After being chastised by the Captain for escalating their spar into something a bit more, the four adventurers found themselves below decks.

Now that they had burned off a bit of energy, the tight quarters didn’t seem so bad. Ulgrin himself was enjoying their game of cards, apparently a local variant of Wizard’s Redoubt. He’d played the game plenty of times before but was unsure of what to think about the new additions. Why would a card be so strong yet only cost two mana crystals? A ridiculous decision by whoever made these.

His complaints were ignored, and their game continued amicably. Time always seemed strange on journeys like these, he’d found.

Minutes, hours, and even days could pass in the blink of an eye, and yet when he noticed it seemed to slow to a crawl. That was what the world felt like as the morning passed into the evening and again into the night.

“You’ve lived for so long, Lorekeeper,” he whispered quietly, barely audible over the creaking of boards and the crashing of waves. “Does it feel long? I know you… essentially hibernated, but it must’ve been a long time. More than even the elves live.”

A shimmering specter appeared casually floating above him, illuminating the dark cabin. [It is… Tiring. I do not feel old, but neither do I feel ‘young’ anymore. But I lack the physical attributes to properly feel what it would really be like. My function is the same as it has always been. I do not get physically exhausted. I do not undergo the degradation of consciousness that affects humanoids. But it feels more like what I have read a dream to be, living for such a long time.]

Interesting. He felt somewhat ashamed that he’d never really spoken to her like this. Ulgrin supposed that he was too restrained in his scholarly ways, thinking her as mostly a golem. “Well, let’s hope the next few hundred years are going to be more exciting. What do you feel about having a body?”

[A body?] She paused, blinking. [I am afraid I do not understand.]

“Not like a flesh and blood one.” He quickly explained. “But one that’d be built. I’ve been going over whatever information I could find about golem construction. There’s no reason why we can’t stick your vessel inside a puppet and have you power it. At least, not from what I read. In fact, you’d probably be able to fuel a much more sophisticated enchantment. Most golems have an issue with that.”

Lorekeeper stared at him, her youthful features blank. He always felt at odds seeing her childish form speak so clearly. [I see. That is…] She frowned. [I am surprised that I did not think of that before. Perhaps… Ah, I see. My design prohibits me intentionally doing such things, but I have the capacity for growth provided others can facilitate it.]

“Why would they intentionally limit you in such a way?” He asked, brows furrowing.

[We may never know. Perhaps they feared my growth, or perhaps they wished for me to be ready for it.]

“Maybe.” He reached into his bag and pulled out several sheaves of paper. “But if we are gonna make you a body, it should be a proper one. Do you have any suggestions for the design?”

Ulgrin excitedly wasted the night away, gladly exchanging ideas with Lorekeeper. While he would regret it in the morning, it was more than necessary. She was as much a member of the team as his friends were. It was about time he started seeing what he could do to make her happy as well.

Morning came swiftly, and he found himself nursing a tired headache. “Two more days.”

Saezz happily munched on salted fish beside him, chomping down whole specimens. “Yes. Two more days of relaxation. Perhaps we shall sunbathe today? It is sacred amongst my people.” The lizardfolk had slept through his hushed conversation, ignorant of the dwarf’s plight.

“Ugh. The suns are a curse.” Raelza groaned. “How in the hells are dwarves able to stand it so well? Our eyes aren’t even that more sensitive than yours.”

Ulgrin shrugged, looking up as Alyss approached with a plate of mugs in her hands. “Hmm?”

Alyss grinned. “Got a bit of a special brew for you all to try today. Turns out some of the sailors have coffee beans.” Ulgrin didn’t know what that was. Some kind of alchemical ingredient? “So I ground up some and added a few spices. Here.” She set down the tray and he got a whiff of an intriguing nutty scent.

Perking up, “Saezz is happy you found another delicacy from the jungles. Cof-fi is difficult to brew into a proper drink, but is quite delicious.”

Ulgrin cast a glance towards Raelza, whose nose wrinkled up at the scent. “You first.”

Grinning, he grabbed one of the mugs and downed it, swallowing the thick, dark brew. It was… not bad, but quite bitter. Hint of caramelized flavor. “Hmm. That would taste better with some rum in it.” He’d no doubt have to experiment on that later. “Why are you all looking at me like that?”

“You’re supposed to drink it slowly, you bumbling beard.” Alyss crossed her arms. “How is your tongue not burnt?”

“Sounds like a bit of a skill issue, my friend.” Ulgrin replied, well used to drinking hot liquids. Winters got pretty cold in his hometown, and there was nothing better to perk you up than a cup of piping hot goat’s milk. “It doesn’t hurt that I’m well used to downing alcohol quickly. My uncle used to brew up a mean vodka. Now that could put some hair on a babe’s chin.”

Saezz laughs. “Now that is the way, my friend. Let us not even think of adding cream or sugar to such a primal delight.” He turned up his nose at the two other members of their party. “They are plebians for even thinking such things.”

Alyss scowled at them as she daintily poured milk into her mug. “At least I’m not a barbarian.” Then she stopped, staring at Raelza. “You betray me so?!”

Love what you're reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

Raelza shrugged, drinking her cup straight. “I’m a simple woman. This stuff isn’t so bad.”

The diminutive alchemist sighed, giving up. “I’m surrounded by primitives. Why must the world curse me? First we’re going to my homeland and now this.”

[I am sure that your choice of drink is better than the others, Alyss.] Lorekeeper said in a voice that wasn’t quite believable. More like a teacher telling their student they had done a good job on a test they’d just failed horribly. [If I had taste buds, I would no doubt agree with you.]

Ulgrin paused. “About that, your home. D’you mind telling us a bit more?”

She stopped lamenting. “Oh. Right. I should probably explain a few things. See… Um. Me and my family don’t quite get along anymore. Imayormaynotbeanoble.”

Their group blinked, caught off guard.

“Not really that important of a noble, but a minor one. My father is just a Baronet.” She seemed rather embarrassed for some reason. “But our relationship was kind of a mess when I left.”

Saezz shrugged. “If you are worried about being a noble, Saezz cares not. There are no titles of nobility amongst his clan, but you could consider him one as well. Saezz’ father is a… chieftain is the word. Leader of our family and the others.”

Ulgrin gave a nod too. “I’m more concerned about the reception you’ll get.”

Raelza patted her on the shoulder. “And do you really think this will change our opinion of you? You’re our mad alchemist.”

Alyss gave a happy smile, cheeks warming up. “Right. Right, I’m just so used to the whole ‘nobility is important’ thing. I was raised to think that my whole life. But that changed when I made the decision to apprentice under a commoner. My family hated it. They didn’t particularly care about her status as a witch, but more the fact that I was debasing myself to such a… normal profession.”

“A witch?” Ulgrin asked. He wasn’t sure if she was saying ‘which’ or not.

“Ah, they probably aren’t very common here.” Alyss replied. “Witches are female or male spellcasters who typically have a greater connection to the Fey. There’s a cultural history to it all. They’re similar to spiritualists, shamans, and exorcists. But they also have deep roots in the alchemical field, which is why I apprenticed.”

Their drow companion nodded. “Depends mostly on the witch, but they’re mostly decent folk. I can see why you wouldn’t get much praise, though. Just as the fey have a mixed reputation, so do they too.”

“Yep. So I kinda may or may not have gone through a rebellious phase. May or may not have made a bunch of drugs and started selling them to my fellow nobles. Not that bad stuff, though!” She quickly raised her hands. “Just pipeweed and other things. Basic alchemical mixtures. Nothing worse than alcohol.”

“Hah!” Ulgrin laughed. The idea of nobles attending tea parties while high or drunk was amusing. “That probably vexed them quite a bit, hmm? Ah’m guessing it made your family reputation rather poor?”

“Pretty much. They didn’t explicitly say that I was excommunicated, but it was close. I left to get away from the practical isolation they were giving me.” She scowled angrily. “Bastards kept me locked up in the keep for weeks. Nothing more than a bird within a gilded cage. So I escaped and found myself here.”

Saezz rumbled. “Quite the story. Saezz would be willing to act intimidating, if you wish.”

[I may also attempt such a thing, though I doubt my skill at being frightening.] Lorekeeper added.

Alyss sighed, leaning back in her seat. “I’d like that, but it’d probably be better if we just acted normally. If I know my parents well enough, they’re going to spin my employment as an explorer in a way that best suits them. There’s no doubt going to be a feast of some kind, and a dance. Ugh. This is the worst.”

“We’ll be there for you,” Raelza said. “If you’re going to face a challenge then we’ll be doing it together.”

“Thanks. It means a lot. I didn’t expect things to end up like this. Thought I’d never return.” She paused for a moment. “But if it’s with my friends? I feel a lot more confident now.”

“You’re a member of the team. And we’re all friends.” Ulgrin said with a smile. “There’s nothing we can’t beat together.”

Unfortunately, the world seemed to have different plans for their nice morning conversation.

Suddenly a yell was picked up by the crew. Ulgrin stood up, hearing the words ‘ship sighted’ and ‘black sails’, and felt his stomach sink. “But we’re not there yet.” He sighed. “Grab your equipment. I’ve got a feeling we’re about to be in danger.”

Alyss perked up. “Blowing up some pirates? That’ll cheer me up.”

Saezz nodded. “It has been a long time since I have hunted prey that stands on two legs. We shall fight them.”

Though somewhat worried about his comrade’s bloodthirsty behavior, Ulgrin quickly dashed for his cabin. There, he donned his gear and made sure everything was in order. For a moment he wondered whether or not he should fully armor up. But ultimately if he fell overboard he was going to drown regardless of armor. Dwarves weren’t great swimmers and the sea was choppy today.

He and his friends found themselves atop the deck, surrounded by hurried crewmen. Orders were barked and the sails were pushed to their limits.

Finding Captain Seaweaver was easy enough. He stood at the stern of the ship, spyglass up to one eye and staring out into the cloudy seas. While he noticed their arrival he kept quiet, observing whatever ship was approaching. Ulgrin could only see a faint black speck.

“I recognize their emblem.” He suddenly spoke. “Saltreavers. They’re mercenary pirates. Why are they chasing us? There can’t be a target on our backs. We’re just a merchant vessel. They typically go after nobles, officials, and whoever they’re paid to kill and steal from.” He frowned. “Unless one of my fellows decided I was getting in their way.”

That was quite the conundrum. Why would they be after this ship? It was a risk to engage in piracy in these waters, at least on this shipping route. It was well patrolled. You would have to know the exact time a ship left in order to plan for it.

Ulgrin piped up. “How dangerous are they? You’ve got me and my comrades at your disposal.”

Seaweaver furrowed his brow. “Somewhat deadly. Their crew is trained to take down small groups of highly trained guards. His officer staff are skilled. I’m sure that you lot are strong, but it’s going to be difficult.”

Their lizardfolk friend flicked his tail. “Perhaps an ambush? Wait for them to be at hand and then we shall emerge and pounce.”

“If they’re after this vessel specifically, wouldn’t they know were’ aboard?” Alyss asked. “It wasn’t exactly a secret that we were getting aboard. We’re not well known, but anyone can look at us and see ‘adventurers’. Especially with our new equipment. Some of this stuff is really eye-catching.”

The captain groaned. “The worst part is their ship is special. It can produce a thick fog for half a mile in each direction. Once it gets close, they’ll no doubt do that. We’ll be sailing blind and won’t know they’re on us until they are. They specialize in boarding tactics.”

Ulgrin gave it a thought for a moment. “Then why don’t we board them?”

His friends looked at him as if he were insane. Then again, he likely was at this point. Adventuring did that to a person. “Alyss, you’ve already prepared a few batches of water-breathing potions, yes?”

“Of course. The only difficulty is in acquiring the ingredients.” She shrugged. “Why?”

“We’ll go underwater and plant alchemical explosives on their hull in the best spots to trigger it to sink. Saezz, we’ll be relying on you to carry us there. I purchased those rods, they should help.”

Saezz gave it a thought. “He is willing to try.”

“Then we’ve got a plan.” Ulgrin nodded. “Any objections?”

Alyss sighed. “Fine, fine. It’s not a bad one, but can we please have a normal ‘we fight them head-on’ tactic one of these days? I don’t like getting wet.”

“Guess you’ll just have to get used to it, miss noble. I’m sure we can get the saltwater out of your clothes before we get to your home.” Raelza replied, grinning.

“Well, at least I’ll have some interesting stories to tell them.” Alyss shook her head. “I hope it doesn’t cause my mother to have an aneurysm.”

Seaweaver watched them banter for a moment. “If you think you can pull it off, then go ahead. I’ll be praying to the Sea for your success. If you’re going to meet them, then I’ll order the Bunch to circle the area and try to avoid their vessel as long as we can. Once we see the ship go down we’ll drop anchor.”

Ulgrin nodded at that. “Good. It’d be a pretty horrible death for us to just be left in the middle of the ocean. I don’t think we’d make it to shore before something eats us.”

The captain shook his head. “You’d better hope something eats you. There are worse things in these waters.”

And so the action starts to pick up again. Alyss is also more than meets the eye. Turns out she's a noble, but only barely. Andire has a fairly simple monarchic system set up. At the bottom are the knights, lords, barons, and etcetera. The higher you get the more important you are. However, at the top there is not a single royal family. Instead there are three Houses. Every generation they put forth a prospecting ruler. After a series of trials that judge their prospect and merit, one is made the King or Queen. It's a very politically fractured system.

Thank you all for reading. Next post will be a fun one.