyes showing a thousand thoughts running through her mind. Then, for the first time, she looked at me. I swore I was insane because for a second it seemed like she was asking me what she should do. When I blinked, she was back to normal. Her eyes stood resolute.

“Finish your business, Eric. Lest I warrant the ire of my people,” Alteria said before she placed the plate back on the table. She then stepped away, her mana distorted beyond what I thought was proper.

If there was any satisfaction to be had in this, then it was the frown on Yyril’s face. Poor bastard looked like the fucking brat who got his favorite toy taken away by his mother. Every semblance of joy had quickly evaporated. I took the initiative. “Aye, now that you’ve had your fun, we’ll get on with the rest of this little meeting. What happened to the lands of Taptos?” I asked.

Yyril was silent for a long time. He just continued to stare at me, the frown on his face growing deeper. “I find myself none too indulging since my fun has been ruined, Child of the Sea. What shall you give me in return for this knowledge? If you know me, then you know how much I thirst for the secret truths that govern the realms. It is a grand pastime of mine,” he replied, his mood still sour.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out a scroll. I rolled it around in my fingers for a little while. “Grant me the information and I’ll grant you the location of the Tomb of Doran, the mortal blacksmith who was accepted by the Spirit of Fire and created the Ashened Blade, a sword that is said to all that was and all that will ever be. If wielded, what they are or will be can turn into whatever the wielder desires. It be best for a truth-seeker to make anything his own truth, right? Who knows what you could make someone do with it,” I said, quite confident that he’d accept.

My confidence only grew when he slowly sat up, his decrepit fingers clacking over the length of his iron scepter. In the times that I’d watched Yyril and Liara speak, there was only one time when he’d shown interest in the Ashened Blade crafted by Doran. In fact, I’d almost missed it, but thankfully Liara hadn’t. Yyril always spoke of Doran… the first that got away. For even Liara, Doran was long before her time. Even she’d only heard tales of him, a few confirmed by the Spirit of Fire itself. As for the Ashened Blade, the current Liara wouldn’t know where it was hidden, but my time’s Liara did, and I’d been able to piece together a map of sorts to the Ashened Blade and the Tomb of Doran. Naturally, I had no interest in going there myself for a very… particular reason.

Despite himself, Yyril’s eyes honed in on the scroll in my hand. Even without seeing her, I could tell Diane was looking at me. Her gaze was a strong one, no doubt questioning my intentions in giving someone like Yyril such an artifact. Hell, she and Goron were probably perplexed if such a thing even existed at all.

“Hmm, quite the offered trade you have presented. Perhaps there is a reason why Liara has granted so much attention to you. However, am I to believe that a pirate holds such a truth as the location of the Tomb of Doran? Not even the wisest of spirits know of its location,” he said while I placed the map on the table.

“Then best you do as your title suggests and seek the truth. You don’t desire competition, do you? There are many other spirits I could give this map to that would enjoy absorbing the divine magics around the Tomb of Doran. Should one of them possess the Ashened Blade, everything shall be turned into their truth, and given that you no doubt have made quite a number of enemies, do you believe you’ll come close to such a grand goal if some bastard were to plunder it before you? Any box of treasures you’ve built up against someone could turn into a pile of shit at a moment’s notice. I’d say that be worth the risk of doing as your name states.”

“Say you do as you’ve said. Why should I provide you with any other information when such a treasure has dared to be withheld from me? Or… do you believe I would let you leave with it?” he asked.

I rolled my eyes. “I got better shit to do than do this run around with you. I traded you a fucking map. Whether you can grab the fucking thing on your own is up to you. After all, dare you think I’d meet you if I wasn’t confident in confronting you? You ain’t got a seadog’s legs as a gambler,” I responded, placing the scroll on the table.

Yyril continued to look at me for a moment or two. The scroll was then engulfed in black flames before it appeared in his hand. “And what stops me from taking it right now?” he asked.

Sometimes I just wondered if the fucker liked to hear himself talk. It was fairly obvious to Diane, Goron, myself, and Yyril that this question had no true importance. If I knew of Yyril, and he’d never met me personally until now, then there was no telling who else I knew. Were he to cross me, he risked the potential danger of others that weren’t quite so amiable to his advances. After all, I had a fair deal of knowledge about Yyril’s enemies and victims, and I had no doubts they’d like nothing more than to act on any perceived weakness should they gather together. Even he couldn’t afford that.

“You’ve lived for longer than I have and will probably continue to live after I’m gone. Do ya get to live that long by walking the edge of your enemy’s blade?” I fired back as Yyril quickly gained his cruel smirk. In spite of himself, he stared at the scroll with a mixture of unholy glee, yet subdued caution.

Yyril held the scroll up and we saw one of the dark shadows take shape. Its pale white eyes stared down at us before it picked up the scroll and slid back into the still darkness. Supposedly, that creature was one of the agents Yyril used to collect information through the realms. There were many of them and all but the greatest magic were unable to detect their presence. It would have taken me months if not, a few years of preparing materials if I wanted to sense them.

Not even a minute passed before Yyril tapped his staff on the floor. “Seems the behavior of pirates is changing. I have found one with trusted information. Of course, I’m sure there is something more to this gift which you have presented to me, but I shall unravel this in due time. Now then, onto this matter…” he said holding up the view of Taptos.

“Indeed I know of this matter. Tell me, what do you know of Sekria, the Great Burrower?” he asked.

…Fucking goddammit.

At that moment, it made sense to me. I’d not considered Sekria simply because the damn thing was always known to keep to itself. It and its kind lived in another realm. It was covered in nothing but burning rock, a place where almost no life ought to form. However, embedded deep with its crust lay Sekria and its kind.

The realm hadn’t always been like that. It used to be one of vibrant life and vast civilizations. However, they all practiced dark magic. In their lives, against their enemies, for whatever purpose, dark magic was like fucking water on their tongues. Yet, they never knew that their dark magic had corrupted the land and the creatures within it. One of those creatures had been Sekria, a burrowing beast with a voracious appetite. It struck one nation with only a crater as its remains. Yet, the other nations knew not of it. How could they? Every report came back that nothing was wrong, they didn’t know that Sekria had been so heavily enchanted with dark magic that just being in its territory could wipe all memory of its presence except for those highly talented in the mystic arts.

For years Sekria had terrorized the realm and no one knew about it until it was too late. The world banded together against it, but they had no way of knowing that for each civilization Sekria and its kind had devoured, they’d also taken in all of the dark magic from the nation’s people, artifacts, and livestock. It’d grown too powerful and all that remained was the fallen rubble of civilizations lost. Of course, for those who journey through the realms, there was always a chance that they wound up in Sekria’s domain. If they were lucky, then they’d recognize it and leave immediately. Hopefully, Sekria’s magic made them forget the encounter.

If they stayed, then they’d best tread the ground lightly for Sekria could feel every tremor and every step throughout that realm. If one let their guard down, then they too would find themselves in the belly of the Great Burrower.

My expression must have given it away because Yyril found some satisfaction in my discomfort. “The matter concerning the Great Burrower is one that I’m sure you shall understand. It’s quite clear that whatever happened to Taptos was brought forth by a rather ingenious individual who has traveled between realms before. Given the proper resources, it’s not a difficult thing to accomplish. Your enemy simply went into Sekria’s realm, made contact with it, and summoned it in Taptos. The result is as you see. No simple mage would be able to resist its great presence or its mind-altering magic. I believe the results speak for themselves. Don’t you agree?” he asked.

My lips thinned as my mind raced. I’d hate to disappoint Lady Knight, but Taptos sure as hell wouldn’t be coming back. All of its people were probably swimming through the belly of The Great Burrower by now. However, that wasn’t the biggest concern. If that happened to Taptos, then it could happen to any other city in the empire. We also didn’t know why this person did it, but this reeked of Zevmar’s shit. I’d met the bastard’s eyes on more than one occasion. For someone like that to try and war against Hæňgaram, he had to have balls and an ambition to match the heavens.

“Enjoy your scavenger hunt,” I said as I turned around to leave. The others quickly followed after me.

“Fare thee well, Diane. I look forward to seeing you and present company again. Should you ever wish to try for the answer again, do let me know. I am always here,” Yyril said as I watched Diane tremble with rage, closing her eyes to try and block out the Truth-Seeker’s voice.

Goron patted her shoulder and pushed her along. She shoved his hand away but followed silently as a door appeared before us. I grabbed the handle, eager to put this matter behind me and never interact with this bastard again.

“Ah, before you leave, I should tell you that you’re more famous than you might suspect, Eric Drakclaw. A certain woman came before me as well, asking about you. She seemed a bit on the thin side, perhaps having recently escaped from a life of slavery. Yet, never had I seen eyes with such anger before,” Yyril said as I stopped, grabbing the door handle.

I turned around, anger burning deep on my face as I saw the crooked, cruel smile on Yyril’s face. I immediately remembered Aesteal’s brief story when she and Maeloson had been in the midst of their slavery. She told me that she had an encounter with Leah… or who I assumed was Leah except under the guise of another name, Le’a. Even through my anger, I’d thought the chance of them being the same person was highly unlikely, but now with Yyril’s words… it didn’t seem to be as stupid as I’d thought before.

I gripped the handle of the door, nearly tearing it off as I saw Yyril’s confidence grow at my discomfort. I could only wonder what my damn face must have looked like in the eyes of the others, but all I could focus on was the Truth-Seeker. “Mhm, the gaze you wield was also wielded by her. She traded me something rather interesting for the information regarding you. Judging by the expression on your face, it seems you both have quite the tumultuous history. I can tell you want to know about her. As I am in a proper mood from this scroll which you hath given me, I shall make an exception. I shall give you all of this information. In return, surrender that one to me for I smell the greatest fear within. I look forward to feasting upon it,” he said as he pointed a long finger into my group.

All eyes quickly landed on Naala. She looked like she’d seen the very form of Death itself, shivering even more than when we’d been in the Frost Troll’s domain. She took a step back, her eyes turning to me and pleading that I wasn’t considering what we all thought. Even with her beautiful chocolate skin, I could tell she became pale, her fingers slowly trying to reach for her gun even if it would prove futile.

“I suggest you take the opportunity, Eric Drakclaw. I am not known for making repeat offers,” Yyril taunted.

If there was perhaps anything good to come out of this, it was that I wasn’t back on D’orn. I was sure my anger would have flooded a portion of Hæňgaram and all of Ninshil were we to go back now. I wasn’t sure how, but clearly he knew of my fondness for Naala, intent on preying on her fear and my anger. I wondered what she thought when I hadn’t so ready rejected the insane offer.

Nevertheless, I closed my eyes and turned back to Yyril. “All the matters which concern me I shall handle alone. Best you not get in my way,” I said, slowly and through gritted teeth. Despite my words, I knew that Yyril considered this a victory for himself as he watched all of us put our blindfolds on. I opened the door and left his audience room with the others close behind me.

I didn’t remember much of the trip back. We were guided back to our vessel, our boots soaked in water that had splashed high on the steps. We stumbled ourselves into our boats and the current sailed us away, the horrific screams of Yyril’s victims still echoing throughout his realm.

Once we were a far enough distance away, we removed our blindfolds, but no words came out of anyone’s mouth. Even Nei and Lei hadn’t said anything, choosing to remain hidden away. I had not the grit to look at Naala, my mind swarming with questions about what Yyril told me.

Soon enough, we traveled back into the river with its underwater beasts. If there were treasures to be found in there, none seemed in the mood to entertain them. Our boats then settled to a stop back at the place they’d been strapped to. Goron and I jumped out and tied the boats to the poles. Then, we all went back the way we came, Naala and Alteria putting on their blindfolds to not see the gruesome detail on the walls until we came back to the entrance. Goron reached into his pocket and pulled out a silk skin pouch. He reached inside it and pulled out some white dust. Throwing it into the air, it shimmered in the dark before the door appeared in front of us, opening to reveal the halls of The Root.

One by one, we all walked through. I closed the door behind me and Goron locked it. Even with this, none of us still desired to talk. We exited Liara’s shop and came back to the familiar halls of my ship. It didn’t take us long to hear the furious thunder and witness the strikes of lightning outside the windows. Yet, none of us still spoke a word.

When we reached the main deck, I dismissed everyone. I didn’t even wait to see what they all thought. I just walked into my room and slammed the door behind me. Of course, I had enough sense to not handle Nei or Lei roughly despite my mood. They seemed to sense my frustrations and didn’t make things difficult for me. When I grabbed them and placed them over their barrel of water, they slipped in, the only sound being their small splashes of water.

I threw my coat off, not caring where. My shirt followed after and so did my pants which left me in some shorts. I sat on my bed, stewing in my own anger as I rubbed my hands through my long hair. The storm outside grew in size and ferocity. I leaned back and put my head on my pillow, stretching my feet out over my bed.

Yyril’s words seemed to replay in my mind like some sick curse upon my soul. If this Le’a was Leah, then how the hell would we be able to get into the realm of Yyril? I’d never taken her there before. Even more than that, how did she know who I was since we hadn’t met you? I wondered if it was possible that she too had been brought back to her old life. I supposed it was possible, but if that happened then why had Liara not informed me of it? There was no way in hell something like that would have escaped her notice.

Of course, it was possible this was just Yyril’s way of pissing me off. He always seemed to have some way of getting information that was always impossible. Whether I talked about it or not, I was sure he would have discovered it eventually. It would just have been buried beneath the thousands, if not millions of other shit he got on people. Well, it was possible he also would have kept it close since I’d garnered such favor with Liara in taking her to Delverhold.

However, aside from his own shitty humor and pleasure, I wasn’t sure if Yyril had a reason to lie to me. Then he asked for Naala, no doubt knowing that we’d developed a relationship since Delverhold. Clearly, he enjoyed testing me on which I prioritized, the information or my ebony crewmate. Unfortunately for him, I wouldn’t allow that to happen.

I touched my chest, feeling the harsh air pushing through my lung. Aye, while the help was appreciated, it was to be my vengeance and mine alone. I’d not allow my crew the same fate as what happened with Boreli. Yet, that I’d considered that deal, even momentarily, sicked my salted heart. Perhaps, in the end, I ain’t changed much after all.

As I lay on my bed, a knock came on my door.

“Hey, Captain? Can I come in?”

It was Naala’s voice. With everything that happened today and recent developments, I didn’t have the will to open my mouth and allow her entry. The memory of her expression still burned in my mind of just how terrified she was when Yyril singled her out amongst the group.

She knocked a few more times, each sounding heavier in my ears than the last until she finally stopped. I heard her walk away soon after, her boots retreating on top of the wooden planks. I rolled over and stared at the wall, the storm outside providing the ambiance needed for me to slowly fall asleep when exhaustion overtook me.

I woke up feeling a little thirsty. The storm outside still hadn’t subsided. My ship rocked back and forth as the waves crashed into the furthest reaches of the cove. The sleep hadn’t done much for my mood, but I noticed that my bed felt much warmer than it was before I drifted off to sleep. The feeling of hands on my back was also prevalent, granting me this great warmth through the stormy night that hadn’t been there before.

“Did I wake you?”

I heard Naala’s voice as her cold legs intertwined with mine, almost trying to suck up every last bit of warmth I’d gathered in my sleep. “How did you know I was awake?” I asked.

“You stopped mumbling in your sleep,” she said, her hands climbing my back and sliding on my shoulders.

I’d not known myself to mumble in my sleep, but I supposed that this day wasn’t quite like the others. “And what brought you into my chambers tonight?” I asked, my voice sounding rather rough and sluggish due to just waking up.

I heard something of a chuckle, but somehow I knew that if I turned around Naala wouldn’t be smiling. “Tired of me already? And here I thought we were just starting to get somewhere. Look, if you don’t want me around just say so. Plenty of other ships could use fucking powder monkeys like me, though I doubt they’ll pay as high as this one. Though, it’s better to be needed than not. So tell me. My skin ain’t paper. I can take it! Bet you my bootlicker’s saltstick! Been on my own plenty of times, bastards come and go. The ship’s cannons change with ‘em. This’ll be no different,” she said.

I might have believed her had I not heard the faint crack in her voice by the end of her speech. I remained silent, feeling her hands run along my arms and snake around my stomach. Her slim fingers gently scratched my chest. I wondered if my room was colder than I thought because she started shivering. “It’ll be hard to sleep if I don’t know,” she then said, her voice piercing through the clouds of my mind like a gunshot through the air of a tavern brawl.

I grabbed her hands and removed them from me. I turned around and lay on my other side, facing her. I could barely make out her eyes through the void of darkness. I slowly lifted up my hand and pulled up the water from my pitcher. Opening my mouth, I swallowed two mouthfuls before I sent the rest back into the pitcher.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to you doing that,” she said before I reached up my hand and touched her cheek. Her eyes closed briefly, one of her hands holding onto mine. When she opened them, I saw a brief flicker of worry, weakness, and uncertainty. It was the type of thing any pirate captain would exploit without mercy. However, by the next blink of her eyes, it was gone.

I inhaled and exhaled slowly. “I considered it, Naala. I considered the words of Yyril if only for a second, and it shall be a second which turns even the brightest gold into the cruelest dirt” I answered with great honesty. She just continued to look at me slowly until I continued. However, I didn’t continue just yet. Instead, I took her hand and put it on my chest.

“Yet, I remembered my failures, the lessons taught to me where my arrogant pride might take me at the expense of the members aboard my ship. Had I left Boreli, perhaps mutiny would not have divided my ship back on Delverhold. I shall achieve my vengeance by my own means, but I still be a pirate. What be a captain without his crew? What be a gunner without his sanded pistols? If there be shit to pay or trade for my anger, then it shall be upon my head. Neither you, Ellen, Aesteal, Diane, my mother, Nei, nor Liara shall ever be at the cost of that. For I know of betrayal and its salted sting. What right have I to vengeance if I too betray those under my command? Especially ones such as yourself who soothe a bastard’s turbulent heart like the sea outside?” I asked.

Naala didn’t speak for a moment, allowing the silence to reign over us. However, she cleared her throat and I heard a small flip of her hair. She then leaned in closer, making my arms wrap around her slender frame. “I’m free to take that shit how it sounds to me, aye?” she asked while I tightened my grip.

“Take it how ya please, but if the words ain’t enough, then see if I don’t do right by you. That should prove the value I hold for you in mine eyes and for as long as you stay aboard my ship, and perhaps if you were to depart as well,” I returned.

“Oh, so were I to step off this cursed vessel sailed by a crazed captain, I’d still be bound by his sight and hand?”

“It be what you signed up for.”

I was treated to Naala’s warm breath on my chest, courtesy of her quiet laughter. After a little bit, she settled into silence for only a second or two. “The woman that old shit mentioned, I take it this is some deep personal shit?” Naala asked.

I frowned. “Aye, one with a debt heavier than Sairan’s Iron Mountains,” I answered. Just thinking about it made me upset. It seemed Naala could tell because a loud boom of thunder rolled over the open sea outside the cavern.

“Then make sure it’s paid in full. That’s what my father taught me. Any fucker who’s crossed me I’ve put down. Much harder for them to raise their weapons against me when they’re busy shoveling dirt out of their mouths,” she responded, almost pleased with herself by way of her voice.

“I quite enjoy your ruthless side sometimes,” I admitted.

“Good. It be one of my redeeming qualities.”

After that, Naala released a wide, but soft yawn. Her eyes quickly became heavy, weighed down by the sleeping sands. It wasn’t long before I heard her breaths, indicating that she’d felt calm enough to fall asleep. She turned over allowing her body to slide into mine even more. Despite my exhaustion, I enjoyed the feeling of her ass brushing against my cock. I wasn’t sure if she did it on purpose or not, but I didn’t mind.

It took me a little longer to fall asleep, but I was able to do it in spite of the weather outside. A few of my more troubling thoughts still hadn’t left, but I was thankful to have Naala. Her embrace made it much easier to deal with until I fell asleep.

The next morning came rather quickly. Nevertheless, I’d enjoyed the rest I had with Naala at my side. The storm last night broke down into a light drizzle. Once we got dressed, I tasked Naala with gathering the others. She saluted me with two fingers and walked off while I collected Nei and Lei, my mood notably lighter than yesterday. Nei offered me a few licks while her sister watched. I settled both into my new clothes and marched outside to where everyone was waiting for me.

When I stepped outside, I could see Alteria still looking troubled. No doubt a rough night had been upon her as well. Neither Diane nor Goron seemed different, but I could tell the former had some questions for me. Fortunately, I had an idea of what it was about.

“Cease your worries, Diane. It’ll take that fucker a long time before he begins to crack that map, much less enter Doran’s Tomb. Even then, he won’t find the blade to be so easily obtained. This’ll be the first of numerous sleepless nights for him,” I said with a confident smirk.

Her expression slowly relaxed. “Good. The shithead deserves a headache every now and then, but how can you be sure he won’t get it?” she asked.

I didn’t answer. Instead, I just smiled. Well, it was thanks to Liara’s great knowledge that I could be so confident. When she saw that I wasn’t gonna say, Diane just waved me off. “Fine. Don’t tell me. I’ll enjoy the show as it happens,” she said, matching my smirk.

I then turned to Alteria, who seemed lost in her thoughts. “The more you try to comprehend the actions of Yyril, the more you shall fall into his wretched embrace. You remained strong, Alteria. It be more than can be said for any other soldier who has had the misfortune of being in his presence,” I said.

She lifted up her gaze to look at me, her eyes very tired and worn. “I shall endure. I also wish us to leave quickly. Now that we’re aware of the fate which has befallen Taptos, I’d like to alert Grand Elder Lorentia and the others as quickly as possible, especially since we don’t know when this beast might be made to attack again,” she replied, expressing grave concern for her nation and its plight.

With that being the case, we wasted no time leaving the ship. We walked back up through the mountain and covered the hole to the cave that led to my ship. Then began our journey back to Hæňgaram.

With no materials to slow me down, the journey was a lot quicker. Of course, it wasn’t as quick as it could have been with Alteria not being enchanted like the rest of us, but her Hæňgaramian training allowed her to keep pace more often than not. The journey was mostly quiet, with me wondering what the hell I should do about Sekria. It pissed me off, but I put the matter of Yyril’s other news on hold. Besides, even if Leah had visited him, I didn’t know where she was. I also had no keepsake of hers to track her down. Well, I wouldn’t remain fussed over it. I’d get to Leah eventually. Of that, there was no doubt.

“The lines are getting bigger,” Diane said as we stared down at the mighty walls of Hæňgaram. A multitude of outsiders stood at their various entrances, hundreds of soldiers marching through their lines while keeping order. Far off in the distance, I saw the smoking firepits of both mercenary and private army camps, all of them eager to assist Hæňgaram in its war efforts. It also seemed like the empire was needing it. There were several officials speaking to the leaders of these merc groups and noble-owned armies.

My lips curved upwards and I pointed off. “Aye, and it be with a troublesome lot as well,” I said, spying the flag of the Lindengar Estate. It seemed Anastasia had stayed true to her part and gotten her flat-mast husband’s army to take part in this war.

“Damn. Wonder who she fucked to get Falvor’s army all the way out here,” Naala said, which got an undesired chuckle out of Diane.

“Best wash down the campsite just in case,” She replied after Naala before we made our way down. Goron showed our papers to the ones managing the door we’d left through. Naturally, we couldn’t quite make it through without their looks of disdain. We were allowed inside with a brief warning to ‘keep out of trouble.’

We passed through the towns, men driving their horse-drawn carts through the stone roads alongside us until we made it back to the grounds of Lorentia’s unit. The walls looked just as strict and unwelcoming as the Grand Elder and the rest under her command.

We ventured down and came upon one of the guards manning the door. Upon seeing us, he scrunched his face before he turned around. “Open the gate!” he ordered.

The doors were opened and we were allowed inside. Just like when we’d left, we heard the sounds of combat. Five handfuls of men and women were lined up, each of them swinging their swords in their own distinctive styles. Further, in the distance, others performed a myriad of activities such as fitness training, sparring, or studying.

Alteria quickly walked over to the gate guard. “I request an audience with the Grand Elder,” she said quickly, clearly not in the mood to waste any time. It was just as well since I wasn’t either.

The guard looked at her. His face managed to remain neutral long enough for him to salute her. Given how her comrades viewed her, I’d forgotten that Alteria was a Knight-Captain of the empire. Naturally, most of the force would still remain respectful of her in spite of whatever black history she had with them.

While she spoke to the guard, I turned to the three with me. “You may head up the hill and do with your time what you will. However, don’t expect to be idle for long. Once the shit about Sekira becomes known, I imagine we’ll be fairly busy,” I said.

Diane quickly took that as a chance to break off. “Fine by me. Anything to get these last few days outta my damn head,” she said, scratching her scalp as she ventured off. Goron and Naala soon left after her. All that was left were Nei and Lei squirming in my pouches. I offered them to go with the others to get them back in some more water, but neither seemed interested.

The gate guard returned, his mood clearly against us. “Grand Elder Lorentia will receive you,” he said, saluting Alteria as was his duty. She nodded and bid me to follow her.

I saw no point in making a scene so I did just that. Pretty soon, we traversed the steps of the Grand Elder’s building. The insides were notably busier than when we’d gathered here before. Numerous personnel littered the rooms and corridors, many of them unable to resist sending a sneer my way as we came toward Lorentia’s open door. There she sat behind her desk, her sharp eyes staring at the both of us.

Naturally, it seemed that she wasn’t alone. Both Eressa and Galadard were there with her, the former still displaying her dislike of us and the latter remaining more neutral. Once we were inside, Galadard moved and closed the door behind us. “Knight-Captain Balamar, returning from expedition!” Alteria said while I rolled my eyes, taking a seat in one of the available chairs. Given that my boots were caked in mud and dirt, I thought to lift them up and ruin the freshly cleaned table, but something told me that the rug was enough.

“So I have heard. I pray that there have been developments?” she asked.

Alteria kept her salute. “Yes ma’am. We’ve also figured out the cause of the disappearance of Taptos, though it does bring… troubling reports as well,” Lady Knight answered which made Lorentia grow concerned. She cast a look at me but quickly turned back to the Balamar noble.

“How troubling?” she asked.

“Well, let’s just if this shit ain’t fixed you lot are gonna have more on your plate than memory loss,” I interjected.

I quickly noticed Galadard tense. Eressa seemed horrified at the thought, and Lorentia stood up. She turned around and looked outside at her unit’s training fields, her eyes gazing as far and wide as they could.

“What is this report?” she asked.

Alteria turned to me, almost not trusting herself to speak further. I clicked my tongue in my mouth before I stood up. “Best keep your ears open 'cause this’ll be quite the tale. Now tell me, have any of you heard of Sekria, The Great Burrower?” I asked.

As expected, they had no idea of who I’d referred to. So, I spun the story of Sekria and what else we’d gathered from Yyril. I told them not of the journey, not of the tests placed on Alteria and I. I only spoke about the stuff they needed to know. One by one, their expressions went from skeptical, to tense, to worried. Not even the Grand Elder could keep her usually stoic visage in the face of such news.

“And it be clear that it wasn’t just a one-time deal. That shit could happen to any city in the Hæňgaram empire,” I said as Galadard scowled, clenching his fists with rage.

His body rattling from the armor, he spoke. “By what manner of challenge have the gods placed upon us like this? Shall our glorious empire be consumed as food for such a mighty beast?” he asked, not expecting anyone to answer him.

“How shall we stop it?” Lorentia asked, taking a seat. Despite her strictness, I assumed this was because she didn’t trust herself to remain standing. That said, I quite liked a lass like her. Not many would get over such a story so quickly.

I sat back down and exhaled. “Aye, well first thing would be getting the lot of you enchanted to resist Sekria’s aura. The next step would be tracking down the bastard who has the power to summon something like that. Best you believe that it takes quite a lot of mana to bring that bastard about, more than any one person has even if they lay claim to the title of most powerful mage in D’orn,” I answered. Of course, this wasn’t exactly true. I knew of one who could do it even before her ascension.

Eressa turned to Lorentia, gravely concerned. “Grand Elder, Zevmar’s methods of warfare have always been unusual. Could this be his doing?” she asked.

Lorentia closed her eyes for a moment, perhaps hoping to let the silence would give her time for her thoughts. “We have tracked Zevmar’s movements as best we can. However, there is much we’ve yet to understand, and perhaps this shall be one of his horrid methods. Eric Drakclaw, how would you suggest we perform such enchantment?” she then asked.

I thought I heard Eressa scoff, but I was too busy thinking to know for sure. “Aye, well naturally that would require the materials for high enchantment. Aside from the Mage Association, I doubt you’ll find such a thing easily since Zevmar’s been allying himself with numerous nations, trying to get all of the blacksmiths, weapon enchanters, and rune aligners to his cause. It’ll be next to impossible to enchant every soldier in the empire, along with the payment for the materials needed for those enchantments,” I said.

“And how would you know that?” Eressa asked, unconvinced.

“I sailed for the great wealth and power of Delverhold, Lass. Seen and faced many a fine thing that would turn the lot of you to seafood and pistolwhip your shitty understanding of the mystic realm. I know a thing or two,” I answered back.

Eressa was prepared to fire back at me, but Lorentia held up her hand for silence. “Galadard, what do you think of this proposal?” she asked.

The man quickly summoned a scroll of sorts. When he opened it, his eyes peered through its various contents for about ten minutes. He then turned back to the Grand Elder. “It’s not a terrible idea, Ma’am. However, it’s not quite feasible either. Were we to ask the Mage Association there’d be no doubt that they would ask for greater access to the various parts of the corpse we obtained from Draegnar. We also run the risk of alerting Zevmar to these enchantments if he is indeed the one responsible for this. There have been reports of servants of the Lightfeather House entertaining numerous Mage Association guests. It could be that he’s already made a deal with a few. Our agents have yet to bring back news confirming this matter, but it bears thought that we cannot tread upon this matter lightly. However, as the pirate said, we must combat this foe as quickly as possible for we know not when it shall strike again,” he explained.

“Then why don’t we send the pirates on the hill? All they do is fight and cast spells at each other. The various noise disturbances from them have left many unsettled. If they are so bored, it would be best to put them to use. They seemed perfectly capable of resisting the dark magic. They’ve probably practiced it themselves enough,” Eressa returned, another glare being thrown my way.

Lorentia leaned back and exhaled. “No, I shall not put the sole responsibility upon pirates, no matter how capable they are. Should not a nation be defended by its own people to the best of its ability? Or when the people celebrate our victory in the war we’ll have to lower our heads and speak that we sat on our laurels, leaving everything to a wanted criminal? If this is all which we shall amount to, then not only do we not deserve victory, we do not even deserve to bear the crest upon our garbs,” she said.

I could see the irritation on Eressa’s face, but the lass quickly straightened her posture and relented. “Yes, Ma’am. Please forgive me,” she responded, taking all steel out of her voice while Lorentia turned her attention back to me.

“However, I shall not disregard your point. It is a good one. Eric Drakclaw, the enchantments that were given to your men, could they be given to a select group of soldiers as well?” The Grand Elder questioned, her gaze meeting mine.

I sat up from the chair, my lips curving up in a smile. “And what makes you think I’ve acquired the means to say yes to that question?”

“By Alteria’s testimony, she has seen the wonders of Delverhold, the home of a mage whose story has only been woven in rumors or by word of bards. Additionally, the piece you auctioned off has made waves throughout the entire world. The empire has never seen such a great spike in visitors before this was discovered. If you somehow survived there, then I know that you have the means to do the same in this situation,” she answered back, her tone neither high nor low.

Once again, all the eyes were on me. The smile on my face slowly fell when Lorentia looked at me. I wasn’t sure what became of her in my past life, but I knew that she deserved her title. Were I to give her the rune enchantments, I knew she’d grow into the stuff of legends as the years went by. A lot like her ain’t common. I also found it rather sad that I’d neither crossed swords nor ships with her.

“Aye, it ain’t impossible. And you may rest your heads easy. This ain’t the stuff of black magic. However, this’ll require a lot of effort and concentration. The type of shit I ain’t the greatest at. I’ll give ya the enchantments and Zevmar won’t know what the fuck’ll hit his ass, but… keep your gold and silver, I don’t need it. Instead, grant me a single favor,” I said.

My words immediately drew suspicion from the four soldiers in the room. Of the four, Eressa was the angriest. Nevertheless, she kept her mouth shut, waiting for Lorentia to speak. Unfortunately, I chose that time to speak further. “Worry not. I won’t ask you for shit beyond your means. It’s a personal matter that won’t have anything to do with you provided you lot don’t get in my way more than I need you to. Should you agree to that, then I shall provide you with the enchantments,” I said, hoping to ease whatever concerns they had.

After some time Lorentia spoke. “I shall discuss this matter with the others. Until then, we shall put this matter on hold,” the Grand Elder said while I stood up.

“Make no mistake. I’ll get what I want one way or the other, of that there be no doubt. It’d just be best if you not have a higher count of military bodies once the war is over. The moment your side claims victory and I’m granted what I’m owed, that be the end of our relationship,” I warned, making sure they were aware of the threat. Luckily for them, they all seemed to understand.

“Noted,” Lorentia said as I headed for the door, having already had enough of Hæňgaramians for one day. I closed the door behind me and exited the office building. Nei poked her head out of my chest poke and smiled, basking her skin and wings in the sun. Lei soon followed, flapping her wings quickly.

I walked up the hill, the sounds of combat quickly starting to make themselves apparent. I also sensed the extensive use of mana through a rapid series of fire spells, earth spells, and any other element type that a normal mage would be capable of casting.

I made it to the top, quickly spotting a few guys beating the shit out of each other. Their faces were busted and their noses were bloodied. Nevertheless, they had wide smiles on their faces.

“What the hell are you fuckers doing?” I asked as the men turned to me.

“Aye, be a good day to see our young captain again! We be in the midst of fierce training! Ellen and Ira have had the lot of us perform this shit while you were gone. Lasses claimed they’d get hell if Draegnar blood were spilled upon the mighty empire’s soul,” one of them said while my mouth thinned. Well, it certainly seemed like enough of it had been spilled already.

“So they have,” I said as I spotted one of the mages who looked utterly exhausted, her mana having clearly been drained. “Well, savor that training for another time. Come with me as I gather the rest of you lot. There be news to share.”

Not ones to argue, they each fell back, huffing their sweat-stained chests out. I swiftly cast a healing spell upon all of them. If they were gonna show their ugly mugs in public for Lorentia’s little assignment, then I’d rather they not look like they were about to keel over.

The group followed after me and I rounded up a few others, watching another group of mages battle each other in the far distance. I gathered them up as well and proceeded through my crew group after group until I came to what should have been more forest. Instead, I saw a vast clearing void of any trees. When I came through, I wondered if I should have been surprised when I saw Diane and Nz’ia battling it out against Raven’s Shadow, with a gathering crowd.

“I swear the bastards are crazy. Normal fuckers would have dropped dead by now,” someone behind me said while Nei smiled, throwing a punch here and there mimicking Daen as he tried to assault Nz’ia without much success. His muscular chest was racked with fresh scars and his face was battered only to be swiftly recovered by Gurok through a continuous healing spell. Diane tried to stop him, but Truon and Brant blocked her. Unfortunately for them, Diane wasn’t so easily conquered. Her fist crashed into Brant’s shield, making his legs buckle. She then swept him off his feet and threw him into Truon.

The two crashed into the ground while Racaell appeared from behind Gurok. When she fired her guns, she shattered two magic seals releasing their respective spells. They quickly became strengthened by Rieth’s own magic, a flurry of ancient runes levitating around her form with Hannath as her guard.

“Come on, Raven’s Shadow! I got a lot of shit riding on this!”

“Prepare to surrender your booty, fair lass! This be one battle ya ain’t got no hopes of winning!”

“Keep talking! The only shit I’ll hear is your sack of gold lying next to my pillow tonight. Golin!”

I stared at the scene oddly amused, especially when I saw Ellen leaning against a tree watching the battle along with the others. “And what manner of battle be this?” I questioned as I walked over to her. She glanced at me, snorting softly.

“I see you still be on one piece. Gods forbid you make me fucking happy,” she said, trying rather hard to keep a hesitant smile off her normally irritated face. I stood next to her while she looked back at the battlefield.

“As for this lot, I guess the bitch just really needed to punch something. The adventurers were training with the beastman over there and she all but joined in. Cocksuckers couldn’t wait to bid something of theirs when the magic, bullets, and arrows started flying through the air. Got a few complaints from our gracious hosts, but I say it be a favor. It’ll get them used to the sounds of war. Not much time for sleep during nights like those,” she answered as I leaned against a tree with her.

I spotted my mother a few ways into the crowd. I doubt she spotted my gaze, but if she had then she chose to ignore me for the time being. Instead, I decided to watch the battle for a little while. Of course, I knew I’d have to dole out some fucking punishments to the crew for gambling… again, but I knew that telling fucking Draegnarians not to gamble was like telling a damn dog not to bark. The only way you’d get them to stop was if the bastard was dead.

“So what happened? Knowing you, it’s gotta be some weird shit that we’re about to get knee-deep in, especially if it’s got Diane out of sorts,” Ellen questioned while I followed the battle. Nz’ia was now growling viciously, trading blows with Brant while Daen tried to intercept Diane. A lot of good shit that did since his head was blown to the right, courtesy of her fist.

“It be the weird shit that comes to me, not the other way around. Though, what use is there in being a pirate if you ask for anything normal?” I asked. I folded my arms and my lips thinned. “It’ll be an interesting couple of day, Ellen. Just know that.”

She looked at me and sighed. “I swear you’re fucking cursed, or maybe I’m the one whose cursed. Life’s been shit ever since I made that bet with you.”

“Aye, and yet you still love me for it,” I returned to her.

“Shut the fuck up.”

Even though she said that I saw the hint of a smirk on her lips and no venom in her voice. I allowed her to keep her pride, not bringing it up. I was sure she would have denied it anyway.

The battle didn’t last too much longer. Diane and Nz’ia had managed to overwhelm Raven’s Shadow, leaving the six members utterly exhausted. A chorus of cheers was heard through the clearing like a group of howling apes just got a kill in the canopies. Of course, others grew angry and frustrated with their loss while a few mages quickly ran down to start healing the fallen members.

Unfortunately, there were no prizes collected nor winnings doled out. When one bastard caught sight of me, the others soon followed. Of course, those who’d arrived with me tried to make themselves as small as possible, not hoping to share in the fate that they all knew was coming.

“G’day Cap’n, lovely day fer some gamblin’, ain’t it?” someone in the crowd asked while others groaned.

“Aye, it’ll be an even lovelier day when the lotta you bastards and bitches clean the entirety of the ship once we’ve finished our business in this noble and just empire’s lands. Now all of you lot back to the house. I shall detail our next course!” I said as the others begrudgingly followed me back. If nothing else, Ellen got a chuckle out of it.

Once we were all back inside, everyone gathered around the first floor, I took the time to go over with them what we’d found. I told them of Sekria and I told them of the fate of Taptos. Naturally, none of them knew who or what Sekria was, but they knew what it was capable of. Taptos was a clear indicator of that.

I also told them that we’d be working with Lorentia’s little teammates, making sure that none of the other cities in Hæňgaram’s lands were to suffer the same fate.

“No offense, Captain, but these last few weeks we’ve just been on our asses moving from one place to the next. Ain’t seen no enemy bullet or arrow come against the empire’s walls yet. Aside from Taptos vanishing out like a poor man’s fat in the wind, you sure there be a war here?” someone asked.

“Aye, there shall be one, and you lot better be prepared for it. Don’t think that just because you survived Delverhold that a bullet to the head won’t send you to the Ten Circles early. Just think of it like a Draegnar blowout, there’ll just be no fuckin’ dock dogs to help you lay low until it bowls over,” I answered, a shudder moving through nearly everyone’s mind. Some looked excited by the prospect of what I’d said while others naturally looked warily at Ellen. As one of the most powerful forces on the island, she’d caused a blowout with a rival at one point. The gulls never lacked for food in the two weeks of that hell, not even the island’s limited military could stop it.

I continued to spread the news through everyone, already knowing I’d have to repeat the story to Aesteal and Maeloson when they returned from their scouting trip. With our course set, I dismissed the group, retiring to my quarters in preparation of enchanting Lorentia’s unit.

The preparations took longer than I would have liked, leading well into the night. The room was soaked in the essence of magic, something that Nei and her sisters loved greatly. They fluttered out their wings, soaking in its rich essence while I took careful steps in crafting the runic symbols upon the ground in dusted newt’s blood. The stench it left was fierce and unpleasant, so much so that I advised Ellen and the others to spend the night in their own rooms. Soon enough, the foundations were laid and I was allowed to relax.

I sat in my chair, reading one of the books I’d taken from Delverhold next to an open window. I’d kept that window open for the past four hours, hoping for the air to sift out the horrid smell of newt’s blood. It’d taken at least two baths for me to get the smell off my body.

In addition to relaxing, I also tried to take my mind off Yyril’s words. Unfortunately, the lingering frustration knawed at me without end. Still, I managed to keep myself from getting angry. It’d only make tomorrow harder for me if there were a severe thunderstorm.

While I continued reading, a knock came upon my door. I lowered the book I was reading and swung my legs over the side of my bed. “Enter,” I said.

The door opened and in came Naala. When she came in she smelled the air. “Doesn’t smell nearly as bad as it was a few hours ago,” she said before I followed her gaze to my table, its surface lined with vials and jars.

“What stirs you from slumber? Usually, you be the first to enter the Realm of Dreams,” I said while I watched Naala glance over the room, almost as if allowing a sort of pause to prevail over the atmosphere before speaking.

“...Are you still working? I wanted your opinion on something I’m working on. Though, if time still requires you away, then… I’ll just leave the matter,” she said, though I knew immediately that she wasn’t quite so honest from the way her face looked. Her face was rather solemn, but her body was bathed lightly in lust.

Granted, I didn’t assume this to be unusual since quite a few members on my ship proudly display their lustful aura when the mood suited them. Usually, they’d just find a like-minded bastard or bitch and drag them off someplace where the lust might subside.

When Naala looked at me, it was also with great uncertainty. I remembered seeing it back when we were in Yyril’s domain. I placed my book down. “Aye, alright. I’ve finished my work for tonight. What bothers you?” I asked.

“Not here. You’d be surprised how many people try to eavesdrop on the captain’s quarters. Follow me!” she said, her mood brightening almost. I watched her turn around and leave. I got up and followed after her, closing the door behind me.

I was eventually led into Naala’s room, or what she used for her room while we stayed here. Just like all the others, this seemed to be a room made for those of lower military rank in Lorentia’s unit. A single bed with three dressers was inside. However, I noticed that the floor was littered with the spare parts of various guns suited on top of a large tarp. “Sorry for the mess. I take shit apart when I think… or when I’m wondering if I’m about to fuck shit up,” she said as I heard the door lock behind me.

“Ain’t no pirate I know that didn’t love to fuck some shit up,” I said as I turned around, only to be silenced when I saw Naala’s beautifully brown and bare chest. Her nipples pointed out to me and she slowly walked over to me.

Naala smiled. “That wasn’t the type I was fucking talking about,” she said before she fell into silence. I saw nothing back, allowing my eyes to feast upon her beautiful frame. She touched my chest, trailing a finger down the material of my shirt. She then grabbed my hand and led me over to her bed.

“There be a saying that if you fall in love with a Draegnarian, then you’re handling a gun with a two-sided barrel and an odd-numbered chamber. Eventually, it’s gonna fire back on you. Others claim it's like dealing with a poisoned blade. No matter how good you might be, if you screw up one and cut yourself, you’ll be dead before you even realize you’ve marked yourself,” she said as she sighed slowly.

“Am I dealing with a two-sided barrel? Am I dealing with a poisoned blade? I’d been asking myself those questions ever since I saw your expression back when talking to that old guy. It reminded me of why I never brought myself to join any pirate ship permanently. It’s hard sleeping with one eye open, and one hand on your holster. But this ship, your bed, they felt like one of the few places a powder monkey could sleep without a damn care,” she then said as she kicked off her shoes.

I continued to listen, watching as she released the buckle of her shorts. She then unbuttoned them and tossed them aside. “I’ll be honest. I wasn’t gonna stay on this ship nor be a part of this crew. I sure as hell wasn’t planning on getting as close to my captain as I be now. The thing with Ellen and Diane, I’d simply one the lots to spend a night with the captain among the few lasses who wanted to have a go at you, see if all the funny walking was the actual shit or not.”

“And what be the verdict of my judge?” I questioned.

Despite herself, Naala smiled. “Well, I sure as hell wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t a  good one. A few days ago, you told me that you loved me. A lot of people think the very concept of shit like that is foreign to Draegnarians. If you do, then show me. Properly show me. Show me that I’m… not fucking myself over by…”

“By falling in love with a son of a bitch such as I?” I finished when I saw her unwilling to speak, seemingly afraid of uttering them into existence. She nodded and dropped her shorts, leaving her fully naked. She leaned back, granting me a full view of her figure and arousing me heavily.

“I’ve lived this long by not fucking shit up for myself. I’d rather not start now. It’s better to leave and head to the next ship than do that,” she said, pushing some of her woven hair from the side of her face.

“And yet you came aboard my ship at all when we journeyed for Delverhold,” I returned, not yet taking off my clothes.

Naala sighed. “Let’s just say circumstances didn’t really allow me to refuse that particular offer. Though I sure as hell had my concerns when I saw you the first time. How quickly that changed though. Now can we move this shit along? The night draws long and cold,” she answered.

Her concerns brought to me, I walked over to her and knelt on the bed, towering over her as she looked at me with hungry, needy eyes. When I leaned above her, her hands rubbed my arms. With my thumb and forefinger, I lifted up her chin and kissed her. Her breath was hot when our lips touched. I pulled back only for a moment to see her eyes stare back at me challengingly.

I answered her challenge with another kiss. “Mmmm,” she moaned while I felt her pull us further onto her bed. One of my hands grabbed the side of her face, keeping her lips firmly pressed against mine. We only parted for a moment in order for her to grab the folds of my shirt and pull it over my head. She threw it away and we kissed again.

Her nipples brushed against mine and her hands gnawed at my back and my hair. The room grew loud with the sound of smacked lips and hoarse pants. Naala groaned, accepting my tongue into her mouth while my fingers worked her flesh, using the memory of it that I’d built up to now. She playful nibbled on my lower lip before I moved toward her neck. Knowing that Naala was notably weak around her ears, I released a hum of warm breath over her left. “Nnnngh! Oh fuck,” Naala panted into the air as I continued assaulting her with pecks here and there.

Meanwhile, my hands grabbed a handful of her breasts. Her sweet nipples jutted out between the crevices of my fingers. She hissed from the sensual, yet stimulating pain of my grasp. My powder monkey’s body trembled with desire and want, her teeth biting on her finger to keep her cried muffled.

Nevertheless, I continued my assault. I nibbled on her earlobe while her hands touched my forearms and stomach. I’d not deal harshly with her this time for that was not as she desired. I’d show her what this old bastard was capable of, and what he’d learned from this second chance happened upon him.

Naala’s voice got steady higher, asking for more. Her hands were busy at work, trying to take off my pants. Unfortunately for her, I was a bit too low for her to comfortably complete the task, but that didn’t matter. I’d made her mission harder by trailing my tongue down her body, its surface hot and glistening. Her right knee lifted up on reflex and brushed my cock through my pants. “Mmmm, it’s already fucking hard,” she panted, but I made no motion to relieve the pleasure I felt.

Instead, my mouth found her succulent teat. “Nnnnngh! Yes! Oh damn, that feels so fucking good!” my ebony crewmate said. My tongue lash over her nipple before I moved my head to the opposing one. Her body was fit for my fingers like a bard’s lyre, crafting its own symphony for my desires in the form of her voice. I pulled at the other nipple, my thumb and forefinger teasing her sensitive skin as she continued to write beneath me. Her eyes fluttered as I sensed her body responding to my touch with a steady stream of female honey ripe for tasting.

“Oh fuck! Yessss! Glad your tongue’s good for more than just talking shit,” she huffed out while I smirked.

“It be more useful than just that. As you shall soon learn,” I returned, surveying my work. Her soft areolas were puffed and swollen from my actions. They jutted out, moving up and down with her heaving chest. I saw the way her lust quickly started to build, my body feeding off it as my senses began to mix with hers. Since I felt the same things that she did, my cock was already restless. It was ready to weigh anchor and sail forth.

Of course, I didn’t partake just yet. While Naala caught her breath, I decided to further my assault. I stole a kiss from her once more and began sailing my way down her chocolate skin, my tongue sweeping up the dew of her fiery body. “Mmmgnh! Oooooh shit!” she exclaimed as I lifted up her legs and slowly slid off the bed. I was granted a view of her pussy, its fountain already sleek and dripping with desire. However, I caressed every part of her skin except for there. My tongue loved every inch of her skin, moving down her legs.

Her hands grabbed my hair, trying to maneuver me to her cunt, but I stubbornly refused. With our shared senses, I felt impatience beginning to swell and chose that time to strike. “Fuck, finally! Nnnngh that tongue feels so good! Yessssss!” Naala groaned when I latched my lips onto her cunt. My tongue effortlessly slide into her open cavity, scooping up the copious amounts of her lustful fluids that fell into my mouth.

“Oh god! Oh fuck, I’m gonna cum! I’m gonna cum just from you fucking me with your tongue!” she announced and her prophecy soon came true. Just one nibble of my teeth on her clit was enough for her to arch back and blast a warm load of her sticky fluids in my face.

“S-Shit! Nhahaaaaa… you make a strong… argument,” Naala claimed.

My response to further scraping the insides of her cunt with my tongue. Her hips bucked up and down, riding my face and trying to get me to strike the places she likes the most. I followed by sucking one of my fingers, channeling Vilinlith’s essence to its tip. I then slowly pierced through her asshole. My other hand vigorously worked on her sensitive nub as my lips pulled at her inner labia

“Oh fuck! Ooooooooh gods yes! Fuck me with your fingers! Ngh… ooooooh… oh my god!” Naala screamed, her nails pulling at my hair. My assault was relentless and so was the chorus spoken from her. Were anyone to come upon her door, I doubted they’d not know what she was doing. Even less, would I doubt if they didn’t eavesdrop.

Pretty soon, Naaala’s next orgasm came. With my finger spreading the lustful, tantalizing aura of Vilinlith through her tight, supple canal and my moments on her cunt, she had no chance of resisting me. I fully immersed myself in her voice while she stained her sheets with the results of her orgasm.

When I surveyed my work, I saw my lead powder monkey in shambles of post-orgasmic bliss. She sighed rapidly, a trail of spit falling down the side of her face. One hand on her forehead, she inhaled and exhaled. “I’ll never get tired of that,” she said.

I slowly stood up from my knees. The rough floor began to hurt. I lay next to Naala for a moment as her breathing slowed. She kissed me again and rolled over, putting herself on top of me. Her fingers on my chest, she slid them down my frame, grinning seductively at me. She maneuvered down the bed, taking my pants with her until my cock sprang forth in front of her. “Fuck, it’s so hard. Can’t believe I’ve fucked this thing so many times now. Sure as hell have never gotten bored when it’s around,” she whispered, basically talking to herself.

Naala bit her lip and traced up my cock with her finger. “Mmmm, guess I better not leave this large mast sailing in the air,” she uttered. There was no delicacy in Naala’s movements, no fuckin’ subtlety anywhere. She all but gobbled down my cock in one swift stroke.

I closed my eyes, my breathing shuttering like I was back in the cold realm of Delverhold. Were my eyes to open, they’d have been up in my head, soaked in the warm, wet bliss of Naala’s mouth. “Mmmmngh! So big, so hard. An awesome… firing… nnnnnnngh mmmhmmm… weapon,” Naala said, licking up and down the length of my shaft.

Her warm hands clawed at my thighs. Her blowjob circled around the tip of my mast. Her tongue wiggled at the very center of the hole. She then took one of her hands and started bobbing her head. “Hahaaaa… oooooohmmgph… hhhhhnnnngh! Sho ghoooahh!” she complimented. By our senses, I felt when she buried her fingers in her pussy, her tongue coiling around my pistol. I felt the back of her throat, her even gagging on more than one occasion to fit me. Nevertheless, her goal was met when her nose touched my pelvis. The gentle hum of her mouth and her hot tongue were tantalizing and tempting treasures, just being for me to cum the entire load of my spunk into her gullet.

Naala must have known this because she slowly pulled back up, smiling at her work. The air was cold around my cock. From top to bottom, it gleaned in the light of the moon with her saliva. “Now then, Captain. What are you gonna do with this thing? Are you gonna fuck me with it? Ruin me with it?” she asked, but she must have been surprised when I leaned up and touched her cheek.

“Not this night, lass,” I said as I grabbed her waist and lifted her up. Silent, she wrapped her legs and arms around my back and neck. “I shall do as you desire, and love a lass like you the way that this old dog shalt know,” I said as I laid her down, my cock opening the lips of her pussy to receive me slowly.

“Ooooooooh… oooooh shiiiiiit!” she hissed as I filled her up until her ass was on my thighs, my balls wedged between the crevice of her ass. She rubbed my shoulder, staring at me with lust-laden eyes. Yet, I also saw the warm smile on her face, comforted in our embrace. The way she latched onto me outside, was almost mirrored by how she clung to my shift in her womanly canal.

I leaned her down onto the bed and held her in my arms. More than a few of my former lovers enjoyed this act of personal intimacy when I had the time. Yet, not many of them looked at me as Naala did. “Ngh… Yessss. Fuck that feels so good! Stuff that cock into me!” she moaned and touched my cheek. She smiled, her legs locked behind me as I pulled my cock out and pushed it back in.

Her entire body trembled with lustful delight and so did mine. I kissed her and she swooned from the embrace. Her fingers toyed with my hair while the bumps and curves of her snatch massaged the full length of my cock. Her tongue wrestled with mine while our bodies made the bed shake. “Mmmmmmm… yessssss. Harder! Fuck me harder! Maybe… maybe I’m not fucking shit upppppppppp!” she wailed as I changed from hard thrusts to quick ones, assaulting the inner workings of her body over and over.

And, fuck, what sensations I felt from her. The lust between us mixed what we experienced together. The pleasure rolling through her body rolled through mine and it didn’t even take me long to fire a stream of cum into her body. She shook, trembling as she held me tightly. “NNNNNNNNNNNNNNGH! FUCK YES! Mmmmmmmmgnghgh!” she said before she bit into my shoulder. The pain only seemed to enhance my pleasure, my body unconsciously pushing further ropes of cum out of my balls and into her receiving body.

Unfortunately for her, the Essence of Vilinlith was strong in me. Once my climax ended, I quickly started into the next one. She inhaled deeply, her hands roaming up and down my muscular back. Her nipples against my chest, she took one of her hands and vigorously rubbed her clit while I pistoned in and out. “OH, FUCKING SHIT! Come on! F-Faster! Really give it to me!” She screamed until I silenced her with another kiss, my balls ruthlessly slapping against her ass. Her lips sucked on my tongue and a strong orgasm ripped through her again.

The room quickly started to smell of sweat and sex. Naala combed her fingers over my head. “I really am a fucking idiot,” she said before I felt her clench my cock inside her again. A grin on my face, I slowly extracted my cock. My cum started to ooze out of her pussy. She looked down and smirked.

“It’s warm. Really warm. I think… I think I want more of it! Let’s see how protective that mark-thing of yours really is,” she asserted. Her statement confused me for a moment before she pushed me on my back. She gave my cock a few strokes with her hand and liked her lips. She leaned over me and lined it with her cunt. With both of us thoroughly lubricated like a horse-drawn cart, she slammed her pussy down on my cock.

“Mmmmmmmngh! Hell yeah. That’s what this girl fucking needs, to ride this big cock until it releases all that thick shit deep inside her. N-Now, here we go!” she said while I chuckled.

“Dare you to see this path to the end?” I asked.

“Aye, let’s how long this bullet flies for!”

Her words spoken Naala bounced on my cock with reckless abandon. She wailed and cried, clenching my hands with her own. I closed my eyes, trying to savor the feeling and the rapidly changing sensations. I grabbed a fistful of her ass while she threw her head back, a slave to her passions and the rapture coating our bodies. I’d released so much cum into her that there came a squelching sound when our bodies crashed together. My chest was wrought with her sweat and lust. “Cum! Cum inside me again! P-Put it all inside dammit!” Naala demanded as she slammed her hips down as I released another load.

I stopped counting the number of orgasms she or I had. I was content to be focused on the flames of lust in the air, thoroughly fueling our bodies and we couldn’t so much as move anymore. At this point, Naala’s chest was pressed against the wall while I’d fucked her from behind. The very last orgasm came upon me and I gritted my teeth, an old captain nothing more than a young adult in the fucking throes of passion and ecstasy. Mark of Hoɖ or not, my instincts as a male couldn’t be denied. I wished to make her bear my offspring. I wished to breed her and make her tits swell with milk. That was my only thought when I released my last load of cum into her body.

By the end of it all, I fell forward with her, both of us panting heavily. “Okay, maybe I like you after all,” Naala said with a grin while I chuckled.

Once our high had settled, we leaned against the wall. “Yeah, maybe this ain’t so bad after all,” she said with a deep yawn. After that, I heard her sounds of sleep. I, on the other hand, looked out the window. Aye, it was my vengeance. I’d not cast the lot away for it. It would be my own business and only my hands would be stained with the wretched blood of my traitorous crewmates.

I must have fallen asleep at some point because a knock came on Naala’s door. She squirmed where she was as I slowly opened my eyes. I got up and answered the door. “Well, I now see where you disappeared… off… to,” my mother said, staring down at my nakedness with wide eyes. Though the gaze was welcome, the time of it wasn’t.

“What is it, mother?” I asked.

“Some bitch below wants to see you,” she said.

Curious, I walked back inside and grabbed my clothes. I pulled the covers over Naala’s body and closed the door. It took a bit to get my sea legs back, but by the time I made it to the entrance of the building, I was capable of walking like a normal man. When I opened the door, I resisted the urge to sigh.

Grand Elder Lorentia’s loyal watchdog, Eressa, stood before me. As judged by the look on her face, it was clear this was not some casual visit.

“I need to talk with you, Pirate,” Eressa said while my eyes narrowed, sensing at least twenty mana auras around us hidden away in the forests.

…aye, not casual at all.