Rubbing my hands together, I grinned excitedly at the prompt in front of me. “Do I want to learn this spell?” I asked rhetorically before blowing a raspberry. Not waiting an instant longer, I eagerly clicked ‘yes.’ Like a torrent, information crashed into and over any barrier in my mind. Arcane knowledge settled into places that felt like they had been designed to hold this influx of information. In reality, it only took a moment to complete. From my perspective, hours had passed. I knew.
Congratulations! New Spell Unlocked: Lesser Chained Lightning.
[Lesser Chained Lightning]. A bolt of electrical energy lashes out from the caster’s hand, striking a hostile target within 30 feet, causing 80 health plus 4n damage, where ‘n’ equals Intelligence. In addition, up to three extra bolts of lightning fork to strike additional hostile targets as long as those targets are within 30 feet of the subsequent target. Note – Only a single bolt may strike any one target and damage decreases by 10% for each new target struck. Cost: 75 mana. Cast Time: 1 second. Cool down: 10 seconds. Plus 1 additional forked lightning (if a new target is available), plus 3 feet range per four spell levels.
“Exactly what I was hoping for,” I said after reading the spell description. Doing some quick mental math, my initial lightning bolt would do nearly one thousand points of damage. From there, the damage dropped a small amount with each new target struck, up to four enemies currently. This spell could quickly become one of my favorites because of one simple reason. It only hit unfriendliness.
Fireball, as it was so aptly named, detonated into a large ball of fire. The problem with such a spell was the damage was indiscriminate, meaning you could hit friendly targets as well. Or, as I needed to do in Tsurra’s tomb, myself with it detonating too close. This is where chain lightning comes in. This new chained lightning spell was, in a way, the best of both worlds. It put out a large amount of damage and wouldn’t harm any of my allies.
I couldn’t wait to test out and level the spell. “As this is the ‘lesser’ type, it means the spell can level up to a maximum of twenty-five, right Stell? Capable of striking eight different enemies when it’s maxed.”
“I’m happy you are so thrilled,” Stella replied honestly. “I can’t wait to see it too. I know, for myself, I never want to be on the receiving end of this particular spell. Actually, nearly every one of your spells, though regen would probably feel nice. If I could take damage, that is.”
“We should test out,” I was saying when I was interrupted as Natasha was walking back towards us. I slightly turned my face to Stella and spoke out the side of my mouth. “Soon.”
Natasha had a happy expression on her face, hopefully about to deliver some good news. “You’re in luck. There is a ship planning on departing soon, it’s called the Moon Siren. It’s captained by a man named, Garrin Larsa. I’ve heard of him before and he has a good reputation. He is planning to depart tomorrow, going upriver to the capital city of Allerton tomorrow.”
Before I could ask a question, Natasha pressed on as if she already knew my next question. “The harbor master said we could probably get him to ship out sooner, we’ll just need to speak with him.”
“Great, which ship is his – the Moon Siren?” I asked Natasha as I looked towards the two docked ships. One had a single mast with a flag of a flying crow on it. The other was far larger, almost twice as long. It had three masts with far more sails. I was eager to get going, knowing one of these ships could grant us the best chance so far of catching up to Duke, if not arriving at the capital before him.
“It’s the triple-masted one, on the right side there.” As she spoke, Natasha pointed out a hand before leading us down the gangway. We followed closely behind her. Gusts of wind and splashing water reached upwards to land on the wooden board beneath us. The dock creaked and cracked from the weight of our passing, indicating it would need some maintenance soon. “I’ve been told the captain is a friendly fellow and would likely appreciate the added strength from a friendly Hunter.”
As we approached the schooner, a hail reached our ears from somewhere above deck. We were soon greeted by a tall, lanky fellow with skin darker than anyone else we had seen in town. After Natasha introduced us and asked to see the captain, we were ushered on board with a polite hand. The main deck of the ship was definitely busier than the docks. The crew of the Moon Siren were busy unloading cargo via ropes and pulleys onto the pier. From there, teams of men used push carts to take the goods to a nearby warehouse. All of the men had the same dark-tanned skin as the first crewmember we met.
We were led towards the back of the ship, up a small flight of stairs to what was known as ‘sterncastle deck’ and then beyond into the captain’s quarters. The sailor knocked on the captain’s door and was answered with a quick reply of ‘Enter.’ Though the voice was somewhat muted as it passed through the closed door, it reminded me of a musical sing-song voice. Almost elvish. Perhaps the captain wasn’t human.
Our guide opened the double doors and waved us in. The captain’s quarters were well furnished, everything appearing to be tied down so as to not wander with the natural roll of a gliding ship. Several candles were lit, though ample light came from the stained glass windows at the rear of the cabin. This Captain Larsa seemed to appreciate the finer parts of life. He was bent over a large oak table in the middle of the room, a map flattened out before him with brass weights holding the parchment down. The rich and sweet smell of treated wood permeated the enclosed space.
Captain Larsa was human, though there were subtle hints of elven features on him such as long ears, but they didn’t come to a point like mine. He had a strong, sharp jawline, his thin mustache tightly manicured. He wore an elegant red shirt, with tan breeches. Twin scabbard scimitars hung on his hips. He held the poise of nobility, though not a hint of arrogance radiated from him. Only pride and distinction, from what I could tell thus far, came from him as he leaned back from the table, coming to his full height.
“Greetings,” the man said, his voice pleasant and friendly. “I am Captain Larsa. This is my ship the Moon Siren.” Larsa came around the table, crossing the space between us with an outstretched hand. I took it, noticing the firm grip of his calloused palm. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Hello, Captain. I am Xaz, mayor of Merton,” I replied somewhat awkwardly as I used my newest title. I was hoping it would lend weight for the man to help us join him on his trip to the capital, and a day earlier than he was intending. “Natasha, and the harbor masters before her, let us know your plan to leave for the capital city of Allerton. We were hoping to join you, as well as, to hopefully persuade you to leave early.”
“Is that so?” Larsa asked. “I can’t say I knew the old mayor well before his passing, but I have heard rumors of what you’ve done for this town from my men. If what I’ve learned of you is a representation of the new kind of mayor you will be, I would be happy to grant you passage with us. However, we will need to come to an agreement regarding payment for you and your group.” Larsa paused before continuing, “Or, as I see you are a Hunter of some repute, perhaps an understanding can come between us to cover your group’s fare.”
“I would be amenable,” I replied.
“Excellent, meeting a Hunter is often a rare thing,” Larsa said. “Rarer still is one who uses his unique gifts and talents to help others. Thus, I would be eager to hire your strength and protection for my ship and crew. Bandits do claim parts of the river, waylaying merchant ships, though most wouldn’t dare to touch my vessel.” The man’s eyes had a firm quality to them. Here was a man not to be taken lightly when it came to his ship and his crew. All were clearly important to him. He struck me as an honorable man.
Stella appeared enamored by the handsome man. She finally mustered the courage to speak, if I knew her as well as I thought I did based on the expression she had been wearing on her canine mug. “More than fair, we would readily sign up. You’ll have our support, as well as our minion and cat companion. Though, that leaves the matter of disembarking this very day. Is there anything we can do to help you make an earlier departure?”
Larsa looked to Stella, then nodded at Ripley who stood protectively. “We still have some cargo to unload, so if you and your large friend there could help my men complete the task, I would see no reason we couldn’t leave as soon as it’s done.”
Larsa held out a hand which I shook in agreement with the terms. He turned his attention to the sailor standing near the open doorway. “Number one, please show our friends to the guest berthing below deck then show them to the cargo hold.” Larsa turned back to me and Stella, looking between us, “Unless there is anything else you would like to discuss?”
“No, not at this time,” Stella replied. “Thank you, Captain.”
Larsa gave a slight chuckle then waved a hand at her words, “Please, call me Larsa. My men call me captain more than to my liking.”
Larsa’s first mate slammed the heel of his boot to the deck, eliciting a spook from Stella. “That we do, captain. Sir,” the man said proudly, a widening grin growing on his pockmarked face. It was some good-natured rubbings between old comrades. I liked Larsa even more for it.
We said our goodbyes to Natasha and bid her well in my absence. She assured me when I returned to the town, it would be restored to its former glory.
Larsa’s first officer led us to our cabin before returning to his duties. It felt like being in a wooden coffin as small as it was, but it had the basic amenities to meet our needs. I didn’t plan on being in here much during the trip. When we moved to return above deck, Lowki remained behind, filling the cushioned bed, his legs hanging over the edge.
“I don’t think he likes the sway of the deck,” Stella said as I tried to get him to come with us. Lowki growled in agreement.
The next two hours were a blur as Ripley and I assisted in offloading the remaining wooden boxes and crates. With our strength attributes, we made quick work of it, so said the men grateful for our assistance. A sailor named Kurt told us we should consider signing on for a season or two, saying we had picked up the work of a half-dozen men. Considering our strength attributes, I could see how we accomplished the work so quickly. Ripley, although she still had no facial expression I could discern, beamed at the compliment. Maybe it showed in her eyes.
The day was warm with a gentle breeze carrying over the railing as Larsa and his men got us underway. The ship had a crew of twenty well-trained and capable men by my untrained approximation. I still hadn’t learned the first mate’s name, having only been called directly as ‘Number One’ by the captain. When I asked a crewman, he only grinned in response. When I was near Number One, he only stared at me before carrying out his duties.
“Alright then, keep your secrets,” I said when he was out of earshot.
“Remember not everyone likes Hunters,” Stella said at my side. She caught my disheartened expression. I had thought the man was simply being coy, not thinking he instead disliked me because of what I was. “You’ll win him over, I’m sure,” she was quick to add.
With the river flowing under the hull, we made a decent pace, so said Larsa when he caught me looking up at the plethora of sails catching the wind. We met the ship’s cook shortly thereafter, a wide man named Gus. Clearly in love with his craft, his gut protruding over a thick belt, the man was nonetheless a professional. His tunic was spotless, he greeted the ship’s newest passengers with a hearty demeanor.
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When his afternoon chili hit my taste buds, I knew he was worth his weight in gold to the captain and the crew. It was incredibly delicious and I told the man as much. He stood a little taller, even though his head only reached my shoulders.
Stella liked him profusely, asking if he had anything he could make specially for her. “Do you have any fish? But not tuna,” she exclaimed. “Oh, I heard salmon is lovely though I’ve never had the fortune to try it.”
Gus promised her a surprise during the evening dinner and got back to his work in the hold’s kitchen. Stella wouldn’t stop talking about what it could be for the rest of the afternoon. She probably came up with a thousand guesses as we explored the vessel. Larsa had suggested we familiarize ourselves, so I smiled and nodded each time Stella had another ‘sudden and brilliant idea’ of what it was going to be.
We quickly became friends with the captain and at least a few crew members. The seasoned men were good people and loved life on the water. I learned Larsa had been a sailor for nearly his entire life, having been found abandoned as a babe by his soon-to-be mentor, Captain Rustle. Larsa explained he learned everything he knew from the proud man. Larsa explained how he tried to emulate his mentor the best he could. With how the crew responded to Larsa’s orders unflinchingly, I knew he had accomplished it.
Our first day was uneventful, though plenty educational. I was pleased with the break as it had seemed we had been rushing headlong from battle to battle. Finally, with the help of Captain Larsa, the first mate worked with me, giving me instructions enough to pick up the sailing skill. Although, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get it to level two. The first mate was still standoffish with me, but at least we had broken the no-speaking barrier he had fronted.
While I had many successes in picking up the terminology and lingo of the sailor life, embarrassment rushed through me with how long it took me to memorize the difference between port and starboard. “Left, right; port, starboard,” I said. “Like you’re reading a book from left to right.” Unfortunately for me, after repeating the saying out loud a few times, Stella caught wind of my whispered mantra. She proceeded to pick on me for it for the next hour, at least. She only finally stopped when I had faked a lunge towards her as she rested on the main deck’s rail as if I was going to push her into the river. She didn’t so much as flinch, but conceded to my request to go easy on me.
By late afternoon, I finally worked up the courage to scramble up to the crow’s nest, far up the center mast. There, I met an elvish man named Tallos. Other sailors called him, ‘Tal,’ as a nickname, though only because he despised the moniker. He was rather tall, even for an elf.
Tallos was sharp-witted and had an equally keen eye. A bow and full quiver always hung over his shoulder, ready in a heartbeat if necessary. Speaking with him in private well above the prying ears, I came to know him. He had a presence, a way about him. It spoke of years of practice with the bow after countless battles and skirmishes. We shared stories until late in the evening. Promising to bring him up an evening meal, for he was going to work through the evening since his elvish heritage blessed him with infravision exactly like my own, I worked my way back down to the deck. It was slow-going work, as I had to pause several times to maintain my balance.
A short time later, most of the crew gathered below deck to enjoy a fantastically seasoned stew courtesy of the Siren’s cook, Gus. Boiled vegetables were expertly seasoned and melted in the mouth. The thick cuts of perfectly roasted beef propelled my opinions of the exuberant man. Variations of ‘damn, this is good,’ to ‘Gus is a godsend,’ fluttered in the crew galley. I couldn’t agree more with their compliments. The man was a genius in the kitchen. When I complimented the cook shortly thereafter, he rewarded with me a second bowl along with a whispered, “Keep this a secret from the rest of the crew. Best eat it in your cabin.”
Smiling the whole while, I was happy to agree. My cabin was perfectly fine, though Lowki wouldn’t budge from his spot on the bed. Tempting him with a juicy piece of beef earned me enough room to rest comfortably.
Tallos was thrilled when I followed through on my promise, bringing him a bowl of the wonderous stew. I had only been able to do so by storing it away in my inventory. “Normally, I only get to eat dried biscuits and ratios while on duty,” my new friend had said. “Promise me you’ll do the same tomorrow and I’ll show you how to shoot a bow without tearing your arm to shreds.”
In my previous conversations with the elf, Tallos had known I was curious about learning to shoot a bow. So, it was an easy bargain to strike. “Deal,” I replied, the offer more than fair.
Stella had been wandering around on her own, mostly hanging around Gus from what I could gather. So, when I returned to our cabin of the evening, I found her lounging belly up on top of Lowki’s sleeping form. Apparently, Gus had expertly grilled her a delectable T-bone steak. She swore me to secrecy after I finally got her to tell me what Gus had made for her. “Those steaks are supposed to be for Larsa,” Stella said conspiratorially. “Promise me you won’t tell him.” With how blissful she appeared; I easily made the promise.
“Little glutton,” I amusedly uttered under my breath as I pulled out a sleeping bag. I would need to rest on the rolling floor since the bed was wholly taken by Stella and Lowki. With her engorged stomach pointing proudly outwards, Stella only smiled back at me, easily hearing my words. It had been a good day.
My mind wandered back to earlier when I found myself on the main deck, staring up at the sky. A million glints of starlight shone down, bringing peace into my heart. Captain Larsa had walked up behind me, light-heartedly slapping my back. “Now you know why I love it out here,” he had said before wishing me a good night.
As I moved to return to my room, where the gluttonous Stella awaited, I learned more about the small night crew responsible for navigating at night. I was surprised to find the entirety of the evening crew was made up of half-elves and elves. Captain Larsa had hired these men specifically because of their infravision and how it helped the group steer the ship clear of any hazards. Many a ‘hail’ was sent my way in passing, owing to our shared heritage. I made a promise to myself to stay up one evening soon so I could get to know these friendly souls.
The next day also passed uneventfully. Uneventful, but especially enjoyable for me. Beyond an early morning thunderstorm, the rest of the day aboard the Moon Siren had to be the best I could recall in a long time. Stella was great, don’t get me wrong. But, working hand in hand with members of the skilled crew, conversing over a wide array of topics with Larsa, and getting to know Tallos far better allowed me to realize how much I needed these types of connections in my life.
Captain Larsa had a similar outlook on life to my own, doing what he could to make the world around him a better place. He was a font of knowledge and I was grateful for the time with him. Though my sailing skills still wouldn’t level up with his tutelage, my knowledge grew as the minutes flew by. Stella shared with me later after I complained to her about the lack of progress with my sailing skills, saying it was not too uncommon. “You’re not actually piloting the vessel,” she had said. “Not really you since Larsa and the helmsmen are guiding your every action. You know, making sure you don’t somehow crash us into the riverbed. We were fortunate a few times, even considering how wide the river is. Luck was…”
Stella would have kept going too if not for the wooden spoon I sent soaring her way. She winked at me after effortlessly dodging the utensil, floating lazily out our cabin window to quickly return to the upper deck.
“Little rat,” I grumbled to the motionless Lowki. “You know how it is, right?”
Lowki didn’t respond, other than shifting a massive paw into a more comfortable position.
The next day came and went, day three of our voyage. I was pleasantly surprised at how much time I ended up spending with Tallos. We forged a quick bond and he reminded me a great deal of a friend I had known back on Earth. With his oversight, I quickly acquired the archery skill. While I continued to struggle to hit any target called out by the elf, like a particular tree, I was getting closer to hitting the mark.
Later when I was mingling with Larsa, he held out a flat palm my way. “That’ll be a gold coin if you please,” he had said without clarifying. Not understanding, I nonetheless fished a golden coin from my inventory and placed it in his hand. It disappeared from sight with a quick motion before Larsa let me know why I had paid him a small fortune. “That’s to replace the arrows you’ve been wasting up there. Oh, don’t worry. I’ll let you know when you’ll need to hand over another.”
Pretty sure I was being overcharged, likely a fun game for the wizened man, I was happy to comply. Going further, I flipped him two more gleaming pieces. “There, to cover me for the next few days.” He chuckled and the coins soon vanished with a flourish of a moment.
Whenever I made the tedious journey up to the crow’s nest, I was sure to take a couple of quivers with me. Unlike my sailing skills, my archery skill was progressing, albeit slowly. I reached level three by the end of the third day, a proud fact Stella heard no end of for the rest of the day. When I said I wanted to find an enchanted bow, she stared at me for a minute straight, unblinking. “You. Have. Spells,” she said flatly. I didn’t bring it up again, not with her at least.
Per Larsa, we had another day and a half’s worth of travel before reaching the capital. I knew immediately I would be missing him and Tallos specifically, but also the entire crew when we disembarked. Larsa didn’t voice out the same, he didn’t seem the type, but I could see how much he valued our time together through the way he smiled at me and Stella.
For the most part, Lowki remained below deck in our cabin, though he did make an appearance at least once a day, mostly to relieve himself and nab some uncooked meat courtesy of the friendly cook. Lowki was extremely wary of the water rushing by us on all sides of the ship. I assured our sea-sick friend he was welcome to stay in our cabin as long as he wanted. I always left the door cracked so he could come out if he wanted to.
Ripley, for her part, remained stationary next to the wheel and the tight-lipped first mate. The only part of her to move was her head as she slowly gazed back and forth between the two banks. While some people found her to be a bit creepy, I learned from Number One, her presence was reassuring. He said it was like having a warrior covering him with absolute concentration. I wasn’t about to complain to the man slowly opening up to me.
Everything was going so smoothly, but trouble found us on the fourth day. When it did, trouble decided to make itself known in a big, and bloody way.
I was on the sterncastle deck, standing near the helmsman, conversing with Larsa when a call came from the crow’s nest. I quickly recognized Tallos’ voice, though it carried an unfamiliar edge to the tone.
“Derelict ship, dead ahead,” the shout called out, getting the crew moving with thousands of hours of practiced motions evident. Larsa’s entire attitude changed, going from jovial to on-guard in an instant.
“Expecting trouble?” I asked with some trepidation hinting in my voice. I wasn’t scared, not for myself, but I had come to enjoy my minute with the Siren and her crew. Seeing Larsa’s posture, my gut sang a warning of an approaching fight.
“Maybe, maybe not. You can never be too careful though,” Larsa answered, his eyes never leaving the river ahead.
Coming around a bend in the river, I finally spotted it. Tallos called down, the ship appeared to be heavily damaged, the top sail gone, the mast blackened as if it had been on fire.
“It’s still afloat,” Larsa muttered near me, concern evident in his voice. With his words, my curiosity peaked. The derelict ship did appear to have been burnt to a crisp with how blackened the wood looked. The river narrowed with the vessel riding high against a tall riverbank.
Larsa caught my inquisitive look. “If it had been on fire, I’d have expected it to have sunk. Not wrecked up against the river bank. Something is amiss.”
While the ruined ship wasn’t blocking our path, the narrowing river meant we would need to traverse right across it. “Is it just me,” I said to Larsa. “Or does that look like the perfect ambush point. The Siren would all but lose her ability to maneuver.”
“Exactly what I am thinking,” Larsa responded. “You’d make a good officer.” The captain called out for his men to arm themselves. His order repeated across the ship, another voice down the line calling it. Cutlasses were unsheathed from a chest that had been ordered up. More than one bow was also strung and held at the ready. Arrows notched.
“At the ready, men. If danger is afoot, let’s not allow the Siren to be caught sleeping.” Captain Larsa called out in a firm voice.
“Stella, go get Lowki up here, quickly,” I directed. With haste, she moved below deck, taking the shortcut to our cabin through the window she had been abusing for days. In seconds, Lowki was by my side, all hesitation and wariness gone from his confident strides. No one flinched when he made his presence known. Everyone wanted his formidable strength nearby.
When Stella returned to my side, I began looking over my buffs. Ripley’s necrotic aura was up like always, it was permanent after all and, thankfully, only affected hostile targets. I recast my minor shielding. Beyond those, I only had my song of travel buff which was ineffective in combat. I cast it all the same because it may help us close the distance if indeed a fight was on hand.
I needed more buffs, I thought to myself. Another thing to add to our growing to-do list.
“Helmsman, take us ahead with the wreck on our port side,” Larsa commanded.
“Stella, do you see anything?” I asked. “I don’t see any nameplates or hostile tags. That’s a good thing, right?”
“Yes, and no. Nameplates won’t show if the target is hidden from view, either by magical or mundane means.” Stella said, her voice calm even given the possibility of a threat ahead.
I mentally went through my spell list, trying to plan out a sequence of spells should it come to it. My gut said it would, so I prepared myself. Eyeing up a new addition, chained lightning would be the first, I was dying to use it after all.
As the seemingly desolate ship came close, to my eyes, it looked as expected. An abandoned ship, seemingly set ablaze days before. As we drew near, the boat wasn’t ruined.
It was covered in ash, as if smeared on by hand. My eyes picked out sections of water that had splashed a section clean, showing a pristine hull underneath. About to cry out a warning, Larsa had beat me to it.
“Ambush,” Larsa yelled out, but it was too late. The trap had been sprung.