Days passed before the population was convinced it was safe to return to the port town of Eastcrossing. Max and his party rested in the harbormaster’s building furnished with whatever undamaged items they were able to find in the town. Merchant gnomes arrived and traded with the townsfolk for materials to rebuild. The town was busy night and day, jetties rebuilt, homes remade.

As Max rested on the balcony of the harbormaster’s building looking out over the bay, Janet appeared to him.

“So, when did you learn to make gunpowder?”

Max shrugged. “I have never studied it. I just knew at that moment, from hearing bits and pieces over time. I just knew it would work. But that lizard guano must be very potent, because I didn’t know I’d get such a big bang.”

Janet reached out to Max’s hand. He held her hand, but she was not truly in the same dimension as Max so he could not feel her. She smiled sadly.

“You are a chemist, Max, a proper scientist. I never knew you had such depths.”

Max laughed. “Neither did I. I guess it’s good for me to hang out with you.”

Janet leaned closer and kissed Max. He really wished he could feel her lips.

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Captain Fineblade called up to Max from the timber jetty below the balcony.

“Word is coming in from all over Awen. The goblins are being rounded up and held in prisoner camps before they can be returned to Scarfel. Awen is free of dark shards. It looks like the whole continent is safe.”

Max shook his head. “There are more shards across the Kraken Sea. The continent of Scarfel is covered with them, and many are using them to enhance their own power, not knowing the harm they are doing to the world or themselves.” He stood up and leaned on the balcony rail and looked out through the entrance to the bay. “I must go to Scarfel and seek out the shards and find the dark portal. Until we close the dark portal, we are all in great danger.”

Max looked out to the Kraken Sea. Across the dark waters was a new continent, one Max had no knowledge of, except it was overcome by the darkness. He feared the dangers waiting for him across the Kraken Sea would be greater than those he had faced here on Awen. But if Eveirea was to be saved, if Janet was to be saved, Max needed to go there, face those dangers, and succeed. If he could not, then all would end.

Meeting with his party in the harbormaster’s office after a well-earned rest, Max explained his plans.

“We will find a ship,” Elderon said. “And we will be at your side. You won’t be alone, Max.”

Max knew he would not be alone. For the first time in his life, he was sure he had friends he could rely on. At last, he had friends to share the adventure, the danger, the victory too, for he was sure he would close the dark portal. To fail was too great a disaster for all.

But for now, Max could rest. He refreshed his spells and settled down. One more night’s rest before his adventures continued across the Kraken Sea.