As the next day rolled around, I think everyone quickly understood what it meant to be punished by me. Currently, I watched my crew stare at a topless Ellen as she tried to bark orders. Her tone was filled with anger and embarrassment. The men who remained held no qualms about openly ogling Sothshore in half her glory. When her eyes turned to me, I knew she had already thought of a thousand ways to dispose of my corpse if she got the chance.
"You're a right bastard, Eric," my mother said at my side.
We watched the crew work with the added distraction and stimulation caused by Ellen.
Ever since we had woken up, I punished Ellen for yesterday by revealing those lovely tits of hers to the open sea. She was indignant at first, but I told her that since she had nearly caused the demise of the crew, then she should reward those who worked tirelessly through the ordeal.
The number of curses she fired at me that morn still made me laugh. The crew gave no shortage of perverse compliments to her figure and, though she tried not to make it so obvious, no one could deny those comments turned her on by the stiffened nipples of her chest.
Of course, though it was all fun and games, I allowed Ellen to keep her own security. That was to say, if anyone touched Ellen then she was allowed to do with them as she pleased.
Of course, ya can imagine there were quite a few...unwelcomed hands, but those hands were quickly taught their own lesson. Aye, so graphic was the detail that I cannot bear to describe its brutality. They ought to be lucky she didn't outright kill them. I think everyone had seen enough death for a time.
I'd say after the tenth person got their hand broken, the unspoken rule became quite clear. Ya can look, but ya can't touch. Throw all the comments you want, but Ellen was still more than capable of kicking your ass from portside to starboard on the ship.
"Do ya wish to join her?" I asked, a bit of mischievousness in my tone.
As expected, my mother made herself scarce around me for that time. I laughed to myself when she did.
Contrary to how I had been feeling the last time the crew laid their eyes upon Ellen's partial nudity, I felt fine with this. I enjoyed the looks that the men, and some women, gave Ellen. Though my cock told me to fuck off with any upcoming stimulation, I welcomed the appreciation others found in Sothshore's beauty. No, they wouldn't desire her as much as I did, but the knowledge that they would be jerking their cocks whilst they pictured her tits at night turned me on more than I thought.
As we sailed, I noticed the rain had stopped. Thunder and dark clouds still rolled across the sky, but no more water left their embrace. We were getting closer.
The voyage continued without too many troubles. Waves as high as mountains threatened to overwhelm us, but I quickly disposed of them just as easily as the others which came against us. I also dealt with grand whirlpools and the occasional beast that jumped out of the sea. It was nothing quite like the trials, but it granted me a workout nonetheless. That said, I did have the mind to see how the crew fared at naval combat. I had handled most of the sea opponents that came against us, but a proper test of the cannons not against stationary buildings would be needed.
Once the seas settled to where I trusted that my ship would not be drowned beneath the waves, I asked for Liara once again. I also asked for Maeloson, Aesteal, and a few of the free members that Ellen could spare.
The latter glared at me for her troubles. Openly, I kissed her and her glare settled down to a simple grumble. Aye, have I mentioned how adorable Sothshore's annoyed expressions are?
Anyway, once my requirements were met, I gathered them all into my room. I then grabbed the heavy books I had placed on top of the urn. I took them off and grabbed the lid. I saw a bit of a shine to Liara's eyes. She must have known what we were about to conduct.
"As ya lot know, I've been busy mixing all manner of shit to use once we hit Delverhold. Now, we shall put the finishing touches on Kavtha's Urn. Maeloson, you and Diane will be working with Liara. Aesteal, you and these two will be working with me. Do I need to inform you of what we're doing, Liara?" I asked.
"I do believe I can fathom a guess, dear Captain. Come Maeloson, Diane. We have much to do," the beautiful witch said.
She took them to a separate corner of my room. There, she pulled out a book for them regarding more runes. I chuckled. Aye, still the clever witch that had nearly driven me into a sexual coma.
I then took my lovely bonded elf and sat her at my desk. "Now, Aesteal, copy down the symbols you see here from page 12 to page 104. I'll hand you the enchanted paper needed," I said.
"Why me?" she asked curiously.
I leaned over the chair and placed my mouth near her long ears. "Because ya can write better than I can, you slutty elf," I breathed out before I suckled her right ear. I could feel her shiver.
"S-Sir, others are around," she breathed out.
Due to our bond, I could already feel her aura responding to mine. It wouldn't have been long at all before the aura seeped into our bodies and I would take possession of her once again if we allowed it.
Nevertheless, our rational minds did not fall into deeper lust this time. I released her. She lightly panted from the sexual thrill. I turned back to the others who had been watching us with apt attention.
"Who are you two?" I asked.
"Saquon, Captain,"
"Asivr, Captain!"
I nodded. "Right. Saquon, Asvir, one of ya bastards is gonna dipping paper into this urn. The other's gonna be using this stick to churn what's inside. Make sure it doesn't splash out! This was fucking hard to make. Should you do a good job, then a thousand silvers to both of you," I said.
Both seemed quite eager as I handed one of them the stick to use and the paper that they needed.
"Pull out the paper every two minutes. Then hand it to Aesteal. Aesteal, once you're done, then hand them to me," I said.
"Yes, sir," she answered.
With that done, my room swung into work. I watched Asvir place about five sheets of paper into the urn at a time while Saquon stirred it with the stick I had given him. The slow churn of the fluids within the urn made gentle bubbling noises. I also spotted Maeloson and Diane working with Liara to cultivate the needed materials for the paper which I would hand to them.
"How is this, Sir?" Aesteal asked me.
I turned my head and noticed my lovely elf reaching out to hand me a piece of paper glimmering in the color of silver. Instead of a compliment, I quickly kissed her which got a few groans from those in the room.
"Aye, perfect," I told her.
Again, I had not known Aesteal to smile much but when she did, she was very beautiful. That was what I was blessed with at this moment.
I took the piece of paper and began my own work. No, it was not pleasant work either. I pricked my thumb and began tracing the symbols Aesteal had drawn. Everyone, aside from Liara and myself, jumped when the symbol burst into flames. I didn't even have the time to laugh at their shocked faces before I placed my hands over the fire.
"Ẽn," I said.
The flames subsided and the paper glowed with a bright light for only a few seconds. Once it cleared, I was graced with a standard magical formula for basic fire magic. I furled up the paper and then handed it to Diane.
Burnwood and Maeloson then began tying the paper with strands of witch's claws. No, they were not Liara's nails, though I wondered if I ought to consider them claws or not.
I felt a sense of unease flow through my body and I knew I could only feel this sensation from Ilzahold's gaze. When I peered back at her, she held a knowing smile on her face. Though I had not felt her intrude into the reaches of my mind, something told me that she didn't need to.
Instead of some form of retaliation, Liara merely returned to her work. I decided to continue with my work lest my thoughts take me to where I did not need them. More specifically, I didn't need to take them to places that Liara could get to them.
Another piece of silver paper was passed to me.
"Ắŋ," I cast another spell.
This time, the symbol pulsed with cold ice before it settled just like the fire one. Aye, an ice scroll made for conjuring basic ice magic. I handed that one to Liara as well.
I think by this point there was no more mystery to be had here. Aye, elemental scrolls such as these were a pretty cheap commodity. Ya could get about five to ten of these for about 20 to 25 silver, perhaps even less than that if you cared to bargain. Ones for basic fire magic like these weren't anything special. Hell, it was a normal requirement in some of the magic institutes to create low-tier scrolls for graduation and ascension.
As the name suggested, the scroll stored an element to the corresponding symbol placed on it.
In my past life, I had perhaps seen about 36 different types of scrolls like those in my life. However, ever since I came into contact with Liara's knowledge, I now learned there were over 10,000 scrolls of the elements and higher that could be wielded. I dared not think it too long. Anything involving Liara made my head hurt.
Now one might be wondering why these were low-grade element scrolls since Liara had clearly stated that Kavtha's Urn was capable of turning all liquid stored within it to its highest quality. Argh, I hate the explanation, but I shall endeavor a try anyway. The silver fluids which stick and coat the paper were indeed high-quality. Many would pay a fine coin for it, but that wasn't all it took to make a high-grade element scroll. Another factor to craft such items is the type of symbols used.
The symbols that I had Aesteal translate were only low-tier magic spells at best. With some low-grade paper, there would only be a use of perhaps one or two times. However, with this type of magically-infused paper, the number of uses rose to mighty proportions. Most mages and enchanters don't do this. By Liara's wisdom in my head, it's supposedly a waste of fine paper materials.
Additionally, high-tiered spells require more...materials than I had or was comfortable dealing with. Plus, I ain't got the mana for it. Though Liara does, I doubt I could convince her to undertake the task no matter how much I might know at the moment. Besides, I was planning on giving these scrolls to the crew for their own use.
Would you give men and women, most of whom have never even casted a spell, scrolls of mid or high-tier magic? I dare ya fuckers to think so!
By the time we were finished, about a hundred scrolls lined up the side of my walls and my mana had been thoroughly drained once again. I suppose if there was some light to all of this then, aside from the waiting riches at Delverhold, I could tell my mana capacity had grown from continued use. Nothing to sign me up for a magical institute for, but worthwhile nonetheless.
Unfortunately, I had to break the high spirits of most of them because I still needed about 500 more.
I turned my head from a small stone that was thrown at me courtesy of Diane. Liara merely laughed while I paid Saquon and Asivr their dues. The greedy, giddy brats that they were thanked me and bounced out of my quarters. When I actually took the time to think on it, I was still a brat at the edge of adulthood. Surely these bastards were ashamed of their maturity to someone like me, but I guess not.
Once my room was cleaned up and somewhat presentable, I was the only one left until Ellen came in with my dinner. I marveled at her wonderful breasts before I decided that she was allowed to have her shirt back.
"Fucking finally!" she grumbled as she made her way to the door.
"What was that?" I asked.
Ellen stopped and turned around. "Thank you for punishing me, Sir. May I be dismissed?"
I nodded. "You are dismissed, Ellen," I said.
The door slammed behind her and I settled for some simple laughter. No doubt Sothshore was headed back to her room to retrieve a shirt. Besides, I think the crew had seen enough. Though I wouldn't tell Ellen how pointed her nipples seemed to be when she came through my door.
While I ate my dinner in silence, I thought back to the anchor I took from the demon I faced back in the Sea of Greed. I thought about that odd aura which continued to surround it. Something about it unnerved me and I decided to place it in the bottom of the ship for now.
I thought to inquire Liara about it, but I already knew that most of her attention had been taken in by the ring I had given her. I saw no need to distract her. Though, I could tell there was something odd about that sharp anchor blade. It was something the depths of Liara's memories weren't telling me.
A knock came to my door and disrupted my thoughts. I can't say I was unhappy with the distraction.
"Come in," I said.
My door opened and I noticed Maeloson come through. I found this rather unusual since he doesn't visit my quarters very often. In fact, I think the last time he came to my quarters alone was in regards to Aesteal and our bonding.
"Am I disturbing you, Sir?" he asked.
I finished chewing on some of the bread I had been eating before I turned in my chair to fully face my male elf. "Not really. What do you want?" I asked.
I hoped I didn't come off as short as I sounded. I will admit to the benefits of being young, you don't get tired as easily.
"What happened back in the last trial. I know you've got questions to ask me. I'll answer them," he said.
I thought back to the Sea of Souls for a moment or two. I indeed heard the spirit taunt Maeloson about revealing something to the crew that he had kept hidden. Being as I was now, I couldn't say that I wasn't curious. Nevertheless, I still handled this carefully. After all, Maeloson wasn't stupid.
"And what made you think I had questions?" I asked.
The silver-haired man pondered this question for a second or two before he spoke.
"You don't trust me. Well, not as much as you trust Aesteal anyway. That's obvious. I'm sure you're aware that I'm not fond of telling you secrets either. However, I already know Aesteal values you highly and, though I'm loath to admit it, I can see why. You're the captain of the ship. It matters not the nation, the kingdom, the empire, nor the sailing vessel when trust is compromised...the only road left is ruin," He said.
Hmmm, wise words. Then again, I would expect that from a noble race like the elves.
I studied Maeloson's face for a while. Though I could tell that he deeply desired not to tell me...whatever he was going to tell me, he still held some type of elven code of conduct when speaking with a leader.
I noted to myself that he didn't tell me these things back on Draegnar, but I also didn't ask at the time. Aye, that might have made me trust them less, but why dwell upon hindsight?
I exhaled. "Just tell me this, Maeloson. You and Aesteal were the ones who wished to join my crew. You better know what that means. Do you?" I asked.
The elven warrior quickly nodded that he did.
"Do you really?" I asked again.
"Yes, sir," he responded.
"Good. If you know that then tell me when you're ready. Sometimes secrets are best kept from prying ears," I told him.
Maeloson spoke not a word more. Instead, he merely bowed and I dismissed him from my quarters. So long as Maeloson's business didn't interfere in my business then I did not care too much for what secrets he kept. Though, I know the only thing which gave me security like that was Aesteal.
Two days passed by without too much trouble.
Nz'ia and Lady Knight continued their own combat while I continued to refine my body with more swordplay courtesy of Maeloson. Aesteal, in the meantime, taught her warriors of our observing battles. I had already begun to see signs of Delverhold. Perhaps no one aside from Liara or myself might have noticed, but we passed several large stones with archaic runes etched into their skin. One could imagine the grin upon my face the first time Liara bore the sight of those stones.
"I see. No wonder they were hidden for so many centuries," she said to herself.
She looked at me and I winked at her before I returned to my duties.
One thing that everyone noticed was the closer we sailed to Delverhold, the richer the sea became. Wandering sea life filled with the primal essences of magic swam beneath my ship. Floating pieces of seaweed glowed in ethereal glimmers. Tiny orbs of released magic flew into the air for anyone to catch them. The seas had calmed. I don't exactly think anything here was a danger to us. Just like the veils we had passed through previously, this one seemed to cut itself off from the turbulent storms that raged in the other parts of the ocean.
Liara spent much time in her room studying what was going on around us. I had not seen much of her in those two days. I only caught glimpses of her when Diane went to and from her room with trays of food or dirty dishes in hand.
Over those two days, I created more elemental scrolls until my quota was filled. Whether late tomorrow or early the day after, I was sure I would hear the shouts of land soon.
After giving directions, practicing my art at swordplay, and conducting more alchemy, I retired to my room. Ellen gave me the report of everything which had occurred for the voyage and the number of deceased. I just finished dividing up the spoils that would be taken to each of their families.
Indeed I was a piece of shit, but I kept my word when I honored agreements. The treasures that they sought would be delivered appropriately.
That took me the better part of an hour or two. I must have been focusing more than I thought because I stiffened when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned and noticed Aesteal with my dinner for the night.
"Sorry if I disturbed you, Sir. I knocked but you didn't answer," she explained.
I looked at the reports littered on my desk and pinched the bridge of my nose. I then took my tray.
"I see. Thanks for the food. You're dismissed," I said a bit more coldly than I had intended. However, true to form, Aesteal offered no words of retort. She merely turned around and headed for the door.
As I picked up a piece of honeyed fruit, I gave myself pause. "Wait," I called. My lovely elf stopped at the door and faced me.
"Come here," I said, flexing my finger to emphasize my words.
My female silver-haired elf eyed me, but dare I mistake that flare of her aura my own felt? Surely not.
She stepped away from the door and came back to me. "Have you had dinner yet?" I asked.
"No, though I'd ask for your company if I did," she replied, a gentle smile beginning to form on her lips.
I smiled as well and took her into my arms. Her ass on my thighs, we stared at my dinner for a little while before she picked up a piece of meat and held it to my lips. I accepted the offer graciously.
"Ya do realize what happened the last time we did this?" I asked.
Due to how light her skin was, I was given the sight of a blush on her cheeks. Also, I must have been sleep-deprived because I was sure I saw her ears tremble a bit.
"Yes, sir," she said.
Her legs trembled in response and I felt the very familiar flames of lust begin to stir within my loins. I placed some food to her lips and she ate as well. We sat in comfortable silence for a while, taking the pieces and morsels from my tray as we heard the crashing waves outside.
I was a little surprised when, after I finished taking a bite of some fruit, Aesteal kissed me. I tasted the many flavors of fruits, bread, salted fish, and krill that she had partaken of. Naturally, I reciprocated her attention with my own kiss. Her smooth hands caressed my sea-stricken face.
Our lips parted slowly and I realized I had closed my eyes to enjoy the feeling. "Mmm, you're being pretty forward tonight," I said, my body warmed by her own.
"Do...Does it appeal to you when I'm forward, Sir?" she asked with hesitation in her voice.
I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised. A few weeks at sea wasn't exactly enough time to undo years upon years of built tradition and culture beaten into Aesteal's body.
I traced my finger through her thigh. Her leg shook and her chest became unsteady. Despite her uncertainty, I didn't mistake that familiar arousal in her eyes. That arousal longed for a warm bed and even warmer cock.
"What do you think?" I asked softly.
I kissed Aesteal's cheek and I brought my other hand around her waist. Like a snake, my hand slid up her chest and landed on her breast.
"Mmmmmmmm," Aesteal hummed as she rubbed my chest a little harder. My cock rose in appreciation. It tightened my pants painfully.
"Tell me, Aesteal. Do you think I like it when yer forward?" I asked again as I rolled her breast in tantalizing circles.
My fingers pinched her nipples, and she squirmed like Zeus' mighty lightning strikes had rung through her body. Her body shivered and wiggled against mine, enticing my cock further until it was buried just shy of her ass.
"Oooooooh, I...I don't know, Sir. I...I hope you are," she said in short raspy breaths. Her nipples pushed against the fabric of her garments well.
As I tended to her, I slowly brought my hands to a stop. "Oh? You don't know. Why don't you know? Aesteal, stand up," I demanded.
Despite the fact that I'm sure Aesteal had lost some of the feeling in her legs. She slowly stood up and faced me. I didn't try to hide my cock from her. I doubt I could have hidden anything from those elven eyes anyway. She stared at my cock like it was some old relic embedded with royal stones. Rather than through her nose, her breath expelled from her lips. The appearance of arousal had not waned.
"Why don't ya know, Aesteal? Do you not know what I like?" I asked.
Despite her clouded haze, I could see my lovely elf trying to figure out this question. "I...I had not given the idea much thought, Sir. I desire to please you, but...I don't know how. What would sir like me to do?" she asked, nay pleaded.
Behind those eyes, I could see and feel the aura within her. With no doubt, I'm sure she would have done whatever I pleased. However, I gave pause.
"You want to know what I'd like you to do?" I asked.
Her head nodded and her legs squirmed together. Seas, I could just imagine the dripping juices rushing down like a fresh waterfall just waiting to be plugged and filled by my cock. I could imagine Aesteal riding wave after wave of orgasms before I unloaded my cum deep inside her.
I leaned back in my chair. "Seduce me, you slutty elf," I said.
A grin appeared on my face when I saw the nervousness on Aesteal's face.
"Seduce...you?" she asked.
I answered her question with a nod. "Aye, seduce me. Entice me. Make me want to play with your body. Find out what makes me desire you so much. Tease me. Use any means at your disposal. Maeloson told me what a brilliant warrior you were. I have seen that evidence for myself as well. Now, use that smart, sexy, elven brain to figure out how to please me," I said as I sat and waited.
Aesteal remained silent for several moments. She tried to stay something, but the words didn't come out. For once, I actually saw my female elven warrior at a loss for what to do.
It was actually rather funny.
Back when we had sex for the first time, her mouth, lips, and body had not failed to entice me so well. Her moans dripped like neverending honey and, like a spell, her words enraptured my body which drove me to grant her what she desired. Yet, not even she was aware of this fact. I desired to see how she sought out the physical pleasures of a man on her own.
After some time, Aesteal surprised me by quickly undressing. She cast her clothes to the floor and she stood before me in her wonderful, naked elven beauty. Her long arms, long legs, beautiful hair like fine silver, and a body that reminds me just how many mercenaries tried to lay claim to all, thrilled me more than I thought possible. I did wish she added some form of visual stimulation to her undressing, but I wouldn't hold her back if this was what made her comfortable.
Once Aesteal was sure of herself she then walked over to me. She pressed her tits together and bunched them in my face. She then sat on my lap.
"Sir, I need you," she moaned into my left ear. She then made me shudder when she licked my earlobe.
My hands clenched my chair.
"I want you. Make use of my body as you see fit, Sir," she spoke, her voice almost as soft as a whisper.
Aesteal took one of my hands and rode it up and down the length of her curves. Like a mysteriously perfect puzzle piece, her body mixed with mine, stimulating the aura between the aura between the both of us.
Despite her sexual naivety, I saw that Aesteal was indeed trying to entice me as well as she thought. She brushed my fingers over her erect nipples while her cunt released lavish juices on my pant legs.
"I desire you, Sir. I wish to experience the greatest feeling of pleasure by your hands. Can't you feel my Hňŕě rising for you? My...my pussy aches for your cock!" she claimed.
Aesteal planted soft kisses on my cheek and nibbled on my lips on more than one occasion. I couldn't stop my hands from trailing up and down her glistening skin. Beneath the flames of my candle stand, she looked like she had been slathered with fine oils. Her eyes had reignited their sweet fires of ecstasy. She took one of my roaming fingers and sucked on it with that wonderful tongue of hers.
"Nggggggh...mmmmmmmhnnnnnnN!" she groaned. I just laid back and enjoyed this attention, but I'll admit it wasn't easy to do. My cock was painfully stretched and it kept rubbing between my legs, my stomach, and Aesteal's body.
"Sir, take your long, hard cock and fuck me as hard as you desire. Make use of my...my slutty body! Make use of this body that desires to drive you mad," she said.
Aesteal grabbed my shirt and slid it off my body. She then grabbed my pants and pulled them down. I think she gained confidence that her tactics were working because my cock was oozing with fluids just waiting to slide into this wonderful elf's body.
Whether by our aura, or the perverse thoughts in my head, I could see the thousands of possible ways this could go. It felt like my connection to her arousal had allowed me to peer into the realities that would follow how much she moved me. Dare I say I'm surprised I didn't cum at them all.
Suddenly, Aesteal stopped.
She pulled herself back from me. She laid on the ground and spread her legs to me. With her fingers, she opened her snatch which allowed me to stare into that glorious cavern of slippery wetness just waiting for the plug to come fill it.
"Look what you've turned me into, Sir. A panting, writhing, aroused elf, just waiting for her captain to slide his cock...inside...l-like...this. Nhnnooooooooooooo," She said before she shoved three fingers to her cunt.
My chest was filled with sexual arousal. I could feel my nostrils flare as Aesteal masturbated, still somewhat clumsily. However, that didn't matter to me. Her drive to entice me wasn't wasted. I desired to grab a hold of my cock if only to keep it steady. It kept flopping back and forth like it represented the state of my mind and the indecision within it. I wanted her to continue, but my cock begged for the soft, slopping hole where it could deposit shot after shot of cum from my balls.
"Ooooooooooooh! Oooooooooooooh spirits, Sir! Watch me! Watch me cum to the thought of you taking me to your bed and fucking me! My...my pussy clenches and pulls in my fingers. Please grant me your cock and fill me up with your potent, virile offspring! Don't you wish for your cock to slide in and out just like my fingers? Just...just...Just loooooooooooooooooooook! GOoooooooooooooOOOOOODS!"
Whatever Aesteal was going to say next had been lost in a state of extreme sexual euphoria. She clenched her legs and arched her back. Her finger jammed themselves into her flowing womanhood. A fountain of love juice suddenly surprised me when it fired into the air. Her legs twitched and the scent of her flavor filled my nose. Her aura mixed with mine thus allowing my body to draw from her seemingly endless wells of female sensuality.
Once her high was finished, she surveyed her work on me. I still sat within my chair, eager to see what she would do next. For a moment I wondered if my will had been too strong because I saw a few glimpses of unwarranted shame and embarrassment. She must have thought that wasn't enough. On the contrary, I didn't trust myself to walk over to her. To be honest, the friction between my stomach and my cock would have made me cum at the moment if I moved.
"Is that all ya can do, Aesteal?" I asked with a type of bravado that I knew my voice didn't have.
I think she could tell as well. Once those words had left my lips, her shame turned into confidence. From being bonded with this elf, I had learned a bit. For one, I was much more in tune with her emotions and her with mine. If I could see the rising and exploding fires of her aura then there was no doubt she could see mine.
Aesteal didn't respond to my question. Instead, she stared at her drenched fingers and lapped up the juices that stuck to them slowly.
Once they were clean, she stood up. She walked over to the wall and placed her hands upon it. She turned back to me and split the cheeks of her ass. The sticky substance of her pussy fell to my floor like drops of rain.
"Breed me, Sir!"
...I was not entirely prepared for that one. Such words were not something I had expected to be expelled from Aesteal's lips. I only remember her uttering them when she was at the highest forms of her pleasure when we last fucked.
Her body trembled. Her breath was ragged. Nevertheless, her eyes offered me pleading that turned my flaming aura into a great inferno.
"Is that not what you desire most, Sir? To make me carry your...our descendants? D-Does it turn you on to know that an elf who thought pleasure abhorrent now desires you to impregnate her? I want to feel your cock thrusting into me, Sir! Your strong arms pinning me where you please, forcing me to accept your thrusts and your needs. Please crave my body, Sir! Make me submit to you. I ask you, Sir, to fuck your elven slut," she finished.
I wish I could say I remembered blasting out of my chair.
I wish I could say I remembered frantically grabbing Aesteal's hips.
I wish I could fucking say I even remembered to fucking breathe.
I wish I could, but I couldn't do that. All I could remember was lodging my cock deep into Aesteal as I grabbed a fistful of her hair and pulled her head back to kiss me.
"MMmmmmmMMMnNNNNNNNN!" Aesteal groaned into my lips. Seas, I felt the glorious inferno of Aesteal's cunt wrapping around my cock. I pushed so far into her that I could feel the way my balls slapped at her lower lips.
"Seas, I love you. Well done!" I moaned as I suckled on her lips. My tongue was frantic, my desires were unhinged, and my hips were unrestrained.
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaah! ooooOOoOOOOOOOoH! Yes, sir! T-Thank you, Sir! Oooooooo gods, your cock feels so good! Hnnnnnnnnnnnnnng! Mmmmmmmmmph!" My wonderful, sexy, temptatious elf said to me as she gripped her hands with mine.
I felt a tad bit of shame for Liara since she might have been resting, but I couldn't stop the thrusts of my hips into Aesteal's soft body against the wall. Aye, she had said the right words to get me going. Just as before, visions of her swollen stomach and my little bastards running where they may filled my head. The coat of her sticky essence wrapped around my dick like a warm glove. Each bump and curve of her undulating pussy massaged my cock perfectly. Her kisses upon my cheek drove me utterly insane.
Sweat started to pour down the side of my scalp, but I dared not stop. The aura of our bond seeped itself into my body, providing me with more than enough energy and lust to keep my cock hard and my movements fluid. All I could think about was granting her the pleasure she desired.
SMACK!
"MMMMMMMMMMMMMNNHGGGGG!" Aesteal wailed when I smacked her ass with the power and lust of a man driven to insanity by his partner.
"Ya dare seduce me this well, Aesteal? Begging for my cock like some tavern wench. Do good elves ask for a man's cock so wantonly?" I asked.
"N-No, Sir! OOooOOoOOOOOOOOOOoOH DAEGIN, SIIIIIIIIR!" she exclaimed. I felt her body shudder from another orgasm that drenched my cock in the exotic juices of a female elf.
SMACK!
"You're a bad elf, aren't ya? You're a slutty elf! You're a naughty elf! What elf likes to get punished by having her ass spanked? Tell me," I ordered.
"I...aaaaananahaghnnnn...I do, SIR! Oh gods, I do by you, Sir!"
SLAP!
"HNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGAGAAAAAA!"
"You do what?"
"I like to get punished by having my ass spanked, SIR!" she wailed.
I then shifted our positions where she could fully stare into my eyes with her back against the wall. By my strength, I lifted her up and slammed into her welcoming hole with my hardened rod. Her arms grabbed my neck and her legs helplessly dangled behind my thrusting hips.
When I stared into Aesteal's eyes, I saw something that I don't think I had seen much from even my beloved. I saw within her gaze the utter submission of her body and pleasure being rocked through the very corners of her soul. So warm was our aura around us that I think the entire ship might have felt it just like it had when Liara and I had joined.
"Mmmmmmmmmmmaaaaa...oooooooh yes! Fuck yessss, Sir! Soooooo hard! S-S-S-Soooooo deep inside me! So strong! Ghianillll famioe fil! Casic riaesv fnial!" she spoke again and again while she immersed herself in my gaze and I in hers.
We then fell to the bed and Aesteal took over for my thrusts with her own. She bounced herself on my cock and the sounds of thuds must have been heard past my door, but she did not relent. Instead, she clawed at my chest, her hair swiping back and forth like blades of grass in the wind. I toyed with her tits and pinched her nipples as she rode me. Her pussy took me so far down that my balls nestled between the crack of her ass cheeks.
"Does it feel good, Sir? Does my slutty body feel good to you?" she asked.
"Aye! Aye, it does, Aesteal!" I proclaimed.
I watched my cock appear and disappear into her body. Cold air was met with tight warmth as she bent down and kissed me. So enraptured by her presence and her movements was I that my own orgasm came upon me rather unexpectedly. I just grabbed her hips and slammed her down over and over again. The sloshing of her orgasmic cunt was an unending fountain on my dick and in my ears.
"Yes, Sir! Please! Cum inside me! Let me carry your offspring! Please...oooooooooooooh yesssss fuck please! Please! Please! Please! Please! MMMMMMNNNNNNNNNNNNGH!" Aesteal begged, and begged, and begged until it was too much for me. My arousal had reached its peak.
"HNNNNNNNNNNNNNGH!" I groaned as I locked my hips and forced my cock as deep into her as I could. My cum blasted out and shot deep within her warrior body. Thoughts of her swollen stomach made me delirious as we fell down in frantic pants.
Once we regained our breaths, we blew out the candles and pulled up the sheets to my bed. Aesteal rested on my chest and I kissed the top of her head. In the darkness, we laid together for a time. My hands ran through her hair while her breath tickled my chest.
"Aesteal," I spoke.
She looked at me.
My eyes slowly blinked. "Tell me of your mother and father in the lands of Fgg'rial. What were they like?" I asked.
I don't know why I was curious about this or what prompted my question, especially after Aesteal and I had delved into the depths of sexual bliss. Had it been me from my last life, I might not have cared but since bonding with this elf, I have grown a bit more accustomed to my emotions than I normally would have been.
Heh, maybe that's my age getting to me. Either way, I found myself curious to know more of her life. We had spoken of personal things before, but I didn't believe I asked her about her parents.
Aesteal was silent for a long while. Given that our bond had flared in strength, most likely due to the sex, I was more in tune with her mood. She wasn't sad or upset, but I could feel some hesitation within her body. I decided to rub her arms to soothe her thoughts lest they overwhelm her.
"'The spirits are my mother. The land is my father. As one, they guide me and instruct me from birth to my passing. So too shall my body respect them and grow in their pride.' That would be the answer I would give you had I met you within the Great Lands. However, I assume that wasn't what you meant," she softly said with a rather melancholic chuckle.
I can't say I returned the laughter. I just held her in my arms, silently waiting.
"I really don't know, Sir. I'm told I was found deep within the Aslkren Woods just outside the kingdom's walls. I was taken to the Order and there I was raised. I asked that question only once and what I told you just now was the answer I was given. From then on, during my time with the Order, my time was not spent thinking of my parents. My mind was driven to the protection of the Kingdom. While others took breaks or spent elven traditions with family members, I practiced my way of the bow and blade. Most thought me cursed, for an elf with no lineage is called 'Ẻjn', One Who Brings Misery," she said.
I remained oddly silent. My hands continued to rub her shoulders and her fingers traced the lining of my stomach.
"Yet, when I was by myself, resting from the long days, I thought of my parents. I imagined that my father was a Fgg'rial Elder Scout with many elven men and women taught beneath his bow. He could fire arrows as fast as the paws of a Dwarm Hare. His voice was like mighty thunder and his eyes were like burning fire. He was well-versed in elven scripture and he would have taught me how to read and write the Chronicles of Ỳn. He would have been a patient man, not so quick to anger, but steady in his steps. Like any elven warrior, he was prepared to defend the causes he felt were suitable to him," she said.
I slowly nodded with my thoughts almost at a standstill. "I see," I said softly.
I closed my eyes and listened to her words. Like a hot blade, she sliced into my soul with each tale that calmed me for some reason.
"My mother I fantasized about the most. She would have ranged from a simple woman to as high as a priestess of the Great Spirit Trees of Hwae. Whether she was one or the other, or something in-between, she was a gentle soul. She would have taught me the great lessons of the spirits, and the honor and dignity that each provides to this earth. From her, I would learn patience, endurance, following through with the decisions in my heart, and...learning to love and adore an insufferable man," she said rather sleepily.
I tickled her ears. "Smart lass this mother of yours would have been," I returned.
"The smartest," she claimed before slumber took her away.
Her aura gently wrapped around mine and it wasn't long before I heard her quiet breaths. I pushed a piece of hair away from the side of her face. I pulled up the covers a little more and Aesteal snaked her legs with mine. Something within Aesteal's words comforted me, especially after the fires of our lust had been sated.
I leaned down and kissed her forehead. She squirmed but didn't move further. I found I enjoyed this odd feeling dwelling with my salty heart. Soon, I fell asleep as well. For that night, I cared not if anyone laughed, but...I actually dreamt I was a high elf. Long ears, shitty noble like clothing, prudish demeanor, and living in some mystical tree with Aesteal. It was the best rest I had in a long while.
The next morning, I finished up the tasks that I felt needed doing. I had been awake for the past three or four hours quickly refilling Kavtha's Urn with the essence that I had used to create the elemental scrolls.
I had just finished some of my work when I heard the sound that I had been preparing for ever since I first weighed anchor from Draegnar.
"LAND HO!" I heard one of my men cry.
I closed my journal and inhaled.
Aye, the air had suddenly changed. It seemed rich in the mystic arts. Thanks to Liara's affinity for the spiritual realm, I could feel the magic in the air brush through my body attaching itself to the open pores where my mana resided. It enriched and expanded the stores of mana within me. It was just like how it happened the last time.
When I first entered this sea, my crew had been immediately changed. Prevailing ailments were immediately healed. Scars and tears were replaced with new flesh. Horrid eyesight was made clear and the rudimentary lessons of alchemy filled the minds of weaker men.
I pushed myself out of my chair and stretched. Aye, now would come the hard part.
I stepped out of my quarters and stared at the marvel that was the first island of the Lost Isles of Delverhold. When I stared upon that island, I felt like an old man who had returned to his first bed as a small bastard.
The island was laced with deep green foliage. Forests covered that island like the beard of a washed up of Draegnar fucker. However, beyond that overgrowth, I could make out a few structured buildings. As one might expect from the alchemist who resided here, monuments of forged stone and even pillars of iron and constructed metal jut out from the corners of the monuments almost like rusty pipelines.
From what I could make out, I barely saw the archaic runes etched into the skin of those pipelines. The weather upon that island wasn't normal either. Hundreds, if not thousands of scientific experiments and archaic spells had warped the very nature of that once pure and natural island into something so strange that no man could comprehend. One day it might be cold, the next it might be hot. One day it might be windy, the next it might face tides so high that they covered half the island. Aye, not an island meant for ordinary men to tread.
That said, I tried to keep the smile off my face when I saw some of my crew mates actually cry at the sight of the first island. Given all that they endured, they probably thought all of their frustrations, angsts, fears, and uncertainties had been answered. Hell, I saw Liara reading three tomes at once as if trying to comprehend the puzzle within them that had been the clue to this land.
My mother and Ellen stared at the island. Given how close they had been to me in the many passing weeks, it was almost impossible for them to not feel the magnitude of magical energy swirling upon that floating land of overgrown vegetation and cut stone. I found it rather comical when they both turned to me with their silent question of if this was actually what we had all sailed for.
I nodded silently.
They stared at the land before them while I clenched my fists. It would be different this time. By my own will, I would make it so!
A sharp clap of my hands broke the gaze of everyone. "Are ya lackeys gonna gawk at it all your lives? Or are ya gonna feel the sandy shores on your feet?! Helmsman, head for that island! HEAD FOR DELVERHOLD!" I hollered.
"WE SAIL FOR GREATER FAME AND GLORY!"
The crew roared with their guns and cutlasses in the air. As the ship continued to sail for the ever-growing island, I actually fancied myself a look at Diane. She caught my gaze and a look of lustful fear and anticipation filled her eyes.
My grin widened.
Aye, that bountiful ass was mine!
Despite their excitement, I had to put a damper on the rising spirit of the ship. I quickly called everyone together.
"Yeah yeah, shut your mouths and pay attention! I can already see that greedy gaze in your eyes just like in the Sea of Greed. Now, you're right, beyond this island there are maybe four or five more pieces of land which hold such glorious treasures that I promised," I said.
Before everyone could holler, I stopped them. "That said, don't lose your damn minds. You think islands like these had trials like those if they weren't dangerous in and of themselves?!" I hollered.
That quickly settled them down.
Once I had everyone's attention, I exhaled. "Naturally, explore all ya wish. Collect whatever you want and it's yours for the taking, but...if you walk into the forest and a feeling of utter dread wraps over you, go no further. Turn around and alert it to Ellen, my mother, or me. And, if you think you can be crafty and try to continue on anyway, then I'll just say...you'll wish the Taker of Voices was the one to end your miserable existence," I told them.
Some swallowed the fear in their gullets as the waves carried us to the island. I stared at its massive body. "You made a fool of me last time. There shall not be a second time!" I thought.
Once everyone was pacified, Ellen began barking orders in that sexy voice of hers that I love. The ship's anchor was lowered and the rowboats were cast out. I oddly took note of the adventuring team, Raven's Claw if I recall, sailing in their own rowboat.
Suddenly, I felt a burning sensation on my hand. I looked down and I noticed that the blood contract had been fulfilled. The seal had released me from its curse and I have no doubt that it had done so for Liara. I know because she looked at me with that look that all women have when they know the shitty things that go on in the heads of men.
The witch then appeared before me. "Turns out the word of a pirate is worth more than that of a noble. 'Tis most surprising. I need not inform you, but I have searched for these isles many years. Now, I have a young captain to thank for this opportunity. I shall look forward to this...request of yours, Eric Drakclaw," she said to me.
I grabbed her hand and kissed it. "Dare ye not to think too much on it, Witch. Study and procure what you wish. This voyage is much yours as it is mine," I replied.
Ilzahold chuckled. "Now, now, young man. Do thee not to embarrass me. Diane, Goron, come! Our dear captain has granted me an opportunity I had long thought lost to me. It would be most rude to not partake of these good fortunes. We have much to do!" the beautiful witch said.
"Yes, Lady Liara," the Gunswoman and the Big Fucker said.
The former offered me a glare, but I gave her a simple wink. I'm sure I would enjoy the nights to come.
Anyway, once that was done, I quickly addressed the others. "Mother, Ellen, Aesteal, Maeloson, Nz'ia, Alteria, you guys are with me," I said.
It annoyed me that I had to repeat that to Nz'ia through the spell, but it wasn't like I had the time to get anyone to teach him our language, nor teach the others his.
"What about that fucker?" Ellen asked, hiking her thumb behind her shoulder. My eyes landed on Boreli. I found it rather cute that Aesteal gazed upon him with no less fire than I had.
I sucked my teeth. "Astell, get your ass over here. You're with me as well," I called.
Boreli looked up at me. "Aye, aye, Captain! Where shall me shovel be dug as we unearth buried treasure? I might not look it, but I gots lots of stamina!" he proclaimed.
"...I'd like to gag him," my mother grumbled to herself.
I was tempted to let her try.
"Shut the fuck up and just do what you're told. I'd toss your ass back in the brig if it were up to me," Ellen said.
"Shutting up now," Astell said with a laugh.
I snorted as we all climbed into our own rowboat. Luckily for them, there was no need for a paddle. I merely wove the waters and we were on our way.
One might be wondering why I allowed Liara to go off on her own. Aye, from what I've seen of her memories, she's got that type of disposition that all scholars got when they find something fascinating. I'd rather steer clear of the coming lecture and theory crafting that I knew Diane and Goron might be subjected to.
Once the boat landed on the sandy shores, I took the first step. I jumped onto the beach and breathed in the air. Yeah, I could never forget this smell. It was the smell of an alchemist's tampering with the very tethers of structured magic. I wondered if this was what Liara felt when she first landed on the beach.
I shook my head when I saw that a few groups had already begun digging in the sands of the beach. I don't know why they desired to dig there. This was an alchemist, not a deceased pirate. I doubt an alchemist would bother burying shit here, but then again what do I know?
Some of those more proficient in the magic arts must have reached some type of enlightenment because they all began chanting to themselves and magic runes appeared all around them. Granted, there wasn't exactly that many magic...or mage individuals aboard my ship so it wasn't as impressive as I might have made it sound.
"HAHAHAAAAAAAAAAA! The gods and spirits favor me! Buried treasure, Laddies!" Someone called out.
I stiffened.
I turned in the direction of the noise and I heard people clamoring as they gathered around one of my crewmates. He held up a rather small-sized chest, no taller than the ankle of either a man or a woman. In that chest were hundreds of gold coins and shiny jewels.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA! The captain was right! Treasures litter the island!" someone else shouted.
Despite the joy running through everyone's body, I was different. Aye, the discovery of treasure was always something to rejoice about, but...I felt a sense of dread.
I say that because I clearly remembered when I landed on this island the first time. My crew had spent days scouring the sandy shores. There hadn't been chest nor sack of treasure to be found. That took a total of two or three weeks before I decided that we ought to venture further into the island.
So why was there a chest filled with gold and jewels in a box like this now?
Now, of course, we hadn't just dug holes until we came to the center of the earth. However, I remember us digging for quite a while. From the look of the hole, it wasn't even that deep.
Was it possible that my crew could have missed it in my past life? Yes, but...I worried about what this meant if that wasn't the case.
"Eric, what's the matter with you? Rejoice! Now everyone knows you were right" my mother said.
I didn't exactly mean to ignore her nor did I mean to not tell her that I wasn't happy about the treasure. I was too focused on gathering my mana.
"Fľuna," I said as I swiped my hand over the sandy beach. A short gust of wind expelled from my body and blew over the sand of the beach. As the grains of earth were blown away so too was my calm demeanor. Littered upon the ground, uncovered by my simple wind spell, were hundreds of shiny jewels, magic ornaments, gold and silver coins, runes forged from scalvian ore, and much more.
"Aye, look at the Captain, ya Draegnar Crowgats! He's unearthed more! We're rich!" Another person hollered. Soon the sounds of my crew digging like madmen and women.
I frowned.
"Ellen, coordinate the digging efforts. We'll be busy here for a few days," I said.
Sothshore agreed and began making a new schedule. My mother and Maeloson moved over to find what they could as well.
Meanwhile, I took a seat beneath a tree and stared at the sandy shores.
No, it shouldn't have been possible that treasure like this existed. I was fucking sure that we hadn't unearthed anything like this when I first came to this island. In fact, I remember those days as captain beneath the feverishly hot sun painfully digging away only to be given nothing until I decided to cut my losses and enter the forest.
So why was gold and treasure here now?
Was it because I had come here earlier than I had last time?
I supposed it wasn't impossible with this timeline. I was about seven, eight, or even nine years ahead of when I should have been here. That held weight.
Was it because I had altered the events of my life from the original?
That held weight as well. I had effectively tampered with the studied laws of time magic, not really of my own will but you get my point.
I placed my head in my hands. Aye, I suppose through the course of my time until now I had done many things that had already changed the course of what was to be my future. It wasn't wrong to think that this had also happened because of my tampering. If that was the case, then perhaps I couldn't place full trust in what I knew from before. That certainly complicated matters.
"Okay, what the fuck's wrong with you? Look at the bastards carrying treasure back to the ship. Your voyage is gonna turn Draegnar upside down with how many fuckers are gonna have coin. Shouldn't ya be more excited than this?"
I turned my head and noticed my mother standing over me. "I am excited, mom. Very excited," I said.
She slapped my arm and sat with me. "Shut the hell up. I'm your mother, Eric. I'll always know when you're lying to me. Now, what's the matter?" she asked.
I half-chuckled and half-snorted.
"The...information I received about this island told me that treasure wasn't meant to be found this early. The only thing in the sand should have just been more sand, but now I see rowboats hauling back enough gold that the fuckers of the Lindengar Estate would throw money at. It...feels wrong," I said.
My mother remained silent for a little while. "Shit's never simple with you, is it?" she asked.
SMACK!
"OUCH!"
My mother jumped when I slapped her ass playfully. "You should have asked Coibuin for a simple child then when you became pregnant," I returned.
Coibuin was supposedly a god of childbirth.
"Don't remind me," she returned.
We sat in silence for a little while longer. "You'll protect us. Even when everything went to shit those other times, I know you protected us as best ya could. I got faith in ya," she said and then punched my arm lightly.
Yeah, I would certainly do that.
"So...why aren't you digging? Surely my mother hasn't become dulled to the sight of fine gold and shiny stones," I jested.
Once again, my mother laid silent for a time. Her auburn hair blew in a gentle breeze.
"I'll take what you give me. You're the one in charge of our family. I'm fine if you give me little to nothing. I know ye'll give me what you think I deserve," she said.
Seas, have I mentioned how much I adore my own mother?
I leaned over and surprised her with a kiss to the lips. She didn't pull away and instead enjoyed it for what it was worth before we parted.
"Is that right? Well, I think that was just to get me to work. You ain't worth nothing after all," I said as I threw off my captain's coat and ran to join the work.
Was I still nervous?
Yes. However, my mother's words rang true. If anything appeared outside of what I had known, it wouldn't change the fact that I would protect the rest of this ship.
With the rumbling clouds in the sky and fierce heat in the air, I worked along with the rest of my crew. Nz'ia didn't bother with digging since he claimed that such trinkets were of no use to him. Instead, he seemed to find comfort in the dry land and merely practiced whatever style of fighting that suited him.
Alteria helped me lug out huge chests filled with precious stones and perfectly cut jewelry. I did wonder why a single alchemist would feel the need to make or bring all of this, but I wasn't about to complain. I also got a great sight of Ellen reveling in the treasures we had found. There could be no doubts in her mind that I had honored her investment and paid her back in full.
If I must say anything then it's that the ship couldn't handle all of this. Between the treasures I had gotten from Hilvir, the Sea of Greed, and now the first Island of Delverhold, the ship simply couldn't carry all of that at once. The brig room and the treasure room had been filled and some even began to leak into the hallways.
With that being the case, I called the crew together and began handing out storage scrolls. No, I didn't make these. Ya can buy them pretty cheap from any magic store if you know where to cast your eyes. I had purchased them from C'ula back when Liara and I had our walk. A storage scroll is said to hold enough space to fit an entire family's house full of stuff, so I'd assume that no one would be complaining about not bring what they could.
I also helped Liara with hauling back some magical treasures and chests filled with runic formulas back to her quarters. I wasn't sure what she needed with all of this stuff, but one thing I did know was that the aura around Liara had changed. If it were even possible, it seemed like some barrier had broken within her. I could feel her aura mixing with mine and the haze from within my mind was being erased away little by little. More memories flooded my mind, more than I could handle.
I had to head back to the ship and rest until the end of the day. I'd have to take some time to sort those when I could.
That was the routine over the next seven days. Collect treasure, eat, drink, sleep, and repeat. Fuck should have probably been in there somewhere, but I didn't have sex with anyone in those seven days.
No, I was still of sound mind. My time was spent working through the memories from Liara that had been opened to me. More spells, more complex formulas, and more mysteries of the history of this world that I've been born into were accessible to me. Yet still, there was nothing about what I really wanted to know.
If my Liara was still around, I could only imagine that she was laughing at me.
Once the seventh day passed, I figured that now I could take care of the true reason I came to this island.
"Maeloson, Aesteal, take some of the men and women from Hilvir and go into the forests. Stick close together. The land is filled with magic and that magic has changed many of the animals that reside here. Look around for a door with this symbol on it. When you do, don't touch it. Just report back to me. I'll give you five hours. That door shall pave the way for Liara and this ship," I said as I showed them the symbol I had drawn on a piece of paper.
"Yes, sir! And if we feel this...dread that you described a few days ago?" Aesteal asked.
For that very purpose, I pulled out the jar of grey orbs that I had worked on for so many weeks ago. "Give each of them one of these pills. Make sure they only take one of them. That will help with the feeling. Though this will raise resistance to the dread, it's not gonna make it go away. Understood?" I asked.
"Yes, sir," Maeloson replied this time.
Both took the jar and walked out. I watched them leave before I turned to Ellen, my mother, and Liara. The latter of whom was busy with too many books, sheets of paper, and roaming eyes to properly pay attention. It was actually pretty adorable.
"Now, we'll begin searching the island. We're still being trailed by Kavtha after all. The fucker's gonna want his urn back," I said.
Ellen and my mother quickly agreed. "Aye, I ain't too keen to fight with the C'ula deity. So what are we going to do?" the former asked.
I took out a knife and stabbed the table.
"Simple. While Aesteal and Maeloson scout around the area, we're gonna find those structures we saw as we sailed into the cove. If the sands on the shores show that much treasure then I'm willing to bet there's better things on this island. After all, many have rumored that these islands hold enough treasure that ya could purchase three kingdoms! Who knows what we'll be able to uncover here," I replied.
I could tell the potential aspects of this voyage were beginning to gleam in Ellen's eyes. Clearly, my mother was no different.
"Indeed. 'Tis not so simple that the isles hold such value. As our dear captain explained before, it was rumored that this alchemist also crafted the Elixir of Youth. One could rule the world if that were true. Plus the alchemist was known for researching with many powerful spells, both of divine and unholy attributes. However, perhaps, should our captain agree, it is wise that he and I lead forth. Such arcane energies should not be handled by the less proficient," The Witch of Draegnar uttered.
My mother leaned up from the table.
"So then who are we gonna leave to guard the ship? The Balamar knight's already coming with us. Should we leave the Xhaluter behind? He clearly doesn't care about the treasure," her lovely lips moved and joined with the conversation.
"None of us can communicate with him besides Eric and the Witch. Perhaps a rotating shift of the ship is better. Besides, we don't need everyone scouring the island and getting their asses killed. I think we've had enough casualties for one voyage," Ellen returned.
I had to say that there was something oddly satisfying about the way my mother and Ellen conversed with each other. It might be from my age, but never did I think that I might have both these lovely lasses aboard my ship. I guess I was a lucky bastard after all.
As the talks and plans slowly drew to a close, I decided to adopt both ideas. Ellen would schedule a rotating crew and Nz'ia would become a part of that detail in protecting the ship. I doubt I would be in such trouble that I would need a Xhaluter to come with me. However, it wouldn't do good for his skills to dull. If there's one thing I know it's that Xhaluters crave combat. What else might ya expect from a race such as that?
While Ellen and my mother stepped out of my quarters, I turned to my favorite immortal witch. "Tell me, Liara, how good of a shot is Diane?" I asked.
Liara giggled. "Why my dearest captain, art thou underestimating my guard?" she questioned with some mischievous mirth behind her lascivious gaze. How could I miss it?
"Perish yer thoughts, witch. Anyone who mingles with you so closely is bound to be formidable," I returned.
"Mmmm quite true. Especially since I dare not allow just anyone to mingle with me," She replied. Her hands rubbed my shoulders and I could already feel the week of no sex affecting me. My cock tented my pants.
I chuckled. "Aye, perhaps you were the one born to a succubus instead of my father an incubus," I jested while her hands reached into my shirt and caressed my chest.
"I take thine words for a great compliment."
She then kissed my cheek as I grabbed a hold of her hands. They felt very warm against my own. As I rubbed my thumb over the back of her head, I turned to face her. The look in her eye told me all that I needed. We could skip the search for a few hours.
"WHAT?!"
I heard Ellen shout from afar.
Inhale, Eric Drakclaw.
Exhale, Eric Drakclaw.
Inhale.
Exhale.
Despite our ruined mood, Ilzahold laughed. "Another time perhaps," she reasoned.
Meanwhile, I turned around and, during my walk to the source of the noise, contemplated the ways I could be angry without sinking the islands beneath the surrounding waters.
No, I didn't do it. I was indeed tempted to try though.
"What's the matter?" I asked.
I noticed Ellen and my mother along with three men who looked very guilty. I closed my eyes and drove away the thoughts coming thoughts that were all too enticing at the moment.
Sothshore pinched the bridge of her nose and turned to me. "Two men haven't returned after a few hours. Apparently, they were betting treasures on which fucker could go further into the forest. Now two of them haven't shown up," she fumed to me.
Though angry, I decided not to lash out. "What are your names?" I asked.
"Devin, Sir,"
"Corrin, captain!"
"Yeshiva, sir!"
I nodded at those names and turned to my mother.
"Mother, write those names down. I'll deal with you three later.'"
My mother nodded and so did the three who had disobeyed me. They quickly ran off while I shook my head. "Come on, we're moving out," I said.
"Aye, aye, captain!" My mother and Ellen saluted me.
With a few minutes past me, I had gathered Liara, Diane, Ellen, my mother, Alteria, Goron, and Boreli. The latter of this group I loathed to have with me, but I'd rather keep Astell where I can see the bastard. After all, the last time I had taken my eyes off him I found a blade stabbed into my back.
As if I was gonna allow such a fate to befall me twice!
Once this little group of mine had been formed, we took a few extra moments to hand out the elemental scrolls to everyone who had been around. I only tasked the crew to use them should the need ever arise as I wouldn't make them another one unless required.
Then came the point of teaching them how to briefly use the scrolls. I swore that I was regretting lowly Draegnarian education. The fuckers were stupider than a drowning sea slug. Then again, I might have been the same way had I not become a captain.
Anyway, once the scrolls and lessons on their use were given, Ellen then gave me a list of people she had observed that would monitor the ship in our absence. I chose the fucker from the Raven's Claw adventuring group. Don't ask why. He seemed good enough.
Once that was done, I began my journey into the overgrown foliage that laid beyond my eyes with the others behind me.
We all stepped past overgrown trees. Liara seemed to take a special interest in them. I can't say I didn't see why. Ever since we had arrived on this island, I too had found myself staring at them. Now to the ordinary person, there might be nothing too wonderful about structures of wood and leaves, but for those attuned to the spiritual plane like Liara and I, one could see the very insides of the tree flowing with an abundance in mana that ranged from colors of red to blue. Trees don't usually have that color of mana and especially not in such quantities.
Hell, even the ground which we tread stimulated the veins of mana within my body. I felt like I was truly discovering this damned island for the first time. I had not felt these things when I first arrived here. Truly one could describe this as a paradise for an alchemist or mage.
"This is some fine wood. Finer than the shit on Draegnar used to build homes. Eric, I bet the Merchant Guild would pay a fine coin for this," my mother suddenly said.
"You would have me deforest a whole island for coin, mother?" I asked as I pushed a piece of branch out of my way.
"You know what I damn well meant, you cheeky fuck," she replied. I laughed as we kept walking.
"It is high-quality wood though. Many would pay for it through the proper channels."
I turned my head and picked up on the distinct, yet rather pleasant voice of Lady Knight. She touched some of the bark of the trees in silent appreciation.
"Damn, and here I figured all you fancy houses imported whatever you needed from anywhere else. Never thought a Balamar would be ecstatic over wood," Diane uttered.
"Hæňgaram doesn't come into contact with much wood. The empire relies on its power of the trade of crystallized ash. Naturally, because of its versatility, it was molded into the building walls of not just the empire, but of every house beyond that. There was never a need for wood until the magic institutions released reports that high-quality wood, if properly broken down, could strengthen the mana veins within those applicable to spellcraft. Though normal wood wouldn't sell for much, the wood of this caliber would easily sell for 600, perhaps even 800 thousand gold and silver coins," Alteria explained.
Dare I say I could imagine the shining eyes of gold that Ellen was no doubt showcasing? Aye, I dare so.
"Has our occupation changed from Pirate to Landscaper? We barely have enough room for the shit on the beach. Nevermind carrying loads of mystic logs as well. Hell, we'd sooner sink from the weight," Sothshore pointed out.
I clapped my hands for attention. "How about we worry about pulling up and pushing down trees when we're done with the more pressing matters? Unless Liara tells me otherwise, trees ain't got legs to walk around so they'll still be here," I remarked.
"Well, 'tis quite a tale best told of the Slhōŋk, the Wandering Trees. Demonic perennial plants as tall as hills in a long-forgotten corner of the world that release spores into the air. One inhale of their deadly scent infests the body with their seeds that grow by devouring the insides of their hosts. Indeed, dear captain, certain types of tree do hold the ability to traverse the lands," Ilzahold told me.
Well, that wasn't in the memories that I had gotten yet so that was a surprise to me.
"Aye, beware of the fig leaves revenge for they shall decay your bones and feast upon your innards," my mother replied with somewhat of a soft laugh that I liked as the rock, broken sticks, and grass dug into my boots.
I swore that had it not been for me having to locate two troublemakers, I would have been out here collecting all manner of grass, flowers, and herbs. With each piece that I had found, I wished I could go back and smack my younger self over his shiity head for ignoring the wealth before me.
Now, I guess one could understand why I would overlook this at first, but since obtaining Ilzahold's memories, I quickly came to understand that not all treasures shine with gold, diamonds, and other precious metals or stones.
For example, I spotted what I assumed was a crystal flower. Not exactly something that would turn the heads of current alchemists upside down, but definitely not something that someone ran into every day. Apparently, if one was able to gather a steady supply of crystal flowers then they are said to gain an audience with Ỷuỗl, the Crystal Lizard. Supposedly, Ỷuỗl was capable of opening a person's eyes to the Trial of Shards. A gruesome trial where ya must walk as thousands of crystal needles prick your skin. As far as Liara's memories allow me, only she has completed that trial, yet...I wasn't able to see the reward which she had gotten.
Aye, there was a bit on crystal flowers for you. Aside from that, they can thrive basically anywhere with their color and attributes reflecting the soil in which they have been grown. Plus, they were a fine thing for hardening certain types of weapons.
A certain amount of time passed and we quickly began to notice strange gray appendage-like roots pierced into the ground. They glowed with a dark, mysterious magic that made one very eager to look upon it. By Liara's advice and mine, none dared do so. Aye, an island like this was just as easy to take your soul just like the trials if ya let it.
We hacked a group of bushes to the ground and came out to a small clearing. In that clearing, we stopped. My eyes gazed upon the monumental structure before me. So great was its height that it easily towered over the trees. Those thick, gray roots also wrapped around certain corners of the structure. Its walls were laid with some type of white stone. I could feel my mana being drawn into its embrace. I did not know what to make of the feeling for, and I might be running the damn point into the ground, I had not felt the feeling last time I was here.
"I guess we know what happened to the fuckers," Ellen said.
I looked down and there frozen in what appeared to be solid black crystal were two bodies. Both looked like they had just witnessed death itself by the way their hands covered their blackened, crystallized faces. It almost looked like...they tried to shield themselves from something that had come upon them. Perhaps they gazed upon the beauty of the Gorgon sisters for a wee bit too long. Additionally, they also might have had an encounter with the Kraemừk, basically a snake-like monster with seven snake heads and the body of a woman that holds the same power as a gorgon.
We all stepped carefully into the field. The two crystallized forms of my crew stood in front of what I can only assume was the entrance to the structure because of the wooden door that protects the insides of that structure from the outside world.
"Have they passed?" Alteria asked.
"They shall if they stay that way," Liara said, which got our attention. She walked up to the crystal statues with great curiosity.
Ilzahold circled around them both before she looked up at the building. "Mmmm, dear captain was indeed correct. The island might be even more dangerous than what it took to get here. As expected of the Isles of Delverhold where an ancient alchemist once stood. To make such a refined state of Onyx Crystal in varying degrees of sharpness indeed suggest quite the powerful mind behind it," Liara said.
"Lady Liara, did you not say onyx crystals could only be formed from the blood of an onyx turtle? Those creatures don't swim all the way out here," Diane replied.
Liara leaned up. "'Tis the fate of the world which men try to unravel, Diane. Remember that nothing in the realm of gods and men is meant to make sense of the mind, especially not when dealing with a place that was rumored to hold the blood of one of the original gods. Such rumors are indeed quite with the investigation."
"Yes, Lady Liara," Diane replied.
I decided to make my presence known. "Can whatever happened here be reversed, Liara?" I asked.
Ilzahold quickly nodded. "Indeed it can, dear captain. Quite the simple, yet intriguing matter. Luck is with them that we had discovered them so soon. Had we not, the onyx crystals would have continued to grow until it pushed into their skin and ruptured their internal organs," she explained.
"Draegnar's seadogs, must you be morbid all the fucking time, Witch?" Ellen asked with repressed fire in her voice.
Liara chuckled. "Fear not, Sothshore. I have merely expressed my own opinions and explained to our dear captain the dire consequences should these men not have been rescued," she returned.
Aye, I now remember upon this voyage that these two don't seem to enjoy each other's company very much. For the life of me, I can't understand why. That said, it does make me laugh that they quarrel so well. Regardless, Liara stood before the two members of my crew who had been taken.
"Shraen oon edrian faunhim inriel!" Liara chanted out, her voice like a gentle breeze. Her hands became washed in the great magic colors of pink and green. She then touched one statue and then the other.
Instantly, we all saw the onyx crystal break off one after the other. They fell to the ground and vanished away in huffs of black smoke and dust. Both crewmembers fell to the ground unconscious.
"Goron, handle these men carefully. They nearly found themselves at Hades' door,' Liara instructed.
"Yes, Lady Liara," The big lug said as he moved to grab them both. Without effort, he lifted them both over his shoulder.
"Ellen make for me a note when those fucks awake from their slumber. They'll be working under Liara until we return from Delverhold," I said.
For some reason, I could tell the Witch was positively enthused by the idea.
"Got it, Sir," I heard her say.
"Aye, somethin' tells me they were luckier as statues if this be their fate,"
I absently heard Astell make that comment and it continued to upset me how much that made me crack a smile. I think it only served to the point that indeed there are just some people ya naturally meld with and who work well with you. Boreli was one of those many fuckers to me. Yet, I'm unable to allow the laughter that I hold out. It would sicken me otherwise.
While Goron tended to the two incapacitated members, the rest of us moved closer to the tower.
"Still, what attacked them like that? I'm not good at magic, but no one turns into crystal just out of nowhere," my mother replied.
Lady Knight made a stand. "Could it have been some beast? We shouldn't rule out the possibility that someone else has found these lands to be home," She suggested.
As much as I wanted to say that wasn't the case, I was beginning to learn that this might not have been wrong. First the treasures on the beach, and now this. Clearly, something was out of order between this world and my previous one. I could no longer rule out the possibilities that I thought I could.
Now that said, I doubted anyone lived here aside from the alchemist who had discovered the island. I did remember a few...unorthodox animals that roamed each island. They were probably the product of that alchemist's research. I had not thought to look them over for materials at the time, but now that thought bore some substance.
Liara smiled. "Fear not, Knight of Hæňgaram. This was not done by man nor beast. Your adversary is before you all," she announced.
I saw that I didn't need to point that out either.
"The tower?" my mother asked.
"Aye, probably defense magic to ward off people like us. The concentration of magic stems from there," I pointed. Everyone's eyes followed my finger and they saw a glowing purple crystal embedded into the tower's body.
I picked up a stone and threw it at the door. It bounced off with a heavy thud.
"So it only detects living things? How are we supposed to get past that?" Ellen asked.
I stared at Liara. She glanced back to me and blessed me with a melodious chuckle. "My my, I seem to be having my talents exercised quite a bit on this day of the sun's zenith. Dear Captain, surely you would not work an old witch till she is naught but bones," Ilzahold jested with me.
The mysterious allure in her voice continued to enrapture me.
"Do not mistake me, Liara. Had I the proper mana pool I would surely undertake the task. That is unless you might find trouble with an ancient alchemist," I jested back.
She did not reply, but I saw her lips curve upwards as she closed her eyes. "Such rude humor. Very well, you have delivered a long time goal of mine to me. 'Tis not so difficult to endure," she said as she stepped forward.
Whatever boundary there was for the stone to activate, Liara walked past it. Immediately, I felt the squalls of swirling magic center within the crystal before it called like black lightning coursed through its shiny body. Then a blast of dark purple magic was fired at Liara. To her credit, as I understood her, the Witch hardly seemed concerned. In fact, it seemed like she was dealing with a child's game.
"Sho asikn roon xathul!" Liara exclaimed as the blast from the crystal collided with her open palms.
Suddenly, our center of balance was thrown off when he felt the land violently shake beneath our feet. I grabbed my mother and Ellen as we fell to the soft grass. Harsh winds blasted in our faces and I bore the sight of Liara withstanding the blast from the crystal with ease. Actually, she seemed quite amused by its power despite the small ruptures of the earth beneath her heels.
Despite the fact that I had Liara's memories, despite the fact that I had much of Liara's knowledge, despite the fact that I had sailed the seas in my first voyage with her all these weeks, for the first time I felt I was actually looking upon the Witch of Draegnar. I was looking upon a woman of world renown, a woman who could move kingdoms and empires to war with but a flick of her finger if she desired, a woman...that had struck deals and fought with demons, gods, and spirits. She truly earned her other title.
Liara Ilzahold, The Last Wielder of the Essence of Hoɖ.
"Mien."
Another wave of magic washed over my body. I covered my eyes with one of my arms. Suddenly, the rumbling stopped. I surveyed my surroundings before I helped my mother and Ellen to their feet. Once everything was settled, Liara stood before us with the crystal floating just above her palm.
"Take special care. I had to undo over sixty magic arrays within this crystal, but it's still quite deadly. However, we should no longer have to worry about your dear crewmates turning to black crystals anymore," Liara said before she dropped the crystal on some kind of special woven pouch.
"The rumors of the Witch of Draegnar were truly not a folk's tale. Even most expert mages can only work through five or six magic arrays at a time. She truly is a part of a separate plane of existence," Alteria said.
I laughed. "Makes ya wonder how much more dangerous she'll be once we uncover all the shit that lays here," I mentioned.
"Don't remind me," Ellen said with a bit of a scowl behind her voice.
I eyed her for a moment before I surprised her with a deep kiss. She struggled for a moment, most likely from the surprise, but she eased her fiery temper for a moment to enjoy the feeling. Once we parted, she backed away. "The fuck was that for?" she asked.
"Ye'll be powerful too the more we sail. Don't be jealous," I told her as we walked away. I heard her mumble beneath her breath, but I couldn't exactly tell what she said. I'm sure it was something in regards to the comment I just made.
Anyway, once we were all gathered, I stepped in front of the wooden door. "Prepare yerselves. No building's got a defense like that without more inside," I warned them.
Everyone agreed as I stared at the tower. With the crystal destroyed, I saw a bit of flowing energy that began to surround the structure. I think Liara could see it as well. The tower kept pulsating with some magic like it hadn't been before.
I lifted my foot and kicked the door. I was a bit surprised that it tore off its hinges so easily. I assumed it would have been stronger than it was due to the constant feeding of magic into it. Clearly, that wasn't the case.
The door fell down with a sharp thud. A pile of dust kicked up in my face but I waved it off with my hand. I stepped inside and I took notice that I was instantly greeted with a large corridor. Walls on either side as if inviting madmen and daredevils to what lay within them. Tiny, glimmering crystals expelled soft hues of light over the area. The corridor was very wide, enough to fit about ten men shoulder to shoulder. It was also very tall. Tall enough to fit Goron without much trouble.
Once I was inside, the others followed in after me. "What's the plan, Eric?" my mother asked.
"We press forward, mother. Carefully," I told her and them.
As the two most experienced with magic, Liara and I took the head of the group with Alteria behind us. I had Boreli somewhere in the middle of everyone since I sure as hell didn't trust him to have the back of the group.
The corridor wasn't very long to the joy of everyone. Instead, it seemed to lead to a spiraling staircase that journeyed upwards into more of this tower. Now one might ask if I should have tread this structure with more boldness than what I was doing. I would be inclined to say yes if not for...previous alterations being made to this island that had not been there when I had arrived the last time.
If by chance I had altered the events of my life, which I absolutely had, then I wasn't about to make a mistake with an ancient mage's arcane knowledge. If ye ever fancy looting treasure from a dangerous area keep in mind that it be not the traps that ya must be afraid of. Aye, ya must avoid them, but what ya truly face be the mind of the one behind the traps.
I stepped out of the corridor and stared at the wide ascending staircase. A beautiful red carpet lined its steps. However, I continued to stare at it for such a time that the others made comments of my wariness to ascend.
"Something wrong, Eric?" My mother asked.
I faced the wall next to the staircase and touched it. "Aye, mother. I thought it odd that we had not faced a single trap while in that corridor," I said.
The others remained silent. Beyond the wall, I could feel a mass of magic much different to what the tower was exuding. With the little mana that I naturally had within my body, I forced the mana into the wall. A dim light appeared from the wall and I was rewarded with a spell circle meant for transportation. Based on the way the runes and symbols within it were written then it was only meant to travel short distances.
"Dare I ask what that is?" Ellen asked.
"'Tis a short-range magic array meant for teleporting. Given that there are no lines between magic matrices Cth and Lai, then I doubt it's for offensive purposes," Liara said.
"And that means...,"
I reached into my pouch and pulled out a small pouch of bronze coins. I then threw them onto one of the stairs. As soon as it landed, the others recoiled back as a pillar of black flame rushed into the air.
The Black Flames of Gh'ar, a pyromancy spell that is said to be born from depths even lower than Hades. From Liara's memories, I've seen this spell ravage many enemies and even wielders as it burns so hot that even the spirit is burned to naught but cinders. Clearly, the alchemist didn't want anyone getting in here.
After a few seconds, the carpeted stairs glowed with an ethereal light. The flames were pulled down back into the floor. The Liara in my head might have explained to me that it was simply an array meant for controlling the flames to keep them from going out of control like so many wielders had problems with.
"That be one fire I ain't gonna sing shanties around," Astell said with a nervous quiver in his voice when he and the others saw the remains of my pouch filled with bronze coins. The only thing which remained was a clean red carpet.
"So if that was a trap, then this magic array on the wall is how they got around the building. Lady Liara, who are we messing with?" Diane asked.
Ilzahold smiled. "'Tis what I aim to uncover, Diane. I have long studied the rumors and ancient tomes of Delverhold, yet even I never found conclusive evidence towards its existence. 'Twill be many fascinating nights of study while we stay here," she responded.
"Not unless we stay here," I said. I then activated the teleportation gate and a wide light enveloped us. I closed my eyes for only a moment to save my sight from the harsh lights. Once I opened them again, I noticed that we were in a different part of the tower.
Suits of cheap armor faced each other spears in hand. Though they were cheap, I noticed that each armor consisted of different materials from the others. Clearly, the sands of time had not been so kind to them because the rust, dust, and webs on them revealed their age. Some seemed better preserved than others, but I had no doubts that the only value in these would be for smelting purposes.
Perhaps I would come back for them later. In the meantime, we continued walking. I tasked Ellen with creating a simple map of the places we had visited. Oddly enough, for once, I heard not a single word of complaint from her. I was a tad unnerved, but didn't speak up about it.
Liara and I continued to stand at the front of the group as the guards against any magical assaults, but just like with the corridor from before there was no threat magical or otherwise in this long hallway.
After about two minutes of walking, we were greeted to a closed door of wood with iron reinforcements. Take this to be a pirate's honesty, but I'd rather think it to be a gate than a door.
I glanced back at the others. Everyone had their individual weapons ready. There didn't seem to be any threat behind the door, but I wasn't about to take my chances. Alternatively, I thought to ponder Liara about surveying ahead with other types of magic, but I decided not to since I hadn't had much luck doing that while we walked. It felt like...something inside was blocking infiltration types of magic.
I grabbed the door handle and twisted the knob. The door creaked, but it didn't push open for me. I thought to try and lockpick it, but I hadn't tried my hand at the practice in a few years. Actually, there was a more fun way which I could undertake.
"Aģaquaria," I muttered. I felt the mana drain from my body as a glob of water appeared within my palms. A simple yet effective water spell if ya be curious. I then wrapped my right hand in its wet embrace. Next, I touched the stone floor. By my control, I moved the water from my hand and made it slide beneath the very thin opening between the door and the ground.
Once the water was on the other side of the door, I slowly pulled it up. Within my mind's eye, I could see it floating there on the other side of the door. Woven to the knob, I made the water spell drench it just like it had with my hand. I tightened my hands and the pressure within the orb hardened. Though I did not touch it, I could feel the doorknob in my hands from the connection I had formed with this small body of water.
I felt the lock. I unlocked the door and turned my hand. The knob turned easily enough. Then a loud creak followed the opening of the door. I think the others were a little on edge because they all seemed to be expecting a giant dragon to suddenly spit hot fire and turn us all into forsaken ashes.
The door fully swung to the side and a brief flash of intense sunlight hit my eyes. Once the glare faded, I noticed that it was the light from the open windows that shined down at various parts of the room. Within that large room were enormous bookshelves lined with books so worn and old that I thought they'd turn to dust if I so much as touched them. So many bookshelves were there that there was even a second, third, fourth, and fifth floor dedicated to more shelves of fallen books. How long had it been since that alchemist wandered these halls?
Tables lined the center of the room with countless notes and pieces of paper scattered across the floor. A beautiful carpet of varying patterns and symbols gathered dust upon itself. The windows were dirty and the walls, though nicely sculpted, showed tiny cracks here and there. However, for a place that had been left standing for over thousands of seasons, its condition was much grander than what one might envision.
We stepped inside and dare I say that the mighty witch was instantly captivated.
"I see. So this was what the passages meant from long ago," she said more to herself than to the rest of us.
"Gold and treasure I get, but we couldn't have sailed all the way here for rusty shelves and dusty archives, right?" Ellen asked.
I laughed. "Now, Ellen, I know you've traded in the market of magical materials. Surely ya know the power in old and dusty books, especially on an island like this," I returned.
Ellen scoffed, but I think that was more because this trip had taken her away from the treasures on the beach. While I couldn't speak for those, I already knew that there would be more.
"Alright, Liara, this be your voyage as well. Enjoy your own treasures," I told her.
"A most kind gesture, dear captain. I do believe I shall partake. Diane, Goron, please place our unconscious individuals on that carpet. Their mana must stabilize their bodies of the intrusion from earlier. Once you both are done, do join me. Our dear captain hath granted me a most valuable archive and I shall not see more of the day's light end," the witch instructed.
"Yes, Lady Liara," Both replied as they set down the two troublemakers of my crew.
The unconscious fuckers groaned but rested on the dusty carpet like they had been drunk under the table from twelve mugs of ale. I rolled my eyes and turned back to the rest.
"Alright, the rest of us are gonna head back for today. I surmise these to be Liara's new quarters will we rest upon this island," I chuckled out.
"Your teasing upon my behest is most unbecoming, Boy! However I am inclined to not disagree with your assessments," I heard her call out to me from the other side of the room. I waved her off before I guided the others out of the structure. It was a pretty uninteresting walk, but I suppose I should be glad it was.
We headed back to the ship. I also had assigned the two unconscious men to Alteria. Aye, I had thought them to be under Liara, but I decided that the other three which Ellen had written down would be preferable. The other two could be Alteria's training subordinates for as long as she wished. Now, Lady Knight doesn't smile all that often, but there was a rather sinister gleam in her eyes that made me wonder if I ought to choose someone else. I wasn't going to, but the thought was indeed there.
"You will wish you hadn't done that," Alteria said.
...Perhaps I was still thinking about it.
We arrived back at the ship to see the crew camped around various fire pits, either stuffing their gullets with all manner of food from storage. I allowed their good fortune to continue as I boarded my ship.
Once I was back on, I freed my mother, Ellen, Alteria, and Boreli from staying with me. Though I glared at the latter of the four, I didn't stop him from getting on a boat and sailing back to the island. I figured he might as well enjoy what time I allowed him.
I retired to my quarters. There I spent the better part of an hour sifting through more of Liara's memories. One thing I noticed that I had not before was that Ilzahold had been sitting in another shop that was not within Draegnar. There she had a meeting with five individuals with red cloaks that covered the top of their heads. What I did notice was the insignia of a sword through a fallen phoenix.
I couldn't accurately decipher what they were saying due to some type of blockage between Liara's memories and mine, but I could tell that whatever they were talking about Liara's didn't seem pleased or interested. In fact, she looked at them like she was looking upon a bunch of immature children.
She dismissed them and they left. I thought to try and further merge my mind with these memories so that I might know the details of this conversation, but before I could I heard the rather distant sounds of my door.
I slowly opened my eyes. "Enter," I said as I rubbed my tired eyes.
My door opened and I noticed Maeloson and Aesteal come through the door. Unfortunately, they both seemed rather troubled. Had five hours passed already?
"Ya both look like you discovered the bones of a school of dead fish. What's the problem?" I asked.
The two elves glanced at each other, but I could feel Aesteal's aura shifting itself rather unnaturally. Whatever had happened, it had clearly upset them both. I leaned forward and motioned for them both to take a seat. Maeloson took the chair at the table next to my bed while Aesteal settled herself in my arms.
"We found the door," Maeloson said.
Something told me that wasn't as good news as I thought it might be.
Aesteal rubbed her hands against mine. "We also felt the...dread which you warned us about. As you said, it didn't seem to affect Maeloson and I, but that clearly wasn't the case for the others. We gave them the pills as you instructed and that indeed seemed to help for a time, but...then something strange started to happen," she spoke.
I raised an eyebrow.
"One of Maeloson's men suddenly became delirious. He started mumbling to himself. He also started twitching and shivering. The same happened to one of my warriors. She showcased the same symptoms. She became delirious. She started mumbling to herself along with twitching and shivering. Then...," Aesteal didn't finish.
I had not known this mighty elven warrior to be so shaken, but I wrapped my aura around her own while her hands seemed cold.
"They started speaking in a language not of this world. Whether god, spirit, or demon, they spoke its cryptic language. We tried to snap them out of it, but they quickly grew angry with us. Ancient curses, indecipherable snarls, and all manner of other foul language were thrown at us before they ran off. We...chased after them for some time. They didn't make it very hard," Maeloson answered this time.
My eyes narrowed as Aesteal picked up.
"We found them...fucking beneath a large tree. They kept hollering random nonsense at each other as they fornicated beneath that great tree and its leaves. Then, from the ground, some type of creature covered in grass and leaves appeared before them. We tried to intervene, but...we were suddenly paralyzed by overwhelming magical pressure. It was nothing like we had trained our members for. We could only watch as the creature kissed them both before it pulled seeds from the ground and shoved them into their mouths. They then...were pulled beneath the dirt," Aesteal said slowly.
Maeloson's nails dug into my chair. "Beyond that tree and its roots laid your door etched into a mountain passage. We... investigated the area. We made the decision to head back and quickly report to you," he answered.
This troubled me for a few reasons. If they were speaking of what I assumed they were speaking of, then I needed no more evidence. The island had changed from the one in my memories. What Maeloson and Aesteal had encountered was supposed to be on the last island.
Th'am, the Maddened Reaver of Roots.
Th'am was one of the many creations of the alchemist during the time the fucker was alive. Even now, I can't imagine what would make him create such a piece of shit like that. If those two had been captured then I feared that there wasn't going to be much left of them. Apparently, this Reaver of Roots was also stronger than the one from my time. It had never been able to paralyze onlookers with magical pressure. For it to do that, especially to Maeloson and Aesteal, elves used to the presence of magical entities, meant it held stronger magical ties than those from before.
"We also found something where they stood in our investigation. We brought it back to you," Maeloson said.
I faced him as he reached into his pocket. He pulled out a rather shiny stone that I had not seen before.
Maeloson tossed it to me and it landed in the palm of my hand. The next thing I remembered was that my quarters had turned sideways. A look of horror appeared on the faces of my elves as pain ruptured through my body. My head started to ring as my eyes were filled with the wooden planks of my floor. My breath was short and the songs of the sea that I heard all my life...had left me.
As my consciousness became unsteady, I focused on the stone in my hand.
It was...a moonstone.