Through the misty fog layered on the sea, the mistress of the ocean Triss Moonwave and her fleet of ships pulled into Tradewind City’s large port. Waiting on the docks stood Koda, Wildeye, and Elucard. The pirate queen stepped down the ship’s ramp and greeted Koda with a hearty handshake.
“King Dawnedge, I’m glad you are safe ‘n’ sound. Naonis smiles upon us. I just wish it were under better circumstances.”
“Tradewind has provided a much needed rest after a very hectic encounter in Rapscallion Cove.”
A royal blue passenger carriage with a gold plating of the Moonwave emblem on the door pulled up to the four. A valet bowed to his queen and opened the cab door.
“How about a ride to my villa? I’d like a more detailed story on who this Raze is. I only know a second hand account of what happened in that city.”
Koda and Wildeye stepped into the carriage and sat on the velvet cushioned seat opposite of Triss. Elucard gripped the edge of the carriage roof and hung just outside the door. Koda waited for the carriage to pull away from the docks before speaking.
“Raze is the leader of an anti-mage terrorist group. They are called the Spellbreakers and they appear to be highly organized and well established around the world,” explained Koda. “How Raze keeps on finding us is something we haven’t yet figured out, although we have our own theory.”
Triss furrowed her brow. “This wasn’t your first encounter?”
“We have dealt with Raze and his Spellbreakers in several cities now,” answered Wildeye
Tris rubbed her chin, deep in contemplation. “I’m guessing you suspect a spy in your crew?”
“It is the reason why we have left our escort,” said Wildeye. “We did not arrive on our own ship and we seem to be stranded at the moment.”
Triss gave the wolf a solemn nod. “I will see to it that you have a proper escort from now on.”
“We thank you Ocean Mistress Moonwave,” Koda said.
“You can count on it, King Dawnedge,” Triss said to Koda, giving him a wink. “I consider you a friend. Call me Triss.”
Koda politely bowed his head. “You may call me by my name as well.”
The carriage entered a gate community. Wealthy manors and villas lined the streets. Each one larger than the next. Finally the carriage pulled up to a lavish red stoned villa that Triss called home.
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
Koda, Wildeye, and Elucard each took a seat at a round teak table at the center of the open room. Windows stained in every shade of red made up the walls, bathing the warm-toned room in a soft blush, and airy curtains stirred in the light sea breeze. Worn maps of each of the dragon realms adorned the walls in hand-carved frames, and a polished spyglass rested on display near the windows, sun catching off a dent that belied its years of use. Koda's fingers grazed smooth ivy carved into the rosewood chair, admiring the craftsmanship, as a servant set an elegant tray of strawberry pastries before them and poured them each a cup of tea, the scent of blackberries wafting up on the steam. Wildeye took one, but frowned as the honey glaze made her claws sticky.
“Triss. I hoped we could originally meet about your presence at another council of nations. It is imperative that a representative of Abyss is there.”
“I have my pride, Koda.” Triss squeezed the hilt of her cutlass. “I have my pride and my people. Both were insulted at that meeting. The other royal folk see me as a criminal, unfit for my throne. As long as I have no respect from them, then I’m not showing back up.”
Koda pursed his lips and let out a deep sigh. “What if I sponsor you? Have your back, as you might say.”
“You’d vouch for me?” asked Triss.
“Of course!”
Triss looked out a small ruby colored window. She spoke again, now with a pensive tone. “If Abyss has one of these seals you keep going on about. I’m not looking forward to it breaking. To destroy my realm with tidal waves and violent storms—or whatever doom it will bring to my shores.”
“That is what this council wishes to stop from happening, or…I want it too,” Koda explained. “If we all heard each other’s voices, then I know we will be united to save our planet.”
“I want to protect the seal and If you have my back, then I will seize my respect!” Triss said while punching her hand. “Consider me at your meeting.”
***
A robust golden moon hung in a star-filled night. A cool breeze blew through Koda’s hair as he, Wildeye, Stryneth, and Rain strolled through Tradewind’s lush park.
Raine plucked a pink orchid and took a long whiff from it. “Tradewind is beautiful. It is too bad we are leaving tomorrow. I wish we could stay here longer.”
“Indeed it is, Raine,” agreed Wildeye. “But its beauty can not compare to the enchantment of Nashoon’s forest.”
“Hm,” Raine murmured. “I recall the Crystal Woods in Stratus. The trees are coated from top to bottom with ice. When dawn’s sun hit them just right, they lit up like a rainbow.”
“That does sound pretty,” said Wildeye.
Stryneth put a firm hand on Raine and Koda’s shoulders. “While I have you two here. Have you changed your mind about challenging my school? If not, may I suggest Abyssiana? They may test your skills as well as I would, but still have a respectful school.”
Koda gave Raine a knowing eye. “We’ve decided we want to duel you, Master Stryneth.”
The elder mage gave them a short chuckle. “Well then, how would the two of you fancy a two-on one-battle?”
Raine and Koda smiled at each other.
“Yes please!” Raine hooted.
“Then our next stop will be Water City Jhoone,” Stryneth said with a wide grin.