My thoughts were a mess even as the ship was pulled onto a sandy bank on the southeast side of Olipios. An'raie's words to me, while not as devastating as any news of Alġnoth, led me to caution our disembarkment.

A Grand Elder Lich.

While I'd never faced them myself, I'd heard a few tales regarding the lot. Some storied that just like the Ten Mages who governed, sanctioned, and ranked magic around the realm of D'orn, there was a council of Elder Liches. They'd rumor that the very first Elder Lich, Nngreien, was titled the Grand Elder Lich as one to lead all the others. Their purpose was to fill all of D'orn with the vilest magic known through the numerous seas of the world.

Once all came to study these vile magics, Nngreien and his council would turn the world into a realm suited only for the dead. Supposedly, for them, death was the greatest fulfillment of immortality. Though eons might pass, the soul shall not whither and knowledge might continue to expand. Many even claimed that Nngreien had ascended, or perhaps descended if one would, into the very halls of Haganthar, serving as the magic advisor to a powerful archdemon.

Others liked to claim that Elder Liches, having been rumored to have a lofty opinion of themselves, simply named themselves Grand Elders as a way to mock the magical institutions which they were kicked out of for their vain, and contemptible practices.

While Liara had not privileged me to learn the origin of all Elder Liches, the matter of how they turned into Grand Elders was revealed to me. Yet, perhaps I was better off not knowing as the explanation was rather simple and uninteresting.

Supposedly, Elder Liches just ate souls. Whether they be human, beastman, demon, devil, god, divine spirit, or what have you, didn't matter. So long as they hid themselves away and consumed a substantial number of souls, then their mana would grow thicker, concentrating itself on the forehead. I guessed that was where some type of understanding was supposed to occur within the Lich and his... or hers magic would evolve with this wisdom.

I supposed there was a reason why mages always seemed like the type to rather read a damn book than pick up a sword. Granted, there were more than a few sword mages, but I believed the point remained. The lot cared much more about their growth of knowledge and wisdom than anything physical. Some even joked that to be a mage was to be born with no desire for physical temptations save for food, drink, and rest.

I stared out into the beach of Olipios. We'd arrived in the southeastern lands of Xhilik. A sea of green forest densely covered with fog lay before us. Unfortunately, my crew seemed not so keen on readily exploring the new land. Given that almost all of them had been on Delverhold, they, especially my mages, remained more sensitive to the mystical realm than when they'd ever been on Draegnar.

There was hardly a single person aboard my ship who wasn't staring at the lands with grave suspicion.

"These lands be evil, Captain. It be so evil it makes even a grown man's bones shiver. Feeling ain't that much different from that empire of goody shits. Best we try our luck elsewhere?" one of my crewmates asked.

All eyes lay upon me while I continued to look out into the horizon. Finally, I turned to Goron. Catching my gaze, he stepped forward until he stood next to me.

"What make you of this?" I asked.

"A Grand Elder Lich. I believe it to be a recent one. Were it one more experienced, so much power wouldn't be releasing itself like this. Even for a crew as well-suited to the mystic realm as you've made this one, it would still be more difficult to find. One would have to travel further inland if they wished to properly sense such magic. That said, it pales in comparison to the Alchemist of Delverhold whom you handled quite convincingly," Goron answered.

I grunted. "Aye, well, I was dealing with his bastard son. A man born of flesh and blood. I doubt the same tactic would work on a damned dog's plate of bones. However, dare you think it a coincidence that a Grand Elder Lich might appear here in Olipios, the very lands which hold Charon's Landing where the Alchemist commented in his book?" I inquired, spotting the sudden uneasiness on Goron's face. His gaze hardened and his face scrunched up.

"It's not impossible. This Lich could have stumbled upon the Alchemist's secrets. You claimed the groove which held the book in place had the cult's symbol of Alġnoth on it. Perhaps the Lich is under the employ of Alġnoth. If this is indeed the case, then you had best be cautious. I believe the Empire was your first experience with combating a divine entity," He replied to me.

While no, it hadn't been my first of firsts. It had been my first in dealing with one so directly. Normally, I'd contended with so-called oracles, prophets, messengers, and warriors blessed in the name of these gods. Of them all, Hæňgaramian knights, specifically those of the Lightfeather House, were the biggest pains in the ass. Alteria aside, I hated the whole lot that wielded light magic.

"Shame our captain couldn't convince the knight to join us. Having her would have made this a lot easier," Diane suddenly said, taking a step forward as well.

For a moment, I indeed wondered where D'orn had taken Alteria before I turned back to the present matter. "There be more than just light magic that might deal with a lich. Even then, it be impossible that it ain't aware of us also since we've embarked. While I ain't versed in the magic arts that Alteria might use. My ship has its own methods. Don't tell me, you be concerned to face a mage, Diane?" I taunted, feeling the need to amuse myself.

Unfortunately, Diane didn't rise to my taunt. Instead, she looked at me. "You'd better be worried if I get taken over again. You're gonna need a bigger arena than the last one," she joked, sharing a chuckle with me.

Once we settled, I turned back to the rest of my crew. "You lot have sailed the Coffin's Mouth, survived the Taker of Voices, set foot upon Delverhold, and now you lot cower in fear of a pile of bones versed in the mystic arts? Aye, though the lands be dangerous, the booty be just as plentiful. Gold that dazzles as brightly as the sun, silver that has been blessed by the moon, and every piece of jewelry that would make any swine think you a nobleman lay before you just waiting to be uncovered. If you wished to not settle for the adventure, then you should have gotten off my ship at Draegnar," I spoke, making sure my voice carried over the main deck.

It seemed that my point was made because there was hardly a person there whose eyes were not gleaming at the prospect of treasure. Aye, whether it be the highest mountain or lowest valley, hottest desert or coldest wasteland, there was no place a pirate's greed would not take him.

"There ain't no fortune to be had tucking your head and your cock beneath your bedsheets. Fame ain't gonna come to the noble soldier who stays in his family's courtyard. If you be lads and lasses of the sea, then best you act like it! And 'fret not, whatever trouble you might find yourself in, as your captain, I shall make all your enemies disappear should you stay with me," I assured, watching their smiles grow larger and larger.

One bastard slammed his foot on the portside railing, pointing out into the vast overgrowth. "Aye, the Cap'n's words ring true, laddies! Let us make haste upon this new land. There be wenches that need fuckin' and treasures that need lootin'! Whether night or day, rain or snow, life or death, we shall plunder the mighty lands 'till we can't plunder 'em NO MORE!" he roared.

"Then best you set the example for the rest of us and test the rumored shores of Olipios, Mannin! Be sure to tell us your tales!" Another said before he tossed Mannin overboard. Others stared over the side, laughing at his misfortune while he resurfaced.

"Dagnen, I'm gonna fucking scalp your fucking head and balls when you least expect it!" Mannin fired back, hardly any anger shown on his face despite how soaked he'd become.

While the laughter continued, my mother ordered the dropping of the anchor. The ship was then tied to several trees by the crew while I gathered the others into my quarters.

I opened a map across my table, detailing the entirety of Olipios.

"Provided we have stayed the course, we shall journey westward. Charon's Landing lies along a large stretch of river. The City of Lunkkak shall be the first that we encounter," I said.

"I swear we always get the fucking weird shit. We're heading into Charon's Landing, the damn place where the fucking Lich is more than likely to be? Eric, I don't remember you cursing me this much even back on Draegnar," My mother spoke I assumed jokingly given the smile on her face.

Though I chose not to comment, Ellen wasn't of the same manner. "Maybe next time you'll unwrap your fucking legs from his father's waist," my Quartermaster grumbled, much to the annoyance of my mother.

Before the two could trade barbs, I focused the conversation back on the matters present. "Rest assured, there be no hurry. Given that this is a new Grand Elder Lich even that bastard will decide to remain low for now. Even an expert marksman has gotta learn how to handle a fucking cannon. Should he not, he runs the risk of its power blowing up right in his face. He won't pick a fight so readily, and if he does then I'll be ready for it," I said.

"Sir, you plan to use the element of lightning which you also used against the wretched spirits on the way to Delverhold?" Aesteal asked.

I nodded. "Aye, I'll make good on Zeus' bolt again if I must. However, if he's a Grand Elder Lich, then he'll be sure to cover his weaknesses. 'Tis fortunate I have my own talented mage at my side," I said, feeling An'raie swirl about within me.

I then spotted Maeloson stepping forward. "I believe it would be best if we also prepared for any forces the Lich has gathered while he's remained here. Olipios is not known for having boasted powerful warriors, or talented mages. In fact, one of the northern kingdoms pays another across the seas to send military aid. If the Lich would not settle here for prized warriors under its employ, then it is likely here to sate its own curiosity," Maeloson chimed in.

Diane smirked. "You sound like you have experience with this kinda thing," she commented.

I watched Maeloson's face turn into a brief scowl. Yet, he reined in his emotions quickly.

"We elves are rather familiar with such malevolent forces, especially those further north," he responded lowly, almost as if he were afraid he might raise his voice beyond what was considered normal of him.

Diane hummed. "Ah, right. Certain elves are said to be able to speak with Divine Spirits, Ichthel if I recall. In turn, the spirits bestow limited power upon the speakers. That power is then imbued in elven weaponry. Liches must be cursing the lowest hells if they run into you guys," she voiced, laying one hand on the table.

Maeloson nodded. "Yes, however, neither Aesteal nor I have the honor of such communion with the Divine Spirits. Additionally, even before we were sold into slavery, Fgg'rial was concerned about matters with malevolent forces as the number of Ichthel steadily seemed to decline. While I cannot speak for Aesteal, when I had grown honored to have my bow crafted there were more than twenty Ichthel. Before we left, there were only five remaining," he answered.

"Yes, Lady Liara knew of this as well, though she never explained her reasoning as to why this happened," Goron said.

At the mention of Liara, my mother chose that moment to speak. "Speaking of her, doesn't she have some fancy artifact, book, or contact that might help us out?" my mother asked.

Diane snorted. "Yes to all three, but the first two are way beyond anything that even Goron and I could use. Sorry, but there's some shit that even we won't mess with. Just the journey getting to them could wind up with neither of us being seen again for ten, twenty, a thousand years, or even never at all. As for the last, you do not want to owe favors to those that Lady Liara knows. Trust me on that," she said, her warning carrying itself through my quarters.

The shore became silent, others contemplating her words until Ellen decided to speak. "Do we even know what we're looking for?" Ellen asked, turning back to me.

"There be a mystery in Charon's Landing that the Alchemist spoke of. Other than that, I know not what we might find there. That said, do not fear the Lich so much. Since I be the most confident, I shall head into the lands myself. At least I have confidence that I have a proper chance of combating him. Besides, we shall deal with far worse than liches as we sail. The lot of you and the crew have trained in the mystic arts, and you've all developed proper defenses that shall last you for a time. Aye, it might not be easy, but it be doable," I asserted, the others looking at me a bit unsure.

I knew not what I might be able to say that would ease all their concerns, yet I assumed they opted to trust in my words as the captain. Each of them agreed with my decision, albeit with some hesitation.

Having finished the matter, the others filed out with Ellen handing my mother the book that noted all of the crew. My mother groaned, yet she snatched the book out of Ellen's hands, getting a chuckle out of my Quartermaster as she did so.

"Thou art quite shrewd. Shouldest this Lich be so new as thee thinkest, then it shalt be impossible that our union not garner some form of intrigue. 'Twould put thine crew out of the sight of thine adversary for a time. 'Tis quite the dangerous matter that thee set upon thine self," An'raie said.

I snorted. "Best the captain do what the crew ain't willing to. I know their concerns and they all be valid. Our experiences with mages haven't exactly been the easiest seas to sail, especially given that a majority of my crew had been overtaken by the Alchemist's spawn. Besides, what have I to be concerned over? Should I fall, then I shall laugh that you have been bested by a pile of enchanted bones," I retorted.

As expected, An'raie didn't share much in my amusement.

"Thine humor leaveth much to be desired, Eric Drakclaw. Yet, perhaps mine ears hath deteriorated considerably since thine words prove most familiar to me. Whilst thee might not fall, perhaps mine hand shall miss a fired spell or two," An'raie answered back.

I might have been wrong, but I was fucking sure I heard something resembling mirth in the Wail's eerie voice. It was small, hardly even worth a mention to anyone else, yet I was sure it had been there. It was like a lone island of ripe fruit amidst the aimless sea. I never thought one of An'raie disposition could utter it, much less to me.

Of course, I dared not bring it up lest her mood sour. "I think I shall manage just fine should some escape your notice," I remarked as I picked up and sorted my things.

When I returned to the main deck of my ship, numerous handfuls of my crew were already on the sandy beaches. Some even ventured near the entrance of the forests, the mist growing thick through there.

I turned my head and spotted Ellen speaking with Brant. Knowing my Quartermaster, I imagined she was ready to start traveling as quickly as possible. Luckily, it seemed Brant was no different as the members of his adventuring party swiftly made themselves known from the lower deck.

On the other side, my mother was speaking with Naala, perhaps questioning what our ammunition had been reduced to following the battle with our mysterious ghost ship. There must have been no concerns because Naala had a smile on her face while she ushered my mother below deck.

"Sir, what shall we do with the crew? Many of them wish to begin traveling immediately. I believe after weeks at sea, a change of scenery has them rather ready to explore," Aesteal said, climbing down from the ratlines.

I tried not to stare at her long legs, yet I found myself captivated by them for a time. I dare say Aesteal knew it as well. Her descent suddenly became slow and deliberate, allowing my gaze to feast upon her until she couldn't climb down anymore.

When she stood next to me, though there was no smile on her face her eyes had a sultry look within them. I dare say she almost challenged me on whether or not I'd find a reason to pull her into my bed and enjoy her elven body until the sun rose the next day. It also didn't help that her fairmaid happened to be with her, smirking knowingly at my lustful gaze of my bonded elf.

Somehow, I managed to turn my gaze from her and back to my crew on the shore. "Then, best we not keep them waiting too long. Give 'em a few hours to settle their sea legs. We'll venture out once their break is over," I answered.

Aesteal nodded and walked over to Maeloson, perhaps sharing the news with him.

Following that, Nz'ia appeared next with spear in hand. As expected, the Xhaluter seemed none too compliant to stay on the ship any longer. He landed on the beach, casting a glare at me before he sat on the beach. He stabbed his spear into the sand and waited there amongst my crew.

I allowed the crew a total of three hours to do what they wished. Surprisingly, only a few bothered exploring through the dense forests before returning soon after.

Additionally, in that time, Ellen and Raven's Shadow had already left. Naturally, she couldn't leave without proclaiming that it'd be nice to have a few days and nights away from her beloved captain. She also had to warn my mother that Ellen wasn't paying for a new ship should I somehow sink the one I sailed us here with.

With edged farewells, Brant and his team led Ellen through the thick brushes. By their own words, there was supposed to be a merchant's trail about thirty miles from where we'd settled the ship. While that might be a daunting task for anyone else, I assumed they'd make it there quickly, at least before nightfall.

As for everyone else, I'd quickly gathered them together. Taking Nei and Lei into my pockets, I handed the other fairmaids to my mother, and Naala. As always, Aesteal's fairmaid clung to her and Ellen's fairmaid had left with her.

I spent most of my time securing the ship. Luckily, Goron was there to aid me. I wouldn't be much of a captain if I should be worried that my own ship might be stolen from me. Granted, I supposed I had stolen this one myself, but it wasn't like the men who used it would be using it anymore. I doubt Haganthar would allow such a vessel to pass on its bloodied waters.

Once the ship was protected, I stood on the sandy shores with the rest of my crew.

"So what are we gonna be now, Captain? I doubt any soldiers we meet along the roads are gonna be happy to see pirates in their midst, especially not you. Ever since C'ula, your face has been fucking plastered everywhere. Probably won't be long before we run into people gunning for your head," Naala said.

Others seemed not so eager to care about what the soldiers thought.

"Fuck 'em! The Captain could drown the whole of Olipios if he so desired. What need have we to hide? Best we just ransack the fuckers from town to town before we head to that Charon shithole. Besides, we all be strong. Couldn't tell ya how many fucking mages look at me when we enter the city. Lot even be askin' if I went to one of those fancy schools of theirs!" one of my men boasted.

Another snorted. "Aye, they probably took you for the bastard who cleans their dung holes," answered the other, letting lose a few laughs through the crowd.

While their confidence in me was a great boon to my ego, I still opted for a subtler approach again. Between Charon's Landing and this supposed Elder Lich, I would rather not want to worry about combating anyone else. I'd already prevented one war from turning into full-scale bloodshed, I'd rather not make the same fate of Olipios. Besides, these lands had some damn fine ale, especially one that I'd promised to share with Daven Wolfkiss back on Delverhold.

Of course, there was no need to conjure up these things yet, as dragging them through the dense overgrowth was a hassle I wasn't willing to subject anyone on my ship to. Instead, we tied our boots, loaded our pistols, and ventured into the great unknown of Olipios.

I imagined Ellen must have long since made it to the road since we saw neither hide nor hair of her or Raven's Shadow by the time we made it to the road. The sun had long since left the sky and we decided to make camp.

A few of my men decided that the sheer amount of walking we did wasn't exciting enough. So they opted to go hunting. Out of worry, I tasked Aesteal and Maeloson to accompany them. Much to my pleasure, they returned without incident with a sizeable feast for the lot of us. In hindsight, perhaps I should have fished us out some food, but I figured it wasn't a terrible thing to let the lads work for their food this once.

Of course, Maeloson and Aesteal, being elves, couldn't resist the call of the natural fruits and herbs that littered the overgrowth.

As the night drew long, we went to bed with full stomachs. Having no use of training at the moment, my mother, Naala, Diane, and Aesteal shared in my tent. I also welcomed Nei and Lei, being sure not to forsake them like Nei thought I'd been doing.

While the blankets were rather tight, the added warmth provided great comfort over Olipios' cold nights. Plus, it was always well worth it to wake up with my cock dug between Diane's cheeks. She certainly didn't seem to mind, even preferring to tease me by clenching her ass a little.

Yet, there were no further fun times to be had. Surprisingly, I'd somewhat lost my penchant for a good fuck show with this life. Perhaps I saw no point in it, perhaps I'd grown jealous of lingering eyes on my lovers, I knew not what it might be of them all. Either way, we made it to the dirt road early next morning.

Once we were there, I conjured up the cart with a sheepskin sack of supplies. To truly sell the illusion, I even conjured up four more carts to spread out over my crew of over sixty men and women. I even took it a step further and crafted illusionary armor for a few of my men, having them be something more akin to mercenaries and guards than pirates.

"Fuck! Could have used this fancy shit when I hoisted that sunken treasure from the Stilltooths Gang. Had to hide out in the Draegnar outskirt eating dirt crabs for nearly three weeks," one said, inspecting his armor.

"Cease your picking with it," I growled. He stiffened, taking his hands off his armor in surprise. Attempting to maintain that spell following cracks and bashes siphoned my mana. While I had the stores to keep it handy, I'd rather not go losing it to my crew's curiosity or stupidity.

Once everyone was ready, we marched onward. Immediately, the lands of Olipios had begun to reveal themselves. On the road, we passed by numerous statues dedicated to the gods of Olipios. Of course, being that some of my crew held vastly different beliefs on the matter, more than a few weren't so accepting of what they saw.

Rather than deface any of the statues, a matter I wouldn't have cared about either way, they settled for mocking the statues, telling Draegnarian jokes this way and that.

Over the next four days, we traveled toward the nearest city. Every day I'd conjure up the carts and crates and release the spell at night when the tents were set up. The walk was rather dull, and I wondered if it might be better that we run there instead of journeying like this.

"And then the fucking shit tries to tell me 10-pair of Drakknives be less than his 5-straight sickleaxes. Let me tell ya lads and lasses, ain't no bigger a lie than a fucking Draegnar bastard. Nearly lost me coin pouch me did. Now the only thing missin' be the fucker's middle finger," one of my crew said, deciding to regale the lot of us with stories.

"Was this before or after your story of being balls deep in the Lady of The Isles?" another asked.

"That really fucking happened! Scald my tongue with burning coals should I speak a falsehood," the storyteller answered, sounding almost insulted.

"Please Ardin. You'd sooner dirty the coal itself before it even begins to clean the dung that flies out of your mouth. You'd sooner..."

Frowning, I wove my hand a ceased the talking of my crew as everyone looked forward. Over the hill of the road, walked about five men clad in steel armor. Two of them wielded rifles and the other two held large, imposing broadswords.

As for the one in the middle, I assumed him to be the leader as his armor was notably darker than the others. Additionally, there was a large shield in his hand, the insignia of the Ballayurm Nation, a land known for its farming agriculture. Never did I think I'd find them in Olipios since Ballayurm was a neighboring nation very much near Sairan on the other side of the world.

What would they be doing here?

As expected, with a group as large as ours, it would have been impossible for the men to not see us. However, once they did, they approached slowly and cautiously.

Once they got close enough, the man with the shield spoke.

"Blessings of Helios upon you, travelers. What brings so many upon the roads this morning?" he asked.

Though his helmet masked his face, his voice was almost as deep as the underground. His eyes were a light brown and I saw what seemed to be the measure of hefty beard.

"And blessings upon you as well, Soldier of Ballayurm. We journey to the next city, hoping to turn profit into bread for our stomachs. What would bring such fine soldiers so far from their farming lands?" I asked.

I frowned when I heard someone snicker behind me, yet I let the matter go in favor of keeping this ruse going.

The armored leader laughed. "Hahahahaha! It's good to see even merchants as far as Olipios know of the greatness of Ballayurm. You do your merchant ilk proud. Though many might find you a greedy sort, no one wishes to see an empty plate. Judging by your number, I assume thieves haven't been a concern for you?" he asked.

I laughed, waving him off. "Ah, what man hasn't had to deal with such a misfortune no matter where he travels? Rest assured, many in our company have at least some knowledge of the sword. While we'll not be besting any soldiers of Ballayurm, I think we'll scare a few thieves," I said.

The leader looked over my men. For someone like me who'd been through countless battles, I hardly missed the calculating way this knight soldier surveyed my forces. He must have had his fair share of battle since, despite his jovial tone, there was clear discernment behind his eyes. Should this man have the luck, he'd also stand at the top of D'orn in the future, and I knew that because his eyes lingered on Diane, Naala, Maeloson, Aesteal, my mother, and me the most.

Of course, he could hardly forget about Nz'ia given that the Xhaluter towered over the rest of us, only being somewhat matched by Goron. "...I believe you sell your companions too short, friend. Many here would make fine soldiers, scouts, and linesmen. You won't mind if we inspect your merchandise, will you?" he asked.

I frowned. "Might I ask why? I had not thought Ballayurm soldiers to be the military might in Olipios,' I replied.

One of the other soldiers snarled.

"Stay your damn tongue! Who are you to..."

The leader held up his hand. "Now, now. It's a valid question. I'm sure our traveling friends here have no doubt had similar situations such as this turn against them. Also Aaraan, you shame our nation with your tongue. Do not speak out of turn again," the leader said.

The soldier named Aaraan frowned, yet held his tongue less a worse fate than shame fall upon him. "Yes, Commander Rosemanne, please accept my apologies," he said.

"I am not the one you spoke against. You should seek their apology if you claim to be a soldier of Ballayurm," the leader suggested.

Truth be told, I cared not who did what. I'd already wasted enough time entertaining these five.

"Please forgive my rudeness, travelers. It has been a rough day even with Helios' blessings upon us all," he said.

I laughed, hoping it didn't come out as a grunt more than anything. "It is quite alright. We understand that the soldier's life can be a thankless one," I answered.

In the meantime, Commander Rosemanne reached into one of his lower pouches and pulled out a pin, more specifically one worn by those employed to protect Olipios.

"We have been stationed here as this nation's guarding forces. We are but one of the many who have been employed and this trail lies along our daily route. So while our hearts are in Ballayurm, our swords stand with the southern lands of Olipios for this time. You have my word that nothing untoward shall come upon your company," he said.

As much as I hardly gave a shit about the weight of his word, I simply stepped to the side and allowed them to do their jobs. Luckily for them, they checked our stores quickly. They asked my crew a few questions, yet it wasn't anything difficult to answer.

After ten minutes, they gathered together.

"Everything appears to be in order. You may continue your travels, good sir. The City of Lunkkak should be upon you in about two or three days depending on how quickly you walk. Should the city guard give you any trouble, then tell them of Commander Rosemanne. They shall do right by you. Blessings of Helios upon you once more, good sir!" Rosemanne claimed.

"And his blessings upon you as well, Commander," I replied.

The soldiers walked past my crew and I resisted the urge to grumble before we made our way on the road once more.

"...And, travelers, one more thing!"

I inhaled and exhaled slowly, hoping to control my declining patience lest I fucking blot out Helios' might from the skies over Olipios.

I even heard some of my crew groan as we turned around. Thankfully, the Ballayurm commander didn't waste more time running over.

"Should your travels find you heading to the far west, I'd exercise caution. There have been numerous reports of strange activity there. While coin might be plentiful, I doubt it's worth anyone's life. Farewell!" he said, his soldiers marching behind him.

The irritation on my face slowly disappeared as my crew looked at me with a bit of worry. Even my mother, Diane, Naala, and Aesteal stared at me, perhaps wondering what my next course of action might be.

I frowned, taking a second to confirm with An'raie. As expected, she mentioned the power of the Lich steadily growing as we ventured further westward.

I then turned back to the guard in question. "We'll be sure to keep your warnings in our hearts and our minds, Commander Rosemanne! Say travels!" I said.

He saluted us and marched down the dirt road while the rest of us turned to our path.

"Bet'cha that bastard sucks the cocks of his men around the night's fire when the air grows cold," someone said, making the others cackle as we journeyed onward.

I didn't remember much of the rest of the day aside from our interaction with the commander from Ballayurm. I remained lost in my thoughts regarding this lich until I noticed the light of Selene had taken residence in the sky.

My crew seated themselves and I did away with the magical constructs of our merchant trade. The others wasted no time, feasting on whatever they could find and drinking until their breaths stank of alcohol.

I stared at the fire solemnly, hoping to recall the events of my past, or future I guessed, and anything related to Olipios. Unfortunately, I'd not remembered anything specific. As one not talented, or interested, in the way of the Arcane, I hardly had the means to anticipate or sense the type of danger a lich possessed. Then again, I also remembered one or two of the mages in my crew claiming that the island lands felt strange.

Unfortunately, in my foolhardy youth, I had assumed they were just trying to rile up the rest of my crew, given that horror stories were but a few of our pastimes when we made land. In fact, as I thought more of it, I now remembered one of those mages disappearing, and yet, strangely, I never even bothered looking into the matter. Hell, I dare say I forgot about it somehow.

"Sir?"

My thoughts were brought to a still when I lifted my head, spotting Maeloson and Aesteal in front of me.

"What is it?" I asked a bit more brusquely than I had intended. It became clear to me that my thoughts held a great hand in deteriorating my mood.

The two elves sat next to me. Maeloson kindled the firepit with a stick. "The magic in the air continues to grow restless," he said.

"And yet there is hardly a spirit to be met in the air. Were it not for the blowing trees, I'd fear that our eyes might settle on a large hole like back in the Northern Empire," Aesteal claimed.

"Aye, I have noticed. We passed by another traveling group. The lot looked more shaken up than a pouch of salt. Prepare yourselves as best you can. We know not what we'll encounter in Lunkkak despite that commander's assurance. He offered no warnings which ought to mean that the land still boasts a wide range of people," I responded.

I noticed the two elves glance at each other. Before either of them could speak, I moved first. "And there be no need for either of you to scout the fields of Charon's Landing," I answered.

Despite their neutral gazes, I could tell I'd surprised them from the way their ears twitched. There was a saying that 'All Ears Lead to the Hearth of Hearts.' It had been named from a wandering traveler who journeyed with elves. Lad found it easy to converse with elves by glancing at their ears.

"We have dealt with liches before," Maeloson argued.

"I have no doubts. However, I know neither of you has contested matters related to the Alchemist aside from Delverhold. I might be a bit more inclined to agree had I been granted the time to further enchant you both before our mysterious ghost ship came upon us. Even then, it would take you time to adjust to your might. I've heard Diane has taken to training my mother and Naala, no doubt enjoying the rush of new battle," I said, pausing for a moment to cast my gaze into the fire.

"This lich has likely studied the tomes and libraries of whatever the Alchemist laid in those lands for potentially hundreds of years. He'll be a stubborn fucker to manage, especially if he has ways of corrupting the mind as well. There be no benefit in risking either of you. Rest assured, that I have no doubt that you both will have your parts to play," I finished, hoping to ease their troubled spirits.

Both agreed and I noticed Goron appear before us. "While I cannot answer for the other mystical manners pertaining to this enemy, The Root has an artifact that can be used against most magic capable of controlling others," Goron spoke, bringing the elves' attention to him.

"Then why was it not used against the might of Diane when she was on Delverhold?" Maeloson asked.

"The artifact prevents spells from controlling you prior to the attempt. Firstly, she would have needed to have it before the spell took her over. Secondly, it doesn't work on anything higher than magic of the sixth-tier. Even if it could work at dispelling already powerful mind control placed on a victim, Diane had long given herself to the magic's control for it to have mattered," Goron explained.

His steps were heavy as he stared out into the dark forest. "No matter who you might speak with, all rightly believe that there is one trait all liches share. They are incredibly boastful, prideful beings. While he might show interest in the elves, he might try to subdue them with a fifth-tier spell. Once they realize it, they'll be able to flee under the assumption that the lich won't use stronger magics to entrap them," Goron explained next.

"...It seems very circumstantial," Aesteal reasoned.

"Unfortunately, your circumstances would not end there. It also drains mana extensively. Should any normal being try to use it, they wouldn't need to worry about being controlled. They would be drained of mana and die long before the spell was cast. Of course, elves have always boasted some of the highest stores of mana in all the realms, and Maeloson and Aesteal would be exceptional even by their standards. I believe it's worth an attempt," Goron claimed.

The elves looked at me and I found myself biting the nail of my thumb in thought. Try as I might, I found none too many reasons to deny the request. I simply worried if such a measure might be so efficient. The Alchemist was known to think of numerous things, some bordering on heathenistic or heretical. There was no low he wasn't willing to go, such that he might even an Archdemon had found herself a slave to his whims. What might such knowledge do for an elder lich, a Grand Elder Lich even?

After some thinking, I breathed. "Fine. I shall agree upon this matter, however, it shall be done once we are closer to Charon. Should you need to escape, then you won't need to head far. In the meantime, other sites near the land were mentioned. I'd like to investigate them. And the both of you best go together. Do not be separated under any circumstances or I'll have you both swabbing the deck until demons kneel before Lumnina and pledge her superiority to Hera," I said.

Naturally, neither Aesteal nor Maeloson seemed fond of the gods, seeing them as a mockery to the Divine Spirits, yet I believed my point was made.

"Understood, Sir," they said together.

Seeing this, I nodded as the rest of the night drew long. I retired to my quarters with Nei, Lei, my mother, Naala, and Aesteal. The nights seemed even colder than usual, yet it wasn't without its merits in the warm bodies provided to me.

The next four days passed before we stood on a hill and peered out over the view of the City of Lunkkak. The city was circled with high walls of sturdy and sculpted stone. Windows lined the sides of the wall, just big enough to either see through or stab through. Surrounding the windows were numerous sharp edges, a design that made sieging a real chore for anyone not talented in the mystic arts.

Unlike other cities, there were no high towers or anything particularly noble residing here. However, I spotted more than a few statues pertaining to different gods and goddesses littered throughout the city. Numerous aviary raptors flew in the sky, some of them even landing near the city's countryside farmlands.

While Lunkkak might not be boasting noble houses, kingdoms, or estates, it was a very wide city. In fact, one might dare say it was one of the widest cities in all of Olipios. The city stretched out for miles. Many historians claimed that the walls surrounding Lunkkak took more than a century to build. Over that century, the city had never been attacked once by Olipios' enemies. Some reasoned that the gods favored the city for unknown reasons. Others assumed it was just because Lunkkak had fuck all to offer anyone aside from its birds, which made for wonderful pets, spies, trade, and farming.

We journeyed toward the city. I imagined a few of my men had grown nervous when they came up to the walls, perhaps their experiences with Ynro's walls coming to memory.

The closer we got, the larger the walls became until a few whistled in surprise. "How fucking big did they make these things?" one person inquired.

"Supposedly, the walls have been said to be almost sixty feet tall," another said.

The responder must have gotten some odd looks because she scowled. "The fuck are ya'll looking at? Just because I'm fucking Draegnarian you think I don't know how to pick up a fucking book?" she asked, garnering guffaws from the others.

Nevertheless, they quieted down as we approached. One of the guards immediately came upon us. Glorious Olipios steel covered his body from head to toe. Around his neck lay a long red scarf. In his large hands was a halberd, tempered and curved expertly.

"Halt! State your business," he said, holding his hand out to stop us.

"A pleasant day, guardsman! We seek to stop in Lunkkak for a few days before we begin our journey westward. The roads have been rather fierce and the cold nights even fiercer. Can't no merchant do proper business without a good night's sleep. We hope to make no trouble for you! Though I see the famous Lunkkak raptors soar as high as ever," I commented.

As expected, this was no ordinary guardsman. While he seemed to appreciate the comment, his eyes remained focused on the movements of my crew as well as the carts we'd carried.

"So you're merchants. If that's the case, then I would advise you to seek your business elsewhere. There have been reports of strange activity there. We have had a few merchants make their way here speaking of the same. I would recommend you journey to the north. The Nation of Nain shall be hosting its annual festival there next month. Many are set to journey there," he said.

Holding the ruse, I looked at him curiously. "You are the second guard who spoke of strange activity in the west. One of your own, Commander Rosemanne told tales of the same. What's happening over there?" I questioned.

The guard frowned, yet he stared over the horizon. "Very strange circumstances. Patrols disappearing, missing people, voices at night, the reports tell of different things. We're considering blocking the roads leading to those cities and nations until we come up with a proper countermeasure. You also spoke of Commander Rosemann, I hope he didn't annoy you too much?" the guard asked.

"He was a lively sort, though not an unwelcome one," I replied.

The guard looked at me for a bit longer before he cleared his throat. "Will you be planning any trading in Lunkkak? As a merchant, you will need a permit to do business here. It shall cost you two silver coins. Should you be caught trading without it, then you shall face a fine of ten gold coins. Do you understand?" he asked, his stern eyes attempting to pierce my own.

"Understood. We shall have no need of a permit," I said.

The guard looked at us a little longer before he called his men toward our group. They checked us over, patting our shoulders, arms, and legs, while also checking our wares. Once everything was finished, we were allowed inside the city.

If anything was annoying about this, it was that I still had to keep the illusion up even at this point.

"So not that getting patted down by fucking guards wasn't fun, but what do we do now?" My mother asked.

"We've journeyed for long enough, and I imagine the crew would enjoy two nights in a proper bed. We shall leave early the day after. Besides, spending all this mana for four days ain't a good feeling for anyone, and if we're gonna be facing liches then I'd rather keep the supplies that shall restore our mana plentiful. It took many nights to craft those," I answered, watching men and women roam up and down Lunkkak's streets with nary a care in the world.

"Should we ask around about the activity in the west? In a city as large as this one, there ought to be someone who has at least heard some rumors," Maeloson said.

My eyes drifted amongst the masses. I found myself rather surprised by the amount of mana held by a few of them. While it wasn't anything close to that of my crew, in a place like Olipios not known for its mages, it was quite considerable.

"Aye, do so. It'll help you should I decide to venture you out into Charon's Landing. Besides, I have some books I need to look over," I returned, watching Maeloson and Aesteal nod.

Following that, we found an inn capable of housing my crew. The lot scattered amongst themselves, but not before my mother assigned them to their groups just like Ellen had taught her.

At some point, I just had to release the spell conjuring out the cart and the wares in it. Next time, I'd be sure to unload some of the barrels from my ship and take them with us, just to not fucking go through this again. Luckily, the corridors in Lunkkak were wide enough to hide my actions and I made sure I wasn't spotted by any raptor or person flying them.

When I marched back into the inn, I stepped into my room and closed the door. Of course, I hadn't expected Diane to be there, sitting on the bed.

"No desire to experience Lunkkak for yourself?" I asked as I pulled up a chair and sat in it.

Burnwood snorted, glancing out the window. "Please, I've been to Lunkkak before. So has Goron. There wasn't anything interesting then, and there won't be anything interesting now. Granted, they make some damn roasted good bird legs. I believe even Lady Liara fancied them once in a blue moon. Besides, I figured this was a good time to clean my guns. Sorta forgot to do that since your mother and Naala have been trying, and failing, to kick my ass these days," she answered.

I glanced at her. Despite her complaints, I could tell from the excitement in her eyes that she'd enjoyed the combat. Clearly, my mother and Naala had been providing her with decent sport. I understood that I hadn't given her many targets and she hadn't seemed particularly intrigued with the people I'd given her from the Empire. While I hadn't enhanced my mother and Naala for the sole purpose of giving Diane better battles, it was an added benefit for her brawler-like mentality.

"And how have they fared?" I asked.

"They hit fucking hard. I'll give them that much. Keep in mind that I'm not one for teaching. Never taught anyone how to do it, but because I like you I'll suffer through it," she said.

I looked at her again while Nei and Lei popped their heads out of my pockets. They then landed on the table, fanning their wings in the sun from the window.

"Aye, you like me, do you?" I asked.

"Yeah, just like. And you're lucky. I only punch the people I like sometimes. Trust me, you're doing better than most others, or maybe you just throw me off. Don't really know anymore," Burnwood replied.

Smiling, I reached into my pocket and pulled out a scroll. From the scroll, numerous books were released over the table, more specifically the book that I'd gathered from the third isle on Delverhold, noting the Alchemist's experiences in Charon's Landing. I hoped to gather something from these tomes regarding where he might have laid... whatever he had here and what it had to do with Alġnoth.

I started reading, taking notice that Nei and Lei would read along with me. Of course, they asked me a few questions about what words meant what and I spent more time teaching them the wondrous realm of wordplay. I'll admit I was a little annoyed, yet I could allow my patience to take hold. Just as with my other lovers, I enjoyed spending time with Nei and Lei. It also helped that Diane's tinkering with her guns provided me with some delicate ambiance.

I studied, and yet I found no further mention of Charon's Landing in the book left by the Alchemist. In fact, I started to wonder if this had just been another part in his unnatural life where he'd lost his mind in his madness. His journal consisted of numerous ramblings and I knew not even An'raie could help me as she'd probably long been cast away from him. Even if she did know, I'd rather bring it to her attention lest her anger unravel my body and leave me as but a mere husk.

The day slowly drew to a close the longer I studied. Diane would work on her guns in peace while Naala and my mother ventured into my room at separate times. I eyed them both suspiciously when they kept staring at me, arrogantly smirking before they continued about their business.

"You can't ever stay out of trouble, can you?" Diane asked.

I leaned up, massaging my neck while Nei and Lei continued to read on. "And why must every unfortunate thing be my fault? Surely, I ain't the cause of all the trouble which happens upon the world," I returned.

"I dunno. D'orn apparently died because of you. You don't get a future like that without being a cause for some trouble. Either way, best of luck to you, I've tinkered with these damn things for long enough," Diane said. She holstered her guns, jabbed me in the shoulder, and departed from the room.

I was left alone to my studies for a few more hours until my eyes grew weary. I exhaled and closed the journal, unwilling to let my mind wander into the machinations of an insane alchemist for too long.

I leaned back, stretching in my chair and hoping to relieve my body of the stress which had been accumulating as of late.

As soon as I finished stretching, my stomach growled. I then realized that I hadn't eaten much of anything all day. To my embarrassment, I hadn't been sure that I even fed Nei and Lei, though I received my answer when their stomach rumbled after mine.

"Even for all the might of Poseidon and the foes he might face at sea, still he might perish from an empty stomach. Best we see if Diane was right about the Lunkkak meat here," I reasoned.

Enthused by my offer, Nei and Lei hopped into my pouch while I made my way through across the creaking wooden floors of the inn. It didn't even take me long before I heard boisterous noise numerous floors below my own. Native music of Lunkkak filled the tavern entrance on the first floor. The beating of cymbals, the delicate vibrations of the lyres and lutes, and the rhythmic bounds of feet on boards swelled through my ears.

Nei and Lei seemed pleased with the songs, waving their heads this way and that. Their wings even tickled my skin through my shirt from flapping so quickly.

Of course, as I descended it didn't take me long to realize why the tavern had grown so boisterous.

"Aye, that be the way lass! Dance with the fucking best of 'em! Now this be how a good time is had!"

I watched as my crew effortlessly conquered the inn and all her inhabitants. Were this place not so well-kept together, I might have mistaken it for the Dead Tales. Then again, another difference was noticeable. There were no teeth on the floor or dead bodies hanging off the side of the door. Ain't much of a tavern for lack of character, I supposed.

Despite everything, I was amused when the music stopped momentarily when my crew acknowledged me. Some of them looked like fucking rats, wondering if they'd been caught doing what they shouldn't be. Luckily for them, I saw no need to deny them their fun. Besides, pirates were supposed to be a rowdy lot. I'd hardly be living up to my name as a pirate captain if I discouraged such behavior.

Granted, I was sure they were aware to not address me, or each other as such. The lot of us were still wanted criminals after all. I wondered how the C'ula ruling body slept knowing I still sailed the seas freely.

I waved my hand, allowing them to continue. Soon enough, their boisterousness was in full swing while I took a seat at a vacant table.

"So you're the one in charge of these guys? I'll admit the music is nice, but maybe don't have them kick our musicians off the stage next time. Those guys are paid too much coin to be sitting in their butts."

I glanced to the side, spotting an overly portioned woman standing next to my table with a large smile on her face.

"Any man's gotta survive getting kicked in the nuts at some point. I'll make sure they don't push it though," I replied.

"Glad to hear it, young man. So what'll you have? And speak it loudly, can hardly hear myself think sometimes," she answered.

I gave the woman what my palate was feeling, and she walked away. She returned later with a large tray of roasted bird legs cooked with herbs and dipped in butter. I was also served the roasted skins from potatoes with fresh carrots and lettuce picked from the fields of the farmers.

"You really plan to eat all this yourself?" she asked.

"There can be no business done on an empty stomach," I returned.

I didn't expect her to laugh, slamming her palm on my shoulder. "Damn right. You might be a young one, but at least you got some fucking sense in that noggin' of yours. See to it that you don't puke your guts. I ain't cleaning it up," she said, walking away to tend to others.

As expected, Diane was right. Lunkkak bird legs were very delicious. Nei and Lei certainly seemed to think so. I'd secretly taken them out of my pocket and put them on my lap. I then fed them peace of meat and vegetables from my plate. Unsurprisingly, they insisted more on the vegetables than the meat. That said, Nei couldn't resist slathering her tongue on the bone and staring at me wantonly.

I might have messed with her if not for someone else standing in front of my table. I looked up, raising an eyebrow when I saw a woman with short, black hair, wearing a standard uniform of the Mage Association.

"Sorry, all of the tables seem to be taken. Might I sit here?" she inquired.

I knew not what made me frown. I wasn't sure if I'd met the lass before, yet she seemed familiar to me. I offered her to sit and she pulled out a chair, smiling as she did so.

Despite the noise around us, the music might as well have been far away as the woman and I sat in silence. While I ate, I took passing glances at her. For not having been to Delverhold, her stores of mana were very impressive, she'd probably come upon the realm of third or fourth-tier spells in the next two or three years. Whether she'd go beyond that would be up to her.

I briefly glanced at the woman, watching her drink some sort of tea offered to her by one of the wenches. There was a tome in her eyes and she read it almost amusingly.

Wondering if I was simply paranoid because of the lich, I decided to focus my attention back and Nei and Lei. Unfortunately, they'd soon grown full from their feast and slipped back into my pockets. How the two of them could sleep with so much noise baffled me.

Nevertheless, that left me alone with this woman at my table and my food. She never spoke a word while I cleaned every piece of food there was to be in front of me. Once I was finished, I figured I'd allow Nei and Lei their rest and head back upstairs.

Moving from the table, I stood to my feet.

"Tell me, how's your wife been lately, Sir?" the woman then asked.

Were I in my proper mind, I might have ignored the question and been on my way. Yet, my response seemed to flow seamlessly from my lips like a number of practiced responses.

"The gods have not favored me with a partner as of yet. If you wish to make an appointment, then I'd be more than willing to check you in," I answered.

There was something in the way the woman laughed behind me that made me look at her. Her laugh was also familiar. She closed her book and faced me.

"I see. Apologies, I thought I'd taken you for someone else. Have a good night," she said.

I didn't respond. I simply marched back up the stairs and returned to my room. This time, it was my mother and Naala who were present.

"Surprised they haven't thrown us out for disturbing the peace. Good thing they don't do that on the ship too often," Naala said, her body stretched out over the length of my bed, or two beds joined into one.

"Please, you haven't been on Draegnar for long. There were nights that I got no sleep. You could hear the drunken gunfire and smell the damn blood from sundown to sunup. Most of the poor had to barricade their tents and homes. Bastards liked to hold out in any home they could during a firefight. If they do break in, best you be sure you aren't spotted. You hear a lot of shit as you try to go to sleep," my mother answered, stretching her neck.

Naala snorted, staring at the ceiling. "How you Draegnarians haven't killed yourselves and made the island a wasteland I'll never know. Those guys'll probably collapse in the tavern for all we know," my powder monkey stated while I found an empty storage barrel.

I immediately enchanted it and poured water into it. I then slowly placed the fairmaids inside. My mother and Naala followed suit, dropping their fairmaids in as well. It seemed they'd already gone to sleep too. They floated to the bottom, wrapping around each other for warmth.

"So, Eric. You've been in here almost all day, any clue as to what we're actually looking for in this cursed land of yours?" my mother questioned.

I sat in my chair, kicking my boots off. "If there be anything. then it's lost in the alchemist's insane ramblings. Hardly a hint to be found there from all the other shit that he wrote or studied. Even then, it be rather hard to piece together anything coherent between the sane and the insane," I replied.

"And the ghost lady won't help?" Naala asked.

I felt An'raie stir angrily within me, briefly giving me some momentary discomfort. Granted, it wasn't like I didn't see this coming. She acted like what I assumed she would.

"Better to not voyage down that sea at all," I voiced, An'raie's rage waning and allowing me to settle.

For the rest of the night, my mother, Naala, and I spoke on various topics until Diane came through the door. Aesteal followed next about an hour or two later. I could immediately tell that my bonded elf had matters she wished to discuss with me, however, I told her to wait for the morrow. It was late enough and I was rather tired from the journey as was everyone else.

As luck might have it, my crew decided that they'd spread enough chaos through the tavern halls below and ceased their fun. The inn started to quiet down and the Lunkkak streets became bare, save for a few guards and wandering night workers.

Tired, I blew out the candle in my room and slipped into bed. My mother, Naala, Diane, and Aesteal soon followed. As always, we were left warm against the coming cold nights.

I wished we could have entered the next morning a little more peacefully, yet that wasn't our due reward as Aesteal seemed adamant on sharing with us what she and Maeloson had learned yesterday.

...or lack thereof.

"Unfortunately, there aren't many willing to talk about the situation in the West. I believe the local military is urgently suppressing any mention of what's going on there. Despite the cheerful atmosphere that most civilians attempt to exude, there is an underlying fear and rising tension. The raptors hover over the air and rare beast summoners are linked with them, seeing and hearing anything regarding the circumstances in the West will lead you to getting arrested," she reported.

I watched Naala stare out the window, no doubt staring at the raptors of the air.

"So why aren't they barging on our doors, ready to haul our carcasses off to the nearest iron pit?" she asked.

I watched Aesteal make a face, perhaps contemplating how best to answer the question that had come upon her.

"Well, Lunkkak is hardly the most ruthless, dictatorial city. I don't believe the soldiers will be kicking down doors and dragging people out of their homes if word is spilled. However, they will do so if you try and make it public. It was hard for Maeloson and I to even get the information that we got. I believe that when we leave, they will be sending soldiers to tail us. Whether they will follow us all the way to Charon's Landing or not, I'm unsure. That said, I've spotted a few soldiers patrolling the streets. The exact same soldiers, up and down, without a single break save to change the guard... right near the inn we're staying at," Aesteal said.

"They're fucking watching us," my mother finished, concluding everyone's thoughts.

"Wanna bet they think we might have something to do with it?" Diane asked.

"Yeah, well, we don't exactly inspire the best confidence. Aside from coming to entertain a king or emperor with faraway treasures and jewels, I ain't ever seen a merchant group as large as ours traveling anywhere," Naala answered then.

I remained silent, contemplating the matter while everyone's eyes slowly drifted to me. Diane must have seen the smirk on my face because she spoke.

"What have you got brewing in that sick head of yours?" she inquired, revealing a smirk of her own.

"Aye, it be a simple matter. If the soldiers of Lunkkak wish to train their legs in trying to keep up with us, then who should we be to deny them? And should they prove stubborn, then I have another way of dealing with them," I commented.

"And that way is?" Naala asked.

I leaned back in my chair and smiled. "It be much harder to follow what you can't see, don't you think?" I returned.

As expected, it didn't take the lasses long to get my meaning. "Just when I think you can't get any crazier," Diane commented.

I took the comment for a compliment while the others slowly trickled out of my room, perhaps hoping to see the last bits of Lunkkak before we continued our journey. Soon everyone was gone save for Aesteal, Nei, Lei, and myself.

When I looked at her, I quickly realized that there was more she wished to say away from the ears of everyone else. Having gotten used to Aesteal, I'd grown used to a few of her subtle tendencies. For a warrior elf of an ancient order, she hid these tendencies very well to even the most trained eye. It was only thanks to our intimate moments that I'd gotten the glimpses that I had.

I pushed my chair back and motioned for Aesteal to come to me. Obediently, she walked over until she sat in my lap. I tried not to smile or laugh when I thought about how far she'd come since she was but a warrior elf who had not known a man or even delved into self-pleasure. Now, she'd sit on my lap with nary a hint of embarrassment. If anything, I knew she enjoyed it from the way she wiggled her ass just inches from my crotch.

I waited for her to speak, allowing her the time to make peace with whatever thoughts she had. While it annoyed me a little, it seemed that my labors in learning patience had been just as beneficial as Aesteal said they might.

After a moment, Aesteal turned to me. "Maeloson fears that our countrymen could be residing in Lunkkak. He said that the spirits in the wind speak of their presence," Aesteal said.

I knew not what expression I must have made. Rather, I quickly began to understand what Aesteal might be hinting at. Between her and Maeloson, there'd be no reason to inform me of any ordinary Fgg'rial elf appearing in Lunkkak, especially not when it made even Aesteal concerned.

"Your Order?" I asked.

"It... is possible. Based on matters Maeloson looked into, it doesn't seem to be them. If it was, then they'd no doubt be investigating this inn with its abnormally high intake of mana. However, I haven't welcomed the embrace of my sisters for many moons. I'm unsure of what methods they use now. While operating in lands as far south as this would be unorthodox, I can't say it hasn't happened," she said.

I listened, biting the nail of my thumb as I did so. "And you believe they are here for the Lich?" I inquired next.

"Assuming it's them, then yes. However, there is a possibility it isn't them as we're hardly the only ones who have dealt with Liches, even then we were considered a last resort. I only wish that I give you all the information that I can," she said.

If there was anything that surprised me, it was that Aesteal showed neither hesitance nor fear regarding the possibility of facing her former Order. Nevertheless, though she tried to hide it, I could tell she might not be pleased with having to put them down. Luckily for her, I'd be more than willing to make sure she'd never have to make a choice such as that.

"Then it be to our good fortune that we'll be leaving at first light tomorrow. If these lasses are even half as adept as you are, then they'll be very skilled. Besides, whether it be your Order or not, if they can pull the attention of the Lich away from us even for a moment, then that'll bring greater fortune. Now, come with me, I've been trapped in a room while we made the voyage over here. I'll be damned if I'm trapped on land too," I said.

I took Aesteal's hand in mine and dragged her out of my room.

Taking her out into the streets of Lunkkak, I chuckled at how pensive she seemed. Her eyes would dart around every corner and her head would swerve at strange sounds.

"Keep that up and it won't matter how good the disguise be. Your nerves would be enough to rock the whole of my ship if you were in the water," I chuckled, much to her embarrassment.

It took some time, but I managed to get Aesteal to relax as I took her to a few stores. We perused the streets of Lunkkak for a while, for once no pickpocketing to be done by me. It wasn't so easy to do so to bastards with pockets as high as those who resided here.

Nevertheless, I spent much of the day with Aesteal, enjoying her time and her presence. If there might be one thing else that Nei showed me, I'd not exactly spent as much time with the lasses I enjoyed as I should have. Whether there be enemies or not, it wouldn't do well for me as a captain or their lover to forsake some personal time. Besides, I'd ran myself ragged over the last few times. I believed I was owed a day's break.

I amused myself watching Aesteal try on clothes, something she seemed adamantly unfamiliar with. According to her, she only chose garments that were suited for rough assignments. She even told me her order had been the ones to normally pick out her clothes. Never would I have thought Aesteal to appear lost before the hand of a seamstress.

"Sir, nothing about this garment is practical. We travel on the sea daily and these are strange to me," Aesteal said, making the shop owner stare at me curiously.

I paid them no mind. Instead, I stood up and leaned into Aesteal's ear.

"Care that there be other ways than bows and arrows to conquer your target. You have been with me for many a time. Should you not know the best ways to even make the captain of your ship stare upon you as he would the finest treasure unearthed by his hands? Imagine that one night, I shall slip it off your body, eager to feast on what lay beneath, to make your legs tremble, and your voice heard amongst the seas themselves that even sirens shall weep in jealousy," I whispered, sensing her lust burn as I nibbled on her long ear.

Unfortunately, I couldn't do as I planned with Aesteal since our audience seemed content on watching us lest we try and steal the dress if they turned away. I tossed five silvers to the owner and walked out.

My time with Aesteal was indeed a joyful occasion, and she wasn't the only one I entertained that day. She wasn't even the only one who received gifts from me.

I spent other portions of the day with my mother, Naala, and Diane. Of the three, Naala was the most accepting of her gifts. I never took her for a lass so into clothing, but I swore she would have carried them by the fucking cartful if she were able.

"Keep this up and you'll make a damn powder monkey cry, Captain!" Naala claimed.

As for my mother, she tried to come off as uninterested, not exactly caring about the clothes. Of course, at my insistence, she allowed herself to be given one or two. While she hardly seemed willing to try them on herself, she seemed more much reasonable when I mentioned I wouldn't mind seeing her in them.

"You know, most sons aren't keen on seeing their mothers in fucking frilly garments just so they can't get them outta the outfits," my mother said.

"Let other sons think of their mothers as they wish. I shall have eyes for you no matter what garment you adorn," I teased.

My mother grumbled, yet offered no retort as we continued on. Before long, I quickly realized something. While my mother might not have cared too much for dresses, it seemed her true pride and joy was in a metal shop. She purchased numerous short blades of every design.

When questioned, she snorted. "Please. Back when I was aboard a ship, no one outside of Draegnar expected to get their neck shivved off. You wouldn't believe how many times one of these saved my life. Besides, not all of us can make shivs outta the fucking air," she teased, nudging my shoulder with her own.

I ate and drank plenty with my mother, even spending some time to see the Lunkkak countryside. We returned to the end soon after and I then found myself journeying with Diane.

As always, Diane just had to be the most stubborn of them all. She dragged me out of Lunkkak and we proceeded to fight until the fucking sun went down. When we were done, we both had busted lips, swollen faces, torn clothes, and bloodied faces.

"Now this is how to fucking spend a day. Nothing else like it," Diane said, laughing as she lay on the cold ground. She stared at the sky while I swiftly started healing myself.

While I might not have Diane's penchant for fighting, at least all the time, the battle had done wonders for relieving a load of tension I hadn't known I had. I healed her as well, and she leaned up.

"So what does the victor want? Do your fucking worst," Burnwood challenged, a massive smile on her face the likes of which I'd never seen before.

I nearly uttered something between a chuckle and a scoff. For all my mother's and the others' complaints of my sexual stamina and the heritage of my father, I wondered why none mentioned if Diane might be the child of a Xhaluter. She liked to fight with Nz'ia on many an occasion, and even he commented that he'd never known a human to battle as well as her. I would have sworn her to be a child of Ares given such a compliment from him.

"I got what I wished for Diane. Whether you know what that be or not, is up to you," I said, grinning when I stood up and left her confused.

While I could heal my body, my clothes were another matter. I returned to the inn and my crew had their eyes upon me. It didn't take them long to gather their own thoughts when Diane came through the door with unkempt hair, jacket hanging off her shoulder, and a smirk that just wouldn't go away.

A few tipped their mugs to me while others whistled in delight.

"We'll be sure to give 'em something to whistle about later," Diane commented, strutting past me.

Amused, I made my way back to my room and finally took a seat in my chair. Though my wounds were healed, my body burned something fierce. I spent the last few moments of the day bathing in the water basin. I made a mental note to spend time with Nei and Lei. While the basin was large enough given their small forms, I knew they'd probably wish to be bigger and fully immerse themselves in the experience.

It also didn't help that Lei kept gliding her fingers across my cock, teasing me and striking it with her tongue. Worst of it was that Nei seemed to know what Lei was up to. Yet, neither went further beyond some heavy petting.

Throughout all of the events of the day, I was left exhausted and climbed into bed. It didn't take long for my bedmates to join me, comfortably filling the bed with sighs and murmurs.

Unfortunately, the limits of my patience were set to be tested when a knock on the door interrupted the pleasant dreams I'd been having late into the night.

"Captain? Captain! Yer crew needs ya!"

Hoping that the lot might go away, I tried to go back to sleep. I was almost successful until I heard a bit of a harder knock the next time which forced me to lean up, sliding my lovers' arms off my body.

"Nhngh," my mother groaned, turning around which shifted Aesteal, Naala, and Diane.

Irritated, I managed to slip out of bed and made my way over to the door. "What?!" I lowly whispered. I noticed two men and one woman standing there, each of them looked nervous like they'd been caught fucking the captain's daughter.

"Okay, fuckhead, how you gonna explain this one to 'im?" the woman asked, folding her arms while the two men glared at her.

"A-Aye, so Captain, it be like this. You know that a man's got some loose lips when he enjoys a fine shot of..."

I raised my hand, controlling the water in the man's mouth. I forced his lips closed. He looked at me in surprise, grabbing his mouth, while I stepped out the door.

"Speak your piece quickly before I assign the three of you to deck-swabbing duty permanently!" I hissed, annoyance steadily rising within my body.

"Oh for fuck's sake. Captain, these dumb fucks got drunk and might have said some shit they shouldn't have. Now, there's a female mage from the Association outside who wants to speak with you. She said she'd like to happen upon an agreement of sorts," the woman said.

"You were fucking drunk too!" one of the men argued.

"And yet unlike you two dick suckers, I know how to keep my mouth shut even then. How the two of you lasted even a month on Draegnar is fucking beyond me. Maybe idiots are more blessed by the gods than we'll ever know," she then said.

I watched the three quietly argue for a little while before I inhaled and exhaled slowly. "And what, pray tell, did you say?" I inquired. If they told her that I was a pirate, then I wondered why the full might of Lunkkak had not been brought down upon me.

"A-Aye, well you see..."

"She knows we're a pirate crew, Captain. Whether she knows just how infamous we be is another story. She also knows we'll be journeying to the West. Unless these two idiots blathered off while I pulled them out, that's all I know," the woman said.

I knew not what else I could do aside from pinch my nose, somehow feeling even more tired than before I'd gone to sleep.

"If I see even one sip of alcohol pass by your lips while we're in Olipios, I'll be making the two of you the most dreaded figureheads on the front of my ship. Now, go back to your rooms and head to bed," I said.

"Aye, Captain!" they exclaimed, quickly making themselves scarce. The woman saluted and walked off on her way while I stepped back into my room, threw on a shirt, and tied my boots. I then walked down the stairs into the tavern's bar area.

It wasn't that hard to spot the woman since she was the only lass there amongst several beastmen. She sat at the table, reading a book with a glass of whiskey. A hand brushed through her short black hair while she shifted, pushing out the edges of her robe. If there was anything different, it was that she wore glasses this time.

When our eyes met, I immediately knew there was a brief moment of understanding between the both of us. She closed her book and picked it up. She then left her table, her eyes informing me that she'd like me to follow.

She turned down a hallway and I followed after her. The sounds of the tavern entrance grew smaller and smaller until they'd all but left.

The woman opened her door and allowed me inside. While to some this might seem rather stupid, I'd already sensed she wasn't a threat. I sensed no gathering of mana for a spell, nor did I sense any runes around her room.

The woman faced away from me, folding her robe and placing it neatly on her bed.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me, Mister Merchant or perhaps I should call you, Eran Burnwood? Which alias would you prefer, Eric Drakclaw?" she asked, a frown on her face while she stared at me evenly.

As soon as she spoke those words, I finally remembered where I'd seen this mage from. She'd been one of the mages traveling in the carriage to Fakleer when I'd ran in that direction looking for Anderen.

Not seeing a point in keeping the disguise, I released the spell.

"The night draws long and my irritation draws longer, lass. What do you want? You knew I was a pirate, even more that I was a pirate in the Empire. Surely any other mage wouldn't be so lenient. What has made you different?" I asked.

At this point, I was too tired to try and figure out how she'd figured out my identity. It wasn't like my crew was the only pirate crew to make for land on Olipios.

The woman stared at me a bit longer. She then looked out the window. "Not curious about how I discovered your identity?" she asked.

I snorted. "If I really wished to know, then I wouldn't need you alive to figure it out. Be warned that I've yet to decide what to do with you. Given that you haven't alerted the entirety of Lunkka to my presence then I'd say you just saved a city from coming to an unfortunate end. Best you speak quickly while I still have the mind to listen," I retorted, making sure the threat sank in when we both heard a boom of thunder over the sky.

The woman faced me and held up her hand, forefinger, middle finger, and little finger up with the ring finger down. It was a sign brought about by the Mage Association to show others their intentions. For her, she meant for peace and no escalation of the matter.

"Peace, Eric Drakclaw. Indeed the night won't be long for much longer. I had suspicions that it was you I sat with in the tavern before, and your crew only confirmed my suspicions. I humbly request that the mage scholars journey to the West with you to investigate the matters happening there," she said.

The frown on my face deepened. Rather than answer immediately, I allowed the silence to fester as if to try and ascertain any motive she might have.

I chuckled. "If I recall, the Mage Association has a well-meaning beneficial relationship with The City of Merchants. Hell, even one of your administrators was raised in C'ula. Surely, of all people, the Mage Association would seek to not have an amicable relationship with me the most," I commented, feeling the sleep slowly wash away beneath a sea of intrigue.

It was easy to tell that my history with C'ula made the mage rather uneasy. Though her face remained neutral, her eyes were so tempered.

"You would be correct. In fact, were you any normal pirate, I wouldn't have hesitated to raise the alarm for Lunkkak to do away with you. However, I am forced to concede you are a competent sort for Draegnarians. Many in the Mage Association contemplated cutting ties with Hæňgaram. They saw the fall of the empire as an inevitable outcome, especially since they'd purchased the corpse of the largest frost troll in supposed history. Of course, all plans were halted when tales of a heroic water mage flowed through the streets of every Hæňgaramian city. Whether I like it or not, it is better to stay around you than to handle such a matter on our own," she said.

I leaned against the door, folding my arms while never taking my eyes off the woman before me. "And yet, that hardly answers the question for me. Flattered though I might be, if you realize such a threat that might be in the West, then why not summon the aid of your more prominent masters? Surely, it be not so difficult since every mage of the Association has a crystal that, when shattered, lets you teleport back to the nearest Mage Tower controlled by the Association. It wouldn't be hard to seek aid from that," I replied.

It was then that I saw just how worried the woman looked. I assumed she was surprised by a pirate's knowledge of the ways of the Association, but it wasn't anything special. Most everyone knew about their strange teleporting ways. Luckily, the magic didn't require their mana. Such distances would have killed them long before they even left a city with their reserves, at least save for the most powerful of them.

"Do you truly believe I would be pleading with a pirate had I such means at my disposal?" she asked, wiping her glasses with a small towel sleeve.

I didn't bother replying. Instead, I watched as she cleaned her glasses, looking tired until speaking.

"We'd heard of the strange occurrences in Olipios. Our senior and more experienced members offered to stay behind in Hæňgaram following the unbelievable event of a large magic seal appearing over the Ynro capital. The Mage Association has gone to investigate. I've even heard rumors that two members of the Council of Ten were set to show up and weigh in on what happened," she told.

As I listened, I thought of what that might mean. While Alġnoth was certainly a good enough reason for one of those bastards to take action, I wondered what path that might lead the rest of the world, namely that organization which Anderen told me about.

"Given that most of the Association's resources were put into investigating that matter, we were sent to investigate Olipios' regard to these strange magic circumstances. Unfortunately, during our travels here, we were assaulted by a large ship. It came upon us unexpectedly, which was strange because there wasn't a single cloud in the sky that day..."

Despite the still lingering embers of drowsiness clinging to me, my eyes widened. I looked at the woman in surprise, but she hadn't noticed. Instead, she continued talking.

"We were assaulted brutally. The enemy launched spells that I'd never seen before. In the battle, a few people on our ship were killed. In the end, we prevailed. We sank the ship, but when we moved to investigate..."

"You found no one aboard the ship. In fact, the ship should have looked more than a few centuries old," I finished.

She looked at me, clearly not expecting me to finish her tale for her.

"...Yes," she answered.

"We were close to Olipios, so we made ground. Since then none of our communication crystals have worked and the air is ripe with death. We even asked to send out a Lunkkak raptor to send for help. Unfortunately, we've received no response and I fear the bird might have been felled into the sea. It would take too long to travel back to the nearest tower in search of aid. We were ready to cut our losses and explain to the King our plight, but then a certain pirate came into the city," she then said.

I chuckled. "Aye, well your unfortunate circumstances aside, you certainly seem to need me. However, I believe we both know I don't need the lot of you. Besides, I've been rumored to be quite the troublemaker. It might even been in your people's best interest to stay as far from me as possible. I offer no guarantees that I will protect you, or even that I'll want to," I said.

As far as I was aware, there was nothing in the Mage Association that interested me, at least nothing a woman like this who'd been sent as expendable forces could get for me.

The mage touched her desk, sliding her fingers across its expertly sculptured surface. "My mentor informed me that should I succeed in this assignment, it will be a considerable step in my advancement to Celestial Mage. Once one reaches this rank, there are numerous resources at their disposal and we are allowed to begin the study of greater magics, and even begin renting ancient artifacts from the Main Branch of the Association. There are even chances that we might be taught by the Sentinel Grand Magister," she said.

I wondered if she thought this might impress me. While to anyone else it might sound impressive, when you've dealt with the magic shit I've had to put up with and the company I'd kept, such titles lost their fire after a while.

"And this would benefit me how?" I asked.

"I will grant you one favor. If it is within my power as a Celestial Mage, I shall do as you wish without complaint. I believe for a young man as greedy as you, such a thing wouldn't be so easily turned down," she said.

I snorted. While I might hate to admit it, she was correct. I rather enjoyed when people owed me favors and I always found myself in need of those favors at some point. I had to admit this lass was a bit craftier than I'd expected. She might not have any of Alteria's spunk, but she had a grit that couldn't be ignored. Oddly enough, she reminded me a bit of Liara.

"You either be incredibly brave or incredibly foolish, lass. You expect me to offer my help on anything less than a guarantee? And what good is your favor should you perish in the West?" I asked.

"Then I guess you'll have to use all your means to keep me alive. Have me swear by or sign anything you wish and I will do it," she claimed without hesitance.

The room was filled with silence. We looked at each other, perhaps hoping to fish out any further information. I supposed that given the future I was set on preventing, having a favor from a member of the Mage Association might be worth the risk.

I wasn't sure how much time passed, but I finally addressed her.

"Aye, fine. Your group may cast its lot with us. However, best we clear the air. I ain't planning to take you back if you find the journey to be too rough for you. Also, the lot of you will follow my instructions. If I tell you to run, then you don't get to ask questions. Best you just move your asses like your lives depend on it, because they will. There be more to discuss but it's late and it shan't be long before Helios races across the horizon. See to it that your things are sorted for we leave at first light," I said.

Making sure my words were understood, I turned around and headed for the door.

"Should I not sign something?" she asked.

I faced her. "No need, Lass. Rest assured that should you cross me, there will be nowhere on D'orn or The Realms high or low enough that I can't get to you. Best you remember that. Now, who should I be telling my crew to avoid rough play with?" I questioned, grabbing the handle.

"Cellanie Stonewall," she uttered.

Grunting, I walked out and closed the door. I then made my way back to my room, my thoughts crossing each other in wonder at this predicament.

"What do you think of this matter?" I asked, addressing An'raie.

"'Tis a simple transaction that thee performeth. Thee hath ways she finds useful, and she hath something of use to thee. While her talents that layeth upon the magical plane are rather elementary, she hath a mind like mine own. Should she be properly instructed, she would rise beyond the standard of this Sentinel Grand Mage. 'Tis a potential boon to thee that thee exchangeth these words with her," An'raie answered.

"Hmmm, to even receive the praise of the Lonely Wail. Perhaps, she might be a good use after all," I said.

"Thine attempts at mockery are noted, Eric Drakclaw. For both our sakes, prithee cease and rest lest thee fall asleep in the dust and mud of the road," The necromancer said.

As it turned out, getting back into bed was harder than getting out. I'd woken up the others and they stirred drearily.

"What the fuck are you doing?" My mother grumbled while I slipped in.

"Shhh, go back to sleep. I shall explain later," I said, calmly. I kissed her forehead and all sounds of sleep returned to my quarters. I laid there in bed with my lovers, my mind still searching for the answers to the matter that happened upon me. At some point, my drifting turned into actual sleeping.

Thankfully, it wasn't hard for me to go back to sleep from being interrupted before. The gentle hands of my lovers certainly helped to soothe me, and I was all too sad to see the moment expire.

As I suggested, I woke up a few hours later. Helios seemed to barely show his ugly mug over the Lunkkak plains. It wouldn't be long before he'd be baring down on us insufferably.

I climbed out of bed, reluctantly waking up the others. My mother sucked her teeth, pulling the covers over her head while Naala stretched, yawning into the open air.

"I don't think I've ever woken up this early in my whole damn life," Naala said, swinging her legs out of the bed and onto the floor.

"Would you like to try it more often? I can shift the schedule around if you'd like," my mother said groggily beneath the covers.

"Oh, no. I wouldn't wanna keep the pleasurable experience for anyone else. Far be it from me to do that," Naala said, unashamedly granted me a wonderful view of her brown skin, namely her tits.

It wasn't hard for her to notice my gaze. I wasn't exactly subtle.

In response, she smirked and bit her lower lip, cupping her breasts and rolling them right in front of me.

As much as I might have enjoyed the show more had we the time, I couldn't let my eyes feast anymore. I grabbed Nei and her sisters while Diane grabbed her coat.

"And where did you run off to? Do you know how many bastards would love to be in your position right now? Don't tell me you're growing tired of us," Burnwood teased, not even bothering to face me as she slipped her arms into the coat.

Once the fairmaids were partnered, I threw on another shirt. "Should I ever tired of any of you, then truly it shall be a day where I shall breathe my last. As for where I went, Diane, you and Goron shall have a few assistants in taking care of The Root. Do with them as you wish," I said.

I heard Diane chuckle. "Damn, who in the crew pissed you off that much? Well, I'm not gonna turn down the free labor. I doubt Goron will either," she claimed.

I watched Nei settle into my hair while Lei took her usual place in my chest pocket. "Aye, well, it be because of them that we'll be taking along a few stragglers," I mentioned.

This news swiftly got everyone's attention. "Stragglers?" Aesteal inquired.

Her question led to me explaining the whole matter of last night. Of course, it got a laugh out of Diane while we woke up the rest of the crew. Those who woke me up last night sheepishly smiled before I issued them their fates. When I presented them to Goron, he looked them over carefully.

"I'll make use of them somehow," he said.

"Do what you will so long as they're breathing by the end of it," I said, lightly smacking his arms as we gathered our things.

Just like before, I conjured up the cart and materials. There were more than a few yawns from my crew as we walked through the barren streets of Lunkkak. Yet, the raptor birds still flew high in the sky. Even from so far away, if one looked closely, one could see the white spots in their eyes. They almost seemed like moving stars in the sky.

Once we were allowed to leave the city, we walked for only a minute or two. Once I determined we were far enough away to rouse no suspicion, my crew and I waited for our companions. Luckily for them, it seemed that they'd taken my warning to heart.

Not even a minute passed before I saw them heading our way. I easily spotted Cellanie out of them all. It was clear to me that the rest of her associates weren't so keen to be traveling with known pirates. I imagined that had it not been for her they would have no doubt alerted the city to our entry.

"Captain, be this a good idea? Traveling with the fucking Mage Association of all people?" one of my mages whispered to me.

"Aye, it shall be fine. They're smart. They should know what it means to attempt to stand against me," I remarked.

Having said that, no one else spoke a word.

"Thank you for waiting," Cellanie said.

"Just me sure you and the rest of your company stick close to us. It shall be a long journey, and I've no doubts that it'll turn into a perilous one as well," I advised.

Cellanie nodded as did the rest of her peers, though I noticed two or three men glaring at me spitefully. Opting to not make the issue larger than need be, I waved my hand and we continued on our journey.

By the time the sun reached its zenith, I'd forgone using the cart anymore. Keeping up the appearance of my men was also way too exhausting. In the end, I simply decided that perhaps some practice in the use of Vilinlith's power might prove beneficial to me against anyone who came along. Despite having this essence for so many months, I'd yet to do anything proper with it outside of the fun sexual experiences I'd had.

It also didn't help that I had to purge the might from my body every so often from how fucking debauched my crew could be sometimes. Granted, I wasn't one to talk, yet I wondered how no lass became with child during my voyage. They certainly fucked enough to try, and while I always enjoyed my lovers, I'd rather not overload their senses with so much of Vilinlith's power. Though undeniably strong, it was still a source of might from a devil. Such a corrupting power made my salty heart rather nervous.

I started to understand why the Alchemist might have put such pools behind such a powerful door. Such a might to be wielded ought not to be accessed by just anyone.

Unfortunately, much to my ire, I wasn't allowed to ponder the matter further as I suddenly realized I might have made a mistake in revealing the magic I'd just used so carelessly.

"I see. It seems that my senses were indeed not misplaced. You have exceptional stores of mana. In fact, your entire crew does. They vastly surpass even those of my teacher and the Headmaster of the Association. Please, how did you conjure so many things at once and maintain them for so long? It flies in the face of all the lessons I've been instructed in by the Realm Classes! All this at your age!" Cellanie exclaimed very curiously.

While the age comment irked me, I supposed it wasn't a sin to assume so with her. I was barely the age of a seasoned squire. I'd forgotten that the mages of the Association were a very curious lot. How had I forgotten it? They'd all but ran to Hæňgaram when they heard of Ymrindle's corpse. Of course, she'd never seen someone do such a thing before. For the bastards in the Mage Association, it might as well have been impossible with the stores of mana that they had.

I even noticed the woman's fellow peers listening on with rapt attention, even if their unfriendly glares remained.

"Are all Association mages like this?" I heard Naala whisper to Diane.

"And how the hell would I know?" Burnwood asked.

"You're the fucking bodyguard to the lady who probably knows a world where the ocean is the sky and the sky's a hot bowl of dog piss. You don't know how these mage guys act?" Naala returned.

"...Yes, they do act like that. Some more stupid than others."

I smirked before I noticed Stonewall still looking at me, expecting an answer. "Even if I told you, you wouldn't be able to replicate it and neither would your betters. Quit asking," I finally said.

Unfortunately, my demands were rebuffed. "I seek not to know to attempt. I seek to know to understand. There is much to learn and even more to discover. It's not the mage's duty to just learn spells. It is also to understand, observe, discover, and ponder. Are not questions the catalyst by which all knowledge flows?" she asked.

...I started to wonder if this favor might actually be worth it.

While we traveled, I couldn't help a sudden sense of unease. On more than one occasion, I pulled the map I'd bought from Lunkkak. Since we were currently on the Illithine Road, one of the busiest roads in the land, I found it strange that we hadn't met a single fucking soul, whether they be citizen or military.

A few within my crew took notice as well, some even thinking of pulling out small shivs from their pockets.

Surprisingly, Cellanie and her group of mages kept up with my crew much faster than I'd anticipated. Naturally, I noticed the sweat pouring down their faces as they struggled to keep pace. Yet, I heard no words of complaint.

"Cellanie, this is ridiculous. Do you realize what you've done? Should anyone learn of this, your very future shall be at risk. Besides, this theory of yours is ridiculous. You know of Hæňgaram's stance on pirates. Do you really think they'd allow such an infamous young man to walk their lands? Please, rethink this. The world is magic is a vast thing, who can search it all in their lifetime? Perhaps tales of this powerful water mage lay true. Can you say for certain it was this pirate?" one of the lass' men whispered harshly in her ear, perhaps thinking that I might not overhear.

"And why would he permit us to join him were he not the one? Even if there was a powerful water mage, I'd still believe it was him. His men are unlike any I've ever seen. Their sloppy, dirt, sweaty, and most of them have horrid breath, yet do you not feel it? Just standing next to them all makes my whole body shiver. I've never felt such an outpouring of mana in all my years as a student of the Association. And their captain, he has the most of it and his body houses something even greater. I am sure of this," she replied.

Though my lips thinned, I left them to their conversation. Whether they believed or not didn't matter to me. What did matter to me was the reactions of Nei and Lei to our environment. They'd constantly poke their heads out from their places, sniffing the air as if something was wrong with it.

Unfortunately, my senses weren't so astute so I noticed nothing. Neither brought up the problem, if there was one, so my band and I continued on our way.

Once night settled into the sky, I figured it'd be best if I not to let Cellanie and those following her collapse in exhaustion. While my crew was more than willing to travel through the night, the students and practitioners in the Mage Association were less built to withstand such strain.

I decided that we make camp. My crew set up the tents and a handful of men and women offered to go hunting. Numerous fit pits were put up and it didn't take long for fresh game to be roasted over the fire.

While we ate, I spotted Cellanie. While her group had a fire, they settled on eating whatever was in their pouches. Not once had they bothered to ask anyone of my crew for food and none of my men saw fit to engage them in any conversation.

Well... outside of some regular taunting.

"Heh, never thought me eyes would see the day where I'd see those prissy mages from the Association roughing it in the woods," one of my men claimed while others laughed.

I saw one of the mages of Cellanie's group scowl, yet they offered no retort. Of course, I brought the chattering idiots under control with a glare. Any bastard, especially Draegnarian, knew the value in a favor. They went a long way even if the other party was a tad annoying.

"The air continues to grow thick with magic," Aesteal said, laying her sleeping bag in our tent.

"And yet there ain't a soul around who can properly sense it. I'll give those Association guys credit, they're a little better than all the others," Diane said, throwing off her coat.

Meanwhile, my mother sat on her sleeping back, holding out a map. "I suggest we just pass by the city. Compared to Lunkkak it's a small one. Barely even four days travel. The problem is these mountain ranges, I guess. Natives call it The Dragon's Spine. It runs the entire length, from top to bottom, of Olipios' west side. That'll be a week's travel even for us," my mother said to me.

I looked at the map, absently tapping my arm with my finger.

"Aye, the mountain has been rumored to be a treacherous one. However, the problem concerning it is a rather simple one. Fret not. It won't take long to pass through it. Just make sure you shall be ready for the trials ahead. As Aesteal said, the magic shall only grow more turbulent as we near Charon's Landing," I answered, hoping to reassure the others of the ordeal.

"No offense, but any time you've told us not to fret makes me all the more anxious. Just try not to have us jumping sinking islands this time," Diane said, stretching out over her sleeping tarp. She then rolled over while the others nestled into their tarps as well. I rolled up the map and put it away.

One by one, I noticed all the tent lanterns turn off. The fire pits continued to cackle amidst the gentle breeze of Olipios' wings. I absently picked up the sound of the tent flapping until I lay down. Once I was down, Diane turned over, putting her hand on my chest.

"Couldn't resist, could you?" Naala asked.

"Shut the fuck up," Diane replied.

I heard Naala laugh while Aesteal rested her head against the other side of my neck. Her breath was warm, releasing a delicate stream of shivers down my body. Our campsite steadily grew quiet... save for a few snores from my men. I drifted off, my thoughts settling on the matters I'd tend to tomorrow.

When I woke up the next time, it wasn't to the glory of Helios running across the sky. Rather than the warmth of the sun, I felt warm myself. I also felt pleasure, wonderful, amazing, stimulating pleasure.

I opened my eyes, the haze of sleep still prevalent. My nostrils flared when I felt a hand gently, yet firmly stroking my cock. My body trembled, the delight on my senses racing from my brain to the rest of my body. The hand was slow, deliberate, and purposeful. Forefinger and thumb teased the tip of my shaft while lustful power flowed into me.

"Mmmm..."

I heard a barely concealed moan, almost as if my lover wished to not wake the rest of the tent.

"F-Fucking dammit, what a time to get horny. Wasn't even thinking about it until just now," the voice whispered.

Even though I was barely awake, I knew Diane's voice when I heard it. Her lust poured into me slowly while her hands jerked my man's mast. I gritted my teeth when I felt her nail gently glide from the top to the bottom. I knew not if she did it intentionally, but I fucking love it.

That was all it took for sleep to no longer matter to me. Cleverly, I groaned shifting myself until I pried my cock from her hand. She might not have known I was awake because she jerked her hand away.

Eager to not let her feel too dismayed, I positioned myself so that my cock might nuzzle right between the cheeks of her ass. "Nnnngh..." she breathed out lowly.

I decided to announce my presence by grabbing her hips. I then had my hands sail over her skin. "You do know the punishment for assaulting the captain in his sleep, don't you?" I asked, continuing to roam her body until one of my hands caught her breasts.

"...Sorry, didn't mean to wake you. Guess I'm not the subtle type," Diane whispered.

I smiled, granting her the same treatment as she'd given to me. I pulled her close to me. My cock was buried between my pelvis and her ass. Her breathing became erratic and hoarse, she rocked her hips slowly, almost agonizingly so.

Meanwhile, I pinched her nipples and kneaded her breasts with my palms. My lips kissed her neck and shoulder. Her hand researched behind me and tickled my hair. "K-Keep doing that and I'll f-fucking... Nnnnnngh... wake up the whole tent," Daine hissed.

Even if she said that, Diane never stopped swinging her hips. Every rub against me made her wetter. I could tell because my body sensed what was happening to hers. With my other hand, I rubbed her long hips. Her legs tangled with mine while the rest of the tent slept peacefully.

"Mmmmmm... s-shit that feels good. C-Come on, fuck me already. I could really use it right now," Diane whispered.

Rather than grant her request just yet, I spoke. "Could you now? Perhaps I best check the truth of this statement," I said. While my left hand toyed with her breasts, my other hand moved past her thigh and parted her legs. I touched her pussy and found her words to be true.

As soon as I touched her, I felt her shiver in my embrace. She grabbed my hand, perhaps hoping to stop me, but my fingers refused to be bound. I touched her nether lips. Indeed they were wet, my fingers becoming sticky while her lust continued to build. I sensed the way she bit into her shirt while hoping it might offer her more control over her voice as my thumb rubbed her clit.

"Nnnnnngh... Mmmmmmngh... f-fuck," she groaned.

While the lustful powers continued to flow into me, my hand stopped momentarily when I thought I'd sensed something strangely familiar, almost deathly so. I frowned, wondering if I'd perhaps sensed wrong.

I turned my attention back to Diane, hearing her huff. Her nipples brushed against my palm while I took my other hand away from her mound. Quietly as I could, I sucked my fingers, enjoying the taste of her womanly musk and scent.

"You mentioned that you ain't the subtle type. Aye, that might be true, but that be a strength in its own. Fret not for what you are not, Diane. As I have promised, I shall leave none of you ever unsatisfied," I boasted.

Diane hummed. "Fucking big talk from... a... m-m-motherfucking... NNnnghghh!" Diane shivered as I lined my cock with her cunt and slowly pierced her insides.

Surprisingly, Diane was quite nervous from this ordeal. Even though she was as wet as the Draegnar docks, I found it a bit difficult to fully ease myself into her. Her warm, vice-like insides choked my cock from crown to base. Never would I have imagined that Diane of all people would be in such a state.

"Hnhaaa... Mmmmmm... s-shit," she huffed out, clasping her hand over mine that continued to tease her flesh.

"Perhaps we should wake them up, then you can be as loud as you wish," I teased, leaning forward. Not desiring for Diane to be so worried, I put my mouth next to her shoulder and bit into her.

Though Diane hissed, her cunt loosened and I thrust in one powerful shot, burying myself to the damn hilt inside her. "NNGHGHGNnnnnnnghh!" Diane whimpered, my body feeding off the torrent of sexual energy that she fired off.

The lust was so powerful. My legs shook just like Diane's. A rush of warm pleasure ran through my very core. Every bump, every groove, every nudge of Diane's body was utter bliss for me. My balls rested against her ass while her juices flowed out of her pussy and onto my cock.

"F-Fuck you and your... g-g-g-goddamn c-cock!" she huffed.

I might have thought more on that statement had I also not felt the way Diane's eyes rolled up in her head. Even her toes curled while she continued to flex her insides, stimulating my mast the whole way through. Her hole was so hot, so ready, and so eager. Just keeping my cock there made us both tremble.

"Aye, that be exactly what I'll do to you. It be what you wished, right?" I questioned, not really expecting an answer.

I withdrew my hips and gently, slowly, agonizingly pushed them back up. My cock slid in and out of her. Over and over, I bucked my hips. Small, nearly silent smacks of our flesh rolled through the tent. Save for the sound of our moving tarps and a few of Diane's pants, my other lovers were none the wiser to our affair.

"MMMMMmmmm... Y-Yeah... Fuck me. Fuck me with that... Hhaaaaa... hard cock! Damn, why does this cock feel so good? Can't even think straight with it a-a-around," Burnwood claimed softly.

"I'd be rather insulted if you could," I returned.

In response, Diane turned her head and roughly kissed me. She swung her hips back into mine. Our juices made our actions just a tad louder. Yet, I don't believe we'd begun to care. At least until...

"Nnnnngh!"

Diane and I stopped as we saw Naala roll over and fall back asleep. While neither of us was under any illusions that the others wouldn't join if they found out, I imagined we enjoyed this little risk. At the very least, I did.

By the way Diane was suffocating my cock with the grip of her toned, womanly body, I got the impression that she wished for this game to continue as well.

Once all was quiet, I continued my thrusting and Diane continued to match me.

"Haaaa... Nhaaaa... Ooooohaaaa... F-Fuck," Diane cried, her hands rubbing up and down my body while my fingers teased and fiddled with her clit. Her body became a bundle of sexually charged nerves.

Every sensation, every thought, every action, I felt from her and she felt from me. My mind, once conquered by sleep, had been conquered by her amazing body and the intimate exchange between us. She came more than once and I had to toss the flowing nectar of her body out of the tent lest the others smell just what we'd been up to.

I grabbed Diane's hips, almost possessively. Even my reason was starting to wane as I buried my manhood deep into her. She accepted my powerful movements as well. She never caved, never surrendered.

Precum flowed from my cock and I'd have growled had she not kissed me. That kiss was all it took for me to suck in my hips and fire a load of cum into her waiting snatch.

"Nnnnnnnnnnngh! Fuck yeah. Now that's one way to keep warm on a windy night. A fresh load of the Captain's spunk right in here," Diane said, wiggling her toned hips.

By how she moved, it seemed Diane was ready for another round or she'd been expecting one outta me as my cock hardened inside her once again.

"...that'll never stop freaking me out though," she added in.

At some point, Diane and I took our risk even further. Burnwood threw off her tarp covers and wantonly bounced on my cock. Hands on her head, she gave me a pleasant view of her bouncing tits. All while our slaps were kept to a bare minimum. How I enjoyed the way she looked at me with lust-covered eyes.

My fingers traced the abs of her stomach while hers groped my chest.

That said, even in my lusty haze, I noticed something strange about Diane. Every now and then I saw a flash of green fire roar through her eyes, not unlike the Flames of Raganthor. I also felt myself absorbing strange, yet familiar magic.

Ask me not, why I thought of An'raie, but I had. This power seemed so similar to her own and I became more and more convinced that it was as I watched Diane move and writhe.

She raised her hips and slowly brought them back down again. Ecstasy and strange magic welled within me. However, I finally realized that indeed this was An'raie's magic. While I knew not its purpose, I could tell she'd taken control of Diane at least partially. Even for a Grand Elder Lich, no magic would be filled with such loneliness and restrained need as An'raie's.

"Mmmmmmmngh... Hahaaaaauhgh... Gnhuguh!"

Even within the bowels of my mind, I heard An'raie nigh silent gasps of pleasure. It made me recall our intimate exchange in the depths of my dreams. It had taken much time before An'raie decided to speak with me again. She seemed to have no desire to bring up that moment even if I was different.

While An'raie's involvement confused me, since there'd be no reason for her to take control of Diane to partake in the sensations, I chose not to address the matter yet. After all, this was still what Diane wanted and her massaging of my shaft was just too good to ignore.

Diane slid down one more time, grinding her delicate body over mine. That was all I needed to cum again, flooding her body until some of my spunk spilled out of her body and onto my waist.

Licking her lips, the Guard to the Witch swiped the cum off my waist with her finger. She then sucked her finger clean.

"Never would have thought I'd get addicted to the cum of bastard in the throes of poverty back on Draegnar. How many sluts felt this way in your first life?" Diane whispered, not removing herself from me.

"Aye, one or two," I remarked, unable to keep the smirk off my face.

"Let's see if I can't jog your memory a bit more," Diane replied, resuming her bouncing which in turn readied my cock for more.

At some point, Burnwood leaned back and opened up the tent as the smell of sex had begun to grow heavy over the enclosed space, especially with the number of loads I'd dumped into her. How her pussy could take them all was a wonder to me, but Diane must have enjoyed it from the way she looked at me.

Unfortunately, the matters that would come upon us tomorrow required our rest. So, Diane lay on her tarp, stroking me until I fired one more load of cum into the air. It fell on her hand and she glanced at it.

"Mmmmmmm, I bet I'll fucking sleep better now," Diane said, licking her palm clean with no sigh of the green flames anywhere.

"Please do so I can go back to sleep."

Diane and I stilled when we heard Naala's voice.

"Damn, woke you up, huh?" Burnwood inquired.

Surprisingly, Aesteal answered this time. "The finer arts of subtlety aren't yours nor Sir's strong suit. Even if it was... entertaining," my bonded elf said.

Diane snorted and climbed back over her tarp while the others rolled over. "Well, glad I could fucking grant you two voyeurs some after-bed stimulus," she retorted.

"Oh, we'll get more than that at some point," Naala returned.

"Shut the fuck up before I cut off all your tongues and fuckin' gag all of you!" my mother growled, throwing her covers over her head to resume sleeping.

Unwilling to incur my mother's wrath, the others fell asleep. I kissed each of them, some smiling and others grumbling. Yet, I too fell back to my tarp and closed my eyes, letting the delicate ambience drift me away.

Luckily, I caught myself just enough that I managed to head back into the library containing the vast tomes of Liara's memories. I'd been close to drifting away and wished not to do so.

As my feet touched the floor, I spotted a long corridor and proceeded down it until well-maintained structures and walls turned as dark and stony as the third island's cave on Delverhold. Green flames coursed through the rock while numerous skeletons held torches along the passageway into An'raie's part of our shared soul.

The skeletons looked at me. Their eye-less sockets glanced in my direction, yet they didn't impede my movements. Sometimes I wondered for what purpose An'raie might post guards to her corner of our shared soul. That said, I'd also not forgotten how Zevmar had infiltrated my mind, albeit likely a mistake on his end.

I continued my journey until I stood in front of a large door, dark and foreboding. Just like the hallways I'd traversed, the door was guarded by the skeletons of two large Trolls. Their bones rattled when they looked at me, yet not even they bothered to impede me.

I approached the door and quickly realized that my visit must have been foreseen. The doors opened and I was allowed inside. Frowning, I marched into the darkness until I found myself in what seemed to be An'raie's resting area. I'd call it a room, however, it seemed much too wide with thousands upon thousands of bookshelves dedicated to the necromantic arts, none I'd be so keen to read. The air was thick with the sight of dancing, putrid green misty flames, ascending high like incense.

"Why art thou here, Eric Drakclaw? State thine purpose and leaveth mine... a-area."

Though I heard An'raie voice, it seemed I wasn't worth her appearing in front of me. Her voice echoed through the chamber while I looked upwards.

Choosing not to comment on the shiver I heard in her voice, I spoke.

"Do not think me a child, An'raie. You know why I be here. You have never hidden from me before. What would make you do so now?" I returned.

Immediately, An'raie appeared in front of me. As always, her body was beautiful even for an undead necromancer. The covering of her eyemask only seemed to add to the mystery of her gaze.

Once she was before me, I took notice of a few things. The Lonely Wail seemed rather angry, whether at my outburst or my presence, I wasn't sure. However, I also wondered if perhaps she might be angry because I'd interrupted a rather private affair she seemed to be having, evidenced by the way her legs trembled.

"Take care of thine next utterings, Eric Drakclaw. I hath never hidden away from anything, living or unliving. Never hath I even cowered before the Betrayer. What hath brought thee to me?!" An'raie questioned, the force of her mana expelling upon me.

I bit my tongue hard, hoping the pain wouldn't make my legs waver. As expected, An'raie always seemed to be beyond what I imagined. How I'd managed to contain her back on Delverhold was also a marvel to me. Had she not been so overcome with lust, I imagined she would have killed me in but a second when I bound her soul to mine.

"I wish to know what you think you're doing. What need have you to try and control Diane?" I asked.

An'raie continued to look upon me for a long while, my question hanging in the air.

After a while, An'raie stepped back and turned around. "'Twas a mistake. Care not to delve further. It shall not happen again," An'raie said.

Unfortunately for her, I wasn't so willing to accept those words. "I have delved into many matters, Wail. And this be no different. That was not so simple as losing yourself to the pleasure. I'd been more than willing to let you partake in the satisfaction that's been denied to you after so many years. I have gotten a proper grasp of a few of your tendencies while we've stayed together. I never sensed you in any of my lovers before. Why should this be different?" I asked.

"Get out, Eric Drakclaw," An'raie returned.

I stepped forward boldly, yet cautiously. "Powerful you are. Of that, I ain't under no delusions. However, even you would have had some trouble taking any amount of control over Diane. She'd have warned me, Goron, or anyone else before you fully seized her. If she would have you so close, then it be only because she let you in," I continued.

Finally, I stood next to The Lonely Wail. "Wail, I suffered at the unknown plans of my former crew. I sailed merrily along, unaware of the serpent beneath the tides. I shall not have my crew striped from me a third time. I promised you The Alchemist, and I shall keep that promise so long as you give me a reason to keep it. Now, you..."

I paused. Slowly, my eyes widened in realization. I glanced down at my body, feeling the energizing effects of great lust pouring into me. No, this wasn't normal lust. This was more lust than even I knew what to deal with. I had to quickly breathe lest the power run out of control through the rest of my body. Were I not careful, the rest of my camp might fuck itself to death.

And, I was stunned that all this lust seemed to be coming from An'raie. I'd never felt such an intense desire coupled with such agonizing dissatisfaction before. Her legs continued to shiver and she bit her lip. She looked like she couldn't even speak.

At this point, she didn't need to. I felt like I'd accessed something new with so much power granted to me. I sensed what An'raie felt when she came to me back in the Empire. Despite her keeping away from me, she'd enjoyed what we shared that time. She enjoyed it so much that it only made her angry. She'd never forgotten the feeling and the sensations I'd continued to share with her wouldn't let her forget no matter how far she delved into her own space.

Even as a spirit, she sought her own self-pleasure, enjoying the sensations of my lovers through me. Yet, such actions had long since lost their appeal. In her weakness, she wished for that touch once more, that feeling that we'd shared. A cursed treasure if ever there might be one.

While I knew not how Diane allowed An'raie a brief possession, I had no doubts it might be in order to share in what we'd just experienced, to indulge even further than before. Like a poor shit who suddenly felt the precious weight of gold, it was too enticing to let go, especially for one who'd been suffering under its cruel glow for so long.

"...You really be a stubborn lass more than all the others," I said. I swiftly started expelling the excess lust from my body and fired it into the air. Perhaps the animals would make use of it, or the towns we'd passed on the way here. Either way, I care not.

I wouldn't deny it. I enjoyed that moment as well. It was thrilling. It was a wonderful embrace that I'd not thought possible, least of all with a woman known to torment those who'd made it to the island before.

I touched An'raie's face and turned her to me. "How dare thee touch... Nnnnngh!"

Before she could bluster at me further, I kissed her. This time, there was no darkness to obstruct me. While I couldn't see her eyes, I felt her gaze upon me. Her cold lips latched onto mine hungrily. Her tongue nestled with mine, feeding her desire for more.

I noticed that she didn't raise her arms to draw me in, perhaps still fighting some strange pride to not lose herself too much in the affair. That said, I knew not who she was fooling. Her desire was burning as her kisses grew more needy. I absorbed the sensations she felt, even going so far as to take one of her breasts in my hands over her robe. Try as she might, she couldn't deny what she wished to keep herself from.

An'raie enjoyed this. She enjoyed this perhaps more than I did. Had I been wrong, I doubted I'd be standing here.

All it took was one more kiss before An'raie trembled in my arms, clearly suffering from a powerful orgasm that left her mouth quivering. She was so disoriented, a piece of her eyemask fell from the side of her face. I was greeted with the briefest glimpse of emerald pupils decorating the door of her eyes.

Before I could properly take them in, my consciousness slipped as I was thrown out of An'raie's side of our soul. My mind wound up falling faster than I was prepared for and I was forced back into the land of dreams, my thoughts forcibly carrying on like I just hadn't locked lips with one of the most vengeful spirits to decorate D'orn's rock.

As my mind sailed through my dream, everything falling away, I was able to have one last thought. A smirk decorated my lips.

An'raie might think I hadn't noticed, but I saw the way she licked her lips before she threw me out.

"Never thought wearing down a spirit might be part of my plans," I thought before my mind succumbed to the Land of Dreams and my settings fell away.