Surface- White Cap Ocean

Off the western coast of Arakon

Jacob braced himself behind a shield as the Marines behind him launched arrows and javelins at the pirates on the other ship. This was his third time out on patrol and second engagement, fighting on ships was interesting, to say the least. Suddenly a Fireball slammed into Jacobs shield sending him skidding back and the quick reaction of the Marines behind him helped keep his feet as he snarled and moved back to his position next to the guard rail.

Jacob could hear the shouts of the Captain yelling at the archers in the crow's nest. Jacob could see and Orc up there nod as he aimed at someone on the other ship before releasing the arrow from his Longbow. A load scream drowned out the sounds of battle causing Jacob to smile as another wave of arrows and javelins soared over Jacob and sliced into the pirates causing more than one scream.

They had caught a group of three pirate ships, being outnumbered two to one, they had tried to flee. The Light Triremes were faster and after chasing them for thirty minutes they had gotten in range of the Scorpions and Magic. A wave of Bolts, both Magical and Physical, peppered their hulls and crews slowing them down enough for the Imperial squadron to overtake them.

Now Jacob was waiting for the Pixie to get close enough to the pirate ship to board. Jacob missed his usual plate and mail armor, but it was to heavy for naval combat. If he got pushed into the water, it would be a one-way trip down. Jacob quickly checked his gear one last time before the boarding action started. Spoiler: Spoiler Name: Marines Assualt Armor

Level: Rare Armor Set

Armor Rating: 500 (Whole Set: Chest, Legs, Feet, Head)

Properties: Increase Constitution and Strength by 50 and Agility by 30 (Per Piece)

Properties: Warrior Skills cost 25% less Stamina

Properties: Swimming requires 50% less stamina

Durability: 800/800

Description: The Marines of the Empire of Night are hard-hitting naval quick response forces.

Name: Steel Short Sword of Gluttony

Level: Rare

Damage: 100-125

Properties: Increase Constitution and Strength by 40

Properties: 10% of damage dealt is recovered as health

Properties: Increase Stamina Regeneration by 10%

Durability: 500/500

Description: This blade was built for hard-hitting and fast combat. Jacob could feel his gutting knife in the small of his back. The shield he was wielding was scorched and cracked in multiple places from Fireballs, Crossbow Bolts, and arrows. If it survived for another ten minutes Jacob would be surprised.

Suddenly the deck shuddered and shook under Jacobs's feet. "Contact, go get them, boys!!" The Captain roared out and Jacob glanced past his shield at the milling pirates on the other ship. Jacob threw the remains of his shield at one group as he vaulted over the railing and onto the pirate vessel. Jacob quickly cast Entangling Shadows before aiming at another group and launching another half dozen Shadow Bolts at them before he slammed into their packed ranks.

Jacobs sword lashed out as the Marines swarmed the pirates, Jacob activated Triple Slash leaving a pirate bleeding out as he moved to engage another two pirates. One was wielding a large double-headed ax and the other wielded a pair of knives. Jacob lobbed a Shadow Bolt at the ax man as he moved to engage the Rogue. The ax man tried to side-step the Shadow Bolt but it slammed into his shoulder sending him spinning into the ground as Jacob met the Rogue

Jacob sent a flurry of slashes and stabs toward the Rogue who constantly danced back or deflected the shirt sword. Suddenly the deck shuddered beneath their feet causing both combatants to stagger as another Imperial ship started boarding the pirate vessel from the opposite side of the Pixie.

A roar from the Marines caused more than one Pirate to groan as a new wave of combatants boarded the ship. Jacob smiled as he slammed his fist into the Rogue causing him to spin away and collapse. Suddenly Jacob was bowled over as the ax man tackled him and started pummeling. Jacob snarled as he extended his talons and slammed them into the guy's stomach and started wiggling his fingers causing the large man to scream in pain. Jacob quickly kicked the other Warrior away before scrambling for his sword.

"Stand down Marines, they have surrendered!!!" Someone yelled out causing Jacob to look up. All the pirates were throwing away their weapons and getting to their knees. The Marines let out a roar of victory causing Jacob to snort, fierce and quick. Jacob would never get used to naval combat.

Alert...

Through the battle, you have gained...860 Experience.

Alert...

Alert...

For helping capture...Blood Fist...you have gained...10,000 Experience.

Alert...

War Quest Updated: Scourge of the...Two Seas

Description: Pirates of the Lost Islands have raided your port of Anchorhead. Teach the Pirate Lord a lesson and discourage further raids on Imperial Lands.

Capture or destroy: 5/20 Pirate Vessels

Capture or Kill: 150/500

Rewards: 150,000 Experience, 100,000 Kingdom Experience, 500 Gold, unknown

Surface-Storm Break Bay Region

Empire of Night- City of Anchorhead

Jacob watched as the other ships of the squadron dock and their crews disembarked. The chained prisoners would be escorted to the cities Keep to await judgment. Dock crews were already swarming the Light Triremes fixing the vessels for their next patrol. The captured vessels would be refitted into cargo vessels or bolster the new navy. "Another successful patrol?" Darren asked as he walked up to join Jacob.

"More captured pirate ships to bolster the ranks and possibly recruits depending on their punishment. What is the word, anything important going on?" Jacob asked as he switched out his Marine armor for the normal day-to-day clothing Cathrine expected him to wear.

Jacob quickly made his way over to where all the Marines handed over the captives to the Legionnaires. He handed the armor and weapon over to one of the Sergeants as he and Darren made their way to the central plaza. "Let's see, the Ambassadors from the Earth Splitters Tribe, Clan Darguun, Bloodfang Clan, Free Cities Alliance, and from Sylfemel arrived at Eternal Night and have taken up residence at the Embassy. The Free Cities Alliance guy wants to speak to you ASAP. The little standoff between in the Free Cities is over, it looks like the Slavers Union has decided to move forward with the offensive and has started to marshal their forces in key places. If they are going to attempt to drive us back to push northward...no one knows yet. To early to tell but we got eyes and ears embedded at key places." Darren stated as they walked.

"How is the grind going in the Obsidion Kingdom?" Jacob quietly asked causing the other Immortal to snort.

"After capturing the first segment of the North Hall, all advances have been turned back. Now we are on the defensive and just holding back the endless swarms of the Mind Warped. At least it provides steady experience for our guild and all the bodies that are piling up give us more fuel for the Bone Barracks." Darren stated as he frowned at the situation.

Jacob nodded, but it was just a stop-gap, they needed to figure out how to push them back and take the remainder of the North Hall. "Suggestions about breaking the stalemate?"

"Once we get enough people in the guild over level fifty, we make a hard push to take the middle segment of the North Hall. I know, it takes a while, but we have sixty-seven guildmates over fifty now, I know leveling slows to a crawl once we hit fifty, but we are making some progress." Darren replied to Jacobs question and Jacob nodded begrudgingly. Jacob had hit level fifty-six this past week, but to reach level fifty-seven required eight hundred thousand experience. It was frustrating and he was still expected to reach level two hundred... 'how?' Jacob wondered.

Surface- Valley of Origins Region

Empire of Night- City of Eternal Night

Palace of Night- Control Room

Jacob looked at the strategic map that outlined the Free Cities Alliance in yellow, and the cities that supported the Slavers Union in red. Ten yellow cities stood against nearly a dozen red, the number of troops both sides could field was nearly even. The only difference was the mercenaries the Slaver Union could hire to bolster the cities armies that were allied with them.

"From what we can tell, the cities of Salinda and Ingson have shifted nearly six thousand troops to Cliphis. The cities of Niamphis and Yhieburg have marshaled nearly five thousand troops each, the list goes on, each city having marshaled between three and five thousand troops. They could push south toward Uldon or Ordgan or they could push north toward the city of Athesas and her remaining allies." Nadal stated as he highlighted the various forces.

Jacob nodded as he studied the strategic map, "Recommendations?" Jacob asked.

"We have finished the repairs to both cities if I thought we might have time I would suggest we enhance the defenses of Ordgan, but we do not if they decide to push south. We have stored supplies in both cities to endure six-month-long siege and both cities have four Legions protecting them. At this point, we cannot do more." Nadal stated but before they could continue James cleared his throat from the doorway.

"Yes, Captain?" Jacob asked as he turned to the Heart Guard.

"My King, you have a date night and you said you needed time to take a bath and get ready. That time started ten minutes ago." James quickly replied causing Nadal to chuckle.

"We will finish this up tomorrow Nadal, I think the next couple weeks are going to be very busy one way or another," Jacob told the Drow as he rushed out of the room, the laughter of the two men following him.

"I can't believe you almost forgot our date after making it in the first place," Cathrine stated as she poked Jacob in the side causing him to grunt as rubbed his ribs.

"A lot of things are happening all over the place and I am trying to keep ahead of it, but... it's difficult." Jacob told her as he grabbed her hand and just held it as they walked along the street. They had to stop at a jeweler then they were going to dinner, but Jacob was fairly sure Cathrine had no idea what he had in store for her.

Cathrine fidgeted slightly, "Well if you have things to do we can..." Jacob silenced by pulling her into a kiss as he hugged her.

As Jacob moved back from the kiss Cathrine was blushing as more than one person around them whistled at Jacobs actions."I have plenty of responsibilities in this world. One of them is to be a good husband. That responsibility I very much enjoy fulfilling and tonight, nothing is more important, so put that thought out of your mind." Jacob told her as he pulled her toward the storefront.

Master Yosmop was a four foot nothing Gnome and a Master Jeweler that had grown up and lived in the city of Eternal Night his whole life. He had worked on Jacobs special request for almost a month before letting Jacob know that his order was ready. "My king, it took me a few days but your ring yielded its secrets," Yosmop stated as he lay the large Signet ring on the counter. Spoiler: Spoiler Name: Signet Ring of House Lightsbane

Level: Legendary

Properties: Increase Experience gain by 5%

Properties: Increase Primary Stats by 5%

Properties: Increase Damage (Physical/Magical) you deal by 5%

Properties: Ability Unlocked: Home Seeker

Properties: Allows you to communicate with officials over a long distance

Requirement: Souldbound to Jacob Longstrider, Head of House Lightsbane

Description: This ornate ring is created from platinum/titanium, designed for utility as well as official duties.

Note* Home Seeker: Create a portal to the Palace of Night (Cooldown 24 Hours) "Thank you Master Yosmop, and the special order I requested?" Jaco asked causing the Gnome to smile and nod as he moved toward the back of the store.

Cathrine was studying Jacob and even though he could feel her curiosity, she did not dive into his mind. "What happened to this just being a date night?" Cathrine asked as she moved closer and trailed her fingers up and down his arm.

"This is a date night, I bought this about a month ago. I just got lucky that Master Yosmop finished the work this week on my ring and your gift." Jacob replied as the Gnome emerged from the back of the store and placed the cloth-covered gift on the counter in front of the two. Moving the cloth back revealed an intricately designed necklace that appeared to be made in all one piece. It was a mix of True Silver and Titanium, crafted in interlocking segments with a blood-red diamond encircled by a dragon, the symbol of the Empire of Night.

"As you can see my king, this is exactly what you requested. It took some time to mix the two metals, but once done...It is one of the most beautiful pieces I have seen or crafted. I hope you are happy." The Gnome asked and Jacob quickly assured the Gnome they were happy and based on Cathrine's smile as she ran her fingers along the necklace.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Name: Entwined Hearts

Level: Epic

Properties: Increase Primary Stats by 5%

Properties: Increase Mana/Stamina Regeneration by 25%

Properties: Increase Experience gained by 5%

Properties: Decrease cooldown of Abilities/Skills by 25%

Requirments: Soulbound to Cathrine On'tel-Longstrider

Description: Commissioned by Jacob Longstrider, for his wife Cathrine On'tel-Longstrider, his first wife and love.

Suddenly Cathrine whirled and jumped on Jacob smother him with kisses causing Master Yosmop to cough and clear his throat as he laughed, "I think your wife appreciates the gift, my king." The Gnome smiled before winking causing Jacob to chuckle and smile as Cathrine grabbed the necklace and equip it immediately before moving to a mirror.