Michrinor: The Fates of The Heirs

Chapter 26 - Farewell Captain

"Dear sweet Ava," the Captain began, his voice rich and warm as he took a thoughtful bite of the sweet bread before him. "It has been an honor to have you aboard my ship. I sense that soon, our world shall be changed for the better, and it shall be thanks to the courage you have shown, along with that of your loyal companions." He smiled across the small dining table within his quarters, his eyes kind but keen. Ava, sitting opposite him, felt her cheeks flush with bashful pride.

"I have long studied the prophecies and legends of the Naitseers," the Captain continued, "as I count many of their kind as friends, particularly in Kinginset. They are a noble folk, steadfast in their duty as guardians. From what I have read and from the tales shared by those friends, it is clear to me that your journey is only just beginning. To be a part of this history, even in a small way, is a great privilege. All I ask is that you remember me and my men as you go forth—keep us in your heart, as we shall keep you in ours." With a solemn nod, he lowered his head in a gesture of respect.

Ava could see the depth of wisdom and strength in the Captain's eyes. Over the past days, she had grown fond of the old mariner. She admired the way he led his men with a firm but fair hand, his voice commanding without ever needing to shout. Standing well over six feet, the Captain's presence was imposing, though he was still dwarfed by the towering Naitseers she had met. His gray hair fell loosely to his shoulders, framing light brown eyes set in a deeply tanned face. His hands, worn by years at sea, were rough to the touch but always gentle when he spoke with Ava. A scar traced across his left cheek, a remnant of a fierce storm that had once battered his ship, a tale he had shared with her during one of their evening meals.

Those quiet evenings, listening to the Captain's stories of distant lands and daring adventures, were the moments Ava cherished most. He spoke with pride of his lineage, recounting how both his father and grandfather had been captains before him. The traditions they upheld, passed down through generations, were a source of great pride for the Captain. His grandfather's stories painted a picture of a time long past, when trade routes were free of fear and the Queen's dark influence had not yet spread its shadow across the land.

Ava also delighted in hearing about the various towns and villages he had visited, each one so different from the next. Some places seemed like something from a dream, while others were bustling with life, much like the large cities Ava had seen in her own world. The Captain often spoke of Kinginset, the city he called home. He described the grand water gates, crafted from a rare stone known as Kurtzog. Reaching into his pocket, he produced a small piece of the stone to show her. It was unlike anything Ava had seen before—a beautiful blend of pearl and diamond, with a white translucence that caught the light in a mesmerizing way. It shimmered brightly in the daylight but, as the Captain explained, took on a radiant purple glow by night.

"The gates," he said, his voice filled with reverence, "are a marvel of ancient craftsmanship, wrought by a people long vanished from these lands. Their artistry is still evident in the city's walls and buildings, but it is the gates, shaped like vines growing out from the cliffs, that are most admired."

As the Captain spoke, Ava felt a sense of wonder and longing. The world was vast and filled with beauty, even in the face of darkness. She knew her path would be fraught with peril, but hearing the Captain's stories gave her hope that there was still light to be found, and perhaps, one day, peace would return to Michrinor.

In the distance, Ava gazed upon a majestic mountain range. The peaks soared into the clouds, some shrouded in mist, while others cascaded down like graceful rolling hills. Snow adorned the highest summits, glistening under the first light of dawn. As the sun began its ascent over the horizon behind them, the mountains sparkled as if calling them toward the west.