by Eden Redd
Lilly held the wheel as the ship moved easily through the calm waters. “On the seas, you gain many names. Reputation is just one of the things us pirates have. It speaks to your status and your level of respect.”
The Captain kept her gaze steady at the portal cloud in the distance. “Captain Thorn was at one of my first pirate conferences. We have them once every few years to connect, tell tales and form short term partnerships.
“At my first conference, I was new to my position. The other captains mocked and hazed me as they do to all new pirates. One of them grew a little bold by grabbing my breast. If I had let it stand, I wouldn’t have been taken seriously, so I chopped off his hand. Despite his screams, I held no emotion as his blood painted my chest and stomach. Instead of cleaning up, I kept it throughout the conference. Hence, the name Bloody Silk was coined.”
Jon nodded.
Lilly’s eyes and voice softened as she continued. “Captain Thorn took a liking to me. We partnered up for a time, raiding ships and taking cargo. As you saw, Rose likes the finer things in life. She enjoyed our time together as we became a force to be feared. She may have enjoyed it too much as she wanted me to become one of her dolls. As you can guess, I had no interest in it and Rose has a temper when she doesn’t get her way.”
“Do you miss it, raiding with her?”
Lilly smiled. “I miss some of it, but we are long past our former partnership. I have found my true Shullkar.”
“So have I,” Jon smiled.
Lilly looked to Jon before a shadow touched the corner of her eyes. “Jon, trust me this once and you will have all my secrets from now into eternity.”
Jon watched as her eyes trembled, showing a hint of weakness to him. He could see the vast darker parts of her soul and her past welling up, wanting to be free. She shined her true self to him in that moment, a look she never gave her crew. When she was around Syndra, Zelda, and Cora, she showed strength and power. Only now, she showed her vulnerable side. Despite the teasing, orders and commands, she wanted to be herself with him and it weighed on her spirit.
“Lilly, our relationship will always grow. As I said in the club, I will always trust you as I hope you trust me. Erm, I mean, Captain.”
Lilly let out a long laugh as the Dark Heart drew closer to the misty portal.
“My Darling, I trust you with our crew, our lives, and our love. I trust you with every drop of my soul. There will be hard times, but I promise, there will be greater times of bliss, pleasure, and dreams. I swear it to the gods and to us.”
Zelda climbed onto the upper deck, followed by Syndra. The sea elf and witch moved closer to the Captain and Cabin Mate. All four stared out as misty tendrils floated out from the foggy portal.
“Stand fast! Once we are through the portal, keep your wits and senses sharp. We don’t know what to expect so be on the ready!” Lilly ordered.
The ship sank into the misty fog. Sunlight faded away as flashes of mystical light blinked. The fog grew a deeper gray with each passing moment. Jon stood his ground with the rest of the crew as the last drop of sunlight faded from the air. The fog turned black as pitch. Vertigo took hold for a moment as Jon didn’t know which way was up. Zelda placed a webbed hand on his shoulder to steady him.
The Dark Heart vanished within the flashing mists, leaving the Urth Realm far behind. Familiar waters touched its hull again as a distant light shined in the cloudy distance, growing brighter and brighter until it engulfed all in mystical brilliance.
Nine
The fog cleared, tendrils of mist caressing the hull of the Dark Heart. Calm waters parted as the ship emerged from the portal, gliding back home. The sun shined brightly, hovering high above the horizon. Strange birds that looked like gulls but with wider wingspans and bigger eyes floated on invisible thermals, squawking loudly.
Jon took several steps forward. Not blinking, his hands rose and curled along the upper deck railing, gazing past the giant mast and the world beyond. He had seen the pictures, he had heard the stories, but nothing could prepare him for what stabbed out of the ocean several miles away.
A thin beam of light rose from an immense tower on a distant island, at least Jon thought it was an island. Eyes focusing, he saw no actual land, but stacks and stacks of medieval stone buildings. They converged toward the great tower. The outskirts fanned out until they touched the water’s edge. The entire island looked like one massive city on the water.
Jon’s eyes dried slightly in the salty air. Closing them, he rubbed them so they would become moist again. Opening his eyes, the finer details began to blend in with the city. Green trees dotted the great city. When Jon looked to the edges, it was indeed built on land, hints of actual ground showing. Many docks stood with hundreds of ships along the edges of the grand city. It was breathtaking and magical against the sunlight and Jon wanted to stare at it for hours.
Lilly nodded to Zelda. The sea elf moved and took hold of the helm as Lilly sauntered over next to Jon. Leaning on the edge, she smiled as she stared out at the great city.
“Welcome to Hylore of the Free Waters. Neutral city and port of the thirteen seas and unspoken guardian of the Misty Portal,” Lilly stated.
“Are we going there?” Jon asked in an awed tone.
Lilly stood up, lifted her hand and gently took hold of Jon’s jaw. Turning his head, Jon noticed many smaller islands dotting the sea around them. Lilly slowly turned Jon’s gaze to a small island with a dilapidated town and small castle. Trees filled many sections of the island from what Jon could see. Small wooden docks filled one end of the island and only a dozen ships were anchored at it. It was small, simple, and odd when compared to the grand city island of Hylore.
“It’s called Soul Drink island. The castle at the end is actually a monastery. It’s a place where dreams go to die; forgiveness and vice dance with skeletal hands and where the Empire will not set foot because they believe only the truly lost ever come here.”
Jon blinked. “And we are going there?”
Lilly let go of his jaw and let out a comforting sigh. “It’s one of several islands the Empire will not bother with. They do most of their trading with Hylore, but the surrounding islands are considered havens for vermin in their eyes. It’s like a second home to us.”
Jon looked over to Lilly as she stared at the odd rock of an island with dreamy eyes.
“What we are looking for will be on that island,” Lilly said as she turned her head. “Zelda, set a course for the southern dock. Let’s give Jon the royal tour.”
“Aye Captain,” Zelda nodded and turned the wheel.
The Dark Heart turned, catching a new wind. It glided through the water, the island of Soul Drink rapidly approaching.
Jon studied the little island, drinking it in. The monastery at the northern end was weathered, the main tower beginning to crumble with large cracks. It looked like a strong breeze would cave it in instantly. Black birds stood along the edges of the main keep, all of them turning their heads in Jon’s direction and letting out a large squawk.
Trees dotted the rest, a small wooden town in the middle and southern section of the island. As they approached, Jon could hear wild laughter and shouts. A scream filled the air before it went dead silent. The laughter continued as if no one heard it. A nervous swirl touched Jon’s stomach the closer they approached.
I don’t know what this feeling is, but it feels bad.
Jon closed his eyes and soothed his nerves. He hoped the sudden darkness would wash away the lingering dread. When he opened his eyes, the island was much closer, and it only seemed to look worse. Strange, demonic looking monkeys hopped from roof to roof. An elf lay against a shack with a bottle in his hand. Jon’s first thought was the elf looked dead. The demonic monkeys jumped down close to the elf. One grabbed the bottle from the elf’s hand and began to drink. Other monkeys tried to grasp the bottle for a taste. The monkey screamed and drank as the elf still remained on his side, not moving.
A larger monkey po
unced on the one with the bottle. It grabbed the bottle with one hand and clamped another hand on the head of the monkey trying to get it back. Jon’s blood ran cold as the larger monkey bashed the smaller monkey’s head into the ground until it no longer moved. The bigger one cried out, drinking from the bottle as others tried to get a taste.
Lilly caught Jon’s face turning pale. “Yea, don’t antagonize them and they will leave you alone.”
“Should I be concerned about any other creatures?” Jon asked.
“Don’t trust anyone and stay with us,” Lilly shrugged.
Jon swallowed the excess saliva in his mouth and took in a deep inhale.
The ship approached the docks, a body floating face down in the water. It bumped against the Dark Heart as it pulled in. Syndra had moved to the main deck, and pulled the lever for the anchor. The metal anchor fell with a splash, thick metal chains following it until it went slack.
Jon stood for a moment, taking in the decaying town just beyond the wooden docks. A strange feeling took hold as he felt lighter. As he attuned his senses to it, he couldn’t remember if he ever felt this light before.
That’s right, the gravity is slightly less here on Aquris. I could probably jump a little farther here.
“Secure the ship and we will disembark. We will have to make a stop before…” Lilly trailed off as she glanced over to Jon as he bent his knees and jumped.
From the upper deck, Jon soared about six feet higher into the air, flew over the edge of the ship and landed on the dock with a wide smile.
Lilly smiled before she called out to him, “Come back.”
Jon nodded to her before he bent his legs and jumped. Gravity gently pulled on the young man, but didn’t stop his leap as he landed on the upper command deck. Jon danced back on forth with each foot, enjoying the light gravity.
Lilly approached with an understanding smile. “I know this is fun, but we shouldn’t bring so much attention to ourselves just yet. We will go into town and get you some new clothes so you can fit in. Also, make sure you have your dagger. You don’t want to be unarmed as we stroll through town.
Jon nodded before settling down. The entire crew gathered their items below deck. Syndra had her staff with seashells along the top end. Zelda slid two daggers into two sheaths along her left hip. Lilly put spell shells in the inner pockets of her leather jacket before slipping her pistol into its sheath at the small of her back. She had a small, smooth tube in her hand and slipped it into her jacket. The Captain reached for a small leather satchel bag and slung it over her shoulder.
Jon tied the sheathed dagger to his belt, but didn’t have any jacket to hide it.
“It’s fine. Weapons are standard here on Soul Drink. Just don’t pull it unless you know you’re going to use it. Shall we disembark?”
Heads nodded in unison as they stepped onto the main deck. Lilly led the way as the gangplank slid out and touched down on the dock. The three elves and man descended until they were on the dock. Once they were off, the gangplank slid back into the ship as it bobbed slowly in the water.
Jon glanced at Syndra and Zelda. The two elves were extremely relaxed as they walked. Zelda had a small smile on face as if reliving happy memories. The shadow elf stepped with confidence, her chin held high. Lilly walked with ease, leading them off the dock and into town.
Jon looked down at himself and saw that he stuck out like a sore thumb. He was wearing a white shirt and black slacks. Glancing around, he saw some elves wearing clothes similar to Lilly, Zelda, and Syndra. Bandanas and hats covered many heads, the familiar elven skull and crossbones design among many of them. Oval eyes turned in their direction, scrutinizing the four newcomers as they walked directly down the middle of the dirt street.
Jon quickly noticed the elves here on Soul Drink were not like the pictures of elves many have seen on Urth. Thick scars covered some slender faces. Some had a missing eye or one of their pointed ears was clipped. Several female elves stood by two story shacks, wearing skimpy pieces of cloth that Jon assumed was clothing. They beckoned with curling fingers and batting oval eyes to the man in strange clothes.
“I’ve never had an Urthling before,” one elf called out to grab Jon’s attention.
“Shullkar,” Lilly stated simply.
The elves pouted and whined as Lilly, Jon, Syndra, and Zelda walked by.
“I assume you just told them I’m taken,” Jon smiled.
“Most elves respect true bonds. They know after my declaration, if they tried to get your attention again without my permission, I can shoot them dead,” Lilly said.
“This seems like a rough island,” Jon said in a low tone.
Lilly stared forward as they walked. “It’s like this in many places across the seas. The Empire has ousted many souls to the unforgiving oceans to expand their power. The Free Waters is one of the few places they can go to live and make some kind of life. It’s hard living here, but they all know in their hearts, they are free.”
“You said Hylore was a neutral city.”
Lilly nodded. “Hylore was just as bad as these surrounding islands. When the portal opened, it became a thriving port. The Emperor’s cousin had taken lordship of the island, but declared it to remain neutral. He severed the bonds with his family and many believe the reason the Empire hasn’t simply taken control is because of the respect of their royal blood. Lord Castellan Lufina is an elf of the people now and has performed many great deeds to house and feed his people. They adore him on Hylore. The council has decreed Castellan Lord of Hylore for life and he accepted it to great fanfare.”
“The fat elf is simply too lazy or too afraid to fight back,” Syndra scowled.
Lilly remained silent as Jon looked over his shoulder to the witch.
Syndra’s brow was hard as she continued, “Lord Castellan has done many great things for many people, except mine. Shadow elves are treated like low-tide creatures, even here in the Free Waters. Many of my people had to move on to other places to settle, scattered across the thirteen seas. Land is precious and many of my people still drift on small floating island cities made up of dozens of ships and platforms.”
“I had no idea it was so difficult here,” Jon said with a downward gaze.
Syndra’s brow softened as she saw Jon sharing her pain. “I’m sure it’s never spoken on Urth about what our people go through here on Aquris. One day, we hope to change that.”
Jon nodded before he stopped in his tracks. Lilly, Zelda, and Syndra stopped with him as a large orc walked across the street. Black eyes sized up Jon as he walked directly across Jon’s gaze. Muscles rippled and a small grunt fell from his large lips. He continued on until he reached an alley, turned and disappeared from view.
“I keep forgetting there are other races here,” Jon whispered to Lilly.
“Some of the other races hold onto sizable islands, but even some of them have fallen to the Empire’s reach. If the people were not imprisoned, they were forced into new roles to support the Empire,” Lilly informed.
Zelda sighed. “The Emperor wants to bring a new order to Aquris and he doesn’t care what the people have to say on it. He wants us silent and obedient. Dead if we don’t comply.”
“This is awful,” Jon seethed as he tried to understand the depraved, indifferent cruelty.
Lilly looked over to a clothing shop. “This is our lives. Zelda and Syndra, reserve us a table at the Laughing Rat. Jon and I are about to go shopping.”
The sea elf and witch nodded before turning and walking away. Lilly reached out with her free hand and took hold of Jon’s hand. The pair made their way to the small shop with several pieces of clothing hanging in the window.
A bell chimed as they stepped in. A thin, wide-eyed elf with brown hair stepped from behind the counter to greet them.
“Welcome to my shop! How can I help you this fine afternoon,” the owner smiled brightly.
Lilly grinned and pulled Jon closer to her. “My Shullkar is new to Aquris and needs
to fit in.”
The elf looked Jon up and down, putting a finger to her chin and nodding. “Yes, I see what you mean. He can’t go around looking like that! I may have just the outfit for him. I’ll be right back.”
The thin elf vanished behind a curtain as Jon and Lilly stood. It didn’t take long for her to return with a folded long jacket, leather pants, vest and shirt. In her other hand was a pair of boots. She set the items down on a small bench and pointed to it with an open hand.
“Please, try them on,” the elf smiled.
Jon nodded as he picked everything up. Glancing around, he looked for a dressing room. When one could not be found, he turned to Lilly and the shopkeeper.
“Is there a place I can…” Jon began.
“You dress here. Don’t be shy,” the shopkeeper smiled kindly.
Lilly nodded. “There are no dressing rooms like on Urth. We simply dress and see how it looks. You heard her, don’t be shy,” the sun elf winked.
Jon gritted his teeth as he put everything down on the bench again. Taking hold of his shirt, he gave Lilly a wry glance before undoing buttons. Clothes peeled off, one at a time as Lilly and the shopkeeper watched. When he was down to his boxers, he began to pick up pieces of clothing and put them on. The change was quick as Jon didn’t feel like taking his time with two elves eyeing everything he did. When he was finished, he turned and looked at a standing mirror.
Boots with cuffed tops graced his feet and shins. They reached just below the knee. Black leather pants covered his legs and a slightly billowy shirt covered his chest, shoulders, arms, and midsection. A bandana covered his head. Lilly helped him with tucking the tops of his Urthling ears into the edge, whispering to him that it would help him go unnoticed. A long jacket with buttons along one side flowed over his shoulders and cinched at his lower back. When the outfit was complete, Jon turned back to the two elves and they gave approving nods.
