Summoning Europe.

Maihark gateway to the sea.

Great Orient Sea. Five miles from Maihark port city.

James and Salt Paw had a long talk between the two of them about what was ahead, the nature of Qua-Toyne, and what was within the kingdom. The sun was nearing the end of the horizon. One thing that was noticed was that time seemed to be longer here than back on Earth. One thing he had yet to tell Salt Paw was that it was not only Germany that came with them but nearly all of Europe. Everything from Spain to Ukraine came with them. Things have yet to settle down, and everyone was on edge and nervous. He hopes that after all of this, they can get some answers and settle the people's nervousness.

"Maihark is the biggest port city at Qua-Toyne; they have many others around the place who have good trade with the people that live within the sea."

"From what you told me, much of the city population is not human; are they not ones to trust a human?"

"Some, not all of them. Many there would work to call you a friend, but it will not be easy. Much of the council of the government is not made up of humans but of other races. I had some minor dealings with two of them, but the navy doesn't like me here."

"And why is that?"

"Due to rumors that I have dealt with pirates, which is not true, I go through their territory from time to time. I pay a good bit of gold to them so that they don't send me to the depths."

"By chance, will we encounter their navy?"

"At this time, no, I know their paths that they patrol. By this time, things should be clear, which makes things easier."

In truth, they could be coming over the horizon or be spotted soon with everything going on with the nation to the south. And the biggest thing that worries Salt Paw is the fact that, going by James's words from there, the people of Germany are all humans. Not much longer than he thought, this land would start to come into view in the sky above, where three figures could be seen flying.

"Hmm. Wyverns in the sky."

"What are they?"

Asking the question, he looked towards the sky at them. The three of them were following along the coastline, passing through several clouds.

"Are such patrols normal for them?"

"Yes, there have been troubles coming from the sea from time to time. Some sea folks don't like the ones who live on land. I know of stories of entire settlements before they moved them all inland, just gone, nothing but blood and damaged buildings left."

"You mean that there are people who live within the sea, or pirates?"

"In the water, they have small towns built out of coral."

This was information that was needed back at home. They have many people's towns and ports that are vulnerable to such attacks.

"Thankful there are those that are willing to trade and are much more friendly. I must warn that they are a bit xenophobic toward outsiders. If you are wise to deal with them first, you have to earn their trust, which takes a lot of effort, not attack and ask questions later. But go into their territory without telling them or speaking with any you encounter; they will attack without hesitation."

Looking forward over the side of the railing, as Salt Paw scanned a stone arch that led further inland, two wooden ships could be seen, both of which were based around the old frigates. Both had their sails folded up and had drop anchors above the arch. Above the arch. Above the arch was a stone wall that stretched across it and connected with a fortress on the right side.

"I can see that we are not going to get a friendly welcome."

James' eyes were fixed on the two ships lined around the deck at certain points, and under them were ballistae at the front at two fixed locations. Where two small catapults, all of them loaded and ready to fire, brazens were on fire within the middle. He could not fully see, but he could tell that the crews were on edge.