"Monsters In The Mountains

"Early in the morning, our brave rangers and scouts reported an influx of monsters migrating up and down the Highwall. Early reports suggest many outlying villages have been raided by the passing goblin tribes or other hostile creatures. The Adventurers Guild and Mercenary Guilds have already sent out teams to assist Redcloaks in stabilizing the region. Travellers to and from these areas are advised to bring armed escorts, and if possible, to avoid traversing these zones altogether. The Council of Stalwart Justice have also reported that Trinity Guards supported by Pathfinder teams have been deployed to the region to try and locate the cause of this migration event. A spokesman from the… "

- Arterian Affairs, Front Page, "Section: Front Page News."

Sophie raced onto the deck in the wake of the other adventurers and passengers. The sailors were hurriedly getting into their own positions as they arrived. The flurry of activity only made the knot in Sophie's stomach tighten further. There were no doubts now, trouble was approaching.

She searched the deck in a panic for her other comrades, only catching sight of the Inquisitor's black brimmed hat and the dark elf that was supporting her. But the bard was nowhere in sight. The elf however, seemed to have a sixth sense for where people looked and immediately turned to meet her gaze. Upon noticing her worried expression, Raylani casually gestured towards the helm.

Sophie followed her gaze and found the ship's captain peering out the starboard side with his telescope. Next to him, Elaria was busy saying something, though from where she was, Sophie couldn't make out the words. She was relieved that no one appeared hurt so far, nor did anything seem to have happened yet.

Although she could hazard a guess on what was about to occur based on what she saw over the starboard bulwarks. Though it was still in the 'distance', two large vessels of comparable size if not larger to the merchant ship were fast approaching. Based on how the crew were reacting and the alarm that sounded, Sophie guessed that outrunning their pursuers would not be a viable option.

Behind herself, a tired Traxian and the last of the other passengers managed to stumble their way onto the decks. Murmuring and speculation slowly grew until someone or another pointed out the approaching vessels. All eyes were now upon the ships as a fresh round of speculation erupted from the crowd.

"The hells is going on?" Lucinia growled at Sophie, the Traxian trying not to look fatigued from the sudden burst of activity.

"There are ships coming." Sophie informed her, "And based on the black and grey sails…"

"Imperial marines, lovely." Lucinia sarcastically drawled.

Sophie quickly pulled Lucinia aside, eliciting a growl from the former princess at the sudden contact. Once she was sure that the other passengers wouldn't overhear them, she pulled Lucinia in even closer.

"Could they be after you? The captain did say that we'd be travelling a known waterway for merchants so there shouldn't be trouble." Sophie whispered.

Lucinia recoiled and shot her an expression of absolute disdain.

"What?" Sophie hissed, offended at the sudden rejection.

"The horror. After me? Could it be that despite serving a noble household as a maid you have learned nothing? Pah, what am I saying? Lady Evaline is probably as carefree as you." Lucinia scoffed.

"Hey!" Sophie growled, ready to defend Eva's honor more than her own.

"Did you forget that I'm the exiled princess? Removed from the line of succession and all records expunged. I'm Traxian, sure. But that's about all they'll acknowledge. Long story short, I don't matter to them, not anymore."

It was Sophie's turn to feel offended at the princess's conclusion. Lucinia was correct in that her experiences in court were lacking due to her own fault, if a little in part for Eva's rowdiness generally keeping them apart from the greater court. Still, for someone well versed in courtly intrigue and politics, this a terrifyingly naive take that Sophie didn't expect from her.

Everything slowly clicked within her mind about Lucinia and Sophie felt as if she gained a new sense of understanding about the princess. While it was true that the Imperials have likely written her off as a non factor, she was still alive and a former member of the imperial family. That she was so callous baffled Sophie. She was a claimant to the throne, exiled or not, and valuable, that much Sophie knew. That Lucinia didn't or wilfully was trying to ignore was amusing to say the least.

"You're not…" Sophie murmured before shaking her head.

While she had confidence in her own conjecture about Lucinia's value, the princess was still right, in a way. To anyone else, they were simply a part of an adventuring team with little to draw attention to themselves save for the bard's performances. Though even that came with the caveat that Elaria often avoided mentioning anything regarding Lucinia. It is unlikely that anyone knows about her whereabouts. Even if they did, we got delayed by a day, the ship is different. They shouldn't know about when or where, so probably not after her, at least.

"I suppose you might be right there." Sophie reluctantly muttered.

Lucinia gave her a satisfied nod, "Quite right." She smugly stated before drawing Sophie's attention back towards the ships, "That's why they aren't here for me. My guess? If you'll actually spare a moment to consider my opinion, is that they are long range patrols on the search for smugglers or what not. Traxia never rests, nor does its navy in their quest to keep the seas safe."

"Right…"

Lucinia seemed disappointed by her lackluster response and tutted derisively at her.

"What?" Sophie huffed.

"My poor, stupid little elf comrade." Lucinia sighed, "Instead, we should turn our erstwhile queries onto the question of, 'if not my most valuable of Traxian allies', then what exactly are they looking for? What happened while we were preoccupied that would make them want to interdict a ship?"

"Okay, okay. I get it. Tone down the snark."

"Hmpf."

"But what does Interdict mean?"

"Ah?"

"The word?"

"Interdict, like interdiction. You know, a government stopping something."

"Mmm." Sophie grunted, appreciative but still a little miffed at the girl's initial tone.

"Where was I? Right. Something major must've happened. And before you ask, no, I don't think it's war, otherwise they would just blast us from there. Unless they're looking for loot." Lucinia mused to herself, "But otherwise, naval doctrine is more focused on control and deterrence. If they are looking to board, there must've been specific orders being made. Which means a goal outside of peacekeeping."

"I could've figured as much out by myself." Sophie grumbled.

Lucinia mimed thwacking the side of her head.

"You were the one who asked." She hissed.

Sophie quickly stepped out of arms reach and jokingly bowed. The Traxian mumbled some curse or another under her breath but did not pursue the matter. Instead, they both turned their attention to the rest of the ship. It was unlikely that anyone knew what was happening, though Lucinia's words about this beyond an ordinary stop seemed to be a sentiment shared by the murmurings of the others around them.

With the immediate questions asked and answered, the two shared a glance and made their way to the others. Mila still looked green in the face and was halfway between slumped and leaning against the bulwark. Raylani, the ever reliable assassin, gladiator and dancer, was busy making sure that the Inquisitor wouldn't just throw herself overboard by accident.

Having determined their approach without even looking over, the dark elf casually raised a hand to acknowledge them as they approached, keeping her other firmly attached to the girl's hat and head to keep her steady. Her ears definitely work better than mine, Sophie momentarily sulked. The two slid into beside the elf and gestured at the Inquisitor. Raylani simply raised an amused brow.

This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"She's been… better." Raylani stated brusquely.

To Sophie, that was a bit of an understatement. The Inquisitor was more than just fatigued or exhausted. She seemed almost completely spent having spent the best part of yesterday and now today just lolling near the edges of the ship in case her stomach acted up.

Mila only let out a low grunt in response, the girl's heavy breathing warning them that she was not yet recovered.

"I hear the whispers in the wind. Your people are coming." Raylani spoke without turning towards them, the dark elf keeping her eye on the approaching ships.

"That's what it looks like." Lucinia confirmed, "I told Sophie already, but usually they wouldn't bother trying to interdict this far out at sea. Not worth it for the most part."

"I see. So they are searching for something. Or someone?" Raylani briefly glanced back at the Traxian.

Lucinia flinched a little at the harsh stare, but by now, both she and Sophie knew that Raylani wasn't trying to be rude. The dark elf was simply very stoic and blunt.

"I told Sophie already that it was unlikely, given the circumstance and harshness of my… exile." Lucinia reluctantly mumbled, "Though I cannot entirely discount the notion that my presence might have something to do with it, unlikely as it might be."

Hearing this, Sophie immediately frowned. Before the other two could continue she made her indignation clear.

"Hey! When I said it you were all up in arms denying the possibility!" Sophie complained.

Lucinia just shrugged, "So?"

"You even had the gall to lecture me!"

Lucinia just gestured at her incredulously, "Well, yes. Because you're you." She stated nonchalantly.

"But you just agreed with Raylani about the exact same thing!"

"Well from then to now I gave your idea more thought, and now that even she mentioned it, I cannot entirely discount the possibility."

"Gah, whatever." Sophie huffed and crossed her arms,

She swore she heard Raylani let out a chuckle. But when she tried to look over the dark elf, there was no signs of it. Lucinia however, paid no heed to them and began tapping her feet. Oh, now she gets nervous. Sophie grumbled.

"Steady up!" Elaria's cheery voice interrupted the brief silence, "Seems we're to have guests soon."

"Ela?" Sophie instinctively queried at her sister's voice.

"You all look so gloomy, it's depressing." The girl tittered and patted Sophie on the head, much to her embarrassment.

"Any news from the captain, mistress?" Raylani ignored the cheeriness.

"Alas, the captain was just as worried as we were. It would seem, therefore, that we must prepare for the worst." Elaria sighed. Then the girl seemed to drop the facade, her cheery smile traded for a more serious frown.

"Mistress?"

"Raylani, go make sure all our stuff is packed up just in case. I'll handle Mila."

'Of course." The dark elf dipped her head and unquestioningly sprinted back down the deck.

"I can handle myself." Mila weakly scowled.

"Of course, of course." Elaria teased. The bard then nodded towards Lucinia, trying to grab her attention.

"Yes?" The girl tilted her head curiously.

"Get your and Sophie's stuff packed away too."

"Huh? Me?" Lucinia stared in surprise.

"You are the logistician in training." Elaria chuckled.

"Ah… ah, right. I'll see it done." The Traxian softly mumbled, clearly a little unused to being ordered around so directly for something so trivial.

That left Sophie with her sister and the inquisitor. Uncertain what Elaria's plan was but willing to trust in her just the same, she remained silent and kept her questions to herself Taking this as a sign of agreement, Elaria offered her a faint smile as recompense. The resigned sigh that followed made the message clear. Now, there was nothing to do but wait.

It was that eerie wait before disaster struck that always unnerved her. Although she was trapped out at sea, she found herself remarkably calm given the situation. A few other passengers and crew were nervous, but most of the chattering had died down and gave way to a resigned solemnness as they awaited the Traxians. Whatever was to happen, would happen.

According to Elaria, she had learned from the captain that due to this being a merchant vessel that worked as part of a bigger fleet, they generally had little to fear. With the ships Sophie had originally seen in the distance acting as screens or patrols for the trade lanes, most merchant vessels eschewed the hiring of highly skilled and highly expensive hydromancers for far cheaper mages skilled with basic water manipulation. The same with this vessel and thus, though they might survive an initial volley, they would certainly sink from the next one. It was why the captain was hesitant in antagonizing the Traxians in any way.

A normally efficient cost cutting measure until the moment things go wrong. In that case, whatever cargo demanded was simply surrendered, and the ship would be allowed to go, albeit with a heavy loss in value. At least, that was the procedure should pirates overtake the ship. Naval vessels were another matter entirely.

With the backing of a state and full fledged military apparatus, what felt discouraging regarding fighting pirates quickly became outright insanity. Not only were military vessels generally sporting multiple mages let alone one or two, they were usually designed for war. A devastating advantage in their favor when it came to interdicting larger merchant ships such as their current one.

As for themselves, two of them were hurriedly packing below decks while Elaria and herself watched over Mila. A part of her wondered how the calculus could change if Sigrid were here. After all, the mermaid had shown herself incredibly adept at controlling both water and water elementals back in the caves. Her face soon burned with embarrassment as she tossed the memory aside. Goddess, what a time it was back then. The chill of the cave and the waves still stung at her very soul and she unwittingly shivered at the phantom sensation. And what a sorry time that was.

By now, the other passengers had begun to accept the situation in full. Two groups of five and six adventurers respectively alongside a merchant and four guards. None of them appeared particularly eager to fight, in fact, Sophie's examinations led her to conclude that they were settling back in. Not relaxed, but far from the tension they had shown upon the first sightings of the ship.

Sighing, she leaned against the bulwark and stared blankly at the oncoming ships. On their decks, Imperial sailors waved a strange series of color coded flags which received a response in kind from the merchant vessel. All around her, the crew got to work as they lowered the anchor into the salty depths.

Against the rhythm of the waves, the ship lurched violently before righting itself as they slowly came to a stop. Mila unceremoniously hurled from the violent motion and expelled anything remaining into the waters below, both Sophie and Elaria quickly grabbing onto her to make sure she didn't join it.

"Fucking hells." Mila swore softly.

"It'll be alright. Get the last of it out." Sophie tried to comfort her.

The inquisitor just scowled but made no move to swat her away, though in her current state, Sophie doubted she could do much.

Holding their position, there was nothing they could do as the shadow of the Traxian ships soon reached them. They were now close enough that any half decent archer could begin an exchange of fire between the ships, but none came. So they aren't out to just kill yes, yet anyways. A small victory and pointless victory,, yet still capable of offering a brief flicker of relief.

As the Traxian warships now flanked their own, Sophie could only marvel at the sheer size of them up close. Standing almost two whole decks taller than the merchant ship, the warships were also filled to the brim with weak looking wooden cannons and humming with the familiar song of mana in the air. Though admittedly, compared to the clockwork weapons she had seen with the dwarves of Kaz Druzara or even the creations of the Calnodel's, these were but a poor man's imitation of such weapons. She remembered the dwarven barrels, the way their cannons seemed too bulky for them and the destructive potential they unleashed against the monsters. She doubted they could do even anything close to that. Given that there were certainly military mages on the ship, she suspected that the actual combat was to be done by them, while the cannons were to act up close and pacify opposing crew. In this case, us. Sophie noted glumly.

"Away from the edges!" A cry came from the warship.

Whistles and hollering amongst the merchant crew began to extricate anyone simply lazing about, making sure everyone was away from the Bulwarks. Naturally, Elaria and Sophie had to gently lug Mila behind them as they pulled her away too.

"So they come." Sophie muttered.

Sailors tossed large grappling hooks over to link the ships together. Once secured, long ropes flopped onto the deck of the merchant ship from above. Lightly armed marines decorated in blacks and reds climbed down the ropes, the sigils of a three headed eagle doing little to hide the awkwardness of the whole process.

Unlike the image of a chaotic deck fight as sailors leapt between the ships. Sophie found this to be a surprisingly dull affair. A methodical almost monotonous affair. Traxian marines descended from the ropes and slowly gathered near their entry point. Armed with short swords, sabers, and other weapons, she was at least relieved that none of them were drawn. In fact, a few sailors even had to step in to help one or two of the marines who got tangled up on the ropes.

Peaceful so far, at least. Sophie mused.

Her thoughts did not have time to bear fruit, however. For the moment the Traxian's officer descended the ropes, she could feel the wave of disappointment wash over her. Down from the ropes came a man dressed like the other marines save for an additional plate and pauldrons worn for protection. What tipped her off about his identity was also the plumed helmet he wore, one that Lucinia had once talked about the Traxian Legion's officers often sporting to denote rank by the color of their feathers.

While Sophie couldn't tell where this man stood in terms of rank due to her not knowing the Traxian system. She did know that he was here to cause trouble. For unlike the marines who scanned the passengers for threats or to intimidate, his eyes were narrowed as he seemed to search for something. Or someone. Whatever sense of vindication she felt was now smothered by the growing sense of unease within her. I have a bad feeling about this.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.