Chapter 22

Nivra lurched as the ocean's waves rocked the bloody mermaid in it's watery grasp. She caught herself on an overhanging rope, the same was not said for the book she'd left unguarded. It tumbled to the floor with a resounding smack. Instantly she scowled, the seas around her home had not been this bothersome. She'd asked why they didn't just fly this boat the entire way there, at least then the trip would be steady. She'd however been met with explanations on how the ship needed to recharge, citing something along the lines that it had been a prototype. She hadn't even bothered asking how these pirates got their hands on it. She imagined the explanation was either gruesome or revealing on the not so honorable men in her nation's employ.

“How am I going to get anything done?" She muttered harshly, retrieving her lost book parchment that'd spilled out of it. She composed her purple tabard with a sigh. Months they'd been traveling upon the sea, and still they'd not reached their destination. Weeks of the cramped decks, foul smelling crew, and sounds to test the concentration of any aspiring mage. Even now as she reseated herself with a feathered quill, she could hear the dull thunder of their joyous gatherings above and below. It practically shook the deck and found strength to test her patience.

“You'd think they'd tire of all the merriment." She groaned, recalling the times she'd spent on her father's various vessels. They had shared in the joy as well but tempered it with practicality. Those at least did not feel as though she was a book stuffed into a bookcase already taxed for space. The food wouldn't have been another tasteless biscuit summoned by a cleric, and conversation a stark contrast to the crude, salacious and downright casual remarks of this motley crew. Instead of intelligent, productive uses of their time they instead spent it gambling on chance, cards or the occasional break out of brawling for the fun of it. The worst of it all was the gods awful screeching that they kept insisting was music. It wasn't helping that Feku seemed oblivious to their lack of skill, nor the notes that threatened to bleed all ears who heard it. When the mage had brought it up, the kobold had only smiled, insisting she was trying to make them better. Thus far their hadn't been any improvement, it had possibly gotten worse.

Despite all the distractions, the raven-haired mage had proven herself quite capable. She'd already researched and written down a handful of spells to her spell-book and committed them to memory. There were illusions, invisibility, a wall of force, even one to summon a mansion filled with dozens of invisible servants. The only reason why that one she'd neglected to try and spend a night in was the fear the ship would leave the portal behind, leaving her out stranded in the middle of the ocean. As of now, she was trying to perfect an experiment with a spell that would summon a large sphere of freezing energy. Her eyes found the slight hints of moisture clinging to the creaking wood of her makeshift room, evidence of her previous test.

Experimenting with new spells was generally a slow affair, filled to the brim with numerous trials and errors. One had to possess the courage break a few dozen eggs or in this instance crates to get the results they wanted. “Move wrist flick to the left, shift foot back two inches." She jotted down the notes, trying to disregard the last attempt's covering of frost across the area.

Up she stood on her black leather boots, taking a deep breath as the ship settled around her. Inwardly she focused, pushing the cacophony of ship noises around her, from the waves whispering outside, the chattering from beyond the walls, and the gentle drip drop of some leak she had yet to find. Outwardly she spread her arms, chanting the arcane words of power she'd be focusing on, the draconic phrases for ice. Deep and powerful she spoke it, drawing a runic symbol in the air. Nail biting cold followed in her wake, dusting the path with a flurry of snowflakes.

Magic surged as it always did, building like a gentle force within her fingertips. Her body acted as conduit for the weave as she shifted back, letting the energy flow like a river. Crisp, chilled air filled her lung, bringing a sense as if someone were stepping on her chest. Slowly the cold grew, from winter breeze to an artic gale. When it felt as though her lungs might burst, she went to fling her arms out but it was already too late. The ship lurched and threw off her stance, when her palm opened the spell released its wintery fury across the room.

A sphere of blinding azure light held the cramped quarters in it's thrall for a fraction of a second. The explosion shot outward, wrapping every square inch with it's icy tendrils. Nothing stood in it's path, floorboard, thick tome, not even a bowl of stale biscuits resting beside Feku's hammock. Nivra only had time to shield herself from the spell's effect and end up a frozen statue for the rest of her days. Even with this protection, her hair was unshielded from it's effects. It ended frozen up in a comical shape that would bring blood to anyone's cheeks.

“Blast the luck." She squeezed tight her fists, almost losing her composure to curse. “Curse the ocean, curse the waves, and gods darn it curse this ship!" Over her shimmering handiwork she looked, scowling at the miniature winter wonderland she'd produced. If not for the flames raging inside her, she might have thought it beautiful. It would take at least an hour to get all this moisture out with the spell prestidigitation. This was of course when the black and white minotaur Tehya peeled back the room's door and strolled inside.

Her eyes did a once over of the room, “Doing a bit of redecorating are we?" She muttered, her black and white furred arms crossing across her leather-bound chest. “I'd heard the royals of Lumara had cold hearts, but this is comical to say the least."

“Tehya, now is not the time for your crude attempt at humor." She grumbled, wiggling her fingers to shift the frost about her hair to water. “Especially when they involve magical…catastrophes.."

A smirk found it's way to the woman's muzzle. “Very good then. Should I be prepared for the eventually where I find ya turned into a frog?"

“I'd not make the mistake of turning myself into a frog." She finished with drying her clothing,  “Is there anything we can do to alleviate the roughness of the waves?"

“All of this trouble over a wee bit of waves?" She tapped the wall, rubbing the frost between her fingers. “No wonder mages prefer the safety of their towers. I'll trust my luck in the precision of a blade over this randomness any day."

“Is that why you were trying to chop your tables the other night? Something about mimics?" Nivra's brow rose as the cow's hands went straight to her hips, a narrowed look being shared back at her.

“Don't know why they be laughing, and neither should you. Mimics can be anything and are a rightful concern. Have you had the misfortune of meeting one princess?"

She hadn't, but she'd heard of them of course. Creatures that could take on the appearance of any object, generally things that people desired. While not usually seen within civilized society, the tales of them always frequented taverns as warnings to those complacent with their surroundings. “We used to scan for them all the time. Is that why you chopped the table in half!"

“What would you have done if the table laughed after a joke? I just did what anyone would have done!"

“And not think of the possibility of ventriloquism at work?"

“Its that type of delay that gets your face eaten by a mimic." The cow scolded with a finger. “A table is but a small price for one's safety."

“Either way, I think someone rather enjoyed the prank." Nivra chuckled, wondering if someone had dared Feku to do such a thing. She did have the talent to do it.

“Indeed. When I find them, we shall have words on how poor their comical talents are." Tehya snorted, crossing her muscular arms across her chest. Flicking her braided hair behind her head. The point was to be dropped for now.

“Is that all you required? To come have a chat with me in my quarters? How very unlike you." Nivra glanced Tehya up and down. The amazonian like woman had seemed pressed for time during their journey, either been caught up with her duties or bonding with the crew. It wasn't uncommon for her to share a lingering eye to upon Asterion during this time. Thankfully no more bouts of “flirting" had taken the ship in the presiding time. Nivra wasn't sure the bloody mermaid could handle two minotaur going at it.

Tehya gestured over her shoulder with the hardness of stone. “Captain wanted to ask you something."

“Something? How positively vague. I really need to get back to my study. Unless you like the idea of being turned into a popsicle by mistake."

“That wasn't exactly a request." She snatched Nivra's onyx cloak off the wall, thrusting it into her hands with the golden broach. “I think you need the fresh air anyway. Never does anyone good to be so cooped up."

Tossing it on and fashioning the broach, the mage eyed the room with distain. Perhaps she was right and it would be healthy to get a few minutes rest. “Very well. I'll accept you request, but mark my words this spell hasn't laid me low just yet. I'll have it sorted and doing my bidding, just you wait."

“Of course, but once again." Tehya knocked on the wood with a grin, “Captain insisted I drag ya there if you got uncooperative."

The mages head tilted. What could be so important to add that little addendum? The ilbir captain had been rather reserved and to herself during the trip. “That's all she said?"

“That's all she said." She gestured again, “Wanna know more talk to the captain. Only thing else I can tell ya was it was after talking to Aeros. Maybe he has a problem with you? Its easy I know, but did you happen ta piss off the gryph?"

“The red gryphon with rainbow like wings? Looks like a macaw?"

“One and the same." The cow nodded. “Course it must be something important, he's being unusually tight beaked about it. Bet the bastard brags about it during this week's poker, I can see his smug look now." She mimed an opening and closing of her hands to be his beak. “Gods that icy witch."

Nivra rolled her eyes, grabbing her staff. “Please don't tell me that's his best insult for me? I haven't even shared a meal with the gryphon, less of a conversation."

“Icy witch, curly death, blue blood. Just to name a few. He really hates the upper class. Nobles, knights, royals. All equally terrible in his book."

“You'd think he'd come up with something original at least. Curly death?" She fashioned her leather belt around her waist, fingers absentmindedly brushing over the coin purse and bound health potion.

“Apologies, I'll take it up with the men. There anything else we can change to your liking? Perhaps a foot rub, a nine-course meal? Servants to do whatever you require?"

“You're mocking me." The princess replied, sharp as a sword. “And not very cleverly."

“Blunt as Korde's hammer I've been told." Tehya replied, “If you have a complain, file it with the captain."

“Noted."

*

From her meager quarters they crossed into the cramped belly of the bloody mermaid. Though made for gryphons, one's wings would still have to be bound while strolling along. Darkened steel canons rested silently near the edges, secured, and waiting a gunner's expert touch. Thick oaken barrels were bound tight with thick lengths of elvish and dwarven rope, filled to the brim with dragonfire powder and ammunition. Oil lanterns watched above from the rafters, glass winking in what shards of light sneaked down from above. Every breath was filled with the thick stench of tobacco, human sweat, and mixed with the salty spray of the sea. Above and below she could hear the laughter and jovial singing of the crew stinging at her ear, even now she could make out their violin with Feku no doubt right there to instruct and egg them off. How she held her head and longed for a library's embrace.

The ship lurched as if by the sea's command, sending the mage fumbling forward like some land hugging buffoon. Her staff flung out to save her, halting her close encounter with the floor but doing little to save her composure. As she rose, eyes were like knives as Tehya chortled with a shake of her head.

“Still lacking the sea legs princess?"

“Never you mind." She stood straight, paying no attention to the crimson in her flushed cheeks.

“Ah but I should. My clan of Seaweaver claimed you could judge a man by how he handles himself at sea." She glanced the mage once over with mischief in her viridian eyes.

“And?"

“The more they wobble the less value could be found in their opinions." She snorted.

“How strange, you don't hear many clans of minotaurs at sea. Does not Korde wish for combat to be hand to hand instead of afar? I'd heard it was to test one's own strength?" Her brow rose, reminded how Asterion had made that clear. “Your clan must be quite the oddity."

“That the Seaweavers are. I'll just count your footing as an accident, rather than an estimation of your worth." She wiggled her fingers. “We've seen how good you are at dusting a room with ice and snow."

“You very well know it can do more than that."

“And I relish to see it when it does!"

*

Above the deck was the bright blue sky, filled with a haze of adventure and intermingled with the ivory clouds above. Far as the eye could see lay the sea, slowly breathing and shifting as if some giant titan of old. The masts stood tall like a parent's careful eye, their sails fully extended in welcome of the afternoon breeze. A loose collection of sailors had gathered around to watch two cross wooden swords, their jubilant expressions nearly canceling out the click clacking of their weapons.

Far atop them all was an extended crow's nest, large enough for a gryphon to rest it's claws. That's were Aeros found himself, the crimson feathered beast's plumage being just a plaything for the salty wind. His eyes were locked to the horizon, only parting for a fleeting moment to steal a glance down to Nivra. His gaze hardened like a sword, seeming to pierce right through the mage's coat. Questions abounded in the future queen's skull about the particulars, he'd hardly talked to her but that had to wait, Tehya swiftly brought her up the deck to the ship's wheel, where the captain awaited with a sly smile.

She looked right at home with a paw on the sturdy oak wheel, her coat and feathered hat fluttering without care. Her eyes glittered like diamonds, laced with an aura of delight. As she took a long drag of the air before wiggling her whiskers. “So ya finally decide to join us lass. Thought Tehya here might have ta drag ya from your hole. Never did see one so attached to your books as yerself. Was starting to think they were attached!"

“Someone has to do the research that the more physical ones of our species neglect." She side eyed the still fighting men. “The books just also happen to be more calm, quiet, and lack that haze of annoyance that stings at the ear."

“But that sounds so dull. Where is the excitement in such things? The charm? The spirit of adventure that fills the very life you have with purpose!" The snow leopard approached, slinging an arm around Nivra and turning her out to the sun sparkling horizon. “Look out there and tell me that's not the most beautiful thing ya ever did see?"

For a brief moment her passions were made apparent, with the gentle fluttering of the sails, the salt laden with every breath. As she took it in, the old memories of her time at sea made everything else fade away. Yet as she lingered on that grand azure countryside, the mind returned to less than ideal realities. “It is, but some of us have no time for fun and games." She pulled back, brushing her robes of any lingering patches of fur. “Mission to have, spells to research, while you and the crew think of little more than what sparkles, I must worry about the very future of the kingdom."

“Spoken truly like one without care or need of coin." The captain laughed, gently patting the princess on the back. “So lets get down to business shall we? I didn't bring ya up here for a gentle chin wag."

“Relieved am I?" Tehya asked, eying the men calling for another to join them.

Biyu was already waving her off. “Yes, run along and play with the men. I'm sure they're delighted to get bested by you again."

“Someone has to put them in their place you know." She smirked, eyes bouncing as Asterion had emerged from below, accepting the men's offer.

“Nothing to do with impressing the cleric of korde is it? I don't want to be fixing holes in the ship you know."

“Noted." Tehya slipped away, calling back to the men and issuing her challenge. The man whooped and hollered, instantly whipping out coins to bet upon which of the two minotaur would prove victorious.

The sounds of their battle rumbled through the deck, punctuated by the hollers of the crew. Nivra's back was shown to it as she eyed the amused feline up and down, from thick leather bracer to her red feathery hat. “Not going to give it a watch?"

“Course not. We have business to discuss!"

“What sort of business?" Nivra's brow rose.

“Just had some…Interesting information laid down upon my paws. Paulie was takin a gander of the sea as he does from time to time, loves to spread his wings and go for a flight." She mimed the motion of wing flaps, drawing an ireful look from the gryphon above. “Ya got a problem with the story pretty bird? Come down and squawk to her yourself then!"

The red gryphon lazily stood, shaking off his feathers and fur before even considering the captain's suggestion. He analyzed his landing with a series of inquisitive chirps before wiggling his haunches and leaping down. In a shake of the deck and groaning of the boards, Aeros stood tall over them all. Feathers pinned and eyes like steel he strolled to his captain and planted down his haunches at her bidding.

“So tell her what ya told me pretty bird. Get that wonderful tongue of yours to work."

“Captain…" The gryphon eyed the captain as she gentle stroked his cheek. “You need not call me that in front of the blasted blueblood. It's embarrassing!"

Arms crossed as Biyu laughed and eyed the macaw feathered gryphon in amusement. “I can call you any name I damn please! Need I remind ya of the bet ya made?"

“No." He scowled with an indignant chirp. “The paint was already bad enough as it was."

“That's what ya get for betting it though." She leaned upon his bulk, tapping mocking at his parted beak. Whatever distain he had for the captain was restrained.

“Very well." He heavily sighed, rolling a claw to Nivra. “Few miles from us I took a gander for meself. Can you imagine what I found out their queenie?"

“Only think I could imagine is more ocean or a vessel. Am I close?"

“So she did know!" His claw started to caress his beak. “Mighty interestin captain. What business would this other vessel have I wonder?"

“I thought the same thing Aeros." The ilbir captain's tone hardened. “Would you enlighten us Nivra on why a vessel flying the Lumarian flag is out here on it's lonesome?"

She gripped her staff. This was not an uncommon thing to encounter. Her people had a large empire as it was. Trade and commerce was just one thing they did. Though by the look of her two inquisitors she bet there was more the story. “I'll not assume you're dullards and suggest there is something odd about this ship?"

“Exactly." Aeros snapped, extending a claw towards her. “Why is it alone? Was it waiting for us? If you're thinking of turning us in…I'll gut you faster than you can-“

The captain had already silenced him with a paw, gently then pushing down his forelimb. “Lets not get too hasty and go making grand threats before we know what we dealing with. Can we both agree to that princess?"

Why must everyone think that she was out to get them? From Arcturus and the others that would be understandable.

“That sounds reasonable. I've never heard of any of our vessels going on their lonesome." She eyed the distant horizon, spotting the speck of what must have been this mysterious ship. Within her she couldn't dismiss the flicker of interest already building in the base of her skull. What mage could resist a mystery? “They'd be targets for pirates and monsters."

“Unless they need not worry about being encountered." Aeros growled. “A group of talented mercenaries, adventurers waiting within to leap upon our vessel. I've seen this book before. Captain, I suggest dumping the girl overboard and getting us out of here."

“Listen here you sack of feathers. If I wanted to have been done away with you, I'd have already damaged the ship during the journey! What makes you think I'd wait to encounter this ship in the middle of the sea?"

His beak lay open, words failing his clever tongue. Before his embarrassment could linger he'd snapped it shut, avoiding both the woman's knowing looks. “I don't know the minds of the royals. They're devious and not to be trusted."

“Good thing you're not the captain or the first mate." Biyu smiled, patting the gryphon and stroking his cheek. “You're just a bundle of suspicion and worry. I don't seriously think the princess here would turn us in."

“So why even bring me up here then? To ponder about a vessel that happens to be flying our flag?"

“I'd like you to explore it for me." Beyu clasped her paws together.

“Excuse me what?" Aeros squawked in alarm, fluffing up his feathers. “I thought we were going to throw her in the brig for questioning!"

“Aeros, Aeros, Aeros." The captain clicked her tongue, “Now where would that get us?" She tapped his skull. “I'm going to have her and her adventurer friends investigate it, tell us what we can find there. No risk to the crew or this vessel."

“Risk it? We've have to get—" His ears pinned as she shook her head. “You're going to make me fly them there aren't you."

“Now you've got it." She tapped his beak with a smile.

Investigate the ship? Nivra couldn't help but smirk at the idea. It would be a welcome departure from her practicing, not to itch her curiosity. “What makes you think I haven't anything better to do?"

“I heard about the ice incident." Biyu smirked, “I think a wee bit o fresh air be good for you."

“Could we perhaps have another mode of travel? Preferably one that has more charm than an oversized feather duster?"

“Trust me princess." Aeros groaned, “I'm just as thrilled as you. Trapped on a scouting run with a blue blooded bitch. Lords kill me now."

Like lightning Biyu had grabbed the gryphon by the throat with her powerful grip. He was tugged towards her fangs with a savage growl. “I'd be minding your manners with our guest. Unless of course you'd rather we be flaying your bones for gryphon meat on the leg of the journey. Do I make myself clear mister Aeros?"

The bravado in his chest deflated, eyes widened, the fight seemed evaborate from the crimson gryphon at the swish of his tail. With a heavy sigh and glance away, he issued his apology.

Biyu just smiled, patting Aeros between his ears. “I knew you had a smart brain between those ears. And about your request princess?" The ilbir gently tapped the ship's railing. “I'll most graciously decline. I suggest the both of you leave your qualm here." Her eyes narrowed and shot between the two, there was to be no negotiating. “Agreed?"

The both begrudgingly did so.

“Can I get an apology for the feather duster comment?" Aeros' head shot up in a prideful way. “It was rather rude kick to the balls."

“Ah. But sometimes you're in need of a swift kick to the balls." The captain mimed holding onto what had to be his sack. With a smirk she clenched her claws tight. “Do I be makin myself clear?"

He gulped, ears stitching themselves to his neck. “Understood."

“Fantastic. Make whatever preparations you need, and drop anchor!"

*

Nivra returned from her quarters, having to gather little in the way of supplies. Unfortunately Aeros wasn't as timely, leaving the princess at the fore of the ship, like a statue.

In the distance waited the wavering dot of a ship, an oddity to be sure. It remained stationary as a corpse, never shifting during her decent and return. The idea guided her fingers to caress her chin, then curl a single strand of her onyx hair. It had to be that the anchor was down, but why in the middle of the ocean? Why without another ship to call it's friend? Had they found something of value to search below the waves, or was it drifting without a crew? She held her staff tighter, ignoring the cool wind that licked at her, and the dull chanting of the men behind her.

They were performing a ritual for the sea goddess Gizeiten. In a tight circle they chanted in low guttural tones. One among them with an amulet of a mermaid reached into a dark teal wool sack, out he pulled a biscuit before tossing it in offering to the sea below. The others bowed their heads, praying that the goddess' wrath had been avoided another day. They broke then into a drawn out song, perfectly masking Asterion's hoof beats as he approached.

Straight as a board he carried himself, fur gently billowing in the wind. Blood pooled at the edge of his snout, a parting gift from Tehya no doubt. This had started to become the norm, training swords dropped and instead replaced with a wrestling competition. His tone was stoic as ever. “I heard about the trip we've been signed up for."

“have you now?"

“Indeed." He was to her side, arms crossed. “Questions whisper among the men. What makes a ship sit so quietly on the waves? Some say Gizeiten is angry, others wonder if sirens have made another appearance."

“Sirens?" She scoffed at the musical mermaids that were known to lead sailors to their demise. “I've read they only frequent the rocky shores, not venture out to open sea."

“Fear does funny things to a man." He grunted. “But what can one expect from humans. No offense of course."

“None taken." She gestured to the side of her mouth. “It would appear your minotaur friend has left you another parting gift."

He gave a chuckle, taking in the crimson droplets clinging to his fingers. “So it would seem. I should have blocked instead. She is an honorable and capable warrior. Worthy of song and great honor. I'd almost forgotten."

“Forgotten what? That she's apparently your type?" She gently smacked his shoulder. “I'm happy for you. Everyone deserves someone in their lives."

“Not just that." He said softly, staring out to the horizon. The ghosts of his past were apparent in his eyes, chilling the warmth that had been there moments prior. The bull's gaze narrowed, his tail flicked, in but a breath all that remained was the stern wall of muscles once more. “She should spurn a clanless wretch like me…and yet she does not…It's quite puzzling."

“Evidently that tenant of your people is lost on her. Maybe it has to do with her clan being more seafaring?"

He rubbed his chin, letting the coming silence fill the time as he thought. “Perhaps that is…I'll have to ask her at a later time…Maybe before reciting her poetry."

“Poetry?" She almost fell forward, jaw agape as the warrior stood as ridged as ever. “You? Poetry?"

“This is strange to you?" He snorted, tilting his horned head. “It's quite common for male minotaurs to regale their potential mates with poetry, of grand battles and conquest they have performed. All the while avoiding what she flings at you."

“Wait…" The princess shook her head, keeping herself from laughing. “You're telling me that during this courting ritual, the female hurls things at you."

“Indeed. Heavy things."

Before she could inquire further about such mating rituals, Feku was bounding up the stairs in just her grey leggings with black stitching that traveled down to her claws. What scales they saw where gray, bursting with red islands as the kobold scampered over. Her parrot was resting on her shoulder, doing its best to not let the lizard's momentum toss them off.

 “Where you going?" The kobold's claws planted themselves on her waist, a perfect image of Merlia herself. “You promised water riding!"

“Water riding hmm?" Nivra eyed the minotaur as he shifted, avoiding the kobold's look.

“She means water surfing." He coughed, “And doing it by the control water spell." He kneeled, insisting they had been called away on a task.

“We can do it real quick before you go!" Feku wouldn't be swayed. “Gryphon taking forever! Getting butt chewed out by Mino lady!"

“That I'd pay to see." Nivra remarked with sigh as Feku held upon Asterion's calf with a puppy dog whine. Even her eyes seemed to swell, determined to crack the bull's reluctance.

“Please? You promised!" She wavered her jaw.

Asterion squirmed, sighed, and met Nivra's eye.

“You did promise." She wagged a finger at him with a sly smirk. “We don't want Hades coming to collect on a broken oath."

“Yea, he come to claim your butt!" Feku shouted, “You don't want that!"

Seeing as he was outnumbered, and the gryphon would be sometime before their journey, Asterion rose with a heavy, dramatic grumble. “You win this day little kobold. You're right, I don't wish to incur the wrath of that god. Even if the chance of his wrath is minuscular at best."

“Yay! Divine threats win again!" She cheered, racing around the bull and tugging him to the railing.

“Surfing now! Surfing now!" Feku's parrot happily squeaked, dancing up and down with a fluff of it's feathers.

When Asterion gave her another look she instead waved him along. “Well you heard the task master, get to water riding!"

*

The bull backed up into a readied stance, Feku having climbed to his shoulders like an excited toddler. Asterion's hands flowed like the waves themselves, traced by thin lines of mist. His words were deep and guttural, billowing his cape as he went. He charged the side and leaped clean over, landing to the waves below with a tremendous splash. Instead of sinking they were floating harmless above the sea.

“Go!" Feku thrust her hand outward like a conquering general. “FAST!"

Back went the minotaur's hands, and the pair shot forward like a loosed arrow. Through the water they cleaved a path like a blade, giving life to Feku's joyous shout to the heavens. Around the ship they raced, drawing any wandering eye, instantly making those that witnessed the event jealous.

In amusement Nivra watched on, counting the times they did a lap. Each one she could almost do on Feku's screams by themselves, ones of pure and unfiltered joy. With a smirk she wanted to be down there, uncaring and enjoying what freedoms spells count provide. But she had a place, and that was to wait in reserve for their rude gryphon to emerge. Emerge he did with an irritated squawk, strutting over the moment his eyes set upon her.

“Ready to head out?" He said, a hint of resentment still within his words. In his eyes the hint was downright fact. As Feku and Asterion made another pass they caught his irksome eye, “Of course." He scoffed. “We're having a wee bit of play are we?" A blackened talon pressed itself to his crimson chest. “I'd not think to catch the cleric of Korde behaving in such a childish manner. Oh, how Tehyu is going to adore this."

“You'll find his pride is not a hinderance like some." She brushed back her hair. “Finished gathering your things are we?" Her wandering eyes traveled over the leather harness he'd attached to himself. Multiple pouches, secured potions, even a length of rope resting upon his side. “If you hadn't taken your time, perhaps the cleric wouldn't be so childish as you say."

He first said nothing, letting only an irritated chirp leave his beak as his feathers fluffed. When she called to her companion's the gryphon's eyes narrowed, giving the mage a once over from top to bottom. Salaciously he clicked his beak, “Course the royal blood that you are would have a most humpable haunch."

“And now you decide to gander at me like some piece of meat?" She countered with a cool tongue. “In case this wasn't explicitly clear, if you wish to return to this vessel, with all your limbs and bits attached, I'd refrain from any vulgar suggestions." She wiggled her fingers, letting electricity twist and bend around her digits. “You'll find my patience to humor fools can only be pushed so far."

Instead of backing off, it seemed to press the gryphon further. He stayed outside her smacking hand, an amused chuckle resting in the air. Around her he paced, “Got a pair of teeth ya do. Least you have that going for ya, unlike the typical blueblood filth of your kin. But it makes me wonder where that comes from? That privilege that you wield like a cudgel. What's the matter queenie?" He sneered, “Gryphon not bowing head over paws for you got you in a tiff?"

She didn't let him rattle him, it wasn't uncommon for people to despise the royalty. “If you're quite finished with your outburst and insults, can we get underway? Just do your job and the sooner we can go back to not crossing paths, understood?"

He sat without a word, head tilted at her attitude. The silence lingered until Asterion and Feku pulled themselves from the side, starting to dry themselves with applications of spells. The minotaur read the tension immediately, giving the Gryphon a hardened look.

“Is he bothering you princess?"

“Not at all." She answered without hesitation, “We were just discussing on the manner of our departure.  The pretty bird here was just offering his services." It was all it took for her to not grin as Aeros' ire filled look found her.

*

Across the uneasy fields of water they glode, eyes locked upon that distant dot of mystery. The winds battered their faces, questioning their decision with icy claws. Tension coiled in the mage's gut, twisting and winding with every flap of the gryphon's wings. It was all she could do to hold thought of her spells, and ponder on the curiosity that awaited them on that vessel.

Hands filled with course fur, Nivra clung to the contemptuous gryphon below her, glad for his silence during the flight. Asterion sat behind her, muscular frame pressed so close she could move with his gentle breaths. His snout was a sea of tranquility despite the prospect of their journey. There would be no doubt to him, whatever lurked within the distant vessel would prove no consequence. It was just another battle to be won.

The ship they sought was sizable for one of it's class, a frigate if Nivra recalled correctly. Crew of at least a hundred, some were fashioned for guard duty or transporting cargo on the seas. The dark brown hull of this vessel had not a speck of life, only the barnacles that'd clawed their way up it's sides. The sails bound tight by frayed chords, the cloth tattered and ripped. Strands of wire crisscrossed across the sun-bleached deck, littered with shells and the bones of what they hoped were not human. The anchor ripped down, the windows all shattered, unease followed this ship like a shadow.

“What could have done this? Surely the crew would not have abandoned this ship?" She grimaced, finding more bones littering the disorganized deck. Barrels and other supplies had been strewn about. The closer they drew, wooden effigies could be found among the shells.

“Strange choice in decorator." Aeros remarked, tilting a wing and circling. “Reminds me of warning signs by orcs. Though those wooden effigies would be new."

“An I'll shade to be sure." Asterion gestured towards the shell's decorated with baubles that gleamed in the light. “Nor is this offering to a god I understand."

“No crew and the ship appears to be dead." Nivra held tight the gryphon's fur. “Could they have abandoned it? Or were they plucked from it one by one?"

“If that was the case, it would appear the rumor of Siren's might bear fruit." The cleric's hands gripped tight the warhammer at his belt. “How fortunate that a servant of Korde comes to rid the world of their dishonorable ways."

“That all you can think of? Honor this, bash in skulls that?" Aeros scoffed, “We got what we wanted, clearly you geniuses can't see that the crew went bloody nutters. Let's get out of here and return to the bloody mermaid. Safe from any sirens, monsters, and maybe even cultist of some unknown god."

The minotaur growled, eyeing the gryphon with distain. “And dishonor ourselves with such cowardice? If your feathers and so yellow, and your limbs quake like a sheep, leave us so that we might complete our task."

“Crazy! That's what you are, nothing but a deathwish on that head of yours."

“Just do as he says gryphon." Nivra cut through their bickering like a sword. “We've not come this far to turn tail at the first sign of trouble. We'll have our answer when we take a closer look, analyze what has transpired. What sort of adventurers would we be if we didn't?"

“Now I know why he's your bodyguard." The gryphon remarked with a roll of his eyes. “You're both tapped."

On the next pass they dipped closer and found their landing sight. Near the rear, few lines remained to tangle within Aeros' wings, and the wood welcomed his hinds like a stranger. It complained at the weight with a troublesome whine, threatening to buckle if they remained. Hung bells whistled in the wind like a waiting ghost as the pair of adventurers dismounted their steed. Yet Aeros didn't depart once they were secured and readied.

“Change of heart?" Nivra remarked, tentatively descending a length of stairs to the deck proper. It creaked and groaned, but knew better than to break.

“I'm not letting the two of you get all the fun. I'd rather witness whatever is here firstclaw thank you very much." Aeros snapped back, tip toeing down behind her. The stairs were wide enough for him, clearly this vessel was of Lumara design.

“It would seem a touch of madness has afflicted the gryphon." Asterion remarked with a snort, moving aside the spiderweb like twine. “Should I be concerned?"

“Hmmph. Save your victory cleric. I bet queenie here is just disappointed it's not a royal welcome for her."

How hung up on that he remained, she shrugged it off as she plucked an effigy from a line. It was crudely made to resemble a strange fish she'd never known. It appeared to be a squid with barbed tentacles, painted a crude black with a sequence of green runes across its head. It was made of wood, crudely carved, and cool to the touch. As she turned to admire the rest of the deck, they found scrawling of various words carved into the wood in savage chunks. None of it made sense, sentences ran or twisted without reason. It was either coded, or the ramblings of some madman who'd long since fallen.

“It would seem the sea had claimed his mind." Asterion grunted, eyeing the stairs down to the deck below. “Perhaps more answers lay below."

“Though wait a moment." She remarked, waving her hand as she began casting a spell. Upon it's completion she spun round, eyes glowing a soft red. “No signs of magic." She grumbled, almost disappointed as she searched for even a hint of a crimson aura in her vision.

The gryphon nodded, flicking his tail as he did his own, narrowed eyed scan. “Never did enjoy having parts of me burned or frost bitten."

“Don't be so limiting. They can also boil, bind, and plenty of other things."

He splayed his ears, “Thanks for the colorful picture blueblood."

“No thanks needed. If you ever need a reminder of your mortality look no further."

“I could also lend a helping hand." Asterion added, cracking his knuckles.

Satisfied that there was nothing awaiting them above deck, the group eyed the stairs down. The air was almost colder as they watched in silence, the only sound the offbeat groans of the ship around them. Asterion whispered a prayer to Korde before thumping his chest, insisting that he lead the way. As they went to depart, Aeros was deathly still. It wasn't until they were starting their descent amidst the screams of the steps did they notice his blank, far gone stare.

“Are  you coming Aeros?" Nivra called to the gryphon, “All this talk and you decide to stay? Make up your mind and be done of it."

The gryphon's ears pinned to the back of his head. “Something isn't right here."

“I could have told you that." She sighed, wondering why she was even trying to get this gryphon to tag along. He'd been nothing but confrontational. “Fine, stay up there! We're going to explore the res-“

“There's more ships out there."

Silence wrapped around them like a shade, turning the groans and creeks into little more than screams and guttural croaks.

“Like ours?" Asterion held back Nivra with a muscular arm. “Speak gryphon. Now is not the time for delay."

He shook his head. “On the horizon, miles from here. At least three more like this. Silent ghosts upon the sea, no sails and equally as dead. It's not too late to turn back now."

The hair on Nivra's neck shot up, timed perfectly with a low groan through the damp smelling floorboards. Though alarming they still had to proceed. She gripped her staff, brushed a hand over the twisted head until light like a torch burst forth. Asterion looked to her, his eyes a sea of determination. She nodded, steeling her nerves. “Come along or warn the crew mister Aeros. It matters not to us. We have a mystery to solve. You may not have faith in your abilities, but I do in Asterion's and myself. Curiosity is a powerful thing, and we'll not be departing until it's nagging whisper is silenced."

“You're crazy." Aeros squawked under his breath, thrashing his tail. “Bloody off your rocker."

“Couldn't have said it better myself." Asterion chuckled, patting her on the shoulder. “Maybe he'll deprive us of his company."

“One can only hope." She smiled, starting her descent.

The floorboards were dark and imposing, musky and covered in black tendrils of mold. They practically screeched with every step, threatening to buckle and crack when they didn't. The walls around stretched forever before then, bleeding rivers of water along their pores. The mold was found here as well, touching practically every square inch like an unchecked fire. Unlike the bloody mermaid, the floor here was a network of corridors lit only the grace of Nivra's staff. The world beyond it was a darkened void, where anything threatened to leap out at them. With their first few steps she found herself pressing closer to Asterion's calm aura, swearing the walls were pressing in to devour them like a wretched monster of old.

Aeros lingered behind them for only a moment, scampering after them when they got out of sight. His head swiveled from wall to eye, his eyes widened to twin viridian chasms. Ears pinned to his neck, all his bravado seemingly sucked away. He tentatively followed after them, silent and with trembling steps along the way.

Long had Nivra read the stories of grand adventurers descending into forgotten tomes or hidden alcoves for treasure. She'd been amused and held in awe by such things since she was a young girl. Yet here within this groaning, ghost of a ship she found her heart threatening to leave her chest. Every guttural groan of the ship was a threat, a creek a chance for death. Her staff found itself held before her, swishing at any sound, a spell mere seconds from leaving her lips. At the third such attempt, Asterion gently caught and lowered her staff.

“I don't believe the air is our enemy." Asterion gently remarked.

“Not all of us can have the temperament of a blade." She composed herself, peering into an empty shell of a room. There was no door, and any sign of supplies or people had long since been ransacked. The mold had surged in here as well, gobbling up the long forgotten walls.

He went in, silently searching around with his calm demeanor. Through the wreckage of planks and pulled apart linen sacks. “Its not wise to let the enemy know your fears."

“Me? Scared? I've had the best training a royal could afford." She scoffed, tapping the wall closest with the butt of her staff. “Day in and out I've counted on spells to see me through and they've never before failed me. Even now I have at least a dozen spells to end any threat that foolishly finds us."

“And yet you leap at sounds like a terrified dog." The cleric remarked with a hint exasperation. “ Lie to yourself perhaps princess but not to me. Pride and arrogance can lead to the downfall of us all."

“You're one to talk."

“If I had an excessive amount of pride, I would not find myself working with that red scaled buffoon that proclaims to lead us and his naïve paladin of a lover he shares." Asterion mused, acknowledging that the room was empty. “No one is an island; arrogance leads to blindness."

“I'll try to keep that in mind."

Into the galley they creeped painfully slow, a deathly silence resting upon their ears. The air was thick with the sweet stench of decay, the tables all smashed and scattered amidst the damp floorboards. Half-eaten food had long since rotted away, piled high around the bloated corpse of a man. He was leaned back, clutching at a steel amulet within his grey fingers. He was pointed up, mouth open in a silent scream as mold seemed to claw its way into him.

“Oh gods." Nivra trembled, staff frozen as Asterion approached without concern.

“What did you expect?" Aeros replied as the bull pulled out his hammer and gently prodded the greyed flesh of the overweight man. “A welcome party? I'm surprised it took this long to find a body."

“Hes dead." Asterion snorted, “Years if I can figure. Hard to say why he's body has yet to decay."

“Magic?" Nivra gestured and turned on her spell, frowning as there was lack of any red aura. “If so it seems to have dissipated."

“And yet the body remains…Frozen and without a god's protection." The cleric eyed suspiciously the branching halls from the room like a coming enemy. “I believe your worry might have been warranted princess."

“See!" Aeros squawked in alarm, ruffling his feathers. “Creepy mold and dead bodies, I've seen enough!"

She dismissed him with a wave. “But why did everything happen?" She made a note to give this corpse a wide berth. “We should try to find a journal, a daily log in which the captain might have left."

“Agreed." The bull nodded.

“And what makes you two loonies think it's still even here?" Aeros shifted his beak between the two. “Look around you, if a journal remained it's long gone. Plus you'd have to know where the captain's room would be…"He scowled when she smirked at him.

“Of course, you would. What doesn't a mage know about?" He groaned, “Why would you even need to know about boats? You're supposed to stick to towers wiggling your bloody fingers at things!"

She didn't dare tell him about the hobby she and her brother shared, simply letting him think it was by chance. As only they traversed the dripping and creaking halls, something she was certain was watching them. With every step the sensation sunk deeper into her bones, raising the hair on the back of her neck. She gestured to Asterion, letting him know to be vigilant.

The mold was thicker than other parts of the ship, threatening to stick to boot or hoof with every stride. The water that bled from the walls were practically rivers by the time they neared where the captain's quarters were to reside. The door had long been consumed by the mold, dark as a void and almost breathing in the stafflight.

“I've never longed for a bath more than this." Aeros growled, trying to keep his multicolored feathers from touching the cramped walls. “Why do I have the feeling you two are going to go, hey lets look in that ominous door?"

“Because we are." Nivra calmly remarked, scanning the door for any signs of magic. Asterion did the same with a wave of his hand, but instead for poison or disease. Now the question remained if it was going to be trapped? As she went to mention, the bull was already leaning over and carefully inspecting the moist wood.

Satisfied with its safety, the cleric grabbed the handle and violently shoved. The wood groaned and creaked, meeting the minotaur's strength with it's own. Hooves scrambled over the floorboards, granting him now reward. The door was stuck.

“Has Korde gone and failed his servant?" Aeros remarked with a mocking smirk. “Such a pity."

The bull retrieved his hammer, spinning it within his palm. “It just requires a different kind of key to open." Out went his hand, pushing back Nivra with but a request.

The gryphon pulled back, ears pinned. “Surely you're not going to break it down…"

“Why shouldn't I?" The cleric aimed his hammer, pulling back for a heavy swing. “Unless you've learned the mastery of picking a stuck door…"

Aeros' eyes narrowed. “You don't survive long as I do without picking up gut feelings every now and again." He gestured to the door with a fractured chirp. “And that sounds a shiver down my feathers something awful."

“Nivra?" The bull gave her a questioning look, his eyes pleading for the command to start smashing, to relish in such a basic joy.

She sighed, rolling her staff in her palm. Let me exhaust another option before we resort to the brute strength method shall we?" She pressed past Asterion and placed her hand upon the withered door. Though she shivered and longed to wash her hand, there was no sign of whatever spooked the now shivering gryphon. “Crovar sunatis." She rumbled deep her in throat, knocking upon the door three times. Each rap of her knuckles brought a shimmer of green light accompanied by the dull bang of a distant gong. Then everything went silent, the darkness seemed to crawl towards them. Nothing happened.

“Well?" Aeros' cocked his head.

“Its just stuck." Nivra sighed as Asterion clasped her on the shoulder and bid her aside.

“As I was saying." He said, voice dripping with satisfaction. “This was the correct key." With a resounding crack the head of the hammer struck true, splintering the aged wood like brittle bones. He continued with a glimmer of glee in his eyes as his opponent crumbled before his repeated strikes. With a roar of a giant the bull finally destroyed the door, bringing the room filled with water spilling out to the hall.

In the blink of an eye the inky black void burst free, devouring all in it's angry path. Stagnant water that had sat for years surged outward, enveloping flesh, cloth and feathers as easily as everything else. It wrinkled the nose with it's putrid stench, digging hooks into them so they might never be truly clean. In the time it took for them to groan, shriek or squawk in alarm the water had quelled, leaving three very soaked individuals.

“You've got to be kidding me." Nivra said flatly, her robes sticking tight to her body. Disgust flared within her as she caught sight of bits of decayed flesh bobbing along the water at her feet.

They stood in disbelief, each breath curling their stomachs and threatening to loose their contents. Asterion was staring through the doorway, unconcerned with how waterlogged his fur was. He looked more like a drowned rat.

of rotten flesh floated among it's wake, mixed with mold and the half-eaten bones of bizarre fish with three heads. Quickly as it came the surprise departed, leaving nothing but three well drenched individuals.

“I'll admit, a room filled with water was not what I expected." She grimaced as she plucked a corpse of a fish from her hair. “Remind me to take a bath."

“Indeed." Asterion shook, flicking his tail with a snort. “Even the tales of Tukatu of the Fartalon clan appear strange beside this, and they liked to feast upon the rare flesh of their enemies."

Aeros glanced over his sullied feathers, beak open and closing the terrible horror at their state. “What did I say?" He grumbled to himself, flicking free what water clung to him. “Told them to not open the door I did. But did they listen? No. What does the bloody bird know?" He laughed grimly under his breather, “Jokes on him I get the final laugh."

Asterion silenced him with a hardened glance.

Prestidigitation might have dried them, but now was not the time. The shattered fragments of the door was as inviting as a toothy maw of some wretched sea beast. Even as her gaze lingered, a raspy gurling noise reached her ear. “Question is…" Curiosity pulled her forward. “What possessed the crew to fill this room with water? Or better question, if not the crew than who?"

“I'm going to suppose it wasn't for a bath." Asterion grunted, pressing to her side. The grip around his hammer tightened before he gave her a knowing nod. He was to be first. With a deep breath the cleric charged into the room, chest filled with courage with Nivra right on his hooves.

 The room was the shattered wreck of a once welcoming place. The paint had all but peeled away from years of being submerged. The carpet was soaked in every fiber, faint teal glowing algae clinging to it's surface like tiny gremlins. What furniture remained was scattered about the damp floor in soggy chunks, clothes were ripped and tatters, the bed had been split down the middle, and what remained of a book case where the soggy remains of old tomes and scrolls.

“Well at least this venture was not for nothing. With time and some spells, we could dry those out and figure out how this came to be…" Perhaps the captain had been one of the magical arts? She might even be able to add to her spell-book, the possibility did fill her with anticipation. With a calm breath she went to step forward, finding Asterion's muscular arm blocking her path.

“Is something-“

He gestured to the shattered bed, where just hidden beneath the ruined sheets was the bloated form of a man. His skin was like wet granite, his eyes bright yellow and slitted. Like a reptile they blinked a second set of eye lids as he stared blankly at the ceiling. Gills were lining his moist skin, shivering as choked upon the air.

“Oh my gods." Nivra gasped, taking a step back as she searched this man from webbed hands to feet. The thing didn't respond, not even flinching at their presence. “What's wrong with him?" Out went her staff in defense, glowing like a sun in these algae covered walls. Concern asked her to go to his side, but wisdom held her back.

“What did you find in there? Treasure?" Aeros asked from the safety of the hall. “It doesn't sound like treasure."

“Why not come and see coward?" Asterion mused, marching to the bloated man's form. Still no response. “It appears to be an altered man."

“Yes…But altered why, and how?" Nivra turned to the door, hair all standing on edge. The magic to do so would have been incredibly strong, and to last as long as it had? Perhaps this ship wasn't as empty as they had thought.

“Probably some ill purpose. Bait perhaps for an unseen foe." Asterion rose, handling his Warhammer like a lover. “I'll put this thing out of its misery."

“No!" She stopped his assault mid swing, palm resting on his shoulder. “I can study it. Possibly figure out why it was altered. He could be an eyewitness to what transpired on this vessel! You can't just go smashing our only lead!"

“Don't listen!" Aeros shouted from the hall. “Whatever it is it can't go well! Just kill it and be done with it! I'm sure who ever did it is counting on our compassion, mark my words!"

Asterion didn't budge however, content to travel his eyes between the helpless man and his queen. When she asked again, the warrior's conviction was dulled, his arm fell. “Very well. Though I question your conclusion, you won't be left alone with this abomination. Foul magic has clearly twisted it for some nefarious purpose."

“That it may." She gave a relieved sigh, content that the cleric of korde could see reason. “But with a bit of luck we might just found out what type of magic and who…." She gently tapped the walls with her staff. “Went about making such a wretched place."

“You're more aware of the matters of arcane than I." He waved a hand, casting another spell or two to confirm that it wasn't poisoned, and that it wasn't an undead servant trying to trick them. It wasn't to both, seeming to surprise the bull as he stood tall.

“See? Relatively safe." She was beaming as the warrior heaved the bloated man onto his shoulder, while she gathered his books. “Aeros, I hope you don't mind carrying back a passenger!"

The gryphon's head poked in, he took one narrowed look and his ears splayed on either side of his head. “Oh, like the hells I will, just look at that bloody thing! It's an accident waiting to happen!"

“Nonsense!" She undid lengths of rope from her pack, offering it to Asterion. “We'll tie it up and you can carry it like a package!"

He gave her a hardened look before sauntering off in an aggravated huff. “Just cause my feathers were ruined doesn't give you permission to continue to do so. Carry that wretched thing back yourself you crazy bint."

“I could smack him over the head with my hammer." Asterion growled under his breath, tying up the still gasping man.

“Oh Asterion." She chortled in amusement over the gryphon's dramatics. “If he hears you jest in such a manner, he might be ill receptive to convincing."

“Who was in jest?" The bull chuckled as he finished, rose, and flung the man over his shoulder with a snort.

******

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