Fish

Fish
by SmartBomb

The sun was setting over the docks of Kamadan leaving a fiery array of light that cast over the skies causing the few, separated clouds to reflect bright orange. One peer reached far out into the glistening water and a man named Grim Mortbane sat on the end. Grim sat with his legs crossed and extended while his arms supported him sitting up. Grim tried to sit here on the docks every evening. He found it relaxing and peaceful; it gave him time to think. He heard the sound of the small, rushing waves crashing against the beach, the flying, squawking birds of the air and the steady hum of the crowds not far behind him. Grim absorbed these sounds as if they were the most blissful things he has ever heard.
After a few minutes the sun could no longer be seen over the horizon and a multitude of stars shown across the sky. Brightly lit lanterns studded the shorelines in order to light up the beach for the night. Grim was now lost in his own thoughts. For the first time in his life, everything seemed to happen perfectly. He had no troubles, no stresses, no worries. Best of all, he had recently accepted an offer for a new job. This job would pay enough to live lavishly for him and his son.
Grim loved his son, Roan. The fact that his son was a Charr made others feel uneasy about knowing him. However, this only strengthened Grim’s relationship with his son. Together, they had formed a trust and understanding for each other that most families never knew. They needed that kind of relationship to make it in such a judgmental world. Fortunately Tyria had been settling down from all its wars and people felt more lighthearted toward the Charr.
The new job Grim was about to take on required a week in the lands of Kryta where he would finish some disclosed business with several independent fishermen. Grim did not know to what extend of work this job required but he was lucky he even randomly ran into the offer. He decided he should leave the docks and head back home for the night.
Grim pushed himself up from the wooden boards of the dock and turned around only to see a mysterious silhouette standing at the other side of the peer. Grim looked at the figure with a puzzled expression on his face. The silhouette appeared to be a lightly armed assassin. Grim was used to seeing foreigners in such a big city. However, the person seemed to surprise him. Nobody else usually came to this spot during the evening. Grim moved on and walked toward the end of the peer. As he came closer to the figure he realized that the assassin was a young woman, probably in her mid-twenties. She had dark brown, shoulder-length hair and bright blue eyes. She was looking out into the ocean thinking to herself. Grim swiftly continued to walk toward the dock’s exit. The woman looked back at him while he walked away. She was sure to take note of his sense of awareness, the way he moved and his attentiveness to the rest of the crowd. She left the dock shortly after he disappeared into the hundreds of people at the heart of Kamadan.

* * * * *

Roan spent most of his time studying and playing with his friends. His friends were all humans but were very accepting of him and they studied Sunspear criteria in hopes that they would someday be able to serve their nation to their full potential. Roan, however, chose to study along his own interests. He studied the ways of arcane magic and necromancing. He learned very quickly and could achieve anything he put his mind towards.
Grim was walking through the door of their home while Roan finished making a special fish stew. The aroma was far too much for Grim but he certainly did enjoy the stew. Roan, however, loved the scent of boiled fish.
“Hello son!” Grim greeted with a smile on his face. He felt content whenever he came home.
“Hello father. I just finished making my special fish stew.” Roan’s voice was far deeper and grizzlier than Grim’s. “Since you’re leaving tomorrow, I figured I could at least make dinner before you go.” Roan was constantly trying to prove that he was a responsible boy. Grim often saw Roan’s willingness to be helpful while keeping up with his studies. Grim knew his son would take good care of the home while he was away for his business trip.
“Thank you, Roan. I must admit that I’m starving.”
“How was your day father?” Roan asked as he had everyday when his father came home. He was genuinely interested in the stories his father had to tell. However, some days Grim had no significant stories. Today was one of those days.
“My day was alright I suppose. I met with plenty of people who I will be leaving with tomorrow.”
“Father, when you go to Kryta…” Roan paused to think, “can you bring me back some fish?”
“Fish?” Grim chuckled. “Don’t we have plenty of that here in Kamadan?”
“Yes Father, but I heard from one of my friends that Kryta has all sorts of different types of fish. Many fish Kryta has aren’t available here.”
Grim thought about this for just a moment with a smile. “Sure, I’ll bring you back some exclusive fish.”
Roan smiled and proceeded to put the stew into bowls. “Father, can we eat outside, under the stars tonight?”
“Sure we can.” Grim replied.
They took their bowls of stew outside and onto the small patio. Grim’s home was very small and built on the side of a short cliff over the ocean. When they stepped outside, everything seemed bigger. The moon and the stars reflected on the waves. Kamadan was visible in the distance across the water. From there, they could see a plethora of lights and buildings. They could hear the faint hum of people talking, trading and bartering. It was quite a beautiful sight and Grim knew he would miss his home and his son for the week that he was gone. Grim knew that one week was not a long time but ever since his life started settling down, everything stated to seem more precious to him.

* * * * *

The next day Grim had left the house before dawn. He headed to the docks where a large boat awaited him and the rest of the crew. It took several hours for the crew’s entire luggage to be put on board and for the boat to be completely ready.
Just as the boat was about to leave the dock, one more crew member came running up the dock. She just barely made it on board and the ship began to drift away further into the ocean. The woman looked familiar once he took a second glance at her as she got on the boat. This vessel was rather large and had many other various business people aboard so finding her would be difficult. Instead, Grim simply sat on a bench next to the main cabin. He reclined himself and let the cool ocean breeze calm him. He shut his eyes but only for a moment. He didn’t want to fall asleep despite the fact that he was tired from getting up too early.
He looked back up at the crowd standing on the main deck. He saw many different people from many different classes. Some were very wealthy and others appeared to live modestly. He soon noticed that woman again. She was scurrying through the crowd as if she was desperately looking for something. After a few moments, she fixed her eyes on Grim. She had dark brown shoulder length hair and blue eyes that peered straight at him. There was no doubt that Grim knew who this was now. She was the assassin standing on the peer last night. She was no longer wearing the same armor she had on then. Instead, she wore simple merchant clothing that made her blend into most of the people rather easily. She walked toward Grim quickly now. He didn’t know what to expect.
“Come with me.” She told Grim. Her voice was quite and soft. She tried to avoid eye contact with him and she periodically looked over her shoulder as if she was afraid someone might be watching.
“Who are you?” Grim asked cautiously.
“Don’t ask questions. Just follow me and try to keep a distance.” She left before Grim could reply.
Grim wasn’t sure what to do but he had several more hours before he would reach Kryta. He figured he might as well see what this is about to at least pass the time. He slowly got up and started to follow the mysterious woman before she disappeared into the crowd.
Grim found it difficult to move among the people. He awkwardly bumped into other businessmen in the middle of their conversations. He squeezed past others who were unaware of his presence. Fortunately, he never lost sight of the woman. They finally got past the crowd and she went into a cabin. Grim entered the same cabin only a few moments later. When he entered through the door he was surprised to see that no one was there. He cautiously moved down a small hall that led further into the boat.
“Hello? Is anybody-” he was cut off and the woman swiftly pulled him into a small side room.
“Don’t be so loud.” The she sternly told him.
“What’s going on? Why are you following me?” Grim now spoke quieter.
“My name is Alysia Meloni. I tried to catch you before you went on board but I thought you were leaving later. I came too late.” She now appeared to be in distress.
“What are you talking about?” Grim continued to question her.
“Do you know who you’re working for?” Alysia wanted to see what Grim knew about the job.
“Well, it’s more of a freelance type of thing.”
“No, no, no. You don’t know the whole truth.” She stopped and looked at him. Grim didn’t know what to say. He just stared at her in silence. All he knew now was that something was wrong. He expected Alysia to explain herself but she never did.
“Forget about it… for now.” She said. “I’m not even supposed to be here. I’ll meet you later.” She walked out of the small room. Grim wasn’t sure how to process what just happened.
“Wait! Hold up!” Grim quickly leaped out of the room and into the hall but Alysia was no where to be seen.

Grim had difficulty sleeping that night. He felt as if something bad was about to happen but once the boat had reached Kryta, everything was moving along smoothly. Maybe that woman was mistaken, maybe she wasn’t thinking right. The next day was a productive day. Grim met with a few clients and made a few deals, everything was happening as expected.
Kryta, unlike Kamadan, was lush with green scenery. There was plenty of rich grass covering entire fields and hills. Trees were so dense in some areas that they appeared to become forests and jungles. Grim grew a fondness for the wildlife and atmosphere of this place. After a hard day’s work he would enjoy taking a stroll just outside of Lion’s Arch or go and visit famous landmarks such as the Temple of Ages. He felt very calm now. He often wondered what exactly that Alysia was talking about but somehow that thought had a tendency to drift away quickly.
Grim entered Lion’s Arch and started to head toward the ship for the night. As he did so, a strange man who appeared to be a merchant came running out of the ship.
“Fish! Fish!” he kept screaming.
Grim had no idea what was wrong with this man but it sparked curiosity. The man went running through the streets desperately trying to get attention. He ran up to business people but they would just shrug him off. He went to people who were simply trying to relax but they would just tell him to leave them alone. Soon enough, the man disappeared into the masses and Grim continued on inside the ship.
The further Grim went through the cabins, the darker it got. He figured he must have came in much later than usual and most of the people were probably asleep. He fumbled through the halls and finally found his assigned cabin.
The cabin was made up of many bunks for the people aboard to spend the night. Grim tried not to disturb the others who were sleeping so he moved very slowly as he searched for an empty bunk. He finally found one that had no luggage around it so he assumed no one was using it. He plopped onto it and closed his eyes. He didn’t realize how tired he was until actually got the chance to get some sleep.
He laid there for about a minute before he realized that there was a strange scent coming from the other side of his bunk. The first thought that came into his mind was the resounding “Fish! Fish!” but Grim quickly laughed that idea off… until he soon realized that there was a fish on his pillow.
He quickly jumped up in surprise and fell backwards onto another bunk. He sat on that bunk for a few seconds until he realized that there was yet another fish on that bunk. Once again, he jumped up in surprise. He stood between the two bunks with a puzzled look on his face. He slowly started to walk backwards to get away from the fish but just as he did so, he slipped and fell. Before he knew it, he was flat on his back. He distinctly heard the sound of a flopping fish out of water at his feet. Soon enough, another fish was flopping at the side of his head. The fish’s fin slapped him in the face. Grim got up quickly in shock while trying to avoid stepping on the fish.
Grim noticed another person in the room get up quickly in response to all of the ruckus. That person sprinted toward the nearest lantern which was on the other side of the room. Once the room was lit, Grim let out a yelp of surprise and jumped onto another bunk. There was fish everywhere! They were on the bunks, on the floor, in the luggage. Grim turned to look toward the lantern where the other person was. Once again, it was Alysia. Grim jumped from bunk to bunk to get to her.
“Oh good! You’re still here.” She told him with a sigh of relief. She was now wearing her light armor as if she was prepared for some sort of battle.
“What happened?” Grim had a difficult time speaking. Too many things were going through his mind and he didn’t know how to process them all.
“I was hoping you would have come back here for the night later than most of the people.” She spoke rather calmly considering the circumstances. “I suppose you’re probably concerned about what happened.”
“Yes! Yes I’m very concerned!” Grim was now shouting with frustration.
“Be quiet. We can’t let-”
“Be quiet? That’s what you told me last time!”
“Calm down!” She snapped back and quickly covered Grim’s mouth with her hand.
Just then, a loud crashing sound echoed throughout the ship followed by a few creaks and snaps coming from the ship’s wooden frame.
“Come with me.” She then took Grim by the hand and pulled him with her out of the cabin door and into a small hallway. She carefully took note of the surroundings. She turned down another hall and leaped into a small storage room.
“Don’t say anything.” She harshly told him.
They heard footsteps. They didn’t sound like normal human footsteps. They sounded like the large, heavy footsteps of a beast. A shadow appeared out of the storage room door. It was hard to see exactly what the shadow was but Grim could see that it was big and moving down the hall. Soon, Grim could see the figure in full view outside of the door. It appeared to be some sort of giant frog. The creature was about as tall as Grim and unlike most frogs, this one stood on his two hind legs. The frog stopped in front of the door and looked as if it was sensing something. It soon decided to move on.
Grim looked at Alysia. She was next to Grim and on her knees hiding behind some luggage. She waited for a few seconds once the frog had passed by and then determined that she should move out once again.
She cautiously peered out the door and moved down the hall. Grim was sure to stay close. As they moved further, Grim noticed puddles of water on the floor and soon there was water leaking from the ceiling. Later, there was fungus growing along the walls. It looked as if they were entering some kind of different world. And soon enough, they did.
Alysia turned a corner and they instantly found themselves in a different hall. This part of the ship was not made from wood and nails like most of the place was. This part had various types of vines and plant roots making up the walls. Large flowers bloomed on the vines and a dense, blue fog prevented them from seeing much further. Alysia stopped and appeared think to herself for a few seconds, as if she was debating with herself whether to continue on into the fog or not. After those few seconds they heard the same beastly footsteps again and they continued through.
Once they entered the fog they wouldn’t have been able to see their own hand in front of themselves. Grim struggled to reach out for Alysia so he wouldn’t get lost. He soon grabbed her shoulder. And held on as she ran fiercely through the mist.
“Hold up!” She yelled out. Grim didn’t process this and within a split second he halted too late. He bumped into Alysia and they both fell to the ground. The ground was soft and covered with moss so they slipped further and further until they started spiraling downloads as if the ground had turned into some kind of slide.
Soon enough, they stopped and slammed into a small, shallow pool of water. They stayed there for a few seconds trying to catch their breath. However, Grim soon realized this wasn’t possible because his face was in the water.
Grim got up quickly and took a deep breath of the fresh air. He wiped the water from his face and opened his eyes to the amazement that was before him. They were clearly no longer aboard the boat. All around them were shallow waters, swampy plants and trees and the fog had cleared up a bit. The aqua-blue aura remained throughout this entire swampland. Once again, fish appeared all around them in the water.
“Poor fish. What a shame.” Alysia said under her breath with a tone of disappointment.
“Poor fish?” Grim exclaimed. “What about us? Where are we?”
“I suppose I should explain myself.” She then paused, thinking of how to tell Grim exactly what was happening. “I tried to tell you but there was never a good time.”
“What are you talking about?” Grim was just as curious as he had been this entire time but now he was glad that he would finally get some answers.
“All your business partners are gone.” She somberly told him. I was hoping I could get an entire group together to fight back but now we only have each other.
“Where are they?” Grim was afraid to ask. Alysia simply looked at him with a slight frown. At that, Grim knew what had happened. Ever since he had entered the ship he had experienced unreal circumstances. He knew that all or at least most of the people onboard where now nothing more than fish. Oddly enough, this didn’t seem so weird to believe after what he’s been through within the last few minutes. Grim looked to one of the fish swimming around in the water, pointed to it and looked to Alysia. He was about to speak but Alysia simply nodded knowing the question he would ask.
“Yep. None of them started out in life as fish.” She added to her expression. “This isn’t the type of business trip you would expect.” she went on, “That frog-thing we saw… he’s one of the most professional fishermen in the business. Only me, and now you, know how he’s become so successful. Most people don’t even know he’s an actual beast! They believe he’s a human. He never actually fishes, he just transforms unlucky people into his finely assorted fish products.”
“Is this where he keeps all of them?” Grim asked.
“Yeah, the ship has a leaky portal. That beast put it there and this is where he stores all of those unlucky souls.”
“Did he get everyone?” Grim was hoping that at least a few people have escaped as witnesses.
“Well, he didn’t get you and he didn’t get me. There was also another guy who saw what happened but he just ran out of the ship screaming.” Of course, Grim knew Alysia was referring to the crazed guy he saw just before he entered the ship. “I’ve been observing you for a while now. You are very attentive and I knew you probably wouldn’t hang around the ship too often. You had a lesser chance of being around when the beast transformed everyone into fish.”
“So what do we do now?” Grim hoped this would be that last question he would have to ask before they could actually do something.
“We have a responsibility now.” Alysia told him. “We must restore these fish to their natural form. It’s not going to be easy. The only way we can do that is by harnessing the beast’s skills. They are all contained within a certain staff he carries around with him.”
“A certain staff? I’ve never heard of skills being contained in a portable object before.”
“It’s very weird, I know. But I almost got to the staff once before. He had it attached to a bag he slung over his shoulder when I saw it. I reached out for it then because I knew that once I had it, he would be powerless. Even if he did notice me I would have been able to defeat him.”
“What if you’re wrong? How do you know the staff is that powerful?” Grim was excited to take on a new adventure but his concerns were very real.
“I’ve seen how the beast uses the staff before. I’ve seen him turn innocent people into weird looking sea creatures. I’ve thought about it for a long time and it only makes sense.” After she told Grim this, he knew it would take nothing more than trust to believe what she was saying. Soon after, Grim had no choice but to believe her.
“I suppose you should see if she was telling the truth!” A harsh, raspy voice came from behind the two.
They both turned around to see none other than the beastly frog himself. He had his staff raised as if he was about to do something drastic. The staff was in Grim’s reach. He quickly looked over to Alysia. She nodded. Grim knew what to do and he set his eyes on the staff. Meanwhile, the only thing that was going through his mind at that moment was “I don’t think I’ll bring Roan any fish after all.”

A Peculiar Stranger

A peculiar stranger

Morag D

The world was on fire. A most ordinary day had turned into a horrid, chaotic maelstrom of fire and steel and blood in the blink of an eye. The spot where the vanguard had been a moment ago held nothing but a scorched patch of earth. Comrades screaming, running. Ambushed! The trees were burning, dropping embers and ash on the wounded fleeing in terror, and still the sky rained fire. A blazing branch missed her by inches, the wave of its heat washing over her. She screamed at the running to re-form, to hold, to fight, screamed until her lungs hurt. A few brave ones rallied to meet the onslaught, but they were cut down as the enemy advanced. Too many! She turned and ran, crashing into the burning forest, tripping, almost falling, then running again. She could not remember when she’d lost her shield, but it did not matter. Her arms were scorched where the heavy armour did not cover them, and the plate mail felt like a furnace, but it did not matter. Surviving mattered, and holding onto the spear. You must never lose your spear.

After a mile or so the heat faded, and the sounds of battle had ceased. Her heart felt like it was about to burst, her legs were burning and it hurt to draw breath. She stumbled and fell, caught herself on a branch and slumped down to the ground. Panting she leaned against a trunk. She needed to rest, just for a moment. Not for long, surely they were close behind. Just for a moment. The forest was cool here, and dark, soothing after all the heat. She felt the panic subside. Then a twig cracked close by.

She woke with a start, heart thumping wildly against the inside of her chest, instinctively groping for her spear. It was dark in the steppe. No trees, no battle, no pursuit. Just cold sweat, telling her it had only been a dream. Another one. Her small fire had almost burned down, and a soft breeze played with her hair. The peacefulness seemed nigh on ridiculous after the nightmare’s chaos. And yet… There was another crack in the undergrowth, just behind her. She jumped up and whirled her spear around with lightning speed and a catlike ease that spoke of much practice in such things. A bit too much, for her taste.

“Woha! Easy.”

Just beyond the tip of her spear stood a hooded man, hands held up in an apologetic gesture. He was tall, broad-shouldered and dressed in the traditional long robe of the dervishes. He seemed unarmed, but then looks can deceive. That billowing robe offered ample opportunities to hide weapons.

“I mean you no harm,” he said. She noticed that he hadn’t stepped back although her sharp spear was closely threatening his throat. The man had some guts. Another fighter, most likely. She had met too many of those in her life.

“I’ve seen your fire, and truth be told, I’ve got somewhat lost. Would you allow me to sit with you?” The deep voice spoke with a barely noticeable Istani accent, a bit like her own. A travelled man, then, and with some education. Still he showed no signs of nervousness.

“What are you doing out here?” she growled.

“I’m just a traveller. An adventurer, if you like. I got lost.” He shrugged, as if getting lost was no big deal for him. “Will you let me sit down? I’m very tired.” He slowly reached up and slid back the hood that shrouded his features in darkness. The face that emerged from the shadows was dark and weather-beaten, strong and bearded, but not unkind. His dark brows and deep-set eyes gave him a slightly stern look. Although the wrinkles around his mouth spoke of much laughter, his eyes had a hard glint in them. A man not to be messed with.

“Apparently you wish to die a painful death, stranger, sneaking up on people like this,” she said, but she allowed herself to relax a bit and lowered her spear. Not entirely though. You must never drop your guard.

“Tell me your name,” she demanded.

“Grim.” He frowned at her.

“That’s what the wars do to you,” she replied harshly.

“No, that’s my name. Grim.”

“Strange name,” she said, not accusingly but as if stating a plain fact. The stranger snorted. “Tell me about it,“ he said with a small grin.

Having positively decided that the interview was over now, the dervish settled himself down at the opposite side of the half-dead fire, looking completely at ease. He moved with calm determination, slowly but efficiently and wholly without the silly flamboyant gestures other magically talented guild-members tended to use. She noticed that the fire was not entirely between them – the stranger had picked a spot that was far enough away from her to make her feel a fraction more comfortable, but making sure that the brightness of the flames did not stand directly between them. He wanted to keep an eye on her. Definitely a fighter. Or perhaps it was all just coincidence. Inwardly she chided herself for all that bad faith. Had she always been this jumpy? Probably not, but it felt like a lifetime ago. Bad faith was the reason why she was still here, where others were not.

While she studied the stranger, the dervish had muttered something under his breath and the flames had resumed a merry, albeit bluish dance. Handy. The man had also produced some food from a pouch, dried strips of meat and some desert fruit, and offered some to her. She was starving, and the prospect of something to eat made her mouth water.

“No, thank you,” she said. She had seen comrades drop dead from poisoned food offered around various tables and campfires too often. The dervish shrugged indifferently.

“Suit yourself.” For a while they sat in silence while the fire crackled happily and the stranger ate. After some time he looked up, considering her intently for a few seconds. She frowned. What? Would he compliment her next? People said she was beautiful. They said that her dark skin was perfect, her white hair that of an angel. Perhaps she had been, once, but it felt like a lifetime ago. In truth she was scarred and nightmare-ridden. The wars had claimed her beauty. But they had also claimed her will to care.

Suddenly the stranger’s face lit up.

“I know you,” he said. “You led the charge on Gandara.”

On Gandara and half the rest of the civilised world, she thought. And some uncivilised places too.

“So?”

“I was there. I was in your division.”

“Good for you. Does that make us friends now?”

“Have you always been this grumpy?”

“What’s it to you, anyway?”

Frowning, the dervish returned to his meal. She felt empty. The bad faith had slapped her again, and the stranger too, for good measure. You could at least make some effort. And then what? She had no place in her life for friends. Not in this life. And yet there was something about this peculiar stranger that made her regret her last words. At least speak to him, a voice from the past said inside her head. Slowly she shook her head. Then she forced the anger from her face.

“I’m Eryn,” the dark-skinned woman said. It wasn’t much of a peace-offering, but it was spoken without the bitterness and the razor-sharp edge her voice had held before. Grim looked up and in turn offered her a half-smile.

“Pleased to meet you.” More silence, only this time embarrassed rather than laden with violence. She wasn’t looking at him and instead had absent-mindedly started poking at the blue fire. Not that it needed stoking. He remembered her vividly now, a powerful young commander in the skin of a beautiful girl. The men had adored her. The women had followed her willingly. A rising star. That was before he’d left the Sunspears, all those years ago. The woman across the fire was different in many ways. Older, twitchier and much more aggressive. And grumpy. When she stole a glimpse at him he could see sadness and bitterness in her unusual purple eyes. But even though a thin scar now ran from her left eye to the corner of her mouth, she was still beautiful, still radiated this powerful energy that had drawn all those soldiers to follow her. And she had given them victory. She still carried the shield that was etched with the Sunspear symbols. He shook his head and snorted silently.

“Sunspears,” he said dismissively.

“What about them?” she retorted, aggression back, armed and ready.

“Nothing. I just… disagree with their ways. I quit.”

“Ways?”

“Submission. Obedience. All that never-fight-alone nonsense. In a fight, you’re always alone. There might be comrades next to you, but they can only help you so far. When things get tough, you’re on your own. I was better off without them.” Grim shook his head again as if to rid himself from old memories. He had left the Sunspears and their ways behind long ago. The decision had not been made lightly. You did not turn away from the Sunspears lightly. They were all that was something in Istan. A future, a reputation, respect and honour. Submission and obedience.

Eryn had gone silent again. Her hand touched her shield instinctively, thoughtfully, as if looking for reassurance. When she spoke, her tone was flat.

“They’re all I’ve ever known. They gave me a home when I was an orphan. They gave me training and perspectives. They taught me how to fight and survive. I owe them everything.” Words spoken readily, but without conviction.

“They gave you a brainwashing,” Grim said, trying hard not to sound too offensive. “They’re good at that, believe me. They make you think they’re the only truth out there. But I’ve been around a bit, and I’ve seen other truths. So have you.”

“Who are you to judge them?” she retorted sharply. “You quit. What do you know?”

“Yes I quit. And from what I can see, maybe you should have done the same.” The silence was back once more. He hadn’t meant to give her a lecture, but when it came to Sunspear mentality, his mind was set, and not too favourably.

“Maybe,” she said sadly after a while. Grim felt a twinge of compassion. He hardly knew her, hadn’t seen her in Dwayna only knew how many years, and yet he felt oddly sorry for this woman who was all armour and bristling blades and yet but a shell of her former self.

“I’m sorry.” And he meant it. “It’s not for me to criticise other people’s way of life.”

“No, you’re right.” Surprised, Grim looked at her. She continued staring into the fire, talking silently as if to herself. “They give, and they take. They gave me a future, but it was an illusion. They gave me comrades, and now they’re all gone. I’ve fought in countless battles, ambushes, skirmishes. Climbed walls through my comrades’ blood and gore. Killed enemies, and got my friends killed. Now there’s only emptiness…” She looked up sharply. “Balthazar only knows why I’m telling you this.”

Grim smiled sadly. Her guard had slipped for a second, and he could see she was embarrassed about it.

“I was once feeling a bit like you do.” He held up his hand to quench any ‘how-do-you-know-how-I-feel’s and continued. “I’ve seen my share of violence. It kills something inside you. But there’s redemption out there.”

A sneer. “Oh really?” He smiled.

“Yes, really.”

Later, when she’d fallen asleep, he watched her. It had taken some convincing to make her give up her watch. She didn’t trust people lightly. But he really couldn’t blame her for that. The fire was slowly dying down once more, and this time he allowed it to. The steppe was peaceful. In the distance a desert bird called. Grim said a prayer to each of the gods that granted a dervish his strength, and a few words to the new godess Kormir for Eryn. He smiled to himself. She would have dismissed his efforts as superstition. He still did it. For good measure. Then he cast a spell of silence over the camp and waited.

Eryn woke sharply in the morning from that familiar feeling in her guts that told her something was off. She had come to trust this feeling. The sun had just risen and the air was still cool. As slowly and quietly as she could, she reached for her spear, at the same time brushing aside the cloak that had served as a blanket. This was becoming too much of a routine. Maybe the dervish was right. Maybe. Fingers closing around the cold metal, she felt the familiar pulse of the spear. It had been forged in the depths of Abaddon’s realm just after the fall of the Margonites, and she had come to feel comforted by the odd pulsating light that the black metal radiated, as if it had a life and heart of its own. It felt powerful. Few could wield such a weapon, but she delighted in it. Excelled in it.

Suddenly remembering what had woken her, she turned slowly, bringing up her spear. Shock surged through her. In the blink of an eye she had assumed her well-practised battle stance and was about to throw her spear when something made her hesitate. A big, furry beast with massive claws, teeth and horns had invaded their camp at night! Why hadn’t she heard anything? Her sleep was light at best. And yet here it was, all orange fur and black stripes. A charr! An almost fully grown charr, here, in her camp!! Bloody dervish, so much for taking over my watch! Then she realised what had stalled her throw.

The beast was fast asleep, snuggled up tightly to the stranger, who was fast asleep as well and had a hand buried in the charr’s fur. She was so surprised she took a wrong step and promptly stumbled over her pack, bringing her equipment and shield down in a crash. Both charr and dervish jumped. The charr scrambled up and hid behind the stranger. Now that was something she had not seen before. Grim was up in a blink and held his hands out defensively, not too far from the tip of her spear. That was something she had seen before, and not too long ago. She gave him a hard look.

“Explain,” she said. Grim gave her a radiant smile. He half turned and pointed at the young charr.

“This,” he said, “is my redemption.”

Later, when they had broken camp and all were set and ready, Eryn looked once more at the unusual couple the dervish and the charr boy made. The young beast had come to see Grim as his father, and she could see they truly loved each other. Turning away from the gambolling furball, he looked at her warmly.

“Where will you go?” he asked her.

“Don’t know. Where do you go when all friends are dust and all wars fought?” she replied. Was that sadness in her voice? She couldn’t tell.

“Come to Vabbi with us. You might like it there.” What a ridiculous suggestion. And yet she could tell he meant it sincerely. He really was a peculiar stranger. She tried a smile. It felt odd.

“Maybe,” she said.

The Mortbane Family Legacy

Grim Mortbane – The Mortbane Family Legacy

by Pumpkin Pie

For months now, things have been unexciting, arousing no interest in Grim Mortbane and he is terribly bored except for the companionship of Roan, they travel together through villages, seeing fireworks, hearing cheers, gratitude and thanks from all walks of life.

“You’re a hero and saviour, Mortbane! We owe our life to you.” A town folk cry out.

Grim turns and nods as a gesture of acknowledgment and thanks, his scythe never leaving his side, making it like he is the reaper himself with all the different colours lights under the night sky.

Grim’s heart is disquiet, restless like the red, blue, yellow and green fireworks; does he wish to return to Istan? Indeed, Grim Mortbane had intended to bring Roan to meet with his family, for he has grown very fond of this Charr teen, but is this the time to return home? If only he could. If only he could.

He try to be a good guardian as best he could, as he have grown up without one himself, he is clueless in teaching him family life, but he could teach him all he knows about being a Dervish, and show him how to use a scythe to perfection. All the celebrating and drinking of Aged Dwarven Ale have made him homesick even more than usual, it reminds him of how sweet the smells of the Vabbian Wine is and the smooth taste from the Zethuka’s Jug.

“You haven’t tasted ale if you haven’t drank from Zethuka’s Jug, lad” said Grim

“I can’t wait to try it, father” answer an enthusiastic Roan.

“Don’t call me father!” Grim growls, thinking he might have to leave him like his father did. He prefers to stay as guardian keeper, for the bond seems closer this way, but Roan does not know and he too is troubled now.

The destruction of the Great Destroyer brings lights, hopes and cheers again to Tyria and most importantly the Land of the Golden Sun, Elona, where Grim Mortbane grew up and all things he love are. He has helped his people and they are now safe. Aaliyah, oh lovely Aaliyah, what wouldn’t he give to see her right now, to hold her in his arm again, to take a long walk with her along Mehtani Key again, waiting for the return of the fishing boat at dawn.

“Promise me you will come back safe, my love.” Aaliyah’s voice echoes as if she is beside him now.

Holding her hand tighter and pulling her closer to him, “I will come back and put the biggest, most beautiful Gems Tyria has to offer on your crown” he lightly tap Aaliyah on her temple. Aaliyah is a paragon by birth and they wear special gemstones on the temple when married. “Take care of my grandmother while I am gone, Aaliyah” He reach down and give Aaliyah a long passionate kiss as if promising his return.

Grim fought the Great Destroyer thinking of all the good things back home. He grew up with Aaliyah on the Istani islands, before he left to become a Sunspears, he had promise to bring her the finest mini pets collection he could find on his journey, Grim is especially knowledgeable with pets as he love animals all his life, now, he only have one left to locate, a mini Gwen. However, this thought did not bring peace to Grim’s heart, there is a fretfulness inside him, what, he cannot tell, a calling, a hunger, a thirst that is greater then seeing Aaliyah again, and he cannot seems to satisfy it, a great emptiness that even while he bathe in all this victorious glory could not be filled. He is destined for a far greater and more important task. He knows it, but what task? A task that will take him farther away from his home, a task he did not yet know, for this is a task that the Mortbane family has been entrusted for centuries. A task that when an eldest Mortbane child reached adulthood has to fulfill, like his father before him.

He turns facing the Blazeridge Mountains and saw in a great distance, (dervish can see way further then any other profession can) dark clouds hovering over the crystal desert. His heart sunken, he must go there.

Meanwhile in Vabbi, Aaliyah too, sees the dark clouds hover above the crystal desert. A tear fells, and she didn’t even know why.

“Come away from the window, my child.” says Grim’s Grandmother extending her arms. Grim’s Grandmother is a Ritualist, she knows things, and sees the future thru her spirits.

He is to travel across The Blazeridge Mountains, the mountain range that separates Ascalon and the Crystal Desert, to the one and only known human settlement, the Fortress of Ebonhawke. There lies the answers to his hunger, his thirst and all the questions surrounding his father would be answered when he reach the Fortress of Ebonhawke. It would also mean he is to walk the path his father has taken long ago. And make the dreaded choice of leaving behind his beloved family. Once in the Fortress of Ebonhawke, Grim Mortbane is to take an oath, an oath of death and silence. Death if he failed to protect the scrolls, silence to never speak of the whereabouts of the scrolls to any living beings, and to guard the scrolls as his father before him did and lead a life away from as little human encounter as possible, he is to inherit the task of becoming the Keeper of the Scrolls. Now leave the question, will he be able to fulfill this task knowing he have to leave behind his family, his adopted son, Roan and not seeing his brother and sister ever again, and especially, not seeing Aaliyah, will she ever understand why Grim would never ever return to his beloved homeland? Will he do this to his beloved as his father did him? It would be a lonely task, the Keeper of the Scrolls will have to make himself scarce in the world, and disappear from the common folks to live life in isolation for if the whereabouts of the scrolls is known, many Villains would want to get have control over these scrolls. Long ago, the Cataclysm was such an incident where a scroll have been stolen, and a destructive force was caused by a forbidden spell that turn Vizier Kilbron into the lich lord, the same that causes Argus Mortbane to forget that he is the keeper of the scrolls along with all his memories of his family, his wife and Grim Mortbane.

The scrolls contains vast amount of knowledge, collection across various lands from many centuries ago, abundant of information, skills, spells, tales of hero from far away land, secrets to unlocking treasure chests and vast riches, whereabouts of the last dragon, methods to slay Glint, all things Tyria are to be found in theses scrolls. In time of great danger they are able to use to summon the Great Giants that is found deep in the Charr’s homeland and the Crystal Desert, all these for the greater good of Tyria. Will Grim Mortbane be able to answer his callings and fulfilled his destiny when the time comes?

The Gathering of Heroes

Each dawn in Tyria, another hero’s journey begins. Not knowing what lies ahead, Grim Mortbane sets off following his heart’s whispers, he travels south away from the icy cold of the North. Bidding goodbye to the whistling sound of the north winds, which even now he has not grown accustom to. He remembered when he had first arrived at the Eye, he was not ready for the cold, for he has not seen cold, a young lad from the land of the rising sun, and no one would make him any winter clothing as they do not as yet know of his gallantry, nor did they know that this person would be the slayer of the Great Destroyer and Savior of Tyria. But he made friends along the way, his helpful nature, and skill with the scythe, never before seen and his bold heart has helped him to slay and tame great wurms and berserking monsters and thus earning him quite a reputation and thrust amongst the local people. Now he is to set off on the longest journey he will ever take, leaving once again the people that he had grown to love. This could possibly be his last journey if at the end he chose to become the Keeper of the Scrolls. However, he is happy and content now, for he does not know what lies ahead, and he has Roan with him, and Aaliyah waiting for him. He plans to teach Roan everything he knows as a Dervish, ways to swing a scythe, and his secrets of keeping up multiple enchantments and not get exhausted, he is keeping the secrets of turning into gods forms for last, and most importantly the perfectly balanced skill set an Ascended Hero would know on to Roan, The Charr orphan that he has rescue and raise as his own, by passing on his knowledge to Roan, he will have unknowingly pass on his family legacy to Roan, for if, by the time Roan became an adult (reach level 20) and Grim is without a blood heir, the burden of the Keeper of the Scrolls would befall Roan, Roan will then feel the same thirst and hunger Grim now experience and starts the Journey across the Blazeridge Mountains.

Sainte Maure is a monk out of Cantha, he drinks a little too much rice wine at all times, but how he managed to become a member of the UAXs is beyond comprehension. A member of the UAXs knows all there is to know about monk and any other skills available across the lands of Tyria, Sainte Maure is usually a loner who travels kill and loots his enemy, he is very greedy, he often carry with him skills of the fifty five, because he loves gold. His fondness for gold and all thing luxurious, has made him forgets the primary reason he first join the monastery and what a servant of the divine spirit must do, uses prayer to protect, preserve, and restore the well-being of companions. Now, all he wants is more gold and nice beautiful armors from far away lands. That is why he is here, far away from his home, across seas and deserts. At least that is what he thinks he is doing for he is summon here without him know it.

Sitting alone in the dark corner of the Bay of Sirens Inn, Sainte Maure sips on some kind of dwarven ale and he dislike it, but that doesn’t stop him from getting drunk, because he has already gulped down the last of the rice wine he brought from home. It is raining heavily this night and many travelers have taken refuge in the inn. People coming and going, but tonight more are coming in then going because of the heavy rain. 2 strangers who just walk into the inn caught Sainte Maure’s eye, Sainte Maure immediately recognize one of them as an enemy type, but he is a tiny one compare to the many he had slain and looted on his travel here, those he knows as Charrs. “What could a Charr be doing with a Sunspears this far out.” a thought came to Sainte Maure’s mind, but that thought didn’t occupy him for long, his eyes is now fixated on what the Sunspears is wearing, how beautiful it look, such fine craftsmanship and work on Elonian Leather has never been seen by Sainte Maure before, not even on his long journey, it is breathtakingly beautiful, he must know where to get an armor like that. He retreated back further into the dark corner and keeps a vigilant eye on them while thinking up a safe way to approach the Sunspears and the Charr.

Grim approach the inn keeper, they appear to exchange words, after some bargaining, he pays the inn keeper and gesture to the Charr to follow, they sat down directly across Sainte Maure and the barmaid, a female Krytan with lovely tanned skin comes from now where and brought them each a jug of ale, “they must not have gotten a room then” thought Sainte Maure. “I could invite them to share my room, be friendly and ask the Sunspears where to craft such a beautiful armor.” thought Sainte Maure, he picks up his half filled mug of dwarven Ale and went across the room towards the Sunspears and the Charr.

“What brings you to this part of Tyria at this late hour?” Sainte Maure asks.

Grim hesitated, then reply “why do you ask?”

“Well, because its raining and you seem like you needed a place to stay,” Sainte Maure take a sip from his jug. “I am willing to share my room with you if you tell me where I can get an amour like that for my size made.” Sainte Maure makes a gesture with his head at Grim’s Armor and took another sip from his jug.

“We sure can use a place to rest” Says Roan, “As for the armor, you’ll have to ask, erm… him.” Roan hesitates and decided not to call Grim his father.

“If you help us in our quest, I’ll personally bring you to my Armourer when we are done?” Says Grim looking directly at Saint Maure.

“He look sincere enough” thought Saint Maure and holds up his ale mug to make a toast: “I’ll drink to that.” Sainte Maure finished his jug of ale. “So tell me, where are we going, and what sort of quest are we talking about?”

“A quest you can’t do without my help.” An arrogant voice said.

“The name’s Norgu. Norgu of the Lyssan Fools acting troupe, at your service” Says Norgu as he take a bow as if thanking his audience.

“Can’t help but overhear you guys talking about a quest. I like to offer you my help. Ever since the great destroyer had been slain, I’ve been waiting for another exciting quest.” says Norgu, now a little less arrogant, still with an air of artistry.

“You? with that fat mid section?” said Sainte Maure, “what can you do to help?”

“I know you, you are the hero everyone’s been talking about. Grim…..” Norgu snaps his fingers in mid air, thinking hard.

“Grim Mortbane” answers Grim

Sainte Maure turns to look at Grim with surprise.

“So you are the great Grim Mortbane” says Sainte Maure.

“It’s an honor to meet you Grim Mortbane, you’re my hero!” Norgu ignored Sainte Maure’s comment and proceed to greet Grim. “So, how about it, can I come along?”

“I have no objections and you are very welcome to join us.” says Grim.

Sainte Maure protests “but he’s fat in the mid section!”

“And you are short” retorts Norgu.

And so, the party grew from 1 and a half to 3 and a half

They stay for a bit longer to get to know each other, after many more jugs of ale, when they cannot drink anymore, they all retired to Sainte Maure’s room for some rest before the long journey ahead tomorrow.

Meanwhile, a corsair’s ship is sailing across the Bay of Sirens, onboard the corsair’s ship is Aaliyah and a teenage boy. They have set sail across the vast ocean to find and be reunited with Grim Mortbane. She sense that her presence is much needed. She bid goodbye to Grim’s grandmother, picks up her gear and boarded the corsair’s ship paying them everything she owns with a little left for the unknown road ahead. Even then she and Reth have to work for their keep onboard the corsair’s ship. But she didn’t care, she knew once she crossed that ocean, soon she will be united with her beloved Grim, to be with him and fight by his side like they used to in Istan. Standing on the foc’sle of the ship, she can feel the salty sea air blows against her face, her long flowing hair dancing with the wind tickling her cheeks.

The teenage boy asks: “Are we going to see my dad soon?”

She did not reply, for she does not know where he is, it is only a feeling, a strong feeling that she must join with him and bring Reth to him, for if she does not make this journey, she may never see his return to Vabbi. She must not fail Grim now, it is very important that she bring Reth to him, Reth was born 9 months after Grim left on his Journey to the far away cold places. She named him Reth, meaning “Kingly” because Grim is her king, and she long to be with him once more.

“Land is not far away Reth, the corsair captain says we will see land in a couple of days, all we can do is hope we are not too late.” Aaliyah finally reply.

And so the Journey on both side carry on, will they meet each other?

“Finish up your practice with the scythe Roan, come finish your breakfast, we have to packed for the road, this is not a safe place to linger.” Says Grim.

“Ready when you are Grim.” Says Sainte Maure.

“I’ll go ahead scouting, you guys catch up.” Says Norgu.

“In that case, I’ll come with you.” Says Sainte Maure.

Meanwhile, Aaliyah and Reth has landed and been on foot, camping and eating anything they could hunt for a couple of days now. Nothing tastes anything like the sweet meat of a Mokele or Scabara for sure.

“These foreign creatures taste not bad at all, mother.” Says Reth. “I only hope they are not poisonous.”

“Come over her quick Reth.” Cry Aaliyah.

“Where are you Mother?” Reply Reth.

“Over here, behind the bushes.” Reply Aaliyah.

“What is it….. Mo…?” Reth did not finish his sentence and see in front of him, beside his mother a half horse half human creature.

They have come across the dying Ventari.

“Stay with him Reth.” Says Aaliyah, “I’ll go fetch some Birthday cupcake.

“Ssstaaay, Aaaali…yaah, it’s…to….la..te for… me.” Says the half man half horse creature in great effort.

Surprise, Aaliyah asks, “How do you know my name?”

“I…am…..Ventari, I……know……every…..thing.” Ventari says as if every word needs an enormous amount of effort.

“Keep … them … safe.” Says Ventari as he draws his last breath.

“Keep who safe, mother? Ask Reth, “Is he dead?”

“Come over here Sainte Maure” gestures Grim “Can you do a Dwyna’s Kiss on him?”

Aaliyah knows that voice, can it be? She turns around and saw Grim standing there before her eyes. She ignores everything around her and ran towards Grim.

“I ain’t kissing that horse, besides its Dwayna’ lights, too late for kisses now, stand aside!” says Sainte Maure as he try his very best to summon the light but alas, it is too late.

“That’s all you got?” Tease Norgu.

“You try it then” reply Sainte Maure. “He wasn’t with us long enough for me to be able to resurrect him, I don’t know his ‘chi’ you know, “chi” life force. Bah! It would be easier explaining that to the flowers then try to make you understand, Norgu.” Says Sainte Maure.

“Shhhhh….” Norgu make a hushing sound and points at Grim and Aaliyah.
Grim embraces Aaliyah, and she him, she is melted in his arms like the famous Larrin Bahlakbahn’s painting entitled The Kiss. Larrin Bahlakbahn is a famous painter from Resplendent Makuun, who on occasion has been known to do stage paintings as well.
“I like you to meet our son, Reth, Grim.” Says Aaliyah.
Roan looks uneasy when he hears that.
“Father?” Says Reth.
“My son. When, how, why didn’t you tell me before?” Ask Grim.
“I didn’t know until you left, my love.” Says Aaliyah. “I was so afraid I would not see you again, and I want us to be together, a family.”
“Don’t worry Aaliyah, we are together now, and I want you to meet Roan, I cared for him since he’s a baby.”
Roan did not move. His fears all this while has been correct, Grim is going to leave him, he will be alone, he is angry, but he did not show it.
Mysterious Creature
So they went on together towards Blazeridge Mountian.
Every morning, Grim would teach both Roan and Reth how to use a scythe. Reth seem to pick up very fast, faster then Roan did. They are at the same skill level now even thou Reth had started the training later then Reth. Roan grew further apart with the rest of the group, he’s shut himself up. Quietly learning all Grim has to teach him.
“Will you two shut up please. I am trying to listen.” Says grim to Sainte Maure and Norgu as the go on their usual tongue fight.

“Can you hear that rustling? Something is in the bushes.” Says Grim

“No, nothing. Can’t hear a thing.” Says Sainte Maure

“That’s cos you are too loud.” says Norgu.

“I hear it father, its coming from right over there, behind that bush” Says Reth.

They all went toward the bushes, except Roan.

Roan eyes become red, but he did not cry, tears would fall if there’s no one around. He has to be strong for he will be alone soon. He will leave once they reach Augury Rock. He would face the ascension along and never return. He will show them who’s is the stronger one. He has a grudge now.

Meanwhile behind the bushes, a strange creature that has been following them since they buried Ventari has come out of hiding. It is a very delicate creature, almost as delicate as flowers, it has greenish hue skins, like a magical creature that none of them has seen before.

“Why were you following us?” Ask Aaliyah.

“I have to keep you safe.” Says the creature.

“Keep us safe?” Ask Reth, “you mean Ventari was talking to you when he passes away? Where were you then, how come we did not see you there?”

“Yes, keep you safe? You have a great responsibility to carry out.” The creature points at Reth.

“Me? What great responsibility.” Ask Reth.

“Your descendents will be our leader.” Says the creature “they will lead us into a war and save Tyria from evil”

“What evil? My father has slain the Great Destroyer Tyria is safe.” Says Reth.

“No, it is only the beginning. For your parents will be frozen in time, it is foretold in the scroll. But I will keep you safe and teach you new skills.” Says the creature.

“What is your name?” Ask Aaliyah.

“What scroll are you talking about?” Ask Grim.

They were all puzzled by this strange creature that no one notices that Roan had left.

“The Forgotten Serpents, custodians you called them had entrusted the task of the keep of the scroll to the ancestors of Grim Mortbane before they disappear back across the Mists to their homeland. Grim, the scroll has been sending you messages to summon you to the fortress of Ebonhawke, you will be betray when you are there, you and your wife will be suspended in time for 250 years, until the curse can be broken by your descendents, that is why in the following week, you must pass on all the skills you know to your son. Doing that, you will have pass on the scroll keeper’s task to Reth, But you will never see him again after that, because we will not be going to Ebonhawke with you and Aaliyah. I will take him into hiding and training and teach him my skills, and prepare him for the next awakening. I will keep him safe and ensure your bloodline goes on. But you must go to Ebonhawke and deceive those awaits you there. They are trying to control the Scrolls, without the real scroll keeper they cannot do anything with the scrolls, when they try to read the passage, all of you will be frozen. But your descendent will avenge you.

Roan looks into his doppelganger and a fiery rage grew in him. He must find Reth and kill him.