Chapter 132: First Voyage

Chapter 132: First Voyage

6 years ago...

Loh sat in her tent skimming over one of her scouts reports. Vayu Glaz stood next to her, discussing their next plan of action. Aizel marched into the tent, his face a darker shade of grey than usual.

Sis, you know I love you, but I refuse to keep digging latrine pits all day, Aizel said.

Its general or master to you, apprentice, Loh said without glancing up. You march into your superiors tent unannounced and expect me to give in to your demands? Dont waste my time, get out.

Loh, I think you should hear him out at least, hes been working hard, Vayu said.

Aizel nodded and whispered a thank you to Vayu. The captain winked in return.

Fine, Loh sighed. What do you want, Aizel?

Grandfather made me your apprentice when he left. But, so far you havent taught me anything, whether it be spells or battle tactics, Aizel said.

I was busy, I couldnt spare you any time, we were trying to catch the enemy raiders off guard, Loh said.

That was three weeks ago, Aizel said.

Well, maybe if you hadnt been so stupid as to fight in the front lines in that damn battle I wouldnt have had to place you on latrine duty.

Our men were under attack. I saw one of our soldiers get shot in the leg by a stray arrow. The rest of the soldiers were retreating, I couldnt just leave him there!

You could have gotten yourself killed, grandfather would have been furious! Loh stood up.

Aizel took a step back, Thats all you cared about? Grandfather getting angry at you? Not that I risked my life?

Shut up, Aizel. I dont have time for your word games, Loh sighed.

Aizel clenched his fists, Well, then let me be very clear. I was sent here because I am going to marry Tauri. Not you, but me. It sucks, I get it, and you hate me for it. I understand, I do. But, this is more than either of us now. It concerns our family. If I dont gain military accolades while I am out here I will still marry Tauri. But, it will put a strain on the Katag and Noir families relationship. We cant have that.

Oh, please. Since when have you cared about the well-being of House Noir? You gave up being heir long before I became a mage. You couldnt handle the pressure of being useless and left me to pick up the pieces. And now you wanna pretend that you care? All you care about is leaving a good impression on Lord Krall Katag, being a good son-in-law, and all that bullshit.

Its not like that and you know it, Aizel frowned.

I dont know shit! Ive been too busy training for the last eight years to be the leader that this family needs. So, dont try coming here pretending like you give a damn about this family.

Youre wrong, Aizels shoulders trembled.

Loh walked up to his face, Let me tell you something I do know. You will never be worthy of Tauri. You wanna be some kind of hero? Well, youre not and you never will be. You pretend like you care, but everything you do is just for yourself, thats just who you are. Its who you have always been and nothing will change that.

Aizel leaned forward until his forehead butted with her own, I refuse to even acknowledge such an outrageous insult to my honor. If you werent my sister, I would challenge you to a duel right here and now.

Youd lose, Loh growled.

Aizel stared into her blue eyes, All youve done since I arrived at the Northern Army is insult and belittle me. Still, all I wanted was to fight against the Valley raiders, together as a family. But, I will win military recognition, with or without your help. Ill send a message to grandfather explaining my wishes to transfer to another army.

Be my guest. Youre dismissed, soldier, Loh smirked and went back to reading her reports.

Aizel nodded to Vayu, Always a pleasure. You are the only friend I've had in my time here, I will miss you.

And I will miss your cheerful optimism, Aizel. Are we still down for drinks later tonight? Vayu asked.

Wouldnt miss it for the world, Aizel grinned.

I said you're dismissed, get out of my sight, Loh snapped.

Aizel turned to leave, but paused, I dont know much, Loh. Ive wasted too many years partying. I tried to forget my guilt of leaving you in the hands of our grandfather and the pressure that came with being heir. That burden should never have been yours. For that, I am so sorry.

I dont want your apologies. Get out before I put you in the stocks for insubordination, Loh seethed.

Let me tell you something that I do know. I love Tauri and I will make her happy in a way you never could. Aizel closed the tent flap behind him.

Loh screamed, the reports burned to ashes in her hands.

Hey, Cal, Stryg nodded.

Oh, hey. I almost didnt recognize you with the hood. Its good to see you Stryg, Callum smiled weakly.

The goblins small stature made it impossible for anyone on deck to look straight into his face. His features were indiscernible under the black hood and cloak. But, Callum would never forget that soft yet deadly voice.

The bearded vampire raised his hand to his forehead in a salute, Welcome aboard to the Dread Shadow. I am the captain of this vessel.

Hello, I am Stryg, son of Ebon Hollow. I am a friend of Callum. You have an incredible ship, captain. I have never seen anything of the like. It must have destroyed thousands of enemies.

The captain nodded, Indeed she has. It is my honor to be the captain of House Veres flagship. Ill leave you two be, but if you need anything, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Ill keep that in mind, Stryg smiled.

Ill meet you for dinner, yes? Callum asked.

Of course! I await the young master and your guests with excitement, The captain bowed and left.

Damn this boat! Rhian yelled

She had finally managed to make her way over. Clypeus was holding her hand.

Its okay, youre not going to fall, Rhian, Clypeus smiled wryly.

The floor is slippery! She furrowed her brow in concentration.

I suggest you find something more sturdy to hold onto before the ship sets sail. I dont think Clypeus is strong enough to catch you if you fall, Callum winked.

Rhian practically bounced at the sight of the vampire, Youre Callum Veres! Wow, Ive heard so much about your family and you! Like, youre an actual member of House Veres!

That I am. I regret that we havent had the chance to properly make acquaintances, Callum smiled.

You know me? Her grey eyes widened.

I noticed you at Strygs birthday. Your impressive bre-... balance as you danced on top of the tables made quite the impression, Callum said.

Im glad you noticed my skills, Rhian posed with her head held high.

Yes, something like that, Callums eyes were focused below her face.

Stryg stepped in front of Callum. He said nothing, nor could Callum see his face below the hood, but the vampire felt a shiver run down his spine.

Callum cleared his throat and looked away, Glad you made it, Clypeus.

Yes, so am I, he made a short bow.

Wow, this is incredible! Rhian squealed.

What? Stryg turned around.

Dont you see it? Its just like the play we watched back in Mellow Bloom, The Unfaltering Shield! Were standing in front of an actual Veres and Gale. Theyre just like their Houses founders. I bet theyre best friends and fight against enemies of Hollow Shade all the time! Rhian shook with excitement.

Yeah, I guess youre right, Stryg nodded.

Except Callum and I are not best friends. Stryg and I are. So, its not quite like our ancestors story, Clypeus corrected her.

Rhian frowned and pulled Stryg towards herself, Im his best friend. Who can a rider trust more than his glorious steed?

Yes, not quite like the stories Callum swallowed.

A Veres and a Gale, best of friends, Callum thought bitterly as he stared at Stryg and Clypeus. He felt as if fate was playing a cruel trick on him.

The deck shuddered as the Dread Shadows last ropes broke away and the ship departed from the port.

Rhian placed her hands over her mouth, ...I think Im going to be sick.