Year 3632, the Sixth Age, the fifty-third day of Winter

Thunder roared and lightning flashed as the fierce storm battered the island of Boquōre. The maelstrom had rolled in from the Golden Sea, bringing with it high tides, cold rain and blowing winds.

Lightning struck again in the dark night, flashing off the red pools of blood in the meeting hall of Lord Windell’s castle. Half a dozen guards lay dead in the hall and many more throughout the villa.

Lord Windell gasped in pain as Lieut’s sword slammed aside his cutlass and plunged deep into the Lord’s chest.

As Lieut pulled his sword free the foolish Lord slumped into his throne, dead.

Lieut sighed in annoyance and continued his search of the castle.

After sitting around the taverns of Boquōre for nearly ten days Lieut had decided to act and sneak into Lord Windell’s estate in search of Princess Xanthia. But his stealthy search had failed when he jumped the wall and dropped in front of a guard as he returned from relieving himself on a bush.

The alarm was sounded and Lieut was forced to fight his way through the buildings. His bad luck continued as the storm came over and he still could not find where Lord Windell had accommodated the Princess.

Only now after searching virtually the whole castle did he realise that the idiot Lord had thrown Xanthia in the dungeon.

Lightning flashed again as Lieut made his way to the dungeons below the castle. More guards came to try and stop him, but fell with the rest.

***************************************************

Vythe awoke with a start as the sound of heavy armour and urgent voices came into the cells blocks. Xanthia also rose and looked through the bars to see Lanart move hurriedly along, a burly looking guard with him.

“Quickly shackle them and let’s go,” Lanart commanded and the guard obeyed.

Heavy iron shackles covered in intricate Runes were locked around their wrists and the cell door was swung open.

“What in the Abyss is going on?” Vythe asked sensing something strange was afoot.

“There is no time to explain,” Lanart snapped and pulled a burning torch from the wall.

Lanart moved further down the cell blocks and the guard shoved Vythe and Xanthia along. The sound of battle was suddenly heard coming from the staircase where Lanart had come from, and a dead guardsman came tumbling down the stairs with his head bouncing behind him.

Quickly Lanart led the way around the corner and through a cleverly designed door. The secret passage went a short distance along a sandy underground path and came to wooden cart on metal tracks. Vythe could see more Runes carved into the wood as he and Xanthia were shoved into the seats. Lanart pulled a lever as he jumped aboard and the cart started to move along the tracks.

Crystal lights glowed sparingly along the walls and Vythe looked back to the landing where a figure stood there, his silver hair shining in the dim light.

“Lieut,” Vythe called out and tried to stand, but a heavy fist from the burly guard dropped him to the floor of the cart.

Someone cried out, and blackness took him.

The impact of cold water splashing into his face brought Vythe from his stupor. The cart had stopped at a similar landing in a small cave which led out to a secluded cove. It was still dark and the storm still raged, and in the brief flashes of lightning Vythe could see the shadow of a large ship docked at a long jetty.

“Are you alright, Vythe?” Xanthia asked with concern as he was pulled from the cart and pushed towards the exit of the cave.

Vythe nodded and glance over his shoulder to the tunnel from whence they had come. Vythe could only guess at the distance the tunnel stretched, but he concluded that they must be on the other side of Boquōre. There was no chance that Lieut would catch up to them now.

Vythe sighed quietly as Lanart quickly led the way out into the storm and along the jetty where they boarded and were soon pulling away.

“Are you mad Lanart?” Vythe yelled above the storm, “We cannot sail in this storm, it will throw us onto the reefs.”

“Silence,” Lanart snapped, “Glarin, put them in the hold, and do not remove those shackles.”

The burly guard grunted and shoved Vythe and Xanthia down into the schooners hold. They passed many sailors desperately tying down any loose objects and others who were praying in a corner. Down into the lowest part of the ship Glarin shoved them into a small cell and locked the doors behind them.

“Vythe,” Xanthia said seriously as they sat down on the floor, “Do you know that Nevārancien chasing us? Was he the one I met in Crydon before my false death?”

Vythe shrugged, “I am not sure.”

Xanthia did not ask any more questions and together they huddled on the floor of the cell as the fierce storm battered the ship.

****************************************************

Lieut’s bad luck continued to plague him and he looked on in frustration as the escape cart pulled away from the landing. As he wondered what to do someone from the cart called out to him.

A slight ache came to the side of his head as he recognised the voice that called to him, but he could not place it.

Gritting his teeth Lieut sheathed his sword and sprinted after the cart. He had no idea where the escape tunnel led, or even how far it went. But he had come too close to his goal to give up now.

Into the darkness he sped easily following the track of the rail cart. The track rose and fell some but other than that it remained reasonably straight. For many hours he ran, determined to catch his fleeing prey. His breathing eventually became strained but he pushed on and sweat ran down his face, but still he forced his legs to move quickly. Lieut could feel his stamina draining, but still pushed himself as fast as he could.

Finally the end appeared out of the darkness and Lieut jumped over the docked cart and out the cave just as the schooner began to pull away from the wharf.

“No,” Lieut growled in frustration.

There was no way he could run to the end of the wharf and catch the ship. Desperately Lieut sprinted into the rain and towards the path that led up and along the cliff. Thankfully the ship began to struggle in the turbulent waters as the storm continued to rage, and Lieut came alongside it as he ran along the low cliff.

Lightning flashed and Lieut launched himself from the cliff and out into the raging sea. His luck had finally returned and he landed safely in the water and away from any rocks.

Determinedly Lieut began to swim through the rolling waves and foam, his clothes dragged him down but his strong arms and legs propelled him through the dark water.

The ship pushed its way through the waves and slowly moved by Lieut, but he would not give in. Just as it seemed it would move out of range Lieut reached the side of the schooner and found a hand hold. Labouring for breath Lieut pulled himself from the water and began to climb the side of the ship. Waves continued to assault the schooner and he nearly fell several times, but somehow he managed to climb atop the Captain’s cabin where he collapsed in exhaustion.

Still breathing heavily Lieut wedged himself by the stern lanterns and rode out the storm. Now that he had caught up to his prey there was no rush, once he had recovered and hopefully the ship survived the storm, he would complete the mission Kreha had asked of him.

************************************************

Somehow the ship had out lasted the stormy night and the next day Vythe and Xanthia were allowed to walk about the deck. Inüer was warm as they walked by the railing with Glarin close behind them. The breeze was fresh and the gulls cried loudly over head as they small islands drifted by as the schooner skipped across the clear blue waters. Vythe and Xanthia followed the railing and soon came up to the helm where Vythe approached Lanart.

“What is going on Lanart?” Vythe asked seriously as he approached the man.

The thin dark haired man looked up from the maps he was inspecting and regarded Vythe and Xanthia closely, his dark eyes lingering on the shackles that still bound their wrists.

“The castle was attacked and we escaped,” Lanart dismissed the question and turned back to the charts of the islands north of Skelledaris.

“I would have thought such and escape tunnel would be used by the Lord,” Vythe remarked sarcastically.

“Lord Windell is dead,” Lanart replied casually.

“Are you are taking me home?” Xanthia asked optimistically and Lanart smirked.

“In a manner of speaking, yes,” the thin man nodded, “I will ransom you to your father for a wealthy sum. And then I think I shall retire somewhere far away.”

“I hear the islands of Skelledaris are nice this time of year,” Vythe remarked dryly.

Surprisingly Lanart laughed a little, “I shall never return there again. Lord Windell’s father was a good man, but his sons are complete idiots. I am not sorry he is dead, and I am not sorry that his younger brother will take the throne and attack the other islands in belief that it was one of them that executed the assassination.”

“You are not sorry that much death and destruction is soon to come to Skelledaris?” Vythe asked seriously, his eyes narrowing.

“No, I am not,” Lanart replied evenly. “You are lucky that I am ransoming you with your Lady Xanthia, bodyguard. And not simply killing you.”

“I am eternally grateful for these shackles you have placed me in,” Vythe replied with a fake smile.

“Shackles indeed,” Lanart smiled knowingly, “There is no way I will let you walk about without them on. I am not a fool you know. It was clear from the items we confiscated from you that you can each use magicks still.”

Vythe clenched his teeth in frustration.

“Don’t worry,” Lanart smiled, “They are in good hands.”

The man patted the pouch tied to his belt, which Vythe recognised as his.

“And those gauntlets of yours will fetch a nice sum as well,” Lanart continued to smile and patted his stolen pouch again.

“Lock them back in the brig,” Lanart said to Glarin, “They have had enough fresh air for today I think.”

Once again Vythe and Xanthia were roughly shoved back below deck and into the small cell by the burly guard.

“Well, I am glad to be finally going home,” Xanthia remarked as they sat down on the floor.

“Hopefully my father’s plans to have Sir Raermin released for you will still be viable,” Vythe replied with a smile, “Not doubt many things have happened during our sojourn and hopefully Lord Cardonian’s son can still be useful.”

“No doubt it will all work out in the end,” Xanthia smiled sweetly, “But you have to stay a while in Crydon with me before returning home.”

Vythe smiled back, “It would be my pleasure. But let us see what has been happening in the realms before we make plans.”

The rest of the day drifted by slowly and Vythe dozed with the gentle rolling of the ship. But as the afternoon grew late it soon became more violent and Vythe could hear the boom of thunder and the crashing of the waves. It must have been evening now and another storm had come upon them throwing the ship about the water like a toy.

Vythe and Xanthia huddled together in their cell hoping that the schooner would not be cast onto rocks or a reef.

Suddenly the ship lurched to the side and a terrible crack echoed above the din of the storm and waves. The whole of the ship shuddered and wood split apart. Thinking quickly Vythe threw his shackled hands over Xanthia’s head and held her tight.

Just then the ship seemed to shatter and sea water gushed in, throwing them into the back of the cell. The salt water stung his eyes and he held Xanthia close. The wood behind him suddenly gave way and they were pulled into the turbulent ocean. Painfully his arm ripped against something, but desperately he held Xanthia and refused to lose her to the dark depths of the sea.

Eyes shut tightly Vythe felt himself being thrown about the ocean. His lunges cried out for air, but there was little he could do. Something hit him in the head and all went dark.

**********************************************

Lieut had come from his reverie around midday and stretched the stiffness from his muscles and joints. He had used much of his energy in the chase after this ship and the Princess who was aboard it. But he had caught it, and now he was feeling nearly at full strength. Lieut pulled the skin flask from his belt and took a long refreshing drink before screwing the lid back on and tying it back onto his belt.

With another stretch he got to his feet and made sure his sword was still clasped at his shoulder. Carefully he moved from the stern lanterns that sat on top of the Captain’s cabin and peered onto the quarter deck where a thin dark haired man was looking over some charts. Lieut’s golden eyes scanned the deck and to the many sailors that were working, but he caught no glimpse of a half Yineth or a bodyguard with a black and gold vest.

Again Lieut thought of the moment that someone had called out to him as he chased the Princess from Boquōre castle, and again a dull pain throbbed in his head.

Lieut thought about jumping onto the helm and begin searching about the ship for the Princess and dispatch of all who tried to stop him. But he decided to wait and see what would transpire.

By that evening though he wished he had searched the ship when he thought of it, for a large storm had come in from nowhere and began battering the schooner. The storm did not seem as ferocious as the other one, and Lieut stayed above the Captain’s cabin to wait out the storm.

But suddenly the whole ship lurched as a wave threw it onto a reef. The schooner began to split apart and sailors were being thrown from the sides. Another wave crashed into them followed by a dozen others and the ship was tossed across another reef.

A shudder ran through the ship and the wood split apart, suddenly Lieut was flying through the air and into the turbulent waves below.

Desperately he tried to swim to the surface to find land, but the current sucked him down. Still Lieut struggled against the pull as he bounced along the bottom of the sea. His lunges screamed for air and then darkness took him.

*****************************************************

Vythe woke slowly, the sound of waves crashing echoing distantly in his ears. Gradually his eyes peeled open and he sucked in a deep breath through cracked lips.

“Xanthia,” Vythe croaked and tried to jump to his feet but his movement was slow and painful.

It was then that he realised that he was still holding the half Yineth tightly in his arms. With his wrists still shackled Vythe slowly took his arms from around the Princess and forced himself to sit up. Dizziness took him as he checked to see if Xanthia was still alive and he breathed a sigh of relief as he felt a pulse and noticed her breathing.

After he quickly checked to see if she was not hurt in any other way, Vythe staggered to his feet and looked about. He was on a white sand beach with tall palm trees and a small hill inland. Gentle waves lapped the beach in front of him bringing up broken crates and other flotsam. Vythe sighed as he noticed bodies among the debris.

Slowly he dragged Xanthia from the beach and into the shade of a palm tree before heading back down the sand to search what had been washed ashore and to see if there were any other survivors. There were none. Nor was there anything among the broken crates he could use and thanks to the magicks preventing shackles on his wrists he could not connect with the magicks of the Fog.

With an exhausted sigh Vythe returned to where he had put Xanthia and pondered what to do.

As he sat there he worked out that they were facing east as Inüer had slowly drifted overhead. He also reasoned that there was likely fresh water somewhere inland, running down from the hill most likely. Vythe also discovered that no amount of banging his shackles on a rock was going to break them, and only achieved in making his wrists bleed and arms ache.

Vythe guessed that it was about midday when Xanthia groggily awoke.

“We’re alive?” Xanthia stammered in surprise as she noticed Vythe.

“Just,” Vythe smiled, “For the time being anyway.”

“Where are we?” she asked and rubbed her hands over her face.

“Stranded on an island north of Skelledaris,” Vythe shrugged and Xanthia looked at him angrily.

“There are millions of small islands up and down the east coast of Essinendeür,” Xanthia said in irritation.

“And your guess as to which one we are on is as good as mine,” Vythe was quick to reply.

Xanthia sighed loudly and looked to the shackle on her wrists.

“How do we get these off?” she asked him.

“Only the key will unlock them,” Vythe said with a sigh, “Which would be with Lanart or his lackey Glarin. And they were not among the dead who washed ashore.”

“So what do we do now?” Xanthia asked in despair and she looked forlornly out to the sea and the other small islands that littered the area. “Are we to die here?”

“Not today, my Lady,” Vythe said cheerfully, “First we must find fresh water, but that is going to involve some walking inland I am afraid.”

Xanthia strained a smile in response and Vythe took the lead into the trees and towards the hill at the centre of the island.

For ages they walked through the palm trees and up the side of the sandy hill. Thankfully the weather was cool under the trees and a pleasant breeze drifted through the undergrowth. Many birds sung in the canopy, butterflies danced about the beautiful flowers and many small ground animals hurried to get away from them.

They reached the top of the hill soon enough and Vythe tried to gather his bearings, but much of the growth obscured his vision.

“Is that the mainland?” Vythe asked as he tried to peer through the leaves to the west.

“I think so,” Xanthia replied as she also looked, “Come on, I don’t think this island is very large, we should be able to see better from the beach at the bottom of the hill.”

“Remember we are looking for water, Xanthia,” Vythe was quick to say, “Even if it is the mainland it will not do us any favours if we die of thirst.”

The western side of the hill was much rockier and made it harder for them to continue walking. Thankfully they came across a small freshwater stream trickling down the rocks towards the beach. There they greedily drank their fill and followed the stream down from the hill. As it descended the stream became larger and they passed by many deep pools before the stream trickled out into the ocean.

Both Vythe and Xanthia were smiling as they moved out onto the beach that faced towards the southwest. The sight Vythe had seen from the hill was indeed the mainland but hundreds of leagues of open water stood between it and their island.

Hands still bound they followed the beach around to the north and joy filled them as noticed the shinning wall of Crydon in the distance.

But that joy disappeared in a flash as they noticed the city was burning.

****************************************************

Lieut’s golden eyes popped open as he drew in a sharp breath and coughed.

“Be at ease,” a pleasant voice said to him as a firm hand hindered him from sitting up on the smooth stone bed.

Beside him sat a beautiful woman with long blonde hair that fell down and covering her bare chest. She sat on a smooth rock with her legs crossed and around her hips was a stringy short skirt made from deep green seaweed. Her skin glistened with water droplets and her eyes were the colour of the ocean after a storm.

Lieut tore his eyes from the beautiful woman and looked suspiciously about at his surroundings. Above and around him was the same grey stone as the bed he was lying on except it was jagged and rough. Pools of water covered the floor and a wide tunnel led from the small room and deeper into the rock. Streams of light from Inüer streamed through cracks in the rock above him and the sound of dripping water echoed through the tunnels.

Lieut breathed a sigh of relief when he noticed his sword propped up against the wall at the foot of his bed where his dark blue vest and been placed.

He turned his eyes back to the beautiful woman beside his bed who was crushing some green plant into a bowl of liquid.

Still eyeing the half-naked blonde Lieut pushed himself to a sitting position, wincing away the pain in his ribs and back.

“I said to rest,” the woman said sternly, but she did not try and stop him.

“Are you a Nilyain?” Lieut guessed and the woman smiled.

“The humans call us mermaids, but our true name is Nilyain, yes,” she smiled, “My name is Yulvial. Here, drink this.”

The Nilyain handed him the stone bowl that she had been crushing the plant into and Lieut took it hesitantly. He sniffed the greenish liquid before giving Yulvial and quizzical look.

“It will help the aches and pain you feel,” Yulvial explained, “If I had not found you and brought you here, the sea would have broken and killed you.”

Lieut sighed and gulped down the liquid in one mouthful. Surprisingly it did not taste as bad as he thought it would and it left a salty taste in his mouth.

“You were swimming during the storm?” Lieut asked curiously as he handed back the bowl.

“We Nilyain are the daughters of Luindell, the Guardian of the oceans, and we love the ocean in all His moods,” Yulvial replied with a smile, “Last night my sister and I were dancing with Him as He made waves and we were singing to calm His anger. Then you were flung into me by the current so I brought you here.”

“Where is here?” Lieut asked as he again looked around the place.

“One of the many places we Nilyain rest at as we travel up and down the coast line,” she replied also looking around the place.

Lieut nodded and pushed himself to his feet, the aches in his ribs and back already dulled.

“You heal quickly,” Yulvial remarked curiously as Lieut put on his vest, “And you are not like the average human.”

“You can call me Lieut,” he said as he did up the metal clasps of his vest. “And I am not human.”

Yulvial got her feet and moved close to Lieut.

“No, you are not human,” she said her face very close to his, “You have too much inner strength and power to be like them. One such as you is worthy of being the Liege of the Nilyain.”

Her dark blue eyes bore into his golden orbs making him feel uncomfortable a she wetted her light blue lips.

“But I can tell you will not accept the offer,” Yulvial said suddenly and backed away from him and headed down the tunnel.

Awkwardly Lieut gathered his sword and clipped it to his shoulder guard before following the Nilyain.

“You do not have a Liege?” Lieut asked hesitantly as he followed the mermaid through the tunnel.

Yulvial looked coyly over her shoulder and shook her head causing the ends of her blonde hair to flutter around the top of her backside.

“We Nilyain have had no Liege for nearly a century,” Yulvial explained and Lieut curiously watched her hips sway as she walked.

“I assume no ordinary male will make do?” Lieut asked dryly.

A light laugh came from Yulvial as the tunnel sloped downwards.

“No ordinary male will do,” she confirmed, “The last Liege was a handsome Lithinüer who had become shipwrecked on island in the north. He was strong, powerful, honourable, but nothing compared to you, Lieut.”

Again she looked suggestively over her shoulder, making Lieut feel uncomfortable.

Finally the tunnel slopped up and into another cave, this one larger with a brighter loft of light streaming through the hole in the roof and a small pool to the right as they entered. There another Nilyain greeted them, this one also with long blonde hair, a seaweed skirt and dark blue eyes.

“This is my sister Anuvern,” Yulvial introduced as the other mermaid walked over to them.

“Did you ask him sister?” Anuvern asked her sister.

“I did, but he declined,” Yulvial replied with a sad expression.

Her sister mimicked the expression and sighed, “A shame,” she said, “He would be a better Liege then the last one was.”

“What is the purpose of a Liege?” Lieut asked curiously, his eyes moving from one sister to the other.

“To produce the next generation of Nilyain of course,” Yulvial explained seriously.

“There are no male Nilyain?” asked Lieut.

“Of course not,” said Anuvern, “There have only ever been female Nilyain since the dawn of our species.”

“Are you sure you do not want to be the next Liege?” Yulvial asked him with a smile, “I am sure the Nilyain Sisterhood would agree with our thoughts.”

“No,” Lieut shook his head, “I was in the middle of an important mission when my ship was sunk and you saved me from the ocean. Now I must continue it.”

“Very well,” Yulvial nodded understandingly, “But perhaps there is a way I can aid you again.”

Lieut looked at her curiously, and a bit cautiously.

“There are some more survivors from your wrecked ship on an island not far from here,” Yulvial explained, “I can take you. Unless you wish to swim yourself.”

A slight smirk came to Lieut’s face, “I will not decline your assistance.”

“Come with us then,” Yulvial smiled as she and her sister walked towards the pool.

As Lieut followed them the two Nilyain casually pulled their seaweed skirts off and dropped them to the rocks before diving into the turquoise water. The water was crystal clear and Lieut watched in wonder as for soon as the Nilyain submerged into the water, scales began to form on their smooth legs and feet. Within seconds their long legs had been replaced by a fishlike tail with shimmering scales.

“Are you coming?” Yulvial asked Lieut as her head bobbed above the water.

With a slight nod Lieut dived into the water to join the Nilyain. Before he had a chance to surface again the two mermaids came along beside him and gently grabbed him under the arms before speeding off into the ocean.

Lieut had no trouble holding his breath as the trip was not long, and very soon they had surfaced together by some rocks which led onto a sandy beach.

The Nilyain released their hold on him and Lieut pulled himself onto the rocks before looking back to the mermaids.

“It was a pleasure to meet you Lieut,” Yulvial said as she floated on her back with the water rippling around her breasts and light blue nipples, “Look for me if you ever change your mind about becoming our new Liege.”

“Thank you for your help,” Lieut replied sincerely and the two Nilyain waved before disappearing below the water.

Lieut shook the water from his hair and turned towards the beach. Just as his foot crunched into the white sand he saw two people emerge from the tree line ahead of him down the beach, both looking towards the mainland to the west.

A smile came to Lieut’s face as he made out the gold and black design of the vest of one of them, and the long ears of a half Yineth. Finally he had reached his objective and with his golden eyes sparkling he headed after them as they made their way toward the northwest.

As the city of Crydon came into view in the distance he saw black smoke rising into the air and noticed the half Yineth fall to her knees. Lieut smiled and drew his sword and quickly covered the distance between him and his prey.

Lieut’s footsteps had been quiet and he was just about to sever the head from the black and gold vested bodyguard’s shoulder when the man turned around and their eyes locked.

Vythe fell back in terror but Lieut stopped his swinging sword inches from Vythe’s neck, his golden eyes going wide as he suddenly recognised the man he was about to kill.

Lieut dropped to his knee as pain racked his brain and he drove his sword deep into the sand. The scar on the side of his head ripped apart in an explosion of blood and Lieut roared in agony.

Everything that had happened came flooding back to him in a painful attack. He could see vividly as he descended through the clouds on his air craft when he first came to Essinendeür. He was so single minded then, focusing only on the orders given to him, not caring for choice or anyone who got in his way.

He remembered clearly the moment he crashed and his craft exploding. It was as if he was reliving it all again as he awoke in the prison and met a beautiful Blood Elf named Fairris.

He could see Fairris’s face so clearly now, the deep blue of her eyes, her rich blood red hair, those attractive features and athletic body. Finally he remembered the name of the woman who had been occupying his thoughts constantly, and finally he remembered how he had travelled with her and Vythe, the very man he had nearly killed, as he headed to Port Na’brath meeting the dwarf Bārdin along the way. Lieut remembered being so confused about the Fog in his head and seeking aid from his brother Nar’to who tried to kill him in turn.

He remembered how the High Commission had faked his own execution and how he had helped Baelor in Elestarl. He could see himself saving Vythe and Bārdin from the Elestarl dungeons and then racing across the desert of Anastarā to save Fairris. He remembered getting to her just in time and making for the ancient city of Ingruil where he had met Kreha for the first time and where she had saved Fairris.

The next memories that racked Lieut’s brain were when he travelled with Fairris, Vythe and Bārdin to Crydon and when they had faked the assassination of the Princess Xanthia. There he also met up with Raith who had been quite different before the Fog had seeped into his mind too.

Next thing Lieut recalled was meeting Kil’dar in the jungle of Foglornt and being forced to part with his friends in case Kil’dar believed his mental state compromised and have him destroyed. He remembered how regretful he had been when he believed that he could not save his friends from being killed by Kil’dar.

He remembered the voyage with Elza and how he broke the prison holding Kreha.

Lieut’s breathing came in gasps as his eyes focused on the white sand between his fingers and stain of his blood. Shaking away his foggy thoughts Lieut pushed himself to his feet and sheathed his sword.

“Are you trying to kill me Lieut?” Vythe glared at him before a wide smile came to his face. “I thought you dead, what in the world happened?”

“That can wait,” Xanthia cut in before Lieut began, “We need to get to Crydon.”

To accentuate her point she motioned to the great city in the distance and the smoke billowing up from behind the walls.

“Come Lieut, let’s see if you can break these shackle with your sword.” Vythe said and headed towards the tree line. “What happened after you left our company in the Foglornt?”

Groggily Lieut followed and rubbed a hand over his face, wiping away the blood down his cheek.

“I went to Pentra to find a ship south,” Lieut replied slowly as they looked for a suitable rock. “My Purpose was far south in the Scar of Gornl on the Crystallis Isle.”

“Where those Crythnin zealots are?” Vythe asked and Lieut nodded.

“What they call the Birth of the Fog at the base of the extinct volcano, is actually a great crystal,” Lieut explained and stopped at the large flat rock where Vythe knelt down and rested his arms.

“Do not tell him of me!” the sudden voice of Kreha sounded in Lieut ears and he glanced about.

“What happened then, Lieut?” Vythe asked and he looked at him curiously.

“I destroyed the crystal,” Lieut replied and drew his sword.

“Wait,” Vythe said seriously, “You intentionally destroyed the source of the Fog.”

Lieut shrugged, “I thought you all dead, so all that remained to me was my Purpose.”

Vythe nodded slowly, “So it was you that caused the wave of Fog to blast across the land.”

“I guess,” Lieut shrugged again, “I don’t remember much else except walking up on an island next to my brother. Both our memories very vague.”

“Before, that was you remembering what had happened?” Xanthia asked as she stood several cautious steps away.

“I guess,” Lieut nodded, “Move your head to the side Vythe.”

Vythe did so and Lieut swung his sword down with a great strike and slammed into the iron shackles. Vythe yelled in pain and pulled away, his wrists still bound by the Rune encrusted iron.

“Damn it,” Vythe swore, “I was hoping that would work.”

“I will try again,” Lieut said and readied his sword, but Vythe shook his head.

“It will just cause me more pain,” Vythe shook his head, “The Runes are too well crafted. Your sword would have worked if there was even the smallest of errors with them, but alas we need to find the key and the body it is attached to.”

Vythe sighed loudly and thought for a few minutes as Lieut looked absently about the palm trees and Xanthia continuously looked with concern towards the city of Crydon.

“We need to head back to the other side of the island,” Vythe said, “There we will find the ship wreck and hopefully Lanart’s corpse. On the way you can tell me more Lieut, and of course if you have questions I shall do my best to answer them.”

“Firstly I would like to know how you knew that Xanthia was alive and in Skelledaris seeing you lost your memory,” Vythe said as they set off into the palm trees and following a stream to its base before following it around towards the east.

Lieut explained as much as he could without revealing that it was Kreha who had sent him. Vythe was clearly disappointed to learn that it had been him to kill King Arendt and destroy half of the Alabast castle, but he did not try and lecture Lieut on the warmongering of his actions.

Lieut also told them about how he chased them across the islands of Skelledaris and onto the ship that had nearly killed them all. Vythe was very curious to learn how he had been saved by a Nilyain and what she had told him about the Nilyain Liege.

Lieut asked a few question of Vythe, mainly about what had happened after they parted in the Foglornt jungle and how they avoided being executed. Vythe told him about the battle on the Morrow Plains and the arrival of the warriors from Nevārance. Soon the discussion turned to the search for Lieut that Vythe, Fairris and Bārdin done and what they were doing now. Lieut was most curious to learn that Fairris had in fact joined the warriors from Nevārance and was running about with the Grey Company.

Their conversation died down when they moved from the trees and back onto the beach Vythe had first woken up on. The shallows of the beach were laden with broken wood and tattered sails. More ruins of the ship lined the long beach and bodies floated face down in the shallows.

Lieut looked out across the ocean and identified a tall mast sticking out of the water.

“We are guessing that that is the schooner?” Lieut asked as he turned to Vythe.

“I guess so,” Vythe replied as he squinted across the water.

“And I guess I will be the one swimming,” Lieut sighed as he looked at the heavy shackles around Vythe’s wrists.

“If you do not find Lanart’s body and the keys, at least try and get a lifeboat,” Vythe remarked as Lieut stabbed his sword into the sand and took of his vest.

“Also,” Vythe added as Lieut headed for the water, “If you do find Lanart would you be so kind as to grab my extra-dimensional pouch as well.”

Lieut did not reply and he swum out into the water and through the debris that was floating in the calm waters. Lieut was a strong swimmer and soon he was away from most of the debris and was nearing the wreck of the ship.

Taking a deep breath he dived below the water and swum down towards one half of the ship which was sitting at the edge of a sandy shelf. Many fish swum about the broken schooner, most of which were shy and moved away as soon as he got near. But the bigger fish were much more curious, and Lieut cautiously kept an eye on a large shark that was circling about the broken helm.

Lieut headed straight for the broken windows of the Captain’s cabin, hoping that Lanart would have used them for his personal room. He looked down into the dark blue water that was below the shelf before tentatively moving into the watery cabin. He instantly spotted Lanart’s body floating weirdly about the cabin a look of terror marked on his face. Around the dead man’s waist was a thin belt where a several pouches were tied. Lieut roughly pulled the belt from Lanart and kicked his corpse towards the open door of the cabin to hopefully distract that shark he had seen.

Just then Lieut heard a deep rumble and ship began to move. Desperately Lieut swum for the broken window as the ship slipped from the edge of the shelf. The large Captain’s desk shifted as the ship fell and few into him forcing him backwards into the wall where he became pinned. The sea became dark around him as the ship plummeted into the sea bed. The impact threw him and the desk away from the wall and together they tumbled into a heap, the desk once again falling on top of him.

A stream of bubbles burst from Lieut’s mouth as the impact blasted the air from his lunges, and the ship came a rest in the dark depths and all Lieut could see was blackness.

Refusing to give up Lieut tried to push the desk from off his chest. It was no use his lunges screamed for air and he could not find the strength. If only his lunges were full, if only he had more time he might be able to wriggle free. But his time was up and the last amounts of air left his lunges.  

In front of his diming eyes a strange glow began to light up the darkness. Towards him came two beautiful Nilyain, their blonde hair moving hypnotically in the water and the glow seeming as an aura around them.

Yulvial moved quickly to him and embraced him with a passionate kiss. Suddenly Lieut felt his lunges fill with air and as Yulvial moved back he gritted his teeth and with his lunges full he managed to find the strength to push the heavy desk off his chest.

As soon as he was free Yulvial and her sister grabbed him and sped towards the surface. The dark water grew lighter and the next minute his head was above the waves and he was breathing in deeply.

“That is twice that I have saved your life,” Yulvial said, her face close to his and her arms still around him. “Would you still decline my offer to be Liege of the Nilyain?”

Lieut looked deep into Yulvial dark eyes and nodded and she sighed sadly. 

“Then farewell Lieut,” Yulvial said and kissed him.

Then she and her sister vanished into the water leaving Lieut to swim the way back to the island as Inüer sunk toward the west horizon.

It was starting to become dark as Lieut walked from the waves and Vythe and Xanthia came quickly to meet.

“Lieut I am glad you are back,” Vythe smiled, “We have been worried about you.”

“I hope I found what you wanted,” Lieut replied and tossed Vythe the belt he had pulled from Lanart’s body, “I will not be going back.”

Vythe laughed happily as he pulled from one of the pouches a flat stone with Runes scratched onto its surface. Vythe quickly ran the stone across the top of Xanthia’s shackles and they fell to the sand. Xanthia released Vythe from the iron hold and Vythe gleefully tied his extra-dimensional pouch to his own belt. Shoving his arm deep into the pouch Vythe smiled again and pulled forth the guantlets he had acquired in the vault of Grün Narād.

“Finally we can teleport to Crydon,” Xanthia said as Lieut returned his sword to his shoulder. “I cannot bare to think why the city is burning. But my father and my people need me.”

Vythe nodded seriously and did not wait a second before he began casting the spell of teleportation. Lieut glanced back to the dark ocean and thought of Yulvial just as it shattered like glass and was replaced with the dark streets of Crydon.

As the blurriness cleared Lieut looked about and realised that Vythe had landed them right in the front of Brown’s Place, the very tavern they had stayed at last time he and Vythe had come to Crydon in the company of Fairris and Bārdin.

But they were also surrounded by surprised faces which soon turned to looks of anger and weapons were readied in their direction.

Lieut’s sword was in his hand in a flash and ready for the first to attack, but none were brave enough.

“What is the meaning of this?” demanded a slender half-elf as she pushed her way to the front of the group. “Who are you and what do you want?” A look of surprise suddenly came to the elf’s features, “My Lady Xanthia?”

The half-elf’s brown eyes went wide and she dropped to her knee in respect. The rest of the group also knelt as soon as the realisation struck them.

“Regional Commander Rook,” Xanthia said with a smile, “It is good to see you again, Lethain.”

“How is this possible?” Rook exclaimed as she stood up and embraced Xanthia warmly.

As Lieut looked to Vythe he could see a look of concern clearly upon the man’s face, and with good reason considering the dark truths Vythe knew about the High Commission and its Regional Commanders.

“They are breaking through!” someone shouted before Xanthia could reply and the half-elf and the others drew their weapons.

“My Peacemakers of the United Concorde and I will defend you, my Lady,” Lethain Rook said determinedly and turned to head in the direction of the yelling.

“Hold!” Xanthia yelled above clamour, “What, in the name of The Five is happening to my city?”

“Please my Lady, there is no time to explain,” Rook replied sternly.

“You will explain, now,” Xanthia commanded authoritatively.

The half-elf clenched her jaw and turned to rest of the group, “You lot go now. Hold the bastards back.”

“My Lady Xanthia,” Rook said turning her attention back to the Princess. “You return at a bad time. There has been much fighting on the borders of Krnōrel and word came that it was caused by a great army of Elder Races. This news virtually divided the city in two, one half turning on the Elder Races within the city and the other half trying to defend them. Bloody fights erupted all over and we have been forced back and now barely defend the southeast corner of the city.”

“What does my father do?” Xanthia asked in horror.

“There is little he can do,” Rook looked grim, “The Lords and advisors of his court sided with the half who turned against the Elder Races. They have him locked away in the castle with the Queen who, as word has it, has gone into labour.”

“I must save my father,” Xanthia announced, her features stricken with worry.

“Not now you can’t,” Rook replied quickly, “If we cannot hold back the scum here we will all be dead by morning.”

“Take Xanthia inside,” Vythe said to Rook, “We will help hold them back. Come on Lieut.”

The half-elf looked at Vythe curiously and then to Lieut but she slowly nodded and took Xanthia by the arm.

With a slight smile Lieut drew forth his sword and followed Vythe as Rook took Xanthia inside Brown’s Place.

The city of Crydon was virtually made up of many islands that stood among the currents of Arbeth River with many bridges joining the isle. Thankfully only two bridges arched onto the island the tavern sat on so the defences were easily established.

But Lieut was eager for a fight and pushed his way through the crowd and over the makeshift barrier to meet any attackers on the middle of the bridge. Some of the defenders called him back, but Lieut ignored them and confidently walked towards the oncoming men. Several arrows whistled towards him and before Lieut dived to the side they shattered on a magickal barrier and burst into a shower of white sparks.

Silently Lieut thanked Vythe for the aid and readied himself for the first attacker. The man came at him swinging wildly with a club. With a quick step and a twist the club wielder fell dead and Lieut moved to the next three. In the light of the crystal torches and burning buildings Lieut’s sword flashed brightly and blood splattered the stone bridge. It took a dozen to fall at Lieut’s feet before the others realised they could not win and they retreated back into the city.

Lieut flicked the blood from his sword and returned to its clips before climbing back over the weak barricade to be met with stunned expression from the many humans, dwarves and elves that made up the defenders.

“Don’t worry about the archers, Lieut,” Vythe remarked with an amused expression, “I had them covered.”

“I knew you would,” Lieut replied with a slight smile.

A sudden cheer rose up from the crowd around them and he and Vythe received many slaps on the back and even more accolades.

But when Lethain Rook came from the tavern with an angry expression the cheers died down.

“Is Xanthia alright?” Vythe asked as the elf approached.

“I would not know,” the half-elf replied seriously, “She teleported from the tavern only seconds ago, most likely to the castle to try and save her father.”

“What did you do?” Vythe asked angrily, his eyes narrowing at the Regional Commander.

“What exactly are you accusing me of Master Varrintine?” Rook snapped back, and Vythe looked surprised. “Yes, I know who you are Vythe, and I know what you think of the Regional Commanders and the High Commission. But you have to believe me that I care for the people of my home and at this moment the plans of the High Commission can go to the Abyss for all I care.”

Vythe seemed taken aback by the half-elf’s words, but he glanced suspiciously to the Peacemakers of the United Concord, who were wearing white. Lieut and Vythe both knew that the United Concord were under the High Commission’s control.

“What of these from the United Concord?” Vythe asked suspiciously, “Another attempt by the High Commission, perhaps?”

“They are helping the people of this city,” Rook was quick to answer, “The people they grew up with, and now live among. They are helping the needy and weak, the people that the Kings and Lords do not care about.”

Vythe clenched his jaw and looked concerned, but he did not continue the matter.

Vythe sighed, “We will continue this conversation later Rook, but right now we need to get to the castle,” Vythe said urgently and looked to Lieut.

“They have regrouped!” a call came from the barricades.

A thin smile came to Lieut’s face, “Let’s deal with this lot first.”

Vythe smiled wide and nodded, “Best do it quickly then.”

With Vythe beside him this time Lieut jumped over the barricade and into the rushing force, the silver edge of his sword soon red with blood.