Rumors, Nerva’s Seasickness and The Dungeons

Wealthow had changed greatly in six years after that faithful encounter with the Shadow. She definitely looked older now, and she rarely wore her hair loose. Her long, brown hair was always tied in a bun at the top of her head, giving her a somewhat sinister look. She had two crosses hanging from her neck; the other one was hers, and the other had a rich history. The second cross first belonged to Isidore Crane and then next to Nerva alThor. It was the only thing Nerva left behind after the magic consumed him after his death.

Today Wealthow was standing on the island where they set up and empty grave for Nerva. She was surveying the sacrilege done to this solemn ground. Her hands were clenched into angry fists, her knuckles very white. Anger was surging through her. One of the things she hated most was disrespect for the dead. Much more disrespect for someone who had gone through too much suffering in life. She felt very, very angry for whoever did this.

Theodoric walked up to her, plumed helmet in his right hand. Theodoric also changed physically. His dirty blonde hair grew past his ears now. But that jovial glint was never gone from his gray eyes. He just looked older.

"Such disrespect" Wealthow said, her voice shaking.  "Unforgivable"

"And still no news about the culprits." Theodoric shook his head.  "Ive sent some of our guildsmen to gather any evidence but every single one came back empty-handed. I wonder"

"How about Signy and Altair?" Wealthow asked.

At this Theodoric ran a hand through his long hair.  "Ah, yes, another mystery. I am sure Signy left for Albertaher guildsmen told me so. But she and Altair just vanishedI wonder where they areMerchants claimed to have seen them at the Alberta marina getting ready to board a shipbut other than that, no news. Youd think they were going here, would you?"

"I would probably think they eloped. But oh my god, Altair never looks at women." Wealthow sighed.  "Hes always absorbed in his works; he doesnt even have time for himself anymore."

"Altair has definitely gone aloof since Nerva died." Theodoric spoke softly.  "Remember how he became mute for half a year? We thought hed go crazy"

Wealthow remembered the deadened, tragic expression on Altairs face when they returned to Prontera after the battle in Glast Heim. The Blacksmith did not utter a word for six months, just spending his time staring faraway, grieving silently to himself. It was also at that time when everyone was worried about Altairs sanity. That time he never forged a single weapon and spent most of his time sitting alone in a dark corner, eyes empty, sobbing quietly to himself

But when that reverie finally ebbed away, Altair was no longer the same cheery kid he used to be. He became obsessed with forging perfect weapons and nothing else. He turned his sights from lifes pleasures to meditation and the way to perfection. Did Nervas death leave such a great impact on Altair?

"Sibyl!"

Wealthow gave a start and turned around. Sibyl was there, walking toward them. She looked splendid in her ninja suit, even though only her eyes could be seen. When she saw what had been done to the grave her eyes widened and she dropped her katar in shock.

"Hell, who did this?" she mumbled.

"No idea still." Theodoric winced.  "But theyll pay, thats for sure."

Sibyl turned to Wealthow.  "Ive been hearing rumors. And you two had better listen."

"Okayso bang away then." Theodoric said, sitting on the grassy soil.

Wealthow looked at Sibyl.

"Rumors have spread in Morroc. And theyre very strange." Sibyl explained.  "It all started in the Harassed Hornet, quite a famous pub in my place. People said a Wizard visited there. An eccentric Wizard, who always hid his face beneath the shade of a sakkat. But one time this particular Wizard removed his hat, revealing his face. Some people said it was Nerva alThor."

Theodoric looked at Wealthow, who in turn returned his skeptical gaze.

"But that is impossible" said Wealthow.  "Must have been a look-alike"

"Yes, Wealthow, a Wizard who can ride a Peco-peco?" Sibyl frowned lightly.  "Knights are the only ones who can ride Peco-pecos. And a Wizard who can perform Bash, Magnum Break, Provokeand Endure?"

At this, Theodoric stood up. A weird expression dawned on his face.

"Impossible" Wealthow moaned.  "No"

The three of them looked at the dented bronze plaque and the fallen silver cross.

"ACHOO!"

Signy and Altair winced. Nerva breathed deeply and tried to cover his nose, but another loud sneeze got out first. The Wizard doubled back and

"AHAHACHOO!"

"Ive taken a bath, you know" Signy grimaced.

Nerva shook his head vigorously, the sakkat trembling on his head. Beneath it Altair could make out his flushed face.

"You okay, Nervy?"

Nerva shook his head and sat down, clutching his stomach.  "I think Im going to be sick"

The three of them boarded the Mayflower a night before, a huge galleon ship heading for the island of Iris, just a few kilometers away from the restricted fortress island of Etheria. Altair was getting nervous, worried about his sister.

"Youre an Izludian!" Signy exclaimed.  "You should be used to seasickness!"

Nerva groaned and clutched his stomach tighter. Altair managed a shrill giggle.

"I cant believe you." Signy continued.  "Didnt you travel by boat when you were a little boy?!"

Nerva shook his head. Altair and Signy looked at each other, surprised.

"What? Youve never traveled by ship before?" Altair burst out.

"No" Nerva replied weakly.  "I couldntbear italways reliedon Warp Portals"

Signy threw back her head and started laughing loudly, Altair with her. Nerva stood up and searched for a bucket. When he found one he started to throw up.

"Ugh, that is disgusting!" said Altair.

The Peco-peco cawed as if in agreement, and Nerva the falcon blinked his eyes at his Wizard counterpart.

"We should reach Etheria tomorrow afternoon." Signy said as she checked her bow.  "Too bad no Acolyte or Priest ever set that place as a memo pointit wouldve been a lot faster"

At this, Altair fell silent. The only sound in the cabin was Signys twanging of her bowstring and Nerva throwing his heart out into the tin bucket.

"Shes going to be okay, Altair." Nerva breathed after he finally calmed down.

"I hope so" Altair wanted to say, but the words died even before they left his lips.

The door of their cabin opened and a young sailor went in with their lunch. The menu was roasted turkey, excellent mushroom soup and tall glasses filled with clear spring water. Signy offered food to Nerva, but the Wizard refused at once, knowing that if he ate hed just spew everything out again.

After the heavy meal Signy went out to the ships deck. The strong breeze greeted her. The ocean was such a splendid view. Signy remained outside for some time, looking at the sea. Just beyond this ocean was the continent of Amatsu. It would be a good idea to leave Schwarzwald

"Miss, youre heading to the island of Iris, right?"

Signy faced the sailor.  "Yes, why?"

"Were going to have a storm, Im afraid." The sailor answered.  "The weather changed so suddenly. I pray we reach Iris before it slams full-force, because this ocean is capricious. Anyway, maam, good day."

"Thank you." said Signy before returning her gaze to the sea.

The sea, a never-ending road. No matter where Lilian looked from Recias window she always saw the sea, with its white foam and cresting waves. Her face and her hands were pressed against the glass, her eyes darting here and there. Louisa was sleeping, not knowing she was already awake. Lady Recia did not return since yesterday. Lilian was worried. She wanted to return to her brothers warm embrace and to the comfort of his house in Alberta. She missed him already, but she couldnt escape.

Escape

Lilian caught her breath. She threw a cautious look at Louisa, who was still fast asleep on Recias exquisite four-poster bed. Lilian walked on tiptoe toward the door and tried it tentatively. She was surprised to find it unlocked.

Lilian went outside and closed the door very gently. Her head turned this way and that, her layered golden hair flouncing gently on her bare shoulders. She didnt know where she was, and she was sure this castle was huge. From the tales she heard in her stay in Midgard Academy, Knights castles could have as many as one hundred rooms. She prayed that this place was not as big as that, because she would certainly lose her way.

She walked the empty hallway bravely, her hand tightening on her knifes handle. Novices like her werent entirely defenseless. Lilian knew she had to use everything shed learned in Midgard Academy to get out of this place. Suddenly she wished she had the wiles of a Thief.

Banisters and tapestries hung on the bare castle walls. There were drawers and cupboards and a few chairs paving the long hallway. But she stopped walking when she saw a magnificent painting on the wall. The picture was of Lady Recias, done on egg tempera. The Recia in the painting was not wearing a Knights armor, but the dress of a true Lady. There was a man standing behind her chair who looked a lot like her. Lilian recognized it as the one who visited them to buy the sword. But they looked younger in this portrait.

The sound of upcoming footsteps jerked Lilians attention from the portrait. She turned her sights on a broom cupboard and opened it. Judging by its size she could easily squeeze herself in it. This she did. Lilian waited with bated breath inside the cupboards darkness. She left a small crack open to see if it was safe to come out.

An Assassin and a Wizard passed by, having a discussion. Lilian noted the fear in their voices.

"Mad, he is" the Wizard was saying, shaking his head.

"Ive always wanted to leave this guild, you know." The Assassin spoke nervously.  "I want to join Firnheild. But we all knowonce youre in this guild, youre in it for life. Leaving this guild means death"

Lilian listened, pressing her ear against the crack.

"I can never understand why I fell for Cedrics charms that day he went to Geffen and invited me." The Wizard continued, lighting a cigar with a matchstick.  "Shouldve refused him. Nerva alThor was still alive in those daysalready a Premier WizardI directly was under him. But Firnheild wasnt a Guild yet, so I had no choicegods sake, if only I knew were serving the Devil himself I wouldnt have"

"Youve heard, right? About the trouble were all heading towards?" said the Assassin.

"A Guild War with Firnheildmay the Eye save my soul." The Wizard said as he blew perfect smoke rings.  "Even though they dont have Wizards there their warriors are the best of the best. If truth be told I agree with the Lady; they shouldnt have brought Altairs sister hereits too dangeroushell, the lad might be in Prontera right now telling the tale to his comrades!"

 The Wizard and the Assassin left with hurried footsteps. Lilian waited some more before emerging from her hiding place.

An hour passed. Lilian found a secret stairway behind a large tapestry showing a bygone battle fought by the House of Hawke. Lilian knew Louisa was awake now and was probably looking for her. She had to get out of here as soon as possible.

Down and deeper she went. This hidden part of the castle had no tapestries, so the temperature was cold. The bleak candles did not provide even the tiniest ounce of heat. Every time she breathed Lilian could see white mist coming from her mouth.

After what seemed like eternity she reached the bottom of the spiral staircase. There were torches in the big, cavernous room she entered. She looked around in trepidation, knife in her right hand.

Shackles and chains hung from the bare stone walls and ceiling. Cobwebs and spiders webs were thick in the ceilings and dark corners. Worse of all, human skeletons lay scattered on the floor, some of them still in chains.

"Im in the dungeon!" Lilian gasped. "Oh no!"

It freaked her out to be in such a place. Castle dungeons were haunted, no doubt about that. And judging by the horrible torture instruments around her, Lilian knew she had better leave here.

She stepped over the bones and walked on, trying her best to calm down. A slight scratchy noise sent her to grab her knife and brandish it wildly. But oftentimes it was just the work of a Thief Bug, a Kukre or a Tarou, those eerie white rats rumored to possess Dark Magic. At last she came upon an ancient door.

Lilian tried the knob but it did not turn. She tried kicking but it did not work. She sighed and retreated some distance away, readying herself.

"YAAAH!"

She charged forward and slammed her body full-force on the door. The rotted wood gave way and she came hurtling into another room. Lilian looked up, quickly brushing dirt from her shoulders.

"Im in the rice storeroom!" she said, spotting hundreds upon hundreds sacks of rice.  "Im nearing a way out!"

But she knew better. Even rice storerooms had guards. She crouched low behind the sacks, edging carefully toward the tiny door at the far end of the room. If she made it outside

She heard a door slam. She stopped dead, listening. Somewhere there came a grunt and the sound of a sack being carried. After a few minutes the door slammed again. Lilian whistled nervously and continued edging toward the small door she believed led outside.

At last she reached it. She stood up and turned the knob. She quickly leapt to the other side, bouncing on her heels.

"Yes! Yes, I made it! Yes!"

"And you kept me waiting I wondered if you got lost."

Lilian stopped dead. She spun around and came face to face with Cedric Hawke.

"Hello, little girl." Cedric said, flashing his evilest smile.  "Going somewhere?"

Lilian gave a shuddering gasp. She was in trouble. Really big trouble.