It had been an interesting six months since the hurricane had nearly sunk Wavedancer. In her grace, X’eana, goddess of the sea, had even seen fit to place her within range of a port where she could resupply and begin her new life. Over those six months, she’d been to a number of places. Starting with Dheathain, she’d also been to Moriah, Fallien, Scara Brae and to various parts of Corone. Each land had been interesting in its own right, but she had yet to decide on a place to call “home.”

To her surprise, her ship seemed to be far ahead of most other ships she’d seen here. First, hers was the only one she’d seen that had an engine. It was also the only one with a depth meter that was mechanical in nature. She’d seen sailors using long lines and weights at the bows of their ships to test depth. Such a method was not unknown to her, just not commonly used. In some places, the unique nature of Wavedancer had allowed her to show off her workmanship with pride. In others, it was simply too different, requiring that she leave quickly before the people could work themselves up into a harmful mob. Emi did her best to take it all in stride. X’eana had warned her that this world would be incredibly different. Thus far, that had proven to be an understatement.

As fall continued to get steadily cooler, Emi began to think of warmer climes. Her homeland was warm year round. These northern latitudes were much colder than the island girl was accustomed to. Back home, her heavy sea coat was for wearing during storms more to keep her dry than to keep her warm. Here in Corone, she’d been wearing it nearly every day and still found herself shivering on occasion. It was aggravating to work her ship in boots and coat, but it was easier than trying to do so while shivering so hard her hands shook like she had the tremors.

No matter. Just a week or so south and I can put this thing away.

On this particular morning, Emi had been delighted to find that the odd shore jobs she’d been doing had finally led to her having enough supplies to sail elsewhere for the coming winter. She thought of a few places, like Fallien. She could do well enough in the Foreigner’s Quarter or whatever they called it. She might even be able to do some small work moving people or small cargo up and down the central channel between the two islands. If not there, then Moriah would also do well. There, she wouldn’t have to worry about the winter storms. Moriah’s bay was well protected by high cliffs and she could hire herself out to the nobility for jaunts around the bay. She wasn’t overly worried about exactly where she was going, so long as it was warm.

The beads at the ends of her dark braids clicked softly as yet another cold breeze moved through the harbor. Focused as she was on her preparations, she almost didn’t respond to the sound of a voice calling out to her. People didn’t usually approach her, so she assumed the greetings were for the large yacht beside her.

“Passage you say,” she called back in a light, almost musical voice. “Aye, I can do passage for one. . . . or two. . . . people. . . .” her voice slowed and trailed off as she turned from her finished task and looked, up, up, up. Her jaw slowly fell open as her eyes blinked rapidly in disbelief at what appeared to be a giant, walking and talking!? (she was almost certain she’d heard a rumble that did not match the voice that had called out to her) skeleton with spikes protruding in various places and flames for eyes.

Sorian looked at her expectantly, apparently unfazed by the giant mass of bones behind him. The bearded man before her seemed older than she expected. Most people that approached her for passage were younger thrill seekers. Still, she had learned long ago not to make assumptions based on appearance.

“Um, well, I can certainly take you, sir. I’m not so sure about your friend. Wavedancer is not a big ship.”

She glanced over at the yacht pushing off beside her. A ship that size could probably handle Sorian’s friend. Does he float? Perhaps we could rig a netting hammock and tow him?


As she stood considering how she might arrange transporting Sorian’s colleague, a tall, heavily built man with dark hair and light eyes approached, also asking about passage. The sea breeze ruffling the fur of his coat along with the man’s confident air gave him a slightly imposing presence. The kind of presence that said this was not a man to be trifled with.

“Alerar? You are wishing to go to Alerar? Is that not further north?”

She was still learning the geography of this part of the world, but she was fairly certain that she’d seen everything that was south of Corone and Alerar was not not a place she’d been to, yet.

Sorian cleared his throat delicately, “Ah, yes and yes.”

Emi crossed her arms, “No. It is cold enough already here. Why Alerar anyway?”

The second man stepped a little further forward to answer her.

“Checking out some rumors. A demon gate might be forming and it seems an ancient sword is the key to the whole thing. Could be bad, could be good depending on who gets control of it.”

Emi raised an eyebrow skeptically, she’d heard a little about this. She’d also heard about the Radasanthian government offering a reward concerning this phenomenon in Alerar. On the one hand, it sounded like a fun thing. On the other hand, it was also inland, which would mean leaving her beloved Wavedancer in the care of others, something she was always loath to do.

“Assuming I can be convinced to go to Alerar, how are you planning to pay?”

“With gold, of course,” Sorian assured her.


Emi paused a moment longer. She was still learning the different coin bases in each country. She wasn’t sure how much she should charge for such a journey.

“Alright, for three hundred crowns, I’ll take you to Alerar.” She turned her full attention to the second man that had approached, “Same for you. Though I only have one berth, so you gentlemen will have to sleep on deck.”

She looked up at the massive skeleton once more, “As for this guy, I think I can get him on deck, but ‘Dancer will sit low in the water. She won’t be as fast as she usually is, but nothing short of that yacht that is pulling away is gonna handle him with ease anyway. Come aboard, gentlemen.”