There is no point at all to shrinking the ship if it cannot be moved, so I need to figure that out first. However, I don't really know how to reduce the mass of an object without it being destroyed. Luckily, magic doesn't depend on my knowledge of science or it wouldn't be possible.

So, I start experimenting, since magic works through intent that is where I will start. Once it succeeds, then I can study the enchantment and work on improving it. This is also a way to improve my knowledge of magic, it is just very time consuming.

While I am trying to figure it out I also look through some of the magic books I have. With all the books I stole there has to be something useful in one of them. As I am going through the books looking for information, Stillwater returns.

"Well, how bad is it?"

Stillwater says "Before I answer that, I need to ask a question. Are you really going to kick everyone who follows her off the ship? Even if it is all of us?"

"Yes, even if it is all of you. I am certainly not giving you my ship! In fact, I will kill anyone who tries to take it, even you!"

Stillwater says "Is that so? And you plan to send those who leave back to our island?"

"If only a few leave I will send them to your old village. If it is everyone who wants to leave then I will send you to a different island. That way you at least have a small chance of surviving."

Stillwater says "Last question. Did you ask Brightfire, Silverstream, and Silverleaf to convince people to not listen to the elder?"

"No, I didn't. I noticed them at the door listening in, but I said nothing to them."

Stillwater says "Thank you for answering my questions. I really wanted to know where you stand and if there is a bottom line. You have saved every single elf of our race at least once. Under normal circumstances I would never go against an elder. However, I can't stand by as she insults our savior! Besides, the survival of our people is more important than one elf's age."

"So, how many are going to follow her?"

Stillwater says "Less than twenty. All from among those you just saved."

"At least that isn't a major loss."

Stillwater says "Your voice carries great weight with us, Why didn't you speak out?"

"Because, it isn't my responsibility to save you from yourselves."

Stillwater says "That is true. You have never owed us anything, yet you have helped us more than I can even say. I doubt we could repay you even over several generations."

"There is no need to worry about repaying me. I simply did what I wanted to do. However, we should deal with the elder now. The longer we wait the more trouble she will stir up."

Stillwater says "Brightfire is getting them some supplies right now. They should be ready to leave within the hour."

"Is that going to cause bad feelings among some of those staying?"

Stillwater says "No, not really. From what I have seen the rest of those you saved yesterday hate her. As for those who have been with us longer, most of them would follow you into hell."

"That's good to know. Hopefully we will never have to test that. Let me know when you are ready and I will open a gate on the main deck. I don't want to see her again."

Stillwater says "Understood."

When Stillwater leaves I go back to browsing through the magic books. Just because the situation has changed doesn't mean my curiosity has gone as well. Since I already started thinking about how to shrink the ship I will complete my research.

Who knows, one day the knowledge may come in handy and time spent learning isn't wasted. About forty minutes later Stillwater signals me with his amulet so I open the gate. He signals again a few minutes later and I close the gate, then he comes back to the cabin.

Stillwater says "Due to the conflict, morale has decreased a bit, but it shouldn't last long. What's our next step?"

"That depends on you. There are two options and the decision will be yours."

Stillwater says "Alright. What are the options?"

"Sailing between the island and the continent is faster, but has a good chance of running into the human navy. Sailing around the island takes longer but should be safer."

Stillwater says "Why are you having me make this decision?"

"Because it is your people who will be at risk if we take the faster path."

Stillwater says "If it is up to me then I would prefer to go around the island. Is that okay?"

"It's fine. I will be leaving the ship for a while. If anything happens, call me with the amulet."

Stillwater says "Where are you going?"

"I am going to take a look at some of the cities farther inland. Maybe I will get lucky and find more elves."

Brightfire bursts in and says "I want to go with you!!"

"You three really need to stop listening at the door."

Silverstream says "Sorry, Ash!"

Silverleaf says "Don't blame sis, I dragged her along."

Brightfire says "Don't ignore me! I want to go with you!"

"I will be going into cities as a human. The only way you could come with me would be to be disguised as a slave."

Silverstream says "That would never work. Brightfire doesn't have the temperament to pull it off!"

Brightfire says "I could too!"

Silverleaf says "Alright, show us how meek you can be?"

The face Brightfire pulls while trying to look meek has her father clutching his ribs from laughing too hard. The sisters also can't help but laugh at her, which has Brightfire pouting. I was right, this is the perfect excuse not to take her with me, but I feel a little bad for her.

However, not bad enough to take her with me, she would slow me down and cause endless problems. If Silverstream wasn't scared of flying I might be willing to take her with me, she is more dependable. Unfortunately, not flying would limit me way too much, I might not even make it to the magic kingdom.

Silverleaf says "Sister, why aren't you asking to go?"

"Because she is terrified of flying."

Silverleaf says "Really? Is flying that scary?"

Silverstream says "Yes!"

Brightfire says "No! It is amazing!"

"Alright. Enough of this, none of you are going with me. However, you three will take turns keeping an eye on this room."

Brightfire says "What for?"

"To take care of Nala and Albion for me. Also, to be here to welcome any elves I find and gate back."

Stillwater says "Alright. They will do it. How long do you think you will be gone?"

"If I am right it should take a week or so for you to sail around the island and get close to the next port city. If I am not already back by then give me a call and I will come back."