Runefell: Crossroads

by Shawn Sodman

  “Aye, Captain,” Chris responds.

  The ship is loud with excitement and anticipation. Ariella walks down the stairs from the quarterdeck and walks through the officers’ quarters before entering her cabin. She closes the door behind her. Then in the muffled silence of her room, she sits down and places the bag of letters on the table in front of her.

  Marie who has been cleaning the captain's quarters says, “I'll leave you alone, ma'am.”

  “Thank you, Marie,” Ariella replies. She then reaches into the bag and pulls out one of the many letters. Then after staring for a long while she takes a deep breath. She opens it and as she begins to read Chance's words written years ago, it is too much for her. She lays her head on the table and closes her eyes.

  A few hours pass and back in Sheathelm Chance is informing his good friend, and now King, Arioch of his findings. The King, in his forties, is a bit shorter than Chance. With no audience or dignitaries around, Arioch sits on the throne while wearing scale-mail armor. His crown, which he rarely puts on his shaven head, sits beside him next to the throne on a small pedestal.

  “So whatever is destroying the ships out there must be a serious threat,” concludes Chance.

  “Attacking the Goblin Trade Company makes no sense,” Arioch says. “They have always remained neutral and are willing to sell to anyone.”

  “Perhaps they were less interested in buying as they were taking,” Chance says.

  “Hopefully whatever cargo the goblins had on that ship went down with it as well. You know very well the Goblin Trade Company doesn’t usually transport anything unless it is either very powerful, valuable, or both. I hate to think what weapons they may have had on board that these raiders would find it worth attacking them for,” Arioch says.

  “Well, if I am not mistaken,” Chance says, “I'd be willing to bet the Goblin Trade Company was able to abandon their ship with most all of their valuable cargo. Goblins usually have good escape plans.”

  “Well, if there were any survivors we should be hearing from them soon when they ask for more protection along the water ways,” Arioch says. “Perhaps, if any goblins did escape, they can tell us who attacked them. I'll send for a representative at once. In the meantime, Chance, you should take some time off. You have been working far too much.”

  “I would, but I have to get back to the Red Dawn,” Chance replies, “I am worried.”

  Arioch laughs and says, “No doubt about the daughter of Red Beard?”

  “I couldn't believe it was her, Arioch, after all these years,” Chance says. “She is as beautiful as ever, and even more so.”

  “I remember how much you two cared for each other,” Arioch says with a grin. “I also remember her father not being happy with it at all.”

  “Yes, well, I am planning to leave in the morning and try to reach them before they run into any trouble,” Chance says.

  “I am sure she will be fine,” Arioch says. “You remember how tough their crew was.”

  “Yes, and Torgus is still with her,” he says, looking down at the bag full of letters.

  “Well, then whoever is attacking those ships will not be able to take them without a fight,” Arioch says. “Torgus was a wizard, wasn't he? A powerful one if I remember correctly.”

  “Yes, he gave me a lot of good advice on magic,” Chance answers. “Well, I am going to turn in for the night.”

  “Goodnight, my friend,” Arioch says.

  “May your dreams safely guide you to the new day,” Chance replies. He then turns and heads towards his room down the white marble halls carrying with him the letters from Ariella.

  Chapter 5

  Letters From the Heart

  The storm still rages outside the windows of the modern day apartment. Laura asks, “So what did the letters say?”

  “Do you want to hear more about the letters?” Kyle asks Haley.

  “Yeah,” Haley replies.

  “It's a love triangle,” Laura says. “What does Fernando do about it?”

  “Who cares about some stupid love letters,” Josh says. “I want to know what happens to Chance's clothes when he transforms.”

  “It's magic,” Kyle answers. “As long as he isn't carrying too much it transforms with him.”

  “Oh,” Josh replies. “What is so special about the Goblin Trade Company?”

  Kyle explains, “Well you see, in Runefell almost all the goblins work for the Goblin Trade Company. They are like a big multinational corporation. They don't get involved in wars unless it is to sell weapons.”

  “Kind of like an arms dealer?” Laura asks.

  “Yes,” Kyle answers, “and they have many weapons. They mostly like to deal with magical items. They trade with almost every faction in Runefell and even to other realms. This gives them great access to rare items. While it may be temping for a pirate to attack a Goblin Trade Company ship, most wouldn't dare. That is because the Goblin Trade Company has so much wealth and power in the land, and if a pirate were to attack a goblin ship they would find themselves being hunted down by every bounty hunter in the realm.”

  “So what did the letters say,” Laura asks again, “and who does Ariella end up with?”

  “Well, we are getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s just start with the letters,” Kyle replies. “OK, so that night on the Red Dawn...”

  *****

  Fernando is being escorted once again to his cell by Drake and Leon. Leon says, “I still can't believe that the Captain and Chance Na'Moon have a history together.”

  “Me neither,” Drake replies. “I guess that means that Mr. Greythorn here doesn't have a,” Drake smiles before finishing, “Chance.”

  Drake and Leon both laugh as they open the cell door and Fernando walks inside.

  “Apparently not,” Fernando says. “Thank you, gentlemen, for escorting me to my illustrious accommodations.”

  Leon locks the cell door and says, “You're welcome. Remember if you need anything, don't bother me with it.” Drake and Leon both laugh as they walk off.

  John and Jacob walk into the room as the big guys leave. “Quite a day, eh?” John asks

  Jacob says, “I'll say, a visit from the legendary Orcnea Slayer here on this very ship.”

  Fernando says, “Yes, I have stayed in Sheathelm many times and I have never met Mr. Na'Moon before today. Some say that he had gone mad after the orcneas killed his wife.”

  “He seemed nice enough to me,” John says.

  “I can't believe that he and the Captain have a past,” Jacob says.

  “Yes,” Fernando says as he ponders. “That is most interesting.”

  Upstairs in her quarters Ariella is sitting at her desk reading her letters from Chance. The room is roughly the same size as the lounge located above. The desk is located in the aft corner on the port side. In the opposite corner of the room is Ariella's bed with a small table next to it. Separating the desk and bed is a round table for private dining. It is smaller than the one in the lounge and only has two chairs. Unlike the dark stained deck of the ship the wooden planking within this room is lightly colored cedar.

  There are two entrances. The first is the main entry that leads out to the main deck through the officers’ quarters. The second is along the side of the room at the foot of Ariella's bed. This door accesses a small hallway that leads to the Marie's room and has a steep stairway to the galley above. It is this door that Ariella hears a knock.

  “Enter,” Ariella says as sets down the letter she is reading.

  Marie enters and says, “If you won't be needing me for anything more tonight, ma'am, I think I will go to bed now?”

  “Thank you Marie,” Ariella says as she holds a letter in her hand. “I have a few more letters to read from Chance and then I will be turning in myself. Goodnight, Marie.”

  “Goodnight, ma'am,” Marie says closing the door. Ariella opens one of the few remaining letters and begins to read it:

  My Darling Ariella,

  Every day w
ithout you is like a week. Every week that passes is like a year. It has been several months now since I last saw you, and while it now feels like a lifetime ago, I can still feel your kiss on my cheek. Please, my love, tell me if I have offended you. I have written you many times and yet I still have heard no word from you.

  If only I could fly. I would come out to see you instead of watching the Red Dawn sit in the bay of Sheathelm as your father sends Torgus to get supplies. It is agony to see you so close and yet not be able to reach you. Torgus tells me that he is delivering my letters to you every time, but says that you have not written back.

  My friends and I have to travel soon. We have heard rumors of a powerful ice staff in the far north. My close friend, Kyle Drakesbane, is very interested in it. I just want you to know that no matter where I go, no matter how far the distance, my heart will always be with you. I hope that I am close to your heart as well. Please write back soon. I miss you deeply.

  I hope to be able to fly soon. I have been practicing the transformation spell. As soon as I learn it, I will come for you. My only hope is that by then you will not have forgotten me.

  Love,

  Chance

  Ariella folds the parchment and places it on a pile of opened letters. From a smaller pile Ariella picks up another sealed letter. After opening it she reads:

  My Sweet Ariella,

  Words cannot express how much you are missed by me. My eyes long to see you. My ears listen for the sound of your voice. My arms ache to hold you close. My lips craving to kiss you. This deep void in my heart can only be filled by being with you once more.

  I will once again place this letter in the care of the supplies that your ship will need sometime next week. I only pray that you are receiving these letters and that I will hear from you soon. I am leaving tomorrow for the Mana Forest. My friends and are visiting the Elven capital of Elonfar. I am not sure when I will be back to Sheathelm. I hope however that when I return there will be a letter for me waiting.

  I love you, Ariella.

  Love,

  Chance

  Back in the palace of Sheathelm, Chance also sits at a desk reading letters as well. One letter reads:

  My Dearest Chance,

  I pray that I will hear from you soon. Torgus tells me that he delivers my letters to the palace, so I know you must be getting these. However every time he returns, he tells me that there is no letter from you.

  I forgive you for leaving that morning without saying goodbye. I am sure my father had something to do with that, though he won't admit it. I beg him to let me go ashore with Torgus to fetch the supplies but he will not let me. So I stand on the deck looking over the bay hoping to catch even a glimpse of you.

  Now every day I look to the sky. When I see an eagle I pray to the gods that it is you coming for me. You said that no ocean or sea would ever keep you from me. Please come for me soon. At the very least would you write back and have your letter sent with Torgus the next time we anchor. I miss you so much.

  Always and forever,

  Ariella

  Chance opens another letter and it reads:

  Dear Chance,

  I have heard stories from the crew that you and your friends are at war with the Dragon Slayers. I worry so much about you. Please be careful. Torgus has been teaching me more spells. Soon I will be as good a mage as you.

  The last time we visited I did not receive a letter from you, again. Have I done something wrong? I worry that you are angry with me and I do not know why. I hope that Torgus will return with a letter from you this time however. If he does not, I am not sure if my heart can bare it. Every time we anchor here and I get nothing from you I die a little more inside. I beg of you, please write back. Tell me what is bothering you and I will make it right. We have spent so much time together over the years that I feel you at least owe me that.

  I never knew how much being apart from you would hurt.

  Always and Forever,

  Ariella

  Chance opens one final letter and it reads:

  Chance,

  I cannot believe that you would do this to me. We finally dock at Sheathelm and I come to see you and what do I find? You taking vows with another woman! I thought you loved me. Even though you never wrote back I still hoped that maybe there was a reason. Now I see that there was a reason. Just not one that I hoped for.

  If you didn't love me all you needed to do was tell me. Maybe you were too much of a coward to tell me how you really felt. Well, I am not afraid. I loved you, Chance. I loved you more than you will ever know, but now the very thought of you makes me ill. If I never lay eyes on you again it will be too soon.

  You have broken my heart but I swear from this day forward no man will ever hurt me again.

  Goodbye

  Ariella

  A tear falls onto the parchment as Chance wipes his cheek. He folds the letter then places it in a drawer before closing it. “How?” he asks himself. “How could I have been so foolish?”

  Back on the Red Dawn, Ariella is still reading letters. With tears flowing freely down her face she opens the last one.

  My Beautiful Ariella,

  This is the hardest letter I have ever had to write you. It has been years since I have seen you last. I will place this letter like all the others with the supplies for the Red Dawn. By now I have no idea what possible reason there could be for you to not write me back. I have seen Torgus himself and he assures me that he gives you the letters personally and that you simply have never given him anything to deliver to me.

  So it is with a heavy heart that I can longer continue the pursuit of your love. I would never wish the pain that I have felt while longing for you on anyone. I certainly hope that you never have to have your heart broken the way that mine is right now.

  Tomorrow I am leaving for what may be my final battle. We have discovered what the Dragon Slayers are planning to do for the final step of their plan. We are going to try to stop them. If I do not survive I want you to know that I love you. I have loved you since the first day I saw you. I told you once in another letter that no matter where I go, my heart will always be with you. That is still true today. I will always love you, until the day I draw my final breath.

  I wish you well, my love. If I am not the one who can make you happy, I do hope that you find that special someone someday. You deserve that. I only wish it could have been me.

  Love,

  Chance

  Ariella places the final letter on top of the pile. She slowly makes her way to her bed, then as she lies down she grasps her pillow. With tears streaming down her face, she eventually finds peace in her sleep.

  Chapter 6

  Day 3

  The Scouting Party

  It is morning in Sheathelm, and Chance is in the courtyard preparing to leave. He hears King Arioch call to him, “Chance! Wait!” Chance turns to see Arioch approaching with a goblin following behind him.

  Goblins are about half the size of humans. They have sizable pointed ears and rough green skin. Their noses are long and also pointed. Their teeth are sharp as well as their long claw-like fingernails.

  “What is it?” Chance asks. “Is there news on the attacks?”

  “I am afraid there is, my friend,” Arioch says with a concerned look, “and you are not going to like it.”

  “Well then, what is it?” he asks, “Who has been behind the attacks?”

  “This is Resheck, from the Goblin Trade Company,” Arioch says introducing the goblin. “I will let him tell you what he knows.”

  The goblin approaches Chance and looks up at him. With a raspy voice, typical for a goblin, he says, “Mr. Na'Moon, it is a true pleasure to meet you.”

  “Thank you, Resheck,” Chance replies. “Please, you have some information about these attacks? I was just about to leave to help the Red Dawn.”

  “If anyone can help them it would be you, Mr. Na'Moon,” Resheck says, “You see, as I am sure you are already aware that one of our ships
was attacked. Fortunately most of those aboard were able to escape. When we asked them what had happened, many of them told us about a great storm that came out of almost nowhere. The next thing they knew they are under attack by a ship in the middle of the storm.”

  “Yes,” Chance says, “it is not uncommon for a ship to use weather spells when attacking. Did any of your men see who they were?”

  Resheck sighs and looks at Arioch. Arioch says, “Chance, Resheck has said the survivors saw orcneas.”

  Chance says under his breath, “Ariella.” Then he says to Resheck, “Thank you for this information.” Then to Arioch he says, “Your Majesty, I will deal with these orcneas.”

  “My friend, there is more,” Arioch says with a somber voice. He turns to Resheck and says, “Tell him the rest of what you told me.”

  “For years now we goblins have stayed to ourselves,” Resheck explains. “As you already know, we don't get involved in the affairs of other races. In exchange, we have always been allowed to open our trade shops almost everywhere. The orcneas were no different. You may have wiped them off this land but across the sea there are many more in the Red-Rock Plains. A few years ago the orcneas started to buy up magic books containing lightning spells. We gladly sold them as many as they could afford.”

  “Orcneas don't usually spend a lot of time studying magic,” Arioch says.

  “Yes,” Chance replies, “and with lightening spells they are also likely to know other storm spells.”

  “Well, that explains the storms surrounding their ships,” Arioch says.