I landed a far distance from Garrett's cottage. It had been a number of weeks since I saw him and Lori, though I did feel a small amount of sadness that Benny wasn’t here with me for my second visit. I remembered that Lori wanted a sword for some reason and decided to give her Benny’s old sword. It, along with most of the things of value to me were inside Baelathor’s Saddle bags. I walked calmly through the forest, taking in the fine morning air until I reached a large cluster of fallen trees, where I first tested the radiant lance spell.
Half an hour later I reached the cottage. The backyard had a low fence, and I could see Lori, who was now an inch taller chasing a few chickens. From this distance I could see the necklace I had gifted her. It was worn over her dark blue dress.
“MOON.” Lori shouted as I approached.
I smiled and waved. Her loud shout apparently alarmed Garrett and not a minute later he came through the back door. He gave me a sad and almost knowing smile. I hopped the small fence, and Lori immediately wrapped me in a hug.
“Where’s Benny?” she asked,
I sighed, wondering how to explain to a child that she was dead.
“She’s moved on sweetheart.” Garett said. Apparently, he knew of Benny’s fate. Not surprising, since the story was rather popular. It is one of the reasons I landed so far outside the village.
“Like Momma?” Benny asked worriedly.
Benny buried her face into my chest trying to hide tears. She was getting taller, almost 4’5. At only 9 years old she will likely grow taller than I am.
I never shed a single tear for Benny, perhaps I grieve differently or maybe something is fundamentally broken within me.
“Would you like some tea, Moon?” Garette asked.
“Yes, I think I would.”
It took some time for Lori to calm down. Apparently, she had seen Benny as something of a big sister even though they only spent a few hours with each other. The fast attachment was probably due to how isolated these two were out here. After sending Lori to her room to finish her numbers, Garette and I were finally able to speak in earnest.
“I'm sorry about Benny Moon.” Garett said.
We sat at the small dining table, each with a cup of tea in front of us. “It’s alright. I repaid her death a hundred-fold. You did warn me how dangerous it could be.”
“Anyone can be blinded by their own power, especially those with immense talent. Do you feel any better now that those responsible have been brought to justice?”
“It does give me some relief, but for the most part I feel nothing.” These were probably the first true words on Benny's death I have spoken to someone else.
“Vengeance isn't as sweet as most people think, especially when you have nothing else to live for.”
I looked into his brown eyes, still curious about why he owed Sten but if he doesn't bring it up, I won't ask.
“Speaking from experience? "I inquired, trying to get the answer.
He held my gaze for a few moments. Stern and unwavering, no I wouldn't be learning about that today. “Yes.”
“Do you regret your vengeance?” Garett asked.
“Not for a single moment, but I do feel that I am missing something.” I said.
I didn't know when our conversation turned into a therapy session, but who else was I going to talk to?
“Perhaps you should find another apprentice?”
“Humans with magical ability are rare enough but I don't think I want another one.”
“You need someone, Moon. Someone to both depend and rely upon. Being atop the pyramid is a lonely existence.”
“I plan on going east to an island called Moriah, perhaps I will find something there.”
He looked surprised, “You intend on settling there?”
With a sly smile I answered, “I intend to make myself its king.”
Garett chuckled and said. “You never fail to surprise me.”
“Perhaps when I rule the country you and Lori can come visit. “He actually looked receptive to the idea.
“I’ve never considered leaving the empire's Borders.”
“It's a wide world Garette and I want to see more of it.”
“Word is that Princess Morianne is displeased with you. “He inquired.
“She is. And that's one of the reasons I came to see you. I've never mentioned you to anyone, but I can't say the same for the other members of the bronze spears. And thus, I can't guarantee that there won't be people at some point asking questions.”
“You believe there is danger to us?” He asked.
“I'm sorry but it's possible. I have very few people in the world that I trust and it's not impossible for someone to find out who or where you are. That is partially why I made this.” I went to my carrying case I had placed in a corner of the room. He had eyed it more than a few times, no doubt curious about what was inside.
I brought it over to the table and opened the case removing the top half of Eclipse.
“By all the gods.” Garett said his voice filled with astonishment.
“This is Eclipse, my amplifier.” I couldn't help but chuckle at his bewildered expression. With a smile I said.
“The light amplifier is a little over ten times and the shadow amplifier is a six.”
“The Mithrite, it's different.” He was looking into the ether at this point.
“Royal Mithrite, the elves call it. It conducts ether with no loss or resistance. So, I can push the amplification much higher than normal. I haven't delved too deeply into its potential. “I explained though he didn't seem to be listening.
“Would you like to try it?” I asked.
He couldn't help himself.
“Yes,” he said. I tossed it to him. He caught and held it with as much care as one would a child.
Without prompting, he created the spell circuit for radiant carapace and gave it a slight overcharge before releasing the spell on himself.
“Glorious, I barely used any of my stamina.”
Then he created another circuit, a shadow spell by the sigils. Then he cast it on himself. It was far more difficult than before; such was the toll of using the opposite attenuation to one's affinity. He pinched himself with considerable force shaking his head. The numb spell, I'll have to have him teach me that.
“Moon, this staff, what is it worth? Millions? No more, this shadow gem is too powerful.”
“It is from Agron the Defiler's own amplifier.” He handed me the staff as if it would spontaneously combust.
“Not millions. There is no price for it. How did you manage to convince the royal family to part with it?”
“I didn't, Denerif did.”
He raised an eyebrow clearly, confused.
“The First Prince was involved, so I made a bargain to not pursue vengeance and not make an enemy of the entire empire. Morianne wouldn't give up her brother without a fight.”
He sniffed and gave me a withering glance. “As if that would stop you.” Then, he realized immediately why I didn't go through with it. “You intend to make yourself the king of Moriah.”
“Precisely.”
I replaced the staff and brought out another amplifier. This was in the form of a much smaller staff three inches shorter than a typical forearm. I decided not to use royal mithrite even then it was still a 3.5 times amplifier. I made it nondescript and almost unimpressive.
“You never know when you might need some extra power.”
“I can't accept this moon.” Garett said in haste.
“Please. It would do me a world of good to know you can handle yourself.
Garette sighed; his honor warred with his desire to have an amplifier.
“Again, I have nothing to offer.”
I held up my hand and said, “I want nothing, though if you feel you must repay me, you could teach me that numbing spell.”
“Paralysis, at low power. It numbs the sense of pain. I’ve never successfully cast it before.”
I returned Eclipse to its case and said. “So, we have a deal?” I asked.
No mage would turn away a free amplifier no matter how honorable.
“I must find a way to repay you some day.”
“What's that? “Lori asked. Apparently, she was eavesdropping. Garett sighed and said. “Come Lori, you can join us.”
She sheepishly exited her room to join us. “It's an amplifier for a mage.” He explained.
“I wish I was a mage.” Lori said, her eyes fixated on the glowing gem.
I gave a curious glance to Garette before he shook his head.
“I do have a gift for you as well. I do recall you wanted a sword, yes?” I looked at Garette and he nodded.
“Though you will have to grow into it. This was the first sword I got when I woke up in the forest. I gave it to Benny and now I will give it to you.”
The blade from the goblin cave was rewrapped with a new hilt scabbard and along the blade was my own enchantment work. It was polished to a mirror shine with a razor edge; the enchantment behind the blade made it practically indestructible. It would be worth hundreds of gelding on the open market. I drew the blade for her to see the fine edge of the longsword, then sheathed it and handed it to Garett.
“That's for when you're older.” I said with a smile. She pouted.
I wasn't going to hand the deadly weapon over to her. But she could be an investment in the future.
“Say thank you to Moon.” Garett said.
She scampered over and signaled me to stand at her lean down to her height. I figured she wanted to whisper something to me. She gave me a peck on the cheek and said “Thanks Moon” then ran off to her room.
I laughed at her antics.
“She is adorable.” I said to Garett.
“She is the beat of my heart.” He said as he watched her run away.
“Now come student, it’s time for you to learn Paralysis.” He said taking the old tone he had when I first started to learn.
I adopted the role of the eager student and said. “Yes master.” then gave him a formal bow.
Four hours later.
Garett and I shared a simple bottle of wine. It wasn't high quality, but any alcohol in good company was delicious. We had discussed what was the best approach to keep Lori and himself safe. So far no one has made any inquiry about them. This was a good enough sign that there was no interest in him. The villagers were rather loyal to him, and no one wanted to lose access to a light mage. He promised to head to Duchess Hearthaven if anyone started to inquire about him. She would protect him, and our faux relationship would be enough to give her protection.
With that, all my dealing within Vendalia was finished, now was the time to leave. Garette Lori and I walked through the forest to where Baelathor had landed. It was the same clearing where I tested radiant lance. They were rather excited to meet Baelathor. It was rather pleasing that Garette trusted me enough to not question if Lori would be safe.
“So that is Baelathor.” Garette said in awe. Then he focused his eyes to see him through the ether. “My word, Moon.” he said. Even more astonished.
“I know, I went rather overboard with his creation.” I said.
“Can I ride it?” Lori said, her voice was full of cheer. The girl had no fear in her, that's for sure.
“Are you sure of your control?” Garette asked.
“Pick a tree.” I said.
He shrugged and pointed at a particularly large oak, nearly 50 feet tall.
“Baelathor rip that out of the ground and drop it here.” I pointed in front of me.
He groaned in annoyance but obeyed regardless. The sound of him tearing the tree out of the ground was deafening. Then he slowly put the tree down in front of us, careful not to hit us with the branches.
“The wonders never cease with you.” Garette said.
“That sounds like a yes. Oh my, his eyes are so pretty.” Lori said. How a 9-year-old can meet the eye of a monster several thousand times her size without fear perplexed me to no end.
“I have several harnesses, and the saddle is quite large so we can all fly.” I said with a large smile.
“I'm going to regret this.” Garette said.
Ten minutes later, and all three of us were nearly a mile high with me in the front and Lori and Garette behind me. The harness was rather robust, and I kept an iron will on Baelathor to not make any sudden movements.
“This is the best.” Lori yelled over the wind. They were all strapped tightly to the saddle. Umber’s work and my enchantment made the saddle not even creak with the increased weight.
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
We flew for over an hour passing, Vernon flying over mountains and disturbing flocks of migrating birds. We flew through clouds, over the mountains of Ruben and low over the city of Vernon. The sun would be down soon, and I had to be in Shorecast in the morning. We landed and disembarked.
Garette looked like he wanted to kiss the ground while Lori seemed like she could stay in the air her entire life if she could.
“I wish I had a wyvern; I would fly every day.” Lori said. Her hair was a mess from the wind, but she was all smiles.
“I suppose this will be the last we see of you for some time.” Garette said.
“Yes, it will take time to deal with Moriah, but if I am king be sure that you would be an honored guest. Who knows maybe you would find island life to your taste.”
“I don’t know, I’ve never considered leaving the empire. I have family in the capitol after all.” I do recall he had an older daughter in the capitol.
“Come, walk with us back to the house.” Garette said.
“Sure.”
“Race you,” Lori said and sprinted off. I raised an eyebrow at Garette.
“Don't worry about her, she knows this forest like the back of her hand.” I just shrugged. She did have a carapace on her and the walk wasn't long.
“With that sword no doubt her dreams of becoming some great warrior will be permanently solidified in her mind. I'm still not sure whether you were doing that on purpose.”
I shrugged, “She is young and will likely grow out of it, in truth I didn't know what to do with the sword. Giving it to her seems like as good an option as any.”
“Not a week ago she asked me to let her train with the village boys. I would prefer it if she had a safe and comfortable life. Not one fraught with danger.” He gave me a knowing glance. I had told him most of the story about what happened to Benny.
I see. He didn't want Lori chasing dreams of being a warrior through me and possibly ending up like my former apprentice.
“I understand.” I said, giving him a small nod. Then I decided to give him an out. He had misgivings about continued association with me, there was danger after all.
“If you wish, this can be the last time we see each other. I will never seek either you or Lori and your names will never leave my lips to anyone.” I meant every word.
Garette was silent for long moments, his gaze never leaving mine. To my utter surprise I felt fear. Fear of rejection. Were Allyssia’s words, correct? Am I becoming soft? When did that start happening?
“Don't insult me, Moon. You are a friend and will always be welcome. I will try to steer her way from her dreams of being a warrior; perhaps I shouldn't have shared so much about her mother. But if that day comes and she decides to go out into the world and carve a life for herself using the sword, better it be with as much advantage as possible. I will not be here forever. I am only 45 but I can feel myself slowing down.”
“Age is a medical condition, and I can easily reverse its effects.” I said with confidence.
“No, I do not wish for a longer life, only that I die with no regrets.” I was rather surprised. Most people would jump at the opportunity.
It's his choice in the end.
“Goodbye Garette. It will likely be some time before I see you again.”
He offered me a hand and I discreetly checked his body for illnesses. The man was as healthy as a horse.
“Until next time Moon.”
“Until Next time Master Garette.”
The Next Morning.
I was standing on the docks of the east coast of the Vendalian Empire. I was at a border city called Trapor. It was a small trading town entirely dependent on trade from the east. Shorcast recommended a captain by the name of Bron. He was an older man who was one of her contacts. The docks were busy with many seamen lugging supplies and tending to the many ships that were anchored. It took me an hour to find the Feron amongst the cornucopia of ships. I could practically taste the salt from the ocean spray.
The large three-masted vessel was docked at the far north corner of Trapor. I drew quite a few curious glances from surrounding humans. I imagine an elegantly dressed elf in mostly white was not a common sight. Most people walked around in brown or gray homespun clothing. The Feron wasn't very impressive but what I did know about ships told me it was well maintained.
Two burly men were standing in front of the ramp leading to the ship. Their odd stares turned violent. That would probably be enough to make a regular peasant wonder off.
“I'm here to see Captain Bron. We have business.” I said neutrally.
“I aint heard nothin bout that elf. Bugger off.” The one of the left said. Even though I was standing several feet from him I noticed his remarkably unrotten teeth. They looked more maintained than most peasants.
“Simply give him the name, Moon. I assure you if I leave now, he will not be pleased with either of you.”
The one on the right puffed himself up in some attempted intimidation. I was unimpressed but responding the usual way wouldn't be useful at the moment. The one on the right seemed to be smart and realized that I wasn't even slightly intimidated.
“Just go talk to the capn Ned, I can handle one little she-elf.” The brown-haired man on the right said. He had deeply bronzed skin likely from years in the sun.
Ned looked at his companion in confusion, but at his stern glance said. “Fine.” and stomped off.
“Don't mind him, He’s an Idiot. Name’s Mennan” Quite a strange name. I shrugged and gave him a nod in return.
“What!” I heard a shout from the ship.
Some loud stomping followed and not 30 seconds later, a heavily bearded man in a three-pronged hat with a blade at his wrist came walking down the gangplank.
“Moon my apologies, I was expecting you hours from now.” He spoke well but I can still hear hints of the peasant drawl.
“It's nothing, your men behaved themselves.” I said.
Ned was behind him, shocked at his captain's level of respect.
“Good, it seems at least one of them had sense.” The captain said loudly for the benefit of the men. He walked over to me, and we shook hands.
“Good to meet you, Captain Bron. I assume my accommodations are in order.” It wasn't a luxury ship by any means, but I was assured that I would have at least comfortable lodgings for the two-week journey.
“Yes, everything is prepped, and the winds are looking good. Come, I'll show you to your quarters.” I nodded and followed, leaving Ned and the other man behind. The ship was a little over 200 feet long.
“Tell me captain, how do you maintain proper navigation across thousands of miles of ocean.” I asked. I already knew it was a combination of stars, the sun, wind patterns and a compass, but I wanted more detail. I had purchased all I would need since I wanted to learn. But time was of the essence to me, and I intended to learn on the go.
“By day we use the sun to maintain basic direction and we can use a compass and a little math to determine where we are with decent accuracy. It takes a bit of practice and understanding but anyone with a decent mind can learn.” He said, almost absent mindedly.
“I would like you to teach me this on our journey.” He looked like he was about to refuse, but I cut him off.
“In return I will offer my healing services without cost. I am the greatest healer in the world. There is nothing and I mean nothing, I cannot heal, save death itself. As a skilled medicant I have seen practically every ailment throughout my life, nothing will surprise or shock me.”
Many ears were listening to our conversation and the captain would be a fool to refuse. They were sailors and there had to be those among them with permanent injuries. Several men, including one wearing an eyepatch, were eyeing the captain.
“You say you can heal anything. What about Hemmy there.” He pointed to a man wearing an eye patch.
“Easily.”
“Callum?” He pointed to another man missing two fingers of his left hand.
“Even easier than Hemmy.”
He smiled and said, “Then you have a deal Lady mage, but I have a condition.”
I nodded for him to continue.
“While aboard this ship I am captain, which means my orders must be followed to ensure the safety of the crew and the success of this journey.”
I nodded in understanding. He didn't want me usurping his authority.
“Rest assured Captain, while I am aboard your ship I will defer to your authority.” I gave him a slightly deeper bow, one of respect in clear view of the men. That should be more than enough to make this journey pleasant enough. Some of them began loading barrels onto the ship. Filled with provisions.
“Shall I speed this along?” I asked, pointing to the over two dozen more barrels sitting on the docks.
“If you can.” The captain said confused. The men were carrying them below deck so five at a time I casted telekinesis and five barrels hovered into the air. “I'll leave them by the entrance and the men can carry them down.”
“You heard the mage.” The captain shouted. In the space of a few minutes every barrel was loaded onto the ship, a process that would have taken well over an hour. The captain smiled as the last barrel was brought below deck.
“That is useful. Come let me show you to your quarters.” The captain brought me below deck past the cargo area near his quarters to an adjoining room. It was small but had a bed, desk, and a small chest to store my things. A single lantern was hanging on the wall. It was practically a royal suite compared to the rest of the living areas.
“It's modest, but this is the best we can do and a lady such as yourself should have privacy. We still have some more preparations to make, but once we are in the open sea we can see to the healing and if mages are as smart as they say, you should be able to learn navigation well within the two weeks.”
“Very good captain, I'll change into more seaworthy garments. And rejoin you above deck.” Before he left, I added. “Another thing captain, I am a male. I bear no offense. I know it is difficult for humans to tell the difference.” He looked me up and down as if he didn't believe my words. "Very well my Lord," he said, then he returned to his work.
One week later.
I stood at the helm of the ship with the captain. It was easy enough to learn their method of navigation and I could easily imagine how this would be used from the air. In truth it would have been faster to simply learn then fly to Moriah, but I wanted to see the ocean that would one day be mine. Firsthand understanding of how ships navigate and how crews are maintained would be useful for an island country. While it wasn't as exciting flying, it was calming. The men were pleasant especially after my healing. They were rather healthy, a few badly healed wounds, missing fingers, one missing eye and a man with a severe STI were the only real afflictions. That was enough for them to consider me some kind of saint.
I could tell the captain would want me to stay on, but he knew enough that I couldn't be afforded. Getting the men to stop calling me Lady took some time, but what else do I expect from peasants.
“Good only a few degrees off course. Make a small correction to the left.” I did as he commanded. We had some rain and strong wind the night before but after checking with the compass and the map we were still on schedule.
“Captain a pirate ship starboard.” the man from the Crowsnest shouted down at us. Immediately the captain brought out his spyglass and looked in said direction. I followed his glance and could barely see a ship in the distance. But I could easily tell that it was a war galley. The large four-masted ship was at least 300 feet long. To my surprise the captain breathed a sigh of relief.
“Shall I destroy their ship when they are in my range?” I asked the captain.
He looked back at me surprised, as if he forgot that I was a mage. Granted I had done little other than some telekinesis and healing.
“No, this is captain Fenrin, he is a decent sort and keeps the truly wretched pirates at bay.” He said.
“Then what is the plan to simply allow them to kill us and steal our belongings.” I asked.
“No just, offer them some coin, perhaps they will take a few jewels, wouldn't be the first time I ran into his crew. They will be on their way, no rape, murder or selling people to slavers at best a black eye or a bruised rib. Thats if we remain calm and let them go about their work.”
“I imagine if I simply killed them all. Other more, morally deficient pirates would take his place.” I said.
“Yes, he keeps them at bay and so long as we take this route the only ones, we need to worry about are his people. He is quite brutal with anyone who breaks his rules.”
Nothing was really stopping me from killing them all, it's not as if I cared about the lives of the crew. But I was interested in this captain Fenrin. Perhaps he can be of some use someday.
“I have a few things I can't part with, but other than that I can spare a few gems.” I cared very little about the coin. The only truly irreplaceable item I had on me were amplifiers, the mage killer, and the water gem from Xalia. The mage killer My staff and amplifier were in my carrying case which I wore at all times.
The larger ship approached along the starboard side. Then Captain Bron ordered his men above deck, and they all stood stock still watching as the larger ship approached alongside.
“Steady everyone, we know how this goes, no point in being stupid.” The captain announced.
Several of the men were clutching weapons but none seemed stupid enough to draw them.
A tall thin man with dark hair in what looked to be an old officer's uniform yelled over to us.
“Captain, do I have permission to come aboard?” Fenris asked. Bron seemed resolve to this fate and replied. "Of course, I only ask that my men remain safe?”
I had brought my coin purse; it only had a few dozen gelding since most of my wealth was either in the carrying case or Baelathor’s saddlebags.
I watched in fascination as hooks were thrown from the pirate ship to ours. And soon enough a plank was laid across and pirates began to invade the ship.
“Good day captain, I must thank you for your cordiality. And what is this now, an elven maiden, quite a surprising thing to see in these waters.” Fenris said. I was standing behind the captain amongst the men, but it was not as if I could be conspicuous.
A few of the men leered at me but the deadly stare from the red harried woman was enough to quell any thoughts they were having.
“It is appreciated captain Fenris. Moon is a passenger, and we have no significant cargo, but we are willing to offer what we have in exchange for your cordiality.” Bron said.
Fenris raised an eyebrow and looked at me. Then he returned his stare to Bron. “A whole ship for one elf. Must be important”
Then he sighed as if he was magnanimously giving away an opportunity. He turned his attention to me again and with an attempt at a charming smile said. “I'm not in the business of ransom and my men are professionals. so not to worry my dear.”
I elected not to correct him of my gender and to see how his crew operated. I adopted my most serene and etheric tone.
“It is appreciated. Captain Fenris, Bron has spoken of your honor and respectable conduct.” I said, giving him my most charming smile. Some of his crew looked like they love in that moment. I almost wanted to sigh. A pretty face is such a powerful thing.
The captain however didn't so much as alter his expression.
“Right, everyone line up then my men will check below deck and awe can be done with this in post haste. I expect everyone to offer something.” he said.
We did as instructed, and in a minute, we were standing side by side in a long line. A few of the men tried to be belligerent but none suffered more than an elbow to the stomach or a threat. But one thing I noticed from Fenris’s crew was that everyone was constantly alert as if waiting for someone to get stupid and pull a weapon. They were trained men, not just thugs.
From the left they started, I was in the middle while captain Fenris walked with Captain Bron.
“Sherry, start at the other end and we can move faster that way.” Fenris said. It seems the red-haired woman’s name was Sherry. One by one they collected something from each of the crew. Some gave coins or jewelry only once was a sword drawn when one man pretended to have nothing only to find out he was hiding several geldings in his shoes. They only took three of the four he had.
Then finally Sherry reached me. I brought out my coin purse and offered it to her. It was a fine dark leather and velvet with a silver clasp. Her eyes widened as she held the purse, and she grinned even wider to see the palm sized pouch was filled with gelding. She whistled and was about to move on before she spotted the case strapped across my back.
“Not as violent as I assume a pirate attack would be.” I observed.
“We got lucky, come let's join the men and we can be done with this in a quarter hour.”
We made our way to the middle of the ship where most of the men were gathered, Captain Fenris and a few of his men crossed over the plank. There were rather rough looking types, large and burnt from the sun. Though they looked rather healthy, none had rotten teeth or missing limbs. There was only one woman amongst them. She was a large woman with an impressive amount of red hair. It flowed chaotically in the wind almost reaching her waist. While she was large for a woman her face spoke of youth.
Captain Fenris himself would have been a handsome man if not for the thinness of his lips and the hook of his nose. It gave him an almost villous appearance. Though he had a large smile as he approached us.
“What's in the case?” Sherry asked. Her voice was hoarse as if she had spent most of the day yelling.
“Nothing I am willing to give away.” I wanted to see more of how this crew acted so I asked. “You have 50 gelding, is this not sufficient?”
Perhaps a case of white leather with gold clasps was not the most covert thing to travel with.
“You just part with more coin than the entire ship combined without thinking. I'm guessin what's in that case is the real treasure.”
“Regardless, I cannot part with it.” My lack of concern as she reached for a blade seems to irritate her.
“Listen elf you don't want this to get violent, give it up and you can go about your day without a bruise on your pretty face.” The men behind her took on an aggressive stance but a voice stopped whatever violence that was about to start. The men standing next to me looked ready to bolt.
“What's going on. Sherry the elf doesn't want to give up what she has?” Fenris asked.
“Tossed us around 50 gelding without even blinking, gots to be some kind of noble elf.” Sherry replied.
“50 gelding hm?” He looked at me for a few seconds examining my face. My utter lack of concern made him heir on the side of caution.
“My lady, we are good, honest, hardworking people, not simple brigands.” The object that resides in that case, is it really worth the trouble.”
I smiled with genuine humor and said. “Firstly, I am a male.” I said. The shock in their faces amused me.
“Second, I will let you decide for yourself if it is worth the trouble.” I removed the case. The entire crew was watching me. I have never opened it in front of anyone and many of my own crew were straining their necks to see what was inside.
I unclasped the two latches that held it shut, holding it in both my hands and turned it towards the captain for him to open it himself. Suspicion was clear on his face.
“I’ll open it,” Sherry said.
Then she cautiously came over and flipped open the case, Revealing Eclipse. Her gasp was audible. The rest of the crew gazed at the amplifier with a combination of greed and fascination. Though from their confused glances no one knew what it was. Captain Fenris, however, was as pale as a ghost. True fear rose up in him as he looked at me with unhidden terror.
It seems he, unlike his crew, realized what it was and what I likely was. It was amusing how little information there was about mages outside of certain circles. Even less information was known about elves.
“What the hells is that?” One of the men asked.
“I don't know but it's probably worth a fortune.” Sherry responded. She cautiously reaches towards the large glowing light gem before captain Fenris said in reproach.
“He has given us a significant amount of coin there is no need to take more.” Fenris commanded. Sherry looked like she was about to argue but one glance from Fenris was enough to stifle any complaints.
“Perhaps we can have a conversation captain.” I nodded towards the helm of the ship.
“Of course. Everyone else gets back to it.” He said neutrally.
We went over to the helm with Sherry's eyes still focused on the case. Once we had some privacy Fenris said, “I am surprised that my entire crew isn't dead. I know that is an amplifier and with such a large gem you must be a light mage of incredible wealth and influence.”
“Captain Bron spoke well of you, so I was willing to play along and not rock the boat. As for my abilities you correct, I am the most powerful light mage in the world. Tell me, have you ever heard of the Lightbearer?”
He considered the name for a few moments then answered, “I've heard the name, but I don't pay much attention to rumors, I almost never dock in the empire, so I get little news.”
He looked me up and down once more as if really seeing me for the first time. And asked. “How easy would it have been for you to kill my entire crew?”
“If I wanted to. I could reduce your ship to little more than kindling with hardly any effort, but again Bron mentioned that you keep the waters relatively safe from the truly vile pirates.”
Fenris chuckled and said, “Well I'll just thank the gods that you are more reasonable that most mages I've heard about.”
“You caught me on a good day.”
“That amplifier, what is it really worth?”
“There is none like it in the world. But if I had to place a price on it, five or ten million gelding. Purely from the rarity of the materials alone.”
He looked like he could believe his ears. Then he took a deep breath and released it.
“I don't even know if it's luck or a curse that I stumbled upon you in this vast ocean.” I'll just be glad that we can part peacefully.” He made the last bit sound like a question.
“Yes, we will part peacefully, but I have a strong feeling that we will see each other again.” I said, offering him my hand. He did not look pleased, but took it, nonetheless.
“What is your name?” Fenris asked.
“Moon Solaris.” I answered.
“Forgive me for saying this but I'll probably be avoiding wherever Moon Solaris turns up.” I smiled. I will rule this entire ocean there would be no avoiding me.
“That will be difficult but feel free to try, take my advice, when Solaria calls on you. Do answer, there will be significant rewards.”
He looked at me confused, “Solaria? Is that where you are from, I've never heard of it.”
With a smile I said. “Almost no one has, but be assured, soon enough everyone will know.”
Fenris was silent as he contemplated my words. We watched in silence as the rest of his crew went about their work. But honestly my mind was far away. Only a few days and I would arrive At Moriah and my work would begin. We will have to see if this man can be of use to me in the future. Why destroy what I could control.