At first, it looked like a lake. Or a collection of lakes. The land curving around blotches of blue.

A few miles later, and she could see that the lakes were connected to each other. A wide river… But there wasn’t one on the maps.

By now, she could also identify where the towns were: Clusters of buildings that didn’t fit into the green and brown and blue of the landscape. Another few miles and she was sure it couldn’t be a river. Or it was the widest river she had ever seen.

Towards the horizon, the water turned lighter, the sky darker, and it became impossible to see where the water ended and the sky began.

“We’re traveling straight towards the widest river I’ve ever seen,” reported Rethia in the evening. The caravan was still several days away and the information thus not time critical. Even if Rethia could’ve reached the edge of that river within another day.

“A river?” asked Hagfar.

“Yes, it looks something like this.” Rethia sketched a rough map into the dust. The curving line of the land, a few forests, smaller rivers flowing towards it, and circles where she had seen towns. “This is where we are. This here is land and this over here is the river. I first thought it was a cluster of lakes, maybe marshlands. But the closer I got, the more of these suspected lakes connected. I can’t even see the other side of this river.”

Hagfar dragged his finger from their current location towards the river. Understanding dawned on his face, followed by a wide smile. “That’s the ocean, girl, not a river. Three or four days, I reckon. We’ve been gone for far too long. Perk up, everyone! We’re home in four days!”

Both caravan and escorts cheered. The end of their trek was in sight.

“The ocean?” muttered Rethia, staring at her rough map. “The ocean is a wide river?”

Hagfar laughed. “But it’s a salty river. You can’t drink from it.”

“Who would dare anger a river?!” (Rethia)

“Haha! Girl, you’ll see what it’s like when we get there.” (Hagfar)

———

The caravan crested the last hill and started its meandering path down to the shore, towards the sprawling city that nestled between the low cliffs. The air was salty, and wind blew from the ocean. Rethia saw a line of updrafts over the land, that roughly matched the coastline.

In front of them, there was water as far as she could see.

“Amazing.” She leaned forward on her perch on top of the wagon, her feathers rustling in the constant wind.

Boats of all sizes glided across the waves, some skipping, other simple breaking the waves with their sheer mass. What looked like an oversized river harbor was bustling with people and boats.

“Never seen the ocean, eh?” Kaska ambled up to her, Stooge in tow.

Rethia ignored her, enjoying the breeze and tasting the scents it carried to her. Salt was prevalent. And under it was a strange mixture of fish, kelp, tar and wood. And a sidenote of rot.

“It’s the first ocean I saw, too. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” (Kaska)

“You should try the food at the harbor. Fresh fish wrapped in kelp is the best.” (Stooge)

Rethia rolled her eyes. For whatever reason, these two had stuck to her like burs stuck to Svens fur. Sure, the caravan wasn’t that large. There wasn’t much space to keep away from everyone. And their company wasn’t bad either.

But it felt like they were waiting for something to happen. When she had asked about it, they had deflected and instead wanted to know why she was traveling to the ocean. It made for an uncomfortable feeling during the journey.

Alas, we’re in Etrimera soon. Then we get our rewards and go our separate ways. Which reminds me…

After the second day of travel, no one had given her so much as a strange look for not wearing constricting clothes like the Landbound did – aside from her blue sash, her belt and the harness for Sven.

With the city gates coming closer, she got the dratted thing out of a pouch and drapped it over her shoulders.

“What’s that for?” asked Hagfar. “Aren’t you feeling hot under there?”

“My teacher told me to wear it when entering cities, because you Landbound are so fixed on constricting yourselves with clothes. Something about perceived indecency?” She shrugged. “Better this than getting arrested.”

“Well… I can see that happen, yes. Some people are squeamish like that.” (Hagfar)

“Most city folk, I would say. Reminds me of Stooge when he first saw you,” laughed Kaska. Stooge quickly looked away. “But it’s a shame. You have to hide away under a cloak. Did you ever try wearing something else?”

“Wear clothes? Excuse me?! If not for you fussy Landbound, I wouldn’t even bother with a cloak! As if my feathers are worse than your clothes. They keep me warm, dry and cool. All at the same time. You guys have to put on more clothes just to keep yourselves warm. And if it’s too warm, you wear different clothes. And you have to clean them and mend them all the time! No. I won’t wear any other restricting clothes, except for this dratted cloak.”

“I don’t think you’ll have many problems along this coast. People here still remember the old stories and adhere to them, even if few have seen one of the Four Races. I think the last time we had one in this city was two or three decades ago?” (Hagfar)

“Two and a bit, sir. ‘Twas a merchant group from the mermaids. After, they suddenly stopped trading. Maybe the merchant guild knows more about it,” said the assistent.

“Ah, yes. I remember. I was but a wee lad. They came every year and the town always held a festival at the same time.” (Hagfar)

“I wonder why they stopped coming.” (Kaska)

“Do you know where they live?” asked Rethia, interest piqued.

“No. They are creatures of the sea. It’s said they live in large glittering seashells, at the deepest point of the ocean. No one knows where that is, since no one can dive long enough, or deep enough to reach them. Not even the pearl divers from Zymar.” (Hagfar)

“Huh. Would the guilds know about it?” (Rethia)

“I guess the merchant guild would know, since they had relations. But they wouldn’t tell just anyone, you know? Why do you ask? You want to meet some mermaids?” (Hagfar)

Rethia ruffled her feathers beneath her cloak, staring first at Hagfar, then at his assistant and all those near enough to hear. Then she shrugged. I guess they can be somewhat trusted. Even if not, what could they possibly do with that knowledge?

“I have to deliver something to them, but was told to find them by myself.” (Rethia)

Kaska and Stooge made large eyes, which somehow gave her a bad feeling.

“It’s like the old tales,” muttered the assistant and drew a circle over his heart, with a level line through it. Hagfar nodded and did the same, as did the other caravaneers who had listened in, leaving Rethia and the Wanderers confused.

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“What does that symbol mean?” asked Stooge.

“It’s to ward off evil,” said Hagfar.

“Is it a bad sign, for a harpy to deliver something to the mermaids?” The uneasy feeling Rethia had, got worse.

“Not exactly, no. There are two stories of harpies and mermaids meeting. It’s no longer clear if they are different stories or the same just told differently. One meeting was followed by disaster striking the coasts, while in the other story, they prevented a disaster. How did the loremasters tell it? On the winds’ call the calm waters roared and devoured them all.” (Hagfar)

“They called down storms and floods and destroyed many towns along the coastline.” (Assistant)

“But not everything was destroyed. Many settlements survived. The loremasters said it were those who kept true to the old promises, instead of starting wars and killing for the sake of amassing power and riches. That’s why the West Coast League became a neutral zone, and why no one dares attack us, although we hold the whole west coast, from the northern mountain range to the southern desert,” added one of the other caravaneers proudly.

“Sweet history. We’re proud of what our ancestors built. And we’re all adding to it while we live.” (Hagfar)

“I don’t plan to start any disasters. I only want to finish my delivery. And while I don’t know anything about mermaids, I don’t think they will start any disasters, either,” declared Rethia, hoping to get rid of that uneasiness. It weighed on her wings. “Is there a way to learn more about your history? It could be a hint to the mermaids.”

“Of course, you can. I can bring you to a loremaster after checking in with the guilds, if you want,” offered Hagfar. “You can also stay at my place. My wife and kids will be happy to meet you.”

“Only if it’s not too much trouble. Otherwise I would be happy with a recommendation for an inn.” (Rethia)

“No worries, we have enough space.” (Hagfar)

“Welcome home, Hagfar!” The guards at the gate hailed them as they came closer. “Everyone has been expecting you back last week! Where have you been?”

“Trouble on the road, Thonar. Trouble on the road. Thank the tides for shifting our fate into this girls hands, eh, claws.” With a sweeping gesture, Hagfar pointed at Rethia on the wagon. The guards stared at her. With the cloak around her, crouching on the seat, she looked like a normal, red-haired Landbound.

“Ahem. And who might she be?” asked one of the guards. “In fact, you have some people with you that we’ve never seen before. Adventurers, I guess? I will need identification from all of you. Though I will waive the entrance fee, since you are with Hagfar.”

Adventurer tags were produced and shown around. Sven handed Rethia’s tag to a guard, whose eyes went even wider. One of his fellow guardsmen came closer to check what was wrong.

“A harpy? A real life harpy?” The second one looked up at her with equally wide eyes, but found not a single telltale feather. “Miss, I hope you didn’t forge this tag. It is a serious crime to do so.”

“You Landbound are strange. In one city, you insist I wear a cloak because without it, I could be arrested for indecency. In another, I’m attacked before even reaching the gates, because I’m not a human. And here, I’ll be arrested, because you can’t check my race? But without the cloak, you’ll arrest me for indecency?” asked Rethia with incredulity and a slightly offended tone. She carefully climbed down from the wagon and pushed a wing out of the cloak, claws outstretched. “Please return my tag to me. Hagfar. I’m very sorry, but it seems I won’t take you up on your offer. Since I’m not welcome here, I’ll have to look for another city.”

Sven balanced on her claws and snatched her tag out of the guardsmans hand.

“What? No! Please wait a moment! This is all a misunderstanding!” Hagfar hurried over, putting a large hand on her shoulder and glaring at the two guardsmen.

“Ah, sorry, sorry, sorry! Please wait!” The guardsmen frantically apologized. “Of course you are welcome, milady! More than welcome! Had we known of your arrival- quick, send a message to the loremasters and the councilmen!” The second guardsman sent the first one away, who raced into the city as if a pack of wolves were hunting him.

“Please enjoy your stay, milady.” Bowing out of the way, the guardsman returned to his colleagues.

“That was… unexpected…” Hagfar ushered them through the gate and into the busy streets. “Everyone, stay close and alert! Girl, you better stay close until we find out what happened.”

“They never reacted like that,” muttered the assistant.

“I’ve never seen them meet a harpy, either,” quipped one of the others.

“Hush, guys. First we go to the adventurers guild and get these brave warriors here their well deserved rewards. Then we go home and look what awaits us. Loremasters and councilmen… better yet, Dian. Run home and warn everyone that we might have the city leaders descend on us. Explain the necessary to them. Then keep your mouths shut and the old codgers out of the house.”

“Yes, sir.” The assistant touched a finger to his forehead in a quick salute and vanished between the buildings.

“What is happening?” asked Rethia. The uneasy feeling was back with a vengeance.

“This looks like an event,” muttered Stooge in the background, barely audible over the racket. When she turned to look, she only saw Kaska nod. Both them and the other Wanderers looked excited.

“I don’t know what’s going on, but it smells fishy. They shouldn’t be that giddy with excitement over a harpy visiting. Years ago, I’ve heard stories of one visiting a city further south. People back then didn’t make a racket like this,” explained Hagfar. His eyes roved the streets.

Anxious, Rethia did the same. People of every class walked the streets. Women and men wore similar clothes: practical pants, tunics, boots and short cloaks or shawls. People streaming up from the harbor had darker, weatherbeaten skin. The only differences were the accessories and the quality of cloth the people wore.

Women manned foodstalls, stirring pots and fanning grills. Men with baskets strolled along the stalls. One argued with his wife in front of a smithy.

A group of women and men washed clothes around a fountain. A gaggle of children ran through the streets in a game of tag, a woman shouting after them.

The streets were wide and clean. The buildings, most of them two-storied, were all painted in different colors, producing a rioting mix of colors that somehow meshed well enough to not hurt the eyes.

It looked like a normal city. People happily went about their lives: Shopping, strolling and working. The buildings were in good condition and only few beggars lined the streets. Guards walked their rounds, keeping an eye on everything.

The wind that came up from the harbor wasn’t that much different from the one outside the city: Sure, more scents were mixed in, but nothing that would hint at problems.

“Everything feels normal,” muttered Hagfar. “And here is the guild. Adventurers, please follow me, I’ll make sure you all get your rewards.”

The adventurers guild looked similar to the ones in Nitia and Fields End, both from the outside and the inside. And the reward everyone received was astonishing. Sven chattered happily at the amount and Rethia swiftly swept it into a pouch, taking great care to keep her feathers hidden. Who knew who else would freak out at her sight?

The receptionist wore a friendly, knowing smile that irked her. Something was very very strange in this city.

“And what do you lot want?” asked Hagfar with a stern voice, as the Wanderers followed them outside and fell back into place around his little caravan.

“We just want to make sure you reach your home safely~” chirped Kaska. The others nodded.

“Nonsense! You lot leave right this instant! I will not pay you for something you decided to do on your own!” (Hagfar)

Most of the Wanderers looked away guiltily.

“I want to make sure Rethia stays safe. Me and Stooge helped her when we searched for you in the mountains.” Kaska looked straight at Hagfar without twitching.

“Kaska. What safety can you even offer as a healer? You even got lost in the mist.” (Hagfar)

“Contacts,” smiled Kaska. “Contacts that won’t cost you a thing, if I need to call upon them.”

Hagfar sighed and scratched his head. “I can’t have you all tag along. It will draw too much attention from here on out. And none of you will get a reward for this escort duty.”

Rethia watched as the faces of the Wanderers twitched and contorted as they thought it over. Then the first left with a shrug, reentering the adventurers guild, followed by a second one and another one, until only Kaska and Stooge remained.

Hagfar glowered at them. When they didn’t even twitch, he sighed again and led the way.

Kaska and Stooge followed with wide grins.

Rethia rolled her eyes. Wanderers.

Hagfar led them through several side-streets, before ushering them through a backdoor into a large warehouse.

“Bring the Trodooni and the wagon in through the front door. If someone asks for me, send them everywhere. And you guys, follow me.” (Hagfar)

A side door led them into a small maze of simple corridors. Down some stairs and back up. The maze finally spat them out in a cozy study, a revolving bookcase closing behind them.

“Welcome in my humble home. Make yourselves comfortable, while I check on the situation.” Hagfar quickly left the room, leaving Rethia alone with her two burs of Wanderers.

A large glass window dominated one wall, looking out over a beautiful garden. A small fountain gurgled happily. Bookshelves filled the other three walls, leaving only space for the door. A smattering of armchairs and two small side tables completed the room.

“Those are some interesting books.” Rethia stood in front of one shelf, the back of a claw running over the spines of the books. “Beyond the West Sea. The Exodus. History of Yurazia. The West Coast League – History and Laws. Kingdoms and Treaties. Map of the West Coast…”

Carefully, she pulled the thin book out of the shelf and found herself holding a wooden board, instead of a book. Fine lines were carved into the wood, detailing the coastline and the cities along it. Rivers and forests were marked down. A wind rose had been carved into the upper left corner for orientation.

“Beautiful…” whispered Rethia.

“I didn’t know that the coast was this long. I always thought it was smaller.” Stooge leaned over her head.

“Just shows how large this continent really is. I also thought it was smaller. Really puts our travel route into perspective.” Kaska pointed a finger at a mountain area, just at the edge of the map. “That’s where the caravan got lost. The second stop would’ve been this town.”

“I wonder what’s beyond the ocean.” (Rethia)

“Legends say that the new races came to Yurazia from the west. They first settled along this coast and then went on to explore and conquer the rest of this continent,” explained Kaska.

“You read the lore again, didn’t you,” muttered Stooge.

“The lore is the best part! Besides, it was also the timeframe for the be-” Kaska stopped abruptly.

Rethia watched her intently. “Go on. What was it the timeframe for? What do you know?”