Has this been documented before? Or am I able to see this pulses thanks to my Sealer powers? I’ve found no references to this occurrence in any research papers. During Enhancement training, I decided to observe the lines when the Talents are being used.

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

Five days had passed since Samos’ fight with Ralph and the following revelations. For one, Samos had realized not all that much had changed for him. His Enhancement training continued as they had before. Practice fights with dull blades against Rey and Alvina followed by sequences of bringing forth his power in the different parts of his body.

No, that had remained the same. The biggest difference had been his first lessons in Sealing. It had been difficult at first, drawing on a different kind of power than he was used to. But over time he had begun to form the most basic of seals.

Enhancers draw from the power within their own bodies, a Sealer called Yoren had explained. Sealers use the power from the world around them.

For now, summoning a small orb of light much like he had seen Ralph do in Ters was the best he could conjure. He watched the seal glow in his hand as he sat cross-legged on the deck, white lines of power circling around it. Those lines were everywhere he had come to learn. In every living being, in the wood of the ship’s railing, in the water around them…

All at his disposal.

A shout came from the deck and Samos lost his concentration, the orb fading away as he stood up. Looking at where the sound came from, he saw Alvina towering over Eder, the young man who had fought Alvina during the first round of the Testing. Instinctively, Samos enhanced his ears. The crashing of the waves, the screeching seagulls above, the sailors yelling… It all came to him in a whirlwind of sound.

He drowned out everything and focused on Alvina. Suddenly, her voice became clear as day.

“For what I believe is the fiftieth time, Eder. Don’t overextend! Control your actions, focus on maintaining your balance and speed. Your willingness to perform and impress makes you rash. Clear your mind.” A hint of irritation resounded in her voice.

Eder only nodded grimly and stood up, rubbing his leg where Alvina had hit him just earlier. Samos had come to like Eder during their time on the ship. He was passionate about growing stronger and becoming an Enhancer, leaving his life as apprentice tradesman behind.

Their fight began again and Samos watched on, his exercise with the light seal forgotten. Eder was an eager and fierce fighter, which made him predictable at times once the fight dragged on. In the bouts Samos had done with Eder, the fight had never lasted long once the twenty second mark was reached. The times Eder had won, it had always been in the first five seconds.

Against someone as experienced as Alvina though, those twenty seconds were a given.

A cry came from the crow’s nest. “Port ahead!”

As the ship sailed closer, the capital of the Ashana kingdom came in sight. Sandos was of similar size as Ters, yet looked a lot smaller with its lower buildings rarely reaching higher than a second floor. It looked more as an overgrown village surrounded by sturdy walls than a city. It looked very much the same as it had been almost three years ago when it had been the second city Samos had visited after leaving South Harbour.

The docks of Sandos were always bristling with life. Dozens of ships were docked, either unloading their goods of filling the hulls with new trade. The lands around the city, and in most parts of Ashana for that matter, were dry and dusty and made for poor farming. So food was imported while wood and minerals from the north were the main export products. It was only thanks to the river Luhnedral that the city was allowed to thrive.

One of the docks was occupied by only two ships, Samos noticed. They were three-masters, long and sturdy much like the vessel they were sailing on, made for long voyages on sea.

The Windweaver made for the near-empty dock and moored without issues, the captain shouting orders as thick ropes were being thrown to men on the dock. Once the ship was safely attached, the gangplank was lowered.

“We’ll be staying the night moored here,” Ralph explained as he and Samos walked onto the dock. “Give the captain time to restock on supplies for the journey across the Inner Sea and consult with the other captains what the best route will be.”

“The other captains?” Samos asked, regarding the two other ships which, he now realized, not only resembled the Windweaver but looked exactly like it.

“We won’t be making the journey alone anymore,” Ralph explained. “The Testing here in Sandos ended about three days ago and they’ve been waiting for us before leaving for Eresath. On journeys of this longitude, it’s always better to travel together.”

Samos hadn’t even considered the fact that there had been a Testing in Sandos as well. And in the other great cities of the realm for that matter. He wondered how they had fared here.

“Since you are to become a Dovra’Sha,” Ralph continued as he started down the pier towards the first of the two ships, “you will become a representative for the Order wherever you go once your training has been finished. As part of training you will also learn how to conduct diplomacy, debate with rulers, how to handle yourself at courts…

“So until we get back on the Windweaver and sail towards Eresath, I want you to stick with me. Observe, deduct and learn.”

Ralph nodded and they reached the first ship. It bore the name Wavewatcher, the letters expertly engraved on the side of the ship near the bow. Once over the gangplank and onto the near-abandoned deck, they were greeted by the ship’s captain. He wore sturdy clothing, fit for life at sea. His wrinkled face was bronzed and clean-shaven, showing the effects the sailor life could have on a man.

“Captain Baernold,” Ralph said jovially as they shook hands. “How have you been?”

“Couldn’t be better, couldn’t be better,” the man answered with a smile. “Good to see you again, Son Aëron.”

“Likewise. This here is Samos,” he said as he introduced Samos to the captain. They too shook hands. “Is master Lorian present, Baernold? I’d like to discuss our plans for the coming days.”

The captain nodded. “He’s below deck, no doubt indulging in his books. I’ll send someone to bring him to us.”

One of the sailors was sent after Lorian and the captain guided them to his quarters. If the ships had looked the same from the outside, they were worlds apart from within. At least, the captain’s quarters was.

Whereas the captain of the Windweaver preferred simplicity and modesty, captain Baernold of the Wavewatcher clearly enjoyed comfort and distraction. Several bookcases lined the walls of the room all filled to the last spot with books of all shapes and sizes. The empty spaces between the bookcases were taken up by several shelves displaying items from all over the realm.

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Samos recognized only few of the items as he took it all in. Moonstones from the Silver Mountains, dried eytelia leaves, a dagger with a makran hilt… Those were things he knew and had seen before. Other items he had never seen before and had no idea what they were. A pitch-black spearhead, a tiny purple rock that seemed to glow somehow, a model of a lean ship that had no sails nor oars, a tooth as long as his arm…

Baernold invited them to sit, snapping Samos away from his moment of wonder. Another man entered the room and was presented to Samos as Lorian Greyhaer, a Sealer who had been conducting the Testing here in Sandos. He was young, Samos guessed him the same age if maybe a few years older than Ralph.

“Is everything ready for departure here?” Ralph asked Baernold once introductions were done with.

The captain nodded. “We could leave in an hour if needed, given that all my sailors can be found before that time. I gave instructions to be back before nightfall as we might leave tomorrow morning.”

Ralph seemed satisfied with that. “Tomorrow morning it is. I’ve been discussing with captain Mooren of the Windweaver concerning our route of travel. Instead of taking the normal way, we’d like to cross the Inner Sea straight to Eresath.”

Both Baernold and Lorian seemed surprised at that, so Ralph informed them of the events that had transpired concerning the Warbringer and the rumours from Nokoroy.

“Both the risk of pirate ships north of the Archipelago and my desire to get to Eresath as soon as possible force me to this course of action. I’m well aware the waters of the Inner Sea are treacherous, but our ships are among the fastest and sturdiest in the realm.”

Samos knew not if the other men agreed with Ralph’s reasoning, but they agreed to the course of actions nonetheless.

“Now we have that out of the way.” Ralph continued. “How did the Testing fare here, master Lorian?”

Lorian grinned. “Better than expected if I might say so. Thirty-five Enhancers, fifteen Sealers, twenty-two Healers and five who will travel with us to be tested in Eresath for the Wiser Talent.”

Ralph eyed him suspiciously. “And… I know you’re holding something back.”

“Two Dovra’Sha,” Lorian said, earning a frown from Ralph. “Both with the talents of Healing and Sealing. I think it’s safe to say the Testing of Sandos is one to be remembered.”

Ralph nodded. “To be remembered indeed.” He seemed lost in thought for a moment. “Tell me Lorian, how many Dovra’Sha have we had the past ten years?”

Silence followed why Lorian seemed to recall certain memories. “As far as I’m aware, in the past decade there was only Ralog. In the decade before that there were two, Katsuyo and Hamadi.”

“That makes three in twenty years.” Ralph whispered and looked at Samos. He understood. “And now four have been discovered in a span of mere days.”

Lorian seemed confused. “What do you mean four?” Captain Baernold shared his confusion.

Ralph nodded at Samos, who took the word. “There have been two new Dovra’Sha discovered in Ters as well, master Lorian. My friend Yara and I both have two talents.”

Mouths agape, both Lorian and Baernold stared at Samos.

“Something is happening,” Ralph mumbled. Whereas the discovery of Samos and Yara had been a welcome experience, he did not seem to be at ease at all now.

“What do you mean, master Aëron?” Lorian inquired.

Ralph hesitated. “For now, nothing. It’s possible this is a mere coincidence, a fluke of chance. The last time a significant amount of new Dovra’Sha was discovered was some five-hundred years ago, when Gherald the Traitor laid waste to Titrith before being defeated by the Son’Sha Arthus Harwell.

“Both sides had many Dovra’Sha amongst their ranks, more than should have been possible. It was a time of war, death and sorrow. The power of the talents being used with malicious intent. I cannot help but wonder if such a time is upon us again, especially with the rumours emerging from Nokoroy.”

They sat in silence for a while, contemplating the possibilities.

Ralph was first to break the silence. “Baernold, send out messengers and make sure all sailors are back before dawn. Lorian, same for you. Get everyone who is travelling to Eresath on the ships so we can leave with first light. Samos, you’re with me. There’s business to attend to in the city.”

¥

When Samos found himself staring at the gates of Sandos’ royal palace, the only real tall building in the city, he was wondering what kind of business it was Ralph had waiting for him. The square in front of the palace was near-empty except for the two of them and the guards who stood watch at the gates. A strange sight compared to the busy streets they had just traversed to get here.

“Do as I do,” Ralph instructed him. “Don’t speak unless spoken to, keep your hand off your sword and keep eye-contact when addressed.”

Without waiting for an answer, he stepped forward towards the gates. “Ralph Aëron and Samos, Son’Sha and Dovra’Sha from Eresath seek an audience with queen Saliha.” He was addressing nobody in particular, but Samos had no doubt that behind those gates, the message was being relayed to someone with the necessary authority. Samos swallowed at the contents of the message. An audience with the queen…

Whilst they waited, Ralph turned to Samos. “They will think you are full Dovra’Sha,” he clarified. “No need to tell them otherwise. This way, they will remember your name and who you are. It’s never too early to start building a reputation.” He grinned at that, as if certain memories came to play.

A grinding of hinges could be heard and the gates slowly opened from the inside out. A servant dressed in expensive looking silk bowed at them and gestured for them to follow. They made their way through the corridors of the palace and Samos was amazed at its simplicity. There were no tapestries nor were there any paintings attached to the walls. Chandeliers lined the ceiling every thirty feet and were about the only decoration he could see.

Ralph saw him staring. “Long ago, Sandos was often the victim of pirate raids from the Archipelago. They had no desire for redundant luxuries as it would be just another reason for pirates to come rob it from them. Over half a millennium ago, queen Anoate drove back the raiding fleets and annexed the western islands of the Archipelago. The tradition stayed however, resulting in the palace you see now.”

They turned one last corner and suddenly found themselves in a small throne room. On each side, eight throne-like chairs stood made from stone. Each was occupied by men and women of all ages. At the end of the room, centred opposite the entrance, stood a larger version of the chairs. It was occupied by an older-looking woman. She was dressed simple yet regal, a dark-grey dress covering her body.

Queen Saliha, Samos knew.

Several of the men and women who occupied the other chairs stood up and bowed to Ralph, which he returned one by one. Strangely enough, they bowed to Samos as well. Awkwardly, he returned the gestures.

“A light comes to me and I obey,” the queen spoke up once the bowing stopped. “What news from the Order, Son Aëron?” Vaguely, Samos recognized the words the queen spoke as greeting.

“No news,” Ralph answered in a serious tone. “Only rumours I wish to confirm. Word has come to me of a pirate fleet amassing at Nokoroy. Linking this with other events that have transpired I fear something is brewing in the world.”

The queen waited a moment before answering. “I know the rumours all too well. Scouting ships have returned days ago with the confirmation you seek. The pirate lords of Nokoroy, who kept the balance by bothering only each other, have been murdered in their own city by someone who calls himself Warbringer. He has taken control over the city and has united the different fleets under his command.”

One of the women on the side spoke up. “There have been other rumours, claiming this Warbringer to be a rogue member of the Order. Could this be Ralog Brianneal?”

“Ralog is dead,” Ralph countered. “He has been murdered in his cell in Ters where I had put him.”

“That is at least some good news,” a men on the other side spoke up, earning a frown from the queen. “Still, there can be no denying this Warbringer is a trained Enhancer. They say he killed the ten pirate lords all by himself.”

Discussion flared up concerning the identity of the Warbringer, but order was quickly restored by queen Saliha as she held up her hands in a calming gesture.

“Whoever he is, it is obvious that the necessary caution should be taken. We will keep scouting ships near Nokoroy to observe and relay what occurs in the city to the other kingdoms of the realm. Ashana is no stranger to pirate attacks. If this Warbringer decides to launch an assault, we will not go down without a fight.”

She stood up and bowed before leaving the room through a door behind the throne. As the others once again began discussing the news, Ralph motioned Samos to follow.

“That’s it?” he asked confused. He was certain court meetings would last hours when news of this scale was unravelled.

Ralph shrugged. “Queen Saliha is a woman of few words, she trusts in her advisors to make the right decisions.”

They continued down the halls back the way they had come. Just as they stepped through the gate and onto the square, a messenger came running. Panting, he ran towards the guards and relayed the message.

Ralph’s expression grew dark as he listened in on the conversation. “It would seem queen Saliha need not worry about the pirates raiding her coasts. Eresath is under siege.”