Through the misty fog layered on the sea, the mistress of the ocean, Triss Moonwave and her fleet of ships pulled into Tradewind City’s large port. Awaiting on the docks stood Koda, Wildeye, and Elucard. The pirate queen stepped down the ship’s ramp and greeted Koda with a hearty handshake.

“King Dawnedge, I’m glad you are safe ‘n sound. Naonis smiles upon us. I just wish it were under better circumstances.”

“Tradewind has provided a much needed rest after a very hectic encounter in Rapscallion Cove.”

A royal blue passenger carriage with a gold plating of the Moonwave emblem on the door pulled up to the four. A valet bowed to his queen and opened the cab door.

“How about a ride to my villa. I’d like a more detailed story on who this Raze is. I only know a second hand account of what happened in that city.”

“Raze is the leader of an anti-mage terrorist group. They are called the Spellbreakers and they appear to be highly organized and well established around the world,” explained Elucard. “How Raze keeps on finding us is something we haven’t yet figured out, although we have our own theory.”

Triss furrowed her brow. “This wasn’t your first encounter?”

“We have dealt with Raze and his Spellbreakers in several cities now.”

Tris rubbed her chin, deep in contemplation. “I’m guessing you suspect a spy in your crew?”

“It is the reason why we have left our escort,” said Wildeye. “We did not arrive on our own ship and we seem to be stranded at the moment.”

Triss gave the wolf a solemn nod. “I will see to it that you have a proper escort from now on.”

“We thank you Ocean Mistress Moonwave,” Koda said.

“You can count on it,” she said to Wildeye. She gave Koda a wink. “I consider you a friend. Call me Triss.”

Koda politely bowed his head. “You may call me by my casual name as well.”

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The carriage entered a gate community. Wealthy manors and villas lined the streets. Each one larger than the next. Finally the carriage pulled up to a lavish red stoned villa that Triss called home.

Koda, Wildeye, and Elucard each took a seat at a round wooden table. A servant brought them blackberry tea and a plate of strawberry stuffed pastries. Wildeye took one, but quickly frowned as the honey glaze made her claws sticky.

“Triss. I hoped we could originally meet about your presence at another council of nations. It is imperative that a representative of Abyss is there.”

Triss squeezed the hilt of her cutlass. “I have my pride, Koda. I have my pride and my people and they were insulted at that meeting. The other royal folk see me as a criminal, unfit for my throne. As long as I have no respect from them, then I’m not showing back up.”

Koda pursed his lips and let out a deep sigh. “What if I sponsor you? Have your back, as you might say.”

“You’d vouch for me?” asked Triss.

“Of course!”

Triss looked to a small ruby colored window. She spoke again, now with a pensive tone. “If Abyss has one of these seals you keep going on about. I’m not looking forward to it breaking. To destroy my realm with tidal waves and violent storms—or whatever doom it will bring to my shores.”

“That is what this council wishes to stop from happening, or…I want it too,” Koda explained. “If we all heard each other’s voices, then I know we will be united to save our planet.”

Though does the planet even need saving. Koda thought to himself.

“I want to protect the seal and If you have my back, then I will seize my respect!” Triss said while punching her hand.

***

A large golden moon hung in a star-filled night. A cool breeze blew through Koda’s hair as he, Wildeye, Stryneth, and Rain strolled through Tradewind’s lush park.

Raine plucked a pink orchid and took a long whiff from it. “Tradewind is beautiful. It is too bad we are leaving tomorrow. I wish we could stay here longer.”

“Indeed it is, Raine,” agreed Wildeye. “But its beauty can not compare to the enchantment of Nashoon’s forest.”

“Hm,” Raine murmured. “I recall the crystal woods in Stratus. The trees are coated from top to bottom with ice. When dawn’s sun hit them just right, they lit up like a rainbow.”

“That does sound pretty,” said Koda.

Stryneth put a firm hand on Raine and Koda’s shoulders. “While I have you two here. Have you changed your mind about challenging my school? Abyssiana has a fantastic hydro school.”

Koda gave Raine a knowing eye. “We’ve decided we want to duel you, Master Stryneth.”

The elder mage gave them a short chuckle. “Well then, how would the two of you fancy a two on one battle.”

Raine and Koda smiled at each other.

“Yes please!” Raine hooted.

“Then our next stop will be Water City Jhoone,” Stryneth said with a wide grin.