Arcanae [Book 1]

Chpt. 07 // Derelict Districts

In due time, Adelaide and I departed for Crumbled Watch on foot.

A long, arduous journey through the nocturnal treachery awaited us, and we accepted the invitation with open arms. 

Adelaide and I had passed the stables, as neither knew whether the streets would be safe to travel through atop horseback. Although neither voiced the concern, we were doubly certain those wretched pirates had established adequate roadblocks, either man-made or the result of collapsing buildings.

Not to mention, our steeds would likely attract unwanted attention - be it good or evil. 

With a flick of Adelaide's fingers, two guards lowered the drawbridge as we approached.

As soon as Adelaide's heel touched the road beyond the drawbridge, she immediately turned to face me; her expression dead serious.

"Cynthia, I must make something abundantly clear before we proceed," her voice was cold as the night, hushed like the silenced pleas. She pointed towards Mother's blade, "I consider you a formidable warrior, as does Vhersio, but there are certain evils you cannot overcome in battle with your current abilities. One such evil is Captain Wyrmheart."

The notion caught me by surprise. 

Returning to moments prior, I recalled Adelaide frightened at the prospect of Vhersio facing off against the Captain.

Adelaide moved her head away, and our gazes fell upon the dying embers floating into the air ahead. The fair majority of the Wharf was in complete disarray; flaming orbs hurled across the sky, and dust clouds bellowed from the ruined buildings before settling down.

We exchanged a shared look of terror, appalled by the horror. 

As much as I had wished to remain blissfully ignorant, the unfolding events verified the appalling tales comprising the Bloodmoon Bandits' countless raids. Both the damage and sheer horror they inflicted upon the targetted islands and cities were undeniable. I now understood the Bloodmoon Bandits' notorious reputation.

 Her men pulled the bridge back up.

"You once mentioned Vhersio had no equal in a fight. How come you dread his encounter with this pirate lord?"

"The Captain," she mumbled, a look of terror sparkling in her piercing brown eyes. "He possesses a set of dangerous abilities - abilities deemed callous, unnatural, even by global standards."

The message piqued my interest. At times, Adelaide's word choice felt out of place. It was as though she cryptically tried to tell me something she was not meant to speak of.

This case was no different. 

A brow raised, I inquired, "What do you mean?"

"Let's not dwell on the matter and focus on the task at hand." Adelaide brushed off the question right away.

"Fine, we'll search for Vhersio first, but I do expect an answer."

Adelaide bit her lip, deeply lost in consideration, then came a swift, "Very well," followed by, "It's the least I can do in return for your assistance." 

I wasn't sure why she would not disclose further information, especially given it may be vital if we were to encounter the man somewhere out there. Was his skillset truly so horrible it was best left unspoken? Or was there more to it? Perhaps it had something to do with the bloodthirsty aura Adelaide gave off when the Captain's name was first mentioned?

I had more questions as we picked up the pace and started to jog in the general direction of the Wharf's eastern gate.

Time was of the greatest essence.