The squeaking sound of the old wood was about the only thing heard on board the ship. The ocean was silent, and a dense mist covered the fleet as it slowly went forward. Standing by the rail of the bow, Nathan had his eyes peeled on their surroundings. It had been over a week since they departed, and only a glimpse of the hostile fleet had been seen. They were traveling down alongside the eastern shores of Aewyth, which was a much longer route to reach Scayles. As long as they stayed on the course towards the barren land, the plan remained unchanged.
The country of Scayles was positioned far south of Aewyth and had large portions covered in deserts. If the plan were to succeed, Stormhold’s navy would have to force them all the way down to that country. With provisions running short, the only solution would be to go ashore and resupply. The northern city, Neandro, would be able to assist them while at the same time hold back the beasts. There were two outcomes to this plan, either the vanghouls would be starved out, or they would be slaughtered at the shore.
Coming up beside Nathan was the Admiral of the fleet, Terrance Fowler. He shared the General’s expression of unease and scouted across the short distance of water before them. There was a total of four ships in the fleet, and with the mist being as thick as it was, they could barely see the one next to them. This rose concern amongst the men and the people were extremely cautious, just waiting for the Commander’s order. Straightening the sleeves of his jacket, Fowler stated.
I can’t shake the feeling that something is terribly wrong. What are these savages up to?
No point in thinking there is any sane reason behind their motives. Is the compass working again?
Nay, look.
He took up an old device from his inner pocket and held it in his palm. The two were watching the arrow spin around in circles. With his gaze turned to the sky, Nathan continued.
The fog should let up soon, and then we might get a visual.
Aye, as long as they’re continuing on their current route.
Walking up the steps to the bow, Captain Feregreth and Lowe approached them. With his hands resting on his back, the former Admiral spoke.
Gents, allow me to introduce my own little prodigy. He served aboard the Crimson Garnet during the Siege of the High Tides.
Turning towards them, Nathan gave a quick nod as Fowler stated.
Aye, I remember you couldn’t keep your mouth shut for weeks. So, this is the acclaimed man who rose from a peasant to a Captain?
Offering his hand to him, the Admiral hinted at a smile as he shook Feregreth’s hand.
Nice to meet you, Mr. Sorrowhill.
Likewise, Admiral. It’s an honor to serve at your command.
Fowler was a well-known decorated officer who held himself to the highest standards. With his sideburns and slicked back cut, he represented the noble class onboard. As they were talking, sudden small waves started hitting the ship on its starboard side. Watching the surface, confusion was shared amongst them as there was barely any wind, and it only happened for a brief moment. Declan seemed a bit disturbed by this and gestured with his hands for everyone to be silent. A couple of minutes later, he spoke with a low voice.
I think we’ve entered the Depths of Scayracosh.
Addressing his claim, General Galeran replied as he held his hands on the wooden railing.
That’s south of Fariondor, we can’t have sailed that far, it would take another week at least.
We’ve had considerably good wind up until now, so if we have, that would at least explain this ominous You know as well as anyone that people disappear without any sane reason from these uncharted waters.
And you would like to believe that the beast is here as well?
All I’m saying is that there is always some truth to a story.
All of a sudden, a similar sound to that of a ship being torn apart came from upfront. It was followed by screams of terror. What was even more strange was that the galleon they were on was leading the fleet so it couldn’t be one of theirs. Declan and Feregreth rushed back towards the helm as the Admiral bellowed.
Turn the fleet over on our port side. Quartermaster, prepare the men for battle!
Sailors ran around in urgency, and the bells were rung to signal everyone to take combat positions. At the bow of the ship, a breeze followed by drops of rain came towards them. The Admiral went back towards the bridge while Nathan stared at a glimmering light emerging from the mist. It looked like something was set ablaze. The noises escalated into cannon fire and sounds of a skirmish, but only moments later it got completely silent. As the ship slowly cut through the waves, it hit debris floating on the surface. Feregreth ran up beside the General and gazed into the waters below. Looking at planks, barrels, and cloth drifting passed, Feregreth’s eyes were locked on the rubble as a torn flag caught his attention. It held the insignia of Arkanvail. Confusion was exchanged between the Captain and General as it made no sense that a ship like this would be so far south. Trying to wrap his mind around this, Feregreth stated.
Sir, if our allies are out here as well, we can’t open fire. The fog is too thick, we won’t know who we attack.
Nathan’s face showed a bit of frustration as he gleamed into the distance, replying firmly.
I’m afraid we can’t do that, Captain. If it’s a hostile ship that approaches, we won’t know before it’s too late. The Stormhold fleet will remain behind us, so if the crow’s nest sees anything, we will fire the cannons, is that understood?
Hesitantly nodding, Feregreth took a few steps away and began walking back to the helm. The dead silence on board the ship was excruciating as many of the men were fearful of what would come out of the shadows. As the lookout scouted around himself with wide-open eyes, something caught his attention on the starboard side. It resembled a mast coming closer, heading straight towards the ship. Shouting to the officers, the lookout informed that a ship was heading directly towards them. Nathan glanced over at Fowler who stood in the stairway, giving him a nod to carry out the order. The Admiral shouted for the men to open fire. Flying through the air towards the enemy ship, most of the cannonballs got a direct hit on the vessel, causing significant damage to the bow. Terrible screams and roars ensued from the enemy as the soldiers of Stormhold reloaded for another strike. However, the ship maintained its course and appeared closer by the second. A flash of light came from their bow followed by cannon fire piercing into the side of the Stormhold vessel. Feregreth grabbed around the wheel and began steering the ship over to the port side by the Admiral’s order. Another volley was released against the enemy, which resulted in the mast being blown to pieces. A bit of cheering ensued as they witnessed the sinking, and the General praised the men’s success. Declan came up next to Admiral Terrence with news about the damages.
We lost two cannons below deck, and there are some minor damages, but overall, the ship is in good condition.
Aye, this bloody thing has been through way worse than those savages.
Before either of them could continue the conversation, they were all thrown down on the deck as the ship crashed into reefs below the surface. The panic escalated, even more, when shouting came from the nearby vessels, and the sound of cannon fire echoed around them. Getting back on his feet in a hurry, Terrence glanced over at the men stumbling back up and shouted at Declan.
Lowe! I need another damage report, now!
I’m on it!
Without a moment of hesitation, he headed down below only to find water pouring in on both sides and sailors working in despair. As he stood in the middle of the stairs, an all too familiar horn was sounded from afar. Taking a moment to collect his thoughts, he received a grim expression as he ran back towards Terrence, yelling at the top of his lungs.
Admiral, we need all these men off the galleon immediately!
How much time do we have?
We’re already out of time…
He pointed at a large shadow coming out of the fog on the starboard side, heading directly towards them. It was the front of another ship with its bow armored in black metal. The contraption was built like a battering ram that could pierce through vessels with barely any damage to itself. Lord Galeran gazed upon the dreadful creation and noticed one of the giant beasts standing by the rails. Raven black hair with eyes almost glowing in flaming colors, the monster before him seemed fueled with hatred. Having a giant forged metal hammer in his hand, he turned around and submerged it into a barrel of oil as he shouted.
You will all burn…!
Pulling the hammer back up, he swung it against a torch. As it was knocked away, the metal was engulfed in flames. The ship was about to crash straight into the starboard side of the galleon. Grabbing the Captain’s arm, Declan moved over to the railing as he stated fearfully.
Listen to me, you have to go…
Before he managed to finish his sentence, the figurehead of the enemy ship rose above them as they cut into the side of the vessel. Being knocked overboard from the impact, Feregreth struck the ocean surface hard. Time seemed to slow down as he was submerged below the surface. Watching silhouettes of ships descending into the darkness below as the sound of destruction followed as the galleon broke in half. Torn bodies were thrown into the water beside them, and the flag of Stormhold laid burning on the surface. Collecting all the strength he had left, Sorrowhill swam upwards, anxious to catch his breath as the darkness closed in all around him.
The Stormhold Castle
Stirring gently in his tea, Marcus had his nose buried in documents laying across the table in front of him. The crackling sound of the fireplace created a soothing ambiance to the silent parlor room. As he was writing notes onto a parchment, the door opened, and the King looked up from underneath his reading glasses. The elderly man, Aethos Stormcaller, walked in wearing his custom-fit noble robe. With a simple greeting, he sat down on the sofa on the opposite side of the table, saying.
All right, it should be delivered by tomorrow morning.
The letter to your son? You sure those birds will reach that high up in the mountains?
Of course, it’s the main form of message delivery used by the scholars of Felgarth.
Yeah, I’m not convinced that poultry is the most reliable method of transportation, but if you say so.
Leaning back in the sofa, the old man smiled as he stroke his long beard. Moving onto the next topic, Marcus turned his sight over at the dancing flames of the fireplace, asking calmly.
Are we still on time with the constructions in Syranhold?
Yes, in about half a decade, we should be ready to begin the operation. My oldest son, Ferthur, will lead the Stormcaller fleet upstream. I’ll personally see to it.
Aethos, have you received any more information about this monstrosity from your contact? If it’s countless times worse than the beasts we’re hunting, then he should share some more light on what precisely this thing looks like.
Before he got to reply to that question, the door opened once more, and the Queen Mother, Eleanor stepped into the room with the Butler, Robert Harrington by her side. Holding onto her cane with her wrinkled hand, she stated with a slightly agitated tone.
Dear, I don’t mean to sound crude, but when we schedule a time, I expect you to be there.
With a surprised expression, the King got up and looked over at his mother, asking.
Is it that time already?
With a sigh and a prolonged sunken stare, she shook her head slightly as she replied.
No, that time was an hour ago. You’ve had me waiting with the help.
Trying to explain himself, he walked over to her and continued.
I’m terribly sorry, I will make it up to you.
Coming up beside him was the old Lord Stormcaller. Tidying himself, Aethos gave Eleanor a respectful bow as he stated.
Queen Eleanor, such a privilege to see you again.
Moving her eyes up and down at him, she seemed baffled as she replied.
Oh my, are you still wearing that dressing gown?
It’s a scholar’s robe, Eleanor, the attire goes with the lifestyle I’ve chosen.
Then I would suggest a conversion while you still have a few years left.
Having her sight set on the sofa, she walked past them and took a seat as the Butler asked politely in his deep voice.
Would you like some tea, my Lady?
Yes, thank you, Robert. Would you also send word for my granddaughter?
Very good, my Lady.
Standing beside Marcus, Aethos slightly shook his head as he said with a low voice.
Your mother hasn’t changed at all.
Staring amusedly at the Queen Mother who wore an elegant red dress with her hair set up, Marcus went on to ask Lord Stormcaller if he knew anything about the fleet yet. However, there was no information at the time, but based on speculation, the Stormhold fleet should be arriving at Scayles in a couple of days.
Unknown Waters
Feeling raindrops running down his face, the Captain slowly opened his eyes and looked around with a blurred vision. He had been holding onto a broken barrel from the debris which had kept him afloat. The mist had eased up around him, and he could see land on the horizon. Apparently, they weren’t the first people who had capsized in this area, countless shipwrecks had gone aground against the sharp rocks of the coast. Letting go of the barrel, he began to swim towards the murky shore as the faint morning light appeared upon the cloudy sky.
Reaching ground beneath his feet, he waded inland as his eyes were scouting around for survivors. Palm trees were covering the beach alongside ancient vines and mossy rocks. Dense jungle with mountain tops in the distance was about the only thing he could see. It wasn’t before he got out of the water that he noticed a deep cut going down his right arm. Without giving it much thought, he ripped off one of his sleeves and tied it around his arm to prevent further bleeding. As a gentle breeze passed him from the south, the scent of death caught his attention fairly quickly. The rain seemed to let up as he moved into the jungle, using the vegetation to shield himself from the eyes of unwanted foes.
Getting closer to the source, he noticed a glimmering light dancing around against a rocky cave entrance. Someone had lit a campfire, but the smell of putrefaction was only getting stronger. He stepped out of the bushes and walked cautiously forward as he drew his blade from its sheath, expecting to have someone jump out at any moment. Although, he swiftly moved behind a nearby crate by the entrance when someone spoke from inside with a deep voice.
Overlord, we’ve secured the cave and are ready to bring up the supplies from the coast.
Two tall beasts walked out of the cave, and Sorrowhill noticed that the one talking was addressing the same one that had carried the hammer from before. His natural breathing sounded like the growls of a tiger, and the vibration coming from his steps shot terrors down the Captain’s spine. The Overlord glanced around himself with a piercing look as if he knew someone was there. With a simple nod, he replied to the warrior next to him.
Good… Inform Nekada to bring the prisoners and tell him to give me Galeran alive.
It shall be done, my Lord.
And send word to the emissary, inform him that the plan was successful.
Rubbing his beard, Sorrowhill tried to piece together the information, but it only led to more questions. Sitting on one knee, he peeked around the corner and watched as the moss skinned beast strolled back inside. However, as he was about to look away, he caught a glimpse of someone moving fast across the crown of a tree in the distance. The person quickly disappeared from sight, which caused even more confusion. After a moment, he got out from cover and uttered to himself.
What the hell is going on here?
With the sound of more chatter coming from within the cave, the Captain snuck inside to see who else was present. The dark rock on the ground had a wave pattern going back and forth between the sides. Placing his hand on the wall as he glanced at the formation, he stated in a low tone.
This is a tunnel… a volcanic one. If the mountain tops from before were, in fact, a volcano, then this might lead straight into the heart of it.
He continued further inside and eventually came upon a wooden bridge leading across a wide gap that seemed bottomless. The cave itself was dark, and this open room made it impossible to see exactly how large the area was. A small torch was hanging on the other side of the bridge, next to a stone gate. However, something seemed odd, the walkway had to be many decades old as some of the planks were rotten to the core. Besides, there was no sign of vanghouls anywhere, and there was only one way to go from there. Carefully walking across, he ended up in front of the gate. Engraved letters covered certain pieces of it, but the description was unknown. It looked like ancient runes, but they had more of a curl to them. He took up a small journal from his chest pocket and accurately jotted down the symbols as he mumbled.
Interesting… I wonder who lived in this place back when it was operational. This old craftsmanship must have required a lot of
As he was going over the letters, a couple of vanghouls came out from the tunnel behind him, talking. He hastily put away the journal and looked for places to hide, but there were none. Taking a deep breath, he turned around and entered into eye contact with the beasts on the other side of the gap. They remained silent and just stared back at him for a while. The moment one of them was about to go out onto the bridge, the Captain pulled a knife from his belt and placed it at one of the two ropes holding together the walkway. Stopping momentarily, the vanghoul took a step back and watched Sorrowhill who spoke with a confident, but uneasy tone.
I wouldn’t do that if I were you.
Seemingly amused, one of them grabbed both beams holding that side of the bridge up and threw them down to the shadows below. With a surprised expression on his face, the Captain looked down into the bottomless pit as one of the vanghouls replied.
Humans and their short-minded strategies. Tell me, how will you solve your current predicament?
The two started laughing as they turned around while holding up a torch, lighting up a stairway. It was leading upwards against the cliffside which had been concealed by the darkness. It wasn’t long before they were out of sight, and it seemed like they didn’t bother with him anymore. That wasn’t all too surprising as there were nowhere to go except down.
Having stayed there for a little while, the sound of someone whistling came from the shadows on the other side. Gazing in that direction, Sorrowhill asked curiously.
Who’s there? Show yourself.
Stepping out into the dimmed light, he noticed it was a woman wearing something resembling a hunter’s attire. Leather plates covered her right shoulder atop of the green jacket, and she had knives strapped to her gray pants. With a light voice, she shared her concern.
Are you okay? I saw you outside of their camp earlier.
You were the one in the tree?
Yeah, I was pursuing their leader, Gathon. He recently returned to the island.
Squinting slightly at her, he replied confused.
Returned? He’s been here before?
This is the Vanquished Island, it’s where the vanghouls originated from.
What…? So, then the words on the gate here are their language?
Giving him a little smile, she shook her head and strapped her long white hair into a ponytail as she continued.
Not really. That’s an ancient elven language.
Before continuing the conversation, she equipped the bow that was on her back and took up an arrow from her quiver. She attached a rope to the shaft of the projectile itself and then fired it against the rock wall beside him. As it flew through the wind, a blue, glowing aura appeared around the arrow and shot small particles into the air that faintly lit up like fireflies. Once it struck the rock, it pierced halfway into it similarly to a ballista bolt. The sheer strength of that single arrow rendered the Captain speechless. Holding onto the other side of the rope, she tied it around another one and shot it against the ceiling above the gap. Understanding what she wanted him to do, he asked.
So, you want me to swing across? Will the arrow even hold?
Tilting her head slightly, she pointed at the arrow stuck beside him. With a given sigh, he nodded, saying that he got the point before grabbing a tight hold of the rope. He took a few steps back and inhaled deeply, trying to calm his nerves before making the jump. With that, he ran towards the edge and vaulted off, swinging across the rift to where she stood ready to grab him. The moment he got his footing on solid ground, she pulled him against herself, and the two fell down on their backs. She was laughing a bit as she watched him breathe rapidly before speaking in a joyful tone.
It worked; I can’t believe it. I actually pulled it off.
Turning his head in her direction, he raised his eyebrows as he replied.
You can’t believe it? You’ve never tested that before?
Many times, but it usually breaks after a few seconds.
That would have been important to know, my life was on the line here.
To be fair, we didn’t have the time to find another way, the vanghouls will return soon. You could be more grateful, you know.
She just smiled amusedly at him and got back up on her feet. Exhaling deeply, the Captain continued.
You’re quite something, aren’t you?
He offered his hand for her to shake as soon as he got back up, introducing himself.
The name is Feregreth Sorrowhill, I’m with the Stormhold navy.
A pleasure, I’m sure. I’m Fraya Aeran’thil.
Aeran’thil? That’s an unfamiliar name, can’t say I’ve ever heard that one before.
It’s an elven name.
Taking a moment to grasp his head around it, he curiously stared at her as she went on to say.
It’s not like we’re that different, you know.
That’s true, but the last one I saw had these… you know.
Ears? Yeah, they’ll grow eventually. It’s not before we reach a certain stage in life that they start to evolve, but up until that time, we are identical to humans.
I That’s news to me. Well, my apologies for getting completely sidetracked, but thank you for saving me back there. I am grateful. Truly.
Giving a little nod, she gestured for him to follow her. She entered into a jog and took the same path the vanghouls had taken earlier. Feregreth was following her closely up against the cliffside before eventually reaching another tunnel that went deeper below the ground. Slowing down the pace, the Captain went on to ask her what she knew about the vanghoul in charge, the one who was outside the cave earlier.
He is called Gathon Bloodfist, he is the Overlord of the Forsaken Vanguard and also the vanghoul leader as far as I know. His brother is next in line, Nekada Bloodfist, he is the Warlord in charge of their armies.
Bloodfist, huh? I recall the name from an assignment I was on in Fariondor, he was said to be the one who ravaged the northern towns and left them in ruins.
I wasn’t under the impression that your people knew about the vanghouls?
The general population doesn’t, but we were hand-picked for this assignment because of our previous endeavors with these beasts.
Receiving a somewhat displeased look after hearing that remark, she nodded in understanding. Only moments later, the sound of drums echoed throughout the cavern. It was coming from up ahead. Both of them approached the exit of the narrow tunnel with caution, preparing for the worst.
Once they reached the end, they arrived at a ledge overlooking a massive hall built underground. Entering a prone position, they carefully crawled towards the edge to remain out of sight as they took a glance at the structures below. Large columns were placed neatly around to maintain stability. On the far end, there was a grand temple built with a sacrificial altar at the top. Another noticeable decoration was a stone carved wolf statue that was positioned behind the shrine. Based on her expression, she hadn’t seen this room before either and was completely amazed. Feregreth’s eyes scoured the hall, seeing lava rivers at the bottom and buildings built into the side of the walls. It was like an ancient city underground. The deep voice of Gathon echoed throughout the hall as he got up on a stand before the temple, speaking to the countless vanghouls who gathered in front of him. Something that caught the Captain’s attention was someone being brought forward, strapped to a log that was carried by two beasts. He recognized the crew clothing from the Stormhold ship.
It’s one of my men. What are they planning to do?
My bet is that they want to offer him to Keldora, the demon. Gathon has been filling their heads with vengeful desires and chosen to portray everyone who isn’t a vanghoul as a betrayer.
So, they’re like a cult, huh? Think we could stir up conflict within their ranks?
It’s possible, but Gathon is dead set on not losing control so he’ll rather kill anyone who deviates from his way.
From the stand outside the temple, the Overlord had stopped his speech and were gazing up at the cave entrance in the distance. Rage covered his entire face as he was clenching his fists. The menacing stare caused the rest of the vanghouls to turn around, looking up at Feregreth and Fraya. Growling for a moment, he soon after gave out a terrifying war cry as he yelled out.
Bring them to me!
It felt like an earthquake as the beasts were running across the hall, roaring fiercely. With his eyes locked on them, they could feel his hatred crawling down their spines. The cavern looked like it was closing in all around, and Feregreth could feel his heartbeat where he stood. He was utterly paralyzed by the stare of Gathon who remained motionless as the vanghouls drew ever closer.
