Bay 12 Games Forum

"Kingdom of Kovalia has risen against Zorestrian Empire, citing wasting time and resources chasing some ancient mythical items while Kovalian people are overtaxed and affected the worst by weather disasters... Kovalian Pegasi and Magical Knights are fighting our troops in the Hills of Blood already... Now, all Kovalians that are serving at important positions or are acquitained to important Zorestrians are being held for questioning."

Ali looked at Kerr, then at Chance, then at the guards.

"I'm sorry, Chance, Maribel but I will have allow this to proceed, for now, those are my father's orders... though, give me an hour, and I will have you out of the dungeon, I promise." With that, he nodded at the Guards, grimacing at the fact he can't overturn his father's orders.

Maribel and Chance were pushed out of the hall in disgrace.

Maribel Rita and Chance Nakoris are currently inactive!

The guards didn't feel like they wanted to reply to any questions.

"Are you kidding!?" Rosana's burst came out loud and unexpected before Aliberti whispered something to her.

"Old man, why did you kill him! He was an ally, a friend!"

"T-Those are the protective measures of our ritual, Prince Aliberti. Your father, I mean, the King himself asked us to prepare such in case some unknown beasts or such than you would be returning..."

"And why we weren't told about that!?"

"His Majesty thought it would be better if you didn't know, just in case-"

"Now that's just preposterous! I will go talk with father! Kerr and others should go, especially Kerr, so Father can see what kinda foolish-"

"No, your friends have to stay here, Princess." One of the higher ranked guards spoke out of nowhere.

"Excuse me??"

"Who do you think you are to order us!"

"Prince, Princess, please! It's, ah, a necessity... can we talk about something very important? Privately?"

"You better explain this all or I swear we will be looking for a High Priest replacement." The elderly priest bowed his head and walked outside the circle of the guards and apprentices, while four men dragged Akk's carcass away.

The guards looked at the group, but didn't pay attention to basically no one except Chance for some reason...

Prince and Princess were talking with High Priest in a hushed tone in the corner of the hall.

"Now, don't you frown at me like that, Kerr." Prince Aliberti gave his friend a soft pat on the shoulder. "It will be allright." Then he turned to Artificer Nathal.

"I will let Akk come with us, but I cannot promise anything."

"Thank you." The elderly artificer bowed his head in gratitude just as Akk returned.

"They have agreed."

"I see. I am ready."

"Splendid! Chance-" But alas, Chance looked as if he was dozing off standing.

"Miranda, could you? Just be delicate this time." With that, Prince Aliberti held out the rosy brooch to the punchmonkwoman.

With a grunt of acknowledgment, the captain and his men helped other out of the longboat and then pushed it back onto the sea.

Now the Walkers were alone. Where they shall go? What they shall do? Do they brave the forest, do they walk along the beach?

---



Next seven days were full of boredom and tension. The wounded and weary recuperated well Soon the safe coast of Danemark was left behind as the longboat crossed the straits and sailed toward Elbion.

And lo, behold the mist-coated forests of this land! The land of rain and mystery and eerie shadows dancing amongst the tall leafy trees. They sailed northwards as the sailors knew that on the southern edge of the forested coasts there are no settlements nor even solitary hunters and trappers.

Finally, the captain of the longboat declared that he won't be risking his boat any more. The crew turned the boat toward the coast.

Svagard's War Brothers have reached Elbion.

---

~~Chapter 1: Shores of Elbion~~

With the wet sound grinding against the timber, the longboat stopped at this large sandy beach. Seagulls were flying above and the dark forest behind the beach was silent. The Danemark forest they visited was bright and had sun shining amongst the branches; but this place was dark, as if the air itself sucked away the daylight.

"So my part have been fulfilled. I have delivered you to coasts of Elbion and I shal report so to our High King." The captain spoke, staring at the forest, as few of his crew disembarked to prepare and push the boat back onto the sea once the Walkers will leave it.

Suddenly, the whole vessel began to hum and vibrate.

Margaret was gone from the room, too!

Then her voice came out from a corner of the ceiling: "This is your Hydro-G captain speaking! We will be launching very soon! The weather is sunny with just a small breeze. Please do not venture to the outside deck while the system is powering up, thank you!"