Queen Zezanna

Queen Zezanna - Chapter 17

We make our way back to the ship, feeling pretty confident that the guards won't be able to see through our disguises. We take the main roads to make sure we don't run into any issues with thugs or anyone.

As we make our way to the docks, Heroth tells us to hold on for a moment.

"What's up?" I ask him.

"Looks like we're not the only ones that the guards are looking for." He says, walking over to a wanted poster posted on a nearby shop's wall.

"Who?" I ask, going over to join him.

"Brokk."

"No way! He couldn't have survived that fight with Vinill's soldiers!"

"If there's anyone out there who could have survived that fight, it would be Brokk." Heroth tells me.

"I can't believe that." Emma says.

"We better keeps our eyes out for him, then." Ysana suggests.

"It's highly unlikely that we will come across him again if he did survive that fight, but regardless, it would be a good thing if we found him."

"Let's not stand around and chat for too long." Ysana tells us. "We don't want to seem suspicious."

"Right." Heroth nods his head.

At this time at night, the streets are pretty much deserted. Over at the docks, Hailie is trying to look busy while she waits for us to arrive. When she sees us, she doesn't recognize us since we're disguised, so she tries to act cool, even as we walk towards her.

"Hailie, it's us." I tell her.

She does a quick headcount, then nods her head.

"Follow me inside." She tells us.

We do as she says. Once inside, Ysana drops the disguises.

"I'm glad to see that you guys are safe." She tells us.

"The guards haven't been bothering you, have they?" I ask.

"Not particularly. A few asked if I've seen anything, but I played dumb."

"And your father doesn't mind that we've set him behind schedule?"

"No, he understands that stuff comes up like this. He's at a nearby tavern with the crew. I'll go get them. You guys wait here."

Well, we don't really have a choice. While Hailie goes out to collect the crew, we make sure that everyone's beds are made, and tidy up a bit below deck.

Soon enough, Tzeeru and the other arrive, and begin preparations to leave. While Tzeeru begins steering us away from the docks, Hailie explains what happened to us. Meanwhile, I ask the crew where we're heading next.

"We've got a quick stop at Imtatu in Roanne." Izzy tells us. "It's a tiny port town, and we've just got to drop something off for one of Glory's workers. He's taking it to another merc company that's been working in the area. Mercy's Crew. They've got a big event coming up, it seems."

"What kind of event?" I ask.

"A fight, I think. We don't really talk about it. Gotta worry about spies and such, you know?"

"Right, makes sense." I nod my head. "So obviously you guys aren't helping?"

"No. We're just dropping one thing off, then heading to Kandan to make another drop. Tzeeru has something important going on in Tahili, though, so we'll be there for a whole week, give or take."

"I'm guessing you don't wanna mention that either?"

"He's gonna be talking with Glory Warhammer about some stuff. I think we're also gonna be paid a bit."

"Oh? There's no chance we could meet him, is there?" Ysana asks.

"We've got that thing we're supposed to bring to Mercy, but if we have Glory's friend drop it off for us, we could help guard them." Heroth adds.

"Negative. We're sending you guys with Glory's mercenary. The package has to make it to Mercy's Crew no matter what."

"Alright, where will we meet up with you, then?"

"The port town of Aisenburg in Tahili. It's far to the east of the castle there. I'll give you guys a map when you get off at Imtatu."

Roanne, Kandan, and Tahili are all on the same continent. They've almost always got a war going on. Right now, Tahili is being double teamed by Roanne and Kandan, but there are some talks going on.

"Pretty volatile area." I mutter.

"I know. You guys are capable, though, so I doubt it will be an issue." She shrugs.

"I'll keep them safe." Ysana promises.

"And if her magic fails, I'm still a great warrior." Heroth smiles.

We talk with the other crew members as the ship continues towards Imtatu. They know plenty about the cities they've been to, but know very little about anywhere other than the port cities. Whatever awaits us past Imtatu will pretty much be a complete surprise to us.

Eventually, we come to the city, and Ysana disguises us before we head down. We take the two packages, and wait for instructions.

Tzeeru waves to a woman down below, and shouts, "Greetings, Anomalia! Our friends here shall accompany you!"

The woman eyes us for a moment, obviously doubting our abilities. She shrugs, then walks towards us.

"I'm not here for babysitting duty, so these four better pull their own weight!" She shouts.

"Trust me. They will."

The woman pauses, and stares at us again. After a moment, she just says "I can't wait to see."

"They have some great stories! I'm sure you kids will have plenty to talk about on the road. Just make sure to keep your eyes out, highwaymen, bandits, and mercs are everywhere. Well, good luck then! We've got more deliveries to make!"

We thank Tzeeru for bringing us here, and promise to meet up soon. We then head down to meet the woman.

"A pleasure to meet you." She says. "Let's head to my house to discuss things, shall we?"

We follow her over to a large house near the docks. She takes us downstairs, and lays across a sofa.

"So, what's your story?"

We decide to go ahead and fill her in, which includes Ysana showing her our real forms.

"Spare your magical energy. What we're doing, and where we're going, we will either be in danger no matter what, or totally safe. Your magic is absolutely amazing, though." Anomalia tells Ysana.

She doesn't even care that I used to be a queen. She says that she wishes me the best in reclaiming my throne, but that she doesn't see a way that it affects her, so she can't bother caring.

Her story is a bit more straightforward. She never had much money, and Glory offered her a job one day after he watched her steal from one of his men.

We don't want to spend too much time chit chatting, though, so she grabs her stuff, and we head out.

"One more thing." She says, as we're leaving the town. "It is said that Mercy has a demon living inside of her. Be careful what you say around her, or it might be the end. I don't care how tough you are, or what kind of amazing magic you can do, Mercy is not somebody to be messed with. Besides, for now, she's an ally, and I wouldn't want it any other way."