Enzo woke up early the next day and began mentally preparing for the hell that was sure to follow. Skipping out on half of training with Gunnar was one thing, it wasn’t something he asked for and the captain of the guard had been the one to sign off on it. Missing his afternoon shift with Tobias was another thing, though. Rena and Lea had drilled him long into the night, and while their work had been fruitful, Enzo wasn’t sure he’d avoid punishment today.

At least I won’t embarrass myself at the Festival in a couple weeks.

He smiled as he thought back on the day spent dancing with Rena. Once his nerves settled down, the pair had spent the afternoon enjoying each other’s company. Enzo still couldn’t believe she just decided to claim him yesterday.

Not complaining, she looked stunning in that dress. Never thought I’d be the one being chased.

He pulled on his shoes and headed out into the training yard, ready for the inevitable punishment Gunnar had in store for him. He groaned internally when he saw both his mentors standing together, already waiting for him.

“Morning sunshine,” called Gunnar, waving Enzo over to join them. “Did you enjoy your date yesterday?”

“It was unexpectedly enjoyable,” Enzo said as he blushed and looked at the gravel beneath his feet. “And I’m an acceptable dancer now, to quote Rena.”

“Glad to see it wasn’t a complete waste of time,” stated Tobias. “Would’ve been nice to know you weren’t coming to the shop, though.”

“I didn’t know-” Enzo started to explain before Tobias cut him off.

“No excuses!” the old smith barked. “Life happens, sure, but you could’ve easily brought your date back to the workshop and told me what the plan was for the day. Hell, I might have even given you the afternoon off for it.”

“I’m sorry, sir,” Enzo meekly mumbled.

Tobias nodded. “Just learn from it,” he said, his usual smile returning to his face. “We have some exciting work to do and you’ll be joining me all day at the forge.”

“Oh?” asked Enzo.

“Don’t get things confused, this counts as your day off,” Gunnar added quickly. “And I haven’t forgotten your double duty workouts either.”

“But the dragonstone is ready to work,” Tobias continued. “It’s going to take a long time to shape, and we only have one shot at it. Get something to eat, then meet me at the forge.”

A wide grin spread across Enzo’s face. “Yessir!”

He dashed back into the communal kitchen and wolfed down the first thing he could find, before sprinting back to the workshop to begin the long forging process.

===========================================

The rain pelted down as the ship neared the shore. The small nub of an island rose like an ugly sore on the open ocean. Fire lights dotted the hillside, giving the place an overcrowded feeling. Sanguine Enclave, a meeting place for the worst of the world. You could find anything here with enough coin, from exotic drugs and cutthroat mercenaries to ancient magics and forbidden rituals to summon the undead.

Ana had managed to keep them alive through the expedition, but it had been tough. The week-long voyage had taken nearly a month because they’d been battered with unseasonable storms through the entire journey. She’d managed little sleep, but had gained enormous experience and proficiency controlling her Affinity.

The seas around this island are known to be dangerous, but I’ve never seen it this bad.

The large ship tossed to and fro in the waves, plowing through or over the oncoming crush of water. Progress was slow, as hoisting full sail risked losing the ship to the whims of the wind and being pushed back out to sea.

We can’t be wasting time with this. A quick turn here, and a couple weeks back on the ocean. The window of opportunity is tight if we want to succeed.

She barked out commands from her perch on the bridge, and allowed Elisabeth to take the wheel. Her sister didn’t have the Affinity she possessed, the power over the water that made her dangerous, but Elisabeth was accomplished as a sailor in her own right.

She didn’t have the memories… the painful dreams of a half-forgotten previous life that Ana couldn’t shake, but Elisabeth’s skill managing a ship through the wind and waves never abandoned her. A lifetime spent on the ocean in a previous life… and their end. Ignoring the calls to head for port… pushing through the maelstrom to chase down that merchant ship… her sister sinking beneath the waves as dozens of men drown along with her…

Ana didn’t have time for the memories right now. Once the landing process was set in motion, she retired to the captain’s quarters to prepare for the coming meeting with her master.

She shuddered as she considered the man that awaited them. Creepy old man. Fat as a whale, and constantly surrounded by whores and booze. If he wasn’t so wealthy and connected…

She shook the thoughts from her head. It wouldn’t do to face him flustered and there was no reason to panic. She had the power to kill him at any time, and there was no sense in wasting the opportunity he provided, even if it was… distasteful.

All things considered, the trip had been a success. The loss of Clive and his team to that red horror was noticeable, but removing a threat like a dragon lurking in the mountains was worth it. I can always find another raid captain.

Beyond that loss, they’d found Lazarus, as well as done extensive research in attacking the city. For all its high walls and stubborn guard, the city was laughably weak to the sort of havoc she could create. After the attack, she planned to sweep through the south and collect all sorts of powerful trinkets. If Clive’s son is to be believed, there’s quite a bit of hidden treasure hiding just out of sight, ripe for the taking.

She lifted a bottle of water from the table and spun its contents with her Affinity.

Those fools won’t know what hit them.