“No, I don’t like it,” argued Torrik.

“Come on, we don’t have time for this,” Kai said. Waving for the dwarf to board the airship. A recent magi-tech invention that was to revolutionize the world. All could understand the hesitant nature of Torrik. Not many airships had been built; most people had never even seen one before. “Our client awaits. On an island.”

“Then we’ll take a boat,” Torrik roared. Smirking triumphantly.

“We don’t have time to reach a port,” Vivian said. Her long face was not well hidden. Two of the four were against the idea of taking an airship. At least Vivian seemed willing to do so, no matter how reluctantly. “And my brother already accepted payment for the job. We don’t have much of a choice.”

“Come on now,” Kai was halfway up the gangplank. “It will only be a day or two.”

“If the whole thing doesn’t go up in smoke,” Torrik grumbled.

“If it helps,” laughed Kai, “they provided wine for our trip.” Magic words it seemed. As they left Kai’s lips, Torrik had risen and was first to board the ship.

“Come on then,” Torrik waved them on. A deep-bellied laugh trickled from the dwarf as he vigorously rubbed his hands together. “Our employer has been so generous; it would be rude not to partake.”

“Well, that went better than expected,” Kai grinned. Mira and Vivian soon joined the others aboard the ship. “Off we go.”

“And where is this ship headed?” Vivian popped out her hip; hand resting gently upon it.

“Some island called Karo,” answered Kai. “Never heard of it myself.”

“Karo,” Mira spoke up, “it’s a small volcanic island off the coast of Valstrom. Not much there. A beach, a jungle, and the volcano. Though I have heard the natives worship a sea god.”

“Anything else?” Vivian raised an eyebrow.

“Sorry,” Mira shook her head.

“No worries,” Kai stepped to the bow of the ship. Eyes locked upon Arasta. He was ready to see that place fade away as they took off. “We know enough. And once we get there, we’ll solve whatever issue our employer needs us to.”

“Don’t get too confident now, brother,” Vivian stepped to his side. “We’re good, but we can’t let it get to our heads.” As Kai went to answer, the air began to hum. Magical energy filled the air, causing those aboard to feel heavier than usual. As though their clothes had soaked in water. Wood groaned at the proud galleon took to the skies. For a moment everything felt weightless for Kai. As though he would float away from the world. That feeling ended as the ship reached max altitude.

Our first job, together, Kai smiled. Starting to make his way down below deck.

“Where are you going?” Mira asked. Trailing behind him.

“Gonna grab some sleep,” Kai waved toward her, not even turning to look her way. “Was up all night.”

“Sleep well,” he could hear the smile in her voice; footsteps coming to a sudden halt. He replied with a tired grunt. Though he was telling the truth about being tired, Kai knew he couldn’t sleep. Not just yet.

The ship was divided into three layers beneath the deck. On the first floor were the storage rooms and sleeping quarters for the crew and their guests. Below the living floor, one could find the galley, as well as a space separated off for training and sparring. Finally, there was the cargo hold on the lowest level.

Making his way towards the cargo level, Kai unfastened his cloak and removed his shirt. Tossing both haphazardly to the side. Staring at the spider tattoo he’d been branded with the previous night. Webs spread from the spider. Ink glowing like hot coals, stretching across his chest. Slowly creeping towards his heart. I’ve made a devil’s bargain, haven’t I? Nails dug into his flesh as he sank down against a wall. All he wanted to do was scream.

ΦΦΦ

“That brother of mine,” sighed Vivian. Her raven hair flowed in the steady breeze. Forest stretched towards the horizon; mountains pierced the sky off in the distance. Wisps of clouds rolled over the deck as they sailed through them. She’d been against this form of travel, but even she could admit there was something peaceful about being up there. Above the world. Free of all that she knew.

Mira came to be at her side, “I can’t believe Kai managed to find us a job. Or that it included a trip on an airship. He’s a great leader.”

“I hear he thinks highly of you as well,” Vivian said. Trying her best to hide her sly smile. She watched as their priest grew red-faced. Her lips moved but the words never came free. Vivian couldn’t let this opportunity slip, “In fact, I bet he’s thankful for you joining us most of all. Told me you remind him of someone from our hometown. What was her name again, Sara? Real cutie, had Kai all flustered.” Mira perked her head up. A look of shock and disappointment on her face. There was no Sara, but Vivian had to see if she could force a confession from her.

“So, he liked this Sara?” the words sounded painful to speak.

“He’s too cowardly to tell her,” Vivian pressed on. “He’ll probably never confess to anyone, that brother of mine.” Mira nodded in agreement. Silently walking off. Go get him, girl. Though, she was unsure if she was actually going to find the courage to confess to Kai. Not that it mattered to her. Maybe I should tell her I was lying. That was when she realized Torrik had vanished since they boarded the ship. If she made a bet, he was in the galley, stuffing himself or drinking his weight in wine. If she waited too long, there’d be none left for her. And after everything, she could use a drink.

Vivian made her way down toward the galley. Quietly waving at the crew members she passed by along the way. They were mostly a nonverbal crowd. Not that she minded. Not in the mood to speak with anyone, she quite enjoyed how none of them tried to force conversation.

As she approached her destination, sounds of music and cheer started off softly. Growing ever louder as the doorway grew nearer. The moment Vivian pushed the door open, the sounds erupted into full life. Cheering crewmates had circled around a single table. Unsurprisingly, at the heart of all the excitement was Torrik. The dwarf effortlessly chugging down an entire barrel of grog. Once the final drop was finished, he smashed the wooden container over his forehead.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

It was certainly a sight to behold. Though Vivian was unsure whether she should be impressed or concerned over these actions. With the intensity of a bear, Torrik unleashed what was likely the magnum opus of all belches. Silencing the crowd as the drawn-out action rippled through the room. Torrik was the first to yell in excitement, causing the crew to follow suit. Even from halfway across the room, Vivian could smell the aftermath. Almost enough to turn her stomach.

Swallowing the need to retch—and thankful no bile had tried to climb her throat—she made her way through the crowd. Joining her compatriot at his table, “You certainly seem to fit right in with our host.”

“Aye,” Torrik gave a full-bellied laugh. “And they bought the good stuff. Go on, grab a drink.” The dwarf motioned to an unarmed bar where the crew could serve themselves. “And you’ll be going over there if you want food,” he pointed her attention towards a serving window. A line had already formed out of Torrik’s spectators now that his show was over. He hopped down from the table. Making his way over towards the bar. Thankfully, this time only filling up a tankard over taking an entire barrel for himself.

Vivian followed and grabbed her own drink as well, “I’m shocked you can keep going after that display.”

“We dwarves are far from lightweights,” he laughed. Face only now starting to flush red. “Has that brother of yours told you anything about this job?”

“Nothing,” scowled Vivian. It was unlike Kai to want to withhold information like that. Just what are you getting us into? “Knowing my brother, he might have taken a job without knowing all the details.”

“And he wants to be the leader,” Torrik laughed.

“Well, he is the one who started our little group.”

“Just because he started it, don’t mean he’s got to lead it,” Torrik chugged his grog. Emptying the tankard as if his life depended on it. “Don’t think any of us should lead,” he began to fill his cup back up.

“Oh?” Vivian raised an eyebrow. “Are you saying you want to disband Vermilion Wing?”

“Now don’t jump to conclusions,” the dwarf glared her way. “I just mean, I think we’re all equals here. No one is above anyone. Not you, not that brother of yours,” Torrik cut himself off with another belch. One that was followed with the warning more than hot air might be coming out. Once composed, he continued, “Certainly not me.”

“Clearly,” Vivian rolled her eyes. Making her way towards the table. Tired of standing around. Torrik was right on her heels. Their conversation halted until they sat down. “But, even if Kai isn’t the most cut out to be the leader, he has done a well enough job at it. He handles our money well, and he does find us work more often than not.”

“He is good at that boring stuff,” agreed the dwarf. “But I don’t care for this secret shit. Got us headed off to some job and won’t tell anyone, not even his own blood what to expect. Secrets ain’t ever lead to nothing good.”

“I’m sure he has his reasons,” Vivian was trying to convince herself as much as she was Torrik. But he was right, this behavior was not like Kai. Just what do you have us walking into, brother? “But I’m sure you’ll be happy with this job so long as you get to fight something.”

Torrik laughed, “They already gave me drinks and food. At this point, the fighting is a bonus. Speaking of which,” Torrik hopped from the bench and made his way over towards the serving line. Vivian stayed behind. Gingerly sipping at her drink. Contemplating whether she should eat now, or follow her brother’s lead and retire to her room.

“How about a match?” a voice broke her concentration. One of the crew members stood over her. A grin on his face.

“Excuse me?” Vivian put down her drink.

“Come on,” the man sat across from her. Taking a readied position for an arm-wrestling match. “You look strong.”

“You don’t want to do this,” Vivian warned. Taking the position despite her warning. Not listening to her, the crewmate cupped his hand into hers. They gave a countdown and began. Her eyes grew wide when she realized it wasn’t going to be as easy as she first thought. The man had both strength and good technique. But Vivian wasn’t worried she’d lose. Just impressed he was better than she gave credit for. Vivian’s eyes grew wide as she started to lose ground. For the first time in over three years, someone was about to slam her arm to the table. Or so he thought. Mustering all her strength, Vivian overcame her opponent and in one swooping motion flipped the script. Now his knuckles hovered dangerously over the table.

Vivian smiled before taking up her glass, “Cheers.” With a wink; Vivian slammed her opponent and began to chug in victory. It was too quiet to make out, but Vivian was sure she’d heard the crewmate curse her under his breath. Not that she cared. She’d given a fair warning. If he was able to handle losing, it was no worry of hers.

“And this is why I never want to be on your bad side,” Torrik placed a hand on her shoulder. “Now can I ask a favor of you?” He didn’t have to say a word. Anyone with a working set of eyes could see Torrik had drunk too much. Just standing still seemed to be a struggle for him.

“Come on,” Vivian said. Keeping him steady as they made their way towards the stairs. Along the way, the two of them passed Kai. Vivian noticed that her twin looked worse for wear. What’s going on? She came to a stop. Calling out to him, “Where are you going?”

“To get dinner,” Kai answered. Not even taking the time to stop.

“No, you should be in bed.” His sister barking orders got him to take pause. “Brother, you look terrible. Torrik is well past drunk, and even he looks better than you right now. Is something wrong?”

“You’re right,” Kai turned to face her. A smile on his face. “Alright, I’ll get more rest.” As he came closer, Vivian readied herself. Once he was in range, she would launch a surprise attack his way. Even half awake, her brother should have the reflexes to dodge.

Spittle escaped with the air in his lungs; Vivian’s fist dug deep into Kai’s gut. “Brother!” she dropped to her knees as he crumpled on the ground. “I thought for sure you would be prepared. Are you sick?” What is that? At the base of his neck, Vivian could see something that almost seemed to glow. When she tried to undo his cloak, Kai grabbed her wrist. “Brother, Kai. Please, what’s going on?”

“Don’t worry,” he huffed. “It’s all a part of our job.” That did little to ease her worry. Struggling, Kai climbed back to his feet, “I think you’ve gotten stronger, sister.” Kai looked ready to fall over dead, but still, he laughed. “Well, come on. Let’s get Torrik to his room.”

“Please,” the dwarf leaned against the wall. Body rocking back and forth despite the support. Vivian had forgotten he’d been with her. Concern focused on her brother. The twins stood at either side of Torrik. Keeping him stable. Vivian turned her attention to her brother. He did well to hide the pain and suffering he was going through. Infrequent twitches of his eye gave him away; the occasional grunt slipping from his lips.

It took both of them to roll Torrik onto his bed. The moment he hit the pillow he was out cold. It felt as if his snores shook the room. “This was fun, truly,” mocked Kai. His laughter cut short by Vivian’s scornful glare. “Right, I guess I should lie down as well.”

“You should,” Vivian sighed. Her face turned soft, “Kai, just what is this job you got us involved with?”

“You won’t like it,” he said. Sitting on the edge of the second bed within the room.

“I don’t like you hiding things from me, brother. I can handle whatever it is.”

“Very well,” Kai motioned to remove his cloak. His shirt soon followed. Hands shot up to cover her mouth; Vivian caught her gasp within her throat so as not to wake Torrik. Not that she believed anything would wake him at this time.

“Brother, what is that?” The spider’s web had overtaken his entire chest by now. Slowly beginning to crawl up his neck. Spreading now to his back. “Brother, what did you do?”

“Well,” he laughed, “to put it simply. I have gotten myself cursed it would seem.”

“Then let’s have Mira break it,” Vivian said.

“No,” Kai stood up. Reaching out to grab her. Stopped only when he realized she had yet to move. “I did this on purpose. It was the only way to get the job.”

“There are better ways of getting jobs,” scolded Vivian. For instance, checking a job board.”

“Well,” Kai sat back down. “I messed up, Viv.” He hadn’t called her that since they were children. “That old man from the tavern. The one I played in darts, turns out he knows powerful people. I ran into him and he offered us a job.”

“And you had to be cursed to take it?” Kai nodded. Baffling Vivian, “What could be so important that you needed to go to such lengths?”

“Viv,” Kai shook his head, “he works for them.”