Waste from the factories emptied into the canal then continued a winding journey to the harbour. It absorbed the summer heat, expressing a suffocating stench over the docks. Despite washing and a change of clothes Chris still felt the grime from last night's swim on his skin. The mossy shade of water was dense and lifeless. But beyond the harbours entrance he knew of the sparkling clear ocean. Beyond that, a foreign land for him to discover.

The port was for business, half the population participated in the shipping transactions that made them rich. The other half came to the docks for the S.S. Fairwater; the vessel that ferries travellers between Lollardum and Alexanderia. He used to watch the boat and crew every day. As a child he dreamed of boarding and losing himself somewhere— anywhere else. Now with Zack in tow, there she was, the three-mast fishing schooner bobbing before him. Sails furled in clumps along each mast. Webs of nets sprawled from gunnel to topmast. Each line curled like a fat cat along the planks. His mind spoke of caution, he faced disappointed before. But his heart was a flutter, spurned on by a newfound independence. Freedom from the shackles of the streets. The web of loyalties and lies. Free to be whomever he desired. Far from Sexton and outside of Bayliss's greedy hands.

Wading through the throng of travellers, he spied Moira with dark circles under her eyes and her shoulders slumped. Sara bounced through the crowd while Eclipse took up the rear, swinging his tail irritably from side to side.

“Hey, Moira!” he elbowed Zack, “I knew she'd be here first thing,”

“Chris?” she glared, “why are you here?”

“I’m taking him to Alexanderia.”

“After last night Zack thinks Lollardum may have too many dangerous people in it,” he winked. “So, I’m heading to Alexanderia for a vacation! I’ve never had one before,”

“You’re getting on the ferry?”

“Moira look, people are boarding!”

“I’m not getting on if he is.”

“Enough,” Eclipse interrupted, “this is not the time.”

“Fine, but you—” she pointed to Zack, “pick a side of the boat and stay on it!” She yanked Sara's hand and pulled her over the gangway: boarding the ferry behind the first group.

“I may be the feline relation, but trust me Sunshine, I know the doghouse when I see it.” Chris laughed, giving Zack a little punch on the shoulder before following the others onto the gangway.

Chris lounged beside Zack on the starboard side; directly across from Moira and Sara. He stretched his aching legs and arched his back. If this was his first vacation, he planned to enjoy every minute of it. He heard Zack sharpening his sword next to him; feeling his agitation radiate with every pass of the whetstone. He chuckled to himself; Zack was stuck on a boat with the one person in the world who hated him. And because of a deranged man he finally got the adventure he always wished. If exile was his only option, then he could enjoy time with Zack and the exuberant cast surrounding the Mage.

The ferry fled Lollardum’s pollution and crowds and sailed towards a glimmering empty horizon. It spanned a lifetime, or so he thought. Beyond the shuttered harbour the salt water filled his lungs and his spirit overflowed. Pulling a loaf of bread from his satchel he allowed the gentle rocking to melt the stress away. As he indulged in the fresh bread, he watched Moira and Eclipse whispered together. Her hunched shoulders and the way she fidgeted with her hands; revealed her nervousness. Eclipse’s ears twitched; his sideline glances focused on Zack. But his friend failed to notice anything beyond his task. What was it about Zack that kept them on edge?

“So, what’s Alexanderia like?”

“Nice, clean, orderly.”

“Sounds perfect for someone like you!”

“I don’t understand your resistance, Alexanderia is better than the hole you were living in.”

“Someone’s grumpy,” Chris smiled, “you were fine after we were almost blown sky high. So that leaves something to do with her.”

“No.”

“You think you sharpened that thing long enough?”

“What’s the deal with them and the kid?”

“She’s an orphan, Moira took her in and are bringing her to some relative.”

“In Alexanderia?”

“Dunno, none of them will talk about it.”

“I don’t like these secrets.”

“I think they are trying to protect themselves. You know the further you keep people away the less likely they are to corner you on a cliff and almost kill you.” The sword dropped with a clang.

“First of all, I was only a jerk to her so the sadists in this kingdom would leave her alone AND to give you time to get away. Which I wouldn’t have to do if you weren’t dumb enough to steal the queen’s earrings!”

“Oh, so my stupidity leads you to attempted murder?”

“Am I supposed to let an angry, maybe criminal, Mage kill me? I was hoping she would back down, I didn’t want it to go that far,”

“I doubt she'll submit to anyone. Who knows, she could probably rule the country if she wanted to,”

“I will throw myself on my sword if that day comes.”

“You really are a ray of sunshine aren't ya?”

~~*~~

She watched the happy waves splash across the bow with a heavy heart. Any other boat going anywhere else would make her heart sing. Instead, it hardened in preparation for her meeting with the king. As if sharing her grief Eclipse laid at her feet. She saw how haggard he looked; almost like he aged since the last time she saw him. She sat beside him, putting his head on her lap brushing his fur.

“A copper for your thoughts?”

“How can you be calm at a time like this?”

“You know me, it’s all a cover,” she stroked his chin like she did when he was a cub.

“We will arrive in Alexanderia soon. I thought you, of all of us, would be more alarmed,”

“I’m terrified. You know as well as I do, the moment I pass through that gate my wings get clipped and I’ll live my life as a puppet to someone else’s beliefs. The Gods are forcing me into this direction, all I can do is follow their guidance.”

“It is amusing how every adventure ends the same way,”

“In death?”

“At the beginning.” He doesn’t speak for a while, “I have arrived at a decision.” He announced storming towards the others. “Moira. Captain.” She wasn’t sure if it was Eclipse’s commanding presence or Zack’s military training, but either way, he stood when the panther addressed him. “I have come to a decision and my law is final.”

“Eclipse?”

“I have decided you two will become comrades in arms.”

“Um no, I want nothing to do with him.”

“That’s a terrible idea,” Zack agreed.

“I love it!” Chris exclaimed. “No one could write a better pair!”

“Shut up,”

“All of you shut up!” Eclipse roared. “We are about to enter the Capital of our nation. I refuse to allow you two to fight like— “

“Cats and dogs?” Chris smirked.

“The point is, you two are an embarrassment. As much as I am amused by your squabbles, it cannot continue any longer. You are putting not only yourselves at risk but everyone else’s lives as well.”

“Eclipse, I don’t think—”

“Precisely Moira, you never think. You are a Mage for God’s sake. If you lose control, you could hurt hundreds of people. And you—you are a member of the Knights of Alexanderia and Captain of the King’s Guard. Show some restraint. Moira is not an army. Revisit how to be diplomatic.” No one spoke, both refused to look Eclipse in the eye. “Very well, think of it like this: Moira, hand to hand combat leaves you at a disadvantage. And Zack, I guarantee, you want a Mage on your side. Not only because of her magic but Moira could make a deal with vagabond and still come out a rich man. You two will work together whether you like it or not. I promise you that. But if you refuse to be allies at least promise not to kill each other.”

“Fine.” She knew there wasn’t a way out of it. He knew something she didn’t but she sensed he a larger purpose beyond avoiding a duel.

“Agreed.” Zack shifted his weight nervously.

“You need to meet Charcoal too!” Sara squealed, revealing a yellow marble in her palm.

“No, Sara, I don’t think—” bright light ignited over the deck, “dammit.”

It bolted from the marble soaring across the sky, circling the bow before returning to Sara. As it faded, Charcoal materialized, first the tips of his wings, the long tail and then his pudgy snout. His black scales shined in the sun as he landed with a clumsy crash at Sara’s feet.

“Whoa!” Zack instinctively grabbed his hilt but she grabbed his hand.

“Don’t, Sara will kill you.”

“Oh, my strong little boy! Are you okay?” she wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Is that a dragon?” Chris asked.

“His name is Charcoal,” Sara announced.

“And he’s yours?”

“Yup! He was my birthday present.”

“You gave her a dragon?” Zack shouted at Moira.

“I don’t do dragons,” but he looked sceptical “Look,” when she motioned to pet Charcoal, who, as if on cue, snapped at her hand. “See the little beast hates me.”

“He was from my Daddy. It's tradition.”

“Sara comes from a family of Dragon Tamers.” Eclipse explained, “her family has trained and bred dragons for centuries.” Despite Moira’s protest Chris crouched and offered the dragon his hand. To her horror the beast licked his fingers.

“Oh! He’s such a cute little fella!” He chuckled as he scratched the scales under his chin.

“I don’t believe this…”

“Let me get this right, the kid has a pet dragon she keeps in a marble. You’re the bossiest woman I ever met who has immeasurable magical abilities. And the talking animal here is your Guardian who keeps you in line and offers advice.”

“Yea… that pretty much sums it up.”

As the morning passed, Chris entertained Sara and Charcoal with card tricks and tall tales. She appreciated Zack’s distance, he kept to himself near the bow, but didn’t allow her to leave his sight. She did her best to ignore him, focusing on the strange blips on the horizon. As the ferry approached tall gleaming masts poked from the water. Several vibrant Alexanderian Galleons bobbed from their anchor lines. The fresh varnished wood and rich reds decorating the square trunk stern offered a opulence she hadn’t seen in a while. They sat low against the waterline meaning when fully rigged they sailed faster and closer to the wind. She had never been so close to the remarkable fleet. Their sailors busied themselves by washing the massive sails on the deck. But why were they anchored outside the harbour?

The late afternoon sun bathed Alexanderia’s harbour in a glistening sheen. The schooner navigated the welcoming waves as gulls announced their presence. Chris and Sara clung to the bow excitedly pointing at different landmarks. Zack gathered his gear and waited near the exit. She leaned against the mast, listening to the wooden rigging blocks slap into each other. Neat stone homes and shops lined the busy dock, extending over steep hills along gravel roads until they occupied the hills. People darted into shops and busied themselves with the ships tied alongside the stone wharf.

But she ignored their ordinary lives and allowed her eyes to drift to the ivory manor cresting the top of the hill. Tall overgrown willow trees overshadowed the once beautiful home. Her back molars slid against each other as her jaw tightened. She fought the memory swimming to the surface, grinding her teeth until it passed. Not now, she told herself. Focus, the past is long gone. She turned her gaze to the lofty peaks piercing the skyline. As the schooner approached the busy waterways, their size overwhelmed her. The mountain range was one of the highest in the world, extending for miles until it reached the Great Desert on the other side of the continent. Alexanderia, not the township before her, but the main kingdom was nestled in the middle of those peaks. On the other side was their destination.

“It is as if nothing has changed,” Eclipse mumbled. She gazed at the abandoned manor, noting the shuttered windows, and decaying veranda.

“Nothing ever changes here.”

The S.S Fairwater slipped into the dock with the exuberant hustle and bustle of a trained army of sailors. Each shouting orders, climbing ropes and shuffling over the crowded deck as if a timed routine. With Sara in hand, she followed Zack off the boat. Passengers shoved passed them, greeting old acquaintances, or heading to off on errands.

“So, this is it huh?” Chris shoved his hands in his pockets, inspecting the glittering flecks in the gravel. “I heard Alexanderia was made from gems, but I didn’t expect it in the dirt.”

“It’s just crushed by-product they shoveled from mines. Not all that glitters is gold.”

“Oh, don’t I know it.” He smirked, causing her to chuckle. “Ho there,” he called to Zack who waved a carriage to their position.

“What’s that?”

“A carriage,” Zack remarked patting the horse’s snout.

“I know it’s a carriage, but why not horses, they’re faster. I’ve wasted enough time.”

“Because Chris has never ridden—”

“I object,”

“A horse, Chris.”

“Right, carry on,”

“Before this goes any further, I need answers. I am not about to take you to the king, putting my reputation on the line, without knowing what I am about to get myself into. This way we all stay together and you can explain this business of yours.”

“Or you just want an excuse to lock me in a cramped box until your guards arrest me.”

“Look I promised to be nice, this is me being cordial.”

“Go ahead Moira,” Eclipse spoke, “he has a right to suspicion, it is a fair compromise. For all he knows we could be lying and he could be killed if he brought an assailant into the palace.” Zack didn’t see the humour in the panther’s joke.

“Alright, but just so you know Eclipse gets testy on long carriage rides.” She helped Sara inside while Chris held the door.

“I never get ‘testy’.”

The carriage rocked side to side as it climbed the narrow inclines of the town. Immaculate stone homes with slated roofs past the windows. Sara waved at every face she saw and pointed out anything of interest. A well reminded her of her village. She spied miniature ponies specially bred for the mines. Even vibrant flowerbeds deserved a joyful outburst. As the town faded behind the hill the fishy smell of the harbour became a memory. She stared at the vibrant trees as they travelled over the narrow rocky road, trying to ignore the knot twisting in her stomach.

“So, what’s this important business?” Chris smirked before popping a fig in his mouth. Their intent stare made her palms sweat. Their eagerness made the cramp accommodations worse. It was always just her and Eclipse. Then Sara stumbled into her life and everything changed. Life became more complicated; if that was even possible. She inhaled, steeling her reserve before blurting out the truth.

“I overheard the queen of Bellavere planning an attack with her general. The only one who will be able to stop them is Alexanderia, thus, I need to inform the king. Now you know.”

“Do you know how many warnings like these come across my desk? Most are false alarms, trust me; I investigated enough of them.”

“I’m not some conspiracy crackpot, I wouldn’t risk Sara’s life through Lunar Forest for something merely circumstantial.”

“Even if Bellavere’s general wasn’t missing, I doubt you overheard General Diamond discuss plans for an unjustified war. Whoever you thought you heard was not the general of Bellavere.”

“You know of Diamond’s disappearance?” Eclipse interjected.

“Did you assume a long-term friend of Lex Stone could vanish without us knowing about it?”

“I suppose not,” Eclipse agreed, “I am not sure if it is official, but Margaret replaced Diamond.”

“If this is true, then what’s the mystery general’s name?”

“Remo Kipling,” she stated.

The words hung in the air as Zack clenched his jaw. His nostrils flared as he sat back into his seat. Her heart raced under his vigilant glare. She sensed he had more to say, to confess, but his taught jaw said otherwise. It was a name that struck fear in the heart of Alexanderians. A monster who destroyed their sense of security, their livelihood, their families. But he wasn’t afraid.

“Kipling?” Chris tapped his chin, “isn’t that the name of the guy who killed your parents?”

“This isn’t the time for that.”

“Your parents are dead too?” Sara interjected. A sigh escaped his lips as he uncrossed his arms.

“My parents were among those killed during the Treason of Alexanderia. Kipling was one of the ringleaders during the revolt.” It was all he had to say, history told the rest. The decorated general turned on the king. Kipling, the second in command, rallied the dissatisfied country men, soldiers and miners to raze the kingdom to the ground. “Your parents have passed away as well?”

“They were killed when our village was set on fire.”

“Sara’s from Dragon Haven,”

“Impossible, I searched the debris myself, there were no survivors.”

“No, Moira took me away before the army came,”

“You were there?”

“It was a coincidence,” she explained, “we missed the massacre but just barely. Then we followed the army back to Bellavere and that’s how we overheard the plans for an attack.”

“I hope you understand how serious this is. He’s escaped capture multiple times; our last reports place him on another continent. Are you sure it was the same man?”

“Yes.”

“How do you know he’s appointed general? Heard it in some bar?”

“No Nicole told us,” Sara answered.

“Nicole?”

“Yea the pretty princess, I like her.”

“Why would the Princess tell you anything?” he shot at Moira.

“Because they’re friends,”

“Are you serious?”

“Like she said, we’re friends.”

“How does a travelling Mage become friends with the heir to the throne of Bellavere?”

“First of all, don’t say ‘travelling Mage’ as if I’m some sort of country bumpkin with a stick. I was top in my classes at the Academy. And secondly, Bellavere’s court is active with the Kingdom of Ancients and the Council. Our paths crossed when we were younger, we discovered we had common interests and we’ve been friends ever since.”

“Is your information reliable?”

“I’m sworn to protect the Innocent. I know what Margaret is capable of, and what lengths Kipling will go for revenge. I don’t want what happened here, to Sara or to you, to happen again.”

“What makes you think the king will believe you?”

“I’m the only one he will believe.”

Sara’s squeal of excitement drew their attention to the window. They crested the steep hill, leaving the town behind. But ahead of them was what caught Sara’s attention. For the first time since she was forced from her home, Sara saw mountains. Chris too jammed his face against the glass, amazed at the miles of peaks. They stretched to the horizon, some rounded while others had a wild appearance. In the distance to the west were the mines. Miles of iron rails bisected the peaks and weaved through the manicured paths.

Before them, was what caught the other’s attention. A vast kingdom growing from the center of a valley. Roads crossing each other at right angles, neighbourhoods with lush gardens, bustling markets and all the life that came with it. For Moira her eyes glanced to the palace, her stomach twisted; gripping her heart. She glanced at Zack whose eyes watched the Ruby Gate.

Constructed of stone it stretched from mountain to mountain; the only other entrance into the kingdom. It was a story of legend and an architectural marvel. Cresting the top of the structure was the mythic crimson ruby, the largest in the world. Pulled from the mountains, it was so named Zander’s Heart, after the kingdom’s namesake god. Ever since Alexanderia rose from the rocks, it has stood for justice and peace. She only hoped it would stay that way.