The ship was old. It smelled of fish and damp wood. The sails were patched, but they held. The captain was a white-bearded man who smoked a pipe and didn't talk much. He gave them a small cabin and told them not to vomit on deck.
Darian leaned against the railing as they moved away from the port. Port Nimbus grew smaller. The city lights faded into the distance.
Vael sat on his shoulder, watching the water.
—It's a lot —said Darian.
Vael made a sound. Darian couldn't tell if it was fear or curiosity.
It's dark, Nox said in his mind. I like it.
You like everything dark, Lumine replied.
Not everything. I also like blood. And hunting.
—And being annoying —Darian said out loud.
A sailor gave him a strange look. Darian went quiet.
Kára held onto the railing with both hands. She was pale.
—I don't like this.
—The sea? —Darian asked.
—It moves. The ground doesn't move.
Varkas approached.
—You'll get used to it. It's just the first day.
—Have you sailed before? —Kára asked.
—Yes. My tribe are fishermen. The first thing we learn is how to sail. —He paused—. And when I was taken as a slave, I had to cross the sea too.
Kára fell silent.
—I'm sorry. I didn't know you were a slave.
—I was. But thanks to this pup and Aria, I'm not anymore.
Kára stayed quiet for a few seconds.
—That's why you're like that with them.
—Yeah. I owe them a lot.
The sea stretched endlessly. Waves crashed against the ship's bow. Seabirds followed overhead, screeching.
Elias approached the group.
—Let's go to the cabin. We need to review the plan.
They crossed the main deck toward the cabins. The crew was made up of different races. Elves, dwarves, and an orc. It was rare to see an orc outside their lands—they were very closed-off and rarely left.
They went below. Elias lit an oil lamp and spread out a detailed map of the Elven Kingdom. He pointed to their landing point.
—We arrive here. This is the port of Loralind, the northernmost port. From there, we head south. Right in the center is the Great Tree. There are two cities before the capital: Tyrindel and Nímbar.
—We are merchants —Elias continued—. We need to sell goods in those two cities and some at the port.
—Is security strict? —Kára asked.
—Yes. It's very likely they'll inspect our goods. Or us. Luckily, we have forged permits and identification.
Varkas studied the map.
—Nímbar is near a canyon, right?
—Yes. It's a city covered by a massive canyon. It's nearly impossible to cross from there except through the main road. And it's the only route to the capital. The plan is simple: we act as merchants carrying high-demand elven goods. Mana crystals, runes, dwarven metal ingots, essences. The goal is to reach the capital without issues. From the port to the capital is four days, but it'll take longer because of the stops in the two cities.
Darian stared at the map.
—Hold on, Aria. Not much longer.
We're in this together, Lumine said inside him, her voice soft like a thread pulled tight but unbroken.
We'll hunt anyone who gets in the way, Nox added. This time, he didn't sound mocking. He sounded serious.
—Thank you —Darian whispered.
Varkas listened carefully. Inside him, the wild fire stirred. He wanted to protect Aria.
Kára, despite being the last to join, still felt Darian's words echoing within her. She wanted to stand by the one who gave her a place to belong.
Vael remained on Darian's shoulder. His affection was clear. His gaze was that of a loyal ally.
Darian couldn't sleep. He went up to the deck. Fog was everywhere. Nothing could be seen.
Vael slept on his shoulder.
I don't like this, Nox said.
Darian tensed.
What?
I smell something. Like in the city. But closer.
Old power, Lumine said.
Darian looked around. No one. Just fog.
Then he saw it.
A hooded figure. On the other side of the deck. Standing still.
Darian drew Lumine.
—Who are you?
The figure didn't move.
—You're harder to find than I expected.
The voice was deep. Calm. Not entirely human.
—Who are you? —Darian repeated.
—Someone looking for you. For your swords. For what you carry inside.
Nox growled.
It wants a fight. Let me handle it.
No, Lumine said. Not yet.
Darian stepped forward.
—Show your face.
The figure shook its head. The wind shifted the hood slightly. For a moment, Darian saw something.
An ear.
Pointed.
But not like the elves he had seen before. Sharper. Longer. Like a predator's.
The fog swirled around the figure.
—We will meet again. When you're ready.
—Wait—
But the figure was gone. Swallowed by the mist.
Darian stood still. His heart pounded. Vael woke up and let out a low sound.
That wasn't human, Lumine said.
No, Nox replied. His voice was serious now, no trace of mockery. It was something else. Something old.
A demon? Darian asked.
I don't know. But whatever it is… it has power. A lot of power.
Darian sheathed Lumine. He stared at the fog for a while longer. Those ears… they weren't elven. At least not a normal elf.
They were sharper. Wilder.
A dark elf. It had to be.
Then he went back below.
That night, he didn't sleep.