The Blades

Chapter Sixteen

The Evening of September 32nd

"You will leave," the King commanded. We began to protest but he held up a hand, "A lesson in patience," he paused as we quieted down, "Good. If we are to help you fight this war, we will need help. I must ask of you to travel to other regions to gain support for our cause. Rosheni will go to the dwarves as they will be hardest to convince."

"Might I suggest she take Thälor so the Dwarf Lord can see that Nyx are not all for Alekai's forces and that they can be persuaded to join our side?" Bayah suggested and the King nodded. Rosheni beamed at Thälor, who just stared at her in the friendliest way she could.

"Narya, Ilragorn, and even the Changelings. We need all the help we can get." Queen Idondi looked between us, her eyes kind, yet full of passion.

"I will go to Narya. I have some ties there that could prove useful," Airys spoke up, stepping forward, "Atla will accompany me since she doesn't have a bounty there. Flax and Bayah will go to Ilragorn, maybe even speak with Foxlight." He looked at the two, who looked excited at the prospect of seeing old friends, "We don't know where to find the Changelings but perhaps we can find a way to contact Kodiak and have him help us." Airys looked at Tercet, who nodded. She would be better suited here in Atheria, trying to contact Kodi. She looked a bit disappointed but she respected Airys' word.

"So, we have our ambassadors. You must represent us well, my friends." Kydr gave a solemn nod and then a smile to each of us, "You leave at first light." and with that he dismissed us.

September 33rd

The following morning, we packed up our rooms and made our way to the docks of Atheria. The King and Queen met us there, heavily guarded, along with their steward, Ialdis. There were two ships, ready to take us our separate ways. Airys and I would board one and the rest would take the other. Thälor and Rosheni would board a second ship when they docked in Esari, Ilragorn's capital.

It would be about three days to Summer, Narya's capital. Three days on a boat. With Airys. Bayah kept giving me mischievous looks as I stood next to him on the docks. We said our temporary farewells, Bayah and I taking a long time to hug each other goodbye. We hadn't been apart for more than a few days in two years and this trip could take weeks, depending on negotiations. I would miss her so much.

Airys and I waved to them from the deck of the ship as it pulled out of the harbor. When they were out of sight and the wind was whipping past, we turned to see a man that worked on the ship. He was a tanned human with his short, light brown hair pushed back as if it was windswept, "My name is Gantar, first-mate to Captain Vael and I am here to welcome you to the Dancing Dragon. Allow me to show you to your quarters, Ambassadors." He gave a small bow and led us away, down below deck.

We actually had cabins with a bed bolted to the floor. They were directly across from one another and Gantar waited for us to leave our bags in the rooms. He handed us each a key with a warning that there were definitely thieves onboard so we should watch our belongings.

The main deck was bustling with elves, and humans and a few Naryans. We were advised to avoid the Crew's Quarters, unless we wanted to play a game of cards. "Make yourselves at home and come find me if you have any problems." Gantar gave another short bow and left us to our own.

We made our way up to the bow of the ship and Airys leaned over the side, staring into the sea rushing below. As the boat leaped over the crests of the waves, we were sprayed by the salty water. It was nice. Fresh and clean. I was getting used to the bright sunlight now. It wasn't as blinding as I was used to.

"Atla, you know that you're a good person, right?" Airys spoke, still looking at the sea.

"Well, I mean I do kill people for money," I said, laughing.