TBATE - Havaca Rises

Chapter 52 - The Maiden Voyage

Approximately 10 days ago

"Welcome everyone!" I greeted, in a grandiose manner. "Today, we are here to make history!" I declared earning a volley of excited cheers. "For many months my team and I, under the guidance of our astute council have been constructing this ship in secret, and today we are here to show the fruits of our labor. May I reveal to you... the Dithecous!" I announced, signaling for the ship to be launched from the warehouse into the water for the first time. Within seconds, the mighty vessel slid into the canal, debuting with a massive splash.

Reporters and influencers alike began dictating what they saw before them, investors and royalty were laughing joyously as they conversed about the success of said vessel. Many questions were thrown my way by those eager for exclusive scoops for their articles.

"Attention, attention everyone," Blaine called out, drawing everyone out of their stupor. "While this ship is indeed an engineering wonder, it would be nothing without a competent crew. My council members and I have spent countless hours, discussing those who would be chosen to join this elite team for the Dithecous' maiden voyage. With that being said, may I introduce you to the members of Mors Audere!" Blaine shouted, stepping aside to make room for the 26-man crew.

"These men and woman, who stand before you today, are the ones who would make history. They are the ones who traverse to the new frontier, carrying with them our hopes and aspirations of our people," Dawsid said in a petty attempt to outdo both Blaine and Arthur.

"It would take an estimated two weeks to reach the newly discovered continent; during this time, you all can keep up to date by viewing one of the many live streams that would be made available," Alduin announced. "And, without further ado, let's wish these brave souls a bon voyage!" he cheered, breaking a champagne bottle on the back of the ship. The crowds bubbled with excitement, anxious at the results of this expedition. The crew, except the captain and his first mates, stood alongside the deck, enthusiastically waving; blissfully unaware of the danger that awaits them. In contrast, the monarchs and their respective lances could only pray for their safety and success.

Present time – Rinia's Hideout, Elenoir.

"Mom! Dad!" Tess shouted as she ran to greet her parents.

"Oh, honey we've missed you!" Merial squealed as she squeezed the life out of her daughter.

"Mhm, mHm"

"What was that?"

"Dear, I think you're suffocating her," Alduin explained, knowing how lethal his wife's affection can be.

"Air!" Tess exclaimed, gulping at the surrounding air.

"Ha, ha," Virion heartily laughed, no doubt enjoying these moments with his family. No doubt he is morbidly questioning when will they share another moment like this, or would they be able to...?

"I know what you're thinking, but we're in a much better position than we were in the first time around. Also, when Gideon is finished with the mirror obelisk, we would be able to lessen to mage to non-mage ratio," I said giving the old man a few reassuring pats on the back.

"By the way, does anyone know the reason Rinia called us?" Merial asked as everyone turned to me, expecting an answer.

"Don't know," I shrugged "She might have discovered something when using her foresight, or she just wanted to pass a few words of wisdom," I said, beginning the hike to her hideout.

After a few minutes of enjoying each other's company, a guttural growl came from the woods. Time seemingly slowed, as the fauna of the forest pathed ways for the encroaching beast. The battle-hardened Virion promptly took a defensive stance with the others quickly following in his stead. Beads of sweat formed on the foreheads of the Eralith family, as they pondered what dangerous beast lurked within the foliage. Meanwhile, two teenagers deafly snuck around the Eralith formation, lying in wait for the opportune moment.

"Bahh!" the bipedal beast roared, only to be met with a flurry of attacks. When the dust covering the area finally cleared the beast was no longer there.

"I was trying to give you a little scare; not get BLOODY VAPOURISED!!" came the enraged shout of elder Rinia.

"Well, we have been training for war, so it's only natural we take any perceived threats seriously," taunting the now identified beast who was muttering a string of curses as she stomped towards her hideout.

"It seems you found yourself a few unwanted admirers," I said locating all the traps and illusions that protect her new home. "If you would like I can make this place disappear from everyone's sight," I offered knowing that someone as skilled as Windsom saw her contraptions as nothing more than child's play.

"I would appreciate that very much; it seems as though I've poked the hornet's nest," she replied with a humorless chuckle.

Upon entering the magically expanded living room, Arthur took his place near the center. His eyes glazed over, as light purple smoke flowed from his mouth. His hands rose and fell, drawing indecipherable runes upon the world itself. His hands faded in and out of reality, in between the interconnecting planes and myriad dimensions that constitute our world. Every possible avenue, each possible doorway, each frontier, was sealed. Truly, Rinia's hideout now exists somewhere, yet nowhere, hidden from the world itself. "It is done; only those who you give explicit directions would be able to find this place," Arthur informed, the still-stunned Eraliths.

***

"Ahh!" Windsom cries in outrage. "It's been two days since I've sent that lesser my invitation, yet he dares ignore me; he dares ignore the orders of the king!?"

"Now, now, Windsom, we both know of the standing of this lesser. It is more likely he thinks of it as nothing more than some crazed fanatic wishing to meet him. You did write it on some random piece of scrap paper after all," Aldir calmly stated, while sipping on his favorite tea.

"Tch, then I'll have to go meet the bastard myself," Windsom said with resolve.

"Ah, but you are forgetting that we also have another mission," Aldir reminded.

"To locate and eliminate the traitors within the lesser's council," Windsom stated, opening a portal to the real world.   

To be continued...