Sometimes It’s Story Time
Faux stood at the bow of the ship, peering across the river to the land on the opposite side, which was now coming into view. A wide grin formed on his face, and he spun on his heels to inform Wevin Lo of his discovery. Wevin Lo, however, hardly seemed surprised by the information.
“We are almost at land?” Kara asked, walking up beside Faux.
“Not yet, but it has come into view,” the rogue answered. With a flick of his wrist, he pointed towards the port city clearly noticeable in the distance. “Do you know what city that is?”
“I do not know. I am no expert at geography, and my knowledge is mostly of the eastern lands,” Kara admitted with an embarrassed smile.
“Aeromast…” Reala Mei answered, suddenly walking up beside the two. “That will be our destination, obviously.”
“Yeah, I was going to say that,” Faux said with a grin. “I’ve never been there, but I’ve heard it was a lovely little port town.”
“That it is, but there isn’t much importance with it on our quest, so we might as well just restock our supplies and be on our way,” Ezekiel informed, slowly walking up behind everyone.
“Really now?” Kara asked, turning to face the big earth adept.
“Indeed. I’ve been here quite a few times in my travels. Little to see in a small community like this,” Ezekiel responded.
“What should we do after we leave here, anyway? Have we got plans for afterwards?” Faux asked.
“We’re going to Tier Bastion…” Kara said, a determined look crossing her face. “First, however, we’re going to need help.”
“Help…what sort of help do you plan to enlist this far away from Rullenfay?” Faux asked incredulously.
“Sol City. We’re going to ask assistance from the Cloud City Altem Tier,” Kara said, a smile forming on her face.
“That is a daring thing to ask for…they ARE the most powerful army in all of Liteo, after all,” Ezekiel warned.
“Yes, and we’ll need just that if we hope to defeat that Bladenheart army that is rising to power at Tier Bastion. Who better to help than those who built the place?” Kara stated matter-of-factly.
“You hold a good point, but I must agree with Ezekiel…the Cloud City is unlikely to provide such assistance,” Reala Mei added.
“Perhaps…but if the alliance formed by the Treaty of Goorse holds true, they’ll at least take the time to think over it,” Kara replied.
“How about we stop thinking about it now and see what happens when we get there, ok?” Faux suggested.
“I agree with the quick one. No point worrying about it. Thinking ahead of time won’t change those windy peoples’ choice,” Wevin Lo said with a chuckle.
“Yeah…and we’re almost at port!” Faux exclaimed, pointing to the already nearer port.
After a few more moments of sailing, their ship finally docks in Aeromast. Ezekiel’s description of the place seemed quite accurate. There was little remarkable about the place, and the folk all seemed normal. Kara, Faux, and Ezekiel gave their goodbyes to Wevin Lo and Reala Mei as the two set off once again back to the other side. The group quickly bought some needed things and left westward in the general direction of Sol City.
**********
Thalys, exhausted from his flee from the hands of Jowl Breden, collapsed by the riverside, bringing in deep breaths. Finally, he rolled over and took a drink from the crystalline water. After fulfilling his thirst, he stared at the water with a puzzled look. It seemed that in the reflection of the water was that of a giant dragon-like head with shining eyes that showed keen intelligence. Confused, Thalys tilted his head and peered even closer.
Suddenly, a massive dragon-like head attached to a serpentine body erupted from the water, soaking Thalys with its arrival.
“What the…” Thalys began to say, rubbing the water from his tired eyes. As he refocused on the creature before him, realization hit him. “A sea drake…”
“That’s right I’m a sea drake,” the beast replied, “but most call me Nalp.”
“Nalp, eh? Hey wait; you can talk?” Thalys asked, pointing at the sea drake.
“Yes I can talk, you dolt! Do your ears deceive you, or are you just slow at such things?” Nalp snapped back.
“You’re not going to eat me, are you?” Thalys asked, slowly inching away from the intimidating sea drake.
“If I was going to eat you, then this discussion would already be over with. Besides, humans are nasty little buggers,” Nalp replied with a disgusted look.
In an instant, Thalys was up on his feet, his sabers drawn. “Then you are an evil creature…eating humans!”
“What? Oh please…put your sticks away. If you were constantly being attacked by little pests who think you’re some horrible monster, would you not defend yourself as well?” Nalp asked.
“Yes, but you didn’t have to eat them!” Thalys said, losing some of his fuss.
“Listen, my spit could kill a man. Eating them does the same thing. When you’re as big as me you can’t help but kill such frail beings,” the sea drake countered.
“So…you don’t like to eat people?” Thalys asked, lowering his sabers.
“Do you not listen to a thing I say? I told you that your kind taste horrible,” Nalp said, agitation in its voice.
“I see I see. So, what do you want with me?” Thalys asked, putting away his blades.
“Well, you were the one staring at me. I figured you needed me for something,” Nalp responded.