The Vengeful Tide-Ch. 39 (Patreon)

Well hello everyone!

I hope you've all been having a wonderful December. if not, then I hope this early present might brighten your spirits. Here is chapter 39 of The Vengeful Tide. Eric and some others head to find the whereabout of the summoners of Sekria. However, little do they realize that the Burrower might not be their only concern anymore.

Enjoy and I hope you all have a wonderful new year!

WttW

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Confused, though intrigued, I allowed Eressa to lead me away from the abode assigned to us by Grand Elder Lorentia. Naturally, my mother was there to watch me depart. I bore the sight of her anxiousness, which wasn’t surprising since this was the second time I was being led away by Hæńgaram forces. I waved off her concerns, letting her know I’d return shortly.

In the meantime, I followed The Grand Elder’s right hand. I playfully tried to extract any information regarding the reason I’d been called out here. I questioned if Lorentia desired to meet with me somewhere outside the confines of her office. I received no answer. I inquired if someone on my crew had been insubordinate. I received no response. I asked if… the Hæńgaram soldier had been swayed by the devilish looks of a male pirate. Dared she desire a forbidden, warm night against the cold night air?

While I didn’t get a verbal answer out of Eressa, I definitely got a welcome response. I was greeted with hatred, irritation, and impatience. Her gaze was one of intense fire and steel, almost like the burning edge of a captain’s burning cutlass. My eyes spotted the way she gripped her sword handle, her armor creaking from her trembling.

“You will know soon enough, Pirate,” Eressa said before she calmed down and continued walking.

A frown came to my face. I sighed, yet continued to follow after her. Of course, I was also aware of the numerous auras surrounding us, each of them following close by. I’d not forgotten about them as we walked. I also felt not the need to bring it up since Eressa seemed to be aware of it as well.

After some time it seemed like Eressa had finally guided me to where she wanted the both of us to be. She must have been born quite lucky because I was about to rid myself of this shitty voyage that we’d partaken in. I was still rather tired and my legs hadn’t been too stable at the start of this journey. Naala had thoroughly drained me more than I thought, but no bastard would catch me complaining about it. I should have been resting in the post-coital afterglow and waking up to a beautiful lass as the might of Helios struck our faces through the windows. I sure as hell shouldn’t be out here in the cool air, pushing overgrown shrubs and tree branches out of my face.

Eressa and I stood in some type of clearing, a statue of a Hæńgaram god erected in the center of a pond. Out of the trees behind us, numerous Hæńgaram soldiers appeared. Each of them bore their mighty armor and the crests on their chests and shoulders. I quickly started to piece this shit together, glancing at the statue of Miklu, the Hæńgaram god that honored oaths, promises, and the spirit of duels.

The full weight of my answer came when Eressa faced me. “Arm yourself, Pirate. For I challenge you under the gaze of Miklu! It is a sad day and the greatest sin upon our crest and flag that we not only allow pirates into the empire but that we seek their aid in keeping our home standing. Should I win, you and all your wretched ilk shall be drawn out of Hæńgaram once and for all!” she exclaimed proudly.

There was not a word from anyone. All eyes seemed trained on my next action. Aye, there be many things a man would do when a challenge was brought before him, but dare no one take him for a complete fool. What greater insult was there than that?

I didn’t even indulge this challenge with an answer, instead turning around to leave. I couldn’t believe I’d been led out here for this. I was tempted to tell Lorentia of this. It’d grant me quite the laugh if Eressa and this group of hers received some sort of punishment for this. However, I also knew that would only aggravate the already tense relations boiling beneath the waves of the Hæńgaram military. It wouldn’t do me much good if the lot started fucking turning on each other now. Sure, when I sailed away the bastards could court-martial each other to death for all I cared, but that crystal ash was much too valuable to not have.

Unfortunately, it seemed that a few didn’t share in my abrupt dismissal. Five men blocked the way I came, and a few others had their swords drawn. It seemed in their eyes, this duel hadn’t my compliance as a factor. I closed my eyes, breathing in the cold air if only in the hopes that it would cool my nerves.

“Be this really the fucking time? You wake me up for this?” I questioned while Eressa snarled.

“There is no better time than this, Pirate. You’re just lucky that we extend courtesy to you by not capturing you here and now. Now pick up your blade and stand your ground!” Eressa demanded, her patience clearly nearing its limit.

Being the pirate that I was, my mind quickly made plans on how I could exploit this, especially since I’d rather not simply return with nothing. I ought to at least be given something for having my time wasted on such an affair as this.

“And what do I get should I win?” I questioned.

I figured it was a simple enough question, but from the way Eressa stared at me with such disgust, I could practically taste it, she must have thought the very idea of her losing insane. The lass certainly had the face of a piratess were she to travel down that route.

“Anything that is within my power,” she seethed, almost as if she would spit the words out and hope they burned on the ground.

Aye, those were the words no one ought to ever say to a pirate. My mind already went through a lot of things I could ask for. I could easily ask for a double portion of the Hæńgaram crystal. I could ask for some insight into some trade deals. I could even…

A small grin came to my face. Perhaps this wasn’t a waste of my time as I’d initially thought. Of course, it’d be best to warn the lass before she continued on her ridiculous path. Aye, best believe I wouldn’t dare give such an opportunity to anyone else. However, this was one of the trusted officers of Lorentia. Needlessly lowering the morale of these men just before the brink of war wouldn’t do me any favors, and I had no doubts that somehow this shit would be traced back to me in some manner. While I cared not about my reputation amongst the empire’s people, I’d rather not give Zevmar an easy victory either. I sure as hell wished not for that since this land was somehow connected to Leah.

“And do you wish to share in the fate of C’ula? You and the rest of your men? It wouldn’t look good on me were your bodies to be found by Lorentia. It’d only grant your enemy an easier victory, especially if you fall before a pirate. I give you one chance to walk away, lass,” I warned. Naturally, my threat was met with resistance from those around us. They each tightened their grip, some of them staring at me fiercer than others. Perhaps some of them had friends in C’ula when I’d laid waste to it.

“That won’t be a problem,” she replied.

I quickly understood what she meant when I saw the runes stationed around us, covering a distance even wider than the clearing we were all in. I recognized it as a barrier meant for the restriction of magic, or at least those fifth-tier and below. I grunted something between a snort and a chuckle. It seemed she, like many others, had gotten the wrong impression of my abilities. I was a bit surprised since Lorentia and Alteria should have told her what I was capable of. Either she didn’t believe them, or she assumed that my abilities were magical in nature. It wasn’t the first time someone made that mistake. I’d won quite a few of my battles against my enemies by taking advantage of this mistake.

That said, perhaps I ought to try for a non-violent approach. Aye, very unlike me, but I’d rather not have the hassle of explaining away fatal wounds to the Grand Elder’s guard. It also wasn’t like this was an unprovoked attack. Additionally, I was sure a great many here would back up whatever Eressa said. Perhaps they might not, and stick to their shitty code of honor and justice, but I doubted anyone here would stick out their neck for a pirate. Definitely not one like me.

“Pray you handle the consequences then,” I said as I turned around and faced her.

A smile appeared on Eressa’s face. She seemed ready to attack but I stopped her with a hand. “However, it shall be a duel of my choosing. Ain’t gonna benefit me if I turn you into shark bait and your observers try to turn on me. I believe that’ll suffice for your god’s eyes,” I said as I walked forward, not bothering to wait for her compliance or not.

She quickly raised her sword to defend herself. Even her onlookers tensed, but I cared not about them. Instead, I stood about halfway from my original position. I grabbed my rapier and stabbed the ground. I then drew a long line from us to the rocky layer of the pond. Though Eressa looked confused, I could tell she was on guard for anything I might have thrown at her.

I returned back to my spot and sat down, enjoying the breeze of cold air on my face. “It be simple, lass. Ain’t no need for blood, and ain’t no need to get heated. Merely cross that line and I shall grant your request. My crew and I’ll leave these lands and never again return. This ought to be simple enough for all that enriched Hæńgaram education that your people no doubt employ. Now, come! We ain’t got all night,” I said, beckoning her with a finger.

Clearly, some weren’t too pleased with my method.

“You coward! You dare trample upon this sacred custom of our people?!” someone hollered at me. I turned to them and waved them off.

“I be a pirate. Ain’t much in the world too sacred for someone like me. Besides, it still be a duel. A rather simple one at that. What need have we to fight with swords and fists so late at night? Who knows where your grand elder is. She might hear the clashes of the swords in the night and come investigate. I assume this be done without her knowledge, aye?”

Naturally, I got no answer to that question. It was just as well, I didn’t expect one. Instead, I continued. “Besides, it be a bit rude of Hæńgaram military to drag a bastard out of his sleep, march him through the woods, and expect him to battle so late into the night. Hardly seems fair after all. Surely I should at least get to pick what type of duel it is,” I said next, everyone still glaring at me. They then looked at each other, almost contemplating my words.

“Hngh! As if a pirate would care about fair,” another said, his voice being gruffer than the others.

A grin came upon my face. “Aye, I don’t. But you lot do. If ya didn’t, then your commander over there would have attacked me by now,” I replied.

By the silence, it seemed clear that my words had their desired effect. Eressa continued to look at the line I’d drawn along with the others. I admired her swordsmanship when she swung the blade, a trail of light flashing after it. She held it against her chest, the harshness of the moon reflecting against its beautiful frame.

“I shall not heed words of a rematch, and this shall be the only time I care about your desires. Is this what you want?” she asked.

‘Win, and the only place you’ll see me is if you’re unlucky enough to sail against me upon the open waters. Of that, you can rest assured,” I said.

“...Very well. Whatever happens, this night shall be upon our own heads!” Eressa exclaimed as I waved her off, beckoning her to hurry up lest I fall asleep and actually let her win.

Unfortunately, despite her rather rash decision to duel me, it seemed Eressa wasn’t without her own skills. She hadn’t charged for the line like a drunken bastard off his rocker. Instead, she studied her surroundings, perhaps wondering if I’d somehow done something to warrant my confidence.

I watched her walk over to the pond. She took a small stone and skipped it across the ground and over the line. When I saw that, I resisted the urge to chuckle. In spite of her words, it seemed like she thought highly of me that I might plan so far ahead as to trap this area. Whatever Lorentia or Alteria had told her, it seemed that she hadn’t dismissed it as I thought she might. I found myself rather impressed if only a little.

Finally, Eressa made a break for the line. For having no magic, her speed was something to be admired. None of the onlookers spoke a word, simply choosing to remain observers of the spectacle before them. I wasn’t exactly sure what they all wished out of this encounter but I would have to disappoint them.

Just before Eressa made it to the line, I, and those watching, saw her crash into a wall that no eye was able to see. She hit it with such force that her armor rattled and her body was thrown back. She landed on her ass and stared up in surprise. My lips curved upwards, especially when I heard the murmurs of one or two onlookers.

Eressa glared at me and I gifted her with my best smile. I doubted she enjoyed it very much as she slowly stood to her feet. It was quick, but I saw her eyes glance to left. Her eyes had turned to a man wearing a hooded, white robe with a mage staff in his right hand. She seemed to inquire something of him because I felt the water in his body move. His head nodded and she looked back at me. I could only assume she wondered if that little magic-nulling field was still active, only for him to confirm that it was. It would be the only reason for her to get up and start inspecting the air in front of her.

She reached out her hand and I took water from the moist, cool air around us forming a wall so thin that no mortal eye would be able to see it. Nevertheless, her hand felt something solid and she looked back at me. She soon pulled back her hand and tapped her sword against the wall. She then started walking to the left, dragging her sword across the wall as I continued its formation until she made it all the way from one side of the clearing to the other.

She then gave a few of her best slashes at the wall, her blade rebounding off it like she’d struck a well-made shield over and over again. I yawned, my eyes more than tired and my body more than ready to head back to bed. Nevertheless, I watched as she stepped back until she was in her original position.

She made a mad dash for the wall and then attempted to jump over the wall I’d placed. Unfortunately for her, the lass didn’t jump fairly high. By the time she’d made a sizable leap into the air, her head crashed into the roof of another piece of water I’d taken from the sky. She crashed back into the ground and scowled. Her hair now unkempt, I saw the beginnings of frustration begin to take hold.

Even though I could have, I desired not to make this task too unwinnable for her. It wouldn’t benefit me to just tear apart her faith in her capabilities as a warrior if I just covered her head in a bowl of water and suffocated her to victory. I imagined that wouldn’t rest for someone like her and she’d no doubt challenge me again. Aye, the favors would be welcome, but not so much as to take my time away like this.

Eressa attacked the wall again, the line on the ground almost mocking her as it was just barely beyond her reach. She struck it again and again, others watching as the sound of her blade pushed through the night air. I was tempted to delve into the minds of some of these viewers, watching their leader break out into a sweat, running around and trying some way to break through the defenses I’d erected.

Using the wall, I forced her back. The heels of her armor dug deep into the ground while she held up her sword. I pushed her back all the way to her starting position. She breathed hard and the tip of her sword dripped with excess water. It was a shame that she’d put up that magic-resistant barrier. Had she access to the mystic arts she might have put up a greater resistance than this.

As I watched her continue her assault, I found myself contemplating the Hæńgaram swordsmanship that she displayed. I’d not thought of it too much before in my past life, but there were a lot of beautiful… if honest, movements. Unlike one from Draegnar, there was no way of trickery or deceit. Hell, the most ‘dishonorable’ thing she did was try to obscure my sight by flinging a load of dust over her side of the line. A clever thing, but not worth much shit at this point.

Each thrust or strike was done with full intent and power behind it. I’d not said it, but she actually broke the wall three or four times even if it was on the weaker side. Shit like that ain’t possible without something serious behind the blow. The lass would be a shit pirate, but she was a great soldier.

A lot of time passed and finally, Eressa stopped her assault. Her piss proper form had turned unruly. Her face was marred by sweat and heavy breaths. Unfortunately, there was no magic to help her in recovering her stamina. I thought she might give up when she started fixing her hair and wiping sweat from her face, but that didn’t seem to be the case. Instead, she sprouted a tail from her backside. Her teeth became enlarged and her nails grew out like ferocious claws. The length of her hair began to grow out as well.

I frowned for a moment, staring upon her body until I hummed. Ah, a member of the Silvermane family, a noble lineage of Hæńgaram that was known for boasting extraordinary strength like the silver lion of legend that their family was said to be descended from.

The Silvermane family came about when its first ancestor had come across a rare silver lion. Supposedly, it’d been hurt in some type of battle. It was so weak that any arrow or bullet to its illuminated body would have killed it. However, instead of doing that, the first ancestor treated the beast and restored it to health. In gratitude for his service, the silver lion offered a hundred hairs from its glorious mane to the man to eat. Upon eating them, he was endowed with the strength and power of a thousand lions. Honored by the silver lion’s great generosity, the man cast off his family name and crafted the one, Silvermane. Many knew his prowess on the battlefield, and he’d wed numerous wives, building up the Silvermane family until his lineage rested in the walls of Hæńgaram.

I found myself rather surprised since I’d not fought a member of the Silvermane estate before.  While most in the household boasted great strength, enough to wield great swords and other weapons most could not, there just weren’t a lot of the fuckers that could transform as the first ancestor could. Nevertheless, it seemed Eressa could. Her hair shined with the radiance of the moon and she grabbed her sword again.

I found myself impressed by her speed. It’d easily been increased twenty-fold and a burst of air struck my face when she attacked the wall of water I made. Without much effort, she broke through the first wall like it wasn’t even there. I had to quickly construct greater walls just to make sure the force from her thrust didn’t slide her through the line. She bore her sharp teeth at me before she attacked another part. I waved my finger and the waters obeyed. Crossing the line proved impossible for her, but she struck the walls with more fervor than I’d seen in a lot of Hæńgaram soldiers. Hell, if I enhanced her, she might be an opponent that even Diane could have fun with. I did promise her foes worthy of her after all.

Eressa landed on the ground but continued to press forward, striking at the barrier with all her strength. I continued to hold her back, watching as the minutes turned to hours and the night turned to dawn. While my side of the field remained untouched, hers had shown the war between her abilities and mine. Her side was wrought with unraveled earth and torn ground from her blade. Her body was racked with sweat, each heavy pant of her mouth making her armor rattle here and there.

The more I watched the lass, the more I pitied her fate in my old life. As I had not known of her, she must have died in the empire’s war against Zevmar. Had she survived she might have risen to great prominence. While the lass and I might never be on agreeable terms, I knew a piece of treasure when I fucking saw one. This lass could be one of the ones that might rival Diane if given the resources. The only problem was, how should I grant them to her when she seemed so adamantly against me?  Of course, I knew of the empire’s stance against pirates, but Eressa seemed to exemplify that more than any other Hæńgaramian I’d known.

I sure as hell wouldn’t say the lot of us were a pleasant bunch, myself included. I’d condemned C’ula to a watery curse for its hand against me. Of that, I had no regrets, and best be sure that I’d do it again, but a lass like that ain’t got hatred like that without some type of history. I didn’t care what that history was, but she sure as hell wouldn’t be accepting anything from my hand… willingly.

I saw Eressa tighten her grip on her sword. I was prepared for another flurry of blows directed toward me but, instead, I got a growl laden with frustration. Slowly the woman of the Silvermane family returned to normal. Her animalistic features were concealed once again and she sheathed her sword.

“I yield to you, pirate,” she said as if the words were poison on her tongue.

None said a word and I finally allowed the water in the air to return to its own state. The only thing that gave evidence of its use was the wet grass in front of the line I’d made. I stood up, the exhaustion now fully setting from the sleep I hadn’t gotten before. I didn’t even care too much about my reward at the moment. Besides, it didn’t seem like Eressa was in the mood to grant it either. Hell, unlike before the fight began, she couldn’t even face me with anger or disgust. She just looked at the ground as I felt the magic barrier come down.

I stood up and watched the soldiers salute their superior officer. I decided not to stick around, having had enough of being surrounded by Hæńgaramians for one night. As I left, my eyes slowly turned back to the forest. It’d been quick, but I felt a presence out there observing the lot of us until it vanished. I could have searched, but I was too tired, and unwilling to bother with the problem. I left the way I came and made my trek back to the building my crew was staying at. My eyes were heavy and the orange sky blessed by the sun messed with my eyes.

Nevertheless, there was nothing clearer to me than the sight of my mother seated on the building’s steps. She’d long since fallen asleep, a cold cup of devil’s beans next to her. I chuckled when I saw her, shaking my head slowly. “I didn’t tell you to wait for me,” I said quietly so as not to disturb her yet.

I observed her beauty, aware of just how far her body had come since I’d started my journey. Her face was still as stern as ever, yet her face had been cleared of those wrinkles which plagued her so heavily before. Aesteal’s way was certainly harder than I wished. This whole ‘patient’ thing wasn’t how I was used to handling my own affairs, at least not in my old life. I wondered if sometimes the weight of the years upon me had granted me this outlook, a measure of my failures to remind me where my haste had led me.

“Now, what be the magic that compels you to sleep out here and risk a cold, mother?” I questioned as I watched her open her eyes. She glanced at me and yawned heavily.

“...my shitstain of a son. I waited for you all night to return from that woman you left with. Judging by how tired you look, it seems I didn’t have to worry too much,” she said while I laughed.

I held out my hand and pulled my mother up when she grabbed it. “I doubt I’d be granted that kind of Hæńgaram hospitality, mother. Now, come. Lorentia’s gonna have to wait for her enchantments. Rest be the least I’m offered for dealing with her subordinates,” I said as I pulled my mother inside.

Whether because she was too tired to think, or more comfortable with me, my mother allowed herself to be pulled as we walked up the stairs. I brought her to Naala’s room. “Eric, I…”

I silenced her quickly, already aware of her concerns and what she thought this might lead to. “Come. It be not like you to fear so easily,” I said as I led her inside.

I saw Naala still sleeping in her bed and decided to head to the bathroom and wash my face. When I returned, I saw my mother standing there. She looked lost, almost unsure of how she ought to proceed. This time, I made the decision for her. I cast off my clothes until I was left in my underwear. I kicked my boots away and crawled into bed. It didn’t take Naala long to cling to me, her body accepting the sudden warmth that came to her.

Unfortunately for my mother, I couldn’t keep my eyes open long enough to see how she fared, but my ears picked up on the shuffling of clothes. I tried to keep the smile off my face when I felt the sheets move. I then felt the cold touch of my mother’s hands on my chest while her legs mixed with mine and Naala’s. Pretty soon, we fell asleep with her.

A few more hours passed and, in my sleep, I felt the bed creak. Naala must have gotten up because I still heard my mother’s light breaths. My powder monkey maneuvered out of the bed slowly and dressed before she left. If she had any questions about why my mother would be in the bed with us, then she left them for another time.

My mother and I rested together, even as the crew started its boisterous behavior. Of course, that didn’t last for too long since Naala quieted everyone down, threatening them with what I’d do if I were to awake from my slumber. That got the lot of them to shut up real quick. Thus, my mind was at enough ease to fully drift away into the Sea of Dreams with my mother at my side.

By the time I woke up, it was nearly evening. I noticed that I’d woken up alone in Naala’s bed. The articles belonging to my mother were taken away, leaving only mine on the floor. My lips thinned and I released a tired sigh. While I knew my mother and I weren’t on intimate terms as of late, I thought she might not be the type to leave so suddenly.

Well, I’d have to leave her to her choices for now. I slipped out of bed and grabbed my pants. Dirt from the early morning still clung to them and my shirt smelled none too pleasant. I decided to settle for simply having my pants on as I grabbed the rest of my clothes and left Naala’s room.

I was rather surprised that the walk back to my room was so quiet. It seemed like I was the only one in the building until I made it to my destination. I opened the door to my room and saw the fairmaids had crawled out of their barrel and were now on my desk. They were looking at the books I’d left there until Nei noticed me. It didn’t take the others long to follow. One of them patted the book, attempting to get my attention. I dropped my clothes and picked up the book for a moment. It was one of the books from Delverhold I’d been reading in the hopes of fixing my unfinished rapier.

So far, it seemed as if I hadn’t the luck for it. “And here I thought you lasses would enjoy a mage’s novel more suited to your circumstances,” I said before I put the book down. I then heard the door behind me open. In came Ellen. When she spotted me, she grumbled.

“Finally awake, are you? Then you can take over entertaining the troublesome shits over there. Couldn’t even get half the shit done that I needed to since they seemed so determined to piss me off at every given opportunity. Next time you disappear, please take them with you,” she said, though I noticed this was without much steel in her voice.

I glanced down at the fairmaids and they stared at me with eyes so full of innocence I knew something had happened. Nei promptly gave it away with a devious grin on her face. I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised, she’d had most likely received a few of my charms when she bonded with me.

“You’ve handled a ship full of bastards, Ellen. Four tiny lasses be trouble for you?” I asked.

She quickly marched over to me and stabbed my chest with her finger. “You be lucky that I ain’t sold the cunts for a fresh bag of gold. Sea gods know they’d fetch a fine price no matter what region I take my business,” she threatened, though I knew it was an empty threat at best. I imagined that was her frustration speaking for her.

Surprising her, I grabbed her waist and pulled her to me. “Then I best find a way to reward you for dealing with such an unfortunate trial,” I said before she rolled her eyes.

“Can’t fucking wait. And speaking of business, you’ve got a barrel of Hæńgaram shit that needs shoveling. The Grand Elder and her loyal dogs have been asking for you all day about the enchantments. Must be losing your edge if Naala tired you out that much,” she said with a smirk before I countered by leaning in close to her. My lips were just a hair’s breadth away from her own.

“Would you like to test for yourself?” I asked. She looked at me with a hard glare, yet she seemed more than willing to surrender to my desires… and her own. Instead, I pulled away and released her.

“It was a nice night for a stroll. That be all,” I said as I gathered some new clothes. I then left Nei and the others to their book while Ellen followed me. She updated me on the crew who’d left to go into the empire’s cities while also relaying to me a message sent to me by Aesteal and Maeloson. It seemed that Zevmar would be returning from his expedition fairly soon. They’d still not set eyes on the target of the disease that was to enter the empire. However, they were aware to keep searching and would report back soon. All of that had been delivered by one of the Hilvir men that I’d sent out in that direction. Once he gave the letter to Ellen, he quickly disappeared to resume his duties.

I took a brief shower and chewed on a mint stick to relieve myself of anything left while I slept. I then shaved the growing hairs around my cheek and neck while Ellen continued on, standing just outside the door. When I was done, so was she. “And the Grand Elder’s waiting for you. Speak now if I should send some poor bastard to send for her. She’s been breathing down our necks all day,” Ellen said while I exhaled slowly.

“Aye, fine. I said that I’d perform the enchantments and there be no need to delay them now. Send for her and that army of hers,” I said.

Ellen quickly left and I returned to my room, grabbing some food for myself on the way back. I decided to enjoy the still breeze upon my sails for as long as I could before the rough seas would start to come upon me. Naturally, the fairmaids lost their desire for reading and instead swarmed me. Being filled with Vilinlith’s Essence just as I was, they saw no shame in trying to tempt me to embrace them all. They certainly had enough magic to transform their bodies to where I could feast upon them, but their lands weren’t the path of my ship this night. I’d need my full focus and they seemed to know that.

Nei ordered them all away and they returned to the barrel, grooming themselves by washing their hair, and tending to their wings. Of course, they couldn’t do this without smacking their lips together or fondling each other’s tits. I wondered if this was some attempt to make me reconsider my decision since they seemed to look to see if I was watching. They stopped when our ears picked up on a large body of armor moving toward the building. They quickly made themselves scarce, disappearing into the water until they couldn’t be seen at all.

A knock came on my door. “Captain! The Grand Elder…”

“Aye, I know. Send her in,” I said, cutting off the voice behind the door.

The door opened and I saw one of my men standing there, his face notably sweaty. As expected, the Grand Elder stood next to him, along with an entourage of her finest warriors. As judged by the look on her face, she seemed none too pleased with the long wait. “I take it that any business of yours which has kept so much of your time has been concluded?” she asked.

I swore there was more in that question than I initially assumed, but I didn’t ponder the idea for more than a moment. Of course, I didn’t appreciate taking the brunt of this anger since the only reason I’d had to wake up late was due to the actions of her own men. However, I didn’t find myself arguing or bringing up the matter. Aye, though I could have, and it’d be a tad amusing on Eressa for all the shit I’d had to put up with, but I’d actually enjoyed her efforts at besting me last night. It took a special type of fool to risk the anger of her superior for what she thought was right. Perhaps it was my pirate nature’s natural disregard for authority that made me enjoy it so much.

Either way, I answered. “Don’t pretend as if you didn’t make use of the time in other ways. Besides, I be available now. Shall you sit or shall you continue to glare at me?” I questioned.

She continued to look at me for a little while before she turned around. She ordered her men to guard the door and they nodded. She then closed it and surveyed my quarters. Indeed, they wouldn’t be impressing any highborn bastard dressed for the halls and tables of nobles, but I couldn’t resist the prideful grin on my face when I saw Lorentia’s curious glances. No doubt she’d never thought a pirate lair could be filled with so much magical essence.

“I see,” she said. She surveyed her surroundings like a hawk in an open field, preying on mice. I knew not what she was looking for, but the harshness of her gaze began to dwindle out. “There is much in here which would please even the Mage Association. It has been many years since I have felt such a rich concord of different magics together.”

“Best I reveal some of it lest you continue to have doubts about my proficiency. Now sit. I got a lot of you fuckers to get through and it’ll take more than two nights,” I said while the Grand Elder stared at the floor. I took the lid off the cauldron I’d bought and inhaled the mixture of shit I’d poured into it for the process.

“Would there be anything to make haste of this? I fear for the lands should this creature be summoned again, especially if it is by Zevmar’s hand,” she replied.

I feasted on a piece of bread and looked at her. “Aye, you lot could lose the armor. Its resistance to magic will make this shit more trying for all of us. And save the glare that shall soon sail upon your face. Alteria already bored me with the threats a few days ago,” I said as I finished my plate.

I didn’t bother turning around to see the Grand Elder’s reaction to my words. Instead, I heard the sounds of rattling armor and unfastened straps. When I turned around, Lorentia stood before me in some plain blue leather garments. She then seated herself, eyeing the light blue runes that appeared on the floor. I quickly sat in front of her, carrying the mixture with me. “Hope you free up your schedule after this be done. You’ll need the rest,” I warned.

“I’ll manage on my own,” she returned.

I shrugged and began the long, yet tiresome process. I dipped my finger in the cauldron’s pool and started with her arms, allowing the mixture to settle in there. I figured the arms would be the easiest mana veins to strengthen and prepare the Grand Elder for the rest that would come. This mixture would also stimulate the veins to strengthen the body against mystical forces. I sure as hell wished I knew these before I’d journeyed to Delverhold as they’d been locked away in Liara’s memories. Of course, a few of them were mentioned in the Alchemist’s many archives, but it would have made things a lot easier. I doubted these types of runes would be enough to contend with the Flames of Raganthor, there weren’t too many runes capable of blocking magic as vile as that.

Either way, I was a little surprised when Lorentia showed no visible signs of discomfort. Aside from a slight shiver here and there, I saw no indication of any pain upon her person. She just continued to sit silently as I sensed her stores of mana begin to explode in growth. The veins in her arms started to pulse in various colors, obviously being strained by the quick method we were performing.

“One of our territories to the southeast has been attacked by assailants from the lands of Nul,” she said.

My finger stopped for only a moment before I continued onward. If it was the Lands of Nul, then that could be any of the neighboring kingdoms in that area. None of them had a good relationship with Hæńgaram. “It is estimated that the kingdoms have come together to topple the empire. The Emperor has tasked welcome private armies and a portion of our soldiers to head in that direction. However, we believe this to only be the start as more skirmishes happen in the outer lands, especially towards the north and northwest provinces,” she said.

“...the lands where Zevmar has journeyed,” I said, pushing up the fabric on her arms until it rested on her shoulders. I continued my work as the veins continued to travel up her skin. I noticed the further up I worked, the more unsettled she became. It was normal to feel this way. She even started to sweat, her body expelling all the impurities which had gathered up throughout her life.

“Indeed. There have also been tales of fierce fires in that direction. The reports speak of a powerful fire mage. Some on the war council believe the reports are a bit exaggerated and deemed impossible for any fire mage to execute,” she said while my eyes narrowed. I wiped the sweat from my brow as I started pouring my mana into the runes to hasten their power.

Lorentia scrunched up her face, but she continued on. “I’d believe it impossible too had you not shown us a portion of your strength when we met you the first time. Is this fire mage someone to be concerned over?” she asked.

“And what makes you think I’d know, lass?” I questioned.

“It was reported that great fire, the likes of which had never been seen roared in the southwest, along with vicious tsunamis and tempestuous seas. It was along the very route your vessel took to get here and set its anchor,” she claimed while I continued my work, trying hard to keep a smile from growing on my face.

I wiped my forehead and continued. “Could be a coincidence. Surely I ain’t that much trouble,” I replied.

“I do not believe in coincidences, and you have been trouble since your ship first left C’ula. I believe I need not speak further,” she uttered as I continued another set of runes.

“...her name be Seraphina Xhalbrun. She be the same as me, except I control the seas and she controls the flames. I know where she be, but your best bet shall be me handling her. It’d be a waste of your men and your advantage should you choose to pursue her now. Just make sure your men are far enough away, it be a battle that cares not for those around it, I spoke, adding in another rune that was quickly absorbed into her body. I was then allowed to start on her other arm.

Lorentia said nothing to my words. “I wish you to journey to the northern provinces. Should an attack by this Sekria creature happen there, you shall best be equipped to combat it near the sea. Destruction of the province should be kept to a minimum, but I shall accept a standing building knowing your ways. I shall have Alteria and Eressa and a few men accompany you and those you bring,” she said.

I snorted. “Aye, your appreciation be noted. But I assume this is also to combat any sea vessels attempting to make for these ways?” I asked.

“Amongst other things,” she said.

I continued to work on the other arm, half an hour already passing me by. “Zevmar is also stated to return soon. We’ve still not found this carrier of this disease you mentioned,” she stated, inhaling deeply to cope with the quickly raising pain.

“If it never arrives, then you can simply treat it as the insanity of a young pirate. However, it be to your good fortune if it never shows up.”

Neither she nor I spoke much after that. She updated me on a few developments such as the movements in other regions and the emperor’s discussions with the Mage Association while I continued to work. I planted runes upon her forehead and on her chest. I then made some on her stomach and her legs. It was exhausting work, requiring more focus than I enjoyed giving. However, I was finally finished after two hours. Once she was done, I fed her a pill that would aid her in controlling the vast stores of mana that she’d gained. Were it not for them, she would’ve been dead in an hour, her body unable to cope with the strain.

If I was granted any reward for this shit that I’d been forced to put up with, it was the way Lorentia headed for the door. She walked like a newborn babe, unable to find her footing no matter how hard she tried. Of course, she still kept her professional demeanor, even amid the destruction of her posture. “That’ll wear off,” I said.

I received a glare in return. “Then I shall wait until the time has passed,” she said suddenly. I watched the Grand Elder grab her clothes and hobble her way to a chair. She took a seat and urged me to send in the next person. It seemed to me like the lass couldn’t handle the thought of her men seeing her in such a pathetic state. Granted, there was some type of pleasure I found in being the only one who’d seen such a display.

Of course, my good mood couldn’t last when I realized something disheartening for myself.

That was one down.

The door opened and the next person came in. I pinched the bridge of my nose, already not enjoying this fate which had been cast upon me.

For three days, I worked. With barely much time to eat and barely much time to sleep, I improved the natural mana flow of the soldiers under Lorentia’s command. Of course, I did this while a fucking slew of them glared bitterly at me. A few couldn’t help uttering threats to me, warning me of what would be my fate should I betray the empire. It wasn’t much but a bunch of flies in my ears, but swatting them away every time became an annoying chore.

Aye, and don’t get me fucking started on the Hæńgaram’s cunts that I had to work with. The lasses acted like I was infected with a damn plague. They sneered at me, their restraint only held in check by Lorentia’s command. Perhaps it was good for them since they’d no doubt end up dead if they raised either gun or blade to me. At some point, I just told them to cease their shit-talking and let me work. The faster the better for the lot of us. Of course, five or six of them had enough restraint to remain professional, merely treating this like a rough voyage at sea or a rough night in a pitched tent.

Thankfully, a few of my crew checked in on me. Ellen had done so the most, usually stopping by to deliver my food or information regarding what the Hilvir men and women reported. She also said that she’d wish to speak to me about something important, news from Aesteal and Maeloson.

I would have thought more of it had my mind not withered from the lack of sleep. Doing this to over thirty men and women also left me with only a little mana on my own to work with. Nevertheless, my trials were finally brought to a close when I had to deal with the last participant. When the door opened, I closed my eyes and tried to ease the headache that began to form. Sitting down in front of me was Eressa.

Neither she nor I spoke to one another as I began to work. For once, I wasn’t subject to her disdain and utter loathing for my kind. She merely sat with her eyes closed, the sternness of her eyebrows still apparent. I continued my work, thankful for the silence. However, it seemed like she wanted to say something, but the words never came out. We just sat in my quarters, aware of the silence yet doing nothing to change its course.

Finally, I was finished. I received neither threat nor glare. Instead, she stood up, wobbling over to the armor she’d discarded. The clasps of its mighty frame locked around her body and she left without another word.

With the last person of Lorentia’s little group finished, I fell back. I closed my eyes for a moment, tempted to fall asleep right there on the floor. Aye, it’d be embarrassing were I to be found, but at the moment I cared not for appearances. “This shithole better be swarming with cannon fire and unchecked magic for all this shit I be undertaking for it,” I thought as I continued to rest my eyes.

My ears picked up on the sounds of splashing water. I then heard flops on the floor. Even without opening my eyes, I knew it was Nei making her way toward me. She climbed on top of my head and I slowly opened my weary eyes. Her beautiful face stared back at me, her head tilted like she was confused about my state of exhaustion. “Never seen a bastard tired before?” I asked.

She offered me no answer and I closed my eyes again. I thought sleep might take me before I felt something wet on my lips. I opened my eyes again, sure as hell not expecting to see Nei’s wings glowing. From her lips and her tongue slipped out drops of purple fluid. Do not ask me why, but I opened my mouth to receive this strange refreshment. It flew past my lips and through my gullet.

A few seconds passed and I felt a strange calmness of my mind that left me refreshed. I was still rather tired, but not nearly as tired as I was when I’d finished. In fact, it seemed like the majority of my fatigue had disappeared without a trace. I leaned up and stared at Nei. Just as I would have done, she offered me a smug grin. She then licked her lips while I continued to look upon her.

Before I could even begin to question what I’d just experienced, a knock on the door came. “Enter,” I said, the tiredness in my voice notably reduced.

In came Ellen. She spotted me with Nei and snorted. “Figured the rats of the empire might have tired you out, but I see I was wrong. Should I come back later?” she asked, folding her arms and waiting for my answer.

“If you’d like to join, there be a simple need to ask,” I said as I rubbed my eyes and scooped Nei into my hands. The other fairmaids watched on, their fins slapping the water with sultry smiles on their faces.

Ellen grunted. “Yeah, like that’ll be the fucking day. Anyway, this stuff sent from the elves seems pretty important. You want this thing now or later?” she asked.

I looked at my Quartermaster for a moment before I looked outside. The sun was still high in the sky and I knew that Lorentia would start making plans for Eressa, Alteria, and me to head to the northern provinces.

“Aye, now. Just tell it to me while I go fill my stomach. I’ve had nothing to feast on but the hateful glares of our allies all day,” I replied as I grabbed the other fairmaids as well. Of course, Nei couldn’t help but settle onto the top of my head.

“You’re a hateful bastard. Can’t say I don’t share in their sentiment,” she fired back with a smirk before my lips curved upwards. Since her back was turned to me to open the door, I swiftly touched her shoulders. She shivered and glared at me, but didn’t stop my hands from sailing down her arms.

“And yet, I don’t find too many things to hate about you. Yet, you’re mouth still breathes such fine steel. Perhaps we should have it tempered again? I believe I’ve been lenient these past few weeks,” I said as raised one hand and touched her cheek. When she tried to look away, I brought her gaze back to mine.

If I were to take her on her gaze alone, it might seem like Ellen loathed my touch. Yet, I felt the way her body leaned into mine. As always she seemed to begrudgingly enjoy the intimacy between the both of us as the fairmaids remained our spectators. “You really piss me off,” she muttered.

“And yet, you love a bastard such as me,” I responded as I kissed her. She responded by biting my lip. However, the pain slowly turned into pleasure when her lips softened and she accepted my embrace. Her fingers rolled over my arms until they were on top of mine. I pulled her closer to me, her face squirming in delight as she closed her eyes.

When I finally pulled away, she opened her eyes slowly in a daze of sorts. Of course, it didn’t take long for irritation to make its way back on her face albeit much more subdued. She pulled herself away from me, placing a hand over her mouth. “Satisfied now?” she questioned.

“Should it be with you, then it shall never be so,” I complimented. My words got a roll of Ellen’s eye, but I’d have to be blind to not see the slight upward curve of her lips. I was sure if I pointed it out, I’d get a gun to my face for the reply.

Unfortunately, the rumble of my stomach destroyed the mood which we’d created and I remembered the purpose of Ellen’s visit. “Now, come with me. You can tell me all about what Maeloson and Aesteal found,” I said as I opened the door. I left my room and Ellen followed behind me.

“Oy, Cap’n! Back from the Lands of Dead be ye? Best make sure you feast properly or the lot of us be sailin’ aboard a cursed ship with a skeleton for a captain! Ain’t much muscle to swing a sword or hold a pistol on those parts!” someone said as I made my presence known.

“By the Lauders of Hihel, the Captain lives! ‘Tis a cause for celebration!” another uttered. Of course, the bastards would use any excuse to open our coffers of ale and booze. I saw Naala with them, championing the idea along with the others.

As my boots knocked against the gloriously constructed floors of the building’s main lobby, I laughed. “It’d be quite the journey back to the ship for such a celebration. Save your stomachs and your tankards for after we’ve left this land of the prim and proper. They’d probably jail the lot of you for such a display of Draegnarian spirit,” I claimed.

“They could fucking use it, Captain! Nothing puts hair on a young soldier’s chest like a good ‘ole cup of Zombie Oak. That’ll have ‘em shit their noble pants in these forests for weeks!” A man exclaimed, laughing heartily into the air.

A woman quickly leaned on his shoulder, flicking a gold coin into the air. “Yeah, right. I give the fuckers one chug before they're spewin’ all of last week’s dinner onto the ground. If that Zevmar guy wants to take them out, then that’s all he needs,” she chuckled and others laughed with her.

I shook my head as I watched the lot of these poor bastards and bitches laugh, poking their fun at the nation we’d been asked to save. I wished to smile, for their jokes were funny for a pirate such as I, but I also remembered the times my old crew might laugh in such a way. I’d still not forgotten that Anderen was still in these lands. I also hadn’t forgotten that Eressa owed me a favor, one that by her word she’d have to keep.

As I left the others behind, I came into the rooms where we’d stored our food. Well, at least those that wouldn’t turn to mold without something to keep them cold. When Ellen and I entered, she spoke. “They found the guy, Aldergaud. Killed him too,” she said.

I faced Ellen and she held the report in her hands that they’d sent to her. “And where was he?” I asked as I loaded up on a series of dried fruits, nuts, grains, and aged spice.

“In some village to the north. By Maeloson’s claims, the guy met with several Hæńgaram forces. He was apparently the son of the village’s shaman, a bastard with a knack for poison. He was set to arrive in the empire along with Zevmar’s forces. Seems the only place he’ll be headed to is Davey Jones’ Locker now. Supposedly before his death, he met with Zevmar himself. They were able to put him down when he came out of his tent to drink some type of potion. One arrow to the head was all it took from Aesteal,” she said while I leaned against the wall next to her, eating my fill of my food.

Nei and the other fairmaids couldn’t resist making a grab at my plate, and I didn’t stop them. I fed them bits and pieces here and there. Their tongues playfully licked my fingers while I continued to listen. “Of course, the Hæńgaram camps and the shaman leader didn’t appreciate that, but Aesteal and Maeloson are far enough to draw no suspicion. Good thing they’re elves, this shit’s right up their alley. They sit on their fucking thumbs waiting for your next orders while forces search for the culprit,” Ellen said, holding down the piece of paper.

I continued to eat for a little while and set the wooden plate down for a moment. “Aye, have them stay. It be a good chance that Zevmar will draw forces from that northwestern route. With any luck, Lorentia can sink ‘em before they get too far,” I returned.

“Shame we won’t do it ourselves. The crew’s been itching to blow something up. Days under the watchful eye of Hæńgaramians have left them in need of gunpowder and raining cannon fire,” My Quartermaster uttered, a rare smile on her face.

I matched her grin, picking my plate back up and feasting on it. “That I know. Many of them are Draegnarian. They can’t go for too long without some shit blowing up in their faces. In the meantime, we’ll head out to the other northern provinces to the east. We’ll see if anyone’s got the stones to summon Sekria there,” I answered.

Ellen didn’t seem amused. “With our favorite guards no doubt.”

“For all the work I’ve done, the lot better get involved,” I said, oddly annoyed. Even with Nei’s assistance I still felt the soft embrace of exhaustion wrapping around me. It was thanks to her that I was even still standing.

“Then you’ll be pleased to know there’s a few fuckers siding with Zevmar under the empire’s noses. I got to meet with a few of my friends here, at least half of them are supplying Zevmar’s efforts,” she said until I cast my gaze at her in mocking bewilderment.

“So even the likes of you can have friends? ‘Tis quite a mystery even for me,” I said, amusing myself with the way she snorted. However, surprisingly, she matched my amusement.

“Of course they’re friends. I can remain pleasant to any fucker who makes a profit to my affairs. How do you think I’ve tolerated your ass for this long?” she asked, staring at me knowingly.

I decided not to reply, aware that I could have answered her question. Nevertheless, I offered not to upset her mood. I knew how much Ellen disliked being reminded of how I’d tricked her,  even with the favorable outcome. Her pride would never allow her to remain comfortable with that fact. I’d also not seek to destroy such a thing. Her fierce pride was one of the many things I enjoyed about her.

Ellen aside, I turned back to the matter at hand. “Do they suspect you?” I questioned. I knew that Zevmar had seen Ellen on my ship back in Hilvir. He also couldn’t have been blind to the Dead Tales’ establishment or its history in the underground market. She’d ran and continued to run Draegnar’s portion of that market under me. In fact, I’d started to think that I ought to delegate other tasks to my mother as my First Mate just so that I’d not overwhelm Ellen with what I needed doing. And the more I thought about it, the more the idea appealed to me.

“Please, even if I weren’t sailing on your ship they would have suspected me. If you think the lot of us get together for tankards of mead and plates of marbled shark’s meat, then you’d be wrong. Lot of us hate each other and, before the flower petal you gave me back on Delverhold, I wouldn’t even consider drinking out of any fucking cup they put in front of me. If they didn’t suspect me, I’d have been able to get rid of them long ago,” she commented as I finished my plate.

“Any of them lay to the north?”

“You should know the answer to that.”

Ellen and I shared our gaze for a moment before I leaned up. “Tell Brant and his group that we’ll be heading that way tomorrow. Consider it a surprise visit for a business opportunity. Even better, we’ll lodge at one of the properties they own. Also, tell my mother that she’ll be journeying with us,” I ordered.

“Is it best to leave these idiots by themselves with no one in command?” she inquired.

I laughed and waved her off, exiting the foot storage room with her. “I’ll assign Naala, Diane, and Goron to some of them. The rest I’ll see how they perform away from us,” I returned to her while we made it into the main lobby. Ellen quickly went her own way and I returned to my room to clean up the mess I’d created.

The fairmaids stayed near me even as the day ran late. Somehow, I managed to stay awake long enough for Artemis to raise herself into the night sky. I slipped the fairmaids back in their barrel and Nei’s exhaustion-erasing spell soon lost its effect. It was then that I was burdened down by twice as much exhaustion as before. I barely had the strength to slip out of my clothes before I fell asleep on my bed.

Even in my sleep, I noticed how cold the Hæńgaram nights were becoming. I pulled the covers up, sighing when I felt the sudden warmth of three more bodies in my bed. Even without opening my eyes, I’d never mistake Diane, Naala, and Ellen. Their bodies clung to mine and soon they too were asleep.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t allowed the courtesy of a perfect rest. I opened my eyes to the beginnings of the sunrise. “Eric?” my mother’s voice called to me as Naala groaned. She rolled off me and nuzzled up to Diane while I made it out of bed, a little irritated at having my sleep disrupted so early.

I opened the door. My mother stood before me, clearly just as upset at having her sleep disturbed. “What is it, mother?” I asked.

“Grand Bitch is outside the door. She says that it’s time for us to leave,” my mother said, a heavy yawn on her lips.

At that time, I wondered how Hæńgaram might look at the bottom of the seabed along with its noble military a feast for the denizens below. Nevertheless, I thanked my mother and woke up Ellen. Never had I seen a more unpleasant look on her face. It almost seemed like she’d blow a hole right through the Grand Elder’s head should I let her.

She shoved the covers off and stomped out of the bedroom to get dressed. In the meantime, I took Nei and Lei with me. I picked up two others for my mother and Ellen to take. The last two I assigned to Diane and Naala. It was only now that I wondered if Aesteal should have taken her fairmaid with her, but I’d tried not to separate too many times over prolonged periods. I knew these lasses valued their bond and it wouldn’t do well to have them react negatively without each other to assist. A regular female pirate captain with her sisters as her crew, or that was how I saw it.

I got dressed and made my way downstairs, my mother and Ellen behind me. We were greeted by the sleepy gazes of Raven’s Shadow. “No offense Captain, but when we leave, I pray we never return here,” Daen said with a snarl on his face.

“That’s putting it lightly,” Rieth replied, her gaze the very image of death itself. She rubbed her tired eyes while Hannath and Truon stretched themselves. Brant seemed to be the only one not suffering like the rest of us. I could only assume he’d done a few night watches for the group that got him acclimated to waking up early.

As I tried to push the sleep out of my eyes, I decided to speak. “Fret not that you’ll find rest soon. The soldiers are still suffering from the effects of the enchantments. I’ve no doubts they’ll have trouble keeping up with us. We’ll have a camp made soon enough,” I uttered, attempting to ease their moods. I’d not expected to wake up so early either.

The group grumbled in acceptance while Ellen and my mother stood next to me, equally as irritable. As for Nei and Lei, they’d already fallen back asleep. Nei’s fin gently glided against the top of my head every so often, and I felt Lei’s wings flutter in my pocket. I pulled open the door and saw Lorentia standing there with the rest of her men save for about twenty or so who had been enchanted the day before. No way they’d be free of the aftereffects so soon.

“So glad you could join us, Eric Drakclaw,” Lorentia said.

If I hadn’t been around the lass for a little bit, I’d have taken her tone to be a mocking one. In fact, I wondered if she chose this time to wake me up, only to piss me off. I walked down the steps. “Never thought I’d hear such words from a soldier of the empire, but they be appreciated nonetheless. Though I warn you should you do this again, there won’t be too many clear skies in the empire’s future for the duration of my stay,” I threatened.

The soldiers behind her tensed, but Lorentia remained calm. She merely continued to stare at me with a strong, unyielding gaze. “Noted. However, this matter regarding this beast is one of great importance. I wish to ascertain not only its threat but the capabilities of those who wish to summon it before its terror can reign again. Should this be Zevmar’s work, it’s been theorized that he might use these lands to begin his invasion since none would remember encountering his forces when they leave,” she answered as I continued to feel the sting of the cold Hæńgaram air in my nose.

I knew that conversing with the Grand Elder wouldn’t ease my mood anymore. Nor would it ease the moods of those with me so, I just urged her to continue on while I still had the patience to endure. At least she was wise enough to do that. She quickly urged Eressa and Alteria to the front along with five other men under them. I was a bit surprised since I was sure Eressa wouldn’t be moving so quickly, but it seemed that as a Silvermane she’d already had a more abled body in tune with the mystic realm than most.

However, one thing changed from yesterday. Eressa regained her hostile attitude towards my kind. I’d grown to ignore it, but Ellen hadn’t. “Glare harder and you’ll find it hard to look at anything else when I blow your damn eyes out of their sockets!” My Quartermaster snarled, reaching for her gun to emphasize her threat. I figured this would be a good lesson for Lorentia to learn that Ellen was not the type of lass to enjoy the morning.

I was tempted to let her go through with the threat but figured it was too much trouble. Instead, I patted her shoulder and led my group away as our shoes became wet with the dew of the ground. “I love it when you’re violent,” I whispered as Ellen glared at me. She then sucked her teeth.

“Trust me, they won’t. Fucking piece of shit noble bastards!” she seethed out, running a hand through her blond hair. I absently heard Gurok make a note to himself to not come before Ellen so early in the morning.

Thankfully, once we arrived at the gate we didn’t have to wait long. Eressa, Alteria, and their men were set to journey with us. “We’ll travel along the Digrial Road. That will grant us the clearest path to the provinces. It should also be the route with the least amount of scheduled patrols, so our… guests won’t have to disguise themselves too much. Nevertheless, I recommend caution as this trail can be populated by beasts if we’re not careful,” Eressa warned.

Though I was rather tired, I softly chuckled when I heard a scoff from Truon. He folded his arms and leaned against the walls that blocked the training ground from the outside. Perhaps it was best that Eressa hadn’t heard him.

“Yes, Ma’am!” The five chorused, saluting her. I noticed none of them paid Alteria much notice, but she didn’t seem to mind. In fact, she outright ignored their obliviousness to her presence.

“Can the lot of you fuckers kiss her ass later? I’d like to get this shit over with!” my mother said, probably fed up with the Hæńgaram grandstanding. For her troubles, glares were sent her way.

“Figures that pirates wouldn’t know anything of strict discipline, especially Draegnar pirates. The only good thing about you is your short lifespan. Maybe it’d be longer if you didn’t have a history of backstabbing your own kind,” one of them said.

“Believe me, soldier. I could just as easily backstab your ass with my fucking…”

Alteria and I immediately intervened. I held up a hand to stop Raccaell from completing the words she no doubt wanted to say. Meanwhile, Lady Knight stepped forward. She turned to the soldiers. “Enough! We are not doing this without a purpose! We do this for the men and women, children and families that will become ravaged by war from Zevmar’s conquest. If for no other reason, do it for them and turn aside your anger for now. If you can’t, then stand before the Grand Elder and strip yourself of your armor for you are no soldier of the empire!” she spoke, her tone fierce. It left no room for any of them to fight back.

The five soldiers balled their fists, but they quickly regained their neutral, professional gazes. “And that will be two weeks of stable duty for the five of you,” Eressa uttered, clearly punishing the men for breaking whatever protocol they had. The five lowered their heads, nodding without speaking.

“And I recommend you keep your men in line, Drakclaw,” the hand of the Grand Elder said. Her gaze shifted to me as my hand lowered.

“Worry about your men and I shall worry about mine,” I answered.

With this brief spectacle out of the way, we were all granted release from the area. My mother, Ellen, and I resumed our disguises and so did the members of Raven’s Shadow. We journeyed through the streets, roads, and cities of the empire, the sun quickly rising into the sky and our bodies growing used to being awake.

We soon found ourselves outside the empire’s vast walls again. However, unlike last time, most of the mercenary forces were gone. Even Anastasia’s men which I told her to send over were nowhere to be seen. It seemed that the situation was getting worse than I’d assumed. I was sure those forces had been deployed to begin helping out in the skirmishes of the southeastern areas of the empire’s faraway lands.

“Ma’am, if I may ask, which province along this path shall we venture to first? I know of three this road leads to,” one of the soldiers said, her armor shaking upon the beaten path just like Brant’s. We’d already passed one patrol, a bird beastman sat on a horse while his soldiers walked behind him in perfect unison.

“We shall journey towards the city, Jokllim. The path from Jokllim shall lead us to Hashkin. We head for these places since there are crucial water routes which can disrupt trade. Should they fall, it would lead to great devastation for the empire, along with this supposed threat coming from the north,” Eressa said, eyeing me cautiously.

I hummed in thought. It seemed I’d forgotten to mention that they needn’t be concerned about that since Aesteal had taken care of him. However, I was also aware that I’d recklessly made changes to D’orn with my meddling. It wasn’t entirely impossible for Aldegaud to not be the only one carrying this disease. It was one of the reasons I had Maeloson and Aesteal stay over there for now. Still, the least I could do was tell Alteria so the Grand Elder could further her own ends.

That was what I did when we were allowed our first break. “And you couldn’t have mentioned this before we left?” she asked.

“Had I the proper sleep I might have remembered. Best you be happy I shared it at all. Though given how crazy this guy of yours is, there could be other ways he brings the disease in. It be better if you stay your course and search the people regardless,” I answered back. She continued to look at me for some time before she just sighed and walked away. Aye, perhaps a bit petty of me, but I gained some measure of enjoyment out of it.

In the meantime, I observed Ellen speaking to my mother, a load of papers and notes on the ground. No doubt my Quartermaster was sharing the extra duties my First Mate would be undertaking to allow the former more time for other areas. From where I sat, Ellen was explaining the way to assign the crew, set up their schedule on the ship or where we’d made land, and how to take stock of our inventory. I smiled when I saw the way my mother scratched her scalp, clearly confused by the lessons she was forced to undertake.

When I turned to Raven’s Shadow, I saw them seated around their own fire. Brant was going over a map of the land and the others nodded, no doubt making plans for when they’d be going into the city. I heard Hannath ask if she should prepare any special arrows for the occasion. Brant advised her to proceed with caution. He also ask for Rieth to begin channeling any spell that might help her before we reached the city. The rest of the time was spent going over the group’s exercises and protection protocol for Ellen.

I also glanced at Alteria. Eressa and those who’d been assigned to them gave Lady Knight a wide berth. I even saw two of them sneer at her. Their very eyes wished the vilest of fates upon her as she’d written a note on some paper. She then wrapped it up in a scroll and teleported it away in a blue light. It seemed that her underlings weren’t as shit-brained as a barrel of monkeys as I thought. They quickly turned their gaze away just in time for her to turn around. Nevertheless, I could tell by her solemn look that she’d already been aware of their hate.

While she might not have lived on Draegnar, the less definitely had the soul of one who’d lived through its horrors. Just as I’d learned, there was always someone watching you and you’d best step in the right way lest you give them the incentive to target your ass. When I looked at her, I saw a deep sea of loneliness within her gaze. It seemed like she wanted to join them by the fire they’d put up, but instead, she turned away and made her presence as small as possible.

To say I cared was perhaps the wrong word, but I was curious. I’d not known Hæńgaramians to be so hostile towards their own kind, especially not one from a distinguished noble pillar like the Balamars. Hell, they looked at her as if they looked at a member of my own crew. I thought this might be because she enlisted a pirate’s help, something utterly taboo for such a seemingly righteous and noble empire. I was aware that Alteria had been punished, albeit lightly, for her offense. What impressed me with her grit was that she ought to realize the consequences of seeking aid from someone like me, no matter how powerful I was. For any lesser soldier, the price was beheading or worse. That Alteria only got some time behind the nation’s prison cells spoke to me of how much she was valued. Maybe Lorentia couldn’t deal with another loss of their inside forces since they were all combating Zevmar, but something told me that wasn’t it.

Even if Alteria had enlisted my help, it had been Lorentia who officially authorized my stay here, or at least in her vicinity when that investigation into Taptos turned to shit. Yet, none of her men looked at her the way they looked at Alteria. Granted, I don’t know many bastards who’d dare look upon the Grand Elder in such a way. I even found myself wishing the lass wasn’t Hæńgaramian. I’d wish her aboard my ship with such a resolute gaze.

“I said I would handle it. I don’t need your help.”

Ellen, my mother, Raven’s Shadow, the soldiers, and I turned to see Eressa glaring at Alteria. A map of the route was on the ground. The former knelt and picked up the map, a gaze of great hate etched on her face. She walked past Lady Knight finally aware of all our gazes. “We set out in ten minutes! Make sure you’re ready to go!” She exclaimed, not even bothering to turn back to Alteria.

My mother, Ellen, and Raven’s Shadow looked to me for an answer, but I wasn’t sure what I could give them that might satisfy their curiosity. I was just as lost as them, if not more so. I shifted my gaze over to Alteria. Despite the outburst, her face remained neutral. The loneliness I’d seen in her eyes was gone as she walked away. Soon her form became hidden by the trees.

“If we’re lucky a beast of the wilds will do away with the Balamar family’s cursed child,” one of them whispered before the others harshly shushed him. I looked down at the ground in bewilderment. I’d not known the Balamar family to dabble in curses. The lot didn’t seem the type. I also hadn’t sensed any abnormal magic from Alteria. Whatever curse they were talking about, it wasn’t of the mystical sort.

“Fuck’s wrong with them? They act like she fucking cheated on the queen of the empire,” Truon asked while Daen laughed.

“Probably does a bitch like that a favor if anything,” Daen replied as everyone slowly settled back into their routine. On the other hand, I kept watch over the place Alteria went.

Once ten minutes passed, and Alteria returned, we all continued on our way. The days were long and uneventful. Another patrol had passed us by over the trip to Jokllim and the dust of the ground became food on our lips.

If Alteria was afforded any measure of satisfaction over this trip, it was the sight of her exhausted teammates. With the recent enchantments I’d put on them, their bodies were still unaccustomed to the power they were producing. Whether they wanted it or not, they got exhausted easily. One even fell on the ground, panting as if she were dying of air while the rest of us waited for the miserable lot to catch up to us.

However, even in spite of their treatment of her, Alteria still walked over to them. She helped one get to his feet. She then helped another giving her a canteen of water. Of course, I could tell the soldiers loathed the help, but they spoke not a word of thanks. Instead, they continued onward. “A bleeding heart doesn’t last long in this type of world,” Ellen said, clearly not amused by what she saw.

“It ain’t stopped some fuckers from trying as the whole world’s continued to move. Even if it ain’t much sense to the rest of us,” I returned as I continued walking. My mother and Ellen fell into step behind me.

“You see it a lot with most of the newer groups. They get preyed on the easiest,” Rieth said with narrowed eyes.

Raccaell aimlessly spun one of her guns around her finger. “Yeah, those types of bastards are also some of the first bounties or requests one gets from the Guild Administration. We actually took on a few of those. Had it not been for Brant, we might have fallen victim to that as well,” she answered, watching the soldiers in front of us struggle to march on.

Three days later, we finally came upon Jokllim. It seemed every beast was either asleep or hunting its own meal, as we never caught sight of one except for some birds of prey.

The City of Jokllim was just beautiful a sight for the eyes as was Ynro, the center of Hæńgaram. Its mighty walls touched the tip of the sandy shoreline as waves gently brushed against it. Various buildings bore the nation’s proud flags on their rooftops. A few merchant stalls with tarps of red, green, and blue lay on fleeting glimpses of a shoreline. Entry into the city by ship was met with a channel blocked by two Hæńgaram battleships. Soldiers inspected merchant cargo before allowing entry.

Overlooking the sea on a massive hill of white stone was a castle governed by the ruling body of this city. At least a hundred soldiers stepped out of the castle and continued patrolling the streets. The road into the city was also sectioned off by a wall, guards waiting at the entrances for anyone that wished access. I also noticed that some of the buildings were etched into hills while the rest lay further below, allowing all no matter where they lived to peer upon the majesty of the sea they desired. The buildings were layered against the hill-slanted design, About fifteen roads were designed with stairs for regular civilians and inclined ramps for merchants with horse or oxen carriages. One could even hear the sound of bellowing pack mules with a trained ear.

The length of the city seemed to spread out for miles to the east and to the west. Hell, if the sun hit it just right, the marbled Hæńgaram stone glimmered and shined like fine pearls at the bottom of the seabed. Pieces of stone like it went for a high price outside of these lands. I knew many nobles and kingdoms in other lands that would be more than willing to trade their son or daughter for a share of the stuff.

We walked down and, with Eressa’s credentials, were allowed to enter Jokllim. One thing I noticed apart from Ynro was that this city was much busier than the latter. There were lots of men riding horse-drawn carts with sacks full of materials and wares. A few children played across the street, swinging makeshift swords, stopping only to salute in awe of the patrol passing them by.

“Nice place,” my mother commented, her face not exactly matching her words.

“Sorry the roads aren’t paved with the blood and smoke you’re used to, pirate!” one of the soldiers lowly hissed while Ellen smirked.

“Sure as hell would give this dint some personality. Place looks no different from every other shithole you lot seep out of,” Ellen smirked while the others continued to glare at her. Gurok chuckled and Hannath placed a hand over her mouth, likely trying to hide her smirk. I paid them no mind. Instead, I looked out into the sea. The waves moved oddly. In fact, they seemed heavier than normal.

“What shall we do now, Ma’am?” the female soldier of the group questioned. Eressa took a step forward.

“I will go speak to the commanding officer to tell him that we’ll be operating in these lands for a few days. With permission and authority from the Grand Elder, he won’t turn us away. The rest of you will find suitable lodging. Once that’s done, you will join me that we might begin our investigation,” Eressa replied. Her group saluted her and made plans on where to meet. She then left them alone.

While they were preoccupied, I turned over to Ellen. “Could you mark an inn under the bastard you met if you spotted it?” I asked.

She looked at me skeptically. “Who the hell do you take me for?” she asked before she started walking. My mother, Alteria, Raven’s Shadow,  and I quickly followed behind her.

Through a blissful navigation of Jokllim’s roads and streets, we were finally brought to a rather large inn. Just like every other building, its body was molded from the empire’s stone with wonderfully crafted window designs. Hanging above the door of the inn were the symbols of an armored breastplate and the head of an ox.

Aye, the insignia of the Wenniva family, a noble merchant family with an expanded business in the buying, selling, and trading of rare and exotic monster meats. It was a tradition for the new head of the family to meet Liara and pay her a wide sum to hunt game in the realm she’d take them to. In that realm were many beasts and sometimes there’d be heir battles there to determine who’d become the next head of the family in case something unfortunate happened to the current one.

That said, they hunted in nearly every corner of D’orn, not just where Liara sent them. However, some say they also hunt… unsavory meats such as beastman meat or even human meat if the price was high enough. Of course, no one had proof of this as it was simply a rumor, but given that Hæńgaram allowed the lot to stay here, I found myself hard of believing that. Granted, every fucker hides a piece of himself that he doesn’t want the world to see.

“And who’s paying for our stay here?” Rieth asked as I glanced back at Alteria.

“I bet the leader of this little assignment won’t mind splurging for the necessary vantage point. What would you think, knight?” I asked.

Now perhaps the walk had tired me out, but I could have sworn I saw a bit of a smirk on Alteria’s face. Luckily Eressa’s loyal group was behind her or they might not have been too pleased by the smile on Lady Knight’s face.

“If it helps with the mission, then I wouldn’t assume so,” The white-haired knight said as she stepped in front of us and opened the door.

“Well, what do you know? She doesn’t let her armor get dirt from the shit off other’s boots after all,” Racaell whispered as my mother and I took notice of a relaxed grin on her face.

My mother stepped forward. “Glad to see you approve,” she replied as she followed Lady Knight inside. Nei and Lei poked their heads out, marveling at the sights around them before I led us inside.

The lobby was filled with guests and the fairmaids marveled at each of them. By the time we went inside, Alteria had already paid for the rooms in Eressa’s name of course. She then handed us our keys. I was set to be by myself with the fairmaids as my company. My mother and Ellen would be in their own room while Alteria and Eressa roomed together. I could only imagine how turbulent those seas would become upon the rise of the night.

Either way, we weren’t allowed to settle for long because we found ourselves outside the inn, waiting for Eressa to make her grand appearance. Unfortunately, the lass decided to grace us with her presence and began sectioning us off throughout the city. I wondered if I should have been surprised when we were split into pairs.

Of course, one soldier had the unfortunate task of keeping up with my mother,  Ellen, Brant, Hannath, and Racaell. Meanwhile, Alteria and I went off on our own. Eressa and the others went their own way. Truon, Rieth, Daen, and Gurok also went their way, making sure to keep a line of communication between the others. Over the journey here we’d had more than enough time to discuss the manner in which Sekria might be summoned. Due to vast stores of mana, we’d easily become sensitive to any bastard trying to summon a creature like the Burrower, especially given the amount of mana it would take to even make the attempt.

So Alteria gave me a tour of Jokllim. I could tell she wasn’t particularly pleased by my leisurely pace, but I figured that hurrying through the city wouldn’t matter. To summon something like Sekria, we’d know it immediately. There’d be so much mana that it’d need to cover the whole city’s lands and sea. We’d be ready for it if we were this close.

“Your cities always this plentiful?” I questioned as I watched the multitude of civilians trudging their shoes and boots along the stone-laden path.

Alteria continued observing the masses with a critical eye, perhaps hoping that some bastard might make her job easy and out themselves. However, it seemed my question made her look upon her people, a small measure of joy and mirth appearing on her face. “It is the holiday of Äkshul today. The time went Hæńgaram recruits are honored as joining the military. We like to celebrate them as they become the new protectors of our way of life, laying down their lives so that others don’t have to. In praising and honoring them, we hope to show them that even if they aren’t much now, we know where they might head and we acknowledge the struggles they will endure for our sake. For some who have never known the life of nobility, this might be the closest they get,” she said as she saw two young recruits walking through the street, their faces beaming with pride as men and women showered them with all manner of praise. Some even threw petals from white and blue flowers at them while others offered gifts.

I rolled my eyes but offered no comment. I wondered if their faces would beam with such pride when gunfire, magic spells, and sounds of battle were rained down upon them. Having been raised on Draegnar, I’d gotten that harsh lesson early.

“And how many gifts was a Balamar knight such as yourself offered?” I questioned, suffering through this festival for Nei and Lei. They seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely, waving their hands in the air to catch the petals. Their wings fluttered vibrantly as their eyes marveled at everything. I couldn’t resist swiping a piece of food for them to feast on out of sight. By the way they shifted in my pocket, they must have enjoyed the bounty presented to them.

When I looked up, I saw the smile on Alteria’s face had faded. “I wouldn’t know,” she replied, rubbing her arm. It seemed that she wished not to discuss the matter further so I let it be.

Alteria and I journeyed for quite a while, mostly at the enthusiasm of the former. To the west of Jokllim, we’d probably visited over twenty bars, ten inns, fifteen blacksmith shops, and several clothing shops. By the time we were finished, the sun had long since set from the sky. Even then, the ostracized knight’s vigor never wavered until it was very late.

Throughout that time, I listened to Alteria as she tried to bounce ideas off me as to where these summoners of Sekria were hidden. For the life of the salt-stained boards on my ship, I couldn’t fathom why the Hæńgaram military seemed so against one of their own who showed such zeal. Nor could I fathom why she bothered giving such zeal to a people who treated her like shit. You were liable to end up shanked and butchered back on Draegnar if your wits weren’t about you.

Of course, I offered what advice I could, and despite my deep desire to not trouble myself with this endeavor, I played my part as well. I was getting paid for this after all. While Alteria questioned a few citizens, I’d either sit on a wayward barrel or lean against a stone wall, eyeing the populace who passed us by. If someone with the skill to aid in summoning Sekria was here, then they’d have to have greater mana than almost anyone here. That would make them all easier to point out.

Unfortunately, I saw no such person. The closest anyone came was a young carpenter boy, barely old enough to sail out into the sea for the finer materials for such work. Were the Mage Association to scout him, he’d probably be welcomed to join and his parents paid for his work and entry into the association.

I thought we might be out here all night, but Alteria merely sighed suddenly. “Come. We should rest. We shall also rest all morning the next morn and leave when the moon rises. I am no stranger to the thought that even in our empire there are those who scheme in the dark. What do you say?” Alteria asked.

I spoke not a word, saluting her wordlessly before we made our way back to the inn. “Do you think they are here?” she suddenly whispered as we came into the lobby, guests and adventurers still surrounding tables as waitresses served them roasted pig with seasoned potatoes. Others were served fattened lamb with buttered onions and sliced carrots.

We walked up the stairs and I decided to answer. “The treasure ain’t always in the first place the map points to. Should we go with your plan, then it’d be best to spend perhaps another day or two and then move on. That is unless your summoners are carpenter brats with no ale on their teeth yet,” I said.

Alteria pinched the bridge of her nose, her armor rattling every now and then. “I fear the same,” she returned as we separated. She bid me farewell and I entered my room. Blissfully, I sat down rubbing my eyes for a moment. When I reached into my pocket, I saw that Nei and Lei were still awake. They smiled at me as I let them out on the desk. They flopped down to it while I took off my coat and threw it to the side.

I saw a flower pot on the table and immediately threw the flowers out the window. I then spent about five minutes enchanting the water and settled the two sisters into it. It wasn’t exactly a large pot, but for just the two of them, it ought to provide enough comfort for the stay.

After that, I treated myself to a hot bath, enjoying the waters and easing the day’s tension in my body away. However, even as I tried to relax, I still sensed the waves outside. The odd flow of their movements made me uneasy, but I wasn’t sure why. It could be that the moon was messing with me as I’d known it to do sometimes in my previous life, making me think something was wrong when it wasn’t.

After my bath, I returned to my room. I swiftly sat down and took out a book, once again finding the patience to suffer through trying to understand how to complete the Alchemist’s failed work of the rapier.

I’d grown used to its cold touch, either in my hand or against my hip. I contemplated how I’d cultivate a fire spirit strong enough to withstand the legendary cold magic hidden deep in the weapon. I busied myself with reading the journals of his work and searching through Liara’s knowledge of anything that might prove useful.

It was only when a knock on my door came about an hour later that I looked up from my work. I turned my head to the left, where the door was, and spoke. “Enter,” I said.

The door opened and I saw Ellen come through. She closed the door behind her and sat on my bed. “Still messing with that magic shit?” she questioned.

“Not anymore this night. Besides, even if I were to find the treasure amongst the rubble, I’d not be able to dig it out with what I have now. How was your search?” I questioned, my eyes honing in on the way Ellen moved her beautiful legs. Somehow, I could have sworn she was doing this on purpose.

“Nothing found worth a damn bronze coin. Though perhaps it’s best if Ira and I travel with you and the knight from now on. I’m about to blow the fucking head off one of those soldiers if we don’t,” she said.

I chuckled and was graced with a small grin on her face. “Worry not, once this contract is over I’m sure you’ll have your bounty stamped to the emperor’s bed with how many knights and soldiers you’ll put down. Try to hold it until then.”

Ellen rolled her eyes before I saw her look at me. “Can’t fucking wait,” she uttered. She then looked out the window and I followed her gaze. A view of the night sea was upon us.

I heard some shuffling behind me and turned around, my voice silenced when I saw Ellen slowly pull down her pants and throw off her shirt. She then stepped out of her undergarments, making a show of her panties sailing down her legs. She then turned around and faced me, sitting back on the bed.

“You’ve got the dumbest look on your face right now,” she said as I tapped my finger on the table, oddly amused and aroused. There’d never be a reason for me to not savor the beauty of Ellen’s body.

“And what brought this on?” I questioned. It was very rare for Ellen to want to initiate any form of intimacy between herself and me. I thought she was too prideful to try, but it seemed I was wrong.

She glared at me but made no attempt to hide neither her breasts nor her aroused nipples from me. “You gonna keep asking stupid questions and embarrassing the hell outta me, or are you gonna come over here while I’m not in the mood to shoot you between the eyes?” she asked, a confident and sultry smirk on her face.

To my surprise, Ellen’s body slowly started to soar with lustful energy. My body was quick to soak it in, becoming aware of her senses and emotions. They were much more nervous and excited than I’d initially thought for someone like her. It might have had to do with her sudden forwardness, but I found myself aroused by it greatly. Even Nei and Lei began to watch us, their own lust rising within their bodies.

I stood up and walked over to Ellen. Her chest was pounding. I could tell even without the Essence of Vilinlith, connecting my senses to hers. She gazed upon me with great need, her trembling on the bedsheets. Her nipples were already stiff, just begging for a hot tongue to strike them like a hammer on an anvil.

Wordlessly, I leaned on the bed. My form towered over hers as she continued to look at me playfully, leaning herself back to make way for me. She raised her hand and touched my shirt. With the one eye that she had left, she roamed over my body before I caressed her cheek and focused her gaze on mine. “Are you gonna make me get the answer outta you?” I questioned.

“As if I ever gave you the easy way out,” she answered.

I bent down and kissed her. She pressed her lips against mine while I pushed her head into the pillows. My body against hers, I swiped my hands through her blonde hair. The taste of her lips was sublime and their touch was hot yet filled with need. “Mmmmm!” she groaned as all thoughts of my previous activities left me.

Our lust quickly began to mix together, our bodies heating up under the cold Hæńgaram air. Ellen’s hands traced up and down my arms before they aggressively wrapped around my neck. My hands weren’t idle either. I slid them down her delicate frame, enjoying the embrace of this powerful woman of Draegnar’s underworld.

Her tongue wrapped around mine, circling the insides of her mouth. We separated only briefly for her to grab the folds of my shirt and eagerly lift them over my head. My bare chest in front of her, I sensed the spike in her arousal as she threw my shirt on the floor. She then surveyed me.

“This might be one of the few things about you I like,” she commented, trailing her finger across my chest. Her breath was rough and ragged, her cheeks flushed.

For the sake of her pride, I chose not to comment further. I knew this was her way of enjoying the moment and offering some small piece of rebellion against me. I could have combated her and enjoyed the way I’d used to do this before I’d sailed, but I’d learned a great many things from Delverhold once again. I’d need not break her down so ruthlessly as before.

“And yet, there be many things which I treasure about you, Ellen Sothshore,” I said, stunning her and kissing her again. Her face scrunched up, but her hands roamed my back, one of them clinging to my shoulders as great passion moved between us. My cock was already hard and if not for my pants, I’d already be up to my balls inside her. Hell, I wished to free it just so it would stop rubbing against my stomach, eager for her womanly touch.

The smack of our lips became evident for a long while until we separated again. I leaned down and kissed her neck. “Nnnngh! S-Shit!” she groaned, puckering her lips to kiss me one more time. I then rested my hands on her breast. A blissful sigh escaped her lips, her chest breathing rapidly.

I then proceeded to fondle her tits. Rolling her nipples between my fingers while I sensed her pussy quiver. “Nnnnngh! Yeah! Goddamn!” She muttered. Her lust poured into my body, driving me forth. Her desires became known to me without issue.

“I could feast upon your breasts any time. A treasure fit for only the greatest captain,” I said while she groaned.

“And yet, I’m giving them t-to you! Gnnnnngnh fuck!” She returned while I chuckled. Withdrawing one of my hands, I replaced it with my lips. My tongue swiped around her pointed tip. I pressed my tongue down on the left one, pushing it back into the breast over and over. Ellen seemed to greatly enjoy that because she grabbed a fistful of my hair and shoved my mouth over her chest.

“Yes! More! Lick them more dammit! Hnnnnnnfghh! Ooooooooh god!” she cried. Her entire body trembled while under my touch, but her lust rose in strength again when the finger I took away began assaulting her pussy. She tried to close her legs, but I was already between them. My legs pushed hers apart and my finger was left to peruse her lower body unobstructed.

And yet, this wasn’t enough for me. I wished to have all of her. I wished her to enjoy herself as a treasures woman aboard my ship. I wished to grant her the greatest pleasures which I and no other could offer her. My fingers rubbed the folds of her pussy. Her sticky juices made delectable noises. “Nnnnngh! Oh, fuck! Fuck! FUCK! FUCK!” She groaned, her hips losing control and bucking against the intrusion of my fingers.

My thumb rubbed her clit and my other hand’s fingers twisted her other nipple. My tongue worked the other as sweat fell from her face. “Yes! Oh my god! D-Damn your fingers feel so good! Nnnnnnngh! Ooooooooh! Mmmmmmm!” She moaned, writing and twisting under me while her hands clenched the sheets of the bed. Her feet dug themselves into the covers at the other end. Her body arched and the lust within her began to explode. It soared into me unceasingly, filling my mind with a thought too powerful to ignore.

“Mmmmmmngh! Hnnnnuhuuaaaa!” Ellen suddenly groaned while I shivered, my cock feeling the smooth sensations of her mouth on it. When I opened my eyes, I realized that my consciousness had been spread once again. The Essence of Vilinlith had constructed another of my being. I had my cock buried to the hilt in Ellen’s mouth, and she didn’t seem to mind. In fact, her head was vigorously bobbing up and down my shaft. I even felt her hand on the back of my ass, squeezing it to drive me in further.

“Mmmmmm! NNnnnngh! Fuck I love your cock! Only good thing about you! This hard… strong… veiny… dick!” she panted before I grabbed her scalp and shoved her mouth back onto my cock.

My mind was like mush as I also continued to finger her and pleased her breasts. Her pussy clung like a vice to my fingers. Her voice was plentiful in my ears, and the sensations of her mouth on my cock through the Essence of Vilinlith were strong, too strong in fact. “MMNNNNNNNNGHGGH!” Ellen screamed, my cock muffling her voice as she came on my fingers.

I wasn’t too far behind her, groaning like a damned beast as my cock shot off in my pants and in her mouth. I even felt her throat muscles work to swallow the sizable load I’d stuffed down into her gullet. We both panted for a moment, but my cock was not satisfied. The flames had already consumed both of us with only one way to douse them.

I slipped my fingers out of Ellen’s cunt and undid my belt buckle. I pulled my pants down, well aware of Nei and Lei admiring the girth of my cock. Both licked their lips, toying with the other’s pussy. In the meantime, I regained consciousness of my body and stared at Sothshore’s unkempt form.

Once Ellen caught her breath she eyed my cock. The Essence of Vilinlith had infected her to the point that she couldn’t withhold her gaze from it. Without a word, she rolled over onto her stomach and grabbed my dick in her warm palm. “This damn thing. Why’s it so fucking addicting?” she questioned as she gave me a few pleasurable strokes. She then leaned forward and sucked on the very tip of my cock.

“Nnngh!” I groaned in delight as her tongue swirled around the crown. She then pushed her lips forward, engulfing all of me until she reached my pelvis. The back of her throat was wonderfully wet and hot, like the sea itself on a hot summer’s night. My cock was held up by her tongue, caressing the underside and striking a pleasant sensation all the way into my head.

Then, she sucked me off. Ellen sucked me off hard. “Nnnnngh! Mmmmmmmmngh! Hhghhuck!” She panted. Spit dribbled from the side of her mouth, but she never stopped her movements. In and out, cold air and hot mouth, my cock and body were struggling beneath the weight of her assault.

When my tongue slipped out of her mouth, she jerked it and licked it fervently. “Mmmmm! Can’t wait to have this big thing inside me, messing the shit outta me, cumming inside me like I know you’re itching to do. Much as it pisses me off, I like it too! It might be one of the few things I’d trade a sack of gold coins for. Are you gonna fuck me like that, Captain? Gonna cum inside your quartermaster?” she asked.

After a moment, I eased my breath and looked at her. “Perhaps. Though I didn’t tell you to stop,” I said as I returned the favor and grabbed a fistful of her hair. I then plunged my cock inside her mouth. Her eyes widened in shock, gagging on my mizzenmast. Though she showed some discomfort, her pride refused to surrender as she grabbed my hips and braced herself. As I fucked her face, I closed my eyes so hard that the stars of the night sky appeared in my mind. The garbled moans of my quartermaster filled my ears as my balls slapped her chin.

The warmth of her mouth propelled my movements as her teeth barely slid across my cock. “I be honored that the mouth which had dealt with the rich and powerful is now sucking on my cock, begging for my cum to flood the inner passages of its canal,” I groaned, hearing a rumble in Ellen’s mouth.

Soon enough, I felt the beginnings of my orgasm come upon me. I just continued to thrust away like a damn dog in the tree in the middle of his heat. With our senses linked, there was no way Ellen wasn’t aware of this. I need not warn her of it because she grabbed my ass and drove me further in. The room was flooded with her loud sucking noises, a regular vacuum on my cock as her spit coated the open slit on my manpole.

With one final thrust, I shoved my cock into her mouth as ropes of impotent cum sailed across her tongue and down her throat. Even with my hips locked, my eyes closed, and the bright flashes of light flooding my view, I felt Ellen swallow every drop. It seemed that she enjoyed doing it too because her lust exploded with mine. Her cunt quivered as she came again, her legs growing weak while her mind was assaulted by the sensations.

Finally, I slowly pulled my cock out of her mouth. She’d all but sucked every piece of my man’s ale for that brief moment. As I fell back, I watched her look at me sensually. She brushed her lips, wiping away the last vestiges of my sperm and flinging it somewhere on the floor. However, that wasn’t the thing which I found myself curious about.

I noticed the Essence of Vilinlith around us. It seemed to have tethered out beneath the crack of my door. I wasn’t sure where it went, but I knew that I was receiving more pleasurable sensations. It was then that the Mark of Hoɖ activated in my eyes. I saw the language of runes around Ellen’s body. I also saw the way the magic from them flew into the ceiling and into another room. The new sensations I was feeling quickly reinvigorated my cock, it growing in hardness. Between Ellen’s confidence, these new sensations, and the magic spell that I’d come to realize was another means of connecting senses, I understood that Ellen was sharing our experience with someone else.

It sure as hell wasn’t hard to figure out who either. There was only one person in this group in Jokllim who Ellen would even consider doing this with. My eyes softened, but my cock was even harder at the thought that my mother might be using this as some odd means of being with me. While I was rather insulted that she wouldn’t come to me herself, there was also something about this situation that excited me. No doubt my mother was pleasuring herself even as Ellen and I sat here panting and basking in the feeling of our basest need for each other.

That said, I did not neglect Ellen. When I looked at her, I saw her huffing on the bed, her hand over her face. Her pussy continued to drip and my dick lurched up. Like a slave to my desires, I rolled up and leaned over her. As she panted, drunk on the ecstasy, I cupped her cheek and tried to move her arm. She remained stubborn for a moment, refusing to have her arm moved. However, her lips were unguarded and I seized them like a thief in a queen’s castle. Her tongue gently nudged mine and I then chose that time to pull her arm away. She relented and I gazed upon Sothshore.

My quartermaster’s hair had fallen over her eyepatch while her other eye stared into mine, a thick haze of bliss rolling through it. “Quite looking at me like that. It pisses me off,” she breathed out before she and I noticed my cock lined with her snatch.

“Stay with me and I’ll make you feel not so irritated,” I said as I parted her legs and slowly pushed inside her body.

“Nnnnnngh! Fuck! Mmmmmmmmngh! Yes!” she groaned, trying to suck me in quicker. My pride soared as I speared her body with my dick until my balls rested on her ass. Her entire body was hot and ripe with sweat. Fuck, I couldn’t describe how this bitch excited me. Her body seemed to properly fit into mine and the walls of her snatch massaged my length like the violent caresses of the sea's waves on a ship. My cock just sailed onward, pushing through to the lands presented to it.

Ellen looked at me and huffed. “Again, the… only good thing about… you is this… nnnnnnnngh… fucking big cock!” she rumbled without too much fire in her voice.

“It be a shame. There be a lot more good things about a bitch like you. Perhaps I shall show them to you, and to our audience,” I said as I withdrew my hips. Ellen bit her lip before I shoved my cock back in.

“FUCK!” Ellen exclaimed before I quickly pulled up her legs and began to fuck her, the pleasure riding through our minds in waves. The Essence of Vilinlith exploded throughout my room. Nei and Lei continued to watch us, screaming in pleasure with us. I could sense the way Lei shoved her tongue into Nei’s cunt while Nei pinched and twisted her nipples. We’d all become corrupted from the lustful essence and it all came into me, allowing me to concentrate it throughout the entirety of my shaft.

Ellen panted in lust and pleasure. “Yes! Goddamit! Fuck me! Shove that damn cock inside me! Nnnnnnngh!! Hnnnnnghghha! Oh fuck!” she said, grabbing a hold of my shoulders. I eagerly sought to please, feeling her entire body trembling as my lust-coated pole heated every inch of her warm, slippery cavern. If she had a point of pleasure in her cunt, then that spot nearly became all of her pussy.

Her legs tied around my ass, the bed shook while she bit her lusciously full lips. I grunted and sighed. The pleasure was great, addicting even. Aye, I was addicted to fucking my quartermaster. I wished to grant her great pleasure and great rewards upon my ship and bed. The writhing and wiggling of her snatch doubled the pleasure deep within my brain. I sensed what she felt and she sensed what I did as well. I could feel the way her toes curled, and she felt the glorious pain of her nails in my back.

Between so many sensations, it didn’t take long for Ellen’s first orgasm to rupture. She sunk her teeth into my shoulder as her cunt squeezed my cock, spraying it down with her body’s inner flavor. However, the Essence of Vilinlith had already made her ready to go. “Hnnnnngh, yes! Right there. Fuck, I need this for this whole damn trip! S-Shit! Hnnaaaaa… ooooooooooooh!” she exclaimed before I silenced her with my lips.

Her hands moved from my back to my hair, roughly kissing me back while one of my fingers rubbed her clit. “And I have need of you. I always shall,” I said, breaking the kiss and breathing out in a hoarse voice.

“Then do it like you mean it dammit!” She ordered.

Willing to fulfill her order, I shifted from long thrusts to deep ones. My cock was primed, ready to release a load of cum into her waiting body. The lust seemed to be invigorating my thoughts as well, thoughts I knew were impossible. Visions of Ellen pissed out of her mind with a swollen belly came to me. The lust was grabbing as much cum as it could from my ball and sending it through my cock.

“Mmmmmmmmmmhgh! Gonna cum, aren’t ya? Do it! Cum… inside me!” she said and I did just that. I buried my cock inside her and the cum fired outta me like a damn cannonball out of its chamber. My eyes rolled up into my head, Ellen’s voice nearly reverberating in my ears as I felt my cum stain the walls of her pussy. The feeling was unbelievable, my legs shaking from pure bliss.

However, that was not to be the end. Even as I finished cumming inside Ellen, my cock refused to go soft for even a moment. Another set of bullets was ready to be fired into the chamber, and Ellen realized it. “Hard to believe I’ve gotten used to that,” she said before she gasped as I picked her up.

I lay on the bed and she lay on top of me. My cock was buried all the way inside her again and she glared at me. She then smirked and sighed softly. Her hands on my chest, she raised her ass and slammed it down, fucking me with her beautiful body. Her breasts were on full display. “Touch them… nnnnngh. You won them after all. FUCK!” Ellen commented, obviously seeing me staring while she ground her pelvis into mine. My cock wiggled left and right, her bumpy curves rubbing it up and down like a thousand courtesan tongues.

“Aye, that I did. ‘Tis the greatest treasure any bastard could ask for,” I returned. I reached for her tits and squeezed them between my fingers.

“Yeah! Oh fuck yeah! Nnnnnnnnngh, you like that? Me riding this big cock of yours? B-Burying it deep inside me, riding it, waiting for it to release another load inside me?” she asked. I gritted my teeth and she slammed down on me hard. She raised her head to the ceiling, her hair dancing wildly. Ellen was completely enraptured and enslaved to our embrace, fondling my balls with her delicate fingers. I quickly started to buck my hips, matching the pace she’d set.

Ellen leaned back, placing her hands on my legs. “Hnnnooooooo! This… big… c-cock! It feels pretty damn good! SHIT!” She screamed as she came again, our juices quickly mixing together. If any poor waitress were around, I bet she’d be on the ground fingering her poor cunt begging for a cock to stuff it just like Ellen’s was being.

“And it’ll feel better,” I said as I dislodged myself from Ellen. Before she could even question me, I pulled her up and pushed her against the wall. I grabbed her ass and shoved my cock back inside her. Her legs grew weak, her hands pressing hard as the harsh slaps of our flesh continued.

“Mmmmmmmmngh! C-Come on! Harder! Stuff it deep in there! Oh fuck, I’m gonna cum again!” Ellen announced and I was right behind her. I grabbed her breasts, pushing my weight on her back and not allowing her to escape from me.

“Then you shall cum while looking at me,” I said as I grabbed her leg and lifted it over my shoulder. I licked her long legs and tickled the edge of her foot. “Ghnnnnnnnughgh!” Ellen groaned, strangling my cock before she came once again. This time, I followed her, shoving my cock inside her, hoping against hope that the Mark of Hoɖ would fail and allow the vision of her swollen belly to be a reality. My cum flooded her pussy, even spilling and dripping on the floor.

Ellen and I panted while I slowly let her down, but we were still not sated. My cock grew hard once again inside her and she looked back at me. “You’re a damn freak,” she said, her body no less willing to keep up with mine.

“As if a normal bastard could keep up with you,” I returned.

The night was long and our passion even longer. I wondered if perhaps the whole inn had been affected by us because there were numerous moans and sounds of debauched sex the likes of which I’d never heard. I even thought I heard the sound of a few cunts being fucked right outside in the open. Personally, I thought it was only right that I give the bastards of Jokllim a tad bit of fun in their boring lives.

Ellen and I were back on the bed, rutting like animals. I came inside her again and again. “Hhaaaaa… fuck! It’s so fucking hot!” she uttered before I pulled her up and kissed her, turning her head to mine. She kissed me back and rubbed my cheek, her body bumping out from our thrusts. One of my hands rubbed her breasts and the other assaulted her clit. She came again and so did I. Yet, once again, we continued on until the Essence of Vilinlith finally relented and was dispelled.

Ellen bounced on my cock like a woman possessed. I watched her in her Draegnarian beauty before my cock warned me of my impending orgasm. At this point, my balls ached and so did my cock, but the pleasure was still flamed inside me until I grabbed her hips and forced her down. “FUCK!” I growled as I fired my last load of cum into her body. At this point, it just allowed the previous loads to spill out of her and onto my chest.

“MMnnnnngh!” Ellen growled with me, scratching my chest as she came as well for the final time. Her walls gripping and choking my spent cock. I managed a few more ropes of cum before she fell on top of me. She heaved and sighed.

“...Not bad this time. You… could fucking do better though,” she stated.

“Aye, perhaps,” I said as we stayed there for a little while, basking in the blissful afterglow of the sex we’d just had. Even now, we still heard the moans from the other patrons throughout the room.

“Well, if Zevmar does invade, at least the empire’ll be replenishing its forces with how many cunts are getting brats inside them tonight,” Ellen replied.

I smiled. “Aye, it only seems fitting that I do my part in all of this,” I responded.

After a while, Ellen yawned and I turned out the lights. I noticed that the spell shared between her and my mother had faded away. Nei and Lei had also gone to sleep in each other’s arms. I made my way back to the bed, my legs feeling rather weak and unsteady. I pulled Ellen to me and she grumbled for a moment, but merely sighed. She could snarl all she wished, but I knew that she enjoyed moments such as these. The way her legs mixed with mine told me so.

“So how did mother get you to agree to this plan?” I asked.

“By bugging the hell outta me. I told her you’d figure it out, but fuck it if she ever believes me. The hell’s going on with you two anyway?” Ellen asked.

My lips thinned, but I answered anyway. “She be trying to figure shit out from some news I told her,” I answered.

Ellen didn’t speak for a moment or two. She then sucked her teeth. “And yet, once again, I’m the one who has to deal with you fuckin’ Drakclaws and your problems. I must be cursed,” she said before I laughed.

“It is the fate of a pirate to pick up cursed treasure, and it always shines the brightest in his possession,” I said.

“Very funny,” Ellen responded before I heard her slowly fall asleep. Pretty soon I followed after her.

Unfortunately, even in my sleep, I sensed the odd churn of the sea. I sensed the way the waves moved and the waters pushed against the Jokllim shoreline. I opened my eyes, every building was dark and the streets were barren. Yet, the seas continued to move. Ellen was still sleeping, peaceful and content.

I slipped out of the bed, careful to not disturb her. The cool air felt nice on my naked form as I walked over to the window. It was then that I understood where my sense of the odd seas came from. I just wouldn’t have thought it’d come from a blazing ball of fire hurling itself through the air until it crashed into the western side of the city. The ground shook with a mighty fury and the explosion destroyed at least ten buildings in its vicinity. At least twenty others caught on fire from the explosion. The fires then began to spread even as my ears picked on whistling in the air, and my nose on the smell of ash and gunpowder.

Another fireball crashed into another part of the city, destroying anyone and everyone in its path without mercy. I stared out into the sea, a fleet of at least twenty to thirty ships sailing for Jokllim.

Then… came a chorus of screams descending upon the city.