The Vengeful Tide-Ch. 44 (Patreon)

Greetings patrons!

I'm happy I can present chapter 44 for everyone. Truth be told, this chapter was supposed to come out at least a week ago, but there were more than a few difficulties this time. 

- WttW

With Zevmar dead, and his conspiracy brought to light, Eric ought to have his business finished with on Haengaram. However, the seeds of rebellion and magical unrest continue to swell beneath the lands of the Empire as a certain female knight questions her own resolve to continue to fight for her homeland.

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I sat in my chair, thinking on the matters just presented to me. On my desk lay the drawings, depicting the deaths of the Empire’s devout worshippers. The more I looked, the more I grew concerned. While I hadn’t bothered with caring about the Church of Lumnina or the cuntlickers that worshipped her, I couldn’t help this anxiousness stirring my spirit.

Without much to give, I ordered my agent back and just to continue observing the matter. They obeyed and left. Soon my mother and Ellen followed after them, joining the rest of my boisterous crew on the deck of the ship. I was left alone with an unconscious Hæňgaramian Knight-Captain.

I picked up a drawing and looked at the inscription on one of the daggers. “An’raie, what make you of this?” I asked.

I felt the pull of my soul as the Lonely Wail appeared, hovering over me. She looked at the drawings. “‘Tis not known to me, though mine knowledge of such rituals is adequate. This arrangement follows similar designs. The bodies of thine clients lay with their faces to the west. Within thine other drawings, others lean to the south, and east. Mine understanding leads that there shalt be a formation facing the north as well. It could be that others like it spread to other directions as well,” she replied, not exactly making me feel any better.

I held up the three drawings and placed them in their directions of west, east, and south. I thought that I might be able to scour something from Liara’s memories that would help me identify what this was, but so far I had no luck. I glanced back to Alteria for a moment, watching her sleep peacefully as I continued to push my ship back toward the cavern we’d hidden in.

“Aye, the magic in the air has grown strange ever since that blast of light magic from before. However, it’s weird that such might would come from Alteria. I know Balamar warriors, they don’t wield such proficiency in light magic as that. I’d expect something like that from the House of Lightfeather,” I thought before I stood up and walked over to my bookcase. I grabbed three large tomes that I’d pilfered from Delverhold, each of them a volume in the summoning arts.

I opened one of them and began a long and mind-numbing pastime of reading while An’raie merged her soul with mine again, aiding me by reading through any of Liara’s vast knowledge available to me.

I read late into the night, and though I’d read a lot of intriguing shit regarding the summons, rituals, and requirements of certain deity spirits, wicked devils, and the like, I’d not found a proper answer to the scene drawn before me. I even, out of jest, looked up the summoning of Lumnina. The Alchemist spoke of briefly trying to summon her light in some sort of experiment, but it hadn’t worked. Apparently, his heart wasn’t attuned enough for it to happen, if she could even be at all.

Apparently, there had to be some way of meeting with the supposed goddess because Liara had met with her on more than one occasion. Of course, neither liked the other, settling for backhanded pleasantries until they got what they wanted. And now that I thought of it, I wondered if any spirit favored Liara. I knew there were many who wish to bed, wed, or command her, yet not so many that she would call a friend. Hell, that some of them weren’t on my ass for beating them in that regard was a fucking miracle in itself.

I was taken from my wanderings when I heard a knock on the door. “Come in,” I said, a little tiredly.

In came Ellen. She closed the door and entered my quarters. She cast one glance at Alteria before she walked over to me. “Still looking that shit over?” she asked.

I leaned back. “Aye. I be sure that as a businesswoman you’ve gotten this feeling more than once. A feeling when you know something sounds and looks like shit. You know a bad hand when you see one,” I replied.

“Yeah, I got that damn feeling when I made that bet with you. Granted, it turned out better than I thought in the end,” she said, never quite looking at me despite the compliment thrown my way. I couldn’t resist the smirk on my face, yet I sought not to embarrass my quartermaster further.

Finally, she turned back and looked at one of the pictures. She picked one of them up. “Best I can remember of this, one of those fuckers at the table presented a design like this on some sort of dagger. Apparently one of the workers of his business uncovered it in the very far east, or some shit like that. Didn’t have any of this inscription shit on it though,” she said, throwing the piece of paper back on the table.

I hummed as I leaned back, a little fed up with all the reading. “So what brings you to me tonight? If it be my bed you’re after, I’m afraid it’s occupied,” I joked which got a snort from Ellen.

“Funny. I believe your sea-faring bastards are starting to get their fill of Hæňgaramian hospitality. They wish to move on soon, sailing away to any place that doesn’t bear the empire’s flag on it. Probably doesn’t help those under the employ of the Grand Elder continue to monitor us. Ain’t much in the way of selling what you’ve gathered when the fuckers prevent it so hastily. You sure they're gonna honor a deal with pirates, especially on the word of the sleeping knight over there? I know you’ve seen the way they look and treat her. Hell, they treat her worse than they treat us,” Ellen uttered as we glanced at Alteria again.

I frowned, aware of what Sothshore was talking about. Aye, I’d seen how Alteria’s allies treated her. I’d avoided getting invested in the matter since it was hardly any of my business. That said, I saw that it’d only gotten worse with the accusations pitted against her. The lass had begun to unravel under all the criticism as evidenced by the late night and cuts on her arm. It made me wonder why the lass would work so damn hard for a nation that despised her so heavily.

“Ellen, would you really believe that I, of all bastards, need the Empire to keep its word to get what I’m owed? The lass came to me and I accepted. I shall keep my end of the bargain because that is the shit I signed up for when I became the captain. Whether it be to them or not, bastards and bitches will remember broken promises and underhanded deals. Though most of the lot be Draegnarian, they expect some sort of trust to stay floating aboard a ship like this one. Ain’t no man, Hæňgaramian or pirate, gonna sail long with no trust between his crew. I be sure you can understand that as one of the mightiest businesswomen in the under realms,” I replied.

Ellen continued to look at me for a moment. I turned to the window. “Besides, I said it before. I shall say it again. Should they turn against me, I’ll do more than take my fucking share. Between Hæňgaram and my ship, one of us shall meet the Ten Circles, and I swear to you that it shan’t be me,” I finished.

Dare my eyes betray me? I could have sworn I saw a flash of pride and lust behind Ellen’s gaze. “Well, if you’re that confident, I won’t complain. You’ll definitely be giving C’ula nightmares if you do that. On another note, you better hope this shit ends quickly. We’ve yet to resupply the ship. Aside from food, we’re running low on gunpowder, cannonballs, and other shit. This ship’ll be a glorified sailboat if we don’t make a stop for wares,” my one-eyed accountant warned.

I nodded. “Noted,” I replied. She slipped me a few more reports and left me alone.

Eventually, I fell asleep, allowing my body to physically rest while my mind searched through the vast stores of Liara’s memories. I walked through the vast archives that detailed her journeys, experiences, and immense knowledge. I grabbed a handful of them and seated at a table.

I passed the time going through as many as I could, reading through each page carefully to find any mention of the symbol those damn Lumnina priests turned their bodies into. I even grabbed one of the numerous volumes detailing Liara’s experiences with the supposed Goddess of Light. A lot of it mentioned a few deals and favors here and there. For such a paragon of virtue and purity, Lumnina was a fucking haughty lass by Liara’s words, always having something to say even when she didn’t need to. Then again, I imagined many Hæňgaramians would be proud of such acts when meeting with seedier lots like Liara and I.

Either way, I scanned her memories and saw a few of the interactions between the two. I sure as hell couldn’t say I got a proper view of this warrior goddess since she was illuminated by so much light that not even Liara could gaze upon her for too long. Yet, I was able to make out a few trinkets that adorned her body, such as a necklace, a spear, a shield, and even jeweled bracelets. They were all stamped with her symbol, yet no matter how much I surveyed her illustrious form, it was nothing like the symbol made by the priests.

Having had enough of that volume, I went to another that detailed at least 200 different summoning requirements for higher beings. The tome even spoke of how to summon arch demons like that damned succubus back on Delverhold. Then again, this was Liara I was talking about. She’d been the only one claimed to travel through the Ten Circles and come back alive.

After reading through fifty tomes, I suddenly felt the weight of frustration begin to come upon me again. I looked at the detailed drawing of the priests and started to wonder if perhaps I was overthinking the matter. Yet, I wouldn’t have made it to the top of my throne on D’orn had I not a curious mind. When you lived on Draegnar as long as I had, you learned to smell shit and trouble before it arrived on your doorstep, and this matter stunk worse than Pete’s rotten wares. That was how I’d stayed alive on that damned island for so long.

“Eric Drakclaw, I have received word from your elf woman. The manspawn you were hunting hath met his end. By her own word, he hath met his demise by the male elf’s arrow. This warrior princess of the empire confirmed his body. I believe this matter hath drawn to a satisfying close,” An’raie said from behind me.

Ordinarily, that news might send me a lot of joy. I’d like nothing more than to sail as far away from the Hæňgaramian shores as possible, after receiving my reward.

Unfortunately, that only served to make me more anxious. “Let me guess, he was holding a blade and surrounded by dead men?” I questioned.

An’raie fell silent, her eye mask not allowing me to gauge her expression. “Indeed. As claimed by thine female elf, thine enemy lay in the midst of a grand ritual before the arrow was fired. So far nothing else hath occurred and they make their way back to the ship,” An’raie said before the frown on my face deepened.

“And now that the bastard’s dead, it should be a simple matter for you to summon him here, aye?” I asked.

“Thee wishest to find something wrong upon this matter? Thine efforts have been rewarded. What further need have thee in this venture?” An’raie questioned.

“There was a time when I thought everything was alright. A time when I’d let my guard down and drifted off into blissful slumber, only to be violently woken up and beaten, left as a meal to the damned creatures below the tides of the sea. This is shit, Wail. It’s all shit. I just don’t know how fucking deep it goes. Besides, surely even you can see the increase in your army’s strength should you add him to your arsenal,” I answered.

The Lonely Wail remained silent for a time before she floated away. “‘Twould take many centuries before his strength becomes worthy of notice, however, the blessings stored within his soul are indeed too numerous to ignore. Very well, I shall aid thee in this matter once more. However, pray thee that this bear fruit otherwise I shall wash my hands of this matter. Such things demonic matters are below my concern any longer. I shall require time as the distance between this man and I is great,” she said before I was left alone again.

I scowled as I leaned back in my chair. I actually agreed with An’raie. Of all the fuckers to be losing their mind over this shit, I ought to be the last one. It was Alteria’s leaders that should be pulling their hair out over this matter, not me.

Yet, it seemed like ever since my agent delivered this news a spell had been cast on me. I was too intrigued about this matter to leave it alone. That said, this definitely wasn’t like the matter back on Delverhold when I couldn’t let Boreli go and paid the price for it. This was beyond a matter like that.

After going through another 50 tomes with no luck, I thought it best to at least leave the matter until tomorrow lest my mental fatigue outweigh the physical. I’d spent all that damn time looking through every Hæňgaramian god, both ones celebrated and ones that would be celebrated.

Finally, I stood up and was ready to let my mind wander into the field of dreams. However, I noticed something move out of the corner of my eye. I almost missed it but then I saw something glow on the floor. I thought myself a little crazy since An’raie and I ought to be the only ones in this space. Even if someone entered, we should know about it. Definitely her more than me.

I walked away from the table and over to the glowing object on the ground. It was a Hæňgaramian coin glowing with light magic. However, as soon as I touched it its glow disappeared.

Before I could think on the matter further, I saw something move on the upper floors from the reflection in the coin. Once again, it was barely out of my view until I teleported to the floor. Again, there was another Hæňgaramian coin. I picked that one up as well, spotting something moving just out of my view once more.

With my mood steadily worsening, I followed the trail of coins up, down, across, sideways, and any other fucking angle the mind could and couldn’t think of. I was ready to give up this fucking shit before the trail of coins finally stopped at a beautifully white stone-sculpted and fenced ledge. I picked up the coin and spotted a woman surrounded by a series of bookshelves. She looked so much like Liara that I would’ve bet every single chest of treasure I had.

Yet, by the time I got down there, she was gone. In her place was another coin. I picked it up and noticed the books in front of it. Curiously, I grabbed one and opened it.

“Congratulations mother, you’re son is just as fucking crazy as you thought he was,” I thought as I stared at a book with blank pages. I swiped through the entire tome yet the words remained hidden from me just like the dense fog that was Liara’s memories.

Frustrated, I threw the book to the floor and snatched another from the shelf. Soon, a pile of a hundred books littered the ground. “Rest assured, Liara. If you be messing with me, then there ain’t no realm you can hide in that I won’t find you!” I warned as I grabbed another book.

This time, I was rewarded with something. When I opened the book, there were words this time. My eyes scanned the passages and I recognized this as Liara having met with a mysterious organization.

Bit by bit, the world around me started to slip away until I was in some kind of noble’s meeting room. The place was adorned with thousands of magical items and tomes from forgotten ages. The presence of magic was so thick even I could smell it. Any leading mage in the Mage Association would pay the highest coin to be in a room like this even for a minute.

Yet, Liara was there, sitting on a wealthy couch while Diane and Goron stood behind her. As usual, Diane had a not-so-pleasant expression on her face. She leaned against the wall, her arms folded but her posture tense. Should anything amiss happen, she looked ready to grab her pistols and bury holes in the marble walls.

After a while, the door to the room opened. A woman came through, face hidden by a blood-red robe. Oddly enough, I remembered seeing that robe before, yet I knew not where. The woman was followed by three men wearing the same robes. Liara maintained a pleasant smile, though I knew she seemed less than pleased to be here. Wherever here was.

“Thank you for granting us this audience, She Who Knows The Depths of Eternity. We hope the room is to your liking,” the woman said.

Liara closed her eyes and smiled. “There are many things my eyes have seen that I like. There are just as many, if not more, things which my eyes have seen that I dislike. I had no thought your group was in the habit of rearing children. A room such as this would do wonders for them to grow up in,” she said.

The woman in red frowned as did the men behind her. The former sneakily clenched her hands into fists. I spotted Diane’s smirk and didn’t miss the way she still reached for her guns.

Finally, the woman in red just smiled. “Yes, perhaps we will teach them in due time,” she answered, taking a seat opposite Liara.

There was a pregnant pause between the two before the woman in red finally spoke. “Liara Ilzahold, The Scarlet Witch of Dovnin, I shall not waste our time with more pleasantries. I believe we have been more than fair regarding your position. We ask for an answer now. Will you join our order? There is much we may accomplish with you and your resources at our side,” the woman said blatantly.

Liara didn’t respond immediately. I looked at her and I could tell she didn’t much appreciate the tone being directed at her. In fact, the smile that was on her face had disappeared altogether. “Know this, young lady. Kings and Emperors have presented more than a hundred times what you have to even have a scroll land upon my desk. Why some have even offered gives to my charges to speak favorably to me. If you believe that I have somehow not returned a more than faithful return on your investment, then I believe we can end this matter here and now,” Liara returned, a challenging glare in her eyes.

“...That will not be necessary,” the woman answered.

Liara’s smile returned. “Indeed. I had not thought so either. Now then, back to your question. While I have had a good time entertaining the childish notions that you have presented to me over the years, I must respectfully decline any involvement with your sect. You, and the one you serve, that young brat, tamper with matters far beyond your own understanding. Besides, there are many who have asked my hand, whether in love, lust, or party. I do hope you realize what implications would come should I even start entertaining the notions of allying with… conflicting forces. Do you think that boy could handle such consequences?” Liara asked.

I walked around the room slowly, taking in everything that I could. It seemed that aside from viewing the scene and standing on the floor, I couldn’t interact with anything present. My hand went through Diane’s head. I focused back and the woman in red smiled.

“Our Lord and God can. He also will, for he hath shown us his great glory. You know that we have agents in almost every land, and realm. For over twelve millennia, our Lord hath bid his time and gathered upon his might. We have already gathered the first piece from this world and the others are currently being trained to take their role. We know portions of your past, Lady Liara. We can restore what you have lost,” the woman said, intertwining her fingers together. Even with her hood, it wasn’t hard for me to imagine the cocky smirk adorning her face.

While I wished I knew what that was, clearly it was a part of the memories Liara didn’t think me worthy to see. That said, this woman in red had a lot of guts to spew this roat piss right in Liara’s face. Beneath her calm visage, I could tell Liara wasn’t pleased.

“My, my. It’s been quite some years since I’ve seen such bold confidence. There have been many who have claimed to have what they believe I want. One came surprisingly close once upon a time. Rather brazen that boy, but I liked him. Had we met under more… personal matters, I might have taken up his offer, boarding a ship and sailing gods know where,” Liara said.

A chill suddenly ran through my body when Liara’s eyes turned in my direction. I might have been looking too much into it, but her gaze was much too focused to say otherwise. Yet, I knew not how she could see me. This was a simple memory from her old life.

A smirk came to my face. “Just you wait, Witch. I’ll do more than come close this time,” I replied before Liara turned her attention back to the meeting.

“Believe me, young lady, what I want is something no mortal, god, or spirit can so easily understand. As for this grand revelation of that brat, it is ambitious at best and asinine at worst. Now then, as I believe in the confidentiality of my clients, I’ve little use to speak this matter to anyone else. If this is all, I believe we’ve discussed every matter that we need to,” Liara said as the shrouded men and woman remained quiet.

With her piece said, the Witch of Draegnar stood to her feet and signaled for Goron and Diane to follow. However, I figured I knew the witch a little better at this point. It took a lot to garner her interest and she granted the lot one final attempt to sway her. She reminded me a lot of Ellen in that regard, always willing to push a bitch or bastard until every card lay on the table. There was no way she’d wake away from something as curious as this so easily. She knew it, I knew it, Diane knew it, and Goron sure as hell knew it.

The only question was whether or not the bitch and bastards on the other side of the table knew it. And, judging by the clenching of the Woman In Red’s hands, the answer was mighty obvious.

“Perhaps a brief glimpse then. Your lack of faith in our Lord was foreseen. Do understand that this is a special honor, one that not even our highest high priest and priestess enjoy abundantly. Accept a mere glimpse of our resolve. A brief gaze into the heart of our Lord,” the woman said as she reached into her robe. She pulled out a single scroll.

I knew not how I sensed the ominous magic held within the confines of that piece of rough paper. I could only liken it back to those damned scarecrows on Delverhold. It felt like ants climbing through the underside of my skin.

When the woman untied the scroll, that damned feeling seemed four times worse. It felt like a bartender just offered me the finest cup of spit, shit, and poison all in one. I swiftly moved behind Liara, standing in the midst of Diane and Goron, while the woman opened the scroll.

A chuckle escaped my lips. “And fuckers dare call me insane. Never thought I’d see the day!” I thought as the answers started to flow into my head.

The Cult of Alġnoth.

I now saw where I’d fucked up in my search as I stared at the symbol of the fallen proclaimed god of Hæňgaram. The blades, and the way those priests died, formed the symbol of Alġnoth, a spiked arrow in each of the four directions pierced through by a circlet with Lumnina’s divine symbol… upside down. To even display shit like that would bring down all of Hæňgaram’s wrath upon you.

Alġnoth was a god who’d all but been disgraced from the empire’s history. Once a celebrated and revered god, just to speak his name now could drive you out of the empire faster than any claim to piracy. In fact, I now understood why I’d had such a hard time finding the bastard. His name had been erased from nearly every book, scroll, tale, and keeper’s record out there. The only way to remember his connection to Hæňgaram was to go outside the empire where his name was often a horror story meant to entertain soldiers on a weary road.

Alġnoth had once been the god of prosperity, celebrated by the Empire for allowing the nation to prosper as a beacon of justice against the rising evils of the other lands, or at least that’s what Hæňgaramians liked to spew to their fucking children in their schools. Other nations considered Alġnoth not to be a god, but a man whose life purpose was to enrich others, at least until his name started getting dragged through the mud.

Either way, Alġnoth was celebrated and he’d had temples and monasteries dedicated to him by minor nations and the Empire. Thousands upon thousands of patrons would drop their coin into his cauldron and pray for prosperity either in farmland, battle, love life, childbirth, or even finances. There were many who likened the fucker to Plutus, the son of Demeter. Others believed the two were on the same person, though many others might shiv you dead if you sullied Alġnoth’s name with Plutus.

To say Alġnoth enjoyed their praise was an understatement. Fucker basked in it and soaked it into his skin like he was sitting in a bathtub of praise. Even then, as far as Liara’s memories told me, he wasn’t a particularly generous guy. It took a lot to get his attention. Every twenty years or so, families would dedicate their first children to him. When both the women and the men were of proper age, Alġnoth usually visited them and fucked their brains out under the pretense of providing divine blessings and revelations.

Far as I knew, he usually just enchanted himself, then the essence flowed from him to his bedmates. They’d then receive a portion of his powers to ‘bless’ others. Of course, the blessings were never permanent so many would pray to him, pleading for more. That left him with a plethora of holes to satisfy his cock.

In a way that made me laugh, Hæňgaram hadn’t even been the first empire he’d done this to. Having lived for so long, he’d done this to many empires and kingdoms. Hæňgaram was just one of the largest ones to have adopted him like a lost dog.

Either way, Alġnoth rode his high above the other gods and deities of the empire until one rose above all the others. Lumina rose throughout the lands of the Empire. Her statues started sharing spaces with Alġnoth’s. Her ideals became more favored by the empire’s people and thus they worshipped her more than him.

Of course, Alġnoth didn’t like that. He didn’t want her out. He wanted her under him, just like the others. He warned his people against the spread of the Goddess of Light, but there was nothing he could do to stop her rising glory. So Alġnoth ordered his most loyal servant to shame Lumnina’s temple. Under the cover of night, the man defiled Lumnina’s high priestess. When the empire’s guards came, he hadn’t stopped to even consider them. Then, he was killed in boiling oil, yet it mattered not. The priestess gave birth to the man’s child and died soon after.

Yet, even with the death of the high priestess, Lumnina’s name became even stronger. When she confronted him, Alġnoth offered the man’s son to Lumnina’s service. Supposedly, she accepted, yet no one knew what happened to the child after Lumnina took him. Some had thought she struck him dead for the injustice, others thought her priests and priestesses killed him, and few assumed… he followed her to the same realm.

After that, Alġnoth grew angrier and angrier, and his followers grew crazier and crazier. Women kidnapped men and wrung them of their seed as they drove their blades into the men’s throats. Once devout men became depraved and easily enraged. Priests and Priestesses of Lumnina, young and old, were taken never to be seen again. Alġnoth reveled in their suffering and Lumnina’s anguish.

However, it wasn’t enough. There was something even greater that he could do. He could do more than just mess with her people. He could mess with her personally. He crafted a sinister plot, but he was no warrior. Even for all his supposed godhood, he couldn’t stand properly before Lumnina. She repelled him and ordered her people to cast out the Cult of Alġnoth. The Empire did so and erased Alġnoth from the word of every tongue in its lands. Meanwhile, he’d been sealed away by the light of the supposed goddess, to stew in his own debased filth for years.

…or so it was supposed to be until now. Of those that still worshipped him, none would consider him a Hæňgaramian deity. How funny that I’d not thought to look for disgraced Hæňgaramian deities. He was the only one.

Supposedly there were Hæňgaramians that still worshipped him in their cultish ways, yet they’d never do so under the gaze of Helios. Hell, I thought these bastards dead. If this was from an encounter with Liara in the future of her old life, then clearly there were still troublesome lots of that group running around today.

Yet, I knew not why Zevmar would ally himself with such people. Even if he detested Hæňgaram to his core, there ought to be no reason for him to join such a group.

Also, I continued to look at the magic symbol of Alġnoth. It made me worried. Yet, I knew not why. Of course, it made Liara worried as well. More often than not, when met with things she rarely knew about, she had a deep and vested interest in learning of it. I’d not known how many experiments she ran through back on Delverhold when we first landed.

There was none of that interest on her face. She looked like she’d rather burn that scroll and the symbol on it with the blackest flames she could conjure.

After a long silence, Liara finally smiled. “My. That brat indeed has quite the lofty goals for himself. You’re fortunate to have such a proactive god. Be that as it may, it continues to be of no consequence to me. My resources shall stay with me. I believe this matter is over,” Liara said as she signaled for Diane and Goron to follow her out.

Wisely, the cultists stepped to the side as the woman in red started to wrap up the scroll. “Very well. We thank you for meeting with us, Lady Liara. However, do remember this. In order to grow healthy, even parents will become enemies with their children,” the woman said with a small smirk.

Liara chuckled. “Indeed. Pray thee that the child does not grow a vengeful heart then,” she answered as they walked out the door. Immediately, I was taken with them. Goron and Diane gave Liara a wide berth while I saw a sight I never thought I’d see.

Anger. Sky-rending anger lay upon Liara’s face as the world around me turned to black. It was only when the fog lifted did I realize that I was back in front of the bookcase, the tome filled with Liara’s memories still in my hand.

Yet, I wasn’t even allowed to fully grasp what I’d learned because I sensed a presence behind me. Given the severe decline in magical might, I knew it couldn’t be An’raie.

“The Mighty Water Mage, The Savior of Jokllim and Nuluk, & the Destroyer of C’ula. Even back on Hilvir, I had a feeling you were no ordinary pirate, especially for one so young. When Seraphina told me of her battle with you, I knew that you were just like her. How unfortunate that I would find my forces against the Empire slaughtered by your hand. A war, years in the planning, overturned in a matter of weeks. Yet, I now see that you’re even more exceptional than I’d given you credit for.”

I turned my head and the last person I expected to see was the spirit of Maeloson’s kill, the bastard who’d started all of this, and the one who’d been making me run around these seas-damned forsaken lands of the Empire. In front of me stood the spirit of Zevmar Lightfeather.

“Long way from home, ain’t ya laddie? Figured you’d be getting tormented in the Ten Circles with the rest of your ilk, getting their cocks skinned and their cunts beaten. What dares to bring you to my neck of the woods? Forgive me if I don’t roll out the red carpet for you and serve you tea. I be more of a tankard and ale type of man,” I replied, my jovial tone not at all representing my mood.

How the hell had this bastard managed to not only enter my mind, but also do it as a spirit? He’d somehow even made it past An’raie’s defenses. Well, either that or she’d allowed him to come in. I wouldn’t put it past the lass to do something like this.

“It seems that we both were not expecting this outcome. I’d planned on entering the mind of Liara Ilzahold, the fabled Witch of Draegnar, a woman who was said to have stared into the very depths of eternity’s abyss and comprehended its ways. Yet, I was guided to this very place. I knew I’d not been mistaken. Liara Ilzahold was aboard your ship once. What connection have you to her?” he asked.

“We’ve been known to make the bed shake on occasion,” I replied. How I wished Liara were here to hear me say that. Somehow, I imagined she wouldn’t be put off by my words.

By the look on Zevmar’s face, he either didn’t believe me or thought me disgusting. It could have been both for all I knew, but I didn’t care. Either way, Zevmar continued to look at me before he surveyed his surroundings.

“I have no qualms nor grievances with you, Eric Drakclaw. Why have you become the gates to the empire that stand in my way?” Zevmar asked.

“Aye, turns out anyone’ll be anything if you pay them to do it. As for Liara, you won’t be finding her so easily anymore. Now, why don’t you tell me what you think you’re doing with the Cult of Alġnoth? You oughta hate the fucking bastards whether you hate those goody shits of the Empire,” I returned.

Zevmar’s eyes hardened, not moving from his spot. “I warn you once, Eric Drakclaw. Though you’ve caused some troubles, they have not stopped me. As I look at you, I already know that you will not let me seek what I desire so easily and I only have a limited time. We took a gamble and we unfortunately lost. While the circumstances will be harder, they shall still come to fruition.  How a pirate like you amassed such magical might is beyond me, however, that will not stop what is coming. Should you seek treasure, fame, and riches, then do it elsewhere. Should you continue to interfere, no god of the seas shall save you from what is to come,” Zevmar said as I watched him slowly begin to fade away, his spirit heading for the realm of the dead.

I laughed. “Well, I do love proving shitheads wrong. Though, don’t be in such a hurry to leave! I’ve got quite the list of questions to wring from you!” I exclaimed as I summoned An’raie to my side.

The Witch of Necromancy immediately floated over me. Her gaze fell over Zevmar’s form. “Yes. This manspawn shalt be a fine addition to the rest of those who serve me!” she said as dark green runes started to appear in the air. Zevmar watched her as her spells came upon his body. However, instantly, a powerful red magic barrier blocked An’raie’s spells illuminated with the sinister glow of finely crafted otherworldly runes.

Zevmar screamed in agony as he fell to the ground, writhing like his soul was being pulled in two different directions. Unfortunately, his spirit was still fading away. An’raie scowled while I observed. “What the fuck’s happening?” I asked.

“‘Tis a difficult spirit to acquire. Divine magic repels the advance of the arcane ways. I hath not the proper preparation to combat such might!” An’raie exclaimed.

Upon hearing that, I tried to intervene, but it was too late. Zevmar glared at us and faded away until we were the only ones left. An’raie ceased her casting, clearly upset with losing her prize. “The bastard came here thinking it would be the mind of Liara. What would he need that she has?” I questioned.

“‘Twould be difficult to place. There are many spirits that would seek to lay claim to the mind of Liara. ‘Twould be prudent of thee to bolster thine barriers to guard against such intrusions. I hath not forgotten thine oath grant me vengeance upon the Betrayer. To seek him is to seek the realms higher than D’orn. The magical might of being within these realms shalt be quite mighty, mightier than this manspawn that hath infiltrated thee,” An’raie answered, floating over to the spot where he’d disappeared. I followed her and gazed at the floor. Not a trace of his intrusion remained.

I frowned as I thought on her words. Aye, they were true, yet gathering the resources necessary would be a fucking pain. I could do it with Liara’s stores in The Root, but to pay all that back would take more than a thousand lifetimes. I’d not so ready cross her. She could be even more miserly than Ellen or I could sometimes.

“Well, the bastard ain’t done with the empire just yet, if that was any indication. I’ll journey back to Ynro, sweeping off any of the other unfortunate bastards invading the Empire’s lands and give ‘em their due report. However long I stay here depends on Diane’s quest. Should she be satisfied, then I can start looking into the matters of this cult. As for your vengeance, I know Charon’s Landing will have answers,” I uttered back.

An’raie glanced at me. “Thee believeth these cultists to be a reason for thine fall in thy last life?” she inquired.

“Don’t know about that, but as I said before, this shit stinks worse than anything I’ve smelled before. If I find nothing after long, I’ll leave it to my men stationed here to investigate. I’ve spent enough time in the empire’s lands and my ship ain’t gonna sail these waters unless necessary,” I responded.

After this incident, An’raie aided me in strengthening the magic barriers around my mind. By the time we were done, I was fucking exhausted. I left the recesses of my mind and fell asleep, getting what rest I could as the long day drew to a close.

The night changed to morning quicker than I thought, my mind venturing away from the Land of Dreams. The sounds of my ship rocking against the churning waves slowly began to stir me along with the creaking of my chair.

“Mmmmmmmngh! Nhhghghghg! I dunno if this shit’s working… but I fucking… love sucking t-this big cock!” A voice said, brushing across my ears like the waves outside. I felt engulfed in something hot and wet, pleasure striking my body and filling me with strength.

Groggily, I released a moan while the pleasing motions continued. “Nnnnnnuugh! Gnhuugh! Haaaaaa! Oh f-fuck! This damn gun’s unruly. Can’t wait to see it fire.”

I slowly opened my eyes, everything a blur of colors until more pleasure flew through my body, energizing me and readying me for the day. When I finally opened my eyes, and my vision cleared, I looked down and spotted a sea of brownish-black hair. A tired smirk came onto my face as I noticed my pants around my ankles. My cock was currently indisposed, gobbled down in Naala’s mouth beneath my desk.

Her soft, supple lips caressed and teased my shaft, her tongue expertly gliding up and down the underside. Her hands were like warm coals on my thighs. She bobbed her head, saving the taste of her captain with unceasing need. The ship with its uneven bends and turns added to her stimulation, pushing my cock up her mouth and against her throat.

“Mmnnnhugh! Hnnaaaugh! I’ll never get tired of sucking this thing!” Naala muttered to herself. She took one of her hands off my thigh and cupped her beautifully brown breast. Her nipples jutted out between her fingers.

With all of the lust pouring into my body, sleep swiftly started to become an afterthought. Out of curiosity, I glanced over to my bed and noticed Alteria was gone. The memories of what happened last night started to fill my mind, yet they had also strangely left me exceedingly exhausted. It was only things to the energy Naala was providing through her actions that I had any will to move at all.

Seeing that we were alone, I turned back to her. “Not that I don’t enjoy the service, but what trial have I endured to be granted such a reward?” I asked, stirring Naala from her actions.

“And the fucking sleeping prince awakens from the heroine’s blowjob. Not sure who’s getting the reward though, you or me. Anyway, I knocked on your door to get something appraised, but you wouldn’t answer. Being the loyal shipmate I am, I feared that maybe my captain had been done in by fucking assassins. I had to check on you. When I entered, you looked a little pale. Don’t ask me why that somehow led me to think sucking your cock would help, but the thought entered my mind. Glad to see I was right,” Naala replied, giving my dick a long lick for emphasis.

Despite my arousal, her words troubled me a little. I wondered if Zevmar might have had a hand in that. Yet, I decided to put the matter off for a little while. We were still at sea and it’d take a moment to reach the cove, giving me more than enough to enjoy Naala’s efforts.

I leaned up slowly and caressed her cheek. “You sure that be the cause? You didn’t just wanna suck the cock of your captain, did you?” I questioned.

“Are you gonna keep asking questions, or am I gonna be allowed to continue blowing you? And I’ll let ya know, I’m definitely liking one of these more than the other,” she returned.

I smirked but allowed her to continue.

And continue she did.

Naala swallowed down my veiny cock to the base of my pelvis. Her smooth fingers cradled and massaged my two sacs of cum, making me throw my head back in bliss. While Naala had not the skill of Liara or my mother, her efforts and eagerness to gag on my man’s mast were well worth their own salt.

I gripped the arms of my chair, my body swiftly waking up due to her actions. Every contrasting strike of her rough tongue and soft lips was a feast of pleasure fit for a prince. She kept my cock at the back of her throat for well over two minutes, breathing heavily through her nose. My cock was never more than half out before she drove her head back down, pushing her hair out the way.

Her movements were so wonderful, I couldn’t wait to partake in them. I started thrusting my hips into her waiting mouth. “Mmmmmmngh! Yeeeeessssh! Fhuck mhi throat, Cafthain!” Naala urged. She looked at me, her body given over to her baser desires.

“Aye, very well then,” I said as I grabbed a fistful of her hair and turned her mouth into a hole made for my pleasing. I thrust my hips and she welcomed the smack of her chin to my crotch. In and out, my struck true into every corner of her lips. She braced herself as best, a chorus of gagging and slurping noises filling the room.

The Essence of Vilinlith connected my pleasure to Naala’s. Her mouth got wetter and her breath got hottered. It seemed as if every corner of her lips, tongue, and mouth had shifted into the texture of a warm cunt. And speaking of a warm cunt…

“Nnnnngh! Ooooooooh! HAaaaaaaaa! Shuuuaaaaaat! Cchum! C-Cohme hon!” Naala groaned, stuffing her fingers into her pussy while I fucked her face ruthlessly. The trail of her pleasure slipped onto the floor, her cunt squishing her wet, delicate slaps.

A few times, I felt the hum and rumble of her cheeks and throat, ticking the crown of my flesh. I was nearing the edge of a powerful orgasm and so was sure. The flames of our lust mixed together and I was ready to fire a load of cum into her body.

Unfortunately, a knock came on the door. Naala and I stopped, but our lust hadn’t subsided. In fact, it was starting to rage out of control. I leaned back and gathered my breath while Naala kept my cock in her mouth, a groan of annoyance.

“Enter,” I said breathlessly.

The door opened and I noticed Ellen come through the door. She looked at me and smirked. “I was wondering how long you’d sleep for. I figured I’d give you a report of all the shit we lost helping out in this damned war. No offense, but unless we’re boarding ships, we’re gonna be without cannons soon,” she said throwing a piece of paper in front of me.

I looked at the paper, still feeling Naala’s tongue wrap around my painfully hard tool. Below my desk, I saw a lustful gaze of coyness. She slowly started sucking me off again, making sure not a sound was heard. She slipped her lips from my shaft and licked the tip, winking at me before grabbing it with her hand.

I inhaled and exhaled slowly eager to keep up this little act of ours. I reached for the paper, my legs trembling as Naala jerked me off. “Aye, that was part of my plans once we left the empire. There be a number of supply stations we shall visit before we head… t-to Charon’s Landing,” I replied breathlessly. I felt Naala’s tongue lick the hole of my dick.

“I recommend a trip back to Draegnar, if only for two or three days. I know a fucker there that’ll at least give us one part of the…”

As much as I wished to give Ellen my attention, my brain, and body were too far gone. Every caress of Naala was like a burst of fire to my senses that left me with no hope. I grit my teeth, softly hissing as I fired ropes of cum over Naala’s face with Ellen on the other side of my desk.

My powder monkey panted softly like she was in a daze, licking the side of her face while staring at me with lustful love in her eyes. She seemed perfectly happy bathed in my cum like it was a warm shower. When my gaze met hers, she was in a daze of pure rapture, almost like my cum was the best drug she’d ever partaken in.

“Should I come back later when your cock’s not lodged in someone’s mouth or cunt?” Ellen asked, making me aware of her presence again. She looked less than amused, but I saw the way she tried to fight the lust in the air. I supposed it shouldn’t have been too hard for her to imagine what was happening.

Despite my labored breaths, I offered a retort. “And what lass have I here that you would ask that?” I questioned which made her roll her eyes, folding her arms over her chest to hide her pointed tips.

Finally, Ellen leaned forward and tapped the desk. “While I don’t know who the fuck’s under here, nor have the desire to know. You ain’t the first bastard I’ve dealt with that got his cock rocked during a meeting. Though it’s easier with you since I can little smell the fuck energy in the air. Next time, just say you’re busy,” she said as she turned around.

I laughed as I felt Naala place small kisses on my shaft. “You’re welcome to join,” I replied.

“I’ll bet you’d fucking like that. Try not to turn the ship into a whorehouse this time,” Ellen answered as she marched up the steps and walked out of the room.

I leaned back in my chair while Naala laughed, pushing her dreads of hair from the side of her face. “Looks like I get you all to myself this time,” Naala said as she wiggled from beneath the desk.

“Think you can handle that?” I fired back.

“Glad to see you’re not looking so damned pale anymore. And, is that a challenge? I’ll fucking take it!” she boasted.

She didn’t even give me a chance to answer. Instead, she sat on my desk and spread her legs, revealing to me her beautiful, black, and drenched pussy lips. Her cunt quivered and she licked her fingers free of her juices. Spreading her lower lips, she tickled my arm with one of her feet. “I ain’t no maiden in a damn castle, Captain. Whatever you got, I’ll fucking take it just like I said. Now bring that cock over here and fuck me with it!” she challenged.

I stood up and leaned over her. She threw her arms around my neck. I slipped my cock against her delicate lower body. “Aye, this cock? You want this cock?” I inquired.

“Yessss. I want it. I fucking want it inside me! F-Fuck me with it! Fuck me hard! Bury that damn thing deep in me!” Naala groaned as I continued to slide my shaft up and down the length of her lower lips.

“Mmmmmmngh! Oh god! You fucking tease!” she panted in my ears. Her body wiggled as she tried to get me inside, but I expertly dodged each of her attempts. I desired her as well, but the lustful energies were slowly building within the both of us, just waiting to explode in a firestorm of passion.

Finally, I withdrew my hips and pierced her cunt with my cockhead. I speared her slowly and by our shared senses I knew she fucking loved it. I felt the curling of her toes and the clawing of her nails.

“Mmmmmmmmm! Yessssss! Fill me up with my captain’s dick!” she pleaded as her walls caressed every nook and cranny of my man meat. The bumps and curves of her buried treasure massaged the entirety of my length until my pelvis rested against hers.

“Hnnnnnnnngh! Yessssss, that’s what I’ve wanted ever since we got on the ship. A good… nnnnnnmmgh… fucking by my Captain!” Naala said, wrapping her legs around my waist to keep me as deep as possible.

I looked at her and her body was glistening with sweat. The course of a thousand jolts of lightning stimulated every nerve in my body. Her insides were so hot and slippery, yet her grip refused to let me go. “What spell has turned you into such a wanton slut?” I questioned.

“I gave up all other cocks to be a slut for this one. I think I-I’m making the fucking sacrifice here. T-This… big fucking… cock deep inside me. F-Fuck me alrea-hummnnnnnnhaaaaa!” she barely got out before I claimed her lips with my own. Her hands caressed my cheek and I swiftly smacked my hips into hers, driving my cock in and out of her hot cavern.

“Nnnngh! Hngh! Nuuuhngh! Ooooh fuck yesssss! Fuck me, Captain! Fuck me hard! Ooooooooh shit!” she cried, matching her hips with mine. My room became loud with the sound of sex. My desk shook violently. Papers, books, and reports fell onto the floor while I fucked her.

The lustful energies exploded all around us, pushing away any and all exhaustion from my core. All my thoughts were consumed by Naala’s voice and her lips. Her tongue slathered my ears while on her hands gripped my ass, pulling me in further.

“Hnaaaaaaaah! Oh god! Oh yes! S-Sooo deep! So hard! God I love this cock!” Naala proclaimed as she fondled one of her breasts, pinching and twisting her nipple between her fingers.

I thrust and I thrust, wanting to devour more of my powder monkey. Her voice was a most beautiful song in my ears and she only made me harder. My cock ached for her, trembling as I pierced her depths.

“Oh fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! I’m gonna cum! I’m gonna cum on your cock, Captain! S-SHIIIII-nnnnnnngghmmhua!” Naaala groaned as I silenced her with another kiss. Her body trembled and her orgasm led to mine. Every sensation she felt was forced into me, making me hold her tight as my dick released a torrent of semen inside her.

“Mmmmmmmm, s-shooo hot! I think I might be getting addicted… to… your… cum,” she panted, gently grinding away against me.

I wondered if perhaps the Essence of Vilinlith had something to do with that. Perhaps so much of it had made her body used to its stimulating ways. “Then, I’ll make sure you’re given no better cure,” I said as I started thrusting my hips again.

“Even if there were, I doubt I’d fucking take… hnnnngh… it! Ooooooh gods! S-Such a strong cock! F-Fucking me like a bitch!” She groaned, finding her groove again. My fingers dug into her waist, granting me the leverage to pound into her like a man starved for his last meal.

My arms burned, my legs trembled, and sweat poured from the top of my head. Yet, I still fucked her. Her cries drove me toward my goal. I concentrated the lustful essence to consume my dick, scrapping it the entire length of Naala’s sleek inside. She came over and over. Each thrust seemed to cause an entirely different experience. Her eyes rolled on her head.

“Oooooh! Ahhhhhh! Y-Yesssssss! Oh shit! How many r-rounds you got in that chamber?” she questioned.

“You’ll find out,” I said as I buried my cock into her and came again.

Despite my orgasm, I needed more. I was drunk on the power rushing through my body, feeding it to Naala like a tavern tankard at a drunken party. The exhaustion I felt had all but been an afterthought. The lustful energy filled the room and bent to my desire to partake of Naala in every way I could. To grant her the greatest pleasure under my touch.

“Nnnngugggguk! Ooooooooh fhuck!” Naala cried as my senses pulled me in two separate places. While on my side, I was also on the other side of the desk, shoving my cock into her throat.

“MMMMMmnngnhghgh! Ooooooooh yesssssss! Sho gooood!” she garbled over my cock, while squeezing me with her cunt. I absently heard An’raie’s voice, wailing within the recesses of my mind as our pleasure mixed with hers.

My mind was fried to hell itself. I felt like I was in a den of succubi, Naala’s body licking and touching me all over. I came and came, blasting my cum into her pussy and her mouth. She swallowed it all, her body succumbing to the pleasure I gave her.

With such much wanton lustful power floating around, I must have blacked out because when I opened my eyes Naala was on top of me. She slammed her hips down on my shaft while I felt her mouth blowing me from another construct. Her hands weren’t idle either, jacking me off as I sensed two more of my constructs off to the side. The last released sensations of her ass in my hands while my cock was buried up to my balls in her chocolatey rear.

Every part of Naala was mine to enjoy, and fuck if she didn’t love it. Her hair was wild and her pupils were glossed over with the violet might of succubi magic.

“Mmmmmmmmmngh! S-Sho many cocks! My captain’s cocks! A-All for me…! Ooooooooh shit, I’m gonna go crazy! Ooooh fuck! Hnnhaaaaaaaa! Aphrodite’s sweet tits! Come on, Captain! S-hoot that hot load inside me! G-Gimme all your cum!” Naala panted out to me, continuing to wriggle and writhe, never letting my cock out of her cunt for even a moment.

I gritted my teeth as my toes cramped. My cock was as hard as stone while the pleasures of the flesh and sinful debauchery consumed my being. Like flint and steel, the essence exploded around us, rendering us slaves to our desires as I buried myself to the hilt inside her body.

“OH FUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!” Naala cried as I shoved my hips upward.

I came. I came fucking hard. I came so hard I thought I saw the stars in the night sky. My cum filled her pussy, mouth, ass, and covered her body. My orgasm led into Naala’s and she wailed into the open air, rounding up every drop of cum from my balls that she could. Even when I was done, her pussy pulsed around my spent shaft, gathering just a little more from me.

Finally, she fell on top of me, exhausted and satisfied. “F-Fuck, that was fucking crazy. H-How did you do that?” she asked breathlessly.

I didn’t respond. Instead, I kissed her, uncaring that she’d swallowed basically a cup full of my cum. Her tongue danced with mine as she touched my cheek. She wiggled her hips a little, rousing my cock from its slumber. “Mmmmmm, maybe I’d better stop. You don’t look so pale anymore, and if we keep going I think I’m gonna need some help. Not that I didn’t fucking enjoy my captain fucking the shit outta me,” she said before she kissed me once more.

As we lay in the afterglow of our coitus, Naala gently raked her nails on my chest. “So we’re sailing outta here, right? That shit you pulled on the battlefield’s gotta be having the empire’s enemies running with shit falling out their asses. We pulled in a massive haul from the wreckage at sea and your crew’s eager to sell their fucking loot to fill their pockets. Hæňgaram shouldn’t need the lot of us anymore, yeah?”

I wouldn’t blame Naala for her inquiry, yet said questioning made me frown. Even with traces of lust still lingering within me, it wasn’t hard for me to remember the events of last night. More specifically, I remembered why Naala had started pleasuring me in the first place.

“You said I was pale when you came in?” I asked.

“Technically, you’re the one who came in me…” she replied, chuckling at her salty-scourged joke. Though I’d never grant her the satisfaction of knowing she got a smile out of me for that.

Naala cleared her throat and looked at me. “...but, yeah, what the hell happened to you? You looked paler than a bard’s telling of a Vampryean,” she replied which worried me. I would have inquired of An’raie, but her pants laced with deep passion in the very corners of my mind warned me to not disturb her.

“Aye, well, our business is finished depending on the news I’m going to tell that Grand Elder and the rest of her ilk. Turns out Zevmar had one last surprise before his spirit flew away. He tried to get into the mind of Liara and got stuck with mine instead,” I answered.

Naala blinked. “He tried to get into the mind of that fucking crazy powerful lass who was on the ship before? If I be on it right, she was the whole reason you even went to Delverhold, right?” she asked.

I laughed. “Well, perhaps not the sole reason. I might have journeyed there regardless for the boundless wealth it had to offer, whether it benefitted her or not. But, aye, he probably came into mine since I’ve developed a stable relationship with Liara. Perhaps the spell wasn’t powerful enough to get the gold treasure so it went for the silver chest instead. Either way, it turns out he might not be done with Hæňgaram despite our interference,” I responded which made Naala groan.

“You mean to tell me the fuckers getting snacked on by dung worms and he’s still causing shit? So what’s our move now?” she asked, clearly not so enthused by the news.

“As I said. Our move depends on the Aesteal and the Grand Elder. If they feel the matter ain’t worth more concern, then it ain’t our business. We get paid and we sail off, never to set our boots on this goody soil again,” I uttered which got a small cheer from my powder monkey.

We sat on my desk, talking a little more before we returned to our business. We grabbed our clothes and dressed ourselves. Naala helped me put the papers and books that we’d shoved off back on my desk. “Now then, while the fuck was nice and really needed, mind appraising this for me? I plan on selling it to the Draegnar Merchant Guild when we sail that way,” she said, holding out some necklace that she’d pilfered from a corpse.

I offered her my best appraisal and she left, promising that we’d revisit our sensual ventures at another time. Once she left, I faced the window behind me still troubled by the memory I’d seen and the vileness of Alġnoth’s symbol I’d seen on that hooded woman’s scroll. More than that, what would Zevmar do with this cultish behavior?

After a while, I decided that no more thinking would solve my problem. Instead, I opted to find Alteria and inform her of what I encountered. Knowing her, she’d have the means to contact the rest of her people and save me the headache.

I stood up, stretching my body. The sex with Naala had done wonders for my mood as I finally took a step outside to breathe the ocean sea air. As expected, I heard the happy chirps of Nei and her sisters around the ship. I looked off the side and saw Lei swimming beneath the waves, enjoying their touch while she and the others kept up with the ship. You almost wouldn’t think the lasses had just charmed a bunch of warriors to their deaths a day ago with their joyful expressions.

When Nei saw me, she blew a sultry kiss and offered me a wink. Amused, I watched her sink back beneath the waves while I stepped on the deck of the ship.

“Mornin’, Captain! The winds be strong, but our arms be stronger! Though clearly, ain’t a whole lot as strong as yer lust. Ain’t never heard no siren sing so loud,” a man said, heaving a barrel over his arms.

“Don’t act like you haven’t enjoyed the fruits of my labors,” I replied which got a gruff laugh into the open air.

“Aye, that I have, Sir! Those be the seas that any man would dare wish he’d sail in. Best make sure the storms don’t topple your mast over!” he said as he marched to the other side of the ship.

Addressing the members of my crew, and greeting them, I disappeared into the lower decks of the ship.

I passed Ellen’s room, watching her look over some more reports with several stacks of books on her desk. I also passed my mother’s room. She too was looking over reports, though nowhere near the quantity that Ellen was.

Unable to resist myself, I entered and rewarded myself with a kiss from her lips. Though she enjoyed it, my mother punched me in the arm and urged me out so that she could continue to work.

I left her alone, passing by Nz’ia’s room. He was seated on the floor, surrounded by the bones of various animals with his spear on his lap.

I walked down a few more stairs before I finally came to Alteria’s door. I knocked but received no answer. After five more attempts, and calling to her with no reply, I opened the door. As it turned out, she wasn’t here. However, my nose picked on a familiar scent that made me anxious.

More blood.

I looked at the ground and saw small drops of dried blood on the floor. Sucking my teeth, I marched out of Alteria’s room and doubled my searching efforts. I wasn’t sure when my walking turned to running and my gentle nudging of doors turned into bursting them open without a thought, but I scoured my ship for Alteria. I went deep into the dregs of my vessel, passing by barrels of forgotten materials and wooden planks.

By the time I made it to the brig, the smell of blood was rotten on my nose. I turned the corner into the ship’s prison and widened my eyes. Alteria Balamar lay on the ground, blood slowly seeping out of her body from the sword wound through her chest.

Cursing, I dashed inside and lifted up Alteria. “Have you taken leave of your senses, lass?!” I questioned, watching her tremble as her hands fell off her sword and to the ground. Blood slipped from the side of her lips while her mouth quivered, words slowly being lost as her consciousness started to slip away.

“‘T-Twould be best that thee maketh haste. I sensed that her spirit shall be available for the claiming soon. While a woman such as this would make a fine addition to mine forces, ‘twould not be within thine best interests to see her passing aboard thy ship, especially not if thee wishest to not make war against the Empire,” An’raie said, breathlessly still feeling the effects of my fun with Naala.

Sucking my teeth, I knew she was right. Alteria’s eyes were starting to close as she lost more and more blood. “You couldn’t wait till a full moon to make this easier for me?” I questioned, as I held up my hand, stopping the blood from flowing out any faster. I then slowly guided it back into her body, circulating it through every available channel. I then used my other hand to slowly pull out the blade she’d stabbed into herself. Alteria squirmed in pain until I threw the sword away. “You survived Delverhold, Lass. Ain’t no sword gonna be enough to take you out,” I consoled. She continued to gurgle her blood through her lips before I started casting a healing spell.

Touching her abdomen, her wounds started to close as I kept the blood running by pulling it with the water. Such precision was hard and I started to sweat. For once, I was thankful there was no one close by. I wouldn’t have been able to focus with so much chatter. Thankfully, the combined knowledge of An’raie and Liara guided me in working the blood through Alteria’s body. I had to use the blood to keep her heart beating long enough for the rest of the healing magic to take over.

After ten minutes of work, Alteria suddenly coughed. “P-Please… lea… ve… me,” she begged, not even having enough pride to stop crying in front of me.

“I ain’t do all this work just to see you become food for the sharks, Lass. Now quiet,” I warned as I reached into my pouch and pulled out a jar of rejuvenation pills. These would double the effects of any healing magic placed on Lady Knight and stimulate her mana veins to promote her recovery. Fuck, if I didn’t have a shitload of questions for her when she woke up.

Alteria lay unconscious in my arms. I rolled my eyes, finding a measure of humor in the irony of what was about to transpire. “At least you’ll find purpose in living to seek revenge on me should you feel slighted, “I joked as I popped the pill in my mouth and crushed it between my teeth. The pill turned into a thick paste that stuck to the roof of my mouth. It took a bit of fucking chewing to turn the paste into a liquid. I then experienced what no pirate before me had.

The tender lips of a Hæňgaramian Knight-Captain. I fed Alteria the liquid, making sure to tilt her head up so she wouldn’t choke. When I made sure she swallowed it all, I set her back on the ground. I kept massaging her heart a few times, making sure it didn’t slow down to prepare her soul to pass. After a few squeezes, her heart started to move on its own.

A tad exhausted, yet immensely relieved, I walked over to the porthole. Pushing it open, the breeze of the salty sea air cooled my face. I then turned back to the unconscious Hæňgaram knight. She lay on the floor peacefully, a vast contrast to the agony upon her face when she pleaded that I allow her passage into the lands of the dead.

“‘Twould seem the toll upon her was too much. Thee would do well to keep a better guard of her. A second attempt wouldest be likely,” An’raie warned.

I wasn’t sure what to say to her warning. I just continued to watch Alteria until I noticed a piece of paper on top of one of the boxes. I picked it up and stared at it. Written in the Hæňgaramian, it spoke of Alteria’s pleading words to honor my deal with Hæňgaram on the grounds of not staining their honor more than they had. It also spoke of what I assumed to be her last words. She also spoke of the shame she felt, both for herself and for her nation that she, a Hæňgaramian knight would feel more camaraderie with pirates than with her own people. She expressed her shame that the days at sea made her the happiest. She expressed anger that a bed aboard a group of sea-faring marauders was many times warmer than the warmth of her love for her nation. In the end, she deemed herself a traitor and not fit to bear either the symbol of the empire nor the title of Balamar.

Neither An’raie nor I spoke of what we read. Instead, I shoved the note in my pocket and I picked Lady Knight up slowly. Walking up the steps, I put her back in her room and closed the door. After a while, I grabbed two women from my ship and handed them two large sacks of silver. “Keep an eye on the Hæňgaramian for me. The second she gets up, you get me. Understood?” I asked.

“Aye, Captain!” they said as they walked into Alteria’s room and closed the door.

With that matter settled, I returned to the deck of the ship just in time to see us pull back into the cavern that we’d been staying in. My crew dropped the anchor and tied the ship to one of the rocks in the cave.

Once we were secured, a group of my crew came to me. “Oi, Cap’n. Our business be done here now, aye? What say we retrieve our pay and be sailing away from these lands of the pure, righteous, and stiffened asses? There be more loot to plunder and treasures to sell!” one, Kael, asked.

The others around him seemed to echo his sentiments, eagerly awaiting my command for us to set sail away from the empire. While I could hardly blame their thoughts on the matter, I wasn’t ready to leave the empire. I would not leave until my list had another fucking name crossed off it.

I saw my mother heading toward me. “Gather the crew for me,” I said. She nodded and started gathering everyone together. Soon, the deck was lined with everyone aside from the two lasses and Alteria. Even the fairmaids popped their heads out of the water to listen, despite clearly enjoying its embrace. Lei even had a fish in her mouth, hunting it with her sharp teeth.

“I’ll make this short. We ain’t done just yet. Aye, you’ve collected quite the haul for yourselves, and you’re eager to sell it. You make a scourge of the sea proud in your greed for wealth. However, I have something else to accomplish here and it be a personal matter of mine,” I said.

As soon as I said that, I saw the nervous looks of my crew. I wasn’t perturbed by it. It was a natural thing for them to question such a thing from me since Delverhold was no doubt still fresh in their minds. “And it will not involve any of you. Once I’ve gotten what I’m owed from the empire, I’ll be off to settle scores of my own. Ease your worries for I shall not make the same mistake!” I proclaimed, staring into the masses. My eyes wandered to Ellen for a moment. She clung to my every word.

“So then, what should we do? The whole empire’s still looking for us. I be doubtin’ that we’ll ever be sharing tavern halls with Hæňgaram soldiers. Should we just stay here?” another asked.

“For now, you shall. I shall send word should the circumstances prove otherwise. There’s enough food and drink aboard the ship to keep the lot of you fed for at least four months. As for your treasures, their value shall not diminish. Though be aware that if I heard of blood spilled aboard my ship for what ain’t yours, you’ll wish you died in a Hæňgaram prison,” I warned.

I wasn’t against them going out… somewhat. With so many decimated forces, Hæňgaram had no need for more allies to take care of the invaders. Even if they did, the thought that they might turn on my crew, thus prompting my crew to deal with them, was another matter. The Empire didn’t need a reason for me to turn against them, especially with how drunk some of the bastards on this ship could get. I had no doubts they’d cause trouble knowing that they’d been allowed free reign. I’d rather they cause trouble on the ship than out in the lands of pirate-haters, which was technically every land but Draegnar. However, no land hated pirates more than Hæňgaram.

I answered a few more questions, even deciding to offer anyone to come with me if they felt so restricted on the ship. As expected, not many were feeling the call for warfare anymore. My mother, Ellen, Naala, Raven’s Shadow, and Nz’ia wished to come with me. To that end, I left Goron in charge. He didn’t seem particularly pleased with the idea, yet he didn’t voice any opinion.

I stayed on the ship for the night, if only to study a little more about the Cult of Alġnoth. I also wished not to move Alteria just yet. One of the lasses returned to me, claiming that Alteria started sporting a fever. Luckily, as the new owner of The Root, I could at least be confident that Liara wouldn’t care much if I used basic ingredients from her stores to craft some medicine.

I offered it to Alteria and slept through the night with Naala and my mother in my arms. By the next morning, we were ready to leave. Of course, Nei and Lei shrunk back into my pockets, unwilling to part from me. Ellen rolled her eyes when her fairmaid sunk the inner pocket of her coat. The other stuck close to my mother while Naala grabbed the last.

I decided to bring Alteria and her two observers with us. They didn’t seem to mind so we stood together and I teleported us back into Ynro. I already knew that the keepers of the magic barrier around the empire knew of our arrival, but it didn’t matter.

“Continue watching her,” I said as I put Alteria on the bed of the room I’d used to use. The two lasses nodded.

Ellen scrunched her nose. “Never thought I’d set foot in here twice in one lifetime. Come to think of it, you never even told us what we’re here for,” My quartermaster said as I marched toward the door.

“Aye, you’ll learn it soon. However, best we keep it to ourselves for now. So far we’ve kept the empire standing. I fear if we go spreading around what I’ve learned that won’t be the case much longer,” I answered as we opened the door.

“I can’t tell if you’re being fucking serious or if it’s just your seas-damned flare for the dramatic. Gods know you didn’t get that from me,” my mother claimed.

Her words got a bit of a laugh from the others. “Maybe he got it from Daen. Hey Daen, you bed the captain’s mother when we weren’t looking?” Racaell questioned.

“No, and I’m happy I don’t. Ain’t no father gonna stand strong when he hears the sounds behind the captain’s door,” he replied, getting more laughs out of the others.

I tuned out the conversation as we made it to the main hall. Perhaps I shouldn’t have been surprised to find that Lorentia’s boot lickers had returned to regain the quarters they’d lost. A squad was standing in front of the door before they saw us.

“Eric Drakclaw, you dare show your face in our lands aga-”

Not in the mood for this farce. I disabled the squad of six, taking hold of the water in them and forcing them to the ground. “I ain’t got time to play Capture The Pirate with the lot of you. Where be your leader?” I questioned.

“Y-You shall not… get anything out of… us, pirate! Whatever fate you desire of us, the emperor shall a-avenge us!” another said as I pinched the bridge of my nose in irritation.

Naala chuckled. “I almost feel bad we’re not joining in the roleplay in their fucking heads. Sure you don’t wanna make their fantasy a reality?” she inquired of me.

“Best you not tempt me,” I answered as I walked past the squad, not willing to entertain them anymore. That said, I decided to lull them into unconsciousness lest they lose their living thinking themselves heroes for trying to stop me.

We left them there and continued down the steep hill from the building which had been our stay. When we entered Lorentia’s camp, we spotted the many Hæňgaramian soldiers under her banner.

It didn’t take long for the soldiers and their commanders to spot us. None of them spoke a word as we came down, though it was clear they weren’t expecting to see us again, nor were they happy about it.

“What do you want, pirate? Do not expect thanks for the tales spun on the battlefield. We shall not-”

A shot rang into the air, stirring all the soldiers to arms. I spotted smoke blowing out of Ellen’s gun. “You fuckers talk too much. Get us the Grand Bitch so we can be on our way,” Ellen replied.

Naturally, the Hæňgaramians drew their guns at us, drawing their swords, and awaiting any commands. However, I was thankful that at least some in this hogwash group of shit hadn’t taken leave of their senses.

One of the commanders held up his hand, the soldiers lowered their weapons. “The Grand Elder is currently indisposed. I… shall send word that you wish to meet with her. In the meantime, I shall allow you to take up residence in her office until you might be retrieved,” the commander said.

While there was no need for him to guide us, it was obvious the commander didn’t like pirates roaming around unsupervised. He guided us to Lorentia’s room and left two guards there to watch us.

After a while, the door was opened by Galadard. He sent off the two soldiers, never taking his eyes off us. Once they were gone, he wordlessly ushered us to follow him. We did so and he took us back into the room with the magic circle on it. Casting the spell, he took us from Lorentia’s office building into the familiar underground building that housed the hidden members of the Grand Elder’s table.

The further in we go, the more talking came. Also, the further in we got, the more I sensed Aesteal’s pleasant aura mixing with mine. Pleased at having her presence so near, my mood relaxed.

When we entered the meeting room, all talking slowed until no word was said. As expected, Lorentia and a few other members were seated. The table wasn’t quite as full as I’d normally seen, but I imagined that to be because of the war still going on throughout the empire.

I spotted Aesteal and Maeloson standing off to the side. Upon seeing us, they quickly joined us. “It is good to see you again, Sir,” Aesteal said while Maeloson remained stoic.

I took Aesteal into my arms, enjoying the way she caressed my arms. I kissed her, not caring of the audience that could see us. Her lips trembled at my touch until we parted. “Aye, glad to see you both in good health as well,” I replied.

“We’ll be in much better health once our business here is concluded,” Maeloson answered, taking a glance at the royal princess of the empire who was with us. She glanced at me and leaned off the table, walking over until she was but a few feet from me.

“You’ve been quite busy, Eric Drakclaw. For what honor there is left upon our flag, I will not thank you for your help. However, I recognize that perhaps we would not be standing without you. Though your ilk are vile, it’s quite clear that you’re not as intolerable as I’d envisioned. That said, you’ve done your part. Your elves have slain Zevmar and his body is receiving no less than a traitor’s burial in one or two days. Though his allies on the inside remain hidden, I have no doubt that we shall exterminate them to the last man or woman. As far as I am concerned, our partnership has come to an end,” Quinn said, making sure I’d heard every word.

My lips curved up. “Let this be a free lesson to you, princess. Should your brother’s flesh turn into the soil of D’orn and you ascend to the throne, know this. Business ain’t over until the payment reaches the other party. Your words could mean a lot of things to even the most experienced of merchants and businessmen. The empires have fallen just from one misplaced coin. Best you remember that,” I returned.

She glared at me, clearly not amused. Neither were the generals behind her. As usual, they all couldn’t resist reaching for their weapons just in case we’d all forgotten where we stood. “Besides, you ain’t the one who can cancel our deal. Currently, one of your own is on a bed, showing signs of a fever from some injuries that I’ve healed. You lot might not hold her in high regard, but the sooner you tend to her the sooner I don’t have to surround myself with a group of righteous soldiers of the Crystal Ash Empire,” I continued on, directing my gaze toward the Grand Elder.

As usual, she gazed at me with strong eyes. I loved that look and the attitude behind it. She seemed to catch my meaning and summoned a soldier. She passed him a note. He saluted her and left.

Once he was gone, one of those at the table spoke. “Eric Drakclaw, you were there upon the battlefield. Reports stated that there was a pillar of light and a giant hole away from the main force. No one knows what was at the center of the hole except for the body of a Hæňgaramian prisoner. What know you of this?”

I grunted. “Ain’t much to tell about that. Your royal princess’ brother and Alteria battled that fake Zevmar. Whoever he was, Alteria slew him. I’m not sure what kind of battle they had, but it injured your Crown Prince severely,” I informed them. I noticed a sudden look of worry on the Grand Elder’s face.

It wasn’t just her. The generals around her seemed concerned as well. “The body that was in that hole, she was the one who slew him?” another asked.

Perhaps that should have tipped me off that there was more to the matter than I thought, but I just assumed they were stunned that this woman they seemed to hate had put down their enemy. “Aye. It could have been one last attack by the bastard she killed. It could have been either the Crown Prince’s or Alteria’s attack against him. I’ve never seen the full display of your light magic so I wouldn’t know. Either way, I wouldn’t go throwing celebration parties and offerings to the skirts of your goddess just yet. Take this advice or don’t, but best you be warned that there might be more coming upon your empire than Zevmar,” I said.

Aye, that got everyone’s attention. “And what does that mean?” The bird beastman said, casting his gaze at me.

I stepped past the princess of the empire and walked over to the table. “I hear you lot have had quite the decrease in priests and priestesses of your goddess’ church in the past few days. And I take it the lot of you know it’s related to that bastard Maeloson put in the dirt,” I said, leaning forward on the desk, staring into the Grand Elder’s eyes.

The table was quiet for a little while before Her Royal Highness answered from behind me. “Indeed, this has given us a cause for concern, especially since it’s been happening around the Empire. I have no doubt it’d also be happening in Taptos were it still standing. However, we’ve already begun our own investigation into the matter,” she said.

I faced her. “And what have ye found?” I questioned, amused when I saw Quinn just silently glare at me.

“Wanna bet they didn’t find shit?” my mother asked.

“I ain’t betting with you damn Drakclaws anymore. Besides, why bet against a fucking sure thing?” Ellen responded.

Unfortunately, I knew that wasn’t true. I based that off the way Quinn and Lorentia looked greatly disturbed. It seemed that they hadn’t informed the rest of the table yet, clearly afraid of the ramifications. As expected, there was no way the princess and Grand Elder wouldn’t know the full extent of the history of Hæňgaram.

Finally, a scholar on the table spoke. “We’ve yet to find a proper link just yet. As we’ve studied, we believe these matters to be part of a grander scheme. However, we’ve been unable to pinpoint the origin just yet. Even if we could, we have no clue who the perpetrators are or what their goal is. There has been a wave of weeping for the goddess throughout the land at having her sacred pillars defiled. Some have tried to clean the temples, yet they have disappeared. Since then, they have been sectioned off,” she said.

I chuckled. “And here I thought you lot were supposed to be the ones not scared to share the hard news with each other, especially if you be the sort to willingly get your hands dirty,” I commented.

The bird beastman rose up, slamming his hands on the table. “You’d do well to hold your tongue, pirate! In case you’ve forgotten, we have been spread rather thin as it is. Despite your… aid on the battlefield, we’re still receiving a lot of large skirmishes between opportunistic nations. As you can see, we don’t have a full table here. Many of us are still quelling the fires in other cities. We’ve not had the time to properly delve into this matter. Now clearly you have something to contribute. Now cease your sardonic gestures and make your point. We have been more than welcoming of your disrespect to Her Highness!” He exclaimed angrily.

Clearly, there was disapproval from the Grand Elder and the Princess, yet they didn’t bother correcting him. I assumed they’d let him have this rather than scold him in front of someone like me. “Sheesh, squawk a little louder, you fucking walking dinner plate,” Daen whispered which got a chuckle from Racaell. Hannath slapped his shoulder, making him smile in turn.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out the drawing of the masses that my hidden warrior had given to me. I then laid it on the table, along with a multitude of others.

“Best you be sure you’re prepared to open this cursed chest. It could contain either the most beautiful treasure or the foulest shit you’ll ever smell. That is what lies at your feet, the Cult of Alġnoth. The way the priests have died and the temples of Lumnina desecrated, together they form the symbol of Alġnoth, a bastard found in the deepest dregs of your empire’s history,” I said.

Of the many things I was expecting, a chuckle wasn’t one of them. My eyes darted to the offending scholar. “Eric Drakclaw, you might be used to bouts of childishness, but this is a place for serious matters. The Cult of Alġnoth is a myth, an old wives’ tale, a bedtime story to scare little children. Though, I wouldn’t expect a pirate such as yourself to understand the grand history of the empire,” he said, clearing his throat when he saw Quinn’s disapproving gaze.

I stood up and walked over to him. “Aye, perhaps some of that be true. Though I warn you that even as time passes, you, your emperor, even I shall become part of the grand history of myths which others shall laugh at as they feast on cheese and bread. Your enemy is alive and quite real. Best you laugh now when they’re not near, than cry when they are,” I answered, getting a frown out of him.

“Her Highness, are we truly going to entertain these idiotic notions?” the scholar asked.

My mother huffed. “You lot were quick to believe a giant void worm from another realm had decimated your lands despite luckily not laying your eyes upon it. You’ve got your fucking light goddess in the highest realms. It be so hard to believe you’ve got some cockroaches scurrying beneath your lush, green lands?” she inquired.

The room became filled with silence for a little while before the princess spoke. “Deep within the ancient halls of the His Majesty’s library, there are books speaking of the Cult of Alġnoth. I’d thought to not believe it, but I see the symbol in the arrangement that the pirate has shown on the table. The books speak of the heinous deeds of their horrid god, especially upon our beloved goddess, Lumnina. They also spoke of the extermination of this cult. I know not if all of this is true, but I will instead choose to believe in the knowledge passed down through the ages of our lands. It could be that something attempting to use the name of the cult to spark more wrath under the name of Zevmar. Either way, it is a threat related to him, one that must be eliminated,” she said.

“That will be difficult, Your Highness,” Lorentia said, drawing all eyes to her. “This was a matter just like Zevmar, except we have no idea where these men and women are. They have hidden beneath the banner of the empire for many years. They will not be so easy to sniff out, especially with all of us distracted by the fleeting embers of the war, no matter how… swift it was.”

Quinn didn’t seem bothered. “Do not think me a naive woman unlearned in the ways of the world, Grand Elder. I’m indeed aware of this. Once the execution is done, His Majesty will be sending me to the southern border to investigate any of Zevmar’s loyal dogs still treading upon our soil. Additionally, I’ve not forgotten that we still harbor the woman of fire who left her mark on the hearts of our countrymen, their relatives not even fit for an honored burial…” she paused, turning to me.

Finally, she sighed. “I can permit you to stay perhaps one more week before His Majesty starts asking more questions regarding your appearance. That we’ve allowed a pirate in our lands has sent waves of doubt and resentment through the people. If you wish to help, take that woman of fire out of our lands and any enemy with her. They have all stayed long enough. We shall handle the Cult of Alġnoth. Your help is no longer required for a matter such as this,” she spoke emphatically.

Truon looked like he wanted to say something but I waved him off. I ushered us away, feeling the gaze of the others behind us.

“So we basically came here for nothing?” Rieth inquired.

I snorted. “No. the lass can bark all she wishes, but I’ve got a bit of an interest in the cult as well. We’ll stick around for a bit longer. Besides, now that I’m aware of them, I’ll make sure to dig them outta their holes, no matter how long it takes,” I answered.

I knew the Cult of Alġnoth was related to my death in some way in my old life. As much as I wished to know about them, I’d have to be careful. I knew not what they would do if they knew I was onto them. Plus, this plan of these had been forming even beyond my death. They weren’t gonna expose themselves so easily. Yet, I knew not why they’d choose to do it now. I also knew not what this meant for Zevmar. He warned that not even I would be able to stop what was coming. What might could grant him such confidence?

“So Maeloson, did ya see the light fade from the bastard’s eyes when you shot your arrow at him?” Daen asked.

“I didn’t waste the opportunity to find out. Though, it feels strange. As Sir said, the knight commander had the blessings of numerous spirits, even if they were minor. As much as I boast the skill of my bow, I don’t believe I should have gotten him in one shot,” Maeloson claimed.

As we entered Lorentia’s office, I saw Aesteal nod. “I felt the same way. It appears that Zevmar killed most of those allied with him who made it to that mountain. Even the mages and their guards who we were following had been slain, each of them placed in a formation for some type of heathen ritual,” Aesteal claimed.

I heard my mother grumble. “How is it that the fucking bastard’s dead in the ground and he’s still giving us shit?” she questioned.

“Seeing as how the captain’s got his soul connected to a powerful necromancer, I’d say the dead aren’t as restless as many assume they are. Speaking of that, Captain, why don’t you just get that ghost lady to summon him for us? It’d sure make our job a lot easier,” Truon asked, all eyes turning to me.

I snorted. “And you think I wouldn’t have tried a method like that? Apparently, even in death, he’s quite crafty,” I answered, not filling anyone with much hope for the future.

We made it back to the building that had been our home for the last few weeks, immersing ourselves in plans and tales the walk over. A few soldiers gave us shitty looks, but it’d have been weird to not get them at this point. I dismissed the others to go about some leisurely activities. Of course, Aesteal chose that time to remain close to me, not that I minded.

When I entered the room Alteria was resting in, I saw one of the empire’s doctors working on her while the two lasses I’d paid continued to stand guard. Unlike most of the Hæňgaram populace, this doctor was good at hiding his disdain. He kept his face impartial and his lips thinned for showing disinterest, yet I saw the way he handled her. It was a lot rougher than most doctors would do with their patients.

“Sir, what happened to her?” Aesteal asked.

Thankfully, the two lasses didn’t respond, busying themselves with playing some game with a deck of cards. “I’ll tell you later,” I answered. Somehow, I got the feeling that the news I might share would only bring joy to this doctor’s face.

After about an hour or so, he stood up and collected his tools. He pushed through the room and closed the door without another word. “Sure as hell don’t know how anyone lives here. No one fucking smiles. Their eyes be like those of a dead stink-fish!” one of them chuckled while the other snorted.

“They sure smell like ‘em too!” she fired back.

I observed Alteria’s sleeping face for a little while. By the stand were two vials of medication. I took a moment to strengthen their efficiency, seeing as I had nothing better to do. Diane still hadn’t returned with Eressa and I knew not where they were. Still, given that the situation wasn’t quite as critical as Delverhold, I saw no need to track her like an animal. Besides, I had a feeling she was out there enjoying whatever battle might have her.

I left Alteria to her rest soon after and entered another room, regaling Aesteal with the circumstances surrounding Lady Knight’s injuries. As expected, my Bonded Elf was quite stunned. “I see. The scorn became too much for even her to withstand. She’s had to maintain a strong front both in Hæňgaram and outside it. She never had the chance to be vulnerable with herself. To think it’d manifest itself in such an abhorrent way,” Aesteal said, sitting on a bed with me. She leaned her beautiful head on my shoulder.

I chuckled. “Careful, Aesteal, I might start to think you like the lass,” I fired back.

Aesteal smiled. “I bear her no ill will, Sir. While the Kingdom of Fgg’rial had a… tense relationship with other nations, Hæňgaram was one of the few we were willing to generously trade with. I never thought I’d meet the cruel sneers behind the pleasant smiles. Yet, I supposed it’s expected, we’re technically the bad ones, right?” she asked.

I smiled. “Aye, that we are,” I answered, absently staring out the window.

“Yet, it was her and no other that was willing to make a deal with the bad ones just to increase the chances that the people who hate her might live to see another day. For all their desire to push her away, she’s the best of the men and women that I’ve seen,” Aesteal said, her smile growing bigger.

However, the smile soon fell and I noticed Aesteal’s mood take a turn. “Is your target still here?” she questioned.

“Aye. If there be anything I shall thank Zevmar for, it's for trying to bring that disease into the empire. Made it much harder to escape the Empire’s lands without being seen. I have someone assigned to him, and I’ll get to him before we sail off,” I said.

Aesteal hummed. “How many… are there?” she inquired, hazarding a look at me. I wasn’t sure what face I made, but the skies outside the window remained clear.

“One too many,” I remarked, holding Aesteal close.

Our talk of Alteria soon went into other topics. In my free time, I researched more on the Cult of Alġnoth until late into the night. More than that, I thought about the connection the cult had with Zevmar. Liara had a lot of material on the Lightfeather house, a few of them detailing the life of Zevmar, but nothing that would mark him as being connected to the cult.

Yet, even more than that, this sense of dread still hadn’t left me. There was a lot of magic in the air, but I thought nothing of it. Ynro, being the capital of Hæňgaram, was filled with numerous mages, royal magicians, and noble arcanists. Naturally, such a number had tripled since the war. I’d gotten used to it.

That said, when I used the Mark of Hoɖ, I saw a lot of runes in the air. Confused by them, I’d started taking them apart just out of boredom at first. Yet, they always seemed to be trying to connect with each other in odd ways. I’d probably taken out or rewritten over a thousand strands until I saw them spread out over the capital. I figured this might be some strengthening of the barrier that allowed the oracles to know the thoughts of those who passed through the barrier, but gave up caring after a while.

Soon enough, I fell asleep. If there was one thing I’d miss about the empire, it was its beds. The things were pretty damn comfortable after the first few nights. For sure no ordinary pirate would be getting a luxury like this. Then again, I doubted many pirates got to enjoy a bed filled with beautiful sea-faring lasses as I did.

Nei was the first to take up residence, sleeping on my chest in her tiny form. Aesteal, Ellen, my mother, and Naala soon came later, one after the other. I enjoyed their embrace and warmth against the night’s cool air. Unfortunately, I wasn’t allowed the honor of enjoying their company the full night as my rest was disturbed.

“C-Cap’n! Cap’n, get your cock outta whatever cunt it’s in. W-We gotta problem. Cap’n!” a voice called out from the far side of my room.

I was ready to ignore it before I heard Ellen suck her teeth. “Please go deal with that shit before I do,” Ellen said, the sands of sleep flowing out of her mouth like a waterfall. She turned over which made Naala stir.

I knew not how Ellen knew I was awake, but I leaned up and scratched my head. I maneuvered out of my bed, leaving its warm clutches for the cold outside.

“Aye, what is it? This better be good,” I warned as I spotted the two lasses I’d paid to monitor Alteria. Even through my sleep, I could already tell where this might be going if they were here in front of me. Of course, I wished it not true, but luck had a funny way of fucking over even the mightiest of warriors.

“Aye, it’s about as good as a barrel of monkeys on a deck of banana peels,” one said while the other slapped her shoulder.

“The knight’s gone, sir. Somehow slipped out when we had our fucking backs turned,” the other said as my head began to clear. I pinched the bridge of my nose and stepped back inside. I grabbed my coat and walked out the door. I then proceeded to descend the steps with the two lasses not far behind me.

“No offense, Captain, but what do you care if the bitch dies like a homeless shit in the street? She’s a fucking Hæňgaramian. They hunt and butcher folks like us. Look, out of all the shits that come outta this hole, she’s definitely better than others, but once we’re done here she’ll be sailing the seas skewering the lot of us like we’re slabs of pig’s fat. Ain’t it better if she dies?” one of them asked.

I wasn’t sure what response I gave, or if I even gave one at all. I just remembered charging out the front door of the building and picking up Alteria’s mana trail. It sure as hell wasn’t hard since, amongst Hæňgaramians, she had some of the highest reserves from her time on Delverhold.

Once I found her, I dashed off to the east and disappeared into the forest. I pushed the leaves and foliage out of my way as sleep became an afterthought.

“Thou art quite persistent in this foolish endeavor. What doth thee see in her that thee would go to such lengths? Thou art a pirate, yes? What benefit wouldst there be in pursuing a matter such as this? In fact, thy journey would be easier if such a warrior were to meet an uneventful end” An’raie said, echoing the words of my two crew members that I’d left behind.

Aye, I knew I was fucking crazy. I’d boasted that An’raie wasn’t the only way for me to get what I wanted. Indeed, I thought she might be the easiest when I made this deal, however, I started weighing my options. Somehow, I imagined facing down the whole damned Hæňgaram Empire was better than putting up with the shit surrounding the Balamar Knight.

Yet, she’d not abandoned my men back on Delverhold. Though she’d succumbed to the Flames of Raganthor, she’d not discarded them when she could have. Aye, while we might have had business together, she was hardly inclined to care so much for the safety of my men. She might have tried to hide it, but I saw those small smiles on her face when my ship came alive with the sound of merriment.

Perhaps more than that, I couldn’t help seeing myself in the stupid woman. Potential greatness wasted under the heel of others, and a mighty confidence to take on the world at the highest realms squandered by the undeserving. It made me angry, reminding me of the dregs I’d once called friends.

I must have run over the course of five miles. The sound of the water started to grow louder. I grit my teeth as I neared Alteria’s mana signature.

When I finally stopped running, my ears picked up on the sound of rushing water from a waterfall. It was loud like thunder in the sky. Yet, amongst all that noise, near the edge of the waterfall’s cliff, stood Alteria Balamar. I couldn’t see her face since her back was turned, but I knew she was looking up at the sky, more specifically the moon.

She stood there amidst the noise of nature, not even clothed in her armor. It was at that time that I absently remembered when I saw her aboard my ship late at night, practicing with her sword. While my crew mate’s opinion of Alteria and Hæňgaramian women made me chuckle, even I’d be a lying bastard to say that the empire didn’t have treasures of beauty.

I silently watched her for a little while. Her sword lay in her right hand. I frowned when she unsheathed it, swinging it with such grace that she might as well have left streaks of moonlight in the air. She went through numerous sword stances practiced by the Balamar family.

For a moment, I thought myself concerned over nothing until she pressed the sword to her neck. Whether this was an attempt to draw me out or not, I wasn’t sure. I wasn’t exactly subtle in my approach so many she’d heard me before I stopped. How she heard over the roar of the waterfall was another matter entirely.

I stepped from behind the tree. “They say a bastard knows neither his right hand nor his left while a bitch knows neither one eye from the other. Best you not think me a saint, Alteria. I might not save you this time if you wish to be ferried across the sea of the dead,” I said as I saw Alteria’s blade falter.

She didn’t turn around to face me. “I did not ask you to save me the first time, Eric Drakclaw. It was my honor to die a loyal soldier of the Empire. I don’t need a pirate interfering in how I decided to live my life,” she fired back.

“You ain’t gonna be doing much living should you follow that path to Glrorik, the Gatekeeper,” I uttered as I continued to walk toward her. I got one more step in before a sword slash appeared on the ground.

“...take one more step and I swear upon the Balamar name that I shall make you regret it!” she scowled, still refusing to turn and face me.

“I’ve gathered many regrets in my life, lass. Some I’ve forgotten, most I have not…” I paused as I channeled magic into my feet and instantly appeared next to Alteria before she could fulfill her promise. I grabbed her hand and held it up, restraining her right arm.

“You be fifty years too early to make this old scourge feel regret in his heart. Besides, you know who I am. Dare you to not utter threats on your enemy’s turf,” I finished as I bore witness to her face. Never had a seen so beautiful a face marred in ugliness by tears, especially not from a lass as firm and upright as Alteria.

If Lady Knight was surprised by my speed, she didn’t show it. Instead, she swung her arm and slammed her fist into my face. Her strength was mightier than any soldier I’d faced on the battlefield. She actually made me stagger, but I refused to let her go.

Bearing her assault, I twisted her arm. She groaned, in obvious pain until she was forced to relinquish her blade. It dropped on the ground and I shoved her away from the waterfall’s ledge.

Alteria tripped back, finding her balance soon enough. I was rewarded with her anger. She looked at me with a vile hatred that I’d only seen in the most desperate and broken Draegnarians. Bending down, I picked up her sword and swung it a few times.

“Lass, if you’re gonna die, how’s about you gift me this sword of yours? It’ll fetch me quite the sack of gold. There be a many a lot who pay fine coin for pure Hæňgaramian ore. You sure as hell won’t need it where you’re going,” I joked which only seemed to make her angrier.

However, she didn’t combat me. She just stood there, looking at her sword like a child that just lost their most precious toy. She clenched her hands into fists.

“You think me a child not learned in the ways of the world, Eric Drakclaw. I know what you’re trying to do. I will not fall for it. Despite your dubious intentions, I know you’re well-meaning, but you cannot help me. No one can. I… I can’t even help myself. With the main enemy forces repelled, Hæňgaram shall endure the skirmishes. The Empire shall stand tall and I will have done my due diligence as a soldier. I will be allowed to rest, the people will be free of my presence, and you are allowed you pay. I believe all parties are given their due,” she said.

There was silence in the forest save for the waterfall behind me. Finally, I shrugged my shoulders. “Aye, alright. It ain’t so much as my concern if you live or die. I’ve lived and breathed the blood-soaked air of Draegnar. Let me tell you lass, that the docks are paved with the blood of defiled virgins and the slit throats of the poor. One step outside and you’re liable to have your cock cut off and your clothes stolen. I ain’t no stranger to seeing men and women die. Have a go at it,” I said as I handed her back her sword.

She looked down at her blade curiously while I walked past her. “However, try not to mind if I watch you do it. I should need confirmation that you indeed died by your own hand instead of my own. No doubt the empire might use your death to wrestle me out of my due. I don’t think that outcome will be favorable for anyone,” I said ominously.

She faced me. “The empire wouldn’t behave so dishonorably,” she fired back.

“Your experiences tell me otherwise, Lass. Now hurry up. I was woken up for this,” I drawled with a bit of a yawn for emphasis as I leaned against the tree.

She picked up her sword, eyeing me cautiously. I watched her slowly, spotting her eyes glancing back at me and back at her sword. She walked back over to the cliff, holding her sword in front of her. With just one swing, she’d stab right through her gullet.

Yet, her hand stayed in the air. She dropped the sword to her side, and then tried again. On that waterfall edge, she must have tried at least five different times. At least once or twice she looked behind herself to see if I was still watching, which I was. I saluted her from where I leaned, watching the thousands of thoughts and conflicts roll about in her head.

To my surprise, even An’raie seemed curious about the matter. She silently observed the affair before Alteria finally turned away from me.

“Why? Why out of everyone did it have to be you, a pirate, to find me? Truly, I could have done it under the hateful gaze of my countrymen, yet… I can’t do it in front of you, my most hated enemy. Are you here just to torment my already decrepit life? Do I amuse you like this?” she questioned to which I could give no answer.

Finally, Alteria dropped her sword and fell to her knees. “Hated by her own country, yet finding joy and fulfillment in the life of the wicked sea. What greater shame is there for a knight of the empire? Yet, what honor is there in dying in front of your greatest enemy?” she also questioned. I still gave no answer, watching her stumble through the field throwing questions around as if hoping that the answer might appear before her.

Once she assumed she wasn’t going to get any answers to her plight, Alteria hung her head down in defeat. “Not enough honor to live. Not enough shame to die. Lumnina’s divine light isn’t cast on me. Neither do the rivers of the dead accept my vessel to ferry. I am wanted nowhere and everything has been taken from me,” she said as she walked over to me.

I chuckled. “Then what will you do to take it back, lass? If your shit gets taken, you should be taking double, nay triple what was taken from you. If they have betrayed you, turned against you, humiliated you, wronged you, cast you aside, then take your own means of vengeance. Make them feel the weight of their ignorance in knowing what they lost in you. The same lass who bore her fangs at Saviara, the same lass who bore her fangs at me, the same lass who stepped on Delverhold and overcame it, why offer those fangs to those who do not appreciate their might?” I asked.

“Then what else am I supposed to do?! It’s all I can do. It’s all I’ve ever done. It’s all I… know how to do,” Alteria exclaimed, her usually calm and focused visage broken into a thousand pieces. “It’s what my father wished of me…”

The smirk on my face slowly fell as I saw the distress carved into the face of this woman who had the gall to make a deal with me. I sensed the water and saline starting to seep out of her eyes again. In what strength she had, she tried to keep them at bay to not show weakness to her mortal enemy. Yet, the longer she held it the more I wondered if she’d lose the rest of herself. After all, I’d not thought that she’d willingly spare me information such as this.

“And now he’s dead. I… I killed him. All the hate, the stigma, the anger of my countrymen, I could endure it. I-It was hard, but I could endure it all for the sake of my oath, my vow to him to protect the innocent. Y-Yet, I killed him. My innocent father. His blood seeps into the empire’s land because of me. I have nothing left to live for,” she wept, unable to control herself in front of me anymore. She clawed at her garment, specifically the Hæňgaram symbol on it. Her nails tore the fabric as she grabbed her sword again. She raised it up, hoping to plunge it into her chest. She screamed, resolving herself to end the suffering unimaginable suffering placed on her at the hands of her country. Perhaps the scream was what she needed to push herself beyond what she’d mentioned before.

I moved quickly, grabbing her arm before she could complete her judgment and sentence of herself. I spoke not a word, but she did. “Why are you even here?! You told me to hurry up, so I did as you wished! You have no reason to help me anymore. You should be on your ship sailing far away from here to parts of D’orn that I’ll never have to see your perverse ways for as long as I draw breath. I don’t need you to save me! Just let me die. Let me… get one choice that matters, one choice that Alteria Balamar gets to make without concerns for anyone else. Please… don’t let me live like this. Please, let me die,” she begged, dropping down until her face was in the dirt.

It was at that moment, I thought I’d figured out the reason why I’d bothered so much with this lass, and why I’d so stubbornly not allowed her to pass into the realm of the dead. In some way, she reminded me of my mother. The woman I’d sailed with for months before reaching the shores of Hæňgaram seemed like a distant memory to the one held by me now. When I looked at her arms, they were laced with more cuts. The scent of fresh blood seeped into my nostrils.

“I be a pirate, lass. I’m used to not doing shit people want,” I said as I pulled the sword from her grasp without much issue. Her hands dropped to the ground.

As I walked away from her, I chuckled. “You really be a lot more fucking trouble than I bargained for when I made this deal with you. That fucker in that crater. He was your old man, aye?” I asked, knowing the answer already.

While Alteria had been slowly unraveling from the harsh treatment by her countrymen over my crew’s stay in Hæňgaram, it had only been after her battle with the fake Zevmar that she broke down completely. When I thought of the man’s white hair and her declarations, it was the only thing that made a shit lick of sense.

Judging by her silence, I must have fired my shot at the right spot. “Perhaps he wasn’t as innocent as he seemed if he would ally with someone like Zevmar,” I said.

“My father would sooner cut off his own tongue than ally with an enemy of the empire! I will not let you slander him!” the Balamar Knight said, the passion and fire swiftly returning into her voice.

I knew this would upset her, but I sought to get her out of her current mood. Even if I told her that Zevmar had greater plans, I questioned if she would have the will to seek out his end if she stayed like this. “Aye? And how do you know that? There be a lot of your former soldiers who you thought incorruptible only to find out that they be just as human as the rest outside your empire,” I reasoned.

“...he wouldn’t,” Alteria persisted. “I know he wouldn’t. Even when he was in the throes of dishonor, even when he was spat upon, disgraced from the Balamar House, and imprisoned, he never stopped loving the people of the empire. He never stopped desiring to see its walls stand proud. He would not betray them.”

I rose an eyebrow. I knew not of too many folk who could be wrongfully imprisoned in the empire. However, I started to wonder if perhaps this might be where the people’s animosity to Alteria came from. Many of them had claimed she’d done something to earn the ire of the countrymen. When I’d gotten the time to observe her, I knew she didn’t seem the type to cause trouble.

“Well, aside from striking a deal with a pirate,” I supposed. So it had to be something her father did that bled to her being on the receiving end of it.

“Aye, because Hæňgaramians are just known for imprisoning the innocent right off the street. What fate has befallen such an unlucky man as to be wrongly imprisoned?” I asked.

Alteria didn’t respond immediately. I looked at her and she remained on the ground, perfectly still. Her hair was like a curtain over her face. When she finally did speak, I thought I’d heard wrong. In fact, I’d have sworn I did. I had no idea why Alteria decided to trust me with this knowledge as I’d been fully prepared for her to keep me out of it. Yet, her lips and tongue moved.

“Supposedly, he defiled my mother, His Royal Highness’ wife, Thellkah Balamar, the Queen of Hæňgaram.”