Just as the castle of Alabast had crumbled to the ground, hundreds of miles away to the south a dark haired man was regaining his consciousness.

The wind was the first thing he heard as it whistled past his ears and through the grass where he lay. Vythe forced his eyes to open and to push himself into a sitting position. Several ravens flew into the pale blue sky as he moved, crying unhappily at him. The wind held a cold bite to it and Vythe slowly got to his feet and continued to look around in confusion.

He was standing atop a high and barren plateau with the wind whipping about his hair. Not many trees could be seen about the place and the ground fell away before him into a long sheer drop to the valley below. A stunning panorama swept out before him filled with rugged mountain and deep valleys covered with patches of snow. The skies were filled with dark clouds which refused to be moved by the gusty winds and threatened to storm.

“The Southern Highlands?” Vythe wondered aloud as he recognised the landscape.

Vythe remembered the last time he had come to the southernmost region of I’ender with Fairris and Bārdin as they searched for Lieut. He also remembered the time he had come with his once friend Elardōre and when together they willingly ventured into the Void. There they had come across an angry demon who they betrayed once they found an escape from the Void. But they had not escaped the demon completely and it had somehow possessed Elardore’s mind. After that Vythe had never again teleported in fear of facing that demon again.

But that thought made Vythe wonder why he had not been attacked by that demon when Xanthia had tried to teleport them to Crydon.

“Xanthia?” Vythe remembered out loud and looked desperately about the plateau. “Xanthia?”

But the only answer came from the wind.

“Damn it to the Abyss,” Vyth swore and ran a hand over his face.

Clearly something had gone wrong with the teleportation to land him in the Southern Highlands. Xanthia could be anywhere.

Vythe swore again and moved to get a better understanding of where he was. Thankfully he knew the region so it was easy to gage the directions, and to the west Inüer was moving towards the horizon over the turquoise waters of the Scar of Gornl. To the south the plateau moved higher before touching the clouds, to the east the land was filled with the rugged flat mountain tops and deep ravines and valleys all covered with green grass.

Below him and to the north a long valley stretched out with a thin river streaming from the mountains down between the hills.

Vythe cursed, for there was little way of knowing where exactly in the Southern Highlands he was. Vythe thought about teleporting, but dismissed it immediately. A sparkle in the distance between two mountains caught his dark eyes and he lifted his hand up to his face to try and shield the glare. He could just make out what seemed to be a large body of water, maybe a river or lake. Vythe sighed, it was not much, but if it was a river or lake it was likely that people would fish along its banks. If he found a village then he might be able to start looking for Xanthia, if she had landed in the Southern Highlands, or was even alive. Cursing his bad luck Vyth began to look for a way down from the high plateau.

With the sheer cliffs that these rugged mountains had, it took Vythe the remainder of the afternoon to find a way down from the heights and had forced his trek to move away from the valley that led to the body of water.

Most of the Southern Highlands had never been occupied by humans and as such the land was filled with animals who had never seen something like Vythe before. A pack of large grey-green coloured wolves dogged him across the plateau and it seemed as if even the birds were watching him from the sky.

As Vythe began his decent down a narrow and steep vale a herd of goat-like animals fled before him. Their long hair flew in the wind as they ran across the side of the cliff face their three toed meaty feet finding firm holds and digging in with strong claws.

As Vythe watched the herd disappear around the ledge a slight smile came to his face. It was humbling to think that for even a man of his worldliness he had never seen or heard of such creatures.

The afternoon became evening and it soon became dark, and darker still as Vythe moved from the steep descent and into a thick cluster of trees. There were no paths through the brush so he had to find his own way, but luckily the undergrowth was thin and the magickal light he conjured showed him the way.

The night grew longer and the dark clouds finally released their downpour which was accompanied by thunder and lightning. Strange noises filled the night and Vythe was sure that the pack of wolves was still tailing him.

He soon emerged from the trees and into a narrow valley, in the dark of the stormy night Vythe was not sure if the mountains in the distance were the ones he had seen from the plateau or not. Reluctantly Vythe stopped under the bows of a tree and rested for the night, conjuring a small fire to ward off the chill that seemed unnatural in the tropical region. Under the bows of the tree it was fairly dry and Vythe used what magicks he knew to keep himself from being soaked.

The night was long and cold, and Vythe was startled awake many times by the howl of a wolf or the chatter of nocturnal animals that had come to see the stranger in their lands.

The next day continued to be wet and dreary. Though the main storm front had moved across to the west, heavy downfalls continued to make Vythe very wet and cold despite his magicks. It took Vythe the full morning to find his way to the river that flowed along the valley he had seen from the mountain top and with a brief pause at midday he began along its banks. Down from the mountains the cold had lessoned and the day became humid and sticky despite the continuing rain.

The land around the river was open and fairly flat, thick corpses of trees stood at the base of tall cliffs that flattened out onto wide plateaus. Herds of horses raced across the valley bearing the same grey-green coats as the wolves.

The thought made Vythe glance behind him and to the tree line to his left. A shiver ran up his spine as he saw some movement among the tree trunks as the wolf pack continued to pursue him.

That evening the valley became thinner and the rain continued to pour, making the night dark and humid. Vythe summoned a floating light but he was not willing to rest until dawn, so he pushed on along the river as it moved between the two rugged mountains.

The howls of the wolves sounded loudly throughout the night, and many times Vythe summoned his Fog spear as many of the wolves darted about the edge of the light. Vythe was exhausted by the time Inüer decided to rise again, but thankfully he was still alive.

The rain continued to fall that day and finally he moved past the two mountains and the river moved into a flat land. But here the land had been ripped apart by a great ravine where the river fell hundreds of feet into deep turquoise waters.

The ravine was not overly wide, Vythe could see the other high cliff in the distance. He could not, however, see how far the ravine carved through the land towards the east.

“Must be the Byse Canal,” Vythe said quietly, a smile coming to his face.

The Byse Canal waterway curved through the land from Nivalna in Scaroul all the way into the southern Golden Sea. The Byse Canal was also a well-known and used as a shipping lane, and the perfect place to hopefully barter a ride.

“Finally my luck is changing,” Vythe smiled to himself as he moved to the lip of the high cliff beside the waterfall.

But his optimism changed as the hot day drifted by and no ships could be seen moving along the Canal. For the rest of the day he waited atop the waterfall as the rain fell and the night came in.

With a frustrated sigh Vythe lit a magickal fire and tried to sleep. Thankfully it seemed as though the wolves had not pursued him further and he managed to find some restful sleep.

Things were brighter the next day, the rain had stopped, Inüer pushed aside the grey clouds and the morning was bright and clear, and increasingly warmer. But still no ships came by.

Having no better options Vythe waited atop the waterfall, praying that a ship would come by soon, else he might have to actually consider teleporting. Midday came and went and his boredom was briefly taken away when a majestic griffin flew overhead and let out a cry. 

Vythe watched the beautiful creature soar overhead and wished he could fly. The beast glided effortlessly across the sky and towards the south, and Vythe turned a dull expression back to the Canal.

White sails caught his eye and Vythe jumped to his feet and smiled as he saw a Schooner ship move quickly along the waterway. Acting quickly Vythe shot several flashes of magicks into the sky, the pattern creating a well-known light signal for help.

A few seconds past and the response signal from the schooner flew into the sky. Vythe let out a relieved laugh as he read the pattern which showed that the Captain of the ship was willing to help him.

The schooner moved closer and began to slow down, but Vythe realised that the only way he was going to get to the ship was to jump. At this moment though, the prospect of getting wet was of no concern and he eagerly jumped from the cliff and swan dived to the water a hundred feet below. Many would have thought it foolish, but Vythe was no fool and he cast a few spells upon himself to reduce the impact of the calm water.

The crystal clear water was cool and refreshing and Vythe swam over towards the ship with a smile upon his face. The crew of the schooner threw out a line and pulled him up to the deck where all had gathered.

“Welcome to the Lusty Mermaid,” a tall blonde man greeted him, “I be Captain Buckley and these are my men.”

“Thank you Captain, my name is Vythe Varrintine,” replied Vythe, “It is a pleasure to be aboard.”

“It is strange to find a man out here of all places,” Captain Buckley remarked.

“I agree,” Vythe nodded, “A result of an unfortunate teleportation casting by my companion. I do not suppose you have come across another seeking aid on your voyage?”

The Captain shook his head, “With me mister Vythe, if you will.”

Buckley waved Vythe to follow him to the quarter mast, ordering his crew to get underway as they walked.

“I’ll be straight with you Varrintine,” the Captain said as they stopped at the wheel. “I saved you that’s true, but I’ll be expecting you to pull your weight or pay for passage, and you look like a man who can do either. If you do either you will be treated like the rest of the crew with no privileges. Any complaining and I’ll personally throw you back in the water. Now, we will be coming to the trading post of Tierner where you can depart and go about your business. Or if you like you can stay aboard and accompany us to Alabast. You better be making up your mind quickly about that as well, because the Lusty Mermaid won’t be staying at Tierner long. I’m in the middle of a wager and race with Elza of The Sparrow and have to get to Skelledaris before she does. Thankfully we’re in front else I won’t have stopped to pick you up. So, make your mind up quick Varrintine, pay or work?”

Vythe fought back his amused smile at the Captains ramblings, and the way his platted blonde goatee dangled about as he spoke.

“Can I pay and work?” Vythe asked with a smile, “I feel I owe you that at least for rescuing me.”

The Captain let out a hearty laugh and slapped Vythe on the shoulder.

“Of course you can do both,” Buckley replied, “My first mate Iorde will show you the ropes.”

Captain Buckley called over a tall Snow Elf that had dark green eyes and white blonde hair that was tied back in a high ponytail. Lithinüer usually had pale skin, but Iorde’s skin was a dark tan from working on the seas all his life.

“Put Varrintine to work Iorde,” Captain Buckley ordered and the Snow Elf motioned Vythe to follow him.

“Welcome to the Lusty Mermaid Varrintine,” Iorde greeted, “I trust you know your way about a ship.”

“Somewhat,” replied Vythe as they moved across the deck, “Was it you that sent the return signals into the air?”

Iorde shook his head, “I have never been efficient with magicks, less so now. It was Ardwil that cast the lights.”

“Another Lithinüer?” Vythe asked in surprise, recognising the type of name.

“Aye,” Iorde nodded with smile, “My sister, and we are not the only Elder Race. Dwythr is of the Valenthōr, he spend his time in the rigging mostly. We have also two Nevāranciens among the crew.” 

Iorde led the way to the shrouds and began checking the ropes.

“I want more wind out of these sails,” Vythe heard Captain Buckley shout to the crew.

Vythe followed Iorde’s lead as they tightened the rigging.

“I must admit that I am surprised at such a diverse crew,” Vythe remarked to Iorde.

“I have been on this ship since Captain Buckley’s grandfather first sailed her,” Iorde replied, “Out here on the ocean there is no race, no discrimination aside from that which outsiders bring on board. My kin fight against the humans it is true, but that is not my fight. The two from Nevārance came because they were drawn by the sea, they want to be rid of the hate that follows them everywhere, and here on this ship they can be rid of it. They can find acceptance and companionship.” 

“So you have never thought of joining your kin in their fight for equality and their lands?” Vythe asked curiously.

Iorde shook his head, “My life is on this ship and it is much better than being one of dun kār fighting in the woods. They are no better than common bandits. Their cry is for equality, but they are young and filled with foolish ideals.”

“Dun kār?” Vythe raised an eyebrow, “The Ravens? Who are they?”

“You speak Elven,” the Snow Elf said in surprise.

“Hardly,” Vythe scoffed, “I know some and can speak even less. But who are these Ravens?”

“I only know what I have heard when we make port,” Iorde shrugged, “Groups of young elves raiding convoys and attacking towns and villages. They call themselves Dun kār: The Ravens. A name that has been bringing much woe to the human Kings and Lords in the short time they have established themselves. But as I said, they are nothing more than common bandits.”

Vythe and Iorde continued to talk as they worked about the ship. The Snow Elf also introduced him to the others of the crew including the two from Nevārance who were surprisingly friendly and talkative. The highlight of the greetings was when Irode introduced his sister, Ardwil, who was as beautiful as all elves and would have been even more attractive if it were not for the burn on her cheek and neck. But Ardwil did not give any sign of being self-conscious and explained how one of her spells had misfired though Vythe did not ask. As they spoke Vythe also began not to notice the ugly scar and was enamoured by the Snow Elf’s deep green-blue eyes. The afternoon moved by quickly as he made friends with the crew and shared some good laughs as they worked. Occasionally Captain Buckley would shout some orders and yell about not losing to Captain Elza.

That evening the trading post of Tierner came into sight carved into the stone cliff where the Byse Canal divided into two. The trading post was not large, but it was built in tiers up the side of the cliff and onto the flat lands above. Many tunnels ran through the rocks and bridges arched over the two canals, there were a few stone bridges but most were made of wood and rope.

Vythe recalled the last time he had come through Tierner with Fairris and Bārdin and thought of the pleasant farmlands that were situated on the plateau and were scattered across the small island.

Both waterways that the Byse Canal broke into travelled the short distance to Golden Sea causing Tierner to be broken away from the main land, turning it into an island paradise.

Of the two waterways the one that moved south was actually the larger and travelled further than the northern one. But because most ships that came past Tierner were bound for Alabast and the eastern seaboard of the realm, the southern waterway was only used by fishermen.

Throughout the height of Tierner many golden lights glowed out from the round windows and small doorways and it was just becoming dark when the Lusty Mermaid pulled into the docks around the base of the cliff.

“Fifteen minutes men,” Captain Buckley shouted as they made port, “Any longer and Elza will be upon us.”

Vythe was the first to jump from the ship and head into the town in search of any news of Xanthia, though he doubted that he would find any. What then would he do if he found no news or information that might help him find her? Vythe truly did not know what he could do, he knew that this venture would turn sour the moment his father had ask it if him. Xanthia was likely dead having landed in the middle of the Golden Sea or fallen from a great height onto rocks.

But Vythe had to search, for what else was he to do? He did not feel like returning home now, and going to Crydon to speak with King Lienthor without Xanthia would be a bad idea. So what now?

Vythe pushed away the thoughts and headed for a tavern he knew of and hopefully there he might hear something encouraging.

He found the tavern Sea Beast quickly enough and moved through the crowded room straight to the barkeeper.

“Ale for you good sir?” the barkeep asked cheerfully as Vythe leaned against the bar.

“Not for me at the moment,” Vythe shook his head, “I am a traveling minstrel in search of local tales. Say, have you heard anything interesting recently? Perhaps a half Yineth came through town?”

The barkeeper gave him a curious look, “The only half Yineth I ever heard of was King Lienthor’s daughter, but she was killed years ago. Surely you know about that? As for local tales, you might want to speak to Sy over there, he’s full of them.”

The barkeeper pointed to the end of the bar and Vythe moved quickly to the old man enjoying his drink.

“Evening friend,” Vythe greeted Sy and took up the seat next to the man. “I am a traveling minstrel in search of tales, the barman said you know a few.”

Sy wiped his nose on his sleeve and looked Vythe up and down.

“Buy me a drink and I’ll tell you a few,” the man smiled, showing off his few teeth.

“I will buy you two,” Vythe replied and placed two gold coins on the bar.

The man laughed and licked his lips, “Well now friend what do you want to hear, I got stories that’ll make even a traveller as yourself blush.”

“See anything strange recently?” Vythe asked seriously.

Sy scrunched up his face, “What do ya mean?”

“Odd sights, peculiar things, unusual people?” Vythe pressed, “Speak man.”

“Well now let me think,” Sy tapped his lips, “Of course, I saw something odd a few nights back.”

“Well, what was it?”

“Well you see, I was up on the plateau after a good booze up,” Sy began slowly, causing Vythe to become impatient. “Just lying back in the grass I was, not a care in the world. You see there ain’t no monsters on our island of Tierner, we got rid of them all a couple of Ages ago. You want to hear a story about that?”

“No,” Vythe said irritably, “Get back to your story of a couple of nights ago.”

“Alright, alright,” Sy huffed, “As I was sayin, I was lying there in the soft grass, so soft I could have happily spent the night there, but it’s been awful cool lately at night.”

Vythe sighed in irritation.

“But that don’t bother me much,” Sy continued, “Anyway, where was I? That’s right, I was lying there when all of an instant I sees a bright flash fly across the night sky to the south an west. There came another one, right after it. Scorching across the skies again, this time to the north east. Don’t ask me what it was cause I can’t tell ya. But it startled me right out of my drunkenness and I had to come all the way back down to the Sea Beast to get loose again. Expensive night that was.”

Hope filled Vythe heart as he left Sy without saying farewell and moved quickly from the tavern. The bright flash the man spoke of could well have been the result of the bad teleportation that had landed him in the Southern Highlands. This, if true, meant that Xanthia had been thrown to the northeast, maybe to Alabast.

A smile came to Vythe’s lips as he moved quickly back to the docks hoping that he would catch Captain Buckley and the Lusty Mermaid before they left. Vythe supposed he could have waited for that Captain Elza whom Buckley spoke of, but he was in a hurry.

Vythe’s smile dropped as he saw the Lusty Mermaid begin to pull away from the docks and into the current of the northern waterway. Vythe gritted his teeth and ran after the ship, he shouted out to any one board who would hear him, but none did. Racing along the docks Vythe skipped around some drunks and the wooden boards bagging loudly under his feet. Vythe came to the last wharf in line and sprinted down it in hope to catch the ship or at least draw some attention from the crew. But the ship was beyond jumping distance and no one had noticed him.

Vythe firmed his jaw and summoned forth some magicks before leaping out across the water. Before he splashed into the waterway a stone column reach out of the water, followed by another and several more allowing Vythe to use the pillars as stepping stones over to the ship.

Luckily the Lusty Mermaid had not found a strong wind and using his magicks Vythe came along side it and leaped to the deck. By now the crew had noticed him and all watched in surprise as the landed lightly on the deck and the stone steps crumbled into the water.

“Varrintine,” Captain Buckley bellowed down from the helm, “Thought you stayed behind. Nice little trick with the stones. Welcome back on board, you paying or working?”

Vythe laughed, “Why not both?”

Captain Buckley laughed loudly before ordering the crew to unfurl the sails and make way. Vythe had little time to catch his breath before Iorde ordered him to get to work. Vythe laughed to himself and shook his head before joining the crew and helping with the sailing.

It was late by the time they had finished the work and had something to eat. Most of the crew were asleep below when Vythe returned to the deck and leaned on the railings. Finally his bad luck had turned around and now he knew where to look for Xanthia. Hopefully someone in Alabast had seen something similar to what Sy had described and provided him with a direction.

“A beautiful night,” Ardwil remarked as she came along side Vythe.

Her soft voice made Vythe jump in surprise as he gazed at the twin moons that had just poked their faces out from behind a cloud.

“Indeed it is beautiful,” Vythe smiled, “Please join me.”

Ardwil smiled and lean against the railing next to Vythe. Like always the Snow Elf wore a white shirt which was tied into a knot below her bust and showed off her flat stomach. She wore simple black plants with high boots and a large belt where her cutlass was sheathed. The piercing in her navel shined in the moonlight as did her many rings and chains.

“I did not pick you to be so skilled with magicks,” Ardwil remarked, “Since the Fog disappeared mostly only those of the Elder Races have been able to use magicks.”

“I have always been talented,’ Vythe shrugged.

“I did pick you to use earth magicks though,” the Snow Elf smiled at him.

“I would not have thought you be strong on the Elementalist theories,” Vythe laughed.

“I am definitely not,” Ardwil replied indignantly, “Those theories are crude adaptions of elven understandings. Elementalism states that the four basic elements are sources of power to draw in when using magicks. Elves know that it is the elements that choose the wielder and can say much about their character.”

“And what does the earth element say about my character?” Vythe asked curiously as he gave the elf his full attention.

Ardwil studied him with her deep eyes.

“You strong and noble,” the Snow Elf replied, “You will not bend your will to others demands. You are clearly powerful, but also humble and comforting. You can give life if you want but you can also be fierce and destructive if angered.”

“Do you know of Threndor, Vythe?” Ardwil asked curiously and Vythe shook his head. “Threndor is one of the Guardians that Dhror and Melenduil tasked with watching over M’Aierth. He is the Guardian of the earth and rock. Elder Race mythology tells us that because you are akin to earth magicks you are also akin to Threndor. And like him you are strong and noble as I said, you are an artist with your spells and an unstoppable force with your anger.”

Vythe smiled slightly, “Perhaps some of those statements are true. What is your element?”

“Fire, as you can see,” Ardwil replied and showed the burn on her neck and cheek. “Although there is no Guardian associated with fire, it is an element of power and warmth, it can aid life if controlled and if angered destroy life. Fire is also passion and desire.”

Vythe could see Ardwil’s eyes sparkle as she spoke and she leaned closer to him. Vythe smiled and embraced the Snow Elf’s fire.

The next day Vythe awoke refreshed and in the early hours he left Ardwil’s cabin and headed on deck to help with the work.

“Varrintine, a word,” Iorde met him, “Love and lust are two different things but sometimes they become blurred with each other. Remember that, and remember to keep them separate.”

“I understand Iorde,” Vythe said sincerely, “Do not worry.”

Ardwil’s brother nodded and smiled, “I like you Varrintine, and I would hate to have to kill you.”

Vythe shared the laugh with the Snow Elf, but he understood that Iorde was not entirely joking.

“Get to work Varrintine,” Iorde commanded, “Go to the figurehead and polish our lusty mermaid. I want to see my reflection in it by the time you are done.”

Iorde handed Vythe some cloth and a couple of small buckets, one filled with a grease to create a shine and the other a clear sealing resin that was resistant to water and used to stop the salt corroding the figurehead.

Vythe sighed and took the buckets and rags and swaggered to the fore of the ship where he swung down and began polishing the silver plated mermaid’s breasts. The figure was very detailed and Vythe had trouble cleaning in the many nooks of the wavy hair and scales. He noted with a smirk that the silver plate of the breasts and hips seemed thinner than the rest of the metal.

By now the ship had moved from the northern waterway and was skimming across the waves of the open ocean. Salty spray splashed against his back as he dangled in front of the figurehead trying to remove the grim in the mermaid’s navel, around her erect nipples, armpits, and the waves of her long hair. It was a tedious job and the spray of the salt water made it twice as annoying, but he could imagine that a few of the young sailors enjoyed this task nonetheless.

By the time he was done the mermaid was shining brightly in the sun light and the clear resin was drying quickly. It was about midday by now so Vythe returned to the deck and joined the sailors for lunch. Vythe even decided to pull a large bottle of well-aged rum from his extra-dimensional pouch. The crew cheered at the sight and everyone had a glass.

“I thought magicks were no more,” exclaimed one sailor as Vythe returned the now nearly empty bottle back to the pouch on his belt.

“Runes are still quite effective my friend,” Vythe smiled and patted his prized pouch. 

“Captain.” Dwythr suddenly called down from the crow’s nest, “Its Elza, she is on our tail.”

The crew jumped to their feet and darted to the railings to look to the south to see how close Captain Elza’s ship was. Vythe moved quickly to the helm and pulled forth a spyglass, but even then he could only just see the white sails in the distance.

“Damn, she’s a good sailor,” Captain Buckley swore as he stood beside Vythe, looking through a similar monocular.

“That Wood Elf’s eyes are remarkable,” Vythe laughed as he gaged the distance between the ships.

“What are you all standing about for,” Captain Buckley yelled at the crew, “Catch me more wind you salty rats. I want to see that canvas tight.”

Vythe put away his spy glass and rushed to help the rest of the crew to try and coax more wind out of the sails. The rest of the day was hard labour, and harder still as dark clouds rolled in from the ocean.

There was little rest that night as the strong storm surge pounded into the ship. Vythe worked furiously with the crew as they fastened down the loose creates and strained on the rigging. Captain Buckley was as relentless as the waves that pounded the sides, demanding that they ride out the storm and hopefully put some more distance between them and Elza. The masts creaked and the rain stung Vythe’s face, waves crashed over the railings and almost sent them all over board, but when Inüer rose the next day they were all thankfully alive. Tired and very worn out but alive, and all crew members accounted for.

But their good fortune had not done much to better Captain Buckley’s mood, and it was worsened when Dwythr called down from the nest that Elza had gained on them.

“How?” Vythe balked as he stood beside the Captain.

“Her Caravel is more suited from sea voyages and riding out storms,” Buckley replied seriously, “Not to mention she is a good sailor. What are you all standing about for? Get me that horizon.”

There was no rest for Vythe and the crew for the next few days as they worked hard to find the best wind and currents. Captain Buckley constantly yelled orders as he glanced to the sails that could be seen in the south.

They soon could see the walls of Alabast in the distance, but the sight shocked Vythe.

“What happened to the castle?” Vythe gasped as he stood at the railings with Ardwil.

“Assassins killed King Arendt,” the Snow Elf shrugged, “Hadn’t you heard?”

Vythe shook his head, “Did they drop the whole central tower on his head?”

Ardwil shrugged again and moved away to help with the preparation for docking.

Vythe shook his head in bewilderment at sight of the crumbled castle, but he quickly reminded himself that he was searching for Xanthia.

As the ship docked Vythe jumped from the deck and onto the jetty thinking to find another tavern to gather information, but he changed his mind upon seeing the Harbourmaster waddle towards him.

“Good sir,” Vythe called out, “A word if you will.”

“Yes, I need to speak to you also,” the fat man replied, “You are from the Lusty Mermaid, I have a few questions, not to mention some issues with your cargo. Tell me, why do you carry so much less than you can hold?”

“I am not the Captain,” Vythe replied quickly, “Have you seen or heard anything about bright flashes across the sky to the south or heading north?”

“You listen here,” the Harbourmaster bristled angrily, “I am in charge of this dock.”

“Tell me what you have heard,” Vythe interrupted, noticing that the Lusty Mermaid was starting to prepare for departure already.

“I do not care for drunken tales,” the Harbourmaster huffed.

“So you have heard something?”

“Yes, a bright flash heading northeast. But I don’t care for that, now you answer my questions.”

“Vythe, are you to sail with us?” Iorde called out from the deck of the ship.

“Yes,” Vythe called back and turned from the fat Harbourmaster and headed for the ship.

“Wait there you,” the fat man called and tried to chase him down, “You lot are smuggling aren’t you? I’ll have you all arrested you hear me. Come back here. May The Five curse you smugglers.”

Vythe gave the Harbourmaster a curious look as the gangplank of the Lusty Mermaid was retracted and the ship moved away from the docks.

Later that morning Vythe was standing with Captain Buckley at the helm looking across the ocean.

“You are not in a race with Elza, are you Captain?” Vythe asked, turning his dark glance to the man.

The Captain regarded him for a few seconds, “No, we are not racing.”

“This Elza is chasing you for smuggling,” Vythe remarked, and Buckley nodded.

“Yes, but it is not what you think.”

“Perhaps you could clear up my confusion,” Vythe said with a smile.

“Alright,” Captain Buckley sighed, “Below the cargo deck is a secret level where we smuggle items, money and sometimes even people. But never for the wrong cause.”

“That’s a matter of perspective Buckley,” Vythe said, his smile gone.

“Not for me,” the Captain turned to Vythe, “My moral compass is the right direction unlike many. We only smuggle for good causes. But sometimes that can be misread, which is why someone has hired Elza to chase me down and take our cargo.”

“Which is?” Vythe asked curiously.

Captain Buckley studied Vythe seriously.

“Money and weapons,” the Captain finally said, “For Lord Cradizt of Bregta, in Krnōrel. Word is Lord Braun of Tyrn in I’ender will attack the border in an attempt to control more lands so Lord Cradizt is planning to pre-empt him.”

“Who told you that?” Vythe asked with concern.

“It doesn’t matter,” Buckley shook his head, “We were hired to transport these goods and that’s what we are doing.”

“And someone hired Elza to stop you,” Vythe nodded his head understandingly, “Which, at the moment, seems like a good idea. Such boarder disputes as this can turn to war, especially with the political environment the way it is.”

Buckley narrowed his eyes, “Am I going to have a problem with you Varrintine?”

A sly smile came to Vythe’s face, “Depends if you can fill my coin pouch or not.”

Captain Buckley’s eyes narrowed further, but a smile came to the man’s face and he pulled a pouch from his wide belt and tossed it to Vythe.

After looking at the diamond and pearl contents Vythe laughed and slipped the small purse into his extra-dimensional pouch.

“Why the cover?” Vythe asked curiously.

“You think I’m going to tell a complete stranger we picked up in the middle of nowhere that we are smugglers?” Captain Buckley laughed.

Vythe smirked, “But why a race? Surely there are better cover stories.”

The Captain shrugged, “I know I can lose Elza through the islands of Skelledaris. And why not a race? If you didn’t believe us we would have just thrown you over board.”

“Made me walk the plank?” Vythe laughed and Buckley joined him.

“Whoever made up that story is and idiot,” the Captain laughed, “Walking the plank is such a time consuming effort. You have to drop anchor, make the preparation, and make sure the one walking the plank doesn’t climb back aboard as you sail off or waste a perfectly good cannon to weigh him down. Easier to just shove them over as you sail along, a man treading water won’t last long in these seas.”

“Elza is back on our tail,” Dwythr called down.

“Still wanting to work Varrintine?” Buckley asked with a smile.

“I enjoy it,” Vythe smiled as he moved to help the crew.

“He enjoys it,” Vythe heard the Captain scoff as he left the helm.

For the next few days Elza’s ship could be seen on the horizon to the south, constantly dogging them and making Captain Buckley more and more tense. Vythe worked hard to find a good wind, as did the rest of the crew, but Elza continued to gain on them. The three masted Caravel was so close that Vyth could make out crewman at the figure head of Elza’s ship, the silver hair of a Nevārancien shone in Inüer’s light. A cannon ball even splashed behind them as Elza gaged the distance. Vythe hoped that it would not come to battle, Elza’s ship was bigger and even though he believed that the Lusty Mermaid’s crew could handle themselves in battle, the sight of the Nevārancien at the bow of Elza’s ship unnerved Vythe.

 Just as it seemed Elza would bear down on them the islands of Skelledaris greeted them, here Captain Buckley’s Schooner had the agility to dart around the islands and reefs and very soon Elza and her ship were lost in the maze.

Having broken line of sight Captain Buckley steered the Lusty Mermaid for the narrow sea ways that ran between the three main islands of Skelledaris. That evening they were sailing smoothly along the wide waterway with the green and sandy banks of the islands in sight.

“I’ll drop you off at the Boquōre port Varrintine,” Captain Buckley said to Vythe, “We got a lead on Elza, but I doubt it will last.”

“Thank you for the help,” Vythe smiled, “I wish you luck.”

“And to you,” Buckley nodded.

It was dark and misty when the Lusty Mermaid silently pulled up to the small docks and Vythe bid his farewells to Iorde and Ardwill, along with the rest of the crew as he disembarked. He was filled with optimism as he stealthily avoided the drunken harbourmaster and headed into the sleeping town of Boquōre.