Chapter 132: First Voyage

6 years ago...

Loh sat in her tent skimming over one of her scout’s reports. Vayu Glaz stood next to her, discussing their next plan of action. Aizel marched into the tent, his face a darker shade of grey than usual.

“Sis, you know I love you, but I refuse to keep digging latrine pits all day,” Aizel said.

“It’s general or master to you, apprentice,” Loh said without glancing up. “You march into your superior’s tent unannounced and expect me to give in to your demands? Don’t waste my time, get out.”

“Loh, I think you should hear him out at least, he’s been working hard,” Vayu said.

Aizel nodded and whispered a thank you to Vayu. The captain winked in return.

“Fine,” Loh sighed. “What do you want, Aizel?”

“Grandfather made me your apprentice when he left. But, so far you haven’t taught me anything, whether it be spells or battle tactics,” Aizel said.

“I was busy, I couldn’t spare you any time, we were trying to catch the enemy raiders off guard,” Loh said.

“That was three weeks ago,” Aizel said.

“Well, maybe if you hadn’t been so stupid as to fight in the front lines in that damn battle I wouldn’t have had to place you on latrine duty.”

“Our men were under attack. I saw one of our soldiers get shot in the leg by a stray arrow. The rest of the soldiers were retreating, I couldn’t just leave him there!”

“You could have gotten yourself killed, grandfather would have been furious!” Loh stood up.

Aizel took a step back, “That’s all you cared about? Grandfather getting angry at you? Not that I risked my life?”

“Shut up, Aizel. I don’t have time for your word games,” Loh sighed.

Aizel clenched his fists, “Well, then let me be very clear. I was sent here because I am going to marry Tauri. Not you, but me. It sucks, I get it, and you hate me for it. I understand, I do. But, this is more than either of us now. It concerns our family. If I don’t gain military accolades while I am out here I will still marry Tauri. But, it will put a strain on the Katag and Noir families’ relationship. We can’t have that.”

“Oh, please. Since when have you cared about the well-being of House Noir? You gave up being heir long before I became a mage. You couldn’t handle the pressure of being useless and left me to pick up the pieces. And now you wanna pretend that you care? All you care about is leaving a good impression on Lord Krall Katag, being a good son-in-law, and all that bullshit.”

“It’s not like that and you know it,” Aizel frowned.

“I don’t know shit! I’ve been too busy training for the last eight years to be the leader that this family needs. So, don’t try coming here pretending like you give a damn about this family.”

“You’re wrong,” Aizel’s shoulders trembled.

Loh walked up to his face, “Let me tell you something I do know. You will never be worthy of Tauri. You wanna be some kind of hero? Well, you’re not and you never will be. You pretend like you care, but everything you do is just for yourself, that’s just who you are. It’s who you have always been and nothing will change that.”

Aizel leaned forward until his forehead butted with her own, “I refuse to even acknowledge such an outrageous insult to my honor. If you weren’t my sister, I would challenge you to a duel right here and now.”

“You’d lose,” Loh growled.

Aizel stared into her blue eyes, “All you’ve done since I arrived at the Northern Army is insult and belittle me. Still, all I wanted was to fight against the Valley raiders, together as a family. But, I will win military recognition, with or without your help. I’ll send a message to grandfather explaining my wishes to transfer to another army.”

“Be my guest. You’re dismissed, soldier,” Loh smirked and went back to reading her reports.

Aizel nodded to Vayu, “Always a pleasure. You are the only friend I've had in my time here, I will miss you.”

“And I will miss your cheerful optimism, Aizel. Are we still down for drinks later tonight?” Vayu asked.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Aizel grinned.

“I said you're dismissed, get out of my sight,” Loh snapped.

Aizel turned to leave, but paused, “I don’t know much, Loh. I’ve wasted too many years partying. I tried to forget my guilt of leaving you in the hands of our grandfather and the pressure that came with being heir. That burden should never have been yours. For that, I am so sorry.”

“I don’t want your apologies. Get out before I put you in the stocks for insubordination,” Loh seethed.

“Let me tell you something that I do know. I love Tauri and I will make her happy in a way you never could.” Aizel closed the tent flap behind him.

Loh screamed, the reports burned to ashes in her hands.

~~~

Stryg and Rhian had gone down to the harbor and walked next to the pier, eyeing each docked ship. Stryg raised his hood to avoid drawing attention. But, he kept his lilac eyes on the odd wooden structures. He had never seen such large ships, he was accustomed to longboats that could carry two dozen goblins at most.

The trading ships at the docks were giants in comparison, spanning 150 ft. The ships were made of different kinds of wood, some were chestnut brown, others a russet brown, a few were even pale like sand. Most of them had three masts, but the few larger ones were different.

The larger ships had four masts, with Named Houses' crests emblazoned on their sails. The hulls were painted in all sorts of colors in line with their House’s colors, or so Rhian had explained. These were not trading ships but the personal sea-faring vessels of aristocrats.

Stryg eyed them all with bright curiosity, happy to distract his mind from his conversation with Loh. Sailors carried large crates and bundles of supplies down from the ships and loaded them into awaiting wagons that, once full, were carted off to the Trade District.

Rhian suddenly paused in her steps, “Master.”

“Huh, what is it?” Stryg turned his head in her direction.

“I think we’re here.”

“Woah, is that it?” He asked with a slack jaw.

“I think so,” she nodded slowly.

A colossal ship rested at the end of the harbor. Its black hull spanned 400 ft and rose high above the water as if looking down on all the rest. Six masts stood proud on the deck. Their black masts were emblazoned with the image of Krikolm piercing a skull with shadows curling around its pale, bony edges.

The Veres ship’s shadow eclipsed all the boats docked nearby. If this was not a sea vessel of a Ruling Family, Stryg did not wish to ask what was. Two long extending lifts latched from the deck of this ship down to the pier below. Sailors, dressed in black and red, hauled crates off one of the lifts while the other lift carried supplies up to the deck.

Rhian made her way down the pier, making sure she didn’t walk too close to either edge of the cold water swishing below. Clypeus stood near the lifts, glancing around the crowd of sailors. His crimson eyes caught sight of the beautiful centaur.

He smiled and waved his arm up high, “Over here!”

Rhian waved back and trotted over with a happy bounce to her step.

“Good morning, Clypeus of House Gale,” she bowed.

Clypeus returned the bow without missing a beat, “Good morning, Rhiannon, daughter of Ebon Hollow.”

Rhian broke into a grin, “How have the training sessions been going?”

“Stryg, you told her about our constant losses?” Clypeus winced.

“Nope,” Stryg grumbled.

“Which is why I’m asking, he doesn’t want to tell me anything about it,” Rhian pointed her thumb back at her rider.

“That’s because it’s none of your business,” Stryg hopped off the saddle but kept his hood on.

“Oh, come on. You can’t expect me not to be curious about the sword battles of the Gales. They’re the most famous sword practitioners in all of Hollow Shade. Everyone wants to know about their battles, ” Rhian said.

“They aren’t battles, just training,” Stryg shook his head.

“More like getting our asses beat by my sister,” Clypeus laughed.

“Yeah, whatever. Where’s Cal anyway?” He asked.

“Callum’s already up on the deck talking with the ship’s captain,” Clypeus pointed to the sky. “I was waiting for you to arrive before going up myself.”

“Alright, let’s go then,” Stryg nodded.

The sailors moved out of the way as the trio stepped onto one of the lifts. After a few seconds, the chains began to rattle and raised the lift. Stryg looked down from the edge as the world below grew small. It reminded him of when he had stood atop Hollow Shade’s wall. Rhian placed her hand on his shoulder. If it was to help keep her balance or to prevent Stryg from falling off, he wasn’t sure.

The lift stopped at the top. Stryg turned away from the edge and faced the deck. Sailors walked all about, each step filled with purpose. Not a single person lazed about, the sailors were all busy carrying one thing or another. Others were tying ropes here and there. A few shouted orders to others.

Stryg hopped onto the deck. He liked the atmosphere the sailors gave off, it reminded him of the Blood Fang tribe. The Sylvan goblins did not waste time. When something needed to be accomplished they all worked together to achieve their goal, no exceptions.

As for Rhian, she stepped onto the polished deck with hesitant steps. Stryg spotted Callum talking to a bearded vampire with a long black jacket.

“Master, wait for me!” Rhian whined.

Stryg was already swerving past sailors.

“Hey, Cal,” Stryg nodded.

“Oh, hey. I almost didn’t recognize you with the hood. It’s good to see you… Stryg,” Callum smiled weakly.

The goblin’s small stature made it impossible for anyone on deck to look straight into his face. His features were indiscernible under the black hood and cloak. But, Callum would never forget that soft yet deadly voice.

The bearded vampire raised his hand to his forehead in a salute, “Welcome aboard to the Dread Shadow. I am the captain of this vessel.”

“Hello, I am Stryg, son of Ebon Hollow. I am a friend of Callum. You have an incredible ship, captain. I have never seen anything of the like. It must have destroyed thousands of enemies.”

The captain nodded, “Indeed she has. It is my honor to be the captain of House Veres’ flagship. I’ll leave you two be, but if you need anything, please do not hesitate to let me know.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Stryg smiled.

“I’ll meet you for dinner, yes?” Callum asked.

“Of course! I await the young master and your guests with excitement,” The captain bowed and left.

“Damn this boat!” Rhian yelled.

She had finally managed to make her way over. Clypeus was holding her hand.

“It’s okay, you’re not going to fall, Rhian,” Clypeus smiled wryly.

“The floor is slippery!” She furrowed her brow in concentration.

“I suggest you find something more sturdy to hold onto before the ship sets sail. I don’t think Clypeus is strong enough to catch you if you fall,” Callum winked.

Rhian practically bounced at the sight of the vampire, “You’re Callum Veres! Wow, I’ve heard so much about your family and you! Like, you’re an actual member of House Veres!”

“That I am. I regret that we haven’t had the chance to properly make acquaintances,” Callum smiled.

“You know me?” Her grey eyes widened.

“I noticed you at Stryg’s birthday. Your impressive bre-... balance as you danced on top of the tables made quite the impression,” Callum said.

“I’m glad you noticed my skills,” Rhian posed with her head held high.

“Yes, something like that,” Callum’s eyes were focused below her face.

Stryg stepped in front of Callum. He said nothing, nor could Callum see his face below the hood, but the vampire felt a shiver run down his spine.

Callum cleared his throat and looked away, “Glad you made it, Clypeus.”

“Yes, so am I,” he made a short bow.

“Wow, this is incredible!” Rhian squealed.

“What?” Stryg turned around.

“Don’t you see it? It’s just like the play we watched back in Mellow Bloom, The Unfaltering Shield! We’re standing in front of an actual Veres and Gale. They’re just like their Houses’ founders. I bet they’re best friends and fight against enemies of Hollow Shade all the time!” Rhian shook with excitement.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” Stryg nodded.

“Except Callum and I are not best friends. Stryg and I are. So, it’s not quite like our ancestors’ story,” Clypeus corrected her.

Rhian frowned and pulled Stryg towards herself, “I’m his best friend. Who can a rider trust more than his glorious steed?”

“Yes, not quite like the stories…” Callum swallowed.

A Veres and a Gale, best of friends, Callum thought bitterly as he stared at Stryg and Clypeus. He felt as if fate was playing a cruel trick on him.

The deck shuddered as the Dread Shadow’s last ropes broke away and the ship departed from the port.

Rhian placed her hands over her mouth, “...I think I’m going to be sick.”