The smell of sweat and the sound of oars cutting through water filled the air. Minotaurs labored on the lower decks to keep the large vessel slicing through the sea. The sun beat down on the fighting top, and the air was hot and heavy. The wind was not as great as he would have liked, but it was something.

"I wish we were out of this armor," said William, adjusting his cloak.

"Oh, come on," said Tanith from where she was leaning against the mast. Her hands were on her dual swords. "We're supposed to be guarding against pirates. If they do show up, we wouldn't have time to put it on."

"What pirates are we going to guard against?" asked William. "Calisha and Harlenor are at peace. And we have Estal to our east. By this time, we're well out of the waters of Viokinar. I don't see who is going to attack us."

"I don't know," admitted Tanith, shrugging. "Merfolk, maybe?" Tanith was very well educated but lacked William's enduring interest. You had to do a lot to catch her interest.

"Don't display your ignorance Tanith," said William. "Merfolk don't care about the surface world. They have their world beneath the waves. Why would they even want to attack us? Surface goods would be useless to them, and we haven't done anything to earn their hatred."

"Krakens?" suggested Tanith, sounding more interested. "Sea serpents? They are known to attack ships. And we did make an enemy of the Iron Kingdom. That Jormungsk creature might come after us."

"The Iron Kingdom doesn't exist anymore," said William, remembering the blood and ruins. "You saw what happened to it as well as I. What's left is a shadow."

"Right, right, mass death, blood guts, the usual," said Tanith, looking up. "That was fun."

"Fun?" said William. "Thousands of people are dead!"

"Yeah, but I don't know any of them," said Tanith. "And anyway, they aren't Harlenorians. What happens to them isn't any of our concern."

Every time William almost forgot how Tanith had changed, she went and reminded him. She had been as horrified as everyone else when they had been walking amidst the Iron City ruins. Yet, as soon as Viokinar had faded into the distance, Tanith had forgotten what had happened. Or perhaps he pretended to forget; he wasn't sure.

William wondered if this was a way of coping with it. He could have chided her, but she wouldn't have understood. He could have yelled, but that would have made a scene for no reason. So he said nothing.

Everyone in the Iron Kingdom was dead. Dead because he had failed to save them.

His musings were interrupted when Hrungeld came up the steps with Mother. Hrungeld stood two heads taller than Mother. Even so, he was the less impressive figure. And Hrungeld was very impressive, being a huge gray minotaur with a long white beard. "Two days, two days, and no wind. We'll never make it to Artarq at this rate. Not without rationing the food."

"Then do so," said Mother.

"There is another thing," said Hrungeld. "I don't think we'll be able to feed the illusion. She eats enough for ten men."

"Massacre can control herself," said William. "She isn't an animal. She won't eat us." He looked down to where the chimera was sleeping by his feet and scratched Massacre behind the ears.

"You can get by eating a little less, can't you?"

Massacre's goat head looked up and looked at William with irritation. "Bah." She said. Her lion head remained where it was, sleeping. Her dragon head rose and looked over the ship's edge at the sea, smoke rising from her nostrils.

"William, do you want to spar?" asked Tanith suddenly.

"Not really, no," admitted William.

"Oh, come on," said Tanith. "We've not had any fighting to do since leaving the Iron Kingdom. A brief spar won't hurt."

"It might," said William. "And I'm in no mood for it, Tanith."

"Fine," said Tanith. "Felix, how about you?"

Fenix had been sitting in William's shadow, his eyes closed, and his hands clasped before him on his lap. He opened his eyes and looked at Tanith. "Why don't you spar with Massacre?"

"Bah," said Massacre doubtfully.

"That won't help my swordplay any," said Tanith.

If it went on like this, William would have to fight her. He had no desire to end up utterly destroyed like usually happened. "Felix spars with her. That's an order."

"Why?" asked Felix.

"So she'll stop bothering me," said William.

Felix narrowed his eyes but stood and drew his sword. "As you command, master. I presume she'll be made to take off the armor?"

"Of course," said Tanith. "I want a fair fight, after all."

"I'll call a break among the men," said Hrungeld. "It'll be a bit of entertainment."

That was how Tanith and Felix faced one another across the lower deck. The minotaurs surrounded them, all watching. Hrungeld had passed out some ale to lighten spirits.

"So, who will emerge as the victor, do you think?" asked Hrungeld.

"Tanith," said William.

"Why are you certain?" asked Hrungeld.

"Well, because Tanith is a better swordfighter than me," said William, "And I am better than Felix."

"If Felix loses too quickly, I'd appreciate it if you fought her," said Hrungeld. "The men are hoping for a real fight."

"Bah," said Massacre.

"Silence, beast," said Mother. "I should not be so quick to discount Felix, my son. He is cunning."

Then it began. Tanith rushed at Felix with a howl. Both her swords were drawn, and he was driven back beneath a flurry of lightning-fast strokes. His red blade moved quickly, but he was hard-pressed not to lose then and there. Then, just as he came within the shadow of the fighting top, he sank into the deck.

Tanith hesitated, and Felix emerged from her shadow and brought his sword around. She turned and parried the blow. Even as she did, Felix caught her sword in the guard of his weapon and plunged both down into the deck. Tanith brought around her other sword, but Felix ducked and set a hand to her sword's shadow.

Melding into it, he appeared behind Tanith and caught her in an armlock from behind. He tried to get his legs around her own, but Tanith kicked off the ground. Both of them were slammed against the side of the deck and collapsed.

Tanith rose and put her sword to his throat. "I win."

Then she sheathed her blade and offered him a hand. "Why didn't you use that shadow spell when we started?"

"I can't use my own shadow," said Felix, retrieving his sword. As he did, he fell to one knee in pain.

William moved quickly over to him. A line of blood seeped down the side of his head where he had hit it. He kneeled by Felix. "Felix, are you all right?"

"Of course," said Felix. "I'm only bleeding for fun."

"You're right; that was a foolish question," said William. He set a hand on Felix's shoulder.

Channeling the power of Elranor, he healed Felix's bruises and his hurt leg. The other boy looked up. "Thank you."

"You next, Tanith," said William, setting a hand on her arm.

As she was healed, Tanith smiled at him, and William got a strange feeling of exhilaration from it. "That ability of yours is really useful."

"It's not my ability," said William, "It is granted to me by Elranor."

"I wish Kreshlak would give me something like that," said Tanith. "Maybe inhuman strength."

"I thought you worshipped Elranor first," said William.

"I do," said Tanith quickly. "I just... well, I'm not exactly the paladin sort. So I figure if any god is going to grant me powers, it'll be Kreshlak."

"I suppose," said William.

"You will fight her next," said Mother.

"Mother-" began William.

"Do it," said Azgora.

William sighed and went for his sword as Tanith retrieved hers. Then, just as they were about to start, a gust blew between them, sending their hair flowing. Murmurs broke out among the men.

"The wind is back!" cried Hrungeld. "Hoist the sails, and let's be off at last."

There were cheers as they went about their business. The sails were unfurled, and they were soon cutting through the ocean again.

Massacre yawned and went back to sleep in the middle of the deck. She had the nerve to look affronted when someone tripped over her. Mother approached William at that moment.

"William, I would speak with you."

"One moment," said William. "I need to get Massacre to move."

"Now," said Mother, her tone a command.

William followed her to an area of the deck where no one was around, and William looked at her face. She seemed to be wrestling with some decision. He wondered what it was. "What is it, Mother?"

"Now, you have grown old enough and strong enough to know the truth of your destiny," said Mother finally.

Oh, that. "The one you've been vaguely alluding to for my entire life?"

"Yes," said Mother. "That one."

"Oh, good," said William. "I thought it might have been some other destiny."

"You have spent too much time in the company of Felix," noted Mother. "No matter. First, you must know that you come from a long line of Queens. The Gorgals have ruled over the land of Acoria for many generations. Our strength at arms has made it into a mighty land. You are a Prince, William."

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"I know that much," said William, unsurprised. "But what does this have to do with my destiny?"

"When I was born, a prophecy was spoken over my crib by a Seer of Laevian," said Azgora. "She said that my firstborn child would be born in a land far to the east. They would end the greatest enemy the people of Themious have ever faced.

"That enemy is Typhos."

"The goddess Melchious released from Artarq," guessed William.

"Yes," said Azgora. "Her unleashing was the first step of the prophecy. Soon, she will arise in might and threaten Themious once again. It took the full strength of Zeya and many other gods to trap her spirit before. However, this time, you will put a final end to her.

"You must not trust that beast. Massacre is a child of Typhos. She will surely turn against you."

"If Typhos wanted me dead, she could just sic Massacre on me," noted William. "Why would she have helped me?"

"Typhos is cunning," said Azgora. "She knows that she cannot defeat the prophecy by direct action. So she hopes to sew doubt in your will by appearing as a friend. But you must not succumb."

"Mother, I-" began William.

There was another gust at that moment, and the ship was turned. They were still cutting through the water but were going east instead of south. The timbers groaned beneath the force of their speed. William struggled to keep his feet.

"What kind of storm is this?" asked William.

"I don't know," said Hrugeld. "But Kreshlak is driving us somewhere in a great hurry. He must need us. I'll not take down these sails."

They went on like this for a day or two. The neverending howl of the wind disturbed their sleep. Several men almost fell overboard in all the chaos, and only one of them was rescued. It never stopped.

On the third day, the lookout let out a cry. "Look there, an island! We've come to Estal!"

William and Tanith walked to the ship's prow and looked at it. It was a very large island, with rocky cliffs almost entirely surrounding it. The only way onto the shore was a beach they were facing, and that beach was lined with many ships. There were towers just beyond the beach where archers patrolled. There was a wall which reached from cliff to cliff. Anyone who wanted to attack Estal would have to break that first.

"Tanith," said William, "you've been here before, haven't you?" It was a stupid question; of course, she had. She'd written letters about this place in the old days.

"Yes," said Tanith. "Lord Argath harbored our ships here and used it as a base to raid Calishan villages. Back when we were still at war. It was a lot of fun; you should try it sometime."

"I don't think we should stay here," said William.

"What makes you say that?" asked Tanith. "King Estal is a mighty warrior and a close ally of the three great Harlenorian Kingdoms. His people are descended from the men of Haldren and Antion."

"Yes, but when Father brooked his truce, Estal refused to cease his raids," said William. "He is standing alone against all of Calisha. This island will fall very soon."

"You don't know King Estal, William," said Tanith. "He and his men are dangerous warriors. And the island is very easy to defend. This side of the island is the only place one can come ashore. The Castle of Carn Estal is a great fortress. You could hold off an army twenty times your number in a place like this."

"You exaggerate," said William, though privately, he thought the defenses very impressive.

"Even if she doesn't, it hardly matters," said Felix. "Calisha can field more than that."

"Oh, come on, Felix. You can't be serious," said Tanith.

"Calisha is the greatest empire in the world. The army Duke Vanion defeated was but a vanguard to clear the way," said Felix. "Had Emperor Baltoth put forth his full might, it would have taken the combined might of all Harlenor to halt him. Even if they had succeeded, he would have had forces in reserve to defend his lands.

"Now he does not face the Harlenorian Kingdoms but a single colony led by an overconfident fool. He can pour forth his full might against them. And he will. Very soon."

"Well, aren't you cheery," said Tanith. "Maybe that's why we're here."

"What do you mean?" asked William.

"Well, we've got some of the best warriors in Harlenor on this ship," said Tanith.

"No, we don't," said Felix.

"Well, we have the Lady Azgora at least," said Tanith. "Maybe the gods want us to save this place."

"Why would Kreshlak even care?" asked Felix. "He has no worshippers on Estal. Besides, he doesn't care for borders or victory. Just the flowing of blood and the triumph of his favorites."

"He might," said Tanith. "Or maybe he just wants tales of the great deeds we will perform here."

William sighed. "Estal occupies a strategic location. Whoever controls it can launch raids on Calisha, Harlenor, or Viokinar. Once, it was ruled by Viokin Minotaurs. Now, it is ruled by King Estal, who has focused his efforts entirely on Calisha.

"Kreshlak might not want the Calishans to gain it. Or they might decide to colonize the Iron Kingdom."

"Hey, that's a good idea," said Tanith. "It would be easy to do with most people dead."

"Your Father will get there first," said Mother as she appeared. "He was planning to assail the Iron Kingdom and set up colonies there even before it was laid to waste."

"He was?" asked William in surprise.

"Yes," said Mother. "He hoped to use the conquest of the Iron Kingdom as a pretense. A means to eliminate the many sellswords and adventurers who had come to Artarq to fight raishans. He had an army but no one to march against until you were seized."

"I am glad," said William. "Perhaps Father may save those that remain." There had been some survivors. Those with faith in the gods had been spared. Some others had proven strong enough to resist Melchious's magic.

For now, they were going to be the guests of Estal.

They found a man waiting for them when they arrived in the harbor. He wore long brown robes and had a short black beard and a mustache. His eyes were brown, and his face careworn, although he looked relatively young. His hair was cut short, and he bowed.

"Greetings to you, noble Lords," he said. "I was told to look for you."

"You were?" asked Hrungeld. "By who?"

"Elranor. He appeared in a vision to our High Priest and commanded me to make ready to receive visitors. Ones who will be of great service" said the man. "Follow me."

"Eitrigg?" asked Tanith as she stepped forward. "When did you become a priest?"

"Tanith Telus?" asked Eitrigg in surprise. "I didn't expect to see you again."

"You didn't answer my question," said Tanith. "Monk robes don't suit you."

"Maybe not," said Eitrigg. "But I mean to make amends."

"Amends?" asked Tanith. "For what? You were a great warrior. Eitrigg and I sailed together under Lord Marn! We must have sacked a dozen towns!"

"You have said the source of my shame," said Eitrigg.

"Oh, come on," said Tanith. "They were Calishans. Killing them is doing the world a favor. And them a favor since they won't have to serve Baltoth anymore. They don't have to worry about having horrible things done to them on a whim."

"Oh, as opposed to when you do horrible things to us on a whim?" asked Felix.

"I didn't mean any offense, Felix; you're an exception," said Tanith.

"Some taken," said Felix. "Just why do you think- Never mind."

"Who are your companions?" asked Eitrigg quickly.

"This is William Gabriel, the son of Duke Vanion Gabriel," said Tanith. "He is a veteran of the Khasmir Campaign and the Raishan Wars. There's also Lady Azgora, his mother, and his servant Felix. And here is Captain Hrungeld of Viokinar."

"A strange band. Come. King Estal awaits," said Eitrigg.

"I'll see to the ship," said Hrungeld. "Tell King Estal I am merely the transportation."

He led them quickly from the harbor and through the city's gates. In the distance, they could see the city of Carn Estal itself. It had high walls, higher than any fortress William had seen. The gates were thick, and there was a colorful banner overhead. The symbol of a white shark is on a blue background.

As they marched, they traveled through several villages. There looked to be small celebrations going on. Bonfires were being lit here, and a great deal of feasting was going on, at least by commoner standards.

Eventually, they came to a great gorge around ten feet wide in the narrowest places. Below, there were many rocks with a swift river running through them. A man who fell into those would be battered to pieces in minutes. The gorge ran from the cliff's edge, through the mountain, and beyond out to sea. William felt a bit woozy, looking at how deep it was.

"How did that gorge form?" he asked.

"One of the King's of Estal offended Barden," said Eitrigg. "So he carved a gulf between the island. We call it Barden's Gorge."

"What was the offense?" asked William.

"Truth be told, I can't remember," said Eitrigg. "I don't know much about the lore of Barden. My service is to Elranor."

"The first King of Estal, King Aegesir Estal, offered to build a great temple in Barden's honor. If he would grant his people a great harvest for ten years," said Tanith. "When it was done, the King was reluctant to build the temple. So Barden tore this gorge in the land so no one could travel to or from one to another. No bridge could stand, and all the business had to be done by ship."

"How could they do anything by ship?" asked William. "It's a sheer rock face all around except how we came in."

"They would bring a ship to the cliff, and goods would be lowered up and down," said Tanith. "It wasn't nearly enough. They could only transfer essential goods, and people still went hungry. Most of the fertile land is on this side of the river.

"Anyway, the King built the temple and humbled himself before Barden. And when that was done, they could build a bridge across it. Now it is only one way across." She pointed upriver to a formidable stone bridge. "That way. It's a great defense."

"Right," said Eitrigg, "I forgot your interest in divine history, Tanith."

They crossed the bridge and passed a few more villages before, at last, they came before the gates of Estal. These were far larger up close than William had guessed they would be. Looking at them made him feel very small, and he wondered how any attacker could hope to get in. He'd never seen the defenses of the Iron City back in Viokinar. But he guessed they must be something like this.

As they entered the city, they saw colorful banners hanging from the walls of buildings. People wore bright colors and danced and ate and sang. Merchants were selling trophies. All sorts of entertainment could be seen—bear baiting, for one, and also maypoles.

"What is this? A festival?" asked Azgora.

"Yes," said Eitrigg. "To celebrate peace in our time."

"Then King Estal has agreed with Calisha?" said William.

"When word of the truce came, a raid had just been sent out, so King Estal could not agree. Not without being an oathbreaker," said Eitrigg. "It was recalled, and with the aid of Duke Vanion, an agreement has finally been reached. His son, Aris, is traveling to the capital of Ruscow to finalize the agreement."

"Aris?" asked Tanith. "I was hoping to see him when we got here. It's been a while since we raided the shores of Calisha. Shame, we're at the beginnings of peace."

"I do not think it a shame," said Eitrigg.

"Why did Elranor tell you to await us?" asked William. "Did he give his purpose?"

"He claimed that your coming would mean the end of the old hatreds," said Eitrigg. "None were sure what he meant."

"I'll have to pray to him later," said William. "I have not done that nearly enough of late." He looked to Mother. "Mother, are you all right? You've been very quiet."

"I do not like this place," said Azgora. "I sense the presence of Typhos within it."

"That is the cyclopi at fault," said Eitrigg, an edge in his tone. "They live up on the mountain and herd sheep. They are one of the only sources of worship Typhos has left. Ah, here we are, the palace."

Eventually, they entered the palace itself. The palace of King Estal was less impressive than the walls. It was not as tall and of older make than other places in the city. It was also very defensible. William guessed that it had been used as a castle at one point. It had probably been before the walls had been made. No doubt, it had been converted to a new purpose as the island became safer.

Eitrigg was known by the guards and admitted freely along with them. Until, at last, they came to the throne room. It was smaller than the one in Artarq. There was no raised dais upon which the King sat. Instead, there was a high table before the throne. Upon it, men were feasting, and at the head of the table was King Estal. He was seated upon an oaken chair and speaking with several other men.

He had a short white beard and small eyes. Several scars were on his face, and one of his hands was missing fingers. Even so, he looked up to them as they approached and called for silence. "Young Tanith, it has been two years since last you sailed with my son to war against the Calishans. What brings you back to my home?"

"We were aiming to return to Artarq," admitted Tanith. "But the wind got the best of us."

"The winds have been strange of later," mused Estal. "But so brave a warrior is always welcome in my halls. Bring up seats; let Tanith and her companions have a place at my table!"

Chairs were set out, and the room was made near the King. William only then realized how hungry he was for real food. He'd lived off rations for far too long and hated hungrily, though he tried to show it. Estal looked at Tanith carefully, then at the others. "Tell me, who are those who travel with you?"

"This is William Gabriel, the son of Duke Vanion Gabriel. He's pretty good in a fight," said Tanith. "His Mother, Lady Azgora, and Felix, a longtime companion. We've done a lot of fighting together."

"Yes," said Estal. "I had heard of the latest installment of the Raishan Wars and tales of his adventures. You are a man of courage by all accounts, young William."

William thought this an exaggeration. Tales of his deeds spreading were not due to their extraordinary nature. More because they had been written down. The book he'd published in Antion had spread like wildfire. It was thanks to the recent invention of something called a printing press. It was a Sornian device, supposedly. "My thanks, King Estal. Tanith has told me of the battles she fought in your service. At one time, my wish to fight alongside the fleets was Estal in the raids on Calisha." That was a mild exaggeration; William had expected to do it eventually. But he'd never wanted to. Those days when he'd been so weak-willed and cowardly seemed like another lifetime now.

"I fear that time may be delayed," said Estal. "The truce has been made, and I cannot stand against Calisha alone. Still, if the tales are true, you would be welcome to stand with us. Lady Azgora, I have heard tales of your beauty and bravery in battle."

"You will find both greater than the tales boast," said Mother.

"A proud boast. Yet not all pride is misplaced," said Estal. "You are all of you welcome within my home, of course. I will have rooms prepared for you to stay the night. It is my pleasure to welcome all of you to Antion.

"Now let us eat, drink, and be merry. For none know what tomorrow brings." It sounded like the best plan anyone had put forward all day. So they went with that.