“Ah, your parents. I’m afraid I have some bad news. I’ll discuss this in private with you. Everyone except Taylen and Shadowmurk are dismissed.”
One by one the group left the throne room. Upon reaching the gate everyone stopped except Slade. “Yeah, goodbye to you too!” Kurando was responded with a rude gesture as Slade walked further and further away. “Such a pleasant guy.”
“I suppose this is farewell.” Iyouboushi bowed. “My master in Erutoru will want to hear about my doings here.”
“As will my queen in Tinnei.” Kaiten bowed as well. Eisen bowed his head and screeched.
“Partings are so sad, don’t you think so Quaram?” The helmet was lifeless.
Aolos bowed his head. “May the wind carry messages of your good health in the future” he said, as he began walking off.
“I believe I will wait to say my goodbyes to Taylen.”
“I will join you, Iyouboushi.”
“And Quaram and I have nothing better to do.”
The three men did not have to wait long before Taylen ran out of the castle cursing and ranting to himself. “I know that Toni, I’m not stupid. No, I don’t think this is the best idea but what choice do I have?” He stopped when he saw the three staring at him.
Concerned, Iyouboushi spoke first. “Alus said he had bad news. What has become of your parents?” The sky began to grow dark. A storm was rolling in.
“I was informed that my parents were kidnapped by pirates.”
“Pirates?” Kaiten and Kurando looked at each other.
“My parents were enlisted by Crim to go visit the southern village of Bikko on a mercy mission. They’re healers, you see. But the ship was attacked and pillaged by a band of pirates led by a Captain Blackblood. Alus told me that many of the passengers on board were taken hostage.” He sighed.
“Pirates? I have heard of recent attacks on ships bound for Erutoru as well. It is a wonder that my ship was not attacked on the way here.” Iyouboushi thought deeply. “But from the stories I have heard, Blackblood is not a coldblooded killer. That means your parents are being held wherever he hides from Crim’s navy.”
Kaiten stepped in. “That means they can be rescued, right?” Eisen flapped nearby, looking up at the sky.
“Yes and no.” Casper’s face turned red from anger. “Alus refuses to lend a ship to go looking for them.” Thunder rumbled in the distance.
“After all that we have done for him and this kingdom, how can he refuse?”
“I do not know. All I know is that they could be in trouble so I have to go and rescue them.”
“But how?”
“Simple. Steal a ship.”
“Are you insane?” Kurando backed up. “Steal a ship from the most powerful nation on the planet?” He shook his head no. “I will not be going back to prison, especially for commandeering a vessel.”
“Does anyone have any other ideas then?” Desperation in his voice.
Before anyone could respond the door to the castle opened and Shadowmurk stepped out. “Taylen, good. I am glad to see you are not far. I plead to Alus on your behalf. He has agreed to change his decision. You see, a ship that was bound to Erutoru just returned and it is another few days before the next shipment goes out.” He paused to make sure everyone was listening.
“Go on.”
“Alus decrees that you and others you choose to help you on this mission may go after the pirates on one condition: you must hunt and destroy them. Leave no pirate alive.”
Taylen thought about it and answered with no doubt in his voice. “Understood.”
“Then take this document down to the captain of the Nomad Phoenix.” He gave Taylen an envelope. “Good luck Taylen.” Ignoring the rest of the group, Shadowmurk turned and re-entered the castle. The doors slammed shut and locked. A light rain began to fall.
“I suppose should get a move on then. That is, if you’re willing to help.”
“Absolutely.”
“Of course.”
“Quaram and I would be bored without something to do so I guess that means we’ll help.”
“Then let’s go.”
* * *
Slade dashed down a deep and completely dark ally deep within Crim. He only stopped when he heard his name called. “I knew I’d find you here” he said while turning. Staring at him was a figure the same height as Slade, dressed completely in black with a huge cloak covering his face.
“So Slade, this is how you spend our time? Saving children from imps that were paid by the humans to do their dirty deed?” He paced forward, seemingly never touching the ground.
“What do you mean?”
“Have your ears gone deaf? The underworld is full of news that the kingdom paid those imps to capture the children.”
Slade’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t understand. Why?”
“The Mark of Crysonis is not a mere faded area on the ground.” The figure grew ever closer. “It’s a seal. Something has been sealed there and I believe the kingdom wishes to open the ancient seal.” Slade stepped backwards, his mind racing.
“What’s sealed there?”
“I do not know. No one does, except perhaps the oldest living being in the world.”
“How is it opened?” Slade asked, but he already knew the answer. The vial of liquid flashed in his mind.
“You already know.” The figure’s voice grew dark. “But no matter, that is no concern of mine. Did you complete the task I sent you to do?”
“I did.” Slade reached under his clothing and pulled out a small book. He held it out for the figure, who took it with glove-covered hands.
“Good. Your next task will be given to you at a later time.” The figure turned and disappeared into the shadows faster than Slade could react.
“I hate it when he does that.” Slade was deep in thought. He had to find out what was in the seal and why Alus would go to such extreme lengths to have it opened. But where to start looking for information?
* * *
The tiny trade ship known as the Nomad Phoenix sat as the only ship in port. Kurando went pale white at the sight of the ship. “Ah, that’s..”
Kaiten stepped over towards him. “What’s wrong?”
“Ships like to be over wa..wa..water.” He stepped backwards. “I’m afraid Quaram and I do not like the water.”
“Hail and well met.” Iyouboushi recognized the voice as the captain who had commanded the ship that brought him to Crim. “Ah, you again. How nice of us to meet again so soon. Enjoying yer stay at Crim are ye?” The rain began to pick up, bringing it from a light drizzle into a full downpour.
“Crim is an interesting place” Iyouboushi admitted, not wanting to say too much about what he had experienced.
“It’s the best place on the planet” the captain said, “where else can you find good-paying work and the latest and greatest entertainment all in one place?” He coughed slightly. “Now then, what brings you to my ship?”
Taylen reached into his pocket and pulled out the envelope. The captain ripped it open and read over the letter inside. With a groan he looked back up. “Pirates?”
“Pirates” Taylen repeated.
“Then let us board quickly.”
For Taylen and Iyouboushi boarding was a simple matter. For Kurando and Kaiten it was not. Kurando refused to move forward towards the ship and was only getting closer when Kaiten pushed him all his strength. “Water leads to drowning” Kurando said plainly. “I do not like drowning.”
“I don’t think any of us do” Kaiten said, struggling to move Kurando forward. “Now get on the ship.”
Lightning flashed and was followed by a rumble that shook the dock itself. Kurando felt his body go limp and fall to the ground. Kaiten took this chance to pick him up and carry him on the ship.
“Sorry about the delay, it seems the pyromaniac does not like water. Has a phobia of riding ships.”
“Put him in the cargo hold. He’ll be safe there” the captain suggested, as he went towards the wheel of the ship. “And hang on, this ride might be a little choppy in this storm.”
Choppy was an understatement. As the storm grew worse, the ship rocked violent, threatening to toss everyone off.
“This is madness” Iyouboushi yelled. “We should have waited for better weather.”
“Every second we waste is a second my parents may not have.” Taylen shouted back as a wave of water poured over him.
“Do not worry,” the captain shouted, “we are riding out of the storm. Things will be calm again soon.” He turned the wheel sharply to the right.
Eisen screeched loudly as more water poured over the side of the ship and crushed down on him. Kaiten ran to Eisen’s side as he was forced out of the air and onto the deck of the ship.
“Take the animal below deck” the captain yelled in observance. Kaiten gave him a sharp look to imply that Eisen was not a mere basic animal, but felt he was right. This was no place for wyverns.
Time passed but it was impossible to see where the sun stood in the sky. All but the captain had retreated to the underside of the ship. It was a small cargo hold, empty at the moment save for some loose rope.Kurando lay on the flood holding the helmet, still unconscious. Nearby stood Eisen, shaking water off his wings and scales. Taylen paced feverishly, while Iyouboushi sat on the ground meditating. Kaiten tended to Eisen, making sure he was all right.
The ship’s violent rocking was slowly stopping. “It seems we are almost out of the storm” Kaiten said. “Which is great for you Eisen.” Eisen screeched in agreement.
The captain poked his head through the door to the cargo hold. “Storm’s clearin’ up. Best hurry topside, we have company already.”
“Company?” Iyouboushi opened his eyes.
“Pirates.” Taylen rushed by everyone in a full run, leaving them behind.
“I have a bad feeling about this.” Kaiten said. “Stay here Eisen.”
Together the two left the cargo hold and joined topside once more. The deck was soaking wet and one of the sails had a decent-sized rip in it. In the looming distance was another ship heading towards them quickly.
“Look through this here spyglass” the captain said, passing it to Taylen. He did so and saw a large burly man with a huge white beard. With an eye patch over his left eye and a huge Scimitar strapped to his side, he looked rather intimidating. Behind him were several famished-looking men, all with bandannas and sword daggers strapped to their sides.
“Are these really the pirates?” Taylen asked, passing the spyglass to Kaiten. “Aside from the big one, they don’t look very threatening.”
“It’s best not to underestimate our opponents” Kaiten lowered the spyglass and gave it to Iyouboushi. “As we know, appearances can be deceiving.”
“So what’s the plan?” Taylen paced back and forth on deck as the ship grew evercloser. “We cannot sink their ship without first finding out what happened to my parents.”
“Sink the ship?” The captain shook his head. “We have no weapons on board this trade vessel.”
“But we do have a fire mage below deck.” Taylen paused. “But like I said, we must find out what happened to my parents first.”
“Do you expect them to just give us that information willingly?” Iyouboushi lowered the spyglass.
“We’ll force it out of them.” Taylen snapped his fingers. “They’ll attack this ship looking for something to pillage, right? If we hide in the cargo hold we can get a jump on them when they enter it.”
“As good of a plan as any.” Kaiten turned and headed for the hold.
“Be careful,” Iyouboushi said to the captain. “Do not try anything stupid.”
“It’ll be fine” Taylen said. “It has to be.”
The large ship in the distance grew closer and closer revealing black sails and loud hearty laughter from those on board. It grew closer to the cargo ship. The captain gulped. He had never had any dealings with pirates but had heard rumors about them. Animals, he had been told, only out for themselves.
The ship did not fire any weapons, instead growing closer and closer. When it reached as close as it could without doing damage to either ship, a large plank was lowered to connect the two ships. The tall burly man with the white beard walked over slowly. With him followed two of the more famished men.
“Yarr, give me yer food” the burly man said, “and I’ll let ye go.” The captain pointed at the stairway leading down into the cargo hold and stood silently. “Good choice matey.” The two famished pirates behind him immediately ran for the stairs.
“Here they come” Taylen whispered. “You two be ready.” He did not even have to say it, as Kaiten and Iyouboushi both had their weapons drawn and were ready to spring into action. Taylen moved back to give them more room and to stay closer to the unconscious Kurando.
The two famished pirates stood no chance in the ambush. With quick moves, both were knocked over the head and fell to the ground. Using the spare rope, both were tied up and left in the hold. “Are we ready to take him down?” Taylen asked. The others nodded. “Then let’s do it.”
Upon seeing Taylen, Iyouboushi and Kaiten emerge from the hold, the burly man drew his scimitar. “Ye lying sea dog” he said to the captain who was backing away with increasing panic. “Trying to trick me? Well let me tell you this: I won’t be going alive.”
“Where do you take your prisoners?” Taylen shouted, aiming his gun at the man.
“Prisoners? Captain Blackblood does not keep prisoners.” The burly man, now identified, stepped forward, puffing his chest out and raising his scimitar up into an aggressive stance. “Now tell me, which of ye are the strongest? Come face me in a dual, one on one.”
“I will do it.” Kaiten stepped forward, swinging his polearm around. “On one condition.”
“And that be?”
“If I win you will explain to us why you are pillaging ships and where you have taken the crew members and various passengers on board.”
“Aye, if you win.” A smirk, confidence. With a burst of unexpected speed, Blackblood rushed forward and did a forward slash into Kaiten’s armor. Blood droplets fell to the deck of the ship. Kaiten moaned and staggered backwards.
“He’s strong” Iyouboushi whispered to himself. He gripped his katana tighter. Worse came to worse he would step in and stop the fight.
“Still standing are ye? I be shocked.” Blackblood laughed. “Finally Crim sends someone strong on board one of her ships.”
Kaiten focused and collapsed to one knee. “I hate to have to do this to you” he said, “but you’ve left me no choice.” Kaiten’s body became a blur as he lept on one knee straight up into the air, disappearing into the overcast sky.
“Where did he go? What trickery is this?” Blackblood looked all around him, then eyed Taylen and Iyouboushi. “You two, answer me.”
Iyouboushi just pointed up. Blackblood glanced up just in time to see Kaiten falling, his polearm straight down as he had done before on the giant worm. This time Kaiten aimed for Blackblood’s shoulder instead of his head. The sound of bone breaking was heard, and Blackblood was fell completely over, unmoving. Dust and splinters of wood blew from the floor, which was now cracked but not leaking. Kaiten staggered and breathed heavily.
“Is, is he dead?” Taylen stepped forward, still holding his gun out.
“No, merely injured.” Kaiten stepped forward and kicked the scimitar out of Blackblood’s reach. Blackblood groaned in pain, his arm twisted in a way it should not be twisted.
“I underestimated you scurvy dogs” he muttered.
“So keep your end of the bargain. Tell us why you are attacking ships and where you’re taking the crew and passengers.”
“Aye. Listen to my story.”
With great difficulty, Blackblood sat up and groaned once more. He cleared his throat and began to speak.
“This ship sails from Kingdom of Crim. Believe me or not, I too was once from that kingdom. I was a distinguished sea captain, sailing one of the finest war vessels the kingdom had to offer. Oh how I loved to travel the beautiful seas. Then, fifteen years ago my men and I were kicked out of Crim for visiting the forbidden continent.”
He paused and allowed the group to ask about the continent.
“The continent of Droth. It’s a dead continent that legends say holds a powerful treasure. My men and I were willing to risk our lives to retrieve the treasure on Crim’s behalf. But the king declined, decreeing it to be too powerful and dangerous. We asked ourselves what the king knew about such matters and went anyway. Thirty of my crew died that day and I lost me eye. When the remainder of us returned to Crim we were stripped of our rank and banished from the kingdom.
“Naturally we were upset, downright angry even. We stole this ship and fled the kingdom. But this is not why we attack ships now after all these years. For you see, the crew and I found a nice island not too far off the shores of Iwote . It was a paradise and best of all, untouched. We thrived on it for years. Built ourselves a nice town on the farthest point north, where a whirlpool protected it from all ships.
“However, the cave connecting the town and the side of the island where ships can dock has been taken over by a giant beast of unequal strength. A minotaur. Oh it is strong, even for myself. Because we cannot reach our town, we have run short on supplies. We have resorted to attacking ships as a matter of survival.”
“That doesn’t explain why you take people hostage.” Taylen said.
“As I have told ye before, we do not take hostages. We recruit. We recruit those who wish to stand up against the minotaur and take them back to the island, where we have set up a temporary camp until the matter is resolved. These men and women are always free to leave each time we leave port. Some have, but most stay. Perhaps out of pity, perhaps because it is the right thing to do.”
“If I understand this right,” Taylen said, “once the minotaur has been defeated, you will be able to return to your town and the attacks will stop. And those who went to help you will be free to leave?”
“Aye. That is what I am saying.”
“Is that why you wanted to test our strength?” Kaiten asked, still sore from the blow he received.
“To find strong people to help with he fight, aye.” He stood up, holding his limp arm with his other hand. “Where are the men that came aboard with me. Did you kill them?”
“No, they’re tied up in the cargo hold.” Taylen pointed towards the steps and Blackblood walked slowly.
Kaiten and Iyouboushi moved closer to Taylen. “We must discuss this,” Taylen whispered, “do we help these ‘pirates’ or not? Based on what he just told me and knowing my parents, I feel they would go to help them if they were truly given a choice.”
“What are we going to do about our part of the agreement” Iyouboushi asked. “Remember, he told us to eliminate all the pirates. Should we fail to do that we may be labeled as traitors.”
“Perhaps we should tell Alus what is going on?” Kaiten suggested. Taylen shook his head.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Blackblood said they were exiled from Crim to begin with. We would still be helping people who shouldn’t even be alive now.”
“I am unsure of whether Alus would listen or not.” Iyouboushi glanced over at the captain of the boat. “What about him?”
“He watched Kaiten fight. Perhaps we can threaten him to stay silent.” Taylen suggested, nodding.
“So we’re going to help them?” Kaiten watched as Blackblood walked out of the hold with the two men following behind, wobbling weakly.
“It seems like the right thing to do.”
“I agree with Iyouboushi here.” Taylen walked over to the captain of the boat. “We’ve chosen to help Blackblood with his problem. You will follow his ship and take us to his temporary base.”
“A..are you sure about this?”
“I am.”
“So be it then.”
Taylen nodded and walked back over to the group, where Blackblood had finally reached. “We’ve agreed to help you, Blackblood.”
“Great news this be. Follow my ship.” Blackblood turned to walk back across his plank, mumbling about how he had to see healers to fix his broken arm along the way.
Upon arriving on his own ship, the long plank was removed. The sky began to clear up, allowing rays of light to beam through the clouds. Kaiten tended to his wounds with his armor off and the voyage once again set sail. By the time the sun kissed the planet for the last time of the day, they were there.
They had arrived at a small forest island with a distinct mountain in the middle of it. On the far side they could spy a whirlpool using the spyglass, making docking on that side of the island impossible without destruction. When they weighed anchor the group spotted grass huts that were constructed as temporary living quarters for the inhabitants, of which there seemed to be very few.
“Wh..where am I?” Kurando had finally awoken. Quaram sat unmoving in his hands.
“Oh, it sounds as though Kurando is awake. I think I shall go explain to him what is going on.” Kaiten walked into the hold. There was a moment of silence followed by a shriek.
“I guess he’s not taking it very well” Iyouboushi laughed.
“It’s time.” The captain walked everyone over to a small raft that the group would use to reach the island. Kurando gave another loud cry.
“I can’t do it. No, I won’t do it. I never agreed to help. You all kidnapped me. In fact, I should set you all on fire right now for it.” An audible smack was heard but the source of which could not be found. Kurando rubbed his cheek. “Ow.”
“Calm down and just close your eyes.” Kaiten extended his arm. “I’ll guide you.”
“Expect anything” Taylen said quietly as they boarded the raft, which began to be lowered. When they reached the water they saw Blackblood and five other men using a similar raft.
“All ye in the other raft, when we arrive on shore I shall introduce you to the few brave men and women who had agreed to help.”
Together they all rowed towards the shore. When they arrived several scrawny men wearing dark bandannas helped their captain out of the boat. “Captain Blackblood,” they said, “the beast has moved once again. This time destroying trees on the eastern side of the island.”
“Destroying trees?” Taylen raised his eyebrow.
“The beast is incredible strong, as I have described to you.”
“This may not bode well” Kaiten whispered to Iyouboushi who only nodded in agreement.
Together they walked to a hut that was slightly larger than the others. When they entered they saw a woman with silver hair wearing white robes, a man with gray hair wearing white robes and glasses, a man with auburn hair wearing all red with a feathered hat, and one bald man sitting on the ground, who wore a brown monk’s gi.
“Blackblood!” The silver-haired woman rushed forward. “What have you done to your arm? Do not tell me that you went to fight the beast alone.”
“Worry not,” he said, “I merely presented a test against an opponent I misjudged.”
She held her hands out, over the broken limb and began chanting. A small blue light began to glow in her hands and encompassed his arm. “Does that feel any better?” she asked, concerned. He nodded.
“Aye, tis much better.”
For the first time since their entrance, the group of other people realized that the people following Blackblood were not his pirates. They stood up and moved forward. The man with gray hair was first and after adjusting his glasses opened his jaw in surprise.
“Taylen?”
Taylen smiled. “Hi dad.”
“Taylen, honey” the woman said, still attending to Blackblood. “What a surprise to see you here.”
“Yes, it is a shock to see you son. What’s going on? Did Blackblood here enlist you as well?”
“It is how you say.” Taylen said. “Who are the other guys?”
“How rude.” The man in red said, stepping forward, his voice resounding with a condescending attitude. “I am Vinard the Third, prince of Ardolia. Show some manors young boy.”
“Prince?” Taylen looked back at his parents. “Why is a prince here?”
Blackblood gave a laugh. “He wanted to see how the savages of Iwote lived for some report he is writing.”
“So he’s a spy?”
“How dare you” Vindard said, his pitch getting higher. “Ardolia merely sent me here to ascertain what the peoples of Iwote are like. And I must say, I stand by my original assessment. You are a bunch of savages.”
“Ardolia? I’ve never heard of such a place.” Iyouboushi said in a half question.
“Ardolia is a continent that lies to the north of Iwote. The dogs that live there do not concern themselves with Iwote much, preferring to keep it a closed society.” Blackblood said. Vinard gave a snarled look towards him.
“Cute.” Taylen looked at the monk, who remained seated. “Who’s he?”
“That is Sang. We’re not sure where he’s from” Taylen’s mother said. “He was on his way to Bikko with us when Blackblood stopped our ship.”
“So who are your friends?” Taylen’s dad said, peeking behind Taylen at the rest of the group.
“Oh. This is Iyouboushi of Erutoru.”
“Nice to meet you.” A bow.
“And Kaiten of Tinnei with his wyvern companion Eisen Ryu.” Eisen screeched and both bowed.
“And finally, Kurando of Crim. I think he’s from Crim.”
Kurando shrugged and placed the helmet on his shoulder.
“Guys, this is my father Gasper and my mother Sakura.”
“Now that we’re all introduced,” Blackblood said, stepping forward. His healing was finished. To test, he clinched his fist a few times and swung his arm around. “It’s time we get to work.”
