Bang!!!!!
Bang!!!!
Bang!!
A particularly nasty string of curses died on my lips as I lurched upright, heart hammering a sailor's jig against my ribs. The remnants of sleep clung to me like a bad hangover as I stumbled toward the door. The pounding on the wood continued, insistent and damned effective.
"Hold your horses," I growled, fumbling with the latch.
I swung the door open and found myself staring into a pair of piercing blue eyes. The woman before me stood at my height, her long dark hair pulled back into a tight ponytail, did great things for a jawline I'd wager had launched a thousand arguments and won at least half.
The rest of her, well, was standard-issue Thalassar Navy… mostly. The uniform, crisp as a freshly-starched sail, lacked any markings or insignia that might have betrayed her rank. Either she was brand new to the service –unlikely given the look in her eyes– or this little detail was part of the message.
"Captain Aedan?"
"That's me."
"I'm here to escort you."
Ah, the meeting. "Give me five minutes," I said, stepping aside to let her in. "Make yourself at home."
I dashed to the bathroom to freshen up, splashing cold water on my face before changing into a fresh set of my naval uniform.
The fabric was a deep navy blue, almost black, tailored to fit like a second skin. Gold trim adorned the cuffs and collar. The double-breasted jacket was fastened with ornate buttons, each one engraved with the naval insignia—a pair of crossed cutlasses beneath a stylized wave. My captain's epaulettes rested on my shoulders, their gold tassels a testament to my rank, yet devoid of the numerous medals and ribbons that adorned the uniforms of my more decorated peers.
Few minutes later, feeling marginally more presentable and significantly more apprehensive, I emerged from my makeshift dressing-room.
"Ready when you are," I told her, catching her gaze as I strode past.
* * *
Anchorfell in the morning was its own special brand of chaos – vendors already hawking their wares like they were selling salvation, sailors stumbling out of taverns blinking at the sunlight as if it were a personal offense, the smell of fish and saltwater and ambition hanging thick in the air. It was a sight I usually found invigorating, a testament to the boundless energy of a port city that never slept, but right now… well, my senses seemed to have narrowed their focus.
Every long, confident stride drew my eye to… well, let's just say the navy knew how to tailor a uniform, but there were some curves even regulations couldn't disguise. Her pants might have been designed with mobility in mind, but each movement revealed just how spectacularly they'd failed in the 'concealment' department.
The view, to put it delicately, was distractingly divine. It was like the gods had carved those curves just to test the willpower of every man in her wake.
It was truly a work of art— the product of countless hours spent training, no doubt, honing her body into a weapon as lethal as any blade. A very nice, very distracting weapon.
"You know for a city supposedly founded by pirates, Anchorfell's not exactly subtle about its love affair with regulations. I swear, more rules than there are barnacles on a—"
"The Admiral expects a prompt arrival." Her voice was still cool, businesslike.
"Right, right, promptly," I said, lifting my hands in mock surrender. "Just trying to break the ice a bit. Or, seeing as we're surrounded by seawater, perhaps I should say…charting a course through the… no, that doesn't quite work, does it?"
A beat of silence. "I believe 'navigating the social currents' might be a more appropriate metaphor, Captain."
Damn, she was good. And here I was thinking all the witty ones ended up in intelligence… or running their own fleets.
We rounded a corner, the smell of fresh bread from a nearby bakery momentarily overpowering the ever-present scent of brine and salt.
"So," I said, falling into step beside her, "this whole 'silent escort' thing… Is that standard protocol these days? I was taught, a bit of conversation was considered, you know, polite."
She didn't break stride. Didn't even look at me. "We're on a tight schedule, Captain."
"Right, tight schedule, priorities, all that." I glanced around, pretending to take in the sights, but my attention kept drifting back to the captivating sway of her hips. "But surely even the Admiral wouldn't object to a little… team bonding? Get to know the man she's about to throw to the sharks, so to speak."
"As you know The Admiral is a busy woman, Captain. She values efficiency."
"Efficiency, eh? And here I was thinking this was a social call." I chuckled, shaking my head. "Well, a man can dream, can't he?"
A beat of silence. Then, a flicker of something in her eyes. Amusement? It was gone before I could properly identify it.
"So, what's your name? Unless that's classified information too."
She didn't answer for a moment, and I was already mentally composing a follow-up question designed to elicit maximum flustered charm, when she finally spoke.
"Seren."
"Seren," I repeated, letting her name roll off my tongue as if tasting a fine wine. "Suits you."
She said nothing, but when our arms brushed, her skin was warm against mine. We weaved through the maze of morning bustle, her pace brisk, efficient – clearly, 'tight schedule' was not an exaggeration. Time to up the ante, I decided.
"So, Seren," I said, trying – and failing – to sound casual. "what does a woman like you do when you're not escorting people around Anchorfell? Can't imagine a lass with your… spirit, lets say, is content sitting at home, darning socks."
Seren stopped dead in her tracks, her gaze fixing on me with an intensity that would've made a lesser man reconsider his life choices. It did send a pleasant shiver down my spine, though, I'll admit. "Are you serious?"
I blinked, momentarily thrown by her sudden shift. "About the socks? Never been a fan of mending, to be honest."
"We've been walking for, what, ten minutes, and you're already openly flirting? Bold move."
"Well, I wouldn't want you to think I was wasting your time. And besides, how else is a lady supposed to know a bloke's intentions if he doesn't lay it on a bit thick?"
The faintest hint of color touched her cheeks, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I saw the ghost of a smile before she schooled her features. "You should know, Captain," she said, resuming her brisk pace, "that flattery will get you nowhere."
Undeterred, I easily fell back into step beside her. "So, about those hobbies…"
"I don't discuss my personal life with strangers."
"Fair enough," I said, raising my hands in mock surrender. "See that tavern down there? They brew a mean ale – strong enough to knock the barnacles off a mermaid. How about I buy you a drink, we swap some stories, and see if we can't remedy this whole 'stranger' situation?"
"I'm afraid I'm quite busy at the moment." she said, her voice politely firm. "As I imagine you will be shortly."
"Oh, I'm sure the Admiral can wait a few minutes," I said with a wink. "Besides, a man's gotta have his priorities. And a fine ale, shared with an even finer… companion? That's pretty high up on my list." I leaned in, lowering my voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "And just between you and me? The ale's just an excuse. It's your company I'm after."
"Tempting," she admitted, "But I don't mix business with pleasure."
"Who said anything about pleasure?" I countered, stepping closer. "Consider it…reconnaissance."
"Reconnaissance, is it?" A corner of her mouth lifted, and for a heartbeat, "But I'll have to pass, for now."
"For now…" I echoed, my grin widening. "So, there's a chance later?"
"You're relentless, aren't you?"
"It's considered one of my more endearing qualities. That, and my impeccable taste in taverns. And company."
" Oh I've heard… things about you."
"Ah, so my reputation precedes me?" I grinned, unable to help myself. "Flattered, Seren, truly. "
"Don't be. It's my job to… stay informed."
"Fair enough, but don't you think it's only fair I get to know a few things about you then?"
"Nope."
"Damn," I muttered under my breath. This day had started with such promise – a beautiful woman, a hint of mystery… and yet, here I was, striking out before noon.
We were practically flying through the streets now - her long strides eating up the cobblestones with an efficiency that would've put a drill sergeant to shame. I had to practically jog to keep up.
"Do you always move at this pace, Seren, or are you just making sure I get my morning exercise in?"
"Having trouble keeping up, Captain?"
"A bit, yeah," I admitted, "You walk like… a gazelle on a mission from the Sea Gods."
"Consider it a… warm-up."
We crossed a stone bridge, the water rushing beneath us a dull roar shimmering under morning sun. Up ahead, I could finally make out our destination - an imposing octagonal building that seemed to rise from the cliffs like a fortress. Guards were stationed at every entrance, their faces stoic beneath their polished helmets. Even the sunlight seemed to glint off them with an extra bit of sharpness.
Once inside, any attempt at conversation was futile. Seren led me through a maze of corridors, the air thick with the scent of beeswax and something faintly metallic – the smell of power, maybe. Sunlight streamed through narrow windows set high in the walls.
We passed through at least three more checkpoints – each more heavily guarded than the last – before finally halting before a pair of massive wooden doors.
"Good luck, Captain."
"Any chance you'll be…escorting me back out after this? "
She leaned in close, her eyes twinkling. "In your dreams."
"Funny you should mention dreams…" My fingers itched to brush a stray strand of hair from her face. "Let's just say mine have a habit of coming true."
Seren laughed, a sound as refreshing as a sea breeze. "Is that so?"
I clutched my heart dramatically. "Ah, what is your laughter doing to me? It's like a siren's call!"
"Charming as ever." She shook her head, but I could see the amusement dancing in her eyes. "But save it for the Admiral."
"Wait!" I called out as she turned. "About that ale—the offer still stands."
"Not interested," she tossed back, but the sway of her hips as she walked away – the way those perfectly toned muscles flexed with every stride - was almost… a counter-offer.
It's hypnotic, like watching the ebb and flow of the tide and was enough to make a man forget there were heavily armed guards within spitting distance.
She paused at the end of the corridor, glancing back over her shoulder. One blue eye winked, then she was gone… She knows.
"Of course, she does." I muttered to myself. What was it about women, and always knowing exactly when they were being admired?
I stood there for a moment, taking one last, fortifying breath. My hand went instinctively to my collar – a nervous habit I hadn't kicked, even after all these years.
Straightening my coat one last time, I cast my mind back to that walk, to Seren and her frustratingly captivating stride. A man could get used to that kind of escort service. It was a damn sight more enjoyable than whatever waited on the other side of this door.
"Well," I muttered, mostly to myself, "in for a penny, in for a kraken."
With a final, steadying breath, I pushed the heavy door open.
The room was… well, let's just say it wasn't your average naval briefing room. Sunlight streamed through arched windows, illuminating the finely woven rugs that covered the polished stone floor. A massive table, crafted from a single slab of dark, gleaming wood that probably cost more than my entire yearly salary, dominated the space.
And seated around that table…
It only took me a heartbeat to assess the players. I'd recognize most of these faces in a hurricane. High-ranking members of the Thalassar military, each one sporting enough medals and braids on their uniforms.
There were a few civilians scattered around the table too - nobles, I'd wager, judging by the extravagant jewels and the bored expressions they were trying to pass off as polite interest. Probably here to make sure their interests were represented— or, more likely, to complain.
"Captain Aedan," a voice boomed, snapping me out of my appraisal. "Approach."
I met the gaze of the person who'd spoken – Admiral Seraphina, or 'The Kraken' as she was less-than-affectionately known among the lower ranks.
Her navy uniform was, as always, impeccably tailored, not a single crease or wrinkle marring its crisp lines. Her silver hair was pulled back in a tight bun, and her expression was impossible to read. Even after all these years, her gaze could still send a shiver down my spine.
The woman was a force of nature.
But before I could dwell on that thought, my attention was drawn to the figure seated at the head of the table. His hair, what little I could see beneath the crown perched upon his head, was a mixture of black and silver – more silver than I remembered. There were lines etched around his eyes now, too, evidence of the burden of rule. But the eyes themselves… those were the same. Sharp, intelligent, and filled with a quiet strength that commanded respect.
I recognized him instantly. How could I not?
I quickly snapped to attention and saluted.
"Your Majesty."
* * *
The silence stretched, thick and heavy, as if the air itself were holding its breath. I remained at attention, not a single muscle twitching. But inside, I was a raging storm of confusion and a healthy dose of good old-fashioned panic. What in the bloody seven hells is the Emperor doing here?
And why hadn't anyone bothered to mention this?
"He's… younger than I expected." The voice, barely a murmur, came from somewhere to my left. It was exactly the kind of insightful observation that admiral probably found insightful, but right now, I would've traded that nugget of wisdom for a shot of rum and a map to the nearest exit.
"I still don't like it," another voice grumbled, this one deeper, gruffer. "We don't know what went wrong last time. Sending another crew… especially one led by someone so inexperienced… It's a waste of resources."
"We don't have a choice," a woman's voice countered. Sharp, laced with a hint of steel. "We're already behind schedule. Hesitation will be our undoing."
"Perhaps we are worrying too much? If we could simply…"
"We are not worrying enough! We've wasted enough time as it is, Errant."
The Emperor's gaze remained fixed on me, and it felt like I was being weighed and measured—found wanting.
"Is this the best we can do? A captain barely out of his youth?"
"Sending him would be a gamble. Are we in a position to gamble?"
"We gambled when we chose this path. Every decision is a roll of the dice."
And then, Emperor sighed. It's a simple exhalation of breath and it silenced the room as effectively as a clap of thunder.
"At ease, Captain."
The relief that washed over me was almost embarrassing. I lowered my arm, finally allowing myself to meet his gaze directly. The years might have etched lines onto his face, but those eyes were as sharp and unwavering as ever.
"Captain Aedan," he began, his voice weary but steady, "do you have any idea why you're here?"
"No, your Majesty."
He arched an eyebrow, a flicker of something that might have been amusement flitting across his features. "Weren't you debriefed?"
"I… was given certain instructions regarding protocol and conduct, your Majesty."
"And what instructions were you given?"
"I was told to, ah… refrain from speaking out of turn. To be… less than truthful about my opinions, should they differ from those present. And above all else, to refrain from disagreeing."
"By whom?"
"Commodore Thorn, your Majesty. Although… he was merely relaying the Admiral's instructions."
"Ah, shifting the weight onto your superiors' shoulders, are we?"
"Not exactly, Your Majesty. I'm pretty sure even they didn't know you'd be here."
"And what makes you say that?"
"Well, Admiral," I said, allowing a touch of my usual confidence to creep back into my voice, "as efficient as she is, even she wouldn't have had me prepped for an audience with the Emperor on such short notice." I met the Emperor's gaze directly. "My guess is I was meant to meet with… whoever felt strongly enough about my recent… acquisition to summon me. Not Your Majesty."
"Interesting," he murmured. "Go on."
"The tension in this room? It's thicker than a sailor's stew. It's your unexpected presence. This is the kind of tension born from surprise, not preparation."
A slight smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "You're quite observant."
"In my line of work, Your Majesty, being observant can mean the difference between life and death. I suspect it's not much different in yours."
The smile turned into a chuckle, "Seraphina," he said, turning to his right-hand woman with a glint in his eye, "you must be quite proud of your student."
"Of course, your majesty," she replied, her voice as flat as a calm sea, betraying no emotion.
His attention returned to me. "Tell me, Captain, Why does Thalassar thrive?"
I knew what I should say – the carefully crafted speeches about our superior naval strategy, our unwavering courage, our devotion to the Empire. But something told me those platitudes wouldn't suffice in this room.
"Skythrall."
"Precisely," He picked up a small, unassuming object from the table and tossed it across to me. I caught it reflexively. It was heavier than I expected, cold against my palm. Skythrall. Even in its unworked form, you could feel the raw power humming beneath the surface.
"A miracle," the Emperor murmured, a grim smile touching his lips, "A goddamn miracle that's kept us ahead of our enemies, fueled our industry, secured our place in this world."
I nodded, my gaze lingering on the metal in my hand. It was the lifeblood of our empire – used in everything from warships to everyday tools. Its unique properties—strength, lightness, and its ability to channel and amplify magic – had propelled Thalassar into a golden age of prosperity and innovation.
"And that's why what I'm about to discuss with you is a matter of utmost importance."
"I'm listening, Your Majesty."
"Our reserves… they're dwindling." His voice was barely audible now, heavy with a weariness that spoke of sleepless nights. "Ignisar, our primary source… it's reaching its critical point. We've tried to find alternatives, of course, poured resources into research… but nothing compares to true Skythrall. Nothing comes close."
"But…"
He leaned forward, his eyes locking onto mine. "What if I told you there's another source? A place that could secure Thalassar's future and tip the balance of power permanently in our favor?"
"Another source, Your Majesty?"
"Elysara."
The name hit me like a tidal wave.
Elysara—the mythical island, a place of legends and whispered rumors. Some claimed it was the resting place of an ancient god, a being of immense power whose slumber, once disturbed, would unleash unimaginable destruction upon the world.
Others whispered of a lost city, home to a civilization far more advanced than our own, its inhabitants possessing magic that dwarfed even the most skilled mages of Thalassar. While some others claim it's a paradise, a utopia where the rivers flow with liquid gold and the trees bear fruit that grants eternal life.
And through it all, one constant remained— no one had ever found it. Not for lack of trying, of course. For centuries, explorers, adventurers, and glory-seeking fools had set sail, their ships vanishing into the vast expanse of the Azure, never to be seen again.
"The island of Elysara, Captain," the Emperor continued, his voice low and steady, "is more than just a sailor's tale. It exists."
A jolt of adrenaline shot through me, chased by a healthy dose of skepticism. I'd heard enough tall tales in taverns to last a lifetime. And yet… the Emperor's conviction, the weight of every gaze in the room, told a different story.
"What makes you so certain?" I asked, unable to keep the doubt from my voice. "What changed?"
"We've… come into possession of certain information," he replied, his voice carefully measured. "Information that suggests Elysara is not only real but… abundant. In more ways than we could have imagined."
"And this information… ?"
"That, Captain," the Emperor said, fixing me with a look that brooked no argument, "is not something we need to discuss today."
Beside him, Admiral spoke up – her voice, as always, as crisp and precise as a naval chart. "Two years ago, word reached us of a map – a chart, purported to reveal the location of Elysara. We dispatched an expedition. The best of our fleet, crewed by seasoned sailors and led by one of our most skilled captains. They had explicit orders: find Elysara, assess its resources, and, if possible, establish a presence there."
"And what happened?
"We don't know. They… vanished. Not a single trace. Well, almost."
"There was one survivor," she continued, her voice a monotone. "A single sailor, found adrift at sea, clinging to a piece of wreckage. He was… delirious. Ravaged by something… the healers could barely save his life. And even now, his mind… it's lost..And he's not in a state to provide any useful information. He's been raving, incoherent, speaking in tongues and drawing symbols in the air. We've had our best physicians and mages examine him, but his condition remains a mystery."
"The rest of the crew?"
"Gone." Seraphina's voice was flat, emotionless. "Vanished. No sign of the ship, no wreckage, no distress signals. What happened to them, how he alone managed to survive—no one has no idea…"
I shifted uncomfortably. An entire expedition, lost without a trace… It wasn't unheard of, not in the treacherous waters of the Azure, but it was rare. Damn rare. "And you want to mount another expedition? Even after…"
"It's not just about the Skythrall anymore." A voice, smooth and cultured, rose from the far end of the table. One of the nobles, his expression a strange mix of apprehension and excitement. "Think of it – Elysara is a treasure trove. Myths speak of lost cities, of ancient artifacts, of knowledge long forgotten. Securing it… it's not just a tactical advantage. Imagine the possibilities—new medicines, new technologies, new forms of energy! We could usher in a new golden age!"
Seraphina cleared her throat, silencing the noble's impassioned speech.
"That's not all. Our intelligence suggests that knowledge of Elysara… it's spread," she said. "Vermilion has caught wind of it. They're mobilizing their own expedition, as we speak. If they haven't already set sail."
Vermilion. Our neighboring empire, a constant thorn in Thalassar's side – or perhaps we were the thorn in theirs; it was hard to say when a conflict had raged for so long, its origins lost to history. There were whispers and tales, of course, passed down through generations of sailors and scholars, but the truth of why we fought… well, that had been swallowed by the sea long ago. We just did. When there's enough bloodshed, it becomes a self-perpetuating cycle, fueled by old grudges and the bitter taste of past defeats.
"So it's not just a voyage of exploration….it's… a race?"
"Exactly," the Emperor confirms. "Your mission is twofold: secure Elysara and its resources and ensure that Vermilion does not succeed in their endeavor."
I weighed his words, the gravity of the mission settling in my bones.
"Your Majesty, if I may," I venture cautiously, "I know someone who has been searching for Elysara for years. She's a veritable wellspring of knowledge on the subject—"
"Ah, I know who you're thinking of. A fascinating suggestion, Captain, but one that has already crossed this table. We approached her for the first expedition. She had no interest to join us."
"May I ask—"
"She should be forced to comply—" A noble at the far end of the table bursted out, "This is preposterous! We should command her to join us. She is a subject of this empire, and she—"
The Emperor, to his credit, didn't even blink. He simply raised a hand, and the room fell silent once more.
"Do not speak of things you do not understand, Falton," he said, his voice dangerously quiet. "She is not someone to be ordered around, even by me. She operates on her own terms, and I would not dare to incur her wrath."
Falton deflated like a punctured sail. "Of course, Your Majesty. Forgive my outburst. I merely… I only meant…"
The Emperor waved a dismissive hand. "Enough. Your concern, though misguided, is noted."
I bit back a smirk. Even surrounded by the most powerful figures in the Empire, the Mistress of the Arcane commanded that kind of respect— or fear, depending on who you asked. A legend in her own right, a sorceress of unparalleled power and knowledge. It's not surprising that even the Emperor would think twice before crossing her.
Turning back to the Emperor, I asked, "Did she give a reason, Your Majesty? For her refusal?"
"She simply stated that she had her reasons and left it at that. I didn't press the matter any further."
I let his words hang in the air as my mind raced. This mission… It was a fool's errand, this quest for a mythical island…a goddamn suicide mission. But…
I'd never been one for playing it safe.
"Your Majesty," I begin, choosing my words carefully, "if I am to accept this and achieve the results we all desire, there are certain things I'd like to request."
He raised an eyebrow, a silent invitation to continue.
"Firstly," I said, locking eyes with the his, "I want the autonomy to choose my own crew. I need men and women I can trust, who can handle the unpredictable dangers that this voyage will undoubtedly present."
The room remained silent, but I sensed a ripple of unease among the gathered nobles and military officials. I pressed on.
"Secondly, I need the freedom to make critical decisions in the field without being hamstrung by bureaucracy or political considerations. No interference, no second-guessing. No committees, no endless streams of reports clogging up the chain of command."
"You ask for much, Captain." But the Emperor's voice held a hint of amusement. "Freedom from the very structure that governs our Empire? "
"Only because this voyage demands it, Your majesty."
I've laid my cards on the table. The silence that followed was deafening.
After what feels like an eternity, the Emperor finally spoke.
"Very well. You have your autonomy." His gaze swept across the room, silencing any protests before they could form. "Let it be knows that Captain Aedan has been given full authority over this expedition, its resources, and its execution. However—" His voice hardened. "—should your actions bring harm to the Empire, or should you fail in your mission, be assured, Captain, that I will hold you personally responsible."
"Of course, Your Majesty."
"Then it's settled," he nodded, a hint of fatigue creeping into his features. "May the winds be ever in your favor. You are dismissed."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," I said, snapping off another crisp salute.
As I turned to leave, I caught Admiral's eye. I couldn't quite decipher her expression, but I had a hunch about what the Kraken might be thinking, but now's not the time to dwell on it. I've got a crew to assemble, a ship to prepare, and an expedition to lead into the heart of the unknown.