Part II

The Drench-Gulf

Chapter 19

Dinner

"Wait." Killian pleaded, raising both his hands up. The Lion grunted, but stopped pulling Raynn toward the door. "Just wait. There might be a way we all get what we want here." He added. This reminded him of the many times pirates had seized his ship. There was always something better to offer. Only this time he wasn't willing to just give him what he wanted. If Killian could find a way through it, he would do it.

"I'm listening. Impatiently." Ferjis sighed. The girl standing next to him seemed much more curious, raising a brow.

"We are hosting a dinner tomorrow, on my ship. Important people, from all across Celearia attend. From Sintasha to Skylorn. These are people with great knowledge, and greater reach. Some of which are Relicers, Archievers too." He nodded toward Peppir who simply blinked. "I offer you this. You attend this dinner with us, and we will find someone who knows of this relic. If not, you continue on with your plan." Of course, Killian would try to devise another plan if this were to fail, but he needed to say what Ferjis wanted to hear. And indeed he seemed to be more intrigued than he hoped to display.

"How would I attend?" Ferjis asked plainly, looking down at his armor.

"I have suits that may fit you. I'm sure you'd look dashing. You want a non-violent solution. I am giving you one. Plus, more money like you said!" What frustrated Ferjis the most was how tempting the offer was. Raynn alone was going to get them a fortune, but just the relic alone was tenfold. If he had an opportunity to bring such pride to the Lions, he could see himself standing beside Taravar instead of one step below.

"Can I come? I've never been to a fancy dinner." Peppir perked up, looking excited. None of the three victims in this situation really understood the dynamic between the Lion and mylian. At some points it seemed she was there by her own volition, and other times it looked as though she was rather uncomfortable. That was only when Ferjis seemed to grow more stern though, Jasra had noted. "Besides, I much prefer the peaceful option, if you recall." Peppir added, throwing a scold toward Ferjis.

"Yes, of course. I'm sure we have a dress here for you…or whatever it is you prefer." Killian said coolly. Even when he was pleading he still acted as if he was in control. Jasra had always admired that about her father.

"Might be worth our time," Peppir said teasingly, circling around the Lion and Raynn. "Will you unhand that poor girl already? You're freaking us out." The mylian pulled Raynn away, who winced as her body still ached. Us, huh? Jasra thought as she ran over to Raynn and grabbed her arm. Peppir gave her an empathetic look before unhanding the elf herself and stepping back, suddenly sheepish.

"Fine. But I'm not keeping you three out of my sight until that relic is in my hands." Ferjis growled, before closing the door to the house.

The rest of the night was rather tense. Having forced them to sleep in the living room they were all packed together by the fire where Ferjis could watch them.

"I'm sorry." Raynn said in a soft whisper. For a moment Jasra didn't even react, her head pressed against Raynns from the opposite side. Slowly, she turned to look at her, their eyes interlocking.

"Don't be sorry. This wasn't your fault…though I'm not quite sure who's fault it is…" Jasra trailed off, blinking.

"Jevsarra Lorrin. General of War of Torchill. Then her spouse, Cladius Lorrin, General of Peace. And perhaps even Vinit Corleth, their Goldbaron. Or General of Treasures." Raynn spoke slowly. "My understanding is they have this massive collection of supposedly powerful relics, and use them to sway politics across Celearia. Once they realized people want the unknown more than the gold itself, they found themselves in a market eager for buyers. My father knew this. He tried to stop it by buying the relics himself. Which only ended in the destruction of my entire family." Raynn turned away as tears formed, but Jasra quickly drew her face back to hers, wiping them away with her thumbs.

"How do you know this? That he was trying to stop them?" Jasra asked.

"Because he told her. And then, she tried to tell everyone. That's what killed her family." Ferjis interrupted. Peppir then gasped and stood to her feet, almost stumbling.

"Ferjis! I won't have you using my ability as a means to harass people!" Peppir nearly shouted, but it only took a stern glance from Ferjis to have her timidly find her seat again. Jasra could tell she still wanted to act angry, to shout at him.

"Just don't let there be any confusion, Mirthorn. You are not innocent in your family's demise."

"Like they wouldn't have found out eventually? With their unlimited resources? I tried to save my family, because I saw exactly where things were going. I told people I trusted, people I knew cared!" Raynn sat up quickly in protest. The Lion seemed disinterested in squabbling, and simply shrugged. Then a thought hit him.

"When I was a kid, my mother branded my sisters and I. This was so my father could spread his lies in a church dedicated to a false god they'd devised. They showed us off as products of their god. Saying we were born with those marks, that it was their god's gift to us. When I was old enough, and saw my sister's chests branded from one shoulder to the next, I slaughtered my father. And I made my mother watch. Then I killed her over his dead body." Ferjis said abruptly. It seemed so entirely unprompted that the three listening thought he was joking. Some sort of cruel, unusual joke. But from the look on his face, and the redness in his eyes, it was far from a joke. Horrifyingly, it was the truth. "I do not lie about myself. I was a coward. I should've killed them sooner. Saved my sisters, faster. But I let a facade rule my life, a pale imitation of me. Never again, not since I spoke the truth to myself, and those around me. I found peace in my mistakes. Own up to it, Mirthorn. You had a hand in your family's death, and it destroys you everyday. I see it. Everyone sees it." He stopped as he saw Raynns expression, tears. Tears of truth, perhaps. Tears of a life long lie.

"Who are you to talk to me this way?" Raynn uttered, her voice cracking as she began to cry. For a long moment Ferjis simply sat there and stared at her.

"I am a Lion. I have no other name. And I have no greater purpose than to speak the truth. And the truth unseen." Ferjis paused, looking at Killian and Jasra. "Truths for those who deserve to hear them."

"A Lion kills things. They point, and you kill. No questions asked, right?" Raynn pointed at the Lion, who did nothing but gaze at her calmly. "They don't care about the truth. The truth that is their entire profession is that of cowards. You never grew up, you're still a coward now. You are no less a liar than me."

"So you admit?" Ferjis raised a brow.

"Admit what?"

"You were a part of your family's passing."

"I didn't…." She started.

"You what?"

"I didn't think that they would find out. I thought I could help my father, build him an army. But instead I only brought one down upon my own family. Perhaps it would've happened eventually…but I made it a certainty. " Raynn said, the words feeling impossible as they left her lips. "I beg them for forgiveness every night." She broke down, falling into Jasras arms who looked utterly stunned. To not have known so much about someone she called a good friend.

"Truth. No one can hide it forever." Ferjis said with a scoff, shaking his head before looking distantly out of the window. Peppir was equally shocked, but only because she had just witnessed something extraordinary. Whatever had just happened, it was certainly not nature. Though Peppir didn't think it was Conductivity, she knew Ferjis was definitely hiding something. No one else had anything to say for the rest of the night.

The next morning was strange. But as they went along, preparing for the dinner to be hosted on the Mollusk, the Lion seemed to soften up. He often seemed to sway between emotions, rather uncontrollably. The three had learned it was simply best to do as they were told, and perhaps get out of the situation alive.

Having given their captives their attire, they waited patiently on the deck of the Mollusk as it was being prepared. Large tables with dark violet tablecloths lined the deck, the chairs cushioned in a similar fashion. In Hyvak, violet was a color signifying unity, and had always been present during Killains gatherings. As the sun started to set, boats began to appear from the gulf. Boats filled with important people, the ones they relied on to save their lives.

"There's a few people I trust to go directly to about this. They might take some convincing, but I'm sure one of these men knows what this relic is. Just ask, but be gentle about it, don't give us away. Understand?" Killian whispered to the two girls as they sat at the head of the boat. Their table overlooked the rest of the deck, as he was the host.

"Why must we be gentle? I thought most of what these merchants talked about was things they could trade, opportunities and the like?” Jasra asked, having attended the dinner most of her life. She had often found it rather boring, for a girl more interested in philosophy and fashion. But in recent years Raynn had been attending and made it much more manageable. At the very least, she had someone to point out cute boys to. Though Raynn never seemed all that elated by such things.

“Because what we’re asking for is clearly being sought after by some serious people. Ask the wrong questions and we might attract the wrong people.” Killian assured them, looking wistfully over the crowd that was now starting to form on deck.

Men and women of all shapes and colors strode along. The brilliant red of the Torches, followed by the deep blues of Okeanu. Most notably to Raynn was the blinding silver of Hyven. Their armor and even clothing resembled that of birds feathers. More specifically: owls.

Each group found themselves sitting in separate spots, their colors only meeting at the ends of each table. It made for quite the spectacle for the eyes. Killian has insisted each year that they try to disperse, but that was a haggle he was always going to lose.

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“Does it really matter who we attract anymore? I mean…” Jasra turned to look at Ferjis, who stood by the mast, looking unimpressed.

“We don’t want to get rid of one problem, but gain another. Just please be careful.” Killian had asked Jasra to do similar things before. But only for business, never to save their lives. A pit opened up in his stomach as he realized what he was now asking his daughter to do. But he’d been left with no other choice. Biting down on his anxiety, he rose to grab the attention of his attendees.

“This year's event is a special one. It is now my twentieth year hosting it, and to be honest, I never thought I’d see it get this far. The ice between us all is thin, and it only takes one rock from one of us to possibly shatter the very fabric that holds us together. But casting aside our judgments, our grievances, we work as one boat to sail across the Drench. As always, dinner will be served first, and time for negotiations and trade will follow. I only request you hold onto your ambitions until after we feast. Thank you.” Killian said with a smile, then signaling to the chef waiting across the boat to begin dispensing their meals.

The bottom deck housed the kitchen, and twenty cabins for transportation. Below that was where they held the cargo. The Mollusk was a jack of all trades, and was known by all who sailed through the Drench.

As meals were placed before people, the tables quickly erupted with noise as they began to mingle. Faces lit by lantern light, Raynn watched as fat merchants stuffed their faces with lamb and roasted honey drizzled carrots.

Raynns stomach was far too upset to eat anything herself, but still she picked around as to not seem rude. The smells calmed her nerves slightly, but the looming threat of her possible torture and death stood waiting at the corner of the ship.

“I recognize some of these faces.” Peppir said quietly to Ferjis, who turned slightly to look at her. She had been silent so far, which hadn’t been normal the past two days he’d spent with her. Perhaps she was still upset about what he’d said in the forest.

“Anyone that might be helpful?” He asked, at a volume that made a few heads turn and scowl. Right, he was supposed to wait until after dinner to talk business.

“Farli Dimeic, the portly looking fellow in blue. I remember reading about him in a report from Skylorans. I guess they caught his ship out in the Deadsalt hauling some relic out of the ocean. They were on yulewings, though, and couldn't get a good look at what it was. Either way, people are saying he's sitting on some seriously good trading opportunities. " Peppir had been eyeing the man since he'd gotten onto the boat. She refrained from telling Ferjis that Farli had been known to torture people into giving him informations regarding relics. This was a common myth among traders and merchants, but Peppir unfortunately knew it to be the truth.

Eventually the two found their seats at the far end of the table, where the independent merchants were often unofficially designated. They either didn't have a crew, or didn't assign themselves to any official Merchants Guild like the Torches or Hyveminds. So they blended right in, for the most part.

After an hour or so of feasting, it became clear that everyone was winding down from their meals. Chatter began to scatter as deals and trade opportunities were being discussed. Killian often had no control of when they started the next phase of the night, as it almost always came to a natural conclusion. He was glad that this time around it seemed to be the fastest they moved on from dinner and into business. There was a lot going on in the world, much to discuss so it would seem.

"Now's your chance. Go on, girls." Killian instructed with the nod of his head. The two girls looked at each other anxiously, then stood. Servants came by and pulled the tables apart into different sections of the deck, allowing the guests to move freely across the boat while still being able to take a seat. Some of the tables would fill with merchants of different guilds and become a center of negotiation.

Raynn was already watching several tables form, and knew she needed to get herself in there somewhere. So for the next few hours she stalked around, asking subtle questions and feigning interest in things she understood very little of. Most of the merchants assumed she was only there to find herself a bachelor, as had been seen by other merchants' daughters. Mostly forced upon them by their fathers. But that was far from the truth, and Raynn did well to respectfully shut down any advances made upon her. Besides, most of the merchants were far too plump and greasy for her liking. Only one young human really stood out to her. But she was certain he was a guard for the Torches, as he stood in a dark red coat with a sword by his side. The coat's collar covered his neck, almost up to his mouth, with three large buttons fastening it together down the center.

She figured he'd know very little, but decided her luck had already run thin. If she was going to die she might as well try all her options. At least then she could say she tried. Waltzing over to the man she leaned against the edge of the boat where he stood. Even then, he didn't acknowledge her in her dark green dress.

"Lovely night, isn't it?" Raynn started. She looked out over Fernwrath, which sat beyond the docks. Streetlights had started to spring to life as the sun set beyond the Drench. All the buildings speckled with light, glittering off the gentle waters. The man remained silent for a moment, before nodding slowly.

"It is fair. I tire, though." He said quietly. His voice was much softer than she would've imagined, though not in a bad way. But a gentle, caring way.

"I tire too, of asking the same questions and getting the same unhelpful answers." Raynn sighed, trying not to sell it too hard, but still keep the boy interested. It didn’t seem to work. The Torch stared off into the gulf, the inky blue-black sky leaving an impression on his face.

“Perhaps you’re asking a bad question.” The Torch said flatly, finally turning to look at Raynn. His gaze was distant, as if his soul was secretly somewhere else far away. It was enough to make Raynn shiver.

“Perhaps.” Raynn swallowed. “But perhaps you can help me.”

“I’m married.” The Torch raised a hand to reveal a ring. A rather handsome ring, at that. Raynn couldn’t help but chuckle.

“That’s quite alright, I’ve only come to ask if you’ve heard of this particular relic that has caught my interest. It seems most here are unattuned to relic hunting culture.” Raynn looked behind them at the huddled masses of people. They were all divulged in their own dealings. There was an unshakable aura of intensity that came from all of them. It seemed that some of them had a lot riding on these negotiations.

“Hmm. That's good, it's a fake ring anyways. I just don't like being approached and flirted with by strangers.” The Torch said, before sighing quietly. “But more importantly I know who you are, Raynn Mirthorn. I’m not a fool.” He suddenly added. Raynn locked up, her fingers clenching the railing of the boat. Thousands of thoughts bounced around in her head. Should she run? Should she push him over board and make it look like an accident? No, surely he’d survive the plunge.

“Relax. I’m not here to rat you out. I understand what you’re doing here, and honestly, I respect it. I’m guessing you’re trying to cut a deal with that Lion over there.” The Torch nodded toward Ferjis, who stood in a corner with a look that bordered on scowling.

“How could you tell…?” Raynn started.

“You just know things like that after a while. At least, when you’re around them so often. The Lions Guild was founded in Torchill after all.” He said. “I’m sorry I’ve been rude. My name is Teraw. Fifth Wick of the Torch.” He added. Raynn had almost forgotten the strange ranking system the Torchill army had. It went from First to Fifth Wick, then First to Third Flame. That meant Teraw was close to becoming a real Flame, or a captain as most would recognize. A Third Flame being a General or some other position of equal power.

"Teraw, that's a Skyloran name." Raynn noted. This earned a smile from Teraw, who was glad to see at least someone was culturally inclined. So far everyone had ignored him entirely, which wasn't exactly an issue for him, though.

"You'd be right. I came to Torchill from Rifnallia a few years ago. I sought new opportunities and it happened that Torchill is rather welcoming to those who know how to swing a sword." Teraw shrugged, the light of Coreterra gleaming off his eyes. He looked young, but acted like a weathered veteran. But Raynn knew how rigorous the Torches were, how only a few days in their bootcamp could knock off all that's left of one's innocence.

"Either way, I believe I can be of some help to you, Mirthorn. There's something rotten growing in the Torch, and everyone is scrambling to get out of its way. Rumors of Daemonvale, deception, and desolation all float throughout the fortress. Only, I have something that helps me cut through the fog of unknowing." Teraw grinned, then lifted his hand up, requesting Raynns in return. Hesitantly, the elf placed her hand on top of his. Her vision slipped away.

"I care not for the practical aspects, only the results. We offer them something they can't refuse, and they will listen." Jevsarra said, her palms flat against the tabletop. Her blonde hair fell down before her face in sweaty heaps. They had been at the table for hours now, the room growing dark as the sun set beyond the Deadsalt Sea. Cladius hung close behind her, his eyes flickering with dreariness. His sickness was making it rather difficult to remain coherent and aware. Delusions had started to worm their way into his vision. He tried to blink them away, but still the corpses hung above the table like a rotten chandelier.

"We don't have our bargaining chip, if you recall. Nor do we have the resources to recover if things are to go awry! If the legends are true, Torchill will end up another Primrubble for armies to march across. Dusty wastelands, clouded skies, you do remember, right?" Captain Huntt said distastefully. And though Jevsarra didn't appreciate being talked to in that tone, she couldn't deny what he was saying held some merit.

"The Daemons will obey. And we will have the relic. Cast your doubt elsewhere. Lest you wish to be left behind in the Old World."

The vision ended and Raynn proceeded to throw up over the side of the ship. It was a rather sudden result, and gained a few weary looks from nearby merchants. Teraw did what he could and rubbed her back gently as she collected herself. It had not been the first time someone had given her a vision, but at least then she had been expecting it.

"You're a Time Conduit." Raynn moaned, standing back up straight as she wiped her lips with the back of her hand. Most Conduits were able to provide visions of things they had witnessed before, or had great knowledge of. But a Time Conduit was able to view into the past and interject themselves into places no one else could. The only downside being that everytime they used the ability, their life expectancy dropped by varying amounts. A small vision such as that would most likely only shave a few days off of his life. But a grander, more longer vision could go so far as to knock off weeks or months if not done moderately.

"That I am. And there is much more I could show you, but I'm hoping you can trust my word now that you understand what I am. That being said, I have to request something of you." Teraw grew serious again, his jaw clenching. Raynn was still slightly taken aback, but nodded slowly.

"My request is that if you find this relic, that you do not give it to the Generals. You must run away, go as far as you can with it. I have not seen the full scope of what they plan to do with it, but I can tell you that it isn't in everyone's best interest." Teraw put a hand to his chin, rubbing gently as he watched the light flicker across the water.

"What…why are you telling me this?" Raynn asked.

"Because, as I said, whatever it is they are planning isn't going to end well for any of us. Besides, I haven't much loyalty for Torchill to begin with. I only joined so that I could afford to move my family away from Skylorn. As you may very well know, the tremors have only gotten worse in recent years." Teraw was close to finally moving his family away, the idea of them still up there making his stomach twist. Raynn could feel the concern, and frowned.

"I understand. But it won't matter much. If I don't get away from that Lion, he's going to give me up to Jevsarra anyways. Relic or not, I'm not running anywhere." Raynn shrugged. The existential dread hadn't eluded her, but she had been doing a good job at shoving it deep down where she couldn't think about it too hard. The Torch frowned and turned to look at Ferjis, to his disappointment, the Lion was looking straight back at him.

"Just give me a moment, then." Teraw said, and began striding off toward the Lion. Raynn could only watch in shock as he approached the man calmly. She wasn't sure exactly what he was going to do, pull a knife out, or perhaps cast a Splinter as all Conduits could. But she hadn't expected him to extend his hand for a handshake.

The Lion, looking confused, accepted the handshake.

"You must be the Lion watching over Ms. Mirthorn, right?" Teraw said plainly. Ferjis looked at the man for a moment and grunted.

"Figured someone would notice eventually, or one of them would spill. What is it to you?" Ferjis raised a brow. The Lion looked around the deck, playing out what he would do in his head if this stranger were to attack him. His working plan was to grab him by the throat and throw him overboard. But Ferjis wasn't quite sure how that would pan out, yet.

"It's come to my attention that there is a deal between you two, and I just might be able to help. I happen to know a great deal about this relic, and its whereabouts. I'd be willing to help in exchange for Raynn." Teraw said confidently, nodding to himself. The Lion looked at him further then chuckled.

"As long as I have the relic I don't care what happens to Mirthorn. Just don't mislead me, and I won't have to kill you." Though his threat did little to shake the human, Teraw knew better than to start a fight with the Lion. The only problem being that he was going to mislead him. But if he did it right, he wouldn't have to worry about the consequences.

"Of course. Ironically, though, the relic happens to be in Torchill, right under the General's noses. From what I've heard it's been locked away in an archive under some library." He lied between his teeth effortlessly. It seemed to be working, the gears turning slowly in the Lion's head as he tried to decide if the human was telling the truth. Ferjis would have to go back to Torchill with Raynn anyways, so if it happened to be a bust he would simply kill the rat and be on with it.

"When's the next ship out of here?" Ferjis said, seemingly agreeing to the deal. Teraw smiled, then turned to look at the captain sitting on the top deck. As he recalled, the Mollusk had a tight schedule.