The Gilded Siren and the Iron Serpent floated side by side in the open sea, their sails slack in the light breeze. Both ships had come to a halt to allow their captains a moment of strategy. On the Gilded Siren’s deck, Maren leaned over a map spread across a crate, her finger tracing a route as she explained her plan to Captain Draven.


    Draven stood opposite her, his arms crossed, his silver eyes focused intently. His posture was relaxed, but his sharp gaze missed nothing. “You’re sure about this?” he asked, his tone neutral but laced with curiosity. “Absolutely,” Maren replied. “The clue we need to locate the Vault of Alerion is in my cousin’s possession. He keeps it on his ship, hidden in plain sight.”


    Draven raised an eyebrow. “Your cousin. That would be the same Lord Rorik Whitethorne who framed you for treason and tried to have you executed." “The very same,” Maren said, her voice tight. “He’s vain, cruel, and arrogant. Every month, he sails his royal ship, the Radiant Star, through the Gulf of Ashenveil to flaunt his wealth and power.


    The ship is a floating palace, dripping with gold and jewels. He invites the nobility to bask in his ‘grandeur’ and revel in his decadence.” “And he sails in two days?” Maren nodded. “He’s predictable that way. But what most people don’t know is that Rorik keeps something much more valuable on board, a map fragment that contains the first piece of the vault’s location.”


    Draven’s gaze sharpened. “How do you know this?” “Because I’ve seen it with my own eyes,” Maren said. Her voice dropped, her words careful and deliberate. “He keeps it hidden behind a painting in his captain’s quarters. A woman’s portrait, hanging above the desk. The clue is carved into the wood of the frame, concealed behind the canvas.”


    “A clever hiding place,” Draven mused, his fingers tapping lightly on the edge of the crate. “And you’re certain it’s the key to the vault?" “I am,” Maren said firmly. “I overheard him boasting about it to one of his sycophants when I was still at court. He doesn’t know what the vault truly contains, but he’s obsessed with its legends.


    He believes it’s the ultimate treasure, something that will cement his place in history.” Draven leaned back, considering her words. “Stealing from a royal ship won’t be easy,” he said finally. “The Radiant Star will be heavily guarded, especially during one of Rorik’s little parades.” “That’s why we’ll have to be smart,” Maren said.


    “The Gilded Siren and the Iron Serpent are fast and agile; if we strike quickly and with precision, we can board the ship, take the clue, and be gone before his guards even know what’s happening.” Draven smirked faintly. “You’ve got fire, Maren. I’ll give you that.” “This isn’t just about revenge,” Maren added, her voice steady.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    “If we’re going to find the vault, we need that map fragment. It’s the first step, and it’s in Rorik’s hands. If we wait, we may lose our chance.” The two captains gathered their senior crew members in the Gilded Siren’s war room, a cramped but functional space below deck.


    Maren stood at the head of the table, flanked by Draven and Ronan, with Brina and several others seated around them.


    “The Radiant Star’s monthly voyage is a spectacle,” Maren began, pointing to a sketch she had made of the ship. “It’s a massive vessel, gilded from bow to stern, with multiple decks and towering masts.


    But for all its pomp, it’s not built for combat. Rorik relies on escort ships and a small army of guards to keep it safe.”


    “Typical noble,” Brina muttered. “All flash, no spine.” “Precisely,” Maren said. “Our advantage lies in the element of surprise. We’ll strike during the celebration, when the guests and crew will be distracted.


    The Iron Serpent will lead the assault, drawing the escorts away from the Radiant Star. Meanwhile, the Gilded Siren will approach from the rear and board the ship. That’s where we retrieve the map fragment.” “And how do we find this painting of yours in the middle of all that chaos?” Ronan asked, raising an eyebrow.


    “I’ll handle that,” Maren said. “I know the layout of the Radiant Star, Rorik showed it off to me once, back when I still trusted him. I’ll lead a small team directly to the captain’s quarters. The rest of the crew will secure the deck and keep Rorik’s guards occupied.” Draven tapped the table thoughtfully. “It’s bold,” he said. “Risky. But it might just work.


    The key will be speed and precision. We can’t afford to get bogged down.” “Then it’s settled,” Maren said, her voice resolute. “We leave at dawn tomorrow to position ourselves near the Gulf of Ashenveil. When the Radiant Star sets sail, we’ll be ready.” Later that evening, Maren stood alone on the deck of the Gilded Siren, staring out at the dark waves.


    The faint hum of the Stone of Infinity resonated through the ship, a constant reminder of the power it carried. “You’ve come a long way, Maren,” Draven’s voice said from behind her.  She turned to find him leaning casually against the railing, his silver eyes reflecting the starlight. “Have I?” she said quietly.


    Draven nodded. “Not long ago, you were a fugitive noblewoman running for her life. Now, you’re a captain, planning a raid on a royal ship to uncover a mythical treasure. It’s impressive.” Maren let out a faint laugh, though her expression remained serious. “It doesn’t feel impressive. It feels... necessary.”


    Draven studied her for a moment, then said, “You’re doing the right thing. But don’t forget, revenge and ambition can be dangerous allies. Keep your eyes on what matters.” Maren met his gaze, her own steady. “I know what matters, Draven. And I won’t stop until I see this through.”


    Draven smiled faintly. “Good. Because once we find the Vault of Alerion, we’ll need someone like you to guide us through whatever lies ahead.” Maren turned back to the horizon, her resolve hardening. In two days, she would face her cousin, the man who had betrayed her and stolen her life.


    This was her chance to reclaim what he had taken, and to uncover the first piece of the puzzle that would lead them to the Vault of Alerion. She gripped the railing tightly, the cool night air brushing against her face. Two days. Two days until the Radiant Star sailed into her grasp.