“It is perhaps ironic that in the realm of naval warfare. That the dwarven peoples, renowned for their ironclads, ships of the line made nigh impenetrable from metal, tend to be one of the poorest at battles on the seas. A performance that is caused by their lack of proper training, and overly protected nature of their ships reinforcing an almost fatalistically defensive mentality that has led to more than one or two sinking or being boarded and taken over. ”

  - Admiral Santelo Rowley, Nautican Battlegroup Commander, “Idiosyncrasies of Ironclad Warfare”

  A sunny sky greeted them, the squawking of seagulls and clanging of bells in the distance joining the strange harmony. Naval cutters and merchant marines sailed around them. Unlike the stormy Sea of Sorrow, they were now in the mid-point between it and the Sea of Dawn. Watching dutifully over this sanctuary of naval travel were the combined efforts of the Traxian and Potomian navies. The imperial warships lingered barely a few nautical miles off their coasts while the strange floating fortresses of Potomia kept a stringent eye on those passing through the straits of Pontus to pass into the Trannoire delta.

  A massive warship made of metal and steel loomed in the distance. The metallic monstrosity bristled with clockwork cannons and dwarven runic scripts, symbols etched onto the very hull itself. Despite its fearsome, alien appearance of slanted oblong shapes and bizzare almost castle-like towers with cannonports, there was a sense of safety offered by the behemoth. A reassurance that any ner-do-wells in the region will be the target of extreme reprisals.

  Even Mila had come onto deck to see the sights, the girl’s green expression contrasted by the small look of bemusement she held at seeing Sophie’s reaction. The half elf was busy gazing in wonder at the new land before her. A yet unreachable goal but still so tantalizingly close, just barely out of reach.

  Large marble pillars stretched up to the skies, a gate of sorts to welcome those at its harbor. Unlike the crowded Arterian port surrounded by a thick shanty town and smaller housing, large Potomian structures of brick, marble and stone stood over the entryways, each representation of Potomian power. Standing at the center of the harbor and surrounded by a rocky stormwall was a massive bronze statue that sported a shield and spear. At the edge of the harbor where a hilly rock face jutted out stood a massive lighthouse, the guide to ensure that ships do not simply crash on the far flung boundaries of the city trying to access the Trannoire.

  In contrast to Arteria’s plethora of colors and grime found in its construction. Here, the buildings were primarily white and adorned with decorative blue stripes and hues, capped off by red tiled roofs. It gave the impression of a cleaner looking city, certainly one in which even the alleyways looked brighter, at least, that was from what Sophie could tell.

  There was a tinge of regret that crossed her eyes. A momentary flash to simpler times. She had also taken this sea route almost a year ago with Ary and Alodie to visit Ostia. Back then, she was so busy preparing for their vacation that she had little time to spend sightseeing on deck. Now that she was once again sailing towards an uncertain future, she appreciated the world just that much more.

  She sighed, allowing the calm breeze to wash over her. A part of her found it bizarre how suddenly the weather had shifted just a few nautical miles away. She leaned over the railing to gaze off in the distance. The dark clouds and grey skies so far away yet still visible.

  “Like an arrow through the heart of the storm itself.” Elaria’s cheery voice boomed from behind them.

  Sophie turned to search for her sister, finding the girl freely roaming around the helm. The captain let out a sharp bark of laughter, giving the bard a firm pat on the back.

  “Aye, been through worse. Tis a good crew. Never a moment o’doubt.” The captain declared just as boisterously.

  Sophie smiled, she was happy that Elaria was having a good time. For despite the dangers that their mission might involve, this was also a chance to visit a new land. While Sophie wasn’t certain that she would be able to soak in the new experiences, she was glad that someone was.

  Not far behind Elaria, her ever-present attendant Raylani was also leaning over the railings. The dark elf tried her best to hide her own amazement at the sights they were now privy to. The sea was a fine wonder for about half a day or so, but after that, the endless blue expanse could fast become a mire of anxiety. Lest of all when they were sailing through the storm.

  Must be nice, Sophie mused about her companion, seeing the whole world for the first time. I wonder if she’s nervous at all, or is it the same as Lucinia, as long as the people around her are confident, then she is too.

  The former princess took upon herself the role of Mila’s caretaker on their seabound voyage. The seasick inquisitor and the highborn imperial often share a collective scowl at their current predicament. A strange friendship, but one that amused Sophie greatly.

  “What? The city view isn’t enough?” Mila tried to snark but let out a stricken half groan instead.

  Sophie stopped herself from chuckling at the state of her friend. Her own eyes widened a little in surprise at the joking tone in Mila’s voice. She’d have thought that the first words they would share would be accusatory in nature, given that in their battle against the nightmare, Mila now knew one of Sophie’s secrets.

  Quickly recovering from the momentary lapse in concentration, she tried to match the inquisitor's mood. She shrugged.

  “Was just thinking, that’s all.” She murmured.

  Mila’s scowl softened, a more tender gaze being exchanged instead.

  “I suppose there is quite a bit of thinking to do, after all. At least once this bloody voyage is over.” The girl grunted.

  Mila followed up with a soft kick to the side of the ship to emphasize her displeasure. The poor girl having barely had an hour's worth of proper rest without her queasiness flaring up every time the ship rocked a little too violently.

  Sophie just smiled at her, “The captain did say that we’ll likely arrive by the late afternoon or early evening, Goddess willing.”

  “Ugh.” Mila grumbled, “May Euthymia speed up this accursed journey.” She made a small request to the Goddess of the seas.

  Whether the Goddess heard or not, neither of them would know. The waters near Potomia were already far calmer. Enough that Mila wasn’t actively puking every other moment.

  “May we make landfall soon.” Sophie chuckled.

  Her joy only deepened Mila’s scowl. But she did not retort, meaning letting out a soft scoff. Beside her, the traxian lazily glanced at the two. The former princess took advantage of the good weather to finally stretch her legs after being cooped up below decks for the past few days.

  Out of all of them, Sophie was the only one who really bared herself to the elements during the week. Pelted by rain and waves, she endured it all. Her reward was a little more mental clarity, and a slight sniffle that might indicate the beginning of a cold.

  As if on cue, the instant the thought entered her mind, she involuntarily sniffled.

  “Lady Lucinia, do you mind giving us a little space for a second?” Mila interrupted their silence.

  “Sure.” The traxian shrugged.

  Though Sophie could see it in her eye. The girl was moving slightly further away, but still tried to listen in. Evidently a little more curious than she had led on the day before. Mila tapped the railing to get Sophie’s attention reined in. The inquisitor shook her head for Sophie not to worry about Lucinia. So she noticed.

  The two stared at each other in silence, the lapping of the waves and the chattering of sailors as their backdrop. Mila’s expresion grew more complicated, Sophie felt her shoulders sag. It was the same mournful expression she shared when they had first escaped the nightmare.

  Seeing Sophie’s willpower wither away in front of her, Mila sighed deeply. Sophie nervously looked at her, wonder just what she would say.

  “Sophie.”

  “Mila.”

  The two acknowledged each other, the inquisitor’s face twisting into a small scowl. But this time it was different, Sophie could see how she looked down. The scowl was meant for herself. Is she… feeling awkward too?

  Taking a deep breath, Sophie cleared her throat and spoke.

  “Mila. About everything that happened in the nightmare…” She began, pausing to try and judge Mila’s expression.

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  But the inquisitor kept her mask, her face unchanging beyond a small flicker of uncertainty. Sophie frowned, unsure of how to continue. She didn’t know how to continue, how to appeal to Mila’s sensibilities. The inquisitor was a duty bound soul, that much she knew. But in their time together, she had also seen the same desire for righteousness that was more emotional in nature. The revulsion at the injustices around them.

  “I have my own goals that I need to fulfill.” Sophie confessed, not hiding her involvement with It but not laying it all out either, “But, I am still commited to righting the wrongs of this world. And to fix my own mistakes.” Sophie added with a whisper.

  Mila frowned, the scowl morphing into a look of consternation.

  “A-and our goals align. We also seek to trace the source of the new evils and put a stop to it. It-”

  “Sophie.” Mila gently interrupted, “Enough.”

  Sophie winced, her anxiety now bubbling over.

  “Let me make this clear. There’s a lot I don’t know, and a lot more I do want to know. What we’ve… experienced together. Your past leaves a lot unanswered.” Mila began.

  Sophie looked down at the sea, watching the waves calmly smack into the side of the ship.

  “In fact, I dare say there is more than enough reason for me to have you temporarily detained and questioned.” Mila growled, but something sounded off. The barest hint of a snicker.

  “Like when we first met?” Sophie chanced a joke.

  “Heh, yeah.” Mila let out a singular chuckle.

  Sophie’s lips formed a wispy smile. She looked up, Mila now looking off in the distance with a more wistful expression.

  “Been a long while since then.” She added.

  “Aye.” Mila sighed tiredly.

  The inquisitor then looked at Sophie, no longer frowning or uncertain. Only a somber gaze remained, one that deflated what little lightheartedness that Sophie managed to evoke. Sophie deflated, joining the girl with a sigh of her own. Then, Mila began drumming her fingers against the railing, before letting out a beleaguered groan.

  “Mila?”

  “Sophie, Sophie, Sophie.” Mila sighed once more, “Look, truth is. I know you’re an honest soul, I can see that much. That you dive head first into the dark is an admirable if questionable career tactic.” She chuckled softly.

  “Mmm.” Sophie mumbled.

  “So for that, I can’t fault you. But even servants of righteousness occasionally stray upon paths darker than one should. For that, you need oversight. Not someone like me, still… still so reactive. Someone more well versed in these matters. More well trained.”

  Sophie looked back to the sea. The silent conversationalist. The calm listener to all her thoughts and fears.

  “But!” Mila’s tone snapped Sophie back to attention, the seasick inquisitor wagging a finger at her, “But. That is a discussion best suited for when we are back in Arteria and this whole mess is resolved. For now, I need to know that you’re fully present. After all, we are wandering into the unknown. Hells…” Mila scoffed at herself, “Didn’t even make it there last time around.” She mumbled as she gazed sadly towards Potomia.

  “Mila…”

  “So whatever we’ve been through, it’s our little secret for now. Because once we make landfall, I’ll have to report to Lady Serilda and that’ll bring more than enough troubles on your shoulders for now. So chin up, Sophie. Can’t have you lagging behind before we’ve even begun. Besides, seeing you smile might help Annalise treat us better, who knows?” She snickered.

  Hearing the subtle change in Mila’s tone and the reassurance it brought. Sophie let out her own relieved little sigh. It seemed Mila had done some thinking and arrived at a need for conciliation, at least for now. She supposed that was good enough.

  “Fair enough.” Sophie grinned, “Still. I mean what I said. Despite my own reasons, our goals are aligned.”

  “For now.” Mila corrected, before shaking her head, “Not that it matters. Whatever my opinion of you becomes, I still trust you as a person. That’s enough for me.”

  “Me too. I trust you too.” Sophie whispered her own affirmations.

  The two shared a warm smile, though there was doubt in both their eyes, they stood as comrades. Sophie managed to catch a glimpse of Lucinia a ways past Mila. The imperial’s shoulders dropped in relief when she noticed the tension seemed to dissipate between them. Heh, Sophie hid a laugh, she cares in her own way.

  “Goddess. I can’t wait to get off this damned ship.” Mila grumbled now that the moment was over.

  Finally given the freedom to relax once more, Sophie snickered at her friend’s suffering. She was sympathic to the pain she was suffering. But at the same time, there was a part of her that still found it amusing that a stalwart member of the inquisition was so easily afflicted by seasickness.

  Only now did a sliver of something more stir inside of herself, her thin smile freezing in place. Mila was an inquisitor, and one of the youngest ones yet. She did not know how old the girl was, but judging by her features, Sophie reasonably guessed that Mila was around her age if not even younger. A sudden pang of guilt flared up, for someone like her to have gone through so much. Sophie felt a strange kinship developing. A greater understanding of why Mila seemed so certain yet hesitant at the same time. Then the inquisitor flicked her nose for staring too intently, forcing her to recoil and nurse her new wound.

  So it was, that as the Audentes lurched past the busy port of Pontus. Passing the eye catching marble buildings and statues, beyond the safety of the patrol craft and iron warships. That their voyage began it’s approach to their destination, the port of Mare’s Berth.

  “Make sure yer take all yer things. We won’t be around after tomorrow.” The captain bellowed.

  “We got it. Thanks for the voyage!” Arnold anwsered for the group.

  His party led the way off the ship, Sara the healer throwing an apologetic glance at Mila that the inquisitor shrugged off. Sophie’s group followed close behind, taking care to not interrupt the sailors unloading cargo nearby.

  “Get your adventuring tags ready, we’ll be going through customs.” Arnold informed the group.

  A few scattered grunts marked their acknowledgements.

  With Mila’s current sickly demeanour, it full upon Sophie and Elaria to carry the inquisitor’s packs. Raylani served as their party’s security and naturally allowed to be more flexible. Whereas the princess was still a little too dainty to properly carry her own equipment, let alone even more.

  Though the crowd entering Mare’s Berth wasn’t even close to as busy as those she saw at the harbor of Pontus, let alone Arteria’s. The buildings too, were far more drab and colorless. Endless rows of sea-worn yellows and blues that seemed to squeeze together in desperate huddles. There were still merchants aplenty benefiting off being the only suppliers to the nation amidst the now potentially three-way civil war. Enterprising individuals like their captain and the company that had brought them here alongside crates of arms and materials. But even they seemed to carry themselves with a stoic sensibility, no pride or even boastful joking. Just orders barked and commands received.

  With resignation, they shuffled their way into a customs line. The officials here all donning armors and military garb. No bueraucrats and greedy portmasters that sat with burgeoning pockets at their desks. Only soldiers or enforcers here. Though I guess Arteria is more like that now. Her face twisted into a deep scowl, after the Braveskulls blew up their own building and half the buildings nearby. Bastards. Her hands automatically balled up into fists, that dark day’s tragic events invading her mind.

  She could always supress the memories, hide them for a time. But like a festering wound they remained, the injustices done to the people, to her sister, and the victims of their own mining atrocities. They were unforgivable, and yet unpunished.

  Someone prodded her side, the sudden movement almost provoking Sophie to instinctively defend herself. With a readied punch, she paused to find the traxian glowering at her despite interrupting her thoughts. The girl pinched the bridge of her nose in disappointment at not finding something within Sophie.

  “Quit frowning like that, or are you asking for the city guards to thoroughly interrogate you?” Lucinia hissed.

  Sophie was startled, the abrupt interruption temporarily confusing her.

  “You look like you’re preparing to kill something.” Lucinia scoffed as she tried to subtly motion towards Sophie’s fists, “They might think you’re the next person to usher in trouble. Like at Nordmer. You do remember your colleague Arnold’s warnings right?”

  Sophie looked away in embarrassment. She had no such recollection.

  “A few months ago, ships came in and wiped out a whole port city. Anna’s ships. That’s why there’s guards everywhere now. So don’t give them ta reason to get suspicious, aye? My dignity can only handle being tarnished so much.”

  Sophie closed her eyes and sucked in a deep breath, trying to calm herself back down. Vengeance against the Braveskulls were a goal, but one for later. Lucinia was right, she had more immediate concerns and worries. Obligations to others and a duty to fulfill them without letting down her friends and comrades. She let out the breath with a heavy sigh.

  “You’re right. Sorry.” Sophie finally spoke up.

  “Of course I am.” Lucinia haughtily crossed her arms, "Your apology has been noted."

  Sophie chuckled a little and Lucinia turned away from her. Then a shadow loomed from behind the two, a whisper before either could even react.

  “Troubles coming.” Raylani informed them.

  Despite the dark elf standing out even more than a normal elf. By the time the two turned around, she had already vanished back into the dockside crowd. The only sign that she had been there being the hooded figure that now resumed her position at Elaria’s side.

  Two pike toting soldiers were clearing a way towards them. Sophie glanced at Arnold, wondering if this was part of the intended reception. Seeing how he lowered his hands closer to his weapons however, suggested otherwise. Sophie exchanged a worried look with Lucinia, they were in no position for a scuffle having just disembarked.

  A robed clergyman stood between the guards, followed along by two knights of Gratia in his wake. His target wasn’t on the new arrivals, only a peculiar inquisitor who quickly realized something was wrong when her party grew more tense. Her first port of call was Sophie, the elf directing her towards the soldiers and priest.

  Almost instantly, Mila’s already sickly visage adapted a more hardened demeanor. Her displeasure manifesting in how rigid she suddenly got and how the inquisitor's breathing grew ever more controlled. It seemed to amuse the priest, the robed man offering a smug smile in response. I sense trouble.

  “Lady Lyudmila, what a fortuitous reunion. Curious how you arrived without official notification at all.” The elderly priest’s voice held out a challenge.

  “Master Daimon.” She growled out an unpleasant greeting, “I am here on personal business.”

  Whispers and unwanted eyes were now drawn to them. The dour people of Gratia and gossip hungry merchants sensing the bubbling cauldron of intrigue was about to deliver them something new. A few more guards stood on the standby, even one or two templars remaining just far enough to avoid drawing more of a crowd, but certaintly within intervention range.

  “Mila?” Sophie queried quietly.

  The inquisitor turned to her with a scowl, “I'll handle this.” She hissed.