"Alright, let's see what they have," Irwin muttered.
He pushed open the door and stepped into a surprisingly clean and well-maintained shop. A few people moved around the room, looking at items on overfull tables or objects behind crystal-covered wall cabinets. To his surprise, there was even a cabinet filled with dozens, if not close to a hundred cards.
There was no sign of sails, but that didn't surprise him. They probably wouldn't fit or take up too much space.
A tall man with long purple hair and bright teal eyes stood behind a desk, looking around before meeting his gaze and holding it. Seeing the sunken cheeks and wide eyes, Irwin sighed as he realized the boy outside likely hadn't been malnourished at all. The man gave him the same impression, meaning it was likely just a trademark of their species.
Making his way to the desk, he saw the man hadn't let him out of his sight.
Do I look like I'm going to steal something?
"Greetings. I was told you have used sails here?" he asked.
The man watched him for a moment longer before nodding. "I have three sets of second-hand sails. One for a ship two-master, the others are for three-masters."
Irwin frowned as he realized he didn't know which types of sails he needed. Did all ships with two masts have the same sails? The three ships they had fought had a similar setup as the Zura'ix of Xi'kroak, with one triangular sail at the front and a larger one midship. He guessed that meant it had to be the first set...
"What does the two-mast sail cost?" he asked.
"Seventeen-thousand four-hundred soulshards," the man said without batting an eye.
Irwin blinked.
"Right," he muttered.
He knew full well that no ordinary mercenary group would be able to pay that, and even though he still had far more than that, hearing it said out loud made him shiver. It reminded him of the prices of some of the cards at the auction.
I should have thought about this before coming here, he thought, sighing. He'd even been warned about the price. They would just have to return later, he decided.
"Let's get the other stuff," he said as he turned to see Greldo and Daubutim looking at him.
"You could make a counteroffer?" the man said hastily, and as Irwin looked up, he saw the man's calm exterior had cracked slightly.
Realizing the other might just be trying to drive up his price, Irwin cocked his head, recalling the times he'd been with Driseog.
"Unless the price you just quoted was the default very high starting bid, I'm not sure we will get to a price I'll be paying," Irwin said slowly.
The shopkeeper pursed his lips. "You are new?"
Irwin didn't deign to answer that, as he was pretty sure that much was obvious. The man grimaced, seeming to realize it too.
"Alright, let's start over," the shopkeeper said quickly. "You need sails, and there are only two places to get them. Here, or at Tonkal's. However, his sails will not get you back after bringing you to where you have to go. So, that leaves me. I'll be willing to make you a deal… let's say thirteen-thousand?"
Irwin was momentarily taken aback by the relatively small drop in price. He'd somehow expect the man to go below ten thousand. Then, his mind finally began working properly again.
"I'll need to get some other things first and see what we have left over," he said.
The shopkeeper frowned.
Daubutim stepped forward before Irwin could say anything else.
"How much to keep the two-part sail for us for half a day?" Daubutim said calmly.
The shopkeeper's eyes lit up, and he turned to Daubutim. "Fifty soulshards."
Daubutim nodded and pulled a tiny purse from his jacket. He removed five large shards and handed them to the man. "We will return within half a day," he said.
"Good, good," the man said, nodding happily. "I'll make sure to keep the sail for half a day, but not a minute longer!"
As if you will sell them before then, Irwin thought as he followed Daubutim out of the shop.
He frowned as he realized he had been too used to people helping him out because he was a smith. It was time he started thinking before acting again. What they needed was knowledge about ships. One option was heading back and asking the crew of The Zura'ix, but seeing as they needed their own crew, perhaps there was another way.
There was a soft sniff, and he looked up to see the boy standing in front of him.
Let's see what he knows then, Irwin thought.
"Where can we find crew for a ship," Irwin asked. He knew Daubutim had an idea from the books, but many things were different, it seemed. Besides, he would have to pay the boy anyway—no harm in asking more questions.
The boy's eyes widened. "Are you a captain? Do you have a ship?" he asked.
Irwin just nodded, and the boy stepped forward. "How many do you need?" he asked, excitement evident in his voice.
Irwin frowned, realizing he didn't know that either.
I should have talked with Xi'kroak and his crew, he thought.
"Two sail-cleaners and a navigator," Greldo said.
Irwin looked at his friend in surprise, and Greldo smirked at him.
"What? Did you think I was just lazing about like you were?"
"I know where you can find a navigator," the boy said, seeming unable to hold himself from interrupting. "But you don't need to look further for a sail-cleaner!
Irwin saw his eyes were gleaming.
"I'm a great sail-cleaner! One of my cards lets me adhere to anything. I was even at the Roaming twice before those demons attacked it. The captain said I was the best rookie he'd ever seen!"
Irwin raised an eyebrow. He didn't even know the kid's name. Besides, they would be scouting much further than most ships here would.
"We will be checking the Cracked Hull first," Daubutim said calmly, his voice sharp and clear and drawing all attention. "Is the navigator you know there?"
The boy shook his head. "No."
"Alright, then you can come with us. If we can't find someone there, you can bring us to the navigator you know. We will see about the position of sail-cleaner later," Daubutim stated.
He exuded a sudden calm confidence and leadership that caused Irwin to suddenly recall that Daubutim was very much a noble and had been trained to lead.
"Great, let's go then," Greldo said. "I presume it's that big building?"
Daubutim nodded, and as he headed toward the building, Irwin fell in line with him.
"How are we going to deal with having a crew?" Irwin whispered.
"Let's get to the inn and talk then," Daubutim replied.
They walked through the packed square until they reached the large building. It vaguely resembled a large ship placed upside down on the ground. Round windows sat in multiple rows, and it wasn't too hard to see where the different floors were. A group of kids of different ages sat below one of the windows, looking up at a man who hung out of it. He was shouting things and handing out packages. Each time he did, a kid took it and ran away, dashing through the crowd.
Couriers, Irwin thought, wondering if it was food or something else.
The entrance of the inn was on the far right of the building, and a short distance beyond that was a heavily fortified building. It was the only building Irwin had seen with more than a few tiny bits of metal and a group of guards softly chatting beside the towering doors.
That must be where the portal is, Irwin thought.
He was about to follow Daubutim inside when he saw the boy remain behind, looking around as if he wasn't sure what to do.
"What's wrong?" Irwin asked while Greldo stopped halfway into the entranceway.
"I'm not allowed inside," the boy said, shrugging. His eyes gleamed as he looked through a window. "Only paying customers or crew members are allowed inside."
Irwin hesitated, then removed a soulshard from his pocket.
"I was supposed to pay you, so with this you can just get a drink," he said, handing the small soulshard over.
The kid took it without hesitation, but he remained where he was, giving Irwin a look that made him feel like he was an idiot.
"I can't waste this on a drink," the boy said. Then he hesitated and took a few steps back. "I'll return soon, so please don't hire another sail cleaner until you give me a chance!"
As he spoke, Irwin noticed that a few of the kids that had been sitting below the window were moving closer, eyes gleaming.
"Alright," Irwin said. "We will probably stay here to drink and eat."
"That's fine! I'll wait outside," the boy said. "But if you don't see me, just ask for Zender!"
"Alright," Irwin said.
Zender looked at him for a moment, then turned and ran away. He had barely disappeared in the crowd when two other kids, girls with short purple hair and gleaming red eyes, ran towards Irwin.
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"Sir! Captain? If you are looking for sail cleaners, we can do the job much better than that brat, Zender! Both of us have more experience! He's only ever gone twice, and I've been out five times!"
Irwin looked at them quietly. Why were all these kids so keen on going with a ship? They had to know it was dangerous… Was it that bad here in Sesnanser Port?
"I'll keep it in mind," Irwin said.
"I'm Brinni, and she's Trinn," the slightly taller of the two girls said quickly. "We'll work for less than Zender!"
Irwin saw the other girl nod fervently, and he sighed. Things had to be bad here.
"I'll remember," he said before quickly turning and heading into the inn.
Scour was better than this, he thought.
He wondered why the kids didn't just go through the portal to live in the world beyond.
--
Soft chatter filled the room around them, while the soft sounds of a string instrument came from a corner, creating a harmonious and cozy ambiance.
Irwin, Greldo, and Daubutim were sitting at a small table in one of the corners, giving them a modicum of privacy.
"So, three drinks and meals and a room?" a short waiter asked. She was staring at Greldo, her red eyes glittering.
“Yes,” Daubutim said.
"Alright, I'll be right back," the tiny woman said, still only looking at Greldo.
As she turned and left, Irwin heard Greldo sigh in relief.
"Man… she looked like she was going to eat me," he whispered.
"It's your triangular pupils," Daubutim said calmly. "Yuurindi are a species that put a lot of emphasis on eyes, and yours are very attractive to them, according to the book I read. It has something to do with ancient mythical beings in their world. If they were still red it would have been worse."
Greldo let out a soft moan. "First those Ignitzions and now these… Yuurindi? Great."
Irwin grinned, happy that he wasn't the one getting unwanted attention this time. He recalled full well how Greldo had made fun of the way most of the Ignitzions had reacted around him and decided he'd have to find some nice moments to return the favor.
Feeling slightly better, he turned his attention to Daubutim. "That kid outside, Zender, he was Yuurindi too?"
Daubutim nodded. "Yes. The three most common species here are Yuurindi, Da'xi like Captain Xi'kroak, and humans. There are some-"
He fell quiet as the woman returned with two massive plates, which she placed before them. A second woman came after her, putting three mugs there, and Irwin saw she was staring at Greldo with a slight grin. His friend was focusing fully on his new drink. A moment later, they were alone again.
"So… what do we do now?" Irwin asked as he carefully took a sip.
He was surprised by the somewhat sweet and spicy drink. Although nowhere near as hot as what he'd drank with Scintilla, it still reminded him of her, and his mind drifted off as he stared into the dark red liquid.
"Irwin!"
Irwin looked up to see Daubutim and Greldo look at him, both slightly worried.
"You okay?" Greldo asked.
"I'm fine, just thinking," Irwin said as he realized they had been talking to him. "Sorry, what did you say?"
"If we are going to create a crew, we should find those that are willing to join the Giard's Rangers," Daubutim said. "That way, whoever we find will be bound by the contract and won't be able to talk about us. Otherwise, you can't do what you do best…"
Irwin nodded, knowing that he meant card reforging. He was surprised that the contract would bind someone, but even if that made things better, it still left a problem.
"Do you think we can even find people that are willing?" he asked.
Daubutim shrugged, seeming unsure.
Greldo leaned forward, taking a sip of his drink before speaking up.
"I've been listening in on some of the conversations, and I'm pretty sure we can find enough people. It seems the Roaming Shipyard was attacked a few months ago, and those that survived retreated here. Many ships were destroyed, and there are more crew than ships right now. I've already heard a few people talk about the three ships we dragged here, with the interest of either buying or joining."
"Then we should find out what has happened quickly," Daubutim said. "My father always said that during hard times, it's easier to find good people than when everyone has options."
They continued talking, finishing their simple meal, and coming up with a plan.
"Alright then," Irwin said. "Daubutim and I will look for a navigator while you find out what has been going on here! We will meet at the ship."
"Alright. If I see Zender, I'll take him along," Greldo said. "Even if we don't end up hiring him, he knows more about what's happening here."
"Be careful," Irwin said.
"No worries, I'll be fine. Besides, if need be, I can bring out Coal," Greldo said with a grin. "He's been whining non-stop since we arrived, and I'm pretty sure nobody will recognize him here if I bring him out."
"Don't summon him if you can help it," Daubutim said calmly. "Even if nobody recognizes him, we must keep our recognizability as low as possible. The best would be if nobody remembers we were here after we leave."
"What? You think having a metal-skinned, nearly eight-foot-tall, muscle-bound fool with us isn't something recognizable?" Greldo asked as he walked away.
Irwin snorted as Greldo waved when he left the inn.
"As if his eyes don't do the same," he muttered.
"Don't worry about your stature," Daubutim said. "According to the books I have read, at least two species in this section of the Portal Gallery resemble you, and people will very likely think you are one of them."
"Really?" Irwin asked.
"Yes. One is called the Fiz'rin, although the Ignitzions call them Firesteel Elementals, and the others are Loydin," Daubutim said calmly.
"So you're saying I look more like them than a human?" Irwin asked.
He examined his arm. The pliable pale copper color didn't resemble what it used to be, but it wasn't that different... was it? Then he thought about his hair that was like metal wire and how he was probably taller than anyone he knew back on Giard, and he grimaced.
"Yes," Daubutim said calmly. "It is the price we pay for powerful body-enhancing cards. It is the reason many races refuse to use them."
Irwin looked at him, wondering if he was joking. "They don't use body-enhancing cards?" he asked.
"Some don't. For instance, the Da'xi have a rule that no card may change their outward appearance..."
That's stupid, Irwin thought as he shook his head. "But what if they need to defend themselves against more powerful enemies?"
"I didn't say I agreed with them," Daubutim said calmly. "But if you would tell Captain Xi'kroak you were actually human, he might not react as he has until now."
Irwin looked at Daubutim before shaking his head in disbelief. "Well, if someone asks, perhaps I should just say I'm one of those."
"If you do, tell them you are Fiz'rin," Daubutim said calmly. "They are lesser known and very reclusive. Besides, the Loydin are not known to be very nice. Also, warn me and Greldo so we know."
"I will. Now, let's go and see if we can find an interested navigator," he said as he rose and walked to the main bar.
I wonder how Mum would react if she saw me.
--
"Are you sure?" Greldo asked as he took a quick look at Zender.
They were hiding in a narrow alleyway near the harbor, watching three people loiter near a corner a short distance away. The men were examining the three ships that sat on the leftmost dock, right behind the Zura'ix.
"Definitely! Those three are Raiders, and the only reason they aren't dead is because it's never been proven," Zender whispered.
"If it wasn't proven, how do you know it's true?" Greldo asked, looking at the boy.
"Two of my friends were on a ship with them, and only one came back," Zender said. "The one that returned didn't want to talk about what had happened, but he did say to never go on a ship with those three."
Greldo frowned. "Why didn't you tell anyone?"
Zender looked at him in disbelief. "What? Are you nuts? Who would believe a bunch of homeless Yuurindi? Do you know what those blue-plates think of us?"
I don't know, Greldo thought as he frowned. But now I'm wondering how trustworthy you are.
He was about to ask some more questions when his sensitive ears picked up the voices of the three.
"And you are absolutely sure there's only four guards?"
"Definitely. Those ugly blue-plates think too highly of themselves, as always. They spread out across those other ships."
"Those simpletons are-"
"Quiet. Did you bring our stuff?"
"Everything is here. Let's toss those fools overboard and get out. I've had enough of being grounded on this ugly backwater piece of crap."
"We will, and we can leave some fun presents behind on the other ships."
Greldo clenched his teeth as he heard them whisper amongst themselves.
Well… great. I guess Zender is right.
He turned his attention to Zender. "Head back to the inn and tell my two friends what is going on! Tell them to hurry!"
Zender blinked as he backed up. "What's going on?"
Right, he didn't hear them, Greldo thought.
"They are going to attack the ships," he whispered. "Now move!"
Zender's eyes widened, and then he turned and shot through the alley. He moved like a blur up the side of the wall across the roof, then disappeared over it.
That's useful, Greldo thought before turning to the harbor. The three figures were walking forward already.
"There's only three," he whispered as he rose and focused on his card.
A towering hound appeared behind him, blocking the entire alleyway, and two eyes as silver as his own gazed into his. At the same time, his body lengthened while thick fur grew across every inch of his skin.
"Let's go and say hi," Greldo said, his voice now accompanied by a deep and menacing growl. He focused on a patch of shadows close to where the three figures were moving.
"Take the two in the back."
--
"I'm interested, but not if I must join a new mercenary or explorers group."
Irwin looked at the purple-haired woman wearing a black leather jacket. He'd expected the answer because she had started shaking her head as soon as he'd mentioned Giard's Rangers.
That was the last one, he thought, feeling a slight worry. The man behind the bar had pointed out three people, and this had been their last choice.
"Do you know of a navigator who might join us?" Daubutim asked, showing no worry at all.
"There should be some around, what with half of the ships having been destroyed. Even then, I don't think you will find one by simply asking around. Why don't you leave a message on the mission board? It might take a few days, but it will save you running around the entire port," the woman said.
"You are right. Where is the mission board?" Daubutim asked.
"There is a mission center inside the Portal chamber. It's closed for the night now but will open after the eight' gong."
Eight gong? Irwin thought. Was that how they measured time here? It made sense as there was no night or day, and people had to sleep.
"Thank you," Daubutim said, turning and walking away from the woman's small table.
Irwin nodded at her and the other crewmen who had been quietly observing what was going on. Then, he followed Daubutim to the exit.
It was quiet outside, nearly all of the milling people that had been there only half an hour earlier gone. A few merchants were busy wheeling away their tiny carts.
Irwin took a deep breath of the musty, wet air. He found himself missing Scour's hot, dry air. That and smithing. He hadn't reforged a card or purified metal in weeks.
"Let's go get Greldo," he said, wondering if he could take out Ambraz and reforge a simple card without drawing unwanted attention on the ship.
We need to get some of those sound-dampening runes, he thought. Perhaps there was a heartcarded here that could make those.
Daubutim nodded, but Irwin saw he was frowning and looking at the opposite side of the square. Following his gaze, he saw a small, familiar figure run towards them.
"Ir…win, Irwin," Zender said, gasping for breath. "Grel- Greldo told me to come to get you!"
Irwin felt his hair rise as he stepped toward the boy, who had his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath. A tiny part of him was confused why someone with four cards was this tired from just running, but he ignored it.
"What is wrong?" he snapped.
"Three... men- are trying... to steal your ship," Zender managed in between breaths.
Irwin's eyes narrowed, and his mind spun in overflow. Was the kid lying? That would mean he might have done something to Greldo, but how likely was that? Greldo could teleport out of nearly any situation! Besides, was it worth the risk? No. Within a split second, he made up his mind and turned to Daubutim. "Stay here with him!"
Without waiting for an answer, he turned and exploded forward, using kinetic energy to propel himself across the dirty wooden square as fast as he could. The heat from his flame was erupting inside of him, boosting the kinetic energy that grew with each step. He ignored the startled cries and the sound of snapping wood as he raced through the streets, trying to recall the path they had taken.
Greldo wouldn't attack them if he didn't believe he could take them, he thought.
--
Greldo cracked his neck as he looked at the man lying before him. His nose was flattened, blood still pouring over his face.
He was surprised at how easy it had been. He'd teleported in front of the man and struck him before he could react, while Coal had appeared behind and simply barreled the other over the edge of the dock. Their screams had lasted for a dozen seconds before ending abruptly.
I guess not everyone uses cards to get stronger, he thought.
The sound of running feet made him look up, and he saw two of Xi'kroak's crewmen run towards him. Both were holding swords. They slowed before they reached him, and he saw them look between him and the man on the ground. Coal was gone, hiding in the shadows in the alleyway a short distance away, ready to help if needed.
"Greldo?" one of the crewmen asked, and Greldo recognized him as the one Irwin called Brow. "Why did you-"
"These three were planning to steal The Zura'ix," Greldo said.
"What?" both crewmen turned a suddenly murderous glare on the downed and unconscious man.
"Are you sure?" Brow asked.
Greldo was suddenly glad he was still alive. Otherwise, how was he going to prove what he'd done wasn't some random killing?
"Is there someone with a truth-reading card?" he asked.
Brow looked at the other crewmen, rapidly talking to him in their ear-piercing language. The other nodded and ran towards the port.
"He will get a Daran guard. They will know what to do," Brow said, frowning at the downed man.
Greldo nodded. "Alright, let's tie this-"
A loud boom came from the port, and Greldo spun around, ready for a fight. Brow moved beside him, swords raised.
In the distance, they saw wood dust rise from a building just beyond the first line of buildings. Greldo was about to teleport there when Coal sent some images to him. He blinked, then lowered his guard as he felt laughter bubble up.
"It's fine," he said. "Although I'm afraid Irwin might have to pay for a new roof…"