“You remind me of my sister, princess. You’re just as stubborn.”

Ersel narrowed her eyes at Bilal, though evidently she was still partly asleep. “Did you try to seduce your sister to?” She lashed.

Bilal began to chuckle. His laugh accompanied by the steady swish of rows. “Ever seen the waves this early?” smiled Bilal.

Ersel faced the man with drowsy eyes, “Aye.” She replied. “I may not look it, but I’ve sailed the seas, back and forth ‘cross the Zeten waves.”

“Noted.” puffed Bilal, He glanced at me. Perhaps the same question.

I had not. “Never.” I said as I peeked over the rowboat. For a moment I listened to the gentle cash of waves and the Turmoil caused by Bilal’s rows. Light bounced off the waves in a myriad of lights. The very sunrise reflected a millions times over on the ripple of passing waves.

It was a sea of gold and fire.

We had left before the sun passed the horizon. Ersel seemed lethargic and impatient. Was that drunkenness or a symptom of sleeplessness? Either way humans had far too many weaknesses. How they lived this long was beyond me.

Bilal gave us only minutes to prepare and we left the tavern without a word. We walked passed the cobblestones roads with hoods well over our heads. We arrived by the docks in a matter of minutes and took off on a nearby rowboat. I wondered if that rowboat was even Bilal’s, though his aversion of the question made it apparent it was not.

I stared back at the docks, the once grand city shrinking behind it. Buildings became miniatures of their former selves, far off palaces nothing but doll houses in the wake of distance.

Looking back at it felt as if I saw everything, though I knew full well that I did not. Time did not amount to experience.

“Will we ever come back?” I asked.

Ersel yawned, “Here I thought you wanted to see the world.”

Waves crashed and I settled back in my seat, “Yes, but that does not mean I cannot return to where I already visited.”

“Then what makes you want to come back?” asked Ersel.

“It interests me.” I said firmly.

Ersel glared at me, “That’s an odd matter to get interested over. It is what it is. My home. Perhaps yours. But this country’s nothing special, neither is the city.” Her voice trailed off to another yawn and she slouched against the boat. I cocked my head at her. How she could lie so calmly astounded me. Perhaps she was accustomed to mystic caverns and outlandish treasures. “Though not everything is as it appears.”

Indeed, there was more to it than what appeared. Policies, people, and hidden dungeons. In fact, I store at Bilal, I had another question. “Pirate.” I started, “You said you were caught smuggling. The strange human said you carried ‘denizens of non-humans descent’. Why exactly were you caught for that? What do they do to the denizens of non-human descent?”

Ersel shot up, shaking the boat a little. “Is that true?” she pushed.

Bilal waited till the boat balanced, “Yes.” He said once.

Ersel’s eyes narrowed, “Are you a slave trader?”

“Spirits no.” sighed the pirate, “Now would you sit down?”

Hesitantly, she sat down and I eyed Bilal.

“Well?” said Ersel.

He stopped rowing, “The country you are from is full of racists and skivers. Know that before I begin.”

Ersel snarled, “Insulting my homeland was not part of the contract.”

“I’m a pirate, princess, I do not follow contracts. What we have here is merely honor among thieves.” He looked at me, “You however, I am doing you a favor. If they knew what you were they would kill you on the spot. Were you aware of that? ‘Denizens of non-human descent’ it is their way of saying ‘only humans allowed’. Now, that would be fine, but you see this country is home to some of the rarest and most potent herbs. Herbs used to cure diseases found all over the world.” He puffed, his rant over as fast as it started.

Bilal cleared his throat and started rowing, calm once more “What you have here could save thousands. I only tried to save two. A Fotorya and a Tulek. I don’t even know where they are now.”

“That’s not why you came.” Said Ersel slowly.

Bilal narrowed his eyes, his smile still on him, “And why would you say that?”

“It is as you said,” hummed Ersel “we are thieves be it on the land or the sea. Gods bless your soul if you do what you do for the sake of others. But we both know that is not how it works.”

Bilal sighed, “I had an agreement. A simple trade. An artifact, a key you might say, for this.” He held up his left hand, I had not noticed before. But on it lay rings on every finger. He pointed to the first finger after his thumb, what lay there was a ring. I leaned in to observe it, a square shaped emerald a top of its gold serpent frame.

Ersel did not need to lean to know what it was, she blinked tersely, “The ring of the kingdom! How does a pirate have that?”

He laughed, “I have my ways.” He grabbed the rows and continued his trance, “As you can see the trade was a hoax. A trap which took place as soon as I landed. My two friends who I had hoped to help were in on it. And I was soon captured and jailed for ‘smuggling denizens of non-human descent.”

“The ring of the kingdom?” I asked. I had not heard of it.

Ersel’s gaze did not leave the ring, “Aye, it was one of the gifts from the great Jeweler Belar, to the five great human kingdoms. Sapphire for Eolasi, Obsidian for the Ilvari Empire, Opal for Medar’ Esari, Amethyst for Tor, and Emerald-”

“Emerald for your kingdom.” Finished Bilal, “They were forged and held by the respective rulers as a show of friendship between their great nations. That come war with the other races, we humans would triumph. When your ‘old’ nobles deserted you. The emerald ring was taken with them. It somehow fell into the hands of the Ilivari family, and afterwards I stole it.”

Ersel gripped my arm hard, I stared at her, her eyes were locked on the pirate, “I knew I did not like this.” She spat, “From the moment I met you! I knew you were going to get us killed.”

“Ersel-” I started.

She ignored me, “Pirate, do you have a death wish? Stealing from the Ilivari family is-is insane! You will never out run them! You can not even hide, and now you are headed to where they live? Bramble, let me get by.” She withdrew her dagger.

I cocked my head, “Why? I rather not move, lest I fall into the water.”

“Then we jump.”

“Which is just as horrid. “ I countered, “Wet cloaks are a dreadful thing.”

She pulled close to me, “It’s better than dying” she sneered.

“You’re wrong, princess.” Sighed Bilal. She shot her eyes at him, he calmly rowed, “I have the means to run, but I do not need to. They cannot kill me.”

Ersel narrowed her eyes. For seconds they were locked in a silent duel, Ersel’s eyes as rough as the waves, Bilal’s as calm as his rowing. Ersel leaned backwards, closed her eyes, and breathed deeply. “If you lived this long. Then I suppose there is more to you than stupidity.”

I remembered his escape back at the scaffolding, perhaps luck was more a part of it, “You remind me rags.” I said aloud, eyes on Bilal, “Have I told you about him?”

Bilal shook his head, “I don’t believe so.” He slowed his rowing, then glanced from side to side, “You’ll have to tell me another time.” the air grew hazy. I peeked around the boat. Mists flooded the air without end. Soon I could see only an arm’s length ahead. The mists swept over Bilal and I saw only glimpse of what he once was. Notably, his smile.

His stifled laugh the sole company to the steady beat of rows. “We’re here.” He said quietly

The rowing stopped. A moment later the mists blew away in a massive gust of wind. I shielded my face as did Ersel. What was that? It seemed unnatural. Though perhaps nothing compared to what I had already seen. Indeed, nothing could have surprised me.

I lowered my arms. I was wrong.

A lean ship towered above us. It’s hull dark and majestic, hovering above us as the waves crashed in.

“Welcome aboard,” motioned Bilal, “to my ship.” A rope tumbled down on his last word and as it did Bilal brought us closer to the ship.

“I insist you go first, my lady.” He grinned.

Ersel leaned back in the boat as stout as a stone, “I’d rather not.”

“I’ll go first.” I volunteered. Though I doubt either of them heard me, now locked in their own argument.

“Come now princess, this is merely a gesture.” Said Bilal.

“Aye a gesture of perversion. I know what you’re really after. Gold or no gold.” Protested Ersel.

I could hear Bilal laugh as I swung my hood on, “If that is what you believe I will not protest it.”

With my feet sturdy on the boat I grabbed the rope amongst the rabble of humans, besides the ship interested me far more than they did. One hand after the other, I hoisted myself up.

A face popped over the hull. It store at me with pure amethyst eyes. I slowed my advance. This creature was not human. That was apparent by the lack of a nose, pitch black skin and short pointed ears. It reminded me of a bat.

Then, another face appeared to greet me. Another non-human. Though it looked like one. One that was mossy green with lichen growing on it. Except it had no eyes and it’s hair was dreaded.

Bilal’s voice echoed past me, “Oi! You two! Let our guest pass.”

“Aye captain.” Nodded the moss-man, disappearing shortly after.

The bat-woman, or so I assumed to be a woman by the way her face was angled, hissed and clicked before speaking, “Another one cap’n?”

“Aye, but this no ordinary guest.” Continued Bilal. Of course not. “This is Brambleburn of Starsreach. He’s a friend of mine.”

“What of the girl?” Clicked the bat.

Bilal chuckled, “Ersel Miermont. Another guest who is by no means ordinary.”

Suddenly my introduction seemed far less appealing.

“Pleasure.” scoffed the noble at the bottom.

As I reached the top a hand clasped my arm and a new voice entered the air. “You have strange skin for a human.”

Oh they did not know.

I glanced up. Yet another non-human, though this one was stranger than the others. It was shaped like a human, but it was made of many layers of what looked like parchment. More than that it had strange symbols for eyes. Symbols which glowed. Now I had seen everything.

“My my,” it spoke again, “what are you?”

“A god.” I said plainly.

“Not ordinary indeed.” Said the moss-man.

I knew I could not see her, but I had a feeling Ersel had just rolled her eyes.

I climbed over the top and took in the sight. Sails furled high above us, spires of wood all about. Ropes even more abundant. I had never imagined ships to look this way. If I had to describe it, it was a floating wooden jungle. I heard the tug of the rope as Bilal made his way on the ship.

“Welcome back captain.” Cried a voice.

“Captain!” Echoed two younger ones.

“What is a god doing amongst mortals?” pushed parchment.

I stared at it. Which I dare say was hard, considering the strangeness that stood around me. It had the shape of a human, but it did not look like one. It was covered in a long robe, with a single scroll attached from the top of its robe to the bottom. Behind its head it had a long line of twisted scriptures, perhaps its hair.

“Good question.” I humored, “Sometimes not even I know the answer to that.”

A familiar hand fell on my shoulder, “You never told me you were a god.” Said Bilal. I ebbed over my shoulder to stare at the human. It occurred to me then, that for the longest time I had to stare down at those around me. I glanced back at parchment. Odd for a creature made completely of paper, it towered as high as I. For once I did not have to look down upon those around me. Atleast not in the literal sense.

Ersel finally reached the top. “Don’t believe a word he says.” She cried, “And you, do not say another word.” Why was she pointing at me?

Feeling the brunt of the command, I also felt the need to speak up, “I hardly find that necessary. They asked and I answered. Why shouldn’t I have?”

Ersel stomped towards me then tiptoed to my height, “For your own good.” She whispered.

I glanced around, it had not occurred to me that the ship had gone quiet. More than that people stared. It reminded me of the city.

“He’s a little over his head this one. Believes he’s a god.” Echoed Ersel. Walking around me and gesturing as such. “We’re all a little mad in our own way.”

“Oh we know, princess.” Laughed Bilal, “I’m sure you will discover each of our madness’s along the way. So relax!” He shouted, “Hoist the anchor! Starboard! Set sail!”

“Aye Cap’n!” roared one voice.

“Right away Cap’n!” bellowed another.

From a moment of pure stillness, the people around became a tempest. Ersel and I at its midst.

“You never get used to it.” Chuckled parchment. “Come. Walk with me.”

I moved with the stranger, while Ersel stayed close behind. He stopped abruptly as two young human men rushed pas us. “Always on the run those two.” Motioned parchment, “Oh and they’re not human either. Well not anymore.”

I studied them as they worked the ropes, “What do you mean?” I asked.

Parchment continued forwards, his papery hands held behind his back, “They change in the night. Awfully loud to. Were cats, you might call them. That’s the Lameman’s term. Up this way please.” He stretched one of his arms at some stairs leading to the upper echelons of the ship.

“She’s a beautiful ship.” He continued as I reached the top, “Once the jewel of the Ilvarin Empire. Now the sole possession of our crew.” He walked up to end of the top. The momentous sun just above the horizon. That golden sea once more ahead of us. “A jewel as magnificent as the setting sun. As daring as new horizon. The Calypso. She was considered that way for one very important reason.”

He waited for Ersel to reach where we were. “I suggest you hold onto something.”

I looked at Ersel and she looked at me.

Parchment laughed and leaned against the railings, his arms quick to knot around the wooden pillars. “My name is Black Ink. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Ersel shot a nervous face at Black Ink, “What do you mean hold onto something?”

Black Ink did not answer immediately, instead his symbolled eyes traced the sails up above. I followed those eyes. Black Ink laughed, “She’s known for her speed.”

The sails unfurled.

We shot forwards. Or rather the sea shot backwards. It really was hard to tell. Especially since I was holding on for my life. Indeed ‘She’s known for her speed’ was an understatement. Wind swept past us, endless waves surging by the hollow hull. I felt the beat of my breath calming. Gradually I no longer felt the need to hold on. I let go.

Impossibly I stood. On an impossible ship, with an impossible crew, heading to some land at impossible speeds. I did not know what to think. Just that I could.

Ersel stared at me as she also gained her footing, she spun to Black Ink, “Is it safe now?”

Black Ink laughed and walked past us, “Life is dangerous, so it is never safe. Though as of this moment the ship is safe yes.”

“We are still moving.” I stuttered.

“Aye.” Spoke Bilal. I caught him at the corner of my eye. He was standing at the stairs. “You can move, sleep, sing, whatever your heart desires.”

I eyed the speeding sea, “Tell stories, perhaps?”

I could hear his footsteps as he approached me, “What do have in mind?” He asked.

I crossed my arms and rested on the railing. “Something to pass the time, as well as a promise to Ersel. Tell me, how long will the trip be?”

“A good three days.” He leaned in beside me, “The first half a day we will travel with the winds, As for the rest of it we travel normally.”

“Did you say three days!” echoed Ersel, “The Ilivari Isles are three weeks away at best.”

Bilal laughed and I saw his eyes rebound to the girl. He thrust his arms to the sides in gesture, “Look around you! This is no ordinary ship.” He turned to me, “Now Brambleburn, you were saying?”

I eyed the passing winds, a turbulent stream of otherworldly features. Crystalline waters passing by at such immaculate speeds that at some points even our reflections showed. I saw my own reflection up upon the willow beast. It reminded me of the mirrored waters back in the dungeon. Perhaps they were related?

I sighed, realizing that I had let the question simmer. “This is a story about a princess. Not idle damsels nor heirs to unhappy lords. No, this is a story about a princess as rich as her stoutness and as prickled as her kingdom of thorns.”