When I woke up the next morning, my mind was immediately filled by the events that Vanmirr subjected me to last night. As I leaned up, careful to not wake my lovers, I touched my forehead. Drops of my sweat soaked my palm until I swiped them away with a flick of my wrist.

"It wouldest be a benefit to thee to tread thine path lightly. Had my finger not been quick, the spell of thine adversary would hath trapped thee there as long as thine enemy wished it so," An'raie said, surprising me for a moment. I'd grown rather used to her silence as she hadn't spoken to me once in that month that I'd trudged my fingers through the rune sewing process.

"Aye, there be no rest for a scourge of D'orn's mighty seas, especially not one settled in the intrigue of Liara Ilzahold. You have my gratitude, Wail. Though I know not how you contributed, I'll offer my thanks nonetheless," I responded.

There was silence from her for a moment. Then, she addressed me. "Savest thine appreciating flatteries, Eric Drakclaw. Thou thee knowest not this, but thine soul was close to being destroyed. Being pulled so far whilst I reside within thee did not thine body any favors. Had thee been destroyed, mine body would have been cursed back to the lands of the Betrayer. I shalt not have mine matters halted! Thee shalt keep thine word to me! ...'Tis nothing more," An'raie said.

She might have thought that I hadn't noticed that hesitant pause. Indeed, I had, but for both our sakes I made no mention of it. It was true that my body felt rather stiff and my chest burned with only a few breaths.

"It be hard for you to receive praise, Lass. Take it where you might receive it," I answered back as I glanced at Ellen and Aesteal sleeping peacefully. I smiled, brushing their hair and cheeks.

It only took me a few seconds after that to realize that An'raie had retreated back into her reclusive ways, desiring not to respond to me any further. I thought to call out to her but stayed my tongue and my thoughts. It had already become clear to me that our ways of dealing with each other had changed since our time in the Empire of Crystallized Ash.

After I managed to slip out of bed, I pulled the covers over Ellen and Aesteal. I wished not to wake them, and I felt they were owed a deserved rest for their massage. While my body felt sore, I still felt less tension rolling through my damned core than the day before. Truly, elven alchemy couldn't be ignored.

I felt the chill of the dawn's cold air. The sun had yet to rise over the horizon and the sounds of the sea flew through my ears. I'd also not forgotten Ellen's warning of a storm set to come upon us. I felt it as well. The seas continued to grow restless and the temporary peace of the waves was becoming less and less obvious. No doubt that would prevent me from doing any lasting work.

Putting the matter to the side, I grabbed a shirt from my drawer and marched out of my quarters. The main deck was bare of any living thing. All seemed so quiet and still, save the tides gently rocking my ship this way and that.

I walked across the deck and into the crew's quarters below. As expected, I passed more than a few rooms lined with snoring. A few others were still awake, either quietly laughing, playing cards, or sucking cunt and cock, I had no idea of which and I cared not to check.

I made it back to the room that housed The Root. Stepping inside, I quickly teleported myself into the dark, massive, and utterly confusing hallways of Liara's shop. If there was anything I was annoyed with, it was the fact that every time I teleported here I was never in the same spot. It was always someplace different, and I wondered if this was another of Liara's tasteless jests in which she liked to mess with me.

I was not standing in front of a massive tome surrounded by what seemed like a cylindrical library of scrolls, textbooks, and ancient tomes. The walls went up so damn high I couldn't even begin to see the top even with my improved eyesight. The same could be said of the bottom as well. There was no end in sight to it, just like that fucking pit on the third island of Delverhold. At the very least, I prayed that this bottom had not a beast waiting to devour me and the rest of my crew. I had no illusions that such a creature might be behind one of her many doors, yet I wished it not so here.

I stepped away from the tome, aware of just how thin the bridge was leading to it. I knew not why Liara only made one entrance into this room, but I bothered not with questioning her design choices. Attempting to understand that was just as insane as attempting to understand Liara herself.

When I stepped out, I walked through various halls until I found myself in an open floor maze of bookshelves. Swiftly, I jumped over the ledge and floated myself down until I reached the bottom. Once I did, I pulsed my mana a few times. Luckily for me, there was a table along with a staircase leading up to the other areas. I then decided to wait for either Diane or Goron to arrive.

Thankfully, I didn't have to wait long as Goron appeared, his mighty frame making his steps thunder across the pristine floor as always. "The table has chairs for you to sit in," he said, walking up to me.

"Consider it a bit of petty vengeance since the damned circle can't seem to summon me in consistent spots. Why, I bet I be lucky I ain't been summoned in the middle of the fucking air," I answered, leaning back to put my hands on the table's decadent stone.

"I believe that is more due to your skill rather than Lady Liara's designs," Goron retorted.

I wasn't sure exactly when Goron suddenly started acting like a damned rat in front of me with his responses, yet I found myself not so oddly put off by them. "Then what say that of you since you aided me in making it?" I then asked.

"That I'm the reason you're perhaps not being teleported in the middle of the air," he replied.

How he kept a straight fucking face with that response I'll never know. Either way, I somehow sensed the mirth in his voice though his stoic face seemed to suggest otherwise. "Where's Diane?" I asked.

"Doing as your mother asked and training with her. They're behind one of the doors to seek silence from anything else. However, I do think Diane can get a bit too excited. Ira's returned a few times with..."

I held up a hand, pleading that Goron not speak further. If he did, I feared I'd grow too concerned of the matter and cease my mother's growth. While pain was nice in a bit of play when we were alone, there was neither high sea nor low tide that I'd wish to harm my mother again after my first life. That I'd let her die alone was one of my greatest regrets.

"No need to tell me. My mother be a tough lass. She wouldn't have survived for so many years on Draegnar if she weren't. Diane can provide this for her, but I can't. After all, there was a reason she went to Diane instead of to me. Let her have her own methods," I said.

Goron's eyes lay on me for a little while before he rid himself of the matter. I then took the time to jump off the table, my steps echoing through the halls. "Goron, aid me in preparing a letter. It seems Vanmirr wasn't so keen on waiting until the night of his party for me to introduce myself," I said, ushering Goron to follow me.

Before I passed him, I saw the man's face tighten. Blood circulated through his body at a rapid pace while his heart increased in speed. "He contacted you?" Goron asked. I wasn't entirely sure or not, but I swore I heard pieces of worry in his voice.

"Aye, ripped me right outta the Land of Dreams. Bastard also gave me a detailed view of his table and all its fancy wares. I ain't gonna deny it, the smell of his table was fucking amazing. Best I'd ever smelled in all my years of walking on this dirtball. He ain't one to be underestimated," I said.

"...You didn't partake of it, did you?" Goron asked.

"Do not think me an idiot, Goron. You'd know well my fate if I had even if it were under special circumstances as those. Gather for me some cedarwheat paper and a string of scaled frog's tongue," I said.

Even without turning around, I felt Goron's eyes upon me as we found ourselves in another area of The Root. At first glance, it seemed just like another office that Liara might have used, but I knew this to be different. Her regular office was set on dealing with customers, this was an office related to settling disputes, or... creating them.

If Goron knew what I was up to, he didn't comment on it. Instead, he watched me take a seat at the crescent table surrounded by even more bookshelves. However, unlike the other office, this one had numerous floating weapons, clothes, and other magical assortments floating next to each shelf. I assumed this to be Liara's way of identifying which shelf belonged to which offended party. Of course, some were longer than others and a few scrolls were ruined by dried blood. Others looked old and worn from ages long before I'd been born.

Like a space all to itself, the window reveal a world outside that seemed to make no fucking sense. Floating island trees, upside-down waterfalls, the beauty of a sea of stars sailing just beneath the glowing trees on the ground, and the wild multi-colored flames which danced in the heavens above made me wonder if I was still even in a damn shop. I just had it not within me to fathom the true might of how Liara had built this place.

I stepped around the crescent table, grabbing a chair that was sitting there. When I sat down, I kicked my boot up and left it on the table. I tried not to smirk when I saw Goron's disapproval. Nevertheless, he retrieved my items and I quickly pulled out a small blade. Cutting my forefinger with it, I took a quill and dipped it in my spilled blood. I then wrote the letter with the blood as my ink while Goron observed from the side.

After some time, as the contents of my letter flowed out, he addressed me. "...Are you sure this is a path you wish to tread?" he asked.

I stopped writing for a moment and spared him a glance. "If Vanmirr wishes for guests, then I'll make sure he's awarded only the best of participants. Besides, these three have always wished to set their feet upon his golden floors. What better time than now for them to consider it?" I asked, grinning to myself while Goron touched his hand on the table. He leaned in next to me.

"It shall be an insult that Vanmirr shall never forget. He has the wolf's blood in his veins. They do not forget insults so easily, and even harder is it to earn their forgiveness. Should you not best him, none aboard the ship shall be safe," he said.

While I felt rather insulted by Goron's questioning, I wondered if this warning was either out of concern for my crew or Liara's expectations. Either way, I turned to him. "Tell me, Goron, dare you to think Liara would accept a slight?" I asked.

He didn't answer me for a time. Instead, I answered him. "Goron, I made numerous boasts to Liara that I might be able to stand as her equal. I boasted that should she allow herself to finally fall beneath a banner and take a side that I'd be able to carry the weight of what that might entail. What would it say to the man she allies with to bury his damned head in the sand and cower at any foe? Even if that were not the case, I'd still do it within my means anyway. I lower my head to no one. Should Vanmirr wish to bring me to heel, then he'll have to cut my fucking legs off first!" I answered.

Goron clenched his mighty fists. "He shall target the entire crew if you are not careful. The Higher Realms, it took the Alchemist of Delverhold many years to reach that plane. He has been there since before even Lady Liara's time. Do not underestimate him," Goron warned once again.

When I looked at him, I smiled. "Aye, 'fret not, Goron. I be a man of many talents. Plus, Liara has apparently already put me in his eye. I couldn't escape unless I took the most drastic measures possible. I have a handle on this so far," I said as I finished writing the letter. I then wrote two more, healing my finger when I was done. I bound the letters in their strings and handed them to Goron.

When he took them, I grinned as the smell of the swirling magic in the room began to stick to the string. For those who knew Liara, there was no way they wouldn't be able to distinguish this smell from all the others, especially not with the magic-laced blood kept by the scrolls.

Goron looked at me one more time. I bid him to move and he shrugged. He turned around and walked away, leaving me alone in this room where Liara dealt with feuds, disagreements, and squabbles.

I soon left, traversing the wide halls of The Root alone until I made my way back to the magic matrix to teleport me back aboard ship. Activating the seal, I appeared back on my ship. My ears picked up on more rowdy activity than was there prior. Though it pained me to consider, I knew that I'd have no time to swim with the rest of my crew in the sea and search for treasure. If I did, it'd have to be at another time we sailed this route.

I stepped outside the door, hearing the clamors of my crew as they discovered treasure left and right. Amused, though resigned to my fate, I walked through the creaking halls of my vessel.

"Ah! There you be, Captain! We been looking fer ya all day!" someone said. An arm wrapped around my shoulder and my nose was touched by the smell of rancid vinegar. I turned my head and noticed Daven Wolfkiss cackling at me.

"And what trouble have the lot of you gotten into that you would need to turn the ship upside down for me?" I asked.

"Gyahahahahahaaha! Now, Captain, you knows damn well it ain't right fer no man t' leave his bed while his lasses rest. Let this old shit tell ya a lesson, the lasses go where the warmth be. Ain't no rim or reason to it. It's taken every man nary a century to figure 'em out," he said, his breath continuing to sting my nose.

"And yet they seem to stay far enough away from any warmth of yours," I retort as he shuffled me through te corridors.

"Please, Captain, and no finer lass to a man than a fine bottle. Long throat, nice figure, and she never leaves you unsatisfied. Ain't found better yet," he replied.

Despite myself, I actually found myself laughing at his words as we arrived above deck.

"Ahoy, mateys! Take a gander at what I've found below the deck. 'Tis a fine captain, and an even finer man that makes our pockets grow fat with the weight of gold and silver. Shall we have need of anything else but this?!" Daven asked.

"AYE, WE SAY NEVER!" the others hollered.

I spotted Ellen and she walked over to me. "And where the hell have you been?" she asked.

How funny that Daven would take the time to abandon me now as he slithered his way back into the lower decks of the ship.

"Let's just say the seas of my dreams could have been a little softer. Had they been, I would have enjoyed waking up to your sleeping faces," I answered.

I noticed that the usual anger on Ellen's face slowly shifted into embarrassing annoyance. There seemed to be a comment just on the tip of her tongue, but she must have fought the urge down. Instead, she glanced out into the sea, her hair blowing in the increasing breeze.

"The sea is getting rougher. What are you gonna do?" she asked.

Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I rubbed my eyes. "We'll do as I promised. The crew's got two days to scrounge around for whatever they need. I won't have the time as I'll still be busy. However, don't let that stop you from granting me access to your tavern's massaging services. It was a worthwhile experience," I answered, laughing when she shoved me away.

"Nevermind. How about you go and disappear for all I care? It'd give me a moment's peace with what I've had to put up with," Ellen argued. She then shivered as I grabbed her shoulders.

"Dare you really mean that, Ellen? Have I not been good to you both as the sun rises and sets? I enjoy you like no other," I replied.

Rather than answer, Sothshore just scowled. Yet, I felt the way she naturally leaned into my arms. Were it not for the crew staring, I imagined she wouldn't have minded staying like this.

Finally, she pushed me back again and stomped off while I watched her go. I smiled, thoroughly enjoying my teasing of her until I saw Naala come over to me. "Ain't it a bit early for you to be pissing off the Quartermaster?" my powder monkey inquired.

I faced her. "Rest assured that you'll be sure to see the full weight of Ellen's fury if she truly were as angry as she claimed. However, you be in luck. I have need of you," I responded.

Immediately, Naala's face contorted in worry. "W-Why? I'm not gonna be bargained with some powerful torturous spirit again, am I?" she inquired.

While I knew Naala was joking, I had not the heart to laugh. "No, and you shall never experience such a chance of fate again as long as I would have it. Now, come," I urged.

Naala followed me back into my quarters. I noticed Aesteal was gone, but a brief check of her aura surprised me. She wasn't on the ship, but rather deep below the sea, looking for anything that she could find. I knew not what she was looking for, but Aesteal was more than free to explore the seas at her heart's content just like anyone else of my ship.

Once we stepped inside, Naala closed the door behind herself.

"The captain drags his female crew member into the bowels of his quarters. What can she do but silently acquiesce to his desires as the whole crew shudders with bated breath as her voice reaches the highest heavens and the lowest hells? What fate have you planned for me, Captain?" Naala joked, dramatically waving her arms over her chest like a C'ula theater performer.

I looked at her, finding myself amused by her antics. "No such fate to befall you this time, Naala. Though, if you somehow acquire pleasure from this method, then you be fully allowed to indulge yourself. No, I'll be working on enchanting you and the others further. I know not when we'll meet the likes of Alġnoth again. I wish you and everyone else to be prepared should anything come upon us," I said.

I turned and saw Naala looking at me nervously. "And you chose me first? Surely, I'm not so important as to receive such an honor," she returned, her words clearly revealing just how much confidence she had in me.

Though I found her lack of faith concerning, I decided to not worry her over it. I knew where her concerns lay. I walked over to my desk and pulled out a myriad of supplies. Silver grass, toothgrass, scarlet rock, painted lilies, root rice, aged sand, and so much more that I'd picked up from Delverhold.

"Naala, you once questioned me about whether I truly cared for you or not. You questioned what type of gun you might be wielding in standing at my side. You even granted me the chance to release you from my ship. Know that I would grant the same right to you as well. The sea be a treacherous place, and my path that much more than even the sea's great distance. I once lost all that I had and my enemies would seek to take it from me again. Such a life I shall not let befall me. I shall not grant you the opportunity to dare think you might have made the wrong choice. Though I be a stubborn fool with a hard head, and an even harder mouth, I ain't above seeing my ship laid to waste, and all those aboard it. Some more than others," I replied slowly.

I heard no words from behind me. Instead, I heard Naala's boots thump on the floor until she stood next to me. "Am I in that 'others' spot?" she asked, leaning next to me, her full lips brimming with a wide smile.

"Would I be undertaking this bullshit I'm about to endure were you not?" I asked back.

In response, Naala punched my arm until she took notice of the materials. "Alright, what do I gotta do?" she asked.

As it turned out, my work with Naala wasn't as difficult as I'd originally assumed. Once I'd gathered all my supplies, I instructed her to sit in the middle of the room. At the very least if anything went wrong, then we'd be far enough away from the problem spilling over into any of my stuff.

I had to admit that I'd gotten a bit of amusement out of her rising worry while I carved a magic matrix around her. I then started lighting candles with delicate burning spices. An assortment of colors flourished throughout my room as I stepped into the matrix and sat with Naala.

A total of two sleepless days passed us by as I meticulously worked. While Naala was fed potion after potion, herb after herb, and mixture after mixture, I was given nothing but the salty sweat from my forehead. Even while Naala grunted in pain, her veins pulsing, and blood slipping from the side of her mouth, I didn't cease. I had not the luxury to. I carefully crafted mystical runes into her body, and strengthened her to the best of my ability with the materials gathered to me.

Spirits seemed to take notice because they flew into my room, some of them even took residence in Naala's body, eager to dwell in a vessel abounding in strength. Fortunately for Naala, and myself, these were only minor spirits, barely any thought to be found in them. Were they more, they'd have easily tried to take her over and turn her mortal coils to dust in their exuberance.

Vile puss and black muck slipped out of the pores of her body. I felt her numerous soothing pills to rid of her the discomfort, yet she soldiered on as my foul-smelling aroma filled my quarters. Yet, in my practice, I was unable to open the windows lest everything be for nothing. I worked carefully, cautiously, patiently, and with greater care than with my rune sewing. I tapped Naala's forehead concentrating mana there that might stimulate her mana veins thus allowing her access to more potent spells.

Once the second day passed, the numerous candles of various colors had all turned a dark blue. They swirled into the air while archaic runes lit the air behind me. Flowing into Naala's eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, I was finally finished as the various magical elements dispersed.

Immediately, I had to keep myself strong as Naala fell from the exhaustive task put upon her. I quickly held up. Though her body smelled horrible, I couldn't dismiss the sweet-smelling aroma of magic circulating from her. Hell, I still had to work to bring it under control lest her new might spiral out of control. If Naala would be like this, I actually feared for Aesteal and Diane. Their instincts were some of the best that I'd ever seen, and any mana produced from them would need to be watched carefully.

I picked Naala up and laid her on my bed, messy body and all. I quickly removed her clothes, even in my exhaustion taking a moment to admire her delicate brown skin. Were I not so exhausted, I was sure she wouldn't mind if I partook of her. Nevertheless, I pulled the covers over her, watching as she shifted until she was comfortable. The occasional elemental spirit would hover over her from time to time, but I knew they'd do her no harm.

Once Naala was secure, I splashed water on my face, hoping to wake myself up in preparation to guide my crew through the storm that was approaching. The clouds, which had normally been gray, were now as black as the depths of the sea. Though I too wished for my bed, I'd be a failure of a captain to leave my crew against such conditions.

Not bothering to replace my clothes since I was set to get rained on anyway, I exited my quarters and came outside. As expected, I saw my men scrambling back into the ship while the seas continued to grow more turbulent.

I saw my mother barking orders to the others before she noticed me. "Your fucking timing is as horrible as ever. Glad to see you've finally decided to come out of your... Fucking dammit, Eric, you smell like shit! What the hell happened to you in there?" my mother asked, covering her nose.

Not in the mood, I faced her. "Prepare to set sail and batten down the hatches, Mother. Make sure all the windows are closed, and get all hands on deck immediately!" I ordered.

Though she still covered her nose, my mother nodded and turned to the rest of the ship. She repeated my orders to everyone else, causing men and women to storm down into the deeper parts of the ship.

While the helmsman ran past me, I noticed Maeloson securing the barrels while Aesteal and others hoisted the rowboats out of the water. The waves steadily grew with even greater strength. Luckily, I didn't have to worry about Nei and her sisters. In fact, they seemed to have a lot of fun splashing about in the harsh turbulence. Knowing that they'd be fine, I focused on the efforts of the rest of the ship.

Once the anchor was pulled up, the ship was quickly, and violently pulled by the wind. The deck shook and rumbled, the treacherous heart of the sea soothing its rage upon us.

"Captain, whatever you be angry about, might it be too much 't ask that you keep us outta it?" someone hollered as heavy rain came upon us.

"If I were rightfully angry, the lotta you would be thrown overboard by now from a broken ship!" I retorted as I swiftly got to work. It wasn't like I hadn't anticipated this happening. I'd sailed through the Sea of Tiplaad before. I knew its mighty and stubborn ways. That I'd been allowed to work without a storm interrupting me was its own blessing.

"Holy shit!" one of my crewmembers hollered. We watched a colossal wave form at the starboard bow. Sucking my teeth, I waved my hand and broke the wave in two. We sailed through it as it passed our bow and stern.

With the violent waves under us, my mother crashed into me. We watched the waves crash back into the ocean while she chuckled. "It's times like this I fucking love you to death, even if you still smell like shit!" she exclaimed, the rain already soaking her hair.

"And yet, your beauty remains even if your hair's become the back of a dog's ass," I remarked with equal mirth. For my reward, I was punched mildly in the chest. For a sailor with one lung, that kinda hurt.

Even for one such as myself, there were times when a captain had to tighten the laces on his boots, fasten the belt on his pants, and work himself even when the entire world seemed against him. Luckily for me, I was all but the last of those as my crew and I sailed through the stormy seas of Tiplaad for 3 days and 3 nights. If Poseidon truly was my father, he offered me no respite.

I'd managed to clear the weather on numerous occasions, yet the joy was always short-lived.

"Captain, you've cursed us! We be sailing into the briny deep with no salvation fer our souls. Elves, sing the tales of our passing should ye survive! Soon we shall haunt the waters and waves, looking to drown the next fucking lot eager to test their nutsacks against this fury!"

Such comments and more were my reward as I combated whirlpools and unusual waterspouts. Were it not for so much water, one might think we'd traversed into the realm of Haganthar itself.

That said, it was nice to know at least one group was enjoying our journey of misery. Nei and her sisters had so much fun I wondered if they might never leave the sea again. Even when I'd been ferociously battling a whirlpool, wielding the might of the seas to not only keep out of it but crush it down as well, the fairmaids were swimming through it like children in the local river.

Not even the lightning deterred them. In fact, I watched as lightning struck their wings, making them glow more than a few times throughout the storm.

Thankfully, even in the midst of their fun, Nei still remained the most responsible of them all. Though I didn't need their help, they offered it by breaking up the waves with blasts of magic from their mouths. When one of my crewmates fell overboard, they were right there to make sure they wouldn't drown. Though they had their fun, they pulled their weight just like any other.

Finally, our trials of the sea were over as the waves calmed down. The sky remained dark and foreboding, yet we were allowed our rest. My arms burned and I found myself exhausted, having not been able to rest for a long while. Ellen tiredly leaned against the deck of the ship while Diane cursed, wringing water from her hair.

Maeloson slumped to the ground next to Aesteal. I couldn't even tell their sweat from the drips of seawater dripping down their faces. The rest of my crew lay sprawled out over the main deck, panting and laughing.

Exhausted though I was, I weaved the water off them and out of the ship. As expected, Nz'ia was nowhere to be seen. In fact, I imagined that he'd hold himself up in the brig where it was difficult for water to get in.

Once the crew and I caught our breaths, my mother assembled everyone in front of me. Well, almost everyone. I briefly glanced at my room, noting that Naala hadn't woken up the entire time. The only thing that comforted me was knowing that her blood was still circulating normally within her body.

Exhaling tiredly, I waved my hand. "Roll up the sails and drop anchor, and clean up the deck. Once we're finished, feel free to rest for the next two days," I said.

With my orders spoken, my mother took charge of the crew. We hoisted up the sails and lowered the anchor. After that, we cleaned up the deck of the ship and briefly swept the lower decks. We checked our food stores next and after that, we were allowed to rest. Even Nei and her sisters had enough of their play.

I pulled them out of the sea and took them into my quarters. Thankfully, with the sea air and the storm, the room smelled much better as did Naala. Of course, much to my irritation, my room was a mess. My dresser was toppled over and my desk was brushed up against the wall. Barrels with maps and scrolls lay sprawled out over the floor.

I inhaled and exhaled slowly, eager to not let my anger overrun me lest we have another storm on our hands. "Fuck this. This be a matter for later," I thought to myself as I placed the fairmaids in their barrel.

Once they were settled safely, I turned to Naala. The storm had clearly soaked my sheets and tossed her in odd ways, yet she remained asleep. In fact, she looked rather peaceful.

I took a few minutes to inspect her. Luckily, there was nothing wrong with her even with the storm's disturbance. I then took off my clothes and laid on my soaked bed. Even with this uncomfortable measure, sleep came fairly easy to me as my body finally suffered under the weight of exhaustion. Everything was quiet as the ship fell into a lull.

I knew not when I woke up, but it must have been a while because Naala was gone. That said, she wasn't hard to find. Her mana was leaking out of her body like a damned lighthouse. However, it seemed that her mana started to calm down as it receded back into her body.

Though I wished to stay in bed, the call of food was too powerful. I hadn't eaten for a few days and was ready to cause my own storm through the food storage. I grabbed for myself another plate of morsels, leaning against the railing and staring out into the vast blue sea.

Once my hunger was sated, I spent the next few hours preparing materials for my next visitors. When I was done, I swiftly fell back asleep. I cared not for plans and I cared not for news. All I cared for was more rest. While I wished I'd had a bedtime partner, I was too tired to complain.

When I woke up the next morning, it seemed I was due for some good fortune since Aesteal, Diane, and my mother were lying with me. I would have liked to enjoy these peaceful, and luxurious rewards, but the sound of the crew outside made me realize that I should start moving.

I kissed the three of them, each of them mumbling as I walked out. By my order, the ship started moving again. It would be at least another two or three weeks before we'd make for Olipios. However, the winds were fair to us today and if they stayed then we'd be out of Tiplaad by the day's end.

"How is the crew's health?" I asked.

My mother glanced at me. "We've got one sick from the storm a few days ago. Luckily for us, The Root had more than enough medicinals that Goron was willing to impart to us. The others have made use of the fire stones for baths. It ain't as bad as most ships," my mother said.

Of that, she was right. I'd been in urgent need of a doctor in my first life. Hell, even medicinal supplies were a godsend as the life of a pirate was hardly one for keeping the dirt, shit, and grim off your body.

On the other hand, haphazardly using Liara's supplies wasn't an option for me. Her stores came from powerful, daring, dangerous areas, some of which there was no water to speak of. To replace her wares was no easy thing, especially not with her dealers. Though I was tasked with the governance of The Root, Liara had left her mark on these men, women, beasts, divine spirits, vile devils, and gods.

I hadn't. Hell, some of them I was astounded to learn even existed. Aye, I'd faced the occasional demon, devil, or spirit, though that hardly be a drop in the ocean in the grandest scheme of things.

"Aye, well have Ikla manage the crew. You'll be coming with me now," I said.

My mother looked at me curiously. Nevertheless, she called Ikla over. Ikla was one of the lasses who worked under my mother when her workload became too stressful. One might consider her more of an errand girl, fetching this and that for my mother. I'd spotted her run through the halls of my ship from time to time.

"Ikla, manage those brainless fucks while I see what our esteemed captain wants," my mother ordered.

"Shall I prepare a walking stick for you, Ira? It be easy for a lass' legs to turn into a quivering mess when coming from strenuous activity!" Ikla said, grinning widely while my mother snorted.

"In case you wanna take over the stock of the next supplies, then I suggest you shut up. You've got more than enough teeth to lose if you keep it up," my mother fired back.

Unfortunately, the threat didn't seem to do much to deter Ikla. Instead, the lass laughed while she waved my mother and I away. My mother grumbled every now and then as we passed through my door. I spotted Nei and Lei on my desk, staring at my bladed eel curiously. Well, Lei looked at it curiously. Nei looked like she'd much rather eat it instead. At some point, I figured it might be better to have a proper home for the fairmaids built, instead of leaving them in a fucking barrel.

"Okay, what do you want? Sorry, but I've never had a greater appreciation for Ellen than right now. I don't know how she managed this fucking shit day in and day out. I was doing much better without it," my mother claimed.

I chuckled. "It shall get easier with time, mother. Ellen has had many years to perfect her craft at management. I wish I could say I brought you in here to do as Ikla suspected. There is hardly ever a reason I don't have to draw you into my arms and remind you of just how much you excite a man, especially me," I said.

Though my mother's face grew red. She folded her arms and grunted. "I don't fucking care if I excite other men. You're the only one I'll always like doing that for. Now, if you're done blowing sweet smoke up my ass, if it ain't sex that you want, then what is it?" she asked.

Despite myself, I cackled. "Now, mother, what do you take me for? Naturally, you're more than a means to warm my bed on a cold night. What be a pirate ship if the captain himself can't even speak to his own mother in the solitude of his quarters? Surely we can be around each other without throwing ourselves into a lustful embrace at every turn," I said, unwilling to let the grin fall from my face.

At no point in my speech did my mother seem convinced. She just stared at me with an eyebrow raised and arms folded, perhaps wondering when I might ask her to shed her clothing.

As arousing as that thought was, I wasn't afforded that luxury. While Aesteal and Ellen's efforts were rewarding, they were but a fleeting moment amidst my continued toiling.

"It be your turn to be enhanced again. I finished Naala and I wish to work on you next. I hope to be done with all of you before we make it Olipios, but I don't believe I'll be so fortunate. We're set to arrive in a few weeks and I have much more to accomplish. Now, let's get started," I said, closing my eyes if only for a moment to rest them.

Before I opened them, I felt the warm touch of my mother's palm on my cheek. I opened my eyes and stared into hers. "Just make sure you don't fucking run yourself ragged. D'orn's survived some weird shit before you, it can survive one or two days more," she commented.

I wondered if she'd say that if she'd seen what the Liara of my time showed to me. Nevertheless, I wasn't put off by her concerns. Rather, my salty heart welcomed them gratefully. I'd never tire of her affections as I'd never gotten the blessing of experiencing them in my first life.

"Aye, that be true. However, the safety of you lot be first before my own. Now, sit and prepare. It shall be a long while," I answered.

Agreeing, my mother sat in the same spot as Naala did. Nei and Lei watched on curiously as I grabbed things from my drawer. Their eyes then drifted back to my bladed eel. I wondered what they found so curious about it, but I couldn't turn more attention to the matter.

Instead, I grabbed a myriad of supplies from my drawer. Just like with Naala, I worked through my task tirelessly. I ground materials and liquids in a mortar with my pestle. One by one, I dumped each mixture into a cauldron. Vast colors ranging from red to white sloshed about within it before I could finally proceed.

"Like I told Naala, this'll hurt. Best you be ready," I warned.

"I can take a little pain, Eric. You know that," my mother returned.

"Aye, you're training with Diane. I'd say you can take more than a little," I answered back.

My mother hummed, yet I worked slowly on her. Just like Naala, my fingers drew ancient runes, imbued with magic, into her body. The supplies I'd received from Delverhold continued to dwindle as I fed my mother numerous pills. I eased her pain as much as I could, yet the sight of her anguish in particular did not go well with me.

Yet, as the one who raised me, she simply grit her teeth and worked as I'd taught her the many months that we'd been on the ship. She inhaled and exhaled, her veins pulsing through her skin. Just like Naala, her mana exploded, growing in both density and size. Hell, I was even pushed back a few times. Yet, in spite of the struggle, I'd never been more attracted to my mother than then.

Three more days continued without much issue. I fed my mother pills and made her drink strange mixtures. Just like Naala, my room stank with the toxic residue that seeped out of my mother's pores. Even her hair fell off and regrew numerous times. Luckily, she'd been too distracted to notice. I sure as hell wasn't gonna tell her that,

On the third day, I was slowly coming to an end. Three days of work and sleepless nights had led me to right now. I carefully crafted runes onto my mother's body. I touched her forehead while blood poured from the side of her mouth.

"Er... ic!" she groaned while I attempted to soothe her. Spirits floated around her, slowly entering her body while she bit her lip. I couldn't respond to her. She had to focus all her attention on the magic that threatened to overwhelm her. It was also why I had to work carefully, more carefully than anything I'd done before. Were I to fuck this up, my mother's immense mana could kill her.

I touched her forehead again and drew a line across her neck and shoulders. She shivered, yet still she focused. Mana swirled through the air, concentrating itself into her forehead, stimulating her mind. I feared how painful it might be for her.

We worked and worked, and finally, I was coming to the end of it all. Last would be my mother's chest. She discarded her clothes. Just as with Naala, this was where my nerve was tested. I inched my finger closer, aware that I couldn't stop now. If I did, the mana would grow unstable and overwhelm my mother. There was no way she could hold on for so long having had no practice in the arts for years like those scholars of the institute.

As I inched my finger forward, I cursed when the ship exploded. Trumpets of water blew into the air as the floorboards beneath my ship rattled. Sounds of cannon fire roared over my ship as I heard Ellen bark orders to my crew.

"Eric, what the fuck was..."

"Focus, Mother. Not now!" I growled, trying as hard as I could to steady myself. I fucking didn't have time for this shit!

Of course, clearly, it didn't matter what I had time before because I heard my crew firing off magic spells while others fired cannons at... our adversary. My quarters rattled and the fairmaids hissed into the open air.

Even my seas-damned cauldron had fallen over, spilling all of the rich contents I'd poured into it on the floor. With each thing that crashed in my room, my anger grew more and more until I tried to calm down and focus on the task at hand. My mother fell over more than once and her mana quickly started spiralling out of control. I could only shiver when I saw trails of blood slip out of her nose and the veins under her skin come close to rupturing.

Cursing the highest heavens and the lowest hells, my anger continued to rise as rain came down over the ocean next. Cannons rocked my damned eardrums and violent ocean vibrations flung my mother and I across the floor, I vowed that whatever assailant this might be would fucking curse the day they dared disturb me.

"An'raie, I have need of you. Please, make haste! Surely a Necromancer hath some levitation magic," I said.

"'Tis a matter within my means. However, 'twould be best that thee workest quickly. Such magic over so many items hath a heavy price, even for one such as I," she said.

The Lonely Wail floated about my room and then held out her hands. "Incthi Nlnim Levinmos!" she chanted as my mother and I were lifted into the middle of the air around my room. An'raie even levitated the materials I'd been using. While the boat shook, we were left suspended in the air. When the ship moved, An'raie had to move us as well lest we hit the walls.

She floated me over to my mother and I quickly assessed the damage. My mother looked pale, almost deathly so. I'd not seen so pale a face since her Sharkbite disease. Carefully, I tapped her forehead with mine. "Focus, Mother. I shan't let you die. I swore that I would ferry you to vast lands and uncover beautiful treasures. Women shall envy you and men shall desire to be with you. I will not let you pass easily," I said, hoping to encourage her.

Amid the chaos, and the violent shouting of my crew, I continued to work as a cannonball crashed into the magic barrier of my ship. It was only with An'raie spell, that I could remain still enough to work. I kissed my mother briefly, sharing a crushed lion's pill with her. Slowly, the spirits continued to fly back into her body while I fed her another pill, one that would bring her turbulent mana back under control.

I swiftly lost track of the curses that flew out of my mouth, working while An'raie kept us levitated. I drew on my mother's frail skin and wrote runes on her chest. I prayed she might be strong enough to finish. This was most certainly the worst place we could have stopped at.

I fed my mother another bottle, now singing praise to the damned gods or spirits above that it was one that hadn't been broken in the chaos. When she swallowed it, I was finally allowed relief when the fierce flames of her mana settled. Just like Naala, my mother fell unconscious from the strain and I held her in my arms while An'raie slowly dropped us to the floor. I touched my mother's cheek, uncaring of the filthy residue that stained my hands.

"Thank you, An'raie. I'll see you rewarded to the best of my ability," I said.

The Lonely Wail offered me no reply. Instead, she simply vanished back into my body while my ship violently rumbled once again. Out the window, I watched a mixture of fire and lightning sail across the sky until it crashed into the enemy's magic barrier, shattering through it almost immediately. However, it seemed that the barrier had just enough strength that it deflected the blasts to the side. Had it not done so, I had no doubts I'd be staring at a fucking sinking enemy vessel right now.

I lifted up my mother and put her in my bed. I fed her one more elixir and grabbed my coat. Throwing it over my shoulders, I stepped outside.

My crew was in chaos. Ellen leaned against the railing on the port side of the ship. Violent rain and vicious thunder rolled through the skies as the seas became turbulent once again. The deck drowned in water as the helmsman navigated the ship against the bombardment of my sudden enemies.

"Captain! Finally, you show your ugly mug!" someone laughed while others turned to me.

The others quickly looked at me while I turned my attention to the ship in the distance. Through the storm, it was hard to tell what kind of ship it was, but I knew what kind of ship it was going to be in a few seconds.

A sunken ship!

Ordinarily, I would have fancied a bit of fun with an enemy ship. However, the stress of those three days and the interruption had left me irritable. It seemed my crew knew it too as no one spoke a further word to me. Even Ellen was strangely silent as I held out my hand. I gathered the sea beneath the enemy ship, over and over, until I formed a hand that would make the Troll of Delverhold proud.

My crew watched as I lifted up a tower of water and the enemy ship along with it. Clenching my hand, the water clenched around the ship. I then pulled the water tower down, crashing the ship into the sea like a wooden barrel against pavement.

"By the fucking gods!" someone shouted, the rumbling sea even crashing waves back at us.

I did this over and over, slamming the hull of the enemy ship into sea. I hoisted them up and shoved them back down. My crew could only watch as I vented my frustrations of the past couple of days on our enemies. Even from where we stood, we heard their screams as I slammed them back down into the sea.

I tormented our enemies until their ship couldn't withstand my assault any longer. The vessel broke in half as bodies fell into the ocean, their ship falling on top of them.

With the matter settled, I turned to Ellen. "Sail the ship over there. I'd like to see the lot whose balls hung so low that they were confident enough to assault my ship and my crew. I'll join you in a moment," I replied, not giving Ellen the time to respond. Instead, I heard her bark orders to the others while I gathered a few healers with me.

When I came back into my room, I noticed that my mother was a little moved from her original spot. Her arm was hanging off the side of the bed and the covers had been thrown off her. Exhaling tiredly, I swiftly corrected her and placed the covers back on her.

"Watch my mother while I settle the shit that went on outside," I said.

Whether they sensed my mood or witnessed the destruction of the enemy from before, none of the healing mages spoke about the putrid odor that, once again, filled my room. I silently thanked them for that as I wasn't in the mood to deal with the comments.

"Aye, captain. Ain't no hair gonna be moved," one of them said.

I didn't remember whether I responded or not, I just picked up Nei and Lei and walked back outside. When I stepped onto the main deck, I spotted Ellen speaking to the helmsman. Meanwhile, Aesteal, Naala, and Maeloson came over to me.

"I think it's gonna take me some time before I can help out," Naala said, holding up her hand. I noticed one of her guns crushed, bent, and mangled in the palm of her hand. No doubt her new strength had come as something of a surprise.

"You'll get used to it. Now, what the hell happened?" I asked.

"Hell if we know. Maeloson and Aesteal got the best eyes out of all of us. Yet, somehow a fucking ship managed to sneak up on them while one of them was in the crow's nest. Before they could even ready us, we were suddenly bombarded. We would have alerted you, but... you warned against disturbing you. No one was brave enough," Naala remarked.

My lips thinned as the ship sailed toward the wreckage.

"I have no reason to lie. There was no ship when I looked out there. The skies were as clear as the sea. The only vessel upon the waters was ours," Maeloson claimed.

Naala laughed at him. "Maeloson, ain't no ship gonna just appear out of nowhere. Maybe the sun's heat just got to you, or maybe you've been downin' a tankard when none of us was looking. Ain't no sense in a mistake," my powder monkey replied, patting his shoulder.

"There was no ship! I have better things to do than stuff alcohol down my throat like the rest of the ship, and not belittle me, I have been a warrior underneath the glow of the mighty spirit of fire for many cycles. It would not deter me," my male elf said while Naala held up her hands in surrender.

He then looked back and me, clenching his fists. "There was no ship. I swear by Hythlir," he exclaimed.

Over the months that Maeloson had been on my ship, I'd learned a bit about him. Like Goron, he wasn't a man for much fun. He enjoyed festivities every now and then, yet he carried himself with a much more refined demeanor than what one would consider for an elf.

There were times where I'd notice him either partaking in elven poetry, literature, and crafts. Other times, he'd simply be staring out into the ocean as if there was naught by any other care in the world. While I knew not of his training compared to Aesteal's, given my Bonded's reliance upon him and my own experiences with him, I knew he was hardly her lesser in terms of skill. Why I knew him to be mysterious, keeping his secrets close to his chest, he seemed not the sort to lie, especially not if he'd speak the name of Hythlir, the elven spirit whom many elves believed welcomed truth and punished lies.

To vow by Hythlir, and lie, for an elf was to have their tongue ripped off so that they'd never speak another lie, and to have their ears ripped off so that they might never hear the sweetness of truth again.

I glanced out into the stormy sea at the remains of the enemy vessel I'd destroyed as it began to slowly sink into the ocean. "What make you of the matter?" I asked.

"'Tis strange. I senseth a mana of similar aptitude to mine own. Mine thoughts lingered not on this problem as mine understanding assumed it to be my own might. 'Twould be best that thee exercise caution for I senseth the power of the dead as thee draw near toward thine target," An'raie said before finally falling silent.

I frowned as I turned to Maeloson, Aesteal, and Naala. "The matter clearly ain't a simple one since even An'raie claims there to be something wrong here. Maeloson, Aesteal, gather a couple men and have them search the ship. I'll lift it out of the sea and keep it lifted until you be done. The rest'll search the waters for any stragglers that think they'll be allowed escape," I ordered.

"Yes, Sir," they said as they swiftly gathered a handful of my crew members while we sailed up to the wreckage.

Ellen and Diane joined me before I noticed the latter frown. "It's odd. The closer we get to that ship the more black magic I smell, and it's one viler than most. It's like the magic from that bastard, Fnikrrik. Fucking dumbass was so obsessed with black magic he forged his body into a cauldron made for the stuff. It's not just magic like his that I'm feeling either. I also sense the power of an archdemon," Diane claimed.

"You mean like that bitch we saw back on Delverhold?" Ellen inquired.

"Probably not on her level. Feels like a fucking rookie looking to make his name in the center of the pit," Diane answered back.

"Not to mention, there's no screams. Even in this storm, I was sure even I saw people falling into the sea. They were even screaming. Yet, there's no poor bastard clinging to floating wreckage. There ain't even a curse being hurled over the waves. It's like everything just stopped," Naala replied.

Naala was right. I hadn't even sensed anything frantically swimming away in haste beneath the tides. Other than my crew and the fairmaids, nothing even seemed remotely alive out here.

"Mate, Nei search?"

I glanced down at Nei, her wide eyes looking at me curiously.

"Hold for a moment. We shall see soon," I said as the helmsman took us to the ship.

With a grunt, and waves of my hands, I pulled the torn ship out of the sea and pushed it back together. Now, I just had to fucking keep it like this while Aesteal and Maeloson searched.

"Try not to take long," I said.

The elves nodded as they grabbed their bows. They then signaled to their men and jumped onto the ship. Immediately, Maeloson checked the captain's quarters while Aesteal searched below deck. Maelosn and his men must not have found anything because they quickly left the Captain's Quarters and followed Aesteal.

"Prep the rowboats! Search any of the other wreckage!" Ellen ordered.

Per her command, the boats were lowered and my crew fished out pieces of wreckage from the ship. I absently heard Nz'ia growl behind me, speaking his Xhaluter's rough tongue. He too was wary of not just the ship, but also the waters.

The storm slowly stopped as my crew searched for about an hour or so. As they continued to search, I also felt anxious the longer I continued to hold this ship afloat. This vile magic felt rather similar to me, though I knew not from where. Liara's memories provided me with little help. While she had knowledge of many demons and what their mana felt like, she hardly knew every single demon and devil that ever existed. However, from what she described in her experiences, I reasoned this magic to feel like that of an Archdemon Whnmas, a demon with the head of a goat, torso of a man, and body of a horse.

Ordinary Whnmas were said to boast great power and cruel humor. It was said that to summon one took the sacrifice of over a hundred children, and the summoner ought to pray that they never have a child either. For the Whnma would haunt the child with its mark, corrupting its body until it became like the demon itself. That said, I'd never heard of an Archwhnma. Neither had Liara, surprisingly.

What also concerned me was that there was more magic than just this that I felt. I now saw what An'raie meant when she said there was magic here that felt similar to hers. It was like death clung to this ship in all its morbid ways.

"Captain, I ain't no lazy fucker, but I think the only bastards around here be us! These barrels, they be full of supplies that'll stink up the Draegnar pier worse than Old Pete's wares! Shit's gone bad for years! Nothing but maggot food!" someone shouted.

It wasn't just him. Many others shared his sentiments as they revealed barrels of rotten food, rusted cannonballs, old ropes, and rusted ore. Everything was just as worthless as the ship I was keeping together.

After a few moments, Aesteal and Maeloson returned with their men. Their hands were bare and their eyes were nervous. While my men hoisted themselves up the ropes provided to them, my elves jumped back to my ship. Neither seemed pleased.

"Judging by the looks on your faces, I take it things didn't go well over there?" Diane inquired.

The elves seemed tense, almost as if they were not sure how to broach the matter. Yet, after a few seconds, they found their voices.

"That depends on what you define as 'didn't go well.' Nevermind any enemies, it looks like the ship's been abandoned for more than a century," Maeloson said, intriguing the lot of us.

"A fucking century?!" Naala asked, which Maeloson reaffirmed by nodding his head. Meanwhile, Aesteal faced me.

"The wood has rotted severely. Each step nearly broke the floorboards and what I can only assume to be the crew's quarters has been either looted or destroyed by the hand of time. Mold littered the ceiling and corners of the ship. They even released spores through the air. Broken barrels, crates, and weapons lay everywhere as if a massive battle has taken place long before ours. Sir, I plead you not think me crazy, but I want to boldly say that even though we got attacked by this ship not even an hour ago, no one's been alive here for, as Maeloson said, a century. I'd even dare say more than that," Aesteal claimed.

I knew not what type of face I made, but I remembered turning to Nei and Lei, asking that they search the sea below the tides. They agreed and swiftly jumped into the water, their sisters following behind them.

"So you mean to tell me we just got attacked by a ghost ship with no ghosts?" Naala inquired.

"The air is thick with volatile black magic. It could be that a spell was in place to mask the ship. Though, I'm sorry. I'm not sure how that helps since there's no one on board who assaulted us. There aren't even any bones of the people, and we heard the screams of men as the captain threw them into the sea. Yet, there's nothing here. When I checked the captain's quarters, it hardly even looked lived in. Even if the ship were manned by skeletons, sea folk, or even spirits, there would be something to indicate that they were there. Even the female necromancer who shares her soul with our captain has one," Maeloson exclaimed.

Diane snorted. "Yeah, though her's is a little different. Either she's gotten used to her circumstances or she simply doesn't care. For one as strong as her, she could hide her presence, and possibly no one but Lady Liara and the higher beings beyond locate her trail. Then again, the captain spent quite a lot of time throwing all manner of enchantments on the lot of you. It could be you've just gotten to where you can sense her if you try hard enough," Diane claimed.

I absently heard Naala snort. "Oh, and you could?" she asked.

"Every damn day. Goron could too. I just don't really think about it. She ain't botherin' me," Diane returned, shrugging her shoulders.

While hearing them all speculate was nice, I had deeper concerns. I'd been within my mind inquiring An'raie of the matter. She hadn't much to offer me. With Liara's wealth of knowledge at my disposal, we traded information back and forth. An'raie offered me numerous explanations or assumptions as to what happened such as a combination of necromancy and illusion magic. There were numerous spells beyond the sixth-tier that could make almost any illusion seem like real life.

Unfortunately, for anyone who could wield spells of the sixth-tier and higher, such illusions weren't that difficult. In fact, very few, save for those not of the Illusion Realm, made it their specialty. Simply put, for them, there was no need to specialize in something so easy. Then there was the matter of the necromancy magic. An'raie claimed the aura was familiar, yet her memory eluded her. After all, she was hardly the first person to study the corrupt ways of necromancy. She'd hardly be the last either.

All of our speculations came to a halt when Nei and her sisters resurfaced. I wasn't at all disappointed when she shook her head, seemingly sorrowful that she'd not made a difference. I pulled her and her five sisters up.

"Ease your worries, Nei. Based on the matter, I'd not assumed you to find anything different. It be a matter of just to have you check," I said, hoping to let her know that I appreciated her efforts all the same.

Once everyone was away from the ship, I released my hold of it. My ship watched the enemy vessel sink back into the water until there was nothing left to see. However, the mysterious circumstances had left my crew a little rattled.

"No offense, Captain, but you sure there ain't no more trials to face? Be we needin' to close our eyes and speak word games again?" a woman with a scar over her left eye inquired.

As quickly as I could, I tried to remember the majority of my adventures that took place in this sea. I'd never had something such as this fall upon me, which made me believe this was just another of the things I'd changed since I'd returned.

"Best you remember that many ships have sunken in this place. There have been numerous folk tales and horror stories around a camper's fire detailing the mysterious events plaguing this part of D'orn's seas. Stay together and keep your lips off your tankard until we be sure that we ain't lost our minds," I said.

Slowly the crew returned to their work while I focused on Maeloson. "Settle yourself into your quarters for a few nights, Maeloson. Best you not think on the matter more than need be," I recommended.

I could tell he was displeased, whether with himself or the order, yet he obeyed. He walked below deck while Ellen pinched the bridge of her nose. "At least it'll only be two more days before we've left this shit hole," she said, turning around and assigning new orders to the ship.

I dismissed the others as our ship sailed away. Ordinarily, I'd have someone assess the damage to my ship in the battle, but it seemed no one was willing to stick around this area more than necessary. Plus, I wished to get back to my mother. The healers weren't barreling out of my room for me, so I assumed she must be alright.

Never had I been more thankful to be right than when I returned to my quarters. My mother lay in my bed with the healers around her. Apparently, she hadn't woken up the entire time. I handed the lot of them a bag of coins and dismissed them.

Once they were gone, I looked at the chaotic state of my quarters. With the adrenaline dying down, I became just as tired as before. Nevertheless, I stayed awake for a few hours just in case Ellen would need me. I busied myself with cleaning up my room and picking up things that had fallen over. I thought about the ship but my ideas simply sailed me in circles much to my irritation. I didn't even bother asking An'raie if she could summon the spirits of the ship. If it was as old as Aesteal and Maeloson believed, then there'd be no point. Their souls would have already been taken to their final resting places.

Unwilling to let my curiosity sap any more of my strength, I told the helmsman that the ship would lower its anchor where we were. Once we were still, I dismissed everyone else. It didn't take long for the deck to empty when I returned to my room.

I wasted no time discarding my clothes and hopping into my bed with my mother. I almost assumed she was awake given the way she turned and rested her head into the crevice of my neck. It wasn't just her either. Nei and Lei rested their bodies on my chest, though I noticed the way Nei shivered.

"Nei did best, Mate," she said while I looked at her. She looked at me, her eyes unblinking.

I pulled her up to me and nodded. "And that be why I love you, Nei. You always do your fucking best. Fret not, for that matter changes nothing," I said, kissing her after. Though given how small her body was in proportion to mine, it was a rather funny attempt at intimacy. Though, that certainly didn't stop her from kissing me either.

I soon fell asleep after that, unsure and uncaring of when I'd wake up this time.

When I did wake up, it already felt like I hadn't slept long enough. My body was sore and my mana still hadn't fully recovered from the ordeal with my mother. Speaking of her, she also hadn't woken up either. If not for her labored breaths, I would have wondered if she was even alive.

I touched her warm cheek, losing myself momentarily in her auburn hair. Yet, for all my joy at the sight of my mother, my eyes were drawn away as I looked at Nei's sleeping body. Over the months, I'd gotten a little used to how she slept on me. She'd usually lie flat out, almost like she was trying to cover as much of my body as she could.

It was at this moment that I recognized I hadn't spent much time with Nei as I would have liked. I usually left her with her sisters while I got my work done. Though they were small, I sensed emotions within her that surprised me. Unsurety, embarrassment, declining self-worth, sadness, dissatisfaction, and even anger were all prevalent. While none of these feelings seemed anywhere near the level of Alteria, that they were present at all was a concern for me.

I'd not thought of then, but Nei had nearly ceased all her trouble-making ways. While it could get mildly annoying at times, I was never too offput by her joking manner. It was one of the things I enjoyed about her. I wondered if this might be due to the circumstances of the ship we'd found, but something told me this might not be it, at least fully.

I stayed in bed, thinking about matters for a while before I figured it'd be best if I got up and discovered how long I'd been asleep. When I finally started moving, Nei and Lei moved as well. Nei unwrapped herself and stretched her wings into the air as did Lei. Once the two sisters were awake, all emotion that I'd been sensing from Nei was gone in almost an instant. Perhaps it was better to say that it'd diminished.

When Nei smiled at me, I wondered if the shit I'd been sensing how somehow been some sort of illusion. She tilted her head at me curiously. "Mate, well?" she asked.

Even though she asked me that question, I felt the need to ask her that myself. "Aye, perhaps I make for a pretty shitty pirate if at least some of my days ain't carefree," I said as I slipped out of the bed.

I swiftly dressed myself while Nei and Lei took to their usual spots in my coat. I checked my mother once more and then stepped outside. When I stepped out, I heard the sound of splashing water and sensed a handful of bodies swimming through the seas. It seemed two of the fairmaids were happily swimming with a few of the sailors, one of them more intimate than the other when I felt a touch of lust hit my body.

"Sleep any longer and the crew's gonna think you're dead one of these days."

I turned my head and noticed Diane walking over to me, a wide grin on her face. "Try not to rejoice to the heavens should such a fate befall me. How long have I slept?" I asked.

"Two days, maybe three. However, I think the stop did some of the crew good. A lot of the idiots were telling horror stories over candlelight and the bastards got more than a little freaked out. Granted, since a few of your crew never experienced Delverhold, the others got a real fucking kick outta them. It must have been quite a story since one bastard woke up the whole ship screaming. Ellen wasn't very happy with that one," Diane cackled.

"Very few things would make Ellen happy at all," I returned, ashamed that I'd missed something as amusing as that.

"Oh, I can think of a few things that make her happy, even if she'd gut her throat before she uttered them," Diane returned.

"And the throat of anyone else who doesn't know how to fucking keep their mouths shut, Diane!" Ellen said, her boots knocking against the wood of the main deck.

"Any time you're willing to fucking try, I'll take you up on it," Diane fired back, not at all intimidated by Ellen's glare.

"Good, you'll be much better at sucking our captain's cock with no teeth," Ellen retorted much to Diane's amusement. Ever seeking of a challenge, I knew Diane would entice Ellen until the two came to blows. Truth be told, I was rather glad she and Nz'ia remained amicable. Not even my ship would still be floating if those two tested their mettle against each other.

Before they went through with their bout, I stepped in. "Ellen, assemble the crew. We're bound to see Olipios soon. Given what just happened a few days ago, it be quite clear that I'll have to pause my work lest such a misfortune happen upon us again. My mother is still asleep, so I'll have to trouble you for today. I'll handle the matters pertaining to the crew after this," I said.

Ellen looked at me evenly before she sighed. "Yeah, fine. As long as Ira's breathing, then I guess there's no need for concern. Though, while you were asleep, I was given a few reports from the Noble Slut that you might wanna look over. So far, she's stayed in her place. I wouldn't expect her to for long though," Ellen remarked.

I smiled. "'Fret not, Ellen. Anastasia be a smart lass, she won't do anything too stupid while she ain't got a few cards in her hand. She'll be fine if left alone for now," I assured. Ellen gave me a skeptical look, but she bothered raising no questions to me.

Instead, Ellen ordered those in the water out and for everyone to prepare to sail. Diane was prepared to walk away, but I swiftly grabbed her shoulder. When she looked at me, I spoke. "You be free to decline this matter as this be a request and not an order, but I have need of you," I said.

Diane looked at me curiously while I spoke to her, subtly clogging Nei and Lei's ears to keep them from listening. They shook their heads uncomfortably, but it was only for a moment or two. Once we were done, they were released from their discomfort and Diane walked away, waving her hand.

After that, the crew was brought on board and the anchor was weighed. The main mast was unfurled and I pushed the ship back in its direction. As my day was set to be boring, I suggested that Nei and Lei spend their time leisurely. It seemed Lei didn't need much convincing, flying into the water to meet the rest of her sisters.

Nei, on the other hand...

"Nei, stay with mate. Nei happiest with mate," she claimed.

I eyed the way she seemed to hide in my chest pocket. Unable to contain myself, I spoke. "And what be it that makes you so happy to be with this scourge of the sea?" I asked.

"Water. Nei knew water and sisters. All water... all sisters... all time. Nei see more, but more not see Nei. Mate saw Nei. Mate show Nei pretty lights... funny two-legs... taste many things. Nei always with Mate. Nei nowhere belong else. Nei not wish anywhere else," she said, her voice cracking every now and then from her small voice.

"Surely, I've shown you many a terror as well. Corrupted your mind with the sight of blood and violence. Can't say I returned the same," I said as I watched the crew work. Ellen had handed me the sheet for the changing of duties. I'd also need to ration out the food stores.

"Nei see red stuff. Nei knew red waters before. Nei knew scary. Nei not weak, Mate! Sisters must be happy! Nei protect sisters! Nei not go out if sisters unable to bear outside! For mate, Nei scared for nothing," she answered.

I found myself silenced as I reached into my pocket and pulled Nei out. "Then, I shall be sure to show you and your sisters more adventure than the lot of you can handle. Let me ask you one thing, what stayed your mind from contracting with me?" I asked.

Nei tilted her head. "...Nei see for proper mate. Only strongest Nei take for mate. Mate strongest. Nei see for self before life binding! Nei not like sisters. Must be different" she answered again.

I hummed. "And Lei, you care not that she joins?" I asked.

"Nei love Lei. Lei most curious. Lei always near Nei. Lei eat always with Nei and sleep with Nei. Nei love all sisters, but Lei always near, never far. Nei share mate with Lei, others not care," she replied.

It was at that moment that I remembered Liara's words concerning Nei. It seemed she would have some impact on my life moving forward. I knew not what that was supposed to mean, yet even this old scourge of the sea felt the tempest of my spirit calm when I heard her words. They were like the gentle brushes of the sea along the beach, tickling my ears like the waves tickled a man's feet.

"Nei also like when Mate mates with Lei. Sister never unsatisfied," Nei said next.

I let out a chuckle that sounded more like a snort. "Wait for a time and soon you'll be like that," I claimed, smirking at her. She looked at me in surprise before she mimicked my expression.

"Nei make mate sorry!" she said. She playfully bit my hand before trailing her tongue over my palm.

Following that conversation, I spent the entire day with Nei at my side while we sailed through the open ocean. I found myself enjoying her presence more than usual as I ferried her through the bowels of the ship. I checked our stores of food, made a record of the stores we had left after our battle with that ghost ship. I knew not what else to call it as An'raie still hadn't spoken to me on this particular feeling that she had. I certainly had nothing better to assign it.

Luckily for me, our encounter with this ship hadn't damaged my ship thanks to the magic barrier sustained around it. I made a brief check on that, but it seemed there was no need for concern. The crystal orb for maintaining the barrier showed no signs of damage either. I assumed Goron had strengthened it somehow as I saw his handiwork on it. I wasn't sure why he hadn't brought it to my attention, but I'd have to see him properly rewarded for this.

My journey then took me into the bowels of the ship where I kept a majority of other things, most of it not of particular importance. When I walked back up to the ship, I was actually allowed to see my crew work amongst themselves for a time.

Naala seemed to be on one side of the ship, struggling to gain a grasp of her new strength. More than a few crushed pistols lay on the ground around her while she threw her head back in frustration. She finally got up and walked over to Diane, speaking some words to her. I assumed I was mentioned in the conversation because they looked at me, Diane with amusement and Naala with irritation. They then walked below the deck of the ship with Naala throwing the useless pistols far out into the sea.

When the sun set, I helped Aesteal manage the distribution of the food to everyone else. Nei remained with me all the while until we were finished. While these tasks were fucking mundane, they were better than what I'd been forced to do a month ago.

My work slowed to a still until the ship stopped sailing for another night. With the main deck bare, I decided this was a good time to go see Ellen. When I knocked on her door, she spoke.

"What?" she asked.

"Be that any way to speak to your captain, Ellen?" I asked.

There was silence for a few seconds before I heard Ellen's feet on the floor. She came to the door and opened it. "Shame, I would have fired my gun if it was you," she said teasingly.

Unfortunately for me, I wasn't sure how much truth might be in those words of hers, and that was what made me love the fucking lass so much.

"After all I had bestowed upon you?" I questioned.

"I think I'm owed that much given the shit I have to put up with. Anyway, what is it?" she asked.

"You claimed you had some reports to give me. Best I look them over now while things are calm," I responded.

Sothshore stared at me before she shrugged. She pushed her door open and led me inside. As expected, her desk was filled with numerous reports, ledgers, and accounting books. There was another desk that seemed to have a pile of coins splattered on it along with a small bookshelf. Her bed was neatly made though I noticed the small glimmer of a blade beneath her pillow.

Additionally, I noticed one of the fairmaids sitting on the desk with her gun. Nei and her sister greeted each other happily while the latter picked up the pieces of the pistol, looking at them curiously. I knew not when Ellen had grown so accustomed to having her fairmaid around. Hell, it was a surprise the fairmaid seemed to so willingly tolerate Ellen's ire. In fact, dare I say, she enjoyed it.

Deciding not to comment on it, I turned to her as she picked up a scroll and tossed it to me. "Hate to say it, but the bitch can do more than suck cock. Who would have thought? I think you'll be pleased with most of the report," she said.

I tore the string off the scroll and unfurled it. Nei and Ellen allowed me silence as I read over Anastasia's report. Unfortunately, there wasn't much in this report that interested me. It was merely a summary of matters I knew would happen. Anastasia had met with the leaders of Draegnar's underground and established herself as the one who would be leading the Lindengar family. Naturally, some had objections but clearly, those hadn't lasted long when she pulled out the pouch of crystallized ash.

Following that, there were a few assassination or kidnapping attempts, all of them thwarted by the warriors I'd left with her. She then received notices from other noble houses such as Slatkin, Ishtors, Calmenth, and Ulnmine. Each of them came bearing numerous gifts to her house. She seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the attention.

Unfortunately, she hadn't heard back from any friends in Callamum about any talented earth mages. However, she told me that the kingdom started experiencing a rise in earthquakes. Additionally, there were talks of Callamum and Evir becoming one massive kingdom through the marriage of one's prince to the other's daughter.

I remember absently reading this back in one of the reports given to me from The Root. Yet, I knew not why those two kingdoms would do this. Ever since their establishment, Callamum and Evir hated each other. It was a miracle to many how C'ula managed to even rise to prominence amidst such hostile local relations.

"Seems Callamum and Evir found some common ground," I said.

Ellen snorted. "We'll see how long that lasts. Should I write anything back to her?" my Quartermaster questioned.

"Aye, congratulate her on her work, and inform her that she best pick for herself some nice outfits. She'll be attending a lot of parties in the future," I remarked.

Sothsore rolled her eyes. "Better her than me," she answered as I put the scroll away. I then left Ellen alone, stealing a kiss from her before I left much to her desired annoyance.

Once I left, I frowned as my thoughts were dragged back to Evir and Callamum. Sucking my teeth, I walked through the ship until I came to Maeloson and Aesteal's room. I knocked on the door and the latter answered.

"Yes, sir?" she asked.

"I need you to write a letter for me to the warriors stationed in Callamum," I said.

Quickly, My bonded elf's expression turned serious as she let me inside. Maeloson, who'd been sitting on his bed reading some elven literature, turned his attention to us. "What is it?" he asked.

"There be a matter with Callamum and Evir that I wish looked into. Turns out the two might become one kingdom soon," I said.

Maeloson and Aesteal looked equally surprised. Hell, even the former chuckled disbelievingly. "Callamum and Evir? Nearly the entire world knows of their spite for each other. Even in Fgg'rial, many believe their hate comes from the wrath of spirits for their mistreatment of nature's resources. What would make them stop fighting?" he asked.

"That be what I'm going to find out," I said as Aesteal took out a piece of mangrove paper. "Write what I say, Aesteal," I ordered.

Aesteal agreed and wrote down every word I'd spoken until she wrapped the scroll in lily string. She then chanted a few words and the scroll was immediately teleported to its destination.

"Will we be sailing there soon? C'ula is around there," Aesteal stated, no doubt reminding me that the City of Merchants might not be so keen on seeing my face again.

"For now, we shall wait. Not every unusual thing that happens on D'orn shall have me running around like a dog with a stick. Thank you, Aesteal. Continue with whatever you both were doing," I motioned.

"Yes, sir," she said.

I kissed Aesteal as well and ventured back to my room.

"Thou art not so convinced this is a simple matter."

I frowned when I heard An'raie's voice. "Evir and Callamum getting along be like me showing mercy toward Leah if I dared lay eyes on her. It be impossible," I said as I closed the door behind me.

Neither An'raie, Nei, nor I spoke further after that. I slipped off my clothes and settled into bed with my mother. The sea was quiet and the air was cold.

The next morning, I felt a hand on my cheek and couldn't resist chuckling. "And I hadn't even gotten to kiss you yet to wake you from your eternal slumber," I said.

"The prince wasn't the one who put the damn lass to sleep in the story," my mother said while she continued to caress my cheek.

Given that I felt Nei on my chest, I couldn't exactly turn on my side without letting her fall on the mattress. I could only settle with turning my head to her. She lay on her stomach, her feet kicking the sheets of my bed while she looked at me.

"How are you feeling?" I asked.

"Fucking starving. How long have I been asleep?" my mother asked.

Following her question, I gave her a recount of the events that happened while she slumbered. Her gaze shifted to the window and she sucked her teeth. "Honestly, given the shit you've made me see, I could believe in a fucking ghost ship of all things. Any chances we encounter another?" she asked.

"It be for that reason that I've been forced to cease enchanting the rest of you. I know not when I'll have such a time to do it again as I truly wish to go into Charon's Landing before any other matters try to take away my attention," I replied.

"Like what?" my mother inquired.

"The Dwarven Century Celebration, the only month in 100 years that the Northern Kingdom of Dwarves allows the rest of D'orn to request materials made from the enchanted molten hammer. Rumor has it that only those born from the lineage of Hormorg are allowed to use it, and not many get to see them as the dwarves keep them specially guarded. Even Liara found herself journeying there. If there be one thing dwarves are good at it's crafting. Ain't no smith like them in all the realms. The price for a dwarven slave be almost as high as an elven one, and if you believe Hæňgaram be tough to get into, then that kingdom is much worse. No thief's made it far. Not a one," I explained.

My mother's lips thinned. "And what makes you so sure they'll deal with fucking pirates? Most ain't willing to deal with us openly," she remarked.

"Every kingdom has its underground, Mother. Even one that's more underground than all the other kingdoms present," I said.

"...right. Be honest with me, Eric. Is there... another person you're looking for in Olipios?" my mother asked.

The smile on my face immediately fell as I faced her. She looked back at me evenly, her expression giving nothing away. "I'd wish nothing more than one of them might be in those lands. Unfortunately, if they are then I don't know about it right now," I answered with a sailor's promise of honesty.

Thoughts of my old crew, namely Boreli and Anderen, returned to my mind. I remembered Anderen's words to me. The others knew I was coming for them. If they'd somehow gotten their memories of their betrayal just as I had, then I had no doubts they'd be expecting me to find them where I'd encountered them the first time. Then there were these people Anderen had been meeting. It all stank of rotten shit and I didn't like it.

Supposedly, I'd gotten to Boreli because the others were too slow. I'd have to tread this matter of my vengeance carefully. I'd not forgotten it, nor its cruel sting. "Besides, unlike you, a lot of those on my ship don't know I even be on this quest of vengeance at all. I promised them the life of a pirate filled with adventure and they shall get it. Rest assured, I shall have my time yet it'll not my usurp the cross of my coat. You told me not to worry you. Then, as your son, should I not try my best to do so?" I asked.

The question hung in the air as it didn't require an answer. Instead, my mother leaned up and stretched. "Well, I apologize in advance if I raid the food stores. I haven't been this hungry in a long time. Also, I hate to break it to you, but that's a fucking promise you can't keep. I always worry about your ass. Even when I was bitch and a half, I did worry. If I didn't worry, I'd have kicked you out first chance I got," she reasoned.

"Aye, care about me, do you?" I asked.

"Shut up," she answered, slipping out of bed.

My mother threw on some clothes and made her way to the door. As soon as she opened it, I heard the crack of the doorknob while my mother gasped. I glanced up and saw she had a broken doorknob in her hand. She looked back and me while I waved her off. That was another thing I was gonna need to have fixed.

The rest of the day passed slowly as my mother attempted to get acclimated to her new strength with most of her circumstances being a joy for the crew. She broke a broom handle, cracked the main deck floor, and crushed an apple in her palm, all much to her irritation.

I wished I could join them in the laughter, but I'd watched her break one door too many before Diane patted me on the shoulder.

"I know you say you'd get me better opponents, but try not to sink us all before I get my fights in," she joked while she led my embarrassed mother away. I also hadn't seen Naala so I assumed Diane would take my mother wherever she could Naala.

Once again, Nei stayed with me entirely. Yet, I stole glances at her solemn face. She'd stare out into the passing sea as if her mind had been caged by her thoughts. She couldn't even muster up the will to be her playful self.

When my ship stopped again for the night, there came a knock on my door. Nei looked up from where she'd been leaning on my table while I faced the door. "Enter," I said.

Of the people I was expecting, Goron wasn't one of them. "You're doorknob is broken," he stated.

"Aye, thanks Goron. I had indeed not been aware of that. Thank ye for bringing it to my attention that the door I have passed by all day had a missing doorknob," I replied back dryly.

Goron grunted, but stepped inside. "Diane told me you wished to make use of one of the doors. It's been prepared. I suggest you make use of it quickly for whatever purpose you would have," he said.

He then turned his head, glancing at my door. Either because he didn't care, or didn't want to ask, he ignored it and closed the door behind me.

I waited for a little while before I put down my quill. I looked at Nei and stood up. Somehow, I sensed the way her anxiousness, something that definitely hadn't been there before.

I prepared to head to the door before she spoke. "Nei, come! Nei go with mate!" she claimed.

I faced her. "The matter won't take long, Nei. Haganthar ain't gonna erupt in peace by the time I be gone," I assured her.

As I expected, Nei suddenly became even more frantic. She slapped her fin on the table, even starting to fly through the air. "Nei come! Nei go!" she urged as she grabbed onto my shoulder.

I spoke not a word, even though the eyes of her sisters were upon us. I absently noticed what seemed like concern on Lei's face. The others just continued to stare curiously until I shrugged my shoulders. "Then best you stick close," I said, relenting to her stubborn wishes.

Nei quickly relaxed and took her place atop my head. Following this, I stepped out of my quarters and walked through the still main deck into the lower floors of the ship. I then came to the room where The Root was stored. With barely a blink of my eyes, Nei and I were back in the gargantuan halls of Liara's abode.

I stepped through wide corridors, my mind having finally gained some measure of familiarity with the space. I started to point out placed marble structures or ruined edges of tomes to help guide my way. To any normal person, nothing would seem out of the ordinary, but I'd journeyed through these halls for quite some time, even if they were a bit different from the memories the Liara of my time granted me.

That said, even if I knew the ways to go, nothing frustrated me more than the sheer amount of walking I needed to undertake to get there. Surely, Liara ought to have greater means of reaching her destinations than simply walking there.

"Mate take longer than promised," Nei expressed, slithering her form through my hair.

In my embarrassment, I had not the will to try and make excuses. I hadn't imagined the walk would take so long either.

Finally, I came to the door Goron prepared for me. As soon as I touched the doorknob, I felt the heat radiating from behind the door. Nei sensed it as well, and I felt her tremble. "Mate, go inside?" she asked, her voice shaking.

I smirked. "If I recall, I sure as the seas told you to stay behind," I teased. I then felt a smack of Nei's tail on my head.

"Enter! Nei not worried! Nei know fire lady. Much hotter!" Nei protested, speaking of Seraphina.

Her comment made me wonder what had become of my sister of fire since my weeks at sea. She hadn't bothered to come into The Root nor speak to any agent so far. Then again, I believe we both knew that we'd interact as least as possible. Neither of us much fancied the other's company, and I knew pride when I saw it. She wouldn't be so quick to seek aid.

"Aye, she be so hot she'll turn you into a grilled steak upon a piece of buttered bread," I said.

Nei slapped my head again as I opened the door and stepped inside.

When I stepped out, I noticed I was in a small house made of ironwood. Hell, calling the place a house was much too generous. It was like a poor man's cabin in the middle of nowhere.

Either way, I quickly took notice of the heat and so did Nei. Nevertheless, I sensed great sources of water and stepped out of the house. As soon as I did, my boots sunk in the sand on a beach while I saw heaps of black smoke pour out of a volcano.

Dense vegetation of multiple colors lay around Nei and I as I quickly journeyed toward the top of the volcano. The closer we got, the hotter we got as I was forced to splash water on Nei multiple times lest her lower mermaid body grow dry.

"Why mate... here?" Nei asked.

"The matter to complete that damned rapier left by the alchemist still remains in my fucking mind. As I can't do any more enchantments without worrying that I might get interrupted again, I find it best to occupy my time with other matters. Besides, this be one that should only take a moment," I said.

I needed Goron to ready this room as there were times when the heat in this realm would get so hot that almost no life could flourish on it. Even the vast and peaceful seas that I saw would dry up until nothing but arid wastelands remained. However, the soil from these volcanic ashes, while not as pristine as crystallized ash, was ripe with magical properties not found in almost any other realm. Not only that but even when this realm turned cold, the soil still maintained fervent heat. I decided to test if this might be a good condition for a fire spirit to cultivate so that it could withstand the ice of my rapier.

I made it to the base of the volcano. The heat from it was enormous, already making me sweat like I was in that damn desert back in my dreams.

I decided to work quickly. I pulled up the dirt and dug a deep hole before throwing a bunch of ingredients into the soil. Then I grabbed another jar which contained a handful of fire spirits that I'd created from my very early attempts at concerning my rapier. Tiny orbs danced inside the glass before I opened it. One of the orbs immediately gravitated toward the hole I made and settled inside. I covered the dirt back up and marked the spot that I'd disturbed.

I then did the same with two more pieces of dirt and fire spirits. Once that was done, I began my journey down the mountain. I heard Nei's labored breaths every now and then, grinning when I decided to sail into the other reason I'd come here.

Rather than go back the way we came, I went deeper into the forest. I traveled down the hill, hoping to grant Nei some reprieve from the heat. Luckily for her and myself, all it took was one last swipe of a tree branch for me to lay my eyes on a large pond with water so clear it seemed fashioned from Hæňgaramian glass.

"Before you faint, getting back into some water, how about we take a moment and settle here?" I said.

I felt Nei scramble through my hair before she no doubt looked at where I'd taken her. Ponds such as this weren't uncommon on this massive island and I'd known Liara to make use of their water in some of her healing mixtures. The magical properties that were laced in the volcanic soil also seeped into the water here, and the steam was just as relaxing for one like Nei whose entire body seemed to be comprised of magic material.

When I walked over to the pond, I threw off my coat and my boots. I then discarded the rest of my clothes until I was as naked as the first man upon the earth. The water was hot, yet not uncomfortable. I slipped in while Nei eagerly jumped off my head and into the stream.

I hummed as I sensed the magical minerals seep into my skin. As I understood it, Sairan had attractions like this for numerous travelers, merchants, nobles, and even kings. The empire in the east hosted numerous events with ponds such as these and fuck if they didn't go well with a tankard of ale in one hand and a lover in the other.

Speaking of lovers, I watched Nei swim around happily for some time. She'd pop out of the water, vigorously flapping her wings as numerous colors pulsed through them evidenced by her intake of the magical minerals in the water. Her bright eyes and delicate female skin always seemed perfect when she was in water. She'd brush her hands through her hair and wiggle her fin, creating waves that brushed against me.

However, there were some times that she'd look at me, almost like she feared I might disappear on her somehow. Finally, I leaned up. "Aye, now that we be away from everyone else, don't you think now be the time for you to tell me what storm has assaulted your thoughts as of late? What be the matter, Nei?" I asked.

I knew Nei heard me because she was above the water when I said. Rather than answer, I believe she pretended not to hear me and sunk back into the water. Unfortunately for her, I weaved my hand and pushed her out.

"Nei fine," she said, refusing to look back at me.

"You'd be terrible at Seaman's Backhand," I replied, leaning my arms on the dirt side of the pond. For my response, Nei fired a blast of water into my face from her mouth. I eyed her while she stuck her tongue out at me.

Amused, I took control of the waters in the pond and weaved her close to me. She tried to scramble, yet she was hardly fast enough before I grabbed her and pulled her body next to mine.

"You think me a child, Nei? Even were we not contracted, I'd have known something stirred your normally carefree spirit. What is it? What makes you cling to me so desperately?" I inquired again, holding Nei's waist in one arm and the other on the side of her face.

All it took was one crack in her expression to let me know that I'd gotten what I wanted. There was a quiver in her lips and her fingers held my arms tightly.

Nei looked away.

"N-Nei, not..."

With my hand on her cheek, I slowly turned her back to me. "Then look upon me and tell me that you be well. Do so and I shall drop the matter," I said.

Nei squirmed and I felt the way her tail grazed my leg. Her wide eyes stared back at me and her wings fell back. "Nei... not fine," she confessed as she looked at me.

I remained quiet as Nei pulled herself out of my embrace. She swam through the pond for a moment until she resurfaced. "Nei love Mate. Mate let Nei experience many things. Nei wants to know more things. But, Mate not be with Nei as much as others. Nei not have two legs without magic. Nei not like other mates. Nei like sisters. Lei and sisters always make Nei feel good, but Mate makes Nei feel better. Nothing feels better than Mate," she admitted as I carefully watched her.

She faced me.

"Nei know she make trouble. Make trouble for... Mate's attention. Nei not wish to be let out. When Nei swim around ship, wish for success. Nei make Mate happy. Nei hope Mate not forget her. Mate also not give Nei litter. Mate and Nei make litter! Nei not so worried about that one since none of Mate's other mates have litter, but Nei still want one! Only Mate's! Nei want no other!" she said, bashfully clutching her hair between her hands.

I was silent for a long time. The declaration of Nei's insecurities caught me off guard. Suffice it to say, it was like my damned rowboat just got capsized by a monstrous tidal wave. I wondered how I'd managed to not see such matters bubbling beneath Nei's face. Never had I thought to knock my own teeth out of my mouth than now.

Rather than have Nei come to me, I waded over to her. I took her back in my arms and stared at her. Never had I seen her so fearful. I held her for a long time, allowing her to feel settled in my embrace while I sought the words that would handle this matter properly.

Finally, I spoke.

"Nei, I once swore to my mother that I would always let her know who her son was, that I would never cast her aside. Though you trouble me so, never would I desire less of you. You would think I ask you to be perfect, to be the impossible? I might be a bastard, and I might be from Draegnar, but even I ain't that unreasonable. Nevertheless, I shall apologize. You seem content in the arms of your sisters, and yet I hardly ever purposefully sought out your touch," I said, looking down at her.

"However, know that I care not that you be not the same as Ellen, Diane, my mother, Aesteal, Naala, or Liara. You excite a man to his passions just as the rest of them. You have no clue how many dreams I have had of you," I answered.

"Then why Mate not..."

I held up a hand and Nei swiftly ceased speaking. "There be nothing I'd like more than to sail us wherever we go, command my crew, and bed my lovers until all our bones turn to dust. However, I have not that luxury. Even as I stay here with you, my enemies gather, and seek to not only take my life but the world with it. Now, I don't proclaim myself a savior, and never shall. Should the kingdoms wish to tear themselves apart, I'd not raise my hand to help any of them. However, in order to sail my vessel and go where I desire, I must burden myself with fucking mundane tasks. None of them that please me," I said, continuing to hold her.

I inhaled and exhaled slowly. "Never did I wish to do all this work, or perform all this planning. It ain't me. Yet, I shall suffer through it so that I might not see the fall of you or anyone else aboard my ship. I ain't gonna be with my salt as a captain if I can't fucking do that much. That be the burden of the Captain's Cross. He must carry it, else he ain't a captain."

Nei didn't say anything. Instead, she continued to hold me. She stopped shaking as I continued to find my words. My throat grew a little dry, yet I soldiered on as I thought of another matter, one that I'd forced myself to stop thinking about.

"I cannot give you children yet, Nei. Know that it be a harsh matter for me as well. In my first life, I had many children. Though a mighty scourge of the sea I was, I never forsook the children I had. Now, they are gone with the Liara of my time. I know not if I will ever get them back, especially given how much of a cockass I was in my first life. Plus, Liara has bestowed upon me The Mark of Hoɖ. It is a very powerful and ancient magic. Yet, I am unable to make any woman bear children so long as I wield it. I would have to give it up for that, and I have need of its power for now," I answered.

I finally released Nei and shook my head. What a fucking pathetic pirate I ought to be to spill my damn guts like this. Yet, Nei had done the same for me. It'd only insult her to not reciprocate.

"Mate really need it?" she asked.

"Aye," I answered.

Nei lifted her head and before I could prepare myself. She fired a blast of water at me. To my surprise, she smiled. "Then Nei wait for litter. Mate make litter with Nei later!" she said, grinning at me wide while her wings opened back up.

I wiped the water off my face as she swam around the pond happily. I couldn't resist the annoyance that briefly crossed my face. However, mischievousness took root in my mind and I matched Nei's playful smirk.

With a wave of my hand, I made the pond rumble. Throwing my hand up, the pond pulled Nei out from under the water. I then weaved the waves and pushed her back into my arms. She looked at me in shock before I kissed her. Her eyes widened while I felt her tongue against my own. I pulled her close and she quickly touched my shoulder, holding them tight. Like the pond, her mouth was hot and her lips were a quivering mess.

My cock stood no chance of resisting her charms, especially not with me being naked. My shaft lurched up and touched her stomach. There came a bit of wind in my face which I imagined to be her wings beating happily while her tongue massaged mine.

"Mmmmmmmngh! Nnnnnnhaaaugh!" Nei groaned, moving her hands up and through my hair.

When we parted, I leaned into her air. "While I can't grant you children yet, I can at least still grant you the fun part, and it seems that we have not an audience. Best hope you can endure until the end," I said.

Rather than speak, Nei sent me a challenging smirk. She then threw herself at me, kissing me again with ample passion. From the middle of the pond, we found ourselves at the water's edge, touching and caressing like we hadn't seen the other in years.

Nei threw her arms around my neck while my hand sensually touched her upper back. I then moved down her waist, the water making her skin even more sleek. The further I went down, I touched her butt, the scales of her mermaid heritage providing a rough yet stimulating sensation.

"Hnnnngh!" Nei groaned, unwilling to let her lips part from mine while her fingers roamed at my neck. The pond's water was a fresh taste from her embrace. Her chest pressed eagerly against mine which pinned my cock between my stomach and hers.

How could she think that I dared not desire her? Her body was fucking exquisite, the likes of which I'd never felt before. She had to have been using the Essence of Vilinlith somehow because every rub of my cock against her scales was a jolt of pleasure that almost made my legs go weak.

Then there was her tongue. It swirled with mine, it caressed mine as mine caressed hers. She was hungry, predatory, insatiable even. It seemed like she'd try and sap me of all air if she was able.

I took my hands from her waist, grabbed her arms, and held them in the air. Nei opened her eyes in surprise while I swiftly turned her around. She stared upon me with great need and desperation. Her chest was pumping and her wings flapped irregularly. We fed off each other's lustful energy, and Nei squirmed in my hands.

"M-More. Mate... more. Give Nei more!" she pleaded.

"You wish for more, Nei? What be it that you wish for? Tell me?" I teased.

"Cock! F-Fuck Nei! Fuck Nei with Mate's hard cock! I want it!" she groaned, her tail slapping my leg as she tried to wrestle herself free. It made me wonder just how much I'd neglected her desires to see her writhe with so much pent-up lust.

With my other arm, I held her close and nibbled on her ear. "Patience, Nei. Clearly, I have had you suffer for many nights. Now that I have you alone, I shall reward your patience. Think about my cock, think about all the way my cock will stretch the insides of your greedy, soaking cunt. I'll fuck you. Aye, I'll fuck you that this realm shall be ripe with your scent," I whispered, kissing and licking the side of her neck.

"Nnnnnnhghahaa! Hhahaaaaa! Ooooonnngh!" she squealed while her body continued to grind against mine. She tried to maneuver her wrists, yet my strength kept her restrained as I assaulted her body. I kissed her neck and her lips. She kissed me back, panting hot air into my mouth before I sailed down. Her chest was beating hard, her breasts pushing in and out in response to her sporadic breaths.

Finding myself mischievous. I wove some water through the air and used it to tie down her hands. I then made the water wrap around the stump of a tree, prohibiting her from moving them anymore. As soon as I let go of her, Nei continued to struggle. She glared at me, but I'd be a failure as a lover if I missed the burning passion threatening to explode behind her eyes.

My eyes looked upon her naked skin. It was beautiful like any precious jewel. The way the water slipped off the side of her body made my cock grow even harder. It almost seemed like the water made her body glisten in ways that ought not to be possible.

She might think me teasing, but it took a lot of my nerve to not just plunge my cock deep inside her, unleashing load after load into her body. While the Mark of Hoɖ made me temporarily infertile, my instincts as a male had hardly died. They called me to breed this beautiful woman before me and fuck if I didn't want to listen.

"But first, I'll now partake of you," I said.

Nei looked at me confused before her body arched back. I latched my mouth on hers while my hands groped her tits. Her breasts were like the softest pillows, her nipples spearing out between my fingers. I knead them and I toyed with them.

Nei squirmed. Her lips shivered. Her body echoed the pride of my efforts.

Every sensation, every nerve, every jolt of pleasure from her was poured into my body. She loved it. She thoroughly savored every touch I gave her. When I pinched her pointed nipples, she'd hiss while grazing her tail against my leg.

"M-More! Touch Nei more! M-More! Nnfhhhghgghgh! Hnghgaaaaaa!" she groaned.

I kissed her again. I loved kissing her. Her lips tasted fresh and sweet, just like the fruits and fresh leaves she fed on. When we parted with a smack of our lips. I looked at Nei, my beloved fairmaid. Her eyes were closed and her breath was wanton. I sensed the quivering of her pussy, eagerly waiting for a cock, my cock to spear into it.

Before I knew it, Nei came from having her breasts played with. She screeched into the air, her pussy convulsing and splashing her female fluids over my pelvis. Even in the warmth of the pond, her juices felt different, hotter... wetter.

Her hands had long stopped struggling. In fact, she found some pleasure in being bound like this, in being cared for, and tended to. There was no current need for her to work for my pleasure for I received mine from hers and the noises she'd expel into the air.

"You're beautiful, Nei," I said.

"You need not learn shape magic in order to please me. I am pleased by every piece of you. There be no part of you that my touch dares not desire to tread. Aye, you are different, yet that shall always be pleasing to a man. Let me show you," I said.

I slipped into the water, sliding my fingers over Nei's lower body. When I came to her cunt, it was positively drenched. The scales that normally covered it had been pushed to the side, evidence that her body was prepared for sex.

I spread her quivering, puffy lips. Rich fluids flowed out of her snatch unceasingly. They made me thirsty. Their scent struck my nose and lit a fire in my loins.

"Don't catch your breath just yet, Nei. I'll make sure to see how far your words take you," I thought as I wet my finger. I then slipped it inside her.

"Mmmmmmmm! F-Fingers... good!" she groaned.

They must have been good because her cunt gripped my fingers like a trap. The deeper I went, the harder it was for me to pull my fingers out. Yet, the bumps, the curves, the sleek waves of her pussy were unmatched. I scratched her itch, thumbing and vigorously rubbing her clit.

"NNGNGHGHNGNGHHHAAAAAAA!" She screamed, cumming again.

Nei had been reduced to a bundle of sexually-charged nerves. If her eyes were open, I had no doubts they'd be in her head at the moment. Yet, I watched the Essence of Vilinlith seep into her body. Just like me, she was soon ready for more.

"M-Mate, p-please. Nhghgnaaa... haaaaaa... mmmmmn! N-Nei want Mate. Nei want Mate inside! Make Nei cum again. Fuck Nei!"

With those words, I wondered whether I'd been in control of Nei at all up to this point because I sure as hell didn't remember plunging my cock all the way inside her. I didn't remember facing her as she looked at me with a gaze that even Aphrodite couldn't hope to match. I also didn't remember letting her go free as the water splashed to the ground.

What I did remember was her beautiful, tight, warm, and powerful female sex massaging my cock. Like I was a slave to her charms, I began thrusting my hips slowly.

In and out. In and out.

"Ghhnuuguh! Yessssss! Mnnnnnnhghgh!" Nei moaned, touching my arms. She stared at me, matching my thrusts while her tail caressed my leg.

How could a pussy such as hers exist? Even with my body nearly submerged in the pond, her pussy felt even wetter. The heat of the pond compared not to the warmth of her female body. Every bump, every curve, felt like it was made for my cock.

Her body was delectable. The lust essence swirled about the both of us, maximizing our pleasure for each other. Nei matched my shaking, squeezing and coiling her insides the entire length of my shaft.

When I plunged deep inside her, I wiggled my hips. My cock was trembling. Her body, like a fine Succubus, seemed intent on coaxing every drop of cum from my balls.

However, I wasn't set to let her ruin me so easily. I leaned forward and sucked her nipples, toying with them and remembering them. "M-Mate! More! OOooooooooh! Mate Nei faster!" She said, throwing her arms around me so that my mouth might take more of her chest's bounty.

Nei wailed. She wailed so loud I wondered if she was trying to alert any creatures to our passion. Her hands roamed the length of my back. Her nails dug deep, the pain only fueling my desire for her.

"When did you become such a greedy slut, Nei? You seduce your captain so wantonly. Surely, any other might do for you," I said.

"Nei not want other. Nei want Mate! Only Mate's cock! Nei o-only... nanaaaaha... accept Mate's... ughhgghgh... cock!" she proclaimed. Her body was raked with sweat and her eyes barely seemed focused.

"Then accept it you shall," I said as I pulled my cock out, admittedly with some difficulty. For all Nei's claims for me to partake of her, her cunt just wouldn't let me go.

When I pulled myself out, I slammed back inside. "NNNNNGNGH!" Nei groaned, flooding her stuffed chamber with even more sticky juice from her sudden orgasm.

Massaging her scales, I fucked her hard. I slammed my pelvis against her. The water around us splashed over the ground, but neither of us cared. All we cared about was indulging in each other's bodies.

I thrust my hips. I thrust them like I had lost my fucking mind. Her pussy was so hot, and so amazing that I had to shut my eyes to keep them from rolling up in my head from sheer bliss. The lustful essence fired through every nerve in my skin. Her voice urged me onward. Every moan that escaped her lips was a spread of passion and ecstasy through my core. Even with the Mark of Hoɖ, I drilled into her like I was determined to prove the damn thing wrong that I couldn't get her pregnant.

Her hands touched my face and she pulled me into another kiss. There was something about this one as she captured me with her arms around my neck. Perhaps I thought too much of it, but it felt like her breath blew pure lust into my mouth.

My cock grew harder and I even felt it increase in length, if only by margin. It seemed like Nei wanted me as deep as possible.

"MNnnnnnnnnghghaaa! Y-Yesssssss! FUCK! Oh Fuck! Feels goooood! Feels so good!" Nei praised, alternating between crying and kissing.

At some point, we swapped positions. I lay on my back while Nei hovered over me. Even if I were to speak, I could tell she was already gone. There was a predatory gleam in her eye before she slammed her hips into mine. Given her lower half, it was an odd fit, though definitely not an uncomfortable one.

I watched my cock slide in and out of her body, soaked and coated in her musky scent. In her excitement, Nei's wings started absorbing the magic around us, fluttering about like those of a hummingbird.

Even when I came inside her, she didn't stop moving. Thankfully, the lustful essence controlled my sensitivity lest the pleasure turn into unbearable pain that even I couldn't endure.

"Haaaaaaa! HAaaaaaha! Mmmmmmmmngh! F-Fuck! Fuck yes! Nhhghghgh! NGZHUGH!" Nei groaned, slamming her hips down to meet mine. She fell forward, her body trembling as she came again.

Unfortunately for her, she squirmed when I grabbed her scaly butt and shoved my cock back inside her. She whined, but I already started bucking my hips again. Controlling her, I slammed her hips down, even making her pussy squelch when I smacked her ass.

Over and over, I smacked her ass and she responded by flailing her head and her hair. I made sure that she'd have no doubt as to my appreciation of her delectable body. She was none the lesser of any of my other lovers.

At one point, I found my cock, surprisingly, outside her honeypot. Instead, it was covered by her two glorious globes. She pressed them together providing my lubricated man's mast with a wonderful sensation that made my legs go weak. Every time I thrust into her chest, she'd catch the tip of my cock with her long tongue.

Through no will of my own, I released my voice. I groaned like a damnable beast into the air, rutting away with his female, his mate, his lover, the mother of his children someday. Just that fucking thought made my aching balls prepare to fire a load of hot cum all over her body.

"Cum, Mate! Nei accept all Mate's cum! Give Nei every drop!" Nei said, licking her lips. She even struck the hole of my man's pistol a few times.

I bit my lip and threw my head back, the lust essence seeming like it was pulling more cum out of my sacs than even I knew I had in me. Over Nei's tits and face, I sprayed my load.

"Mmmmngh warm!" Nei huffed out, reveling in my spunk. Her tongue licked the sides of her mouth. She slurped up my cum like it was the finest ale she'd ever tasted. She pinched her nipples, rolling and rubbing my cum over her skin while I caught my breath.

"Mate need rest? Nei willing to provide it."

My eyes shot open as I looked down at the cocky smirk on my fairmaid's face.

I leaned over and grabbed a fist full of Nei's cum-soaked black hair. "I think I be too lenient on you, Nei. You've developed quite the mouth recently. Seems I haven't disciplined you enough. How's about we put that mouth of yours to better use?" I inquired.

I didn't give her time to respond. I just grabbed her into the pond and forced her under the water. I then shoved my cock into her mouth. Her lips on my lower flesh, I pulled her forward until I felt the deepest parts of her throat.

"Looks like I've found a better use for your mouth, Nei. Sirens might have beautiful voices for songs, but none of them can work their throat like yours," I praised. My dick passed Nei's lips and she welcomed my aggressive, if measured, thrusts as my wet balls slapped the underside of her chin.

Nei didn't even try to brace herself with her hands. She just welcomed my might while saliva fell from the side of my mouth. Fuck, her mouth was just as amazing as her pussy. I just kept sliding my dick against her mouth while her tongue snaked around it, teasing the crown.

With another grunt, my hips locked and I swore I saw stars as I felt her throat muscles work, swallowing my load without so much as a gurgle. When I was finished, I stumbled back while Nei surfaced.

She seemed immensely pleased with herself and I took a moment to examine her body. That moment was all it took for the terrifying powers of Vilinlith to take hold of me again. Like I wasn't even myself, I grabbed Nei and lunged my cock within her cavern again. She wailed for me as I started our dance all over again.

Time passed by quickly as Nei and I shared in our fulfillment of each other. Unfortunately, we had to stop as so much time got away from us that the realm was beginning to heat up to almost uncomfortable levels. Even the rocks on the pond's edge were becoming hot.

Sweaty and sticky, we stuck together as I slammed my hips down one more time. Nei screamed and I grunted. We shared our orgasm as we fell back into what remained of the water.

I panted, the sweat pouring from my brow while the increasingly hot waters caressed my spent cock. For once, I wondered if I might have been the one who got fucked instead. My legs trembled like the highest grade of Vinattwin jelly.

"Have your doubts been quelled now, Nei?" I asked.

I didn't receive a response and I cracked open an eye only to see that my fairmaid was gone. All it took was a groan from me to know where she went. Her lips wrapped around the length of my spent dick. Her tongue traced over my cock, even sailing down to my balls. Her service was immaculate, even the best of brothel whores couldn't compare.

When Nei surfaced, I saw the fleeting vestiges of cum on her cheek before she slurped them up as well.

"To think you'd be such an insatiable slut," I said.

Nei tilted her head, perhaps not familiar with the words I had chosen as compliments for her. Instead, she swam up until her head lay on my chest. "Nei wait for offspring. Nei happiest with mate," she claimed.

I smiled, caressing her hair every now and then.

Unfortunately, we couldn't bask in the afterglow of our sex much longer as the realm quickly started getting hotter and hotter. The water in the pond was even becoming too uncomfortable to stay in. When I pulled myself out, the stones felt like they'd been touched by the sun itself.

Though my legs wobbled, I managed to climb out of the pool. The grass was hot on my feet, almost like fucking charcoal. I didn't even believe I had the time to get dressed before I'd made it back to the hut. Luckily for me, Nei remained small the entire time and I'd managed to make it back to The Root before any more heat could dare come upon us.

How I wondered how Liara might laugh at me if she saw the naked form of the Son of Poseidon in the halls of her shop. I supposed it was also to my fortune that Diane wasn't here. Seas knew she'd find a fucking barrel full of amusement out of my circumstances.

Once I dressed myself, I stepped through the halls of The Root. Once I found the usual matrix on the ground, I touched it and activated it. Relief filled me when I was transported back to my ship. The salty sea air, the sound of the gentle waves, and the howl of the wind brought peace to my mind.

While I walked through the ship, I noticed the crew's lights were out. Aside from my boots knocking on the wood, there was nary a sound to be heard aside from the natural ambiance.

I passed by the main deck and entered my room slowly. It seemed that Nei's sisters had all fallen asleep and my bed remained bare of my lovers.

As the sex and lust in my body started to melt away, it was quickly replaced with exhaustion. It also seemed like Nei had no desire to join her sisters so I threw off my clothes and slipped into bed. That seemed to be all Nei needed to return to her full size. She touched my chest, her fingers tickling my skin until she fell asleep.

It took me a little longer to drift off. The scales on Nei's fins were a tad uncomfortable, at least out of water. However, there was an oddly pleasing contrast between her human-like skin and the roughness of her lower mermaid half.

Soon enough, I slumbered with Nei as the sound of the sea lulled me to sleep.

Following my joyous time with Nei, the ship continued sailing on for many days. Much to my annoyance, there'd been no further sightings of a ghost ship like the one we'd encountered. Sometimes, I heard the crew jesting with Maeloson, some inquiring if he'd burning some grass stones in his downtime.

Of course, I noticed Maeloson's gaze. He hardly looked happy, even more so than usual. Clearly, he took the matter more seriously than I'd expected. Granted, the circumstances surrounding the ship puzzled me as well. I spent many hours contemplating the matter, even searching Liara's memories about ghost ships. Unfortunately, that took some time since there were numerous ways to cloak a ship from the enemy's view.

However, the strange part was that most, if not all, the spells and rituals associated with it took too much time and too much mana to make. Even then, that wouldn't explain the disappearance of the crew nor the ship's pitiful state. At least something of the living ought to remain, yet An'raie had no souls to question since they'd apparently long since passed on.

This was but one of the many matters I continued to contemplate at my desk while I flipped through the pages of another book from The Alchemist.

"Eric Drakclaw, I hath a matter regarding thine mysterious vessel that I wishest to speak. Mine discovery hath led to a troubling matter," An'raie said.

I looked up from my tome, and leaned back in my chair. "And what, pray tell, might that be, Wail?" I inquired.

"'Tis rather troubling, it be a..."

"LAND HO! THE LANDS OF OLIPIOS!"

I frowned as the hollers of the barrelman roared over the rest of the crew, cutting An'raie off. I sucked my teeth while the Lonely Wail stayed her tongue, allowing me to perform my captain's duties for the moment. I almost wished to delay the matter just so she might speak to me quickly, yet her voice sounded much too hesitant for me to think this could be so simple.

I grabbed my coat and stepped out. When I looked out, I saw my crew pointing in the distance. As claimed, over the fog of the sea, there was indeed the shadow of land forming higher and higher the closer we sailed.

"YAHAAARRR! Another land fit to be plundered of its mighty fine spoils! Cap'n, what be our course?!" someone asked, turning all eyes to me.

I glanced at the land, frowning. As I took a long look at it, I had the suspicion that something was mighty wrong with it.

It wasn't only myself that felt this way. Maelson, Aesteal, my mother, Diane, Goron, Nz'ia, and even Naala, all stared at the island as if it cursed. Hell, even Rieth and Hannath looked at the island curiously.

"'Tis a proper reason thine crew feels this way. 'Tis the matter I wished to speaketh with thee. Upon the ship, and upon these lands there be a magic much similar to mine own. The belly of dark souls grew full, and the ancient chants of the twisted arcane speaketh to me. I hath studied these spells before. 'Tis likely that either this force hath studied as I hath, or 'tis a power that likely crafted these tombs I studied when I hath my mortal coil," An'raie said.

"You believe another Necromancer?" I asked.

"'Twould be fortunate shouldest that be the case. Unfortunately, 'tis much graver than that," An'raie returned.

Unamused, I answered. "And that be?"

"...an Elder Lich. No, 'tis perhaps even worse than that. A Grand Elder Lich."