Surface- Storm Break Bay Region

Empire of Night- City of Anchorhead

Jacob watched as the First Legion load onto the large cargo ships, each one would hold two hundred Legionnaires. Once a cargo ship was loaded, it was tugged away from the dock and another vessel soon took its place. Most of the supplies had been loaded, a few cargo vessels were still being loaded but they were at anchor in the harbor and small rowboats were ferrying the remaining supplies out too them.

"I do not like this. The First Legion will be vulnerable to anyone or anything during transit." Brox lamented as he studied the ships in the harbor.

"I made it abundantly clear to the navel Commanders that protecting the transport ships was paramount during the transit to the Lost Islands. They know how to do their jobs, my friend, trust them." Jacob told the Orc.

"This is a huge risk, you know that," Darren stated as he walked up.

Jacob smiled, "Yes I know. I am giving the eight Houses the rope to hang themselves. If they have any machinations to supplant me, the next two weeks will be a perfect time to do it. I have Ezekial, Nadal, James, and Tarren in place to counter anything they could throw at me."

"I thought Nadal was planning out the Dark Lands campaign?" Darren replied in confusion.

Jacob smiled and clapped him on the shoulder, "He is, but it won't take all his talent to do that and keep an eye on things. He is Drow, politics, and backstabbing went hand in hand with mother's milk. Cathrine will keep an eye on the capitol." Jacob told him.

Surface- Twisted Swamp Region

Nation of Loren'thia- Town of Red Wood

Hayley, Dax, Bridgett, and Doug sat ate and relaxed after another long day of battle as the various Goblin Clans of the Twisted Swamp continued to attack the town. "So is this the only place they are attacking?" Hayley asked as she continued to eat.

Dax snorted, "Nope, the whole swamp is up and arms and is attacking in all directions. From what I have been able to find out they have already destroyed three small villages, and all trade in and around this Region has stopped until the Goblin Clans get pushed back."

Doug looked at the Rogue, "How often does this happen?"

"Apparently it happens every couple hundred years, we just got lucky and it happened now. I looked at the forums, some guilds are already forming a couple of raid groups to push into the swamp and kill the leadership of the Goblin Clans. They think once they are gone the Goblins will settle down." Dax informed them.

"Do you think that will work?" Bridgett asked between bites.

Dax shrugged, "Either it will work or piss them off even more. Goblins are cowards at heart, but in sufficient numbers, they can overwhelm almost any enemy."

Hayley stood after wiping her mouth, "Well I am going to drop off my armor and bow t get repaired then logging for a day. I need real rest and time away from the battle, see you guys later." Hayley told them before heading out into the town. Like most of the eateries, the dinner they were at was an open-air location, meaning people could walk in and out all the time. It was not enclosed. Due too all the Immortals within the town and refugees from outlying locations, the town of Red Wood was nearly bursting at the seams.

Marsha's Hides was one of the better leather workers in the town and you paid a premium, but her work was almost unparalleled within the town. "Ahh, the great warrior is back. I assume you put new holes in my leather?" Marsha asked as Hayley entered the shop.

Hayley smiled at the women but shook her head, "Nope, scorch marks this time and shredding from a Swamp Wolf." Hayley replied with a smile on her face.

"You know, if you reinforced your armor with wood or mail, it would endure more damage and you would spend less on repairs," Marsha stated as she studied the damaged armor.

"Speed is important to an archer, it keeps me alive. I also need to be able to move my arms quickly to control and fire my bow. Could I do that if you reinforce my armor?" Hayley asked the women who considered the request.

"Yes, but we would use wood only in certain places. This job would take a couple of days at least though to modify your armor and cost...Five gold for what I have in mind." Marsha informed Hayley who grudgingly nodded her head and placed the coins on the counter in front of her with the remaining armor. Hayley sighed as she left the store and sent a quick message to Bridgett informing her of the delay before heading to the bowyer. Her bow was cracked and the string was frayed more money...

Surface- Valley of Origins Region

Empire of Night- City of Eternal Night

Palace of Night- Holding Cells

Jacob looked at the dozen men and women that were responsible for so much suffering and was tempted in killing them all. "Well, apparently you all have been very bad boys and girls," Jacob told the assembled men and women.

One of the men sneered at Jacob, "Whatsit to you Vampire?" Jacob gave the man a small smile before moving slowly over too him and hitting him in the face but stopped him from collapsing and pulled the disruptive man towards him as he hit the bastard in the face again. The second strike broke bone and cartilage and caused blood to spray on the man and women beside him, Jacob allowed the man to collapse at his feet as he looked at the other men and women.

"That was rude, now as I was saying you have been bad boys and girls. You have stolen money from Stormsurge, abused those in your care, and sold children into slavery. Lord Draden has given you to me to judge for your crimes. Now I could execute you, but I don't think that's a suitable punishment for slavers. So I am sentencing you each to ten years of hard labor for your crimes, also, you will each serve an additional year for every child sold into slavery. Captain, get these...people out of my city." Jacob pronounced judgment on them and several of the women and men collapsed in shock.

Jacob walked over to Abby who had a hard look on her face but also tears, "You ok little one?" Jacob prodded as he turned her away from the men and women that had wronged her and so many others. Abby hugged his leg before grabbing Jacob's hand and walking with him.

"Yes, I just never expected you to help us or punish those that did this to us. It's a lot to take in." Abby replied as they walked through

Jacob gave the girl a sad smile before squeezing her hand, "I always try to keep my word, Abby. I would gladly help you and your friends. What happened to you all was...very wrong and should never have happened. The Empire didn't have any checks to make sure no one was abused or used in the Orphanages, your actions have opened my eyes to the plight that exists and it won't happen again." Jacob told her.

"Is that why you went to war with the Slavers Union?" Abby asked as Cathrine joined them.

"Yes, but I originally went to war with the Sisters of the Damned. They were a Drow Clan in the Underdark. They were very bad people that only cared about themselves and the power they could wield. Once the Empire pushed up to the surface, others seemed to want what we had and wanted to take it from us. So the Empire fought back." Jacob told her as they walked up into the palace proper.

"So when are you going to kick us out?" Abby asked worriedly.

Jacob smiled at the girl, "We are actually building an orphanage since we usually don't have any orphans in the city. It will be weeks before its complete, so unless you don't want too you and your friends will be staying here until its complete." Jacob told the girl who smiled and nodded.

"Jacob will be leaving on a trip though and will be gone for at least a month," Cathrine said and Abby deflated a little bit.

"Where are you going?" Abby asked curiously.

"I am going to some islands in the White Cap Ocean and once I am done with my business there I will be back for the foreseeable future," Jacob told her.

"When the orphanage is built, will you come to visit?" Abby asked them.

Jacob smiled at the little girl, "If that is what you want, yes I will visit." Jacob told her. Abby smiled sweetly and ran for the medical wing of the palace.

"Are you going to act like that around our daughter?" Cathrine asked amused.

"Act like what?" Jacob asked confused.

"Wrapped around her little finger. The Emperor of the Empire of Night that commands tens of thousands, that has the Slavers Union reeling and the pirates of the Lost Islands cowering, is being controlled by a ten-year-old girl." Cathrine stated while trying not to laugh.

Jacob considered it, "Probably. You do the same thing as well." Jacob pointed out making Cathrine smirk and pull him in for a hug and kiss.

"Don't you ever forget it!!" Cathrine said as she dragged him towards the medical wing to check on their guests.

Real World...

North American Alliance- Greater New York Conglomerate

Black Spire

Kevin pushed the lid out of the way and gently rubbed his temples to get rid of the headache. "Sir, you have a priority message from Anthony Mitchels requesting a meeting as soon as possible," Juno stated as he emerged from the FIVR pod. Jacob looked at the clock, he had four hours before he had to go back under, no later.

"Send him a message and ask if he can meet in an hour, I need a shower and food badly," Jacob told Juno as he made his way slowly to the bathroom.

"Understood. Miss Hayley Jackson has also messaged you and asked if you are available for dinner sometime. How shall I respond?" Juno asked as Kevin started the shower and jumped in once it warmed up.

"Sure, in a week I can probably get some time off. Please order some Italian food, enough for two meals I want some leftovers, please Juno." Kevin asked as he just soaked up the hot water.