Murmuring to himself a bard hummed the tune of a prophetic leigh he’d recently become somehow involved in himself. On the tip of his tongue rand the line, “mid summers night, a storm in the sky. Clouds ripped a sunder, the bard shall follow the light…” the tune drifted off in his mind. Kismet Avard, a somber yet jovial human of forty moons or so, with a scraggly looking beard, colorful patchy garb that had far too many pockets, and a wide brimmed pointy hat. He now stood smoking his pipe on the top deck of the ship, known as Lumiaras Fury, one warm summer day.

As most Piscalian vessels go it was fairly standard but compared to a normal ship it might stand out. Piscalians as a race were green or blue skinned sea folk with mostly human-like features aside from their hair like tendrils and webbed feet. Their ships were also quite fishy, owing to the fact that they had hulls lined with scales all the way up to the deck rails. This one happened to have golden scales that when you saw them from the right angle turned grey to silver. It was a single hulled ship that cut through the water with ease. Though, unlike most Piscalian vessels, this one never rose from the water on foils.

It was a fairly calm day at sea and the ship was being propelled forward, largely, by the ships Piscalian wind and water magi. These magi who sat on special small decks on the rear of the ship stood there weaving green and white circles of magic behind them using what looked like a slow and well practiced dance. The two would constantly ebb and flow between themselves as the ship splashed through the crystal clear blue sea.

It was a fairly well known fact that these somewhat fishy sea folk had such control over the sea due to this skill in such magics. Not to mention their ability to live underwater indefinitely. So, naturally it was their prerogative to rule the seas. At the helm stood Captain Anahitia, a somewhat shorter Piscalian woman that was well known for her magical prowess and sharp wit. She wore a tight fitting tailed coat and a three pointed captains hat. On her hip was a fairly standard but well made Piscalian scimitar and under the jacket was the standard tight fitting cropped leather top and high watered trousers which still showed off plenty of her emerald green skin. Piscalians valued their ability to swim too much to wear anything that might slow them down.

Kismet approached the captain and asked, “by your estimation, Captain, how much longer do you think we’ll be. I can only imagine our armies to the southwest have much more time.” The captain looked sternly at him and stepped away from the wheel. A nearby helmsman quickly took over. She began walking down the stairs to the main deck and from the far side of the ship a small Piscalian child came trotting across the deck yelling, “captain mommy, captain mommy!” in obvious excitement. She picked the child of about three and saddled her on her hip. From nearby the first mate Kindarii, a very large and hard looking Piscalian man with a scaly looking, somewhat translucent, blade on his back strode up behind the girl. The man said, somewhat out of breath, “sorry captain, the little scurvy got away from me.” The captain looked at the man and then at the girl and said, “it's just captain to you, ye scurvy sea dog. And Mr. Kindarri, do try to keep our progeny occupied during the day. I’ll not have idle hands while there is work to do.” She set the girl down and she saluted the captain, “Aye aye captain mommy!” and she ran off. The first mate, looking weary, gave a quick salute and trotted after her as well.

She rolled her eyes and rubbed her brow in obvious frustration and motioned for Kismet to follow her. She stepped into her cabin where a large desk with a map of Sacalia was spread with a few other things on top of it, including several small ships and other markers were set out. She picked up a tool and measured something near a small version of her own ship in the northeast corner then moved another few around the map. “By my best estimations, bard, these are our current locations. Obviously we can only guess at the positions of our forces in the Solumn, but if Silaras foresight can be trusted…” she trailed off.

Kismet stepped forward to the table and shifted a few of the markers and replied, “after all we’ve been through and seen since the day of three wars I’d say we’re exactly where we need to be and it can all be trusted.” He glanced over at a small ornate chest to his left, stroked his beard, and continued, “the question is are we ready to follow through? I know this won’t be easy for you, but we both know they’ll need each other. And you won’t be able to pull this off if you’re worried Naia is in danger.” The captain turned away and considered the situation for a moment then said, “yes yes, youre right of course. I’m just worried it won’t be enough. This is all so much to put in the hands of a child that isn’t even born yet.”

Later that night they continued to sail west and everything was normal until the sun reached the horizon. Within seconds angry storm clouds came crashing in unnaturally and the last hint of light vanished from sight. This on its own wasn’t much to be concerned about until the spotter up in the crows nest shouted, “sail ho!” The captain came rushing to the wheel and began shouting orders, “battle stations, prepare the aft guns, and set up the skiff to be deployed at a moments notice.” Not long after Kismet came striding up from below deck wearing his usual patchy and multi-colored cloak looking like an obese and over burdened trader. “Where did this storm come from, captain? Do you think it's happening?” he asked. She didn’t bother to look at him but yelled into the storm, “can’t you feel the magic in the air? Something has gone horribly wrong with the world, or is about to happen. Even the wind feels malevolent, it's like we’re getting pulled backwards against the wind!”

Just then the sky burst into light and the ship that had been some miles away to the east was within a few hundred meters. The captain looked back and swore, “Vitaras scaly tail they’re nearly on top of us. Kindarii, open fire with the rear wind lances! And prepare the packages! Someone check with the crows nest, we should be near a small port village.” A nearby sailor yell, “aye captain” and took off up the rigging. Kismet took the hint and made his way into the captains cabin, grabbed the chest and a rope then tied it to his own belt. He came out moments later to find Kindarii striding across the deck yelling orders at crew mates with a tiny struggling figure under his arm. He saw kismet and set the figure down and Naia took the hand that Kismet offered her. He knelt down and told her, “go see captain mommy for your orders young one.”

She ran off up the stairs and just then the two ships collided and they heard a loud crack and groan come from the two vessels. Several Korrigan swung across from the port side and the sailors immediately engaged them. Wind and water spells were being flung across the decks with the occasional black and red fire ball joining the fray. From where the captain commanded the ship she could see a cloaked figure commanding the opposing Korrigan vessel. She let go of the wheel and turned to Anahitia then let loose a blast of lightning which arked all around the captain and now her daughter.

The captain looked down to find her and Naia completely unscathed, though several fires had been lit all around her. They looked around to find that Kindarii, with his sword drawn, had stepped in front of them and something to protect the two. He looked back and said, “report from the spotter. It's time to go captain! Raka village is directly off the starboard.” She looked down at the cowering child and said, “Naia you have to go with Kindarii and Kismet. It’s time you met your destiny.” And with that she kissed the child's forehead and drew her sword.

The captain strode forward as Kindarii swooped behind her to grab Naia and sprint to the skiff the crew had already nearly launched. As captain Anahitia began slinging spells at the other ship Kindarii slung his sword on his back and jumped down to the skiff where Kismet awaited him. The cut loose from the side of the scaly Piscalian ship and simply did nothing as the two far larger ships sailed away from them. They waited a moment like that just watching the fierce battle rage on as they continued into the stormy sea. Kindarii set Naia in the bow of the small catamaran and put up the sails. He cast a few spells and the ship immediately jumped to life and began skirting above the waves on its foils.

They sailed south for a few miles and quickly came to the docks of Raka village which was calm and quiet aside from the storm which threatened to blow down its small clocktower. Kismet stepped off the small boat with the chest still under his arm, reached down with the other for Naia and waited. Naia looked skeptical and shoved her small face into Kindariis chest. He pulled her back by her shoulders and said, “little one, I will miss you every day, but it will be far too dangerous for you on the ship from now on. You must follow your mothers orders and go with the bard. He’ll take you to your new home. I must go and catch up with the ship, your mother needs me. Be a good girl and one day you will find us again.” At this he scooped her up and tossed her up to Kismet then the ship rocketed off as it had before.

Kismet and Naia stood there watching him go until the sea seemed to swallow him whole. Tears streamed down Naias eyes but neither could tell, with how hard it was raining. Eventually Kismet took her hand and guided her up the dock. They made it nearly halfway up the dock when suddenly the wind and rain ceased completely and a house just outside of town on a cliff lit up like a beacon.

Up in that house a woman lay in a bed struggling to bear a child. Raging around the small house was the same unnatural storm that battered the walls with wind and rain. And it was on this night a change was brought into the world. Close to the chime of midnight Nilah Atula, screaming obscenities at her aged midwife Doula, lay in her cot wishing with all her might that the baby would “just come out already!”

Sweating and screaming she lay there not knowing what was about to come from her womb. It was at this moment aside from the soft orange glow of the fireplace a second light came into the room. Straight through the wall in fact. A little girl of eight or nine in appearance and glowing with a warm pink. She giggled from on top of the kitchen counter near the water basin. Though both women might have seen the glow neither were particularly observant at the time. Giggling again the little girl saw a bowl of flour on the counter. She looked at it briefly and then did what no one would have suspected.

She picked it up and deliberately redistributed the contents around the whole room! Finally the two ladies, mid scream in the case of poor Nilah, gazed at her with a look of surprise and exasperation. The little girl, as though she hadn’t noticed the two until that moment, looked back at them in surprise. As if she had been caught doing something naughty she changed. In a soft explosion of pink light and white flour. She suddenly turned into a glowing rainbow colored spriggen sprite right before their eyes. The sprite was like a colorful but tiny dragon with fairy wings and it shed glitters as it flew.

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It was as though time had stopped for the two ladies mid-birth. The spriggen floated over to them barely flapping its little fairy-like wings. Hovering over Nilah, the girl, or sprite as she now looked, stared into Nilahs eyes. It then glanced upwards and shifted back to a girl. Still she looked to the unseen sky above and raised her hand. A brilliant white magical circle alighted the room from the ceiling and it was as though the storm around them had suddenly stopped. She then, without a moment's hesitation, vanished through the nearby closed window leaving behind a faint glow on the very pregnant belly.

The look on Nilahs face had changed from anguished and astonished to relaxed and at ease. Moments later a cry of a newborn babe broke the silence of the room to which a maitrenly coo responded. Swaddled in cloths, Doula now held a newborn. Wiping his head she passed the light blue skinned baby to his mother. A look was had between the two ladies for a moment to which Doula said with a sad expression on her face. “Oh Nilah, I never knew...“

Before Nilah could respond the room again filled with light as the storm yielded momentarily. Through the roof came a magical glow, similar to the previous. It drifted down through the ceiling to hover before the mother and child. Unbidden the thing shimmered and moved ever so slightly before them and then floated into the left eye of the boy. He then looked up at his mother silently with two different colored eyes and his skin shifted from the pale blue to a warm white pink similar to his mothers.

Doula stood from her place at the end of the bed to stand next to them and placed her hand on the child's head. Looking at Nilah she said, in her towny little accent, “In all my years. Not a single thing have I seen like that. Not to worry mum, I think it’d be best if we kept this to ourselves. This child is meant for great things’n it’d be a shame if the wrong person caught wind of it.” In response Nilah said back. “Doula I think you’re right. Some day he may save us all.”

Just then the two women heard a soft knock on the door to the tiny oceanside cabin. Doula, just as skeptical as Nilah about such a late intrusion, moved to the door grabbing an iron poker from the fireplace as she went. Cracking the door slightly ajar she asked “who’s there at this late hour? And what business do ye’ have?” Standing in the pounding rain was a bedraggled looking man in a long patchy cloak.

Doula looked ready to slam the door in his face until he opened his cloak a bit and revealed the small Piscalian girl using a small magical glowing orb. Doula looked at the child the same way she had looked at Nilahs minutes earlier and said, “my gods, deary he’s got a child with him. And in this storm?” To emphasize the point the thunder cracked and the wind nearly blew the overladen man from the doorway. “Well…” she said, “who are ya and whats your business here so late with such a child in your care?” He responded slightly too loud due to the wind. “I’m sorry young midwife, I'd happily explain if you let us warm ourselves by your fire. This is the Atula household isn’t it? We’ve traveled very far to bring you tidings from the Alkin high seat, Queen Lyrosier of Tamalin.”

Doula, covered her mouth as she gasped and looked to Nilah for an answer. Nilah looked up from her newborn babe and nodded saying, “by all means let them in, just close the door.” The two bedraggled figures made their way in and Kismet, in his patchy and colorful cloak went straight to the small warm hearth. He immediately shrugged off the cloak and set down his pack and chest nearby. With three adults and two children, the small one room house was getting somewhat cramped. He stood there warming himself by the fire saying, “ooohh, that’s nice. Any chance you’ve got something warm to drink? Even just some water would do. I think I’ve got some tea leaves in here somewhere.”

Unsure of what to do and looking rather forlorn Naia stood near the door even though Doula had shut and latched it. The midwife was now bustling around the cottage preparing things and generally tutting about everything. She sidled up beside Naia and put a warm looking blanket around her and said, “there ya go deary, why don’tcha sit here near the fire and warm up those little toes. You’re hardly wearin’ anythin’.” She glared at Kismet and said, “a right state you two are in. Is this how you care for a child where you come from?”

Kismet, who was now warming his backside, looked at the woman and replied, “she’s Piscalian, she'd rather be wet and cold anyway. They’re born in the sea and hate wearing too much.” to emphasize the point he waved his hand dismissively then continued, “she’s part of the reason I came here anyway. Let me introduce myself, I am the bard, Kismet Alvard and this is my friend Naia. She is the daughter of Captain Anahitia of the ship known as Lumiaras Fury. There is much I must tell you, but first, I must look upon the babe. As I said before, I was sent by Queen Lyrosier and the great seer Silara. Nearly ten years ago, if you recall, the Korrigan began attacking all of Sacalia in force. In fact three wars broke out in a single day.” As he spoke he saw a stool nearby and sat by the mother and continued. “Our world, as I’m sure you saw, was fraught with destruction and evil brought on by these creatures roaming the lands. In response five mighty heroes emerged saving our lands by fighting the monsters alongside their respective armies.” As he spoke Nilah gazed at him nodding and holding her newborn. “Those five still fight that fight to this day. One of which I had the pleasure of meeting at a secret council in the mountain sanctuary of Larynda. I’ll not go into that now. But Silara, as I said before, is the greatest seer the Piscalian sea people have seen in a thousand years. She told me that in this very town a boy would be born to a widowed mother on this very night.” He stood from his stool and began a recitation.

“Midsummers night.

A storm of fright.

A boy is born.

Blessed by the spriggen sprite.

With an eye blue.

As full moon night.

Time in his hands.

Destroy evil lands.

Mark of the five.

Like Ark shall he strive.

Orbs of soul frozen in time.

Past, present and future.

Scattered to hill, and mine.

Deep in a lake, an island enshroud.

Lastly he’ll pass through the cloud”

He sat back down on the stool, and gestured to Nilah. “Now may I see the babe, he’s got two different colored eyes doesn’t he?” She nodded in response and slowly lifted the boy for him to inspect. He conjured another small magical light and gazed at the boy. He chuckled a little and said to himself, “that woman is never wrong, and I fear that her light may have left the world tonight.” At that sad proclamation he stood and went over to the chest he’d laid on the ground. He rummaged in it for a moment then stood with two things in his hands. One, was a large bundle of shimmering fabric which he handed to the midwife.

“Take good care of that, it’s a cloak woven by Queen Lyrosier herself and I doubt if there will ever be another like it.” He then unsheathed a long dagger and proffered the hilt towards Nilah. Doula saw this and went for her fire poker in a panic. He saw her and said, “not to worry midwife, there won’t be any slaying of children here tonight. This dagger might not look like much but just judging by the opalescent glow. You must know it was forged by the famous smithy Taras with the help of none other than Dryus.” Doula looked amazed and asked, “you don't mean… The great general of the Alkin? The man who cleared our lands of Korrigan so many years ago?”

Kismet nodded slowly and said, “the very same. Young miss, simply press the boy's hand to the blade and it will ever be bound to him.” She slowly pulled his right hand from the swaddling and set it on the bare blade near the hilt. It pulsed blue and the print remained on the blade momentarily. Kismet quickly closed the blade into the sheath and handed it to the midwife then picked up the small chest he’d brought with him. He sat on the stool and opened the lid for Nilah to see. It was nearly full of gold, silver, and copper Chells. And on top of it all was a small sack. Kismet poured the sac into his hands and the two women gasped as if the previous bounty wasn’t already astonishing. “It was decided by the council of the five races that this child would want for nothing and the same went for those that were to care for him. The coin is to be used as you see fit but these gems should be held for him. They’re each worth a fortune but we believe he’ll have need of them at some point.” In his palm were several round blue stones and an assortment of a few other red, green, and yellow ones.

He looked gravely at the two women and Doula spoke up. “Those aren’t Alkin sea stones are they? I never thought…” just then Kismet cut her off. “They are, and if you tell anyone this young mother has them… well, you won’t need to find out now will you?” Doula shook her head and stepped back a foot or so. He then set the chest near the foot of her cot and motioned for Naia to come forward. She did so quietly and looked rather unsure of herself so he put a hand on her shoulder and said, “young miss… uh, I never got your name.” Kismet said to Nilah. She started somewhat and realized that not only had they not been introduced but she’d forgotten to name the child in all the commotion.

“I am Nilah Atula and this…” she looked lovingly down at the child with his two different colored eyes. “... this, like his grandfather before him, is Kayne.” Kismet stood and bowed and said, “Young miss Atula, we must now ask a boon of you. Naia here will be needing a home for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, her mother and the ship they live on will not be a safe place for a child that may be as important to our future as Kayne himself. So I beg that you look after her.”

Once again the two women looked shocked, though, Nilah quickly composed herself. Of all the things that had transpired so far this was the least shocking. “I think we can find a place for her here, and with all this money I think I can afford to hire Doula here to help me keep up with the two of them.” Doula seemed to just come around with a bit of a jolt at hearing her own name then replied, “I would happily be at your service ma’am. These two are certainly going to be a handful.”

Hearing this Kismet stood and began donning his gear once again. He went over to Naia, gave her a quick hug, and whispered something in her ear. Then, walked to the door and placed a tiny bell above it on the frame. “I fear I’ve lingered far too long here. If you are ever in need of aid simply ring this bell and someone will come. I’ll return someday to check on all of you.” And without another word he stepped out into the storm and was gone.