Upon (Once 3)

Chapter One: A World in Flames

The sounds of the drums echoed over the city of Skalavik. The sun had barely broken over the horizon, but, yet, the city was already awake. The starved faces of people peered out of their doors as prisoners were marched through the streets. Legions and castle guards urged them forward as they marched under Vicar Morninghelm’s banner.

The legions’ and guards’ uniforms shone as the early morning sun hit them. The prisoners marched, bound and gagged, under their watchful eye. The legions and guards eyed the citizens, as if they were daring them to come out and change to change their fate.

They marched right over the dead bodies that littered the ground without a second thought, making it seem as if the dead weren’t really there.

No one noticed the young man ducking in the shadows. He belonged to no one, didn’t serve a soul besides himself. The only thing he was worried about was saving his brother who was currently being marched to his death.

Dreu darted through a small alley. He still hadn’t caught sight of his brother and knew he was running out of time. The gallows were just straight ahead, waiting for this morning’s round of victims.

If the king kept this up, there would be no one left in Xandria.

It didn’t make sense to him as to why his brother was going to hang. He had not been involved with Dak Morninghelm nor had they even supported him. The brothers had always just kept their heads low, trying to stay completely out of the fight. They just wanted to have enough to eat. What was so wrong about that?

The sun blinded him as he came out of the darkness. Though he couldn’t see them yet, he could hear them. They would be coming any moment now.

Dreu loaded his ancient bow. He didn’t even know what he was doing, but it was far better sitting around and doing nothing.

The group marched by him. Ahead, he could see the faint outline of the gallows. He was running out of time.

He quickly scanned the group, but there was no sign of his brother. He crept a little bit further out the shadows, daring not to go much further. His hands shook just a bit as he held the bow.

The group was right in front of him now. He scanned the passing poor souls, but, yet, there was still nothing. The nobles were actually calling out to the condemned, making fun of them. Dreu’s eyes narrowed. Why would you make fun of someone who was about to meet such an awful fate?

Someone was reading something from the gallows, but he didn’t hear the words. Where was his brother? He had to be here! He just had to be! He hadn’t been in any of the earlier death marches.

The group had now came to a complete stop in front of the gallows. Many of them were trying to look brave and failing. A few didn’t even bother to hid their fear. The first group was forced upwards, bagged, and the noose went around their necks. The level was pulled and their life left them. On to the next group...

Dreu kept scanning the group, but there was no sign of his brother.

Then, something happened. He heard someone yelling at him, pointing at his bow. Swearing, Dreu stepped back into the shadows just as a familiar figure was bagged and the level pulled.

Screams filled his ears as he ran away from the scene. It took him three blocks to realize that the screams were his own.

Queen Amberfall of the Nature Fairies stared at her fleet. Over the past couple of weeks, it had gone from almost nothing to a real fighting force. She watched as the troops started loading onto them, while Quicksilver and Darkcreek hovered above them. One little mistake earned them a harsh tongue lashing.

She crossed her arms over her chest, breathing in the sea air. Things were going just the way she wanted them to.

The troops marched around her, waiting their turn to board their ship. In a matter of days, they would land on the coast of Xandria, where they would hopefully quickly make contact with Dak Morninghelm. The rumour was he and his small group of troops was on the run after a rather ugly defeat in Leira. It was also rumoured though that Queen Ariana had found refuge in a coastal castle. Hopefully, they would be able to reach the queen without too much difficulty.

You have a letter, Diamondrose said as she appeared at Amberfall’s side.

Amberfall looked down at the sealed envelope in Diamondrose’s hands. There was no seal and she didn’t recognize the handwriting. Thank you, she muttered, taking the letter.

Diamondrose bowed her head as she turned and walked away.

Amberfall tore open the enveloped and unfolded the letter.

Queen Amberfall,

I am going to make this short, since it is far too dangerous to put too much in writing.

I am pleased to say that things are going according to plan and I will be ready to sail out with you as we have already discussed. If I do not reach you in time, carry through with the plan. Do not wait on me or we will lose everything.

Rauffe

Amberfall quickly refolded the letter and stuffed it into her dress. She just hoped that no one had read the letter. Even though it was sealed, you never could be too careful.

She watched as more troops climbed onto the boats. In about half an hour, everyone would be on and they would be leaving. She looked up at the sky. There was still plenty of daylight, still plenty of time to get a good start.

Frostfire! she called as he walked passed her.

He stopped. I take it that this is important.

It is. She handed him the letter. Tell me what you think of this.

He took the note, staring at it with a frown, and then he slowly looked up at her. So, he’s really going to join the fight?

Amberfall took the note back from him, a smile growing on her face. Looks like we’ve gotten ourselves another ally.

Frostfire shook his head. Do I even want to know what you said to win him over?

Oh, I just made it seem like Jessimond was being held by Vicar against her own will. She paused. If you stop and think about it, she really is. She can’t exactly leave now that Nightstone is there.

Remind me just to never get on the wrong on the wrong side you.

Amberfall shoved the note back into her dress. It had taken everything she had to come up with the lie. Every time she had tried to write something that wasn’t the truth, she became physically ill. By informing the king that Nightstone was there and was possibly using magic again, it made the words come out a bit easier.

Since Jessimond was now actually being held against her will.

Darkcreek landed in front of her. The fighting armour on the War Lord shone in the sun, making her look even more deadly than she actually was. Everything is order.

Amberfall nodded. Good, we now have to make an extra stop.

Darkcreek just nodded, much to Amberfall’s surprise. It was about time everyone stopped questioning her.

We’ll be ready to leave in fifteen minutes, was all Darkcreek said before she took the sky.

Frostfire eyed Amberfall. Do you think he’s really ready and just isn’t pushing this to save his daughter?

Amberfall just shrugged. I guess we will find out.

I need to go check on my troops. Frostfire gave her a long look. Are you sure you’ll be okay?

She nodded. Yes, I’m sure I will be okay. I can take care of myself.

Frowning, she watched as he walked away. When was he going to see that she could take care of herself? It wasn’t like she was going to march to Xandria without the support of the army. She was just going to have to put him back in his place; she had let their relationship take control of their ranks.

The last of the troops climbed onto the boats. She shifted around. She had already said goodbye to her sisters. Honeylashes and Purpleflash had both acted as if it was going to be the last time they saw each other. Amberfall was not going to let that happen. She was going to come back and she was going to back holding Vicar’s head.

She winced. No, killing him wasn’t an option for her. She had already killed once and it had felt awful. She could still see Teodric’s life living him, how painful it had looked. She hated how he seemed to focus on her as he died. Frostfire told her that he hadn’t been looking at her, but she could had sworn he had. She just knew it.

The ocean breeze lifted up the ends of her hair, blowing red strands into her face. She reached, taming it upon her touch. If only the world was that, able to be tamed with just the touch of a hand.

Rasorin was still in her mind. The fact that he was moving in Frost Cave Asylum and that Shinydance had predicted him coming back to power did not sit well. If the Dark Wizard and Nightstone were to meet up, she sure didn’t want to be around.

Speaking of Shinydance, the little fairy was dancing up the loading ramp, with a broom in hand. The others had groaned when they found out that Shinydance was going with them to Xandria, but she had to go. She was unlike anything Nature Fairy that Amberfall had ever seen. She could have visions. The visions of a Nature Fairy were almost always right. If Shinydance had anymore visions, Amberfall wanted to make sure that she was the first to hear about them.

She walked up the loading ramp where Shinydance had started sweeping. She was humming a song under her breath, completely unaware of what was going on around her. Maybe it would be best if Shinydance stayed out of the main battle, not only for her own safety, but for the safety of the entire group.

Amberfall put her hand on the other fairy’s shoulder, causing her to jump. I think the ramp is plenty clean.

Shinydance bowed, nearly dropping her broom in the process. Yes, Your Majesty. With her broom in hand, she started skipping up the ramp.

Rolling her eyes, Amberfall followed her up the ramp.

The deck was full of life as the troops bustled around; the officers shouted orders, verbally punishing those who did not comply. The War Lords landed on a neighbouring ship, much to Amberfall’s surprise. It wasn’t as if she actually wanted to sail with them, but she did kind of expect them to at least come over and talk to her.

Frostfire stood next to her, carefully studying what was going on. His wings were still out; the feathers on the tips blew in the gentle wind. We are ready. Even the human ship is ready.

Amberfall jerked her head. Good. She looked up at the raised deck where the ship’s captain was standing. The captain caught her eye and her nod.

Forward! the captain yelled.

The ship jolted forward. Amberfall started back at the Zanian shore as it grew smaller and smaller. The sea breeze beat against her face. This was it...This was actually happening. They were sailing off to war.

The merpeople jumped through the water, crying out words of support and guidance. She wished they could enlist the help of the merpeople, but there was no way they would survive in the colder Xandrian waters.

Frostfire leaned against the railing, tucking his wings in, and allowing them to disappear into his skin. Are you ready for this?

Amberfall nodded. Think so. She stared out into the never ending blue. It really didn’t matter if she was ready or not. This was actually happening. They were going to war.

Queen Ariana Morninghelm looked up from the lengthy report she was working on. If everything went according to plan, Dak would have everything he needed in a matter of days. Everyone thought she was spending all this extra time at the country castle in mourning. No one would ever think that she was actually drafting a war plan.

Dak was going to need all of this. Vicar had everything he needed in order to launch a successful campaign. Dak, on the other hand, had pretty much nothing. He had his assassin training, but that was about it.

She was still surprised that he had gone through with the plan and had actually killed his father. Spilling a little something into Teodric’s drink had been rather brilliant. Of course, fleeing so quickly had not been in his best interest. What amazed her was the flight of the Nature Fairy Queen.

A letter has arrived for you, my Queen, a servant said, standing in the open doorway.

Ariana smiled sweetly at the servant, trying to shift her face into that of a mourning widow. She was even solid black to add to the affect. It did seem to working; everyone was being extra kind to her. Thank you.

Where would you like me to put it? the servant asked, still not coming into the room.

Ariana got to her feet. I’ll take it.

The servant didn’t move as she approached. She reached onto the tray, taking the letter. The tray was shaking. Frowning, Airana looked at the servant, who was shaking and had a rather nervous look on his face. Why would a servant so nervous? They were used to working with royalty, so it couldn’t be that.

Unless, he was a spy for Vicar.

She knew there were people watching her, but she really did expect her son to do better than this.

You may go.

The servant scrambled out of the room.

Ariana looked at the letter with a frown. While it didn’t seem like someone had opened it, she couldn’t be sure. She just hoped there wasn’t anything dangerous in it. She didn’t want to have to turn her own hand on Vicar nor did she want him to turn on her.

She broke the unknown seal.

Queen Ariana,

You probably do not know me, but I know your son. He and I work together at his other job. I hope that makes sense.

Anyway, something has come up and it regards your daughter. Our friend, a certain duke who has been exiled from the castle, will not help us unless he has something in return. This is something that Dak and I do not have the authority to grant.

I guess there’s no other way to put this, but he wishes to marry royalty. He has set his eyes on your daughter. He claims that the general will not mind.

I do not wish to be blunt, but we need this deal. If we do not take it, I feel that our cost will be lost. As you know, we are in a hard place and are struggling to get out of this very difficult position. I don’t want to force your hand, but we really do need something. At this point, I would say that any kind of help would be a blessing.

Your son did not wish for me to reach out to you. He doesn’t want you to know how badly our cause is going. If there is anything you can do to help us, it would be greatly appreciated.

I want to put more in here, but I fear that our movements are being closely watched.

Yours truly,

Ryanon Cinderspear

Ariana pinched her temples as she finished reading the letter. She had intended for Alse to marry General Malculmus Irondrifter in order to gain his legions. However, Duke Aymon Eaglemore would almost be as good. He held just about power in Leira as Irondrifter did, though he didn’t come with legions. However, if Eaglemore could persuade his uncle to loan them the legions, it could work. Eaglemore did certainly have the funds to support Dak’s campaign.

She went back over to her writing desk and pulled out a clean piece of stationary. She tapped her quill against the desk before she started to write.

Alse would understand. Besides, Duke Aymon Eaglemore was closer to her age than Irondrifter.

Chapter Two: On the Run

Ryanon Cinderspear winced as they sailed through another thick patch of rotten smelling muck. They had been forced to sail through want appeared to be nothing more than swamp land. The greenish-brownish muck clung to the bottom of the boats. The smell that was left in their wake made her wish that she was back in the stink of Skalavik.

Tamsin sat on the deck, staring up at the circling buzzards. Her double bladed swords rested on the deck beside her. Dak and Kody were nowhere to be seen. This is just disgusting, the Necrarian said, wrinkling up her nose.

Ryanon just nodded. She was tired of being on this boat, tired of not being able to set foot on land. They had been on the run since their defeat in Leira. It was either run or have all of those poor innocent souls butchered.

It was kind of strange seeing a duke living in these conditions. She still hadn’t gotten used to seeing Aymon out with men-working, doing manual labour. Most of Irondrifter’s legions were also here. She had even catch sight of the infamous general. It was just strange to think of someone like Irondrifer as being on the run.

Tamsin looked up at Ryanon. You’re being oddly quiet. I would have thought you would have been in on all of the planning.

Ryanon leaned against the railing, wincing as some of the slime coated her clothes. Maybe that wasn’t such a good idea. It’s not really my area.

Tamsin just snorted. Everyone’s afraid that the Suppressor of Essences are going to blow.

It better not, not after what we had to go through to get it on here. Ryanon narrowed her eyes. The Suppressor of Essences had been loaded onto the ships in the middle of a rather messy retreat. The ground had been soaked in mud, which made everything sink. Plus, they had to sneak around Vicar’s army. She didn’t want to think what would had happened had Vicar’s army gotten wind of what they had been doing. It still baffled her how they had managed to pull this miracle off.

The fleet turned, heading deeper into the swamp land. The bottoms scrapped against the gritty swamp, sending another fresh wave of stink into the air. Ryanon sighed. Surely, it would be safe enough for them to set foot on land soon. She couldn’t think that Vicar would be chasing them through this wasteland.

The sun didn’t reach this part of the swamp. The darkness set in around them, like a heavy blanket. Ryanon’s eyes shifted up to the trees, expecting to see eyes watching them, but there was nothing more than bits of sunlight, not enough to light the way.

The long limbs of the trees bent down to greet the ships, brushing against them in almost a reassuring way. Their faint hiss reminded Ryanon of boots landing beside her.

She stared down the narrow channel. It seemed to grow narrower and narrower the further they went. The ships in front were being forced into a single file line. At least, now they would have more legions to cover them in case Vicar’s army did happen to make an appearance.

Beside her, Tamsin reached for her deadly twin blades, as she started to scan the shoreline. It was far too close for Ryanon’s liking. There were plenty of places for an awaiting army to attack. The undergrowth was so thick that there was simply no way they would be able to see anyone.

Ryanon jumped at every movement, even if it was just a bird taking flight. She kept on looking and looking. There was no way that Vicar’s had let them come this far without having so kind of a plan to ambush them. They were probably out there, just waiting for Dak’s army to wear down or think that they had reached safety.

Anything? Tamsin whispered.

Ryanon shook her head as she changed her grip on her sword. No. She stared at the green landscape. Now that summer was quickly approaching, the brush was growing so close together. It was the perfect hunting ground, but not so great if you were the one being hunted.

Logs beneath the boat cracked and groaned as they kept going forward. Brush from above rained down on them as the tall sails brushed against the low baring trees. Ryanon looked forward. A few of the taller ships were being forced to lower their sails, which was going to slow them down even more.

If there was one thing that they could not be right now, it was sitting still. An army that wasn’t on the move was most certainly a dead one.

The channel narrowed even more. The shore was just in touching distance right now. If Vicar’s army was out there, now would be the time for them to attack. Ryanon took a small step back from the edge of the ship, nearly knocking the legion behind her down. He just growled as she jumped away. She shot him a sweet and innocent smile.

They were slowly making their way around a rather sharp turn. It almost reminded her of a horseshoe. The larger ship in front of them was kind of holding them up. Not only was its massive balk slowing them up, but it was also carrying most of the Suppressor of Essences. The other flag ship had the rest of them. She hadn’t even been aware of the duke having so many. Why did he even need that many weapons?

Unless he had been planning on selling them....

A few snakes hung from the branches. Their bodies almost blended completely in with the brush. They only that thing that gave them away was the flicking of their tongues and their tiny, unblinking yellow eyes. A few of them actually hissed at the passing boats, as if they could scare them away. The legions just laughed and stabbed at them.

Ryanon frowned.

A legion close to her saw her expression. You’ll get hungry.

Huh?

The legion held up an impaled snake right in front of her. Blood ran out of the hole. This will be mighty fine eating after you’ve been on the run for a while and can’t get supplies. Others quickly joined in on their laughter.

Ryanon flicked the dead snake away. You clearly are in need of some new ways to frighten women. This is nothing compared to what I usually do to men.

The legion gently touched her cheek. A pretty thing like you? He snorted. You probably couldn’t harm a fly.

Ryanon shoved her sword into his stomach. Though she didn’t use enough force to actually harm him, she did put enough pressure behind it in order for him to get her message. He just looked down at her sword, then back at her, with a smirk. She applied just a little bit more pressure; this time making it enough for him to actually feel it. Now, it was her turn to smile at his wince.

Tamsin just cleared her throat, almost as if she was reminding them just of where they were.

Ryanon removed her sword. Just remember what I can do, she hissed at the legion.

The legion looked wide eyed at his stomach, almost as if he were expecting blood to start pouring out of him. He looked back up at her with a wide mouth. She could see his mind racing, but he just couldn’t quite make the words come out.

Ryanon batted her eyes at him. That’s what I thought. She turned her back on him, positive that he wasn’t going to anymore trouble.

Tamsin rolled her eyes. Was that really necessary?

Ryanon eyed her. Are you telling me that you wouldn’t have done the same thing?

No, that’s not what I’m saying. We need each other. I was just thinking you would remember that.

I do, but we can’t let them walk all over us. They need to see us as their equals. Ryanon looked at Tamsin. Is that what you want?

Yeah, it is, but can we do so without having to kill each other?

Ryanon just snorted. She wasn’t about to make any such promise.

Their boat made it around the turn without any trouble. Now, they were actually in what appeared to be a small river with clear water. Ryanon let the fresh air warm in her lungs. She had never known that being in clean air could feel so good.

Below them, the water life went on as normal; just by looking at them, you would think there wasn’t a war fleet sailing right over them. The water was so calm and clear that Ryanon could see schools of fish fishing. Just ahead, she could see a beaver paddling across the open water, pushing a log. On the large rocks, turtles sunned themselves, slowly raising their heads as the ships sailed by.

The flag ships were letting their sails out, just as the wind started to pick up. The sails flapped in the air as they raced back into formation. The legions shouted back and forth from the different ships, yelling out sea terms that Ryanon hadn’t heard before.

Her eyes shifted around to the coves. While most of them weren’t big, they were big enough for a single warship to wait. Each one, thankfully, remained empty. If there was anyone lurking, they were bound to hear all of the yelling.

I need to show you something, a voice said, directly behind her.

She turned. Dak Morninghelm stood behind her, dressed in commoner clothes, something that she had hardly ever seen him in. Though his stance was relaxed, she could see the tension on his face.

What it is? Ryanon asked.

Dak pressed on the small of her back, leading her away from the group. Tamsin watched. Ryanon opened her mouth to call out to her, but Kody appeared. She watched as Tamsin and Kody disappeared into the masses.

Dak led her below deck, their boots clomping on the steps. Though above deck smelled better, it most certainly did not down here.

He led her down the narrow hallway, past all of the sleeping quarters. She peered in each on, only to find them empty. She knew it he wouldn’t talk until they were completely alone. There was no easy way to search the sleeping areas for bugs.

They reached the end of the hall, where a closed door greeted them. Dak pushed it open and shoved her into the captain’s chambers.

Ryanon ran her hand along Kody’s smooth desk. It wasn’t as fancy as his office in Moldatun, but it was still fancy enough. He most certainly did like to live in style. Her eyes darted around the room. With this much stuff in here, it would be easy for someone to hide a bug in here. Though she didn’t think anyone on the ship would betray them at this point, she just didn’t know. People turned on each other all the time for different reasons.

Dak went behind the desk and opened a desk. This came earlier today. I don’t know how my mother did it, but she did. He slipped a letter across the table. I guess she did get your note.

Ryanon took the note. It wasn’t long, but it was enough. She’s agreed to it.

Dak nodded. Yes.

She started back at the note. It did seem to be real. She looked back at Dak. How did she find us? she whispered. If she can find us, then anyone can.

I don’t know. The thought has crossed my mind. He moved out from behind the desk and went over to the window at the front of the room. Only the water and their fleet greeted them. I really do think that my brother is probably gloating right now. He knows it would be foolish to attack us while we are expecting it. He made a fist. I wager that my brother is waiting for us to wear down, and then he will come after us.

Ryanon joined him in front of the window. I mean, this is a good sign. She looked at Dak. Have you told Aymon?

Dak shook his head. No, he’s on a different boat anyway.

Ryanon took Dak’s hand into her own. If Vicar decides to attack, there’s really nothing that we can do to prevent it. It’s going to happen again, you do know what?

He nodded. I know. I’m just hoping that Amberfall can rejoin us before that happens. Since he has the giants and probably the Iron Fairies, we sure could use her army on our side.

I know. Ryanon crossed her arms over her chest, still holding the note close. This was what she had been hoping for. Now that the duke has gotten his way, he would give them access to his wealth. The only problem was getting him access to it to give it to them. She just really hoped he didn’t keep it in Leira; he was surely smarter than that.

I think we’re getting everything we ever wanted, Dak said, breaking the silence.

What do you mean?

I mean, I think things are finally going to start shaping up.

I hope so.

She kissed his sweet check, letting his scent fill his nose. She really did hope he was right. If he wasn’t, then she hated to think what would happen to them.

Chapter Three: The Black Moon

Something was calling out to him....Something was out there speaking his name, begging for him to come and join their ranks...Something that didn’t sound quite human nor did sound like an animal...It was making his vision nothing more than colours-that much was certain.

Dak groaned, trying to fight whatever was out there wanting him to join its ranks. He could feel it in his bones, as it tried to yank out his soul. He had to wake up, had to get out of this nightmare.

He tried to open his eyes, but his body just kept fighting against him. He couldn’t regain control of himself....He couldn’t make himself return to the world of the living....

He could feel someone shaking him, thought they were saying his name. Then, he felt something....Pain....The person shaking him was hitting him....

His eyes jerked open. Ryanon started at him with big eyes. In her hand, she was holding what appeared to be some kind of heavy decorative piece. What are you doing? He sat up, rubbing the side of his head. That hurt!

Ryanon slowly lowered the decorative piece, but she didn’t put it back from wherever she had gotten it. It looked like you were having some kind of a fit.

Dak stared at her. I was just having a nightmare. People do get those.

She shook her head. No, this wasn’t a normal nightmare. I’ve been trying for twenty minutes to wake you up.

His eyes narrowed. Why did you hit me?

You grabbed my throat and were trying to kill me. Her eyes narrowed. Her voice sounded far too calm for someone who had almost been supposedly killed. However, there did appear to be red marks around her neck. Maybe he did actually do what she claimed he did.

Oh...Sorry... He looked out the window right above their bed. The moonlight shone through it, casting a little bit of light.

Outside, the fleet sailed on, perhaps the quietest he had seen it in a long time. The only sounds he could hear were the hooting of the owls and the sloshing of the water against the bottom of the boat.

Whenever, he looked back, Ryanon was staring at him with a frown. What?

How long has this been going on? she asked, her frown deepening.

What are you talking about? he asked, narrowing his eyes.

The nightmares.

I’ve already told you. Everyone has nightmares. I’m sure you had some when the ioslullumary was in your system.

She opened and closed her mouth as she stared at him with narrowed eyes. If she kept this up, he wasn’t sure how she was going to be able to see anything. I just want you to be safe.

He nodded. I know...I really do know. I really am sorry about your neck. I didn’t mean to hurt you.

She nodded as she rubbed it. At least, I was able to get out of it pretty easily. Though her tone was light, he could hear the tension in it.

He just nodded as he laid back against the pillows. Maybe it would be best for everyone’s wellbeing if he found another place to sleep. He hated the fear of waking up, knowing that he could had killed her. She was strong, but he had never thought of her as being so weak, so easily able to be killed.

He got his feet, climbing over top of her. Whenever he touched her, he could hear her breathing pick up. He was afraid of him...She was afraid of what he would do to her....

I need some air, Dak said.

Ryanon looked at him with a frown. I didn’t ask you anything.

No, but I’m just telling you where I’m going, just in case you were going to ask.

Her eyes flickered lazily over him, the frown on her face growing. However, there was a flicker of longing on her face, like she didn’t want him to turn his back on her. He slowly bent down and brushed a stray piece of hair back from her face, letting his touch linger on her cheek for a moment longer than necessary.

Without another word, he turned and walked out of the room, letting silence linger in the air.

Outside, the ship was asleep. He crept slightly down the hall, lettering the stillness in the air reach his soul. The water lapped gently against the sides of the ship, making him feel as if he was a small child being rocked to sleep.

Up the steps he went. He could feel the main deck calling out to him. It was like there was something in the water that wanted him to come out and see what it had to offer him.

The deck was empty. There wasn’t even anyone at the wheel. The ships in front of his slowly sailed down the river, which only seemed to be growing wider and wider with each little bit that they sailed.

Dak leaned against the deck, letting the night air cool his hot face. He hadn’t even realized how hot he was until he had gotten up here.

He stared down at his hands, watching as they shook against the smooth railing. He could not believe that he had almost killed Ryanon. What would he had done had she not managed to get free? What would she had done to free herself? The thought of them being forced to fight against each other was just unbearable.

His unfolded his mother’s letter, letting the words fills him once again. He didn’t like the idea of his mother being able to find them so quickly. It was kind of on the disturbing side. Who else could find them so quickly?

He stared at the ship in front of them. Aymon was on there. If only there was a simple way for him to get over to there and let Aymon know of the queen’s decision. He didn’t want to admit it, but they did need Aymon’s money.

The fleet started to round another corner. It almost looked as if they were heading out to open water. The land was growing further and further apart from them. He supposed that was a good thing. No one could really attack them from land.

The waves also seemed to be picking up. The ships in front seemed to be slowing down. His eyes narrowed. Something was wrong....Something was very wrong....He could feel it in his very bones....

The moon shone down on them; its light seemed to be more black than white. The air was still, far too still for water air. Though he could see that the wind was making the trees blow, it wasn’t reaching them.

Above his head, the sails beat against the unmoving wind, making them come to a standstill.

It’s magic.

Dak turned. Kody was standing right behind him, fully dressed. He watched as the pirate lord took a few steps forward, a frown growing on his face.

What do you mean? Dak asked. He could feel something heavy in the air. It almost reminded him of the night the Waking Eye had sung its song.

I’ve felt it for a few hours now, but I didn’t want to believe it.

Dak could feel something burning on his skin. Whenever he looked down though, there was nothing there. He could feel though, all over his body, threatening to burn the very skin off his body. He could feel it threatening to strip him of everything he had.

What is it?