A figure watched the horned woman lay down to sleep, standing in a corner set in shadow by the candle light. While her eyes would normally be able to see such a figure, this figure was cloaked in shadow, and had infact arrived within by this same shadow they now stood. As her breath grew long and even, this figure stepped silently out into the light. Dressed head to toe in a dark mottled blue, the shadows seeming to cling to them, with white mask depicting a demon.

Seeming to float forth, rather than walk, the figure approached the desk. Breaking the seal, it scanned the letter, before leaving a small note in its place. After this, it moved to the bed, looking the girl over, before seeming to sink into the shadows under the bed, gone like a wraith.

When Mara came to give me breakfast, I was at my desk, considering the note:

We will contact you when it is time.

That was it... no place to meet a representative, no token to display alligence... this was all very odd. That's without even mentioning the fact that this happened without the notice of the guards once more... Well, nothing I could do about it now.

"Breakfast miss", Mara set the push tray beside my desk, "even for you, it seems you got up rather early. Are you looking forward to something?"

"Merely a curiosity, I have nothing for the day. Perhaps I will take a stroll to the front gate", standing, I stretched my stiff muscles, before reaching for the food tray. "Ah, eggs and pork loin, it's almost as if Daniel can see the future sometimes."

"I'm sure he has just learned your habits over the years miss", Mara smiled, and made to throw out the water in the wash basin.

Stepping out of the portcullis once again, this time I went to the far left of the field, where another gatehouse stood. As I approached, the soldiers jerked up into position, where previously they had been reclining or watching the trainees. The portcullis lifted once more, and I found myself entering another field, this one dedicated to training animals, from the war dogs, to the griffons. Before leaving this field, I went to pick up my Cavalry hound.

Of course the big lug whined in anticipation when he saw me coming, the six hundred pound tub of muscle acting like puppy. Regardless, Bulwark was a brute, as evidenced by his tendency to ram people he didn't like, despite being the runt of his litter. Typically, his breed weighed in the range of nine hundred pounds on average. Opening the gate to his paddock, he wasted no time in tackling me to the ground, smothering my face with slobber.

"Okay! Okay!", I giggled, "get off ya big fluff ball!", shoving him off, I rubbed his fur, before moving to his shed, where his cleaning supplies were.

Grabbing the anti-tangling brush, I had Bulwark sit before brushing his brindle fur. While the fur made him look like a sheep, his hide underneath was almost like leather. Despite it being a bad idea, if one shaved the fur off this hound, they would find a chiseled body of muscle. Though for whatever reason, if one did that it would make the pelt very clingy and coarse, so it's seen as a bad idea.

Hooking a chain to his collar, and my belt. The two of us walked through the other six courtyards, each of which are but empty fields this time of year. As I strolled through these fields, I compared the two main walls on either side. The outer wall having a double layer on this side, the inner having a double layer as well. I knew the inner most wall came out with that second layer on the outside only, sitting at ground level with the keep. The outer wall, unlike the inner, sat a good two-three men men from the ground on this side. Both walls were over five men tall on the outside, the latter being somewhere closer to ten men tall.

Neither of these walls could compare to the outermost wall which surrounded the city, A monstrous fifteen men tall, with a four layered merlon outside, and three within. Im fairly certain that most of the stone in the surrounding area belongs to those walls, and the great towers marking the eight compass points. Within these walls sat over eight million souls, almost all of them combat trained, and over half of them currently serving.

As Bulwark and I passed into the city districts, I thought about this island in the midst of the worlds largest freshwater lake. Around this lake was the rest of the population, but by far this island was the largest settlement for over a week away as the crow flies. Surrounded by a colossal forest, our nation was rather small in terms of land, in proportion to its population. However, thanks to our relations with the mountain folk, and deals with the primordial entities of the forest, we are well enough.

My thoughts were interrupted as I entered the Market square, an entire district dedicated to shops and stalls which required daily supplies from the docks. Walking through the crowded streets, I could see Faea, Mountain Folk, Kinderfalk, even a few goblinoids like High Goblins, and Gnolls. I wouldn't suggest you mention this to either, but unlike their lesser kin, High Goblins had many commonalities with Kinderfalk, albeit in a much more crude and explosive degree. Gnolls however, while rather simple, and short tempered, were loyal to those they saw as allies... at least as far as everyday life. I wouldn't bet my life on one standing at my back when weapons are drawn.

Walking up to a stall with steamed potatoes, fresh from the fire, I bought one to snack on. If something caught my attention, I gave it a closer look, but otherwise I was mostly just comparing prices. By the way, the price of food was up about a quarter from what it normally was, pretty normal for the early winter. What I was really after was an alchemists kit so I could try a few recipes in the library books. So long as the ingredients where not too expensive, I could just grab them from the dried stores in the fortress.

Bulwark was having a great time, trotting next to me as if this was the greatest adventure ever. I have to admit, it made me smile. However, I was fairly certain that when me and Azrael turned twenty, and our careers began, I wouldn't be able to bring the big lug with me... Azrael already knew he couldn't bring his hound, Ombra. It wasn't like I would never see him again, but I will definitely miss him.

Sitting on a bench around a raised bed for a tree display, I watched everyone walk by. I couldn't help by think how no one looked like me. Sure the Goblins had horns, and the Faea had an entire rainbow of eye colors, But not a single one had blue skin, or a tail... It wasn't often that I thought about this topic, but occasionally it would creep into the forefront of my mind... Definitely doesn't help that lately I've noticed some strange things happening...

Occasionally I would smell something unpleasant while near the fountains outside the fortress cathedral, I caught a second pair of eyelids in my reflection once when I blinked. Every now and again, I'll find brimstone dust on my clothes and sheets, once it even came from my mouth when I sighed... But what has me worried the most, is one occasion where I heard an evil voice... as if originating from some abyssal chasm within the bowls of the earth... I couldn't understand what it said, but it happened in the library not a fortnight ago... it's why i've been dragging Azrael along with me as of late...

Azrael has seen some things occur as well, but in the total opposite of what I've been going through. He will at times have this peaceful aura about him, hell, one time he fell asleep under a tree, and it was as if it had been born again, bearing fruit within the day. If I had to guess, this may well have something to do with our age, as it is on record that this occurs to beings like Azrael when they grow near adulthood. Whatever the hell I am, if it is somehow connected to that voice I heard, I'd rather not find out who my father is.

Once more my wondering thoughts were interrupted, this time by the shrill whistle from one of the larger vessels, informing the crew that they were about to disembark. From hear I couldn't see the vessel, but unlike the inner most wall, anyone could go to the top of the wall. Much like the other segregated sections, the inside was closer to the top then the outside, so thankfully I didn't have an ungodly number of steps to climb, which were wooden structures which could be burned, or toppled, to prevent invaders from simply breaking into the district and taking the walls.

Here, there was an unobstructed view of the lake, the deep blue waters being the lifeblood of this fortress. The shore was a small line on the horizon, where one could just make out smoke from the hearths of the other cities. Each city was constructed to be in line with a great tower on this wall, to make it easier for fishermen and the like to find their way home, and while this fortress was far more fortified, the cities had considerably more resources, this fortress depending on them for whatever it couldn't get from underground, or grow itself. That being said, in the instance of an invasion, as unlikely as that was in this day an age, the cities were supposed to be evacuated, leaving only the troops to hold the city, while the citizens were moved here. Just as the shore was almost too far to see, this fortress was to the shore, thus any invaders would chase the boats, only to be faced with a fully armed, and alerted fortress. Drills are performed twice per year, during the summer and winter solstices, of course, such times have become synonymous with big celebrations.

The wind blew my hair back, as I breathed in the fresh air, hints of pine, oak, and maple on the wind. Whippping my tail to and fro, I gazed out to the horizon, dreaming of lands beyond this forest. While the library did have extensive books of such places, I would rather see them myself...

"You bored, or just on a stroll?", I looked over to see the only sea faea I knew of grinning at me as she approached.

"Hey Mea, just taking Bulwark on a walk", Smiling, I stood and clasped her forearm, "how have you been?"

"Well enough, just got hired onto the newest flagship as a Quartermaster", her emerald eyes gleamed with excitement, silver skin glistening in the sunlight.

"Wow, weren't you just a deck hand last week?"

"Yeah! And I'm aiming for captain!", unlike most, Mae was an oddity like myself, and while the common man here was kind, sailors are superstitious no matter the nation.

"Well, I might just buy a ship for you to command, that way we can sally forth on our own adventure!", laughing, we hugged eachother, having been good friends after an incident where I mistook her for drowning, and 'saved' her.

Of course, at the time I didn't even know what a sea faea was, never mind that they physically could not drown.

We talked as she led me to the docks, about men we had our eye on, people we met, and hobbies we picked up, and such things. Waving to sailors we knew, and occasionally helping where needed. Usually I avoided the docks, because I needed to be very aware of where both my tail, and any nearby boots were at. This was harder than one would think, seeing as how my tail will move about on its own, whenever my attention slips. Still, the docks were the best place to be if you wanted something to do, as there was always something that needed doing, be it removing barnacles, or moving crates. However, at the moment Mae wanted to show me the dry docks latest design of ship.

"It's amazing, I guarantee you haven't seen anything like it!", she kept telling me, Bulwark getting excited as well, panting in anticipation.

"I know you want to show me the vessel, but can you slow down a bit? I'm not as tall as you!", I was by no means short, a decent seven spans, but Mea was a full nine.

Ducking and dodging between rigging, crates, and sailors, Mae dragged me to the last mooring of the dock, where a duel hulled vessel sat. Unlike the other vessels, this one, the War Bird (very original), was sleek, more akin to a shark rather than a fishing vessel. It had to be at least twice the length of the other vessels, at a huge 35.5 men long, and 12 wide. Boasting a main deck, and a raised deck, it was a very... unique shape. It needed two entire mooring spaces, for heavens sake, and eight mooring lines to dock.

"What is this thing?", I turned to Mea, who was beaming at me.

"The flagship for our defense fleet!"

"Well, it definitely LOOKS like a floating fortress...", honestly, I hate it, it looks like two ships got boarded together, and they topped it with a stage.

"I know, right!?", I couldn't bring myself to say my true feelings to her pure look of excitement...

She led me on deck, which was surprisingly steady, even if we were in dock right now. It had four masts, each having two sail rigging, and a ninth between the foremast and the bowsprit. For now the deck was empty aside from some sailors taking mops to the deck, but I could hear commotion down below, possibly the rest of the crew sorting the supplies for the maiden voyage. Regardless, Mea just kept talking, and talking. As fun as it was to hear about how many staves were on boards, I really wasn't interested, so most of it went right past me.

Eventually, Mea talked me into joining in on the maiden voyage, it will be over by mid day, so if nothing else helping the crew will keep me busy. Besides, the voyage is a full circuit around the lake, and down the exiting river, so this would be the first time I will get to see the ocean.

"So, where's the captain?", I asked Mea.

"She should be boarding in a notch or so", she shrugged.

"One is always best early to an occasion", said a mountain folk as she walked over.

Though it was hard to tell, she was a woman. Like all Mountain Folk, she only came up to my chest, but likely weighed more than I did, as her entire body was covered in chiseled muscle. While the Kinderfalk and Mountain Folk are closely related, the latter dwarfed the former physically.

"So, the Kings daughter is aboard, and nobody saw fit to tell me", she gave Mea a pointed look.

"U-uh... Slipped my mind?", Mea blushed, looking down with a shrug.

"If ye head was any more slick, I would use it to slide about the deck", the captain gave Mea a sardonic smirk.

"Captain, I am Karasu Taron, as belated as it may be, permission to temporarily join your crew?", I gave a slight bow as I asked.

"Sure, so long as ye steer clear of the way, and dont gum up the work the crew is doing. Ye'r dog 'll have ta be tied down, to keep em out of the way as well. Names Captain Valka Knörr, but ye can call me captain", she gave me a two finger salute, smiling in a playful manner.

Turning, she strode off to confront somebody for a rope she didn't like the knot on. Looking around for a place to tie the chain to, I led Bulwark to the underside of the stairs by the captains cabin, tying him to the hook normally reserved for a goat or cow. It has been a long time since our nation has done much in terms of the world outside of our little lake, about three thousand years, but it's presence was traditional at this point. As I turned to leave, Bulwark began to whine, not wanting me to leave his side.

"It's okay big guy, we are going on a little adventure", I pet his head, and scratched behind his ears, and he quieted down.

I began to help around the ship, doing as ordered, or what little I did know how to do. By the time we had set off from the docks, I was already getting exhausted. War games in armor were nothing compared to this... Yet, as I looked at the rest of the crew, they looked like they could do this all day. I suppose that is fair, considering that's exactly what they do most of the year.

The warships were used as cargo vessels for most of the month, as without their stores filled to the brim with magical weaponry, the warships could easily match a merchant vessel in terms of cargo. Given the double hull, this ship would be well suited for such a task. Taking a swig from my water flask, I got back to work, wiping the sweat from my eyes.

Once clear of the reef, the captain called for full sail, and as the crew pulled them taught, turning them to catch the wind, the ship lurched forward like a stallion given free rein. One man measured the speed, calling out the result, an impressive fifteen knots, making this ship nearly twice as fast as any other on this lake.

"whooh!", I jumped as Mea exclaimed next to me, "We are moving, aren't we? This voyage may well end early!", nudging my side, she leaned against the railing, taking a deep breath.

"Well, aside from the little heart attack you just gave me, this has already been an eventful trip", I joined her leaning on the railing, "This has also been a rather intense work out."

We sat there for a bit, most of the crew now left idle, since the most active times on a ship are in combat, a storm, or entering and leaving a dock. But, that didn't mean their wasnt anything to do, as some men inspected the magic weapons. A few were sharpening the blades on some swords and axes. I however grabbed a bucket, threw it over to get some water, and started swabbing the deck on hands and knees.

It wasn't even two notches until the first city came into view. Engelspir was named after the nearby twin marble peaks, which seemed to cradle the sun come sundown on the summer solstice. Engelspir was a city renowned for its industry, able to produce in a day what would take the other cities three, in twice the amount. This was due to the rich land around them, and the large populace, unrestricted by walls.

One could see the granite keep set atop the highest peak in the immediate area of the city, the stone possessing a red tint in the sunlight. The keep was surrounded by a singular wall, with only three towers, but despite being only a tiny fraction the size of the main fort on the lake, Tarons Kam, I was certain it didn't need even a fraction the amount of hands.

This wasn't my first viewing of Engelspir, but it has been a good two or three summers, as I did not often venture off of the island. I could see a number of new buildings, including a singular tower smack in the middle of the city, While in itself this wasn't strange, it was tilted like an elder relying heavily on a walking stick to support itself. In stark contrast with the evenly spaced buildings around it, this tower seemed to have been built right in the middle of an alley, as its shape pressed against three different buildings around it.

"Thats rather odd...", the captain said a little ways down the railing, "maybe a mage moved in..."

"What makes you say that?", I asked, walking closer.

"Strangely built, placed willy-nilly without regard to others, and it wasn't there last month." the captain grumbled, almost glaring at the tower. "Besides, even the craftsmen of Engelspir can't build a forty foot tower that fast, and I doubt they would do so that poorly", she huffed.

It wasn't long after that we heard the gathered crowd eyeing the War Bird, cheers, as well as a few people calling to crewmen they knew. I don't think I even have family members in this city, let alone friends, but I saw a few people point to me, so maybe some of them knew who I was. The crew lined the railing, and saluted, as if this was some sort of parade.

The vessel sailed right past, firing Fire Burst spells into the air, the explosions representing the cannons our ancestors had. Try as our alchemists might, they just simply have not been able to replicate the explosive powder of old, as for the cannons, they were lost long ago, before our nation even was founded. Still, whenever a new model of ship is introduced, this song and dance is repeated at each major city on the lake, followed by a run up and down the exiting river.

Well, I may as well relax, and enjoy the ride with Bulwark whenever the crew stopped to repeat this little ceremony.