Moving swiftly, the Scalemen eventually march to Stusis’ borders.

Their time was limited. Crimson would command the Dragonkins to search and burn those heretics who dared stay. As a result, a long line of Scalemen stretched along the mountain range, waiting for approval to step through the gates.

Kihet was hit by a sprinkle of sand as soon as he set foot onto the edge of the desert. Thankfully, Lily reminded him to wear his goggles she pulled from the back of their cart before he was blinded. The eyewear’s brownish tint from helped dim the harsh desert sunlight. Wearing his goggles and fake horns, he confidently stepped into the harbor.

At the other end of the town, the harbor, several colossal vessels remained docked at its port. Unlike the first time he was exposed to this port, sailors now wander through its streets instead of mercenaries.

“Keep people moving. Don’t clog the gate.” Kihet directed.

It was Ainig’s first time setting foot out of Stusis’ mountainous region. The Tortoise’s eyes widened, taking in a different scenery of a flat barren land filled with sand. The blue sky stretched down to the ends of the world he didn’t think was possible. For once, he could see the horizon.

He was speechless unlike his other companions.

“Woah! Are we going to board those? One of them is at least three times bigger than the one we rode here!” Lily exclaimed.

“How did you manage to call up so many ships?”

“With one thing everyone in Pamalyra wants. Silvers.” Tama smiled, gesturing the sign of money with her hand. “A nyanther reason they can answer this quickly is because those sailors have a contract with me.”

“You own those ships?”

“Nyo way. Ships are convenient, but they drain money when not sailing. It’s cheaper to hire sailors with their own ships. I don’t need to pay any repair fees or a crew.”

“I see.”

“They have other employers to answer beside me. However, my relationship with them are better since they’re willing to answer my call as soon as possible. At most, Nyie think one captain will immediately decline after listening to our request.”

“Why’s that?”

“A merchant’s instincts, Grumpy one. Myight I also suggest using this opportunity to secure a contract with a Captain. After all, you can’t travel freely through the desert without a ship. Every single one which I’ve called command a vessel which can sail against the wind from Pamalyra’s great sandstorm.”

Having a ship with the ability to sail against the never-ending currents from Pamalyra’s great sandstorm would be an immense boon when exploring the desert. Kihet wouldn’t have to take a long detour around the land of sand to return to places.

“Could you help me out on this one?”

“I will answer questions regarding to the pay. You will handle the negotiations. Remember, it’s important for the employer to sell a strong impression and have them onboard.”

“Give me something to work with.”

“Nyalright. Revealing yourself as the Oracle won’t mean anything. Saving the world for free is the last thing you should expect from them. Now, if you have plenty of money, that’s enough to have them work for you at a bare minimum.”

“What if I don’t have money?”

“They will gladly take collateral, though I would not suggest that. We have an interesting gang. I know some captains would gladly put them under contract and add interest to your debt.”

“I won’t go down that route.”

“I agree. Once they bite onto something you want to get back, they’ll be harder to remove than sand sharks gnawing on their preys.” Tama said. “Nyanyway! Here we are. They said to meet them at the tavern.”

“One second. I have some business to take care of. Lily, Aten, could you two check up on Yizdra, Rogus and grab Salith?”

“En. Got it.”

“Ainig, I’ll need your help for a second.”

“M-me?”

“We’re going to find Krullu, remember? I bet he’s somewhere failing to make a boat. I have an idea where he might be.”

The last time Kihet was here, Aten mapped out the area for him. Along the sandy coastline, there was once a row of palm trees swaying in the desert winds.

Boats sailing on sand were vastly different than on water. The body of the vessel should make as little contact with the sand to avoid burrowing itself once the wind pushes it forward. The vessels Kihet saw Beastmen use sit on top of sleds or skis with several large masts for picking up wind.

Kihet spotted evidence of struggling where some trees were chopped and bounded together to make a raft. It was obvious the idea did not work.

“D-did you find him?”

“Not yet, but we’re close. Seeing how there’s no trail leading into the desert, I bet he’s around. He must be hiding in the shade starving and dehydrated from the heat.”

“Oh no! We have to hurry!”

They followed the trail of worked sand until Kihet came across a hut made of leaves. Inside, a Chameleon laid unmoving on a mat.

“There’s a body over there. Is that him?”

“K-Krullu!”

“At least he’s still breathing. I’ll wake him up.” Kihet unhooked a spare water skin, dumping a cupful of water at the Krullu’s face.

“Pwah! Water!” Krullu wheezed.

The Chameleon’s long tongue snatched the water skin out of Kihet’s hands, emptying the contents in desperation. Feeling rehydrated, Krullu collapsed on his back with a sigh of satisfaction.

“Krullu!”

“Ainig…? I’m not dead am I?”

“You’re alive. Now get up.” Kihet jabbed the tip of his Firelance at Krullu’s face.

“O-Oracle?! Y-you looked like a demon for a second! Oh no! I’m dead and this is hell, isn’t it? I’m really sorry! I didn’t want to die a painful death back then, so I ran away! Don’t torture me!”

“You’re still alive. Ainig and I manage to find you before your body shriveled up like a mummy.”

“Then… did you win?”

“The Tower’s destroyed, but the Scalemen are being exiled from Stusis. Tama and I are about to have a talk with some captains to bring the Scalemens into Pamalyra. There’s just one problem. No matter how I look at it, the Scalemen do not have enough silvers to pay for the fare of hundreds of people.”

“What will you do?”

“Not me. Us. I brought your equipment and need you to make some catapults and hellfire bombs.”

“Don’t tell me…”

“This is the only choice. If I’m going to become a villain to save lives, then I will. I can only stall up to an hour. When you see my flare, that’s when I need you launch the first volley. When you see the second one, keep launching them until you hit the ships.”

----------------------------------------

Soon after Kihet gave orders to Krullu, he hopped back to his group waiting for him by the entrance to the tavern.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

He left Ainig with Krullu as the Pale Dragon’s blessing alone should be able to defend against the sailors if they were compromised.

Now accompanied with Salith, Lily and Aten, they followed Tama into the tavern. As Kihet moved through its entrance he saw sailors sitting at every table either drinking or playing cards.

Everyone eyed Kihet’s group like observing a bunch of rare creatures passing by as they walked by each table. The murmurs started as soon as Tama pulled up to an empty table.

“Nyaha! I’m feeling peckish! Let’s eat something before they show up!”

With everyone seated, Lily, Aten and Salith studied the menu.

“It feels a bit rude being stared at. Do they want a fight?” Salith cracked her knuckles, preparing herself for a brawl should it happen.

“Don’t mind them. They’re curious fellas.” Tama answered. “They’re keeping tabs on us for their captains to see if we’re interesting enough.”

“Wouldn’t it be faster to find them?” Kihet probed.

“Sure, if you want them to walk away. Nyit’s better to have them come to us.”

Moments later, food dropped on their table. At first glance, spectators thought the amount was for Salith given her race as a Giant.

“Tama, want to earn some easy money?” Kihet asked.

“Nya?” Tama arched her brows. “How easy?”

“If you pay for Lily’s tab, she can really eat. The sailors looked bored and want some entertainment. Do you get what I mean?”

“You want to bet how many plates a scrawny looking Devil Folk can finish? I might be able to work my magic to get them interested.” Tama’s eyes flashed a glint, turning to Lily. “Tomoe, you have a big stomach, correct? If I said I will pay for your tab, how much are you able to eat?”

“Why are you asking?”

“I’m planning to earn some cash to help the Grumpy one to pay for fares. We’ll split the earnings, minus expenses to pay for the food. All you need to do is eat as much as you can.”

“I don’t need to hold back?”

“Go all out. You’ll be the key to get the captains to start talking to us.”

“If that’s the case, I can eat lots!”

“Hey Kihet, were you starving her all this time?” Salith questioned.

“I was not. Besides, there weren’t any restaurants in Stusis either. If I let her eat like she’s in a buffet every time, I’m worried how it’d affect her performance when we have to fight.”

“If we’re to do this, Nyie require everyone’s cooperation. Aten and the Rozzalian will keep the people away from the table and food. There are cheaters bound to make a move.”

“Can Tomoe really eat that much?” Salith asked.

[About to find out. Be surprised.]

With the foundations laid out, Kihet only hoped Krullu’s end would go smoothly.

Tama suddenly hoist her cup in the air and drummed her spoon against it, instantly grabbing every sailor’s attention.

“Hey buddies, how about we have a little bet? This Devil Folk here is going to attempt to set an unbreakbale record in this tavern of how many dishes she can finish. The prize pool is ten thousand silvers right now for those who can guess correctly!”

“Ten thousand silvers?!”

“No one?” Tama acted to think. “Nyi’ll double it. What about twenty thousand?”

“T-twenty thousand?! Sign me up!”

“Good. Good! The sign up fee is a minimum of two hundred silvers per person. Bet big, win bigger~. The book will close in five minutes! Dear participants, please line up in front of me and Nyi’ll record your name and bet.”

After receiving money from the first few betters, the roaring flames in the kitchen were in full blast. Tama ordered from the menu, strategically choosing sets of items which would be easy for the stomach. The Werecat passed bookkeeping duties to Kihet while Salith was in charge of clearing the beastmen away from the table. Aten hanged from the ceiling, observing everyone with his compound eyes.

Aten noticed a shady group of beastmen attempting to sneak a suspicious vial towards the counter of food lined up and quickly intervened before it was successfully added.

To the audience, it was like a rope magically lassoing the cheaters by itself. The Viviran tossed the saboteurs out of the tavern and returned to his sentry duty. After witnessing a child sized insectoid made quick work of the cheaters, his alien appearance discouraged others from using the same tactic.

“You dammed insect, yer hurtin my buddy you know?!” Finding an excuse to attack Aten, a Lycanthrope drew his saber and dashed towards him.

Salith seized the Lycanthrope by the neck as soon as he was within reach. She lifted him off the floor, watching the Lycanthrope squirm.

“Are you looking to start a fight? How about I take it up on your offer?”

A sense of dread washed over the Lycanthrope. His fur stood up, powerlessly quaking as Salith swung him overhead. She threw him across the tavern and out its doors.

Suddenly, some sailors cracked their knuckles while others put up their fists.

“Get her!”

“If it’s a fight you want, come get some!”

Nonetheless, the scene became chaotic.

On one end, people kept their eyes Lily gulping down her thirtieth plate. On the other, Salith started a brawl.

The tavern was getting rowdier, but still no sign of captains coming to greet them. Kihet spotted a handful of individuals observing the situation from the backrow. Though they blended well with their sailors, Kihet was able identify the captains from the confidence they exuded.

There were four captains.

Kihet let the liveliness continue until he noticed some of their expressions became dulled to the event. He quietly casted [Repulsion].

A small area in front of him warped like a mirage on the horizon from the sweltering heat. Those who were within it felt an invisible force gradually pushing on them. Seconds later, the affected Beastmen find themselves scattered in the air. They tumbled and crashed into the tavern’s furniture. It was loud enough to attract the tavern’s owner attention.

Kihet stood up with the aid of his firelance and donned his fierce glare, having a stare off with individuals he believed were captains of the large vessel he needed.

Sensing the tension, rowdy sailors stopped what they were doing and became wary of Kihet. Everyone drew their weapons, and the tavern was locked in a standoff. Silence hanged over them, enough to hear Lily slurping her last bowl of soup.

She slammed an empty bowl onto the table. Her record was set to seventy four dishes, exceeding everyone’s bets.

“I’m stuffed! That’s as much as I can eat.”

It took her a moment to recognize the tense atmosphere hovering in front of her. Wondering what would happen, her hand hovered over the scabbard of [Coiling Dragon] preparing for a fight.

“Isn’t this enough fun?” Kihet asked the handful of Beastmen. “It’s rude to not greet Tama after she entertained you with her shenanigans.”

“Pardon us. We were bored out of our minds and thought some new faces could liven up our spirits.”

“There goes my winnings. Do all Devil Folks have stomachs connected to the void?”

“So, you’re the one Tama said to have a job for the four of us?”

The last one frowned and kept silent.

“I’ll get to the point. I need your ships to transport hundreds of Scalemen to the capital.” Kihet demanded.

A scarred faced Lycanthrope stepped up. “Of course you do. You can’t get to places without a ship. So, whaddya willing to offer?”

Kihet pondered as he took a moment to study everyone’s stoic expressions. He wanted to test if they and their sailors were competent. If not, it would endanger the Scalemen before they could find asylum in Pamalyra.

“Now, now, you all aren’t simply acquainted yet. How about introducing yourselves?” Tama interrupted.

The plan to slowly lure the captains while earning big was thrown off the rails after Kihet impatiently killed the fun. Everyone could see Tama in a nervous wreck trying to salvage the situation with the captains on the verge of leaving them stranded on the harbor.

“Names Aghili. The Path Weaver’s mine. You know, the largest one.” A feathered hat Mixrel boasted.

“Keh! Sure is, but it’s slow.” One scarred face Lycanthrope spat. “Fang’s mine. I own the Pursuer. A bit smaller, but the fastest of the bunch.”

“Speed isn’t everything. I hear the Pursuer often needs repair. Can you even turn that thing?” A buffed Lycanthrope snickered. “Rahdr here. I steer the Invincible. Ferrying people and monster fishin’ are my forte.”

“Ah? Did you say something about my Pursuer?”

“What can your puny ship do against my Invincible except sailing away?”

The Lycanthrope’s bickering was ultimately stopped when the fourth member turned away from the group and his sailors followed him.

“Sahzar, where are you going?” Aghili asked.

“I’m not interested in escorting refugees. The job will pull my reputation down.” With that, the shadow furred Mixrel and his men took their leave.

Just as Tama predicted, one of the Captains took their leave after listening Kihet’s demand.

Tama aggressively elbowed Kihet on his back, egging him to follow the flow. Unfortunately, his intentions were the exact opposite of the Werecat’s expectations. The tavern felt a lot emptier with a quarter of its customers gone.

The lowered numbers made it easier for his plan to proceed. After a minute of silence from his end, Kihet decided to speak.

“I won’t offer anything.”

“NYAHH!!! That’s nyot how you make a deal!” Tama shrieked. “You’re going to waste my efforts and drive them away! Tomoe, do something! The Grumpy One has gone mad!”

“If that’s what you think, you’ll find me insane after this.” Kihet said as he steadily hopped towards the captains. “I don’t have money or anything, but I can stop your ships from burning in return for delivering the Scalemen and my companions to the capital.”

“What are you playing at? You dare burn our ships?” Fang growled.

“You’re not even close to the dock. How can you possibly do anything while you’re trapped here?”

“You mean you’re trapped in here with me.”

Kihet punched a hole into the ceiling with his [Chain]. He quickly struck a burning match, stuffing the ember tip into his firelance. A bright missile thread through the gap and sparkled like a star above the entire harbor.

Everyone including Salith, Lily, Aten and Tama wondered what the flare was for. It was then a sailor from outside barged through the tavern’s entrance.

“Captain, the docks are on fire!”

“What?!” Radhr screamed. “What happened?”

“A pot crashed down and lit the dock on fire! We tried splashing water from the well but it’s spreading faster the more we tried it! Not even sand is working!”

“You rascal!” Aghili hissed. “Kill him!”

A tinted dome of light washed over sailors pouncing towards Kihet. They found themselves suddenly floating within his [Quagmire Sphere].

Aghili immediately turned tail to run, but Kihet’s [Chain] wrapped around his leg. The feathered hat Mixrel slipped onto her stomach and was dragged in front of Kihet. She looked up the barrel of Kihet’s firelance in terror.

Fang and Radhr were about to send their sailors to attack Kihet but went against their urges to do so after Kihet held Aghili hostage. The Beastmen quickly found themselves in Kihet’s mercy. They couldn’t believe a mysterious, one eyed and handicapped man easily reduced their numbers and morale.

They also knew if Kihet’s companions joined, the captains would not win.

“Why are you threatening us? What have we done to you?” Radhr asked.

“Nothing. You have ships I need.”

“Who are you?”

“You don’t need to know that. Just know I’m not entirely merciless to those who do good by me. I’ll make sure to reimburse for your service if you take on my requests. I just need a bit of time.”

The three captains exchanged looks. Their eyes seem to come to a consensus. However, Aghili spoke before they could agree to Kihet’s demands.

“How will we know you’ll keep your words?”

“I have a hundred lives on my hands. You wouldn’t want to see an Elder Dragon hunt the Scalemen by burning this harbor down with you in it would you?”