Chronicles of Arya

The Merchant

The morning started like any other. By now, Isaac was used to the cold winds of the northern tundra. Despite the sun shining on his face, he was cold.

As usual, he donned on his outfit and warm clothes before heading out, as he usually does for the past three months.

Now that they have reached this point, they have a big plan ahead.

As Isaac exited the Palace, he took in the full view of the place. The White Kingdom has certainly improved and it's been much better than when Isaac had first arrived.

People were bustling around the city, doing their own things. Some were helping out with catching fish while some were helping Meng build a massive water storage area just in case they needed it.

But if Isaac was to be honest, having twenty boilers was probably enough for everyone, especially since they're producing pure water non-stop every day.

Almost everyone greeted Isaac when they saw him. Since he'd been someone who's been helping them a lot, they liked him very much. It's also the same as when he was in Rost.

They recognized Isaac as Isaac since Scarlet has yet to tell them that Isaac was the Pale King who had been their savior all this time.

After helping a few people on the way, he stopped by the tavern as usual.

And as usual, Liliora was there.

Today, she looked normal. Well, she's a succubus, so that's a disguise. Isaac knew what she looked like.

Liliora had short cropped blonde hair and bright blue eyes. Her tanned skin showed off a bit of muscle.

"What's with the getup?" Isaac asked as he sat on a stool. "You seeing someone?"

Liliora shrugged. "Why? You jealous?"

Isaac snorted. "You'd wish." He said.

Liliora just grinned. "I have some information for you." She said.

"Are you trying to get me into bed again?" Isaac asked. "Because the last time you did that, you set me on fire."

"No, not this time," Liliora said. "Got a tip from one of the guards that were in charge patrolling near the fishing lake."

Isaac leaned in and listened more intently. "What is it?"

"A merchant fleet will be making their way here," Liliora said. "A whole flock of them, ready to make good money in the White Kingdom."

Isaac scowled. "There's no way," Isaac said. "There's no safe way to get here."

It's true. Traveling by land, you'd have to cross Whitewash Peaks and from firsthand experience, Isaac knew how dangerous that is.

Air travels are also dangerous. Not only there's a risk of an encounter with the Snow Dragon who can fly, but no air traveling method - neither magic nor machine - can get high enough to go over Whitewash Peaks. Even if there is, the harsh weather will make it impossible to navigate through.

The only possible way for a fleet of merchants could arrive here safely was by sea, but even that is dangerous.

That is assuming you don't know what you're doing or where you're going.

Surrounding the coastline of the White Kingdom is what the people have called Shipwreck Maw. A natural defensive barrier against monsters, giant waves, and ships. With the whipping winds, nasty rock and ice formations, and unstable currents, any ship or boat coming from any direction would be crushed instantly.

But the biggest danger they'd have to face would be the thick fog. Inside the thick dense fog, visibility is reduced up to the point of near blindness. In the fog, you won't even be able to see your hand in front of you. It's really that bad.