《Tales from the Sea》
Chapter One: A Tale of the Wind Serpent
Arthur, sat in his large old fashioned chair and cleared his throat as a loud bang sounded on the other side of a closed door. ¡°Come in!¡± Arthur spoke in a harsh but kind voice.
¡°Sir, we have news from Isabella, your daughter.¡± A rough looking soldier spoke.
¡°What¡¯s the news?¡± Arthur spoke as he sat up straightening his collar on his shirt.
The soldier walked to the desk that was between them. He shakily pulled out a crumpled up letter that he held within his pocket and slid it across the desk to Arthur. ¡°I haven¡¯t read it sir.¡± The man spoke. He bowed his head as a show of respect, turned on one heel after another and left the room with a steady stride.
Arthur stared heavily at the letter that resided on his desk. His heart pounded heavy in his chest. His throat felt dry and his eyes retained the tears that wanted to escape. I can not cry. He thought to himself. It may not have happened yet. He told himself.
However, he knew deep down that a letter from his dear Isabella meant that she had passed. As the day that she left for the sea she told him, ¡°If you ever hear from me father, a letter will appear at your doorstep. Telling my tales of the seven seas.¡±
With that in mind, he knew he had lost his only child. However, with a slight pull of hope, he carefully removed the rose designed wax seal, a clear tale of his daughter as she always loved roses.
With a long and resigning sigh he removed each flap of paper carefully. As he tried not to tear the paper. As he wanted to read every word his daughter had left him to read.
Dear Father,
If this letter finds you it means there is some terrible news that you must learn. Yes, I have gone to the sea in the sky and I am sorry for my early departure from this world.
The life on the sea father, was everything I had ever dreamed it would be. Let me try to paint you a story of some of my adventures at sea.
¡°Morning Caption Isabella!¡± A man named Boris spoke. Boris Boatswain her third mate. He was a rough looking gnome with a beard that stretched a mile. His eyes wore that of stress and awareness as he held his position with pride and took it to heart.
¡°Good morning Boris! What are the reports for today?¡± She asked as her black knee length boots with two inch heels clicked against the wooded deck of the ship. She pulled her jet black hair back in a high pony tail as the wind was strong. She tucked any remaining hairs behind her elven ears.
¡°The sea is rough today. The white caps rise high against the vessel.¡± Boris spoke.
Isabella nodded, ¡°Perhaps we should remain stationary today. We wouldn¡¯t want to risk tipping the ship.¡±
¡°But don¡¯t we need to reach Black Heart by nightfall?¡± Boris asked her. Black Heart was an island covered is an island overgrown by vegetation. As the forest took over the island, the area grew dark as hardly any sun could penetrate through the tops of the thousands of trees on the island. The island was inhabited by people, which was shown by the impressive overgrowth.
¡°It would be best if we did. However, the safety of my crew is my top priority.¡± Isabella as she held her crew close to her. As most of her crew had been with her since she left home.
Boris nodded, ¡°Very well.¡± Boris responded, ¡°Well, what do we do in the meantime?¡±
¡°Drop the anchors, keep an eye out. Swells as strong as these mean one of two things. Mother nature on this island is a harsh one or a winged Serpent from the elemental planes are responsible.¡±
¡°You think if that is the case we will be attacked?¡±
¡°Possibly.¡± Isabella spoke as she made her way over to the edge of the ship. She looked over the rail of the deck and looked east to west. She narrowed her eyes as she tried to perceive if anything was approaching the ship as the wind guests seemed almost unnatural. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.
¡°There.¡± She pointed out to the west as an unnatural wave as a horn shaped cap peaked over the waves of the sea. She turned and faced Boris and the rest of the crew that was handling their own tasks. She cleared her throat loudly before giving orders. The clearing of her throat pulled her crew''s attention. She walked from the edge of the ship to the middle of her ship. She stood tall and firm as she addressed her whole crew, ¡°Be ready. Attack coming from the west. Likely a wind Serpent from the elemental planes.¡±
¡°What are the plans for attack?¡± Harth, a human male spoke. He was the gunner for my ship.
¡°Load the cannons on the left side. Have the others trained fire a few rounds. Those who have bows and magic, get on top deck. I will be on the main deck here.¡± Isabella spoke firmly.
Once the last of her words left her lips, everyone immediately went into action. Harth ordered his three helpers to help load the cannons and get ready to fire them. Four others went up top and readied magical and non magical attacks. Boris stood by Isabella as he never wanted her to fight alone.
She gave a gentle smile down and quickly looked over the rail out to sea where she was slowly walking back to. She grabbed a staff that was tied to her side and looked down at Boris, ¡°Ready for a fight Boris?¡± She asked the gnome. He nodded as he grabbed a bow that was strapped to his back. Each of her crew had a bow and a sword fit to their own ability and height. She gave a quick nod to the rest of the crew and spoke one word that started the chaos, ¡°Now!¡±
The cone that moved through the water at this point was one hundred feet away from the ship. As it approached more and more of the Serpent appeared. It was a bluish grey in color and its cone was white like a cloud. As it neared the ship a glint of its eye appeared above the wave. An eye that held a milky white color with a depth perception that revealed its true nature.
As it rose above the water six attacks from the top deck fired at once. Four arrows from two people as they were able to shoot twice. Half hit. Then the magic attacks came in from the other two people. Both dealing damage but not as much as they had hoped. As one utilized fire. Which only dealt half damage in water. And the other, utilized a magical dart spell cast at a high level, immediately impacting the creature.
The hits made the creature loose focus for a split second which is what Isabella needed to perform her high level spell. A spell that sent a wave of pain through a creatures body. A spell that caused a creature to tense up in its place and not be able to move. A spell that would allow them to attack it freely for a few seconds without it moving.
Isabella tapped her staff against her ship and spoke a word as a wave of magic escaped the staff and impacted the designated creature, ¡°¦°?¦Í¦Ï?.¡± She watched as the creature struggled against her ninth level spell. The body of the creature twitched as it tried to fight it off, eventually giving into the magic.
¡°Cannons! Now!¡± Isabella shouted as she remained her focus on the stunned creature.
¡°Eye!¡± Her Harth spoke as he ordered the three men that are with him to fire. All four canons that are located on the left side hit. Dealing significant damage to the creature.
¡°Reload and fire again!¡± Isabella spoke. She turned her attention to the four on the top deck, ¡°Fire!¡± She shouted.
All four fired. The two that shot arrows hit on all but one attack. Dealing even more damage to the beast. The two magic casters utilized the magic missile spell at high level. Taking more out of the creature.
Now it was Isabella to go once more. She turned and looked at the creature. A creature with a gapping whole in its top side. A creature that was holding on by strings it seemed. Disintegrating the creature would be too great. However, I must protect my crew. I must know the Serpent is dead. She tapped her staff once more and spoke the word, ¡°Aposyntheto.¡± A wave of magic escaped her staff and hit the creature. As the creature had already been stunned and damage taken, the spell was too strong for the creature to push back.
In an instant the creature started to turn to ash before the crew. As the creature turned to ash, the wind remained strong but Isabella could feel the shift. She knew that the wind would eventually die down over time now.
Once the creature had fully turned to ash, the crew cheered. ¡°Well done everyone!¡± Isabella spoke, ¡°Let us all share a glass of wine in celebration of our victory. Tomorrow we will hit the shore of Black Heart Island.¡±
¡°Eye!¡± They all shouted as they agreed.
That day father, we were victorious. That was one of the many victories we had the privilege of achieving. The Serpent didn¡¯t stand a chance against the training I received from the High Wizard Council. A training I am grateful that you allowed me to achieve.
Arthur stopped reading the letter. He took a deep breath and placed his hands on the edge of his desk as a way to help his hands stop shaking. ¡°Control Arthur.¡± He told himself. ¡°Control.¡± He whispered one more time. He felt his eyes swell with tears as he thought over the first part of the letter he just read as this letter contained multiple pages of adventures his daughter had at sea. Adventures he dreaded reading but he needed to know that he wanted to know what his daughter¡¯s life was like out on the sea. As he had hoped to learn why she was so set on leaving the life of a princess for the open sea.
Chapter Two: A Tale of a Dragon?
Once Arthur was able to calm his emotions through a breathing technique the monks had taught him he placed the parchment that he just read upside down on his desk and readied himself to read the next page.
This day was a special day father. As this day was my five hundredth birthday. I met a dragon today. Yes a dragon.
¡°Come with us to the tavern Isabella.¡± Harth spoke, ¡°I heard the Dragon¡¯s Breath is one of the best on the Dark Vale Island.¡± Dark Vale, an island that consisted of a constant coverage of gloom and doom. Specifically named from a very old and powerful wizard that cast a very high leveled spell that created the vale of darkness around the island. The wizard was said to be mad at the locals that lived there as they refused to let him practice his magic after burning half the island.
¡°I think i¡¯ll pass.¡± Isabella spoke. She wasn¡¯t her usual perky self. Something seemed off and her crew picked up on it.
¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Boris asked her.
She looked down at him with an attempt at a smile. However, the tears that swelled in the corners of her eyes told another story. She glanced up at the rest of her crew that sat the table in the dinning hall and sighed heavily, ¡°Look, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m in much of a celebration mood today.¡±
¡°But it¡¯s your birthday.¡± Harth gave in and spoke the truth, ¡°We wanted to celebrate you.¡±
She smiled briefly at them, however the smile didn¡¯t last long. ¡°I left home on my birthday. Most of you all know that. The pressure my father put me under, it was too great to bear and the sea seemed so freeing.¡±
¡°Why were you under so much pressure?¡± Boris asked as he couldn¡¯t remember.
¡°I was supposed to be Queen of Vanguard. Father always told me, by age two hundred, the throne will be yours. The kingdom will be all yours. And that, scared me more than anything. I didn¡¯t think I was ready for that yet. I felt like I still had a lot of growing left to do.¡±
¡°Did you ever talk to your father about this?¡± Boris asked.
¡°I tried¡ he never listened. Always so stubborn in his ways. I was named King when I turned one hundred and fifty. He always spoke with pride in his voice. Always spoke with command. To the point I never felt that he truly cared for me. That he only cared for the kingdom.¡±
Arthur straightened up, ¡°I¡ I had no idea.¡± He spoke as he choked back more tears. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Isabella. I treasured you always and knew you would be a great ruler. I just wanted what I thought was best for you.¡± He tightened the grip he held on this piece of parchment as he calmed his breathing. ¡°Your death is my fault. If I hadn¡¯t pushed you¡ you would still be by my side. My darling princess.¡±
He took a deep breath once more before continuing and proceeded to read the page before his tight grip tore the paper.
¡°Now you know that isn¡¯t true.¡± Harth spoke. ¡°I¡¯m sure he loved you just the same.¡±
Isabella shook her head, ¡°Doubtful.¡± She sucked in her own tears as talking about her father and their kingdom of Vanguard was something she rarely did. Often in the beginning but as time went on he rarely passed her mind now.
¡°Don¡¯t say that.¡± Boris spoke, ¡°I¡¯m sure you are on his mind.¡±
¡°Sure.¡± She whispered softly. ¡°Can we talk about something else?¡±
¡°The Dragon Breath Tavern?¡± Harth questioned, ¡°Perhaps a drink will help ease your mind.¡±
Isabella thought about it for a good moment. Drinking will help keep my mind at ease. ¡°Alright.¡± Isabella spoke caving into their request. ¡°Just try not to mention my birthday please?¡±
¡°Got it Captain!¡± They all spoke simultaneously.
They walked from the ship that was docked at Dragon¡¯s Wing Port and made their way north to the Dragon¡¯s Breath Tavern. The port they had docked at hosted ten ships at once, as it was one of the medium sized ports that they have gone to. The Dragon¡¯s Breath is a tavern that hosts plenty of dragon themed drinks ranging in strength and taste. The Dragon¡¯s Breath is named after a dragon that once had it¡¯s home on the island until ruthless pirates came and killed the dragon and took it¡¯s last two eggs. Rumor always had it that the dragon had three eggs and one was not found. Leaving the citizens and travelers to believe that one of the dragon¡¯s babies was still around the island even though it was never seen.
¡°Ah! The crew has arrived!¡± A well dressed man at the bar spoke with a deep ethereal sounding voice as he spotted Isabella and her crew. Her crew had come by earlier to make sure there would be plenty of spots and beer for the birthday girl.
Isabella looked a bit confused as she had no idea that her crew had even left the ship to arrange anything, ¡°The crew?¡±
The well dressed man smiled, ¡°Ah, I see they did not tell you they came in earlier and spoke of a beautiful elven girl and how it was her birthday?¡±
Isabella felt her face slowly start to flush red. It had been sometime since someone had called her beautiful. ¡°Thank you. But please, keep the celebrations to a minimum.¡± She asked.
He arched his eyebrow, ¡°A charming young woman doesn¡¯t want a celebration? Alrighty then. What would it be to drink?¡± He asked as he was quick to change the subject.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
¡°Something strong. But something sweet.¡± Isabella spoke as she took a seat at the bar. Straddling her chair with her staff dangling from her left side.
Her crew approached the bar and joined her, ¡°We will have what she has.¡± Boris spoke. ¡°Remember to put it on the tab.¡±
The bartender nodded. He walked to the back and pulled out a rather large bottle of a clear liquid. As he swirled the liquid in front of them the liquid turned from clear to gold. ¡°A Dragon¡¯s Breath.¡± He spoke, ¡°One of our strongest drinks. Leaves a burning sensation in the back of your throat. And can give you a wicked hangover if too much is drank.¡±
¡°What makes it so strong?¡± Isabella asked.
The man gave a smile, ¡°A drop of dragon¡¯s blood. And a bit of magic.¡± He said as he began to pour seven glasses.
¡°Dragon¡¯s blood?¡± Isabella questioned, ¡°I thought the dragon¡¯s on this island were long gone.¡±
The man shrugged, ¡°Blood can be kept. If properly handled.¡± He explained.
Isabella knew that the dragon had been killed well over hundred years ago. So, the blood being from that dragon was unlikely. The longer she thought, the more she began to question if the man at the bar was a dragon in his shifted form.
¡°There ya go.¡± He spoke in a charming demeanor.
He went about his business as the crew drank the Dragon¡¯s Breath. To Isabella¡¯s surprise most of her crew was able to maintain their concentration and stance. As she drank she watched the man carefully.
As she watched she heard his voice in her head, ¡°Stairng your highness?¡±
The voice startled her, almost causing her to spill her drink. ¡°How?¡± She thought as she hoped he would receive the message. As she could not talk telepathically herself.
¡°I think you know.¡± He spoke a bit harshly. ¡°Have you come to finish of my bloodline like the rest of the pirates in the past have attempted?¡±
She stared at him, ¡°How dare you accuse me of such! I only attack what comes at my ship.¡±
The man had stopped cleaning a glass that he held in his hand, ¡°You are not like most pirates that come in here are you?¡±
She shook her head, ¡°Nope.¡±
¡°I sensed your good when you walked in. It was why I was comfortable telling you about the dragon¡¯s blood.¡±
¡°Sensed?¡±
¡°I can sense evil. I can sense good. It was a trait I gained through trial and error.¡± The man spoke. ¡°My name, Aurelius, the protector of Dark Vale.¡±
Isabella gave a smile to the bartender, which received a few questionable looks from her crew as no one else was hearing the conversation inside her head. ¡°Well Aurelius, I am Isabella Knight. Ex Queen of Vanguard.¡± Isabella decided to give her full title to the dragon as he was being truthful with her, she felt she could be truthful with him. It was an innate feeling, one she couldn¡¯t explain. One she felt so rarely.
Aurelius arched his eyebrow, ¡°Ex?¡±
Isabella sighed, ¡°I left the day of inauguration. Which was my two hundredth birthday.¡±
His eyes softened as he walked over to her. He rested his hand against hers that rested calmly on the bar. She felt a warming sensation as a burst of magic flowed from him and into her. ¡°Sorry love. I see.¡± He spoke as she could feel him read her mind. He dared not to go too deeply but just on the surface he could get enough information to piece everything together.
¡°Normally I¡¯d be mad at you for reading my mind. But I am thankful that I don¡¯t have to repeat my tragedy.¡±
He nodded and removed his hand from hers. ¡°I looked at a few memories. I think you may have it wrong my dear. Your father only wanted what was best for you. He saw you slipping into a deep mind set that he feared would lead you down a dark path. I got a sense he thought naming you Queen on your two hundredth birthday would make you better. I could tell your father loved you deeply as you were his only child. The only heir to the throne of Vanguard. He put pressure on you, not to overwhelm you but he knew that one day you would do great things.¡±
Isabella¡¯s face said it all. She was stunned that he was able to pull that from a few visions that she allowed him to see. And his declaration started to shift something in her. ¡°What do you mean?¡± She cried in her mind as she tried to hold back tears.
Aurelius went and grabbed a cloth and brought it to her as he was able to sense her sadness, ¡°Your father loved you. Even if you didn¡¯t see it as love. Take it from someone who never met their parents, he loved you. And still probably loves you.¡±
She pressed the cloth lightly underneath her eyes, brushing away the tears that had escaped. ¡°I messed up didn¡¯t I?¡±
Aurelius shrugged, ¡°I don¡¯t think so. The sea suits you more than a throne would ever. But leaving your father and not telling him goodbye or writing to him¡ perhaps.¡±
She took a deep breath and let it out with a loud sigh. She was aware her crew was staring at her. Concerned from her sudden teared soaked cheeks. Which she knew she would address later. ¡°You think it is too late to write to him now?¡±
Aurelius smiled, ¡°It¡¯s never too late to reconnect.¡±
¡°Thank you.¡± She spoke allowed.
¡°Mhm.¡± He muffled the sound as he went back to refocusing on his glasses.
¡°I hate to cut this short, but I must go write.¡± She spoke as she felt a new wave of emotions towards her father. A wave that came like a wave crashing against her Golden Lure, the ship that she sailed the seven seas on.
The crew looked at her confused as she downed the rest of her Dragon¡¯s Breath and headed back to the port. Once there she went to her quarters and began writing.
Father, that was the day I first wrote you. A dragon with a pure heart and a wise mind made me realize what you were attempting to do. I am sorry for leaving you the way I did. I was hurting then. I am better now. I hope one day the sea will take me back to you father. And I will be able to hug you one more time.
Arthur felt thousands of tears fall from his face. He had a dragon to thank for his daughter and his reconnection. A connection he held dear and true to his heart as the years without his daughter were some of the most painful he had ever experienced. And now he had to go through that again all over again.
Chapter Three: A Tale of Family Ties
Arthur sat in his chair and held a thousand yard stare as he read the title of the next section. A Tale of Ruin¡ my granddaughter. His hands trembled as he stared blankly at the page. Ruin, a granddaughter he had never met and hoped to one day meet. However, as time passed he feared he would never meet his darling granddaughter, one he would hope to continue his legacy.
He sucked in a deep breath and utilized a cloth to blow his nose and clear his eyes. As he finished cleaning the tears away he exhaled the breath he held moments ago. ¡°Alright, Isabella, what do you have to say about my granddaughter?¡±
He peered his eyes down at the paper and began to read the paper with haste. This was a section he dreaded to read but yet he wanted to know more about the granddaughter he only read about in past letters.
Father, I hope one day you can meet my daughter, Ruin Knight. This was one of the last days I had with her as I felt the pirate life was too dangerous for my daughter. This was the day I sent her to live with her father, Aurelius. As his home was more suitable for a kid.
¡°Aurelius¡¡± Arthur murmured as he read the name over and over again. This was the first time he was hearing who his granddaughters father was. ¡°Makes sense¡¡± He mumbled as he thought back to the passage he had just read on the innate feeling of trust she had felt from her and Aurelius¡¯s first meeting. ¡°My granddaughter has draconic blood in her system¡¡± He wasn¡¯t disappointed with that fact, he was however thinking of the power she must be wielding. ¡°Now, I know who to contact to get in touch with Ruin.¡± He mumbled, ¡°Aurelius¡¡±
He blinked once more after repeating the name and continued reading the passage.
¡..
Aurelius is more than willing to meet with you father. To give you a chance to meet your grandchildren. Yes, grandchildren. Ruin, my daughter was the first. She has a brother by the name of Amerus. My two lovely kids. Kids I hope that one day you shall meet.
For now, I shall give you a story of Ruin. A beautiful girl with a pure heart and a fist of steel.
It was a warm summer day and Ruin was running around the top side as her father watched her and Isabella watched them. She was playing with Boris as he was teaching her how to properly wield a bow.
¡°Like this?¡± Ruin asked with her high pitched ethereal voice. She was wielding the bow with one hand that was in the improper position. Ruin glanced up at me and winked. I knew she was just messing with him, however Boris took her literally.
Boris shook his head and rubbed his beard, ¡°No. Like this.¡± He grabbed his bow from her and held it proper with both hands.
¡°I see.¡± Ruin said as she crossed her hands and adjusted her stance to mimic one of my own.
¡°Do you?¡± Boris spoke as he arched his eyebrow. He lowered his bow and handed it back to her. ¡°Again.¡±
Ruin mimicked his posture and held the bow correctly. ¡°Told ya I got it.¡± She smirked.
Which caused her father to chuckle, ¡°Boris, we have been at this for five days now. She got it on the first try.¡± Aurelius told him.
¡°Wait¡ What?¡± Boris explained as he glanced between the two in dismay.
Aurelius shrugged, ¡°Ruin is a jokester. Just last week as I was teaching her a spell. A simple spell at that, she pulled the exact same thing on me.¡±
Boris exhaled in disappointment, ¡°Now you¡¡± He said as he pointed his finger at Ruin.
At that point I walked down from the top deck and stood beside Aurelius. ¡°Now Boris, she is just a child.¡± I reminded him.
He sighed, ¡°I know but she needs to learn this if she is going to be at sea.¡±
I smiled softly at him, ¡°She won¡¯t be at sea much longer.¡±
Boris looked at me like I had stabbed him in the gut, ¡°What do you mean?¡±
I felt the smile grow across my face. As I admired the fact that my crew thought of my daughter as one of them. That she had a family that loved her this much. ¡°She leaves to live with her father tomorrow.¡±
Boris blinked at me and held a firm stair. ¡°She¡¯s leaving us?¡±
I wrapped my arm around Aurelius¡¯s waist and leaned into him. I dreaded this day but I knew it was what was in Ruin¡¯s best interest. Aurelius spoke up, reading my mind. ¡°Boris, it is what is best. With me, she can have more of a normal life. Less danger and she can get educated.¡± This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
¡°But I¡¯m teaching her.¡± Boris said pointing at his chest.
¡°Yes, on how to properly wield a bow. Ruin has draconic blood in her system. She needs proper training. More than what can be done on a ship.¡± Aurelius pointed out.
¡°But¡¡± Boris tried to protest.
¡°The decision was both of ours. I want to protect my daughter and we will be heading into more dangerous waters soon.¡± Isabella finally spoke up.
Boris sighed as he realized that he wasn¡¯t going to win an argument against an Ex Queen and a gold dragon. ¡°Fine. But let us celebrate her last night at least.¡±
¡°Of course. Aurelius, did you bring the cake?¡±
Aurelius nodded and pulled out his bag of holding. Within the bag of holding held a marvelous cake. A cake that was magically enhanced to last days. ¡°You know I did love.¡± Aurelius spoke as he walked the cake over to a table that was sat on the top deck.
¡°Cake!¡± Ruin shouted as she ran towards the cake that her father had sat down. ¡°Dark chocolate?¡± Ruin questioned with big round brown eyes.
¡°Of course, sweety.¡± Aurelius spoke as he patted her deep jet black hair. She ran to him and gave him a big hug. ¡°I love you.¡±
¡°I love you too daddy.¡±
She glanced over to me and held the same adorable stair and ran to me giving me the same big hug. ¡°I love you too mommy.¡±
I glanced down at her and held back the tears that were about to fall. ¡°And I love you my darling Ruin. I will miss you, you know that right?¡±
She looked up at me with water swelling in her eyes, ¡°I don¡¯t wanna go¡¡± she cried as she buried her face against my body.
Aurelius knelt next to her, ¡°Sweety, we talked about this. You are not leaving forever. We will visit mommy and her crew but for your safety and growth, you need to come with me.¡±
Ruin sniffled, ¡°But I don¡¯t wanna leave mommy¡¡± Ruin cried.
Isabella brushed her daughter''s hair as the tightness of Ruin¡¯s grip strengthened. She may be part elven, but her draconic blood gave her the strength of a dragon. ¡°It¡¯s alright dear.¡± I spoke as soothingly as possible. ¡°We will see each other next week.¡±
¡°That ain¡¯t soon enough!¡± Ruin cried.
¡°You can also see mommy anytime you want.¡± Aurelius spoke as he took out a mirror and tapped her shoulder.
Ruin peeked her at him and glanced at the mirror. ¡°Scry?¡± She questioned him.
He nodded in response, ¡°Just let me know when you want to see your mother, and we will scry on her.¡±
Ruin loosened her grip against Isabella¡¯s body, ¡°And can I talk to her whenever I want?¡±
Isabella felt her eyes raise to meet mine. ¡°Of course baby.¡± Isabella responded to her. ¡°And I will watch you through the same means.¡±
Ruin finally removed her hands from Isabella¡¯s waist and stepped back to be side by side with her father. Isabella looked at both of them. Her daughter may have her jet black hair, but she has his dark brown eyes and the majority of his facial features. Down to the dimples in her cheeks. The splotches of golden scales across her skin glistened as the light danced across them, showcasing her bloodline.
Isabella couldn¡¯t help but smile as she looked upon her daughter and her lover. ¡°I love you both.¡± Isabella said as she walked over to them and hugged them both tightly.
Both of them spoke this together, ¡°I know.¡± Which caused Isabella to chuckle.
¡°Shall we have cake now?¡± Boris chimed in as he waited for the family moment to calm.
The question Boris asked caused all of them to chuckle, ¡°Of course.¡± Aurelius spoke as he walked over to the cake and pulled out a small blade out of his hilt and began to cut the cake.
After we had cake, Boris taught Ruin one more trick with the bow. After that was done it was time for Aurelius to take Ruin. ¡°Before you go¡¡± Boris spoke. He walked over to Ruin and pulled and handed her the bow she had been training with, ¡°To keep up with your training.¡± Boris spoke.
¡°Really?¡± Ruin questioned as her eyes got real big. This would be her first weapon. One she would hold dear. Ruin glanced up at her father and I for approval before taking the weapon. With two nods she took it and gave Boris a big hug. ¡°Thanks uncle Boris.¡± She spoke.
¡°It¡¯s only fitting¡¡± Boris spoke as he hugged her back. Boris stepped back quickly. ¡°I¡ I got to go down to the mess hall.¡± Boris spoke as he hurried off. Leaving Isabella with her loving family.
¡°Alrighty¡ I guess it¡¯s time.¡± Isabella spoke as she looked at the both of them. ¡°Send me a message everyday, okay?¡±
¡°I will, mommy.¡± Ruin spoke as she gave her a final hug.
Isabella gave her a tight squeeze and a kiss on the cheek. ¡°I love you dear.¡±
¡°I love you mommy.¡±
Isabella looked over at Aurelius and walked over to him, giving him the same tightness of a hug. ¡°Make sure she is safe.¡±
¡°I will.¡± Aurelius spoke and gave Isabella a passionate kiss on the lips.
After the kiss parted, Aurelius gave Ruin one more minute with her mother before utilizing a teleportation spell and disappearing.
I may have been heartbroken that day as sending a child away is never easy. However, I knew deep down that was the right decision. As I feared the longer she stayed on the ship, the more danger she will be in.
Please do feel free to contact Aurelius. To arrange a meeting with him, Ruin, and Amerus. I ask that you contact Aurelius first as he is the guardian of my children.
Arthur sat up in his chair and scratched his chin. ¡°I have two grandchildren¡¡± He mumbled as he took a deep breath. ¡°I must seek that I meet them.¡±
Arthur felt a bit of a sting of hope. A possibility to reconnect with his daughter through her children. ¡°But first, I need to finish these letters.¡± Arthur spoke as he glanced back down at the pages in front of him. There were several pages. Several tales from his daughter. However, he knew he would only get to read a few more before he had to meet with an unknown visitor.
Chapter Four: A Tale of the Sea Turtle
Arthur soon began to read the next section of letters, this time, less tears swelled in his eyes as he had a new found sting of hope. As his grandchildren may be still alive.
Father, now you know there are seven seas that surround us. The Sea of Eternal Mist, home to islands such as Black Heart and Dark Vale. The Sea of Blood, one of the more dangerous seas, notorious for pirate raids. Sea of Ice, a sea consisting of a layer of thin ice, ice we had to break through to make progress in our journey around the world. Sea of Monsters, this was the sea that we were heading into when I sent Ruin to live with her father. A sea known for its continuous monster attacks. Verdant Sea is a sea filled with lush green islands, home to plenty of natives. Sea of Dreams, a sea that could have effects on one''s dreams as they slept. Lastly, there is the Forbidden Sea. The Sea that wasn¡¯t meant to travel in. I, however, set my course to reach the end of that sea, and we made it through.
¡°How are the sails?¡± Isabella asked her second mate, Hank, a fire genasi.
¡°Looking sharp!¡± Hank shouted down from the masts.
¡°Great!¡± Isabella shouted up. ¡°Everything else?¡± Isabella asked her first mate, Rangard, a tortoise-like creature.
¡°The wheel, the sides, all good Captain!¡± Rangard spoke as he turned the wheel ever so slightly.
¡°Prepare for anything boys, Forbidden Sea is dangerous.¡± Isabella spoke, reminding her crew to keep vigilante.
¡°Captain!¡± Boris shouted as he sauntered up to her. He let out a huff as he prepared to deliver his news.
¡°What is it Boris?¡± Isabella spoke as she looked down at him with worry in her eyes.
¡°We have approached the Forbidden Sea.¡±
¡°And?¡± Isabella asked him with a questionable stair.
¡°Are we going for it?¡± Boris asked.
¡°Yes. Our goal is to get to the other end of the sea. And make it through in one piece.¡± Isabella responded.
¡°Eye.¡± Boris spoke in turn and ran back to his position.
¡°Full speed ahead!¡± Isabella spoke as she directed her crew.
This trip alone took two weeks to fully get through the Forbidden Sea. Why it was named that, Isabella would never understand. The sea was oddly calm and less creatures were around it than most.
We did come across a few wrecked ships. Ships that we raided and took any items that we thought were valuable. If it was up to Boris we would have taken any and all bread crumbs.
¡°But it¡¯s valuable!¡± Boris cried out as Rangard and Hank pulled him away from a single copper piece. Copper pieces did have value but weren''t worth risking our lives for.
¡°It¡¯s just a cent.¡± Rangard told Boris.
¡°Leave it.¡± Hank retorted soon after.
¡°But it has value¡¡± Boris tried to protest once more but the other two mates weren''t having it. Rangard picked up Boris and carried him over his shoulder. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
¡°We got him Captain.¡± Rangard spoke as he managed to get Boris topside of the ship we were raiding.
¡°Thank you Randgard and Hank. Now we can safely cast this ship ablaze.¡± Isabella responded to them as they began to walk back towards the Golden Lure.
Once safely back on their ship and all crew was accounted for, Isabella tapped her staff against the wooden planks of her ship and a large fireball shot from her staff and hit the sunken ship. Causing it¡¯s top half to be casted a blaze.
This was the third ship they had come across. The third ship they had set a blaze. This was Isabella¡¯s way to show respect to those who had passed, giving them a proper burial at sea.
By the time we had reached the other side of the Forbidden Sea, the side that touched The Sea of Monsters, Isabella and her crew had set a blaze and raided thirty ships in total. Thirty pirate ships that had been sunk by something. Something that they were soon to come across.
¡°Ahead!¡± Boris spoke as he shouted from the top deck.
¡°What is it?¡± Isabella spoke.
¡°A beast! The size of the ship!¡± Boris explained as he hurried down to his Captain who was on the top deck. ¡°What do we do?¡± He asked.
¡°Prepare for a fight.¡± Isabella spoke. ¡°A creature that can take down thirty ships, will be a tough fight to face.¡±
¡°Eye!¡± Boris spoke as he went and took his stance. The other crew overhearing begin their prep work.
¡°Now what are you?¡± Isabella questioned as she took out her telescope and peered at the direction the creature was located.
A creature appeared in her vision about two hundred feet away. It appeared to be a massive turtle, one roughly the size of a ship. The coloration of the turtle was green and had big brown eyes. The shell, provided it coverage as it granted the turtle extra protection against attacks.
¡°When to attack captain?¡± Hank asked as all the crew was in their positions at this time.
¡°After my attack.¡± Isabella spoke as she watched the turtle creep slowly towards their ship. ¡°One fifty¡¡± Isabella whispered. ¡°One hundred¡¡± She whispered as she counted the turtle''s movement. ¡°Fifty.¡± Isabella tapped her staff and murmured the word, ¡°¦°?¦Í¦Ï?¡± and utilized the spell that created a wave of pain at the creature, causing it to be stunned in its place. ¡°Now and fast!¡± Isabella shouted to her crew allowing all of them to fire the cannons and their bows.
Most of the hits targeted at the turtle hit and when it got back to Isabella¡¯s turn she saw that the turtle was struggling. It was fighting her spell. Trying to break the stun that she originally put on it.
¡°I got you where I want you¡¡± She murmured as she utilized the disintegrate spell. To her surprise the spell took effect, however the turtle still remained.
¡°Again!¡± She shouted as she ordered her crew to attack once more.
However, less was fired as the canons needed to be reloaded. Less damage was done, but damage was still done to the creature.
¡°I got you now¡¡± Isabella murmured as she utilized the spell one more time. Her last time casting such a spell for the day. She just had to hope that the spell took. With a murmur of the wod ¡°¦°?¦Í¦Ï?¡± the spell escaped her staff and a wave of magic released from her staff.
A sigh of relief escaped her lips as the turtle¡¯s eyes went wide¡ the turtle was dead. ¡°Eye!¡± The crew shouted with joy.
However, Isabella didn¡¯t feel joy. She knew the turtle was responsible for the deaths of the other pirates that rested at the bottom of the sea. Something she hoped that they had stopped.
¡°Captain?¡± Boris asked as he approached her, ¡°What is it?¡±
¡°It¡¯s nothing Boris. Let¡¯s celebrate the victory.¡± Isabella spoke as she walked from the edge of her ship and down into the mess hall to have a drink with her crew.
Not every fight was deemed to be victorious. The turtle caused so many deaths before my crew and I took it out. And when I did the final attack of the turtle, I felt a wave of emotions. Emotions of joy and triumph. Also sadness of the loss. But I dared not to talk about that with my crew. As every victory is worth celebrating. And they needed this.
Arthur smiled as he finished this entry. ¡°My daughter may have been a pirate but she was a pirate with a heart of gold.¡± Arthur knew after reading this that he raised her right. His daughter may have seen more violence and death than most of his soldiers ever did but she still kept her heart pure.
¡°After just reading a few of these Isabella, I am proud to call you my daughter. Forever and always I am proud of you.¡± He said with pride.
Chapter Five: Tale of Family Reunions
As Arthur began to read the next letter labeled, ¡°The Tale of the Druid¡¡± a knock jolted him out of his vision.
He placid the letters down on his desk carefully and neatly, on his desk. He cleared his throat as the knock echoed through his chambers once more. ¡°Come¡ In!¡± He shouted as he stood up to greet his visitor.
It was his guard, to deliver a message. ¡°Sir, they are here.¡± He spoke.
¡°Yes, yes. Please bring them in right away!¡± Arthur spoke. He grabbed his cane that was sitting behind his desk and began to walk with the guard to the door. The guard was a few paces ahead of him and reached the knob before Arthur was even there.
Once Arthur reached the door he heard a gentleman shush what sounded like young children. A smile slowly began to creep on his face as hope filled within his body once more.
His guard opened the door to a well dressed man, a young half elven girl and boy. ¡°King Arthur I presume?¡± The man with darkened hair and golden eyes spoke as he held out his hand firmly.
Arthur took his hand and shook it firmly, ¡°Yes, and I presume you to be Aurelius?¡±
Aurelius nodded. ¡°And these are your grandchildren, Ruin and Amerus Isabella and I¡¯s children.¡±
¡°Grandpa?¡± Ruin spoke up as she took a step forward and examined her grandpa.
Arthur nodded, ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you Ruin. And you, Amerus.¡±
Arthur held out his hand to Ruin first. To which she took and gave a firm shake. He then gave it to Amerus and he did the same.
¡°Grandpa.¡± He said as he shook Arthur¡¯s hand.
¡°Grandson.¡± Arthur spoke. ¡°All of you come into my office, please.¡±
All of them stepped into his office. ¡°Shut the door please.¡± Arthur spoke to his guard. His guard nodded and left the room shutting the door behind him.
¡°I welcome you to Vanguard. I hope you find the city welcoming.¡± Arthur spoke as he slowly walked to his chair. His cane knocked on the wood with each step he took.
He sat down carefully as he acknowledged his new found family to take a seat. He cleared his throat once they all took a seat. ¡°May I ask something of you?¡± He asked Aurelius.
¡°Of course.¡± Aurelius responded.
¡°I would love to be able to see my grandchildren more often.¡± Arthur spoke. ¡°This is my first time meeting them and they remind me so much of their mother¡ my daughter..¡± Arthur spoke as he choked back tears.
¡°Of course. I want you apart of their lives. Isabella loved you and would want you to be a part of their lives.¡± He spoke. Aurelius glanced down and saw the letters he had delivered on his desk, ¡°I know some of it was and is hard to read Arthur, but she wanted you to know everything. Wanted you to see everything she saw.¡± Aurelius spoke.
Arthur glanced down at the letters and back up at Aurelius, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean my actions to be harsh. I know now her leaving was my fault and I needed to know that even though it did sting. I am happy that you were able to show he the truth behind my actions, which allowed us to reconnect one hundred years before she passed.¡± The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Aurelius nodded, ¡°Of course Arthur. I never knew my own folks or siblings for that matter. And that was enough reason for me to do what I did. I did not want her to live a life without reconnecting to her family. As living a life without family is harsh.¡± Aurelius took a deep breath and held back his own tears.
¡°Papa?¡± Ruin spoke as she sensed the emotional shift in the room. She looked up at him and then at Arthur and spoke this for the both of them to hear, ¡°Time¡ time heals all wounds. Today, mama may lay to rest, but our family can heal.¡±
Arthur smiled at her, ¡°You sound just like your mother.¡±
¡°She does indeed.¡± Aurelius spoke, giving her a gentle squeeze.
Silence fell for a moment as flashbacks of their mother, wife, and daughter flashed before them. Causing them all to sniffle as tears began to roll down their cheeks.
Arthur cleared his throat once more and grabbed a cloth to clear away the tears that fell, ¡°I know this is a big ask, but my own age is getting to a point where running a kingdom is getting hard.¡±
Aurelius tried to speak but Arthur stopped him, ¡°Aurelius, I need to step down.¡± Arthur spoke.
¡°What are you suggesting?¡± Aurelius questioned him.
¡°I would like to offer my kingdom, the throne of Vanguard to one of the heirs of the Queen.¡± Arthur looked at both children. ¡°That is if one of them wants it. I don¡¯t want to push them, like I did their mother. That is if their father is okay with it?¡± Arthur said as he looked at Aurelius.
Aurelius thought for a moment before answering. ¡°I will leave that choice to them sir.¡± Aurelius spoke as he glanced down at both of his children. ¡°Which one of you like to become a ruler?¡±
Both children looked up at their father and then at their grandpa. Ruin spoke first, ¡°I want to be like how mommy was. A pirate.¡± Ruin spoke.
Arthur nodded, ¡°And I think you will make a great pirate.¡± He spoke.
Three sets of eyes fell upon Amerus as they all waited for his response. Amerus thought long and hard. For one he was King but he knew that would mean giving up the rest of his childhood. Afterall, he was only one hundred and fifty. His sister, based on stories, would be the ideal choice as she was closer to the actual age for a new ruler.
¡°I¡¡± He began to say but paused as he continued to think.
¡°You don¡¯t have to decide right now.¡± Arthur spoke as he saw the strain on Amerus¡¯s face.
Amerus shook his head. He took a deep breath as the pieces came together in his head as if his own mother¡¯s voice was guiding him¡ ¡°Continue our legacy. Change the world the way I taught you. Make the world the way you want to. Become King. Become a Hero. Become who you are meant to be.¡± The voice in his head spoke.
He exhaled the breath he just took and looked between his father and his grandfather, ¡°I want to become King of Vanguard.¡±
A smile fell upon Arthur as a wave of relief passed over him, ¡°Thank you Amerus, I believe you will be a great King.¡±
¡°As do I, my son.¡± Aurelius spoke with pride washing over him as one child will keep their mother¡¯s legacy at sea while the other will continue the royal legacy. ¡°And you Ruin, will grow to be a great pirate like your mother was.¡±
¡°He is not wrong, Ruin.¡± Arthur spoke in turn.
¡°Thank you.¡± Ruin spoke.
¡°Since Amerus will have the kingdom, you will have your mother¡¯s ship. The Golden Lure.¡± Aurelius spoke.
Ruin¡¯s eyes began to swell with tears. ¡°Really?¡±
¡°Yes.¡± Aurelius spoke, causing a great big smile to fall on Ruin¡¯s face. Which caused a wave of pure happiness to fall all over them from a brief moment.
With his kingdom secure and his grandchild present, Arthur felt a pull of happiness in his heart. He felt a wave of peace settle over him as what time he has left upon in his lifetime, he gets to know his grandchildren and their father. He gets to know his daughter all over again through new eyes and stories to read and hear. And when his time comes, he knows his daughter¡¯s stories and life will continue on through his grandchildren as they set sail and rule the kingdom.