Chapter 2

Elbing had gone through significant changes since Garman had last been there. With the reconstruction of Aachen, most of the industry had migrated south to its sheltered port, leaving Elbing quieter and less hectic than he remembered.

The city still bustled with people, but he didn’t have to force his way through the throngs like before. Instead, Elbing catered to those seeking more exotic goods from Lund, all possible through the connection forged by Quentin’s Mercantile Association.

Garman had just arrived in the city, the light of the Teleportation spell barely faded before he was off, shaking off the lingering effects of long-range spell travel and stomping his way down the paved streets towards his destination.

He had agreed to meet Bell at the Association’s office, rather than their usual tavern, simply due to the fact that he was in a hurry. If they got to drinking, and talking, they would be there for days, and he didn’t want to be away from Brookmoor for a moment longer than necessary.

‘How marriage changes a man.’ Garman thought, tearing his gaze away from an inviting looking tavern and forcing himself to move towards the docks.

Quentin’s Merchant Association offices had expanded over the years, the small, ramshackle building replaced by a new structure that now dominated the docks. Occupying several full blocks, their warehouses and shops could be spotted bearing their logo all over the city. They had even constructed a new pier, this one stretching out from the port, the private dock holding several large vessels.

Garman came to the largest building, a newly constructed, five story office with large windows and an elegant façade. Shaking his head at the display of wealth, he stomped up the steps, entering the open door. The interior was beautiful, the floors covered in rare hardwood flooring imported from Lund, and on the walls hung paintings of ships and landscapes.

He ignored everything, not caring that Quentin was obviously doing well for herself. He was here with a purpose, and nothing else mattered. Grabbing the first employee that walked by, he gruffly asked him a question.

“Where’s Bell?” Garman said, towering over the man. Following the directions, he reached the fourth floor. Not bothering to knock, he opened the office door the employee directed him towards, letting it slam against the inside wall with force.

“You’re as polite as ever, Garman. I think I have some valuables on the shelf behind me, if you want to smash those as well.” Bell groused, leaning back into his chair, and sizing up his friend.

Bell hadn’t changed a bit over the years. Still as aged and haggard as before, a grizzled veteran guard now responsible for the security of dozens of caravans and ships.

“You got fat.” Bell said, standing up and walking around the desk, before giving his old friend a slap on the shoulder. Garman looked down at himself, his stomach protruding, straining his armor.

“My wife’s cooking. You’d gain weight too if your wife loved you enough to cook for you.” Garman retorted, breaking out into a grin.

“I’m glad she doesn’t, she’s a terrible cook. Drink?” Bell asked, walking over to a shelf, and grabbing a bottle. To his surprise, Garman shook his head.

“No, I’m in a bloody hurry and I can’t waste the day drinking with you. Is the ship ready?” Garman said, all but pacing in impatience. Bell raised an eyebrow at his friend, surprised by the change that had come over him. The old Garman would love to sit with a friend, drinking and swapping stories.

“About that…there’s an issue.” Bell said, putting the cap back on the open bottle of liquor and replacing it on the shelf.

“What do you mean there’s an issue? There isn’t a gods damned ship?” Garman said, darkening in anger. God’s Bones! Bell was supposed to have this prepared before he got there.

“No, there’s a ship. The fastest in our fleet, in fact. Got you a crew and everything.” Bell responded.

“Then what’s the flaming issue?” Garman asked, confused.

“Quentin wants to come with you. She heard what you wanted the boat for, I couldn’t keep it hidden from her. The deal is, you want a boat, she comes with it.” Bell said, wincing in anticipation of Garman’s reaction.

“That she-devil?! Absolutely not! Goddess’s Saggy Tits! I’d rather swim then listen to her harping for a month straight. We’re trying to keep our trip quiet, Bell! Before Amora and gods know who else could warn Junior. She’s the last person I want on this trip.” Garman exploded, gesturing wildly with his arms as he cursed his rotten luck.

“I explained that to her, Garman. And I got some good news. She isn’t in Elbing, so you won’t need to sail across the Azure Sea with her.” Bell explained, trying to calm his large friend down.

“She isn’t? Where…The Foreigner’s Port?” Garman asked, instantly knowing the only other location she could be.

“She’ll meet you in Ur. She’s traveling across Lund with one of her caravans right now. You’ll probably get there around the same time, once you teleport from the Port.” Bell explained.

“Thank heaven for small mercies. She’s not going into the Wilds. I’m putting my gods damned foot down. I’ll bring Junior back to Ur to see her, but I’m not letting her step foot in that place.” Garman said.

“Good, you can tell her that yourself. I tried but it didn’t go well. Maybe you’ll have better luck.” Bell said, grinning. It was good to see Garman again.

“Gods Bones…When do I leave?” Garman asked, running his hand through his hair.

“Right now. The Captain is waiting for you.”

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“Holy Hell, Edvard! Could you at least try to act like you aren’t enjoying yourself? That last wave nearly broke my spine!” Garman yelled over the sound of the wind and the ship striking the ocean waves.

They had arrived at the docks to find the ship ready, the crew waiting on their passenger before setting sail. To Garman’s surprise, the Captain was Edvard, along with most of his crew from the Drake. They had evidently been given command of a new vessel, a sleek ship, with large sails and heavily enchanted for speed.

Settling in, they had left port after a quick goodbye to Bell, the ship bolting out of the harbor with a speed that stunned Garman. For the last few hours, he had a death grip against the railing, watching as the boat cruised across the sea, lifting high into the air with each wave, before slamming down onto the water.

“Apologies, Garman, but you wanted as much speed at the ‘Swift’ can muster. Unfortunately, speed trumps comfort my friend!” Edvard said, laughing wildly as the ship crested another wave, crashing down into the sea and sending spray across the deck.

“You and your gods damned boat can-” The rest of what Garman was about to say was cut off by the wind. Wiping the water from his face, he grumbled quietly, already cursing the weeks long voyage.

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Three weeks later, the ‘Swift’ sailed into the Foreigner’s Port. Night had settled over Lund a few days before the ship had arrived. Sailing into the harbor, the Black Moon dominated the night sky, hovering overhead.

Garman had never been happier to see land in his life. The ‘Swift’ was a beautiful vessel, and it certainly lived up to its name, but he hoped that the ocean swallowed it whole and took Edvard and the crew with it.

He had never been so miserable before. The ship was fast, built to transport cargo as quickly as possible between Lund and Illyria, while seeming to deliberately avoid any comfort whatsoever. The beds were hard, the food terrible and the crew too gods damned chipper. Gods above, they even sang!

Cursing Edvard between gritted teeth, all the while praying to Aruna that the ‘Swift’ met a watery end, Garman moved between the crowd of sailors and merchants that crowded the Port. Lucky for him, the Mage he was looking for lived just off the docks, the Teleportation Array already primed and ready to go.

In a few minutes, he had left the port behind, the magic carrying him to Ur, where the hardest part of his journey waited… convincing Annabelle Quintin to leave him alone and let him do his job. He wasn’t confident in his chances.