Rift of Askrah Book 1: Fracture

In all, the trip from the island of Askrah to the land of Leoradan is a two month voyage. They were already a few weeks into the journey, but Nihlen wasn’t the least bit tired of the peace. Out at sea, spending the days relaxing in the coolness of the ocean breeze and the warmth of the sun. After all the running they did, it felt good to not be looking over his shoulder. Every time he thought of the end of the voyage though, and what would come after that, he began to feel squeamish. Thinking of his family didn’t help that feeling either.

  If only it were just sea sickness… Nihlen thought, as Cal came running out onto the deck. He threw himself over the rail, and began his frequent ritual of losing anything he'd eaten because of sea sickness. On the inside, just a little bit, Nihlen found his predicament amusing.

  Marina followed behind Cal a few minutes later. Quickly checking on him, Marina then made her way across the deck to where Nihlen stood. “How are you feeling today?” She asked.

  “Better than him at least.” Nihlen said, nodding toward Cal.

  “Indeed… I’m not sure he’s going to survive the trip at this rate.” Marina said, giving Cal a worried look.

  Nihlen had spent much of the trip so far with Marina. They had spent a lot of time talking, and were getting along better all the time. Things between Cal and Nihlen hadn't improved at all though. When he'd learned they were taking the boat to a foreign country he'd been silent, but clearly wasn't happy about getting on the boat. He'd avoided Nihlen like a plague though, which had suited Nihlen just fine.

  Marina turned from Cal, and leaned over the railing of the ship. She looked out to the ocean, just staring at the horizon. “I feel really small out here… Nothing around but water and this boat. It’s almost as if the rest of the world doesn’t exist.”

  Nihlen leaned over the railing, and looked out into the vastness of the ocean as well. It was a perfect, clear day. The light blue of the sky met perfectly with the dark blue waters of the ocean. The two fit together like pieces of a puzzle.

  “I think I'm going to see about preparing some lunch.” Marina said, rising from the rail of the ship. “When Cal is… Finished, bring him down. I’m sure food is the last thing he’d want, but he’s going to whither away if this continues.”

  Giving him one last smile, Marina turned and walked away. She stopped next to Cal, whispered something, and then headed for the door which led to the lower levels of the ship. Nihlen watched as the door closed behind her, and continued watching for a few moments after the door was closed.

  Turning away, Nihlen looked around the ship, and the crew going about their daily business. Running the ship was a full time job for them. The crew had been very kind, probably due to the direct request from their employer. The Captain of the Meteor, Vel Harling, had been very accommodating of them. They hadn’t spent much time with the crew itself, except the occasional hello, but Nihlen understood they were busy. This was their job, and they weren’t a passenger ship.

  Looking back out to the ocean, Nihlen’s thoughts returned to Marina. Nihlen was extremely grateful to Marina, for two reasons. First and foremost, she had kept secret what happened in the forest, and his new left eye. That must have been very difficult, considering her initial reaction and everything he did in that forest. Secondly, when they had first arrived on the ship, Nihlen had fallen into a depression. He sat in their room, wallowing in the misery of his current situation. Marina had sat by his door all night, just talking. Even though he didn’t respond, she continued to talk to and encourage him. Listening to her had awoken something within him, and he rose above his doubt. Though the Path he was about to take filled him with fear, he felt ready to embrace it. Though it wasn’t quite what he had wished for, his Path had deviated from the one set in stone for him. It filled him with terror, but a small part of him reveled in it, which only raised his feelings of guilt and fear over his family and kingdom all the more.

  Not that this has to end anytime soon… He thought, unable to keep himself from enjoying this slice of momentary peace in the face of what he knew was to come.

  Nihlen continued to look out over the ocean, looking over toward Cal every once in a while. Finally, the sounds of his sea sickness vanished, and Cal straightened up. Nihlen began walking toward him to deliver Marina’s message.

  “Stop there.” Cal said shortly, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He straightened up, and looked at Nihlen, his stare hard as a rock. Here it comes. I knew it wouldn't be long until he confronted me. “I think you need to stay away from Marina.” He said abruptly, slightly shaking from his most recent purge. “She’s spending far too much time with you.”

  Oh boy… Nihlen thought, putting a hand up to his neck. “Cal… I really don’t know what to say. I know you don't like me, we've established this already. I also know Marina is important to you, but she is her own person. You can threaten me in the shadows when she’s not around, and follow her like a pup when she-”

  Cal suddenly lunged forward. It was quite impressive, considering his emaciated state. He grabbed Nihlen by the shirt, pulling him into his face.

  “Do not lecture me.” He said, his grip tightening. “When we reach Leoradan, I am going to put Marina back onto this ship, and put an end to this foolishness. I suggest you tell her the same. You shouldn't risk her life in something she isn't involved in, and you know it.”

  He then cocked his fist back, and punched Nihlen in the face. Nihlen didn’t try to resist in any way. He didn’t try to dodge, or block the attack. He took it straight in the face. As he reeled from the hit, Cal pulled him back into his face once more. “I will not warn you again. Stay away from her. Cut your ties, and send her back when we arrive.”

  With that, he threw Nihlen back, and stormed through the door leading below, slamming it behind him.

  So much for a quiet, sunny day. Nihlen thought, rubbing his already swelling cheek as he too headed to the belly of the ship. He couldn’t be angry with Cal though, for his feelings were justified. It was the right thing to do, just as he said. Cut all ties with Marina and send her back. Enough time would have passed during this voyage that they could probably return to Rinh by the time they got back. It was right, but Nihlen already knew inside it wasn’t what she wanted.

  It wasn’t what he wanted either.

  As Nihlen made his way into the kitchen he found Cal and Marina already seated, with plates of food in front of them. There was a third plate prepared for Nihlen, which he eagerly sat in front of. Marina had been cooking for them the entire journey, so that the crew would not have to worry about taking care of them. The food she prepared was very good, and Nihlen enjoyed her cooking very much.

  Marina was eating silently, looking down at her plate. Cal was pushing a carrot around his plate, also staring down silently. It looks like Cal had words with Marina as well… Nihlen thought, starting to eat his food. I think it would be best to just leave it alone for now. Saying anything may only strain things further.

  So silently they ate. When he was finished, Nihlen excused himself with a few hasty words, and headed once more to the deck. Once outside, he looked around. The day was moving closer to evening, and the salty air was beginning to grow cold. Nihlen leaned against the door he had just come through, and closed his eyes. He placed a hand on his cheek, which was warm and throbbing slightly.

  Maybe he’s right… Though his method is crude, his actions come from a good place. He cares only about Marina’s safety, and this situation is anything but safe. I should do the right thing, just as he suggested, and put her back on this ship when we arrive. She’s been through enough already.

  Nihlen felt a strange twinge in his chest at this thought. Ever since they'd boarded the Meteor, he'd battled with himself over this decision. Both for the reason that he hated agreeing with Cal, and that he hated the thought of Marina no longer traveling with him. In our short time together, I already feel like I’ve known her my entire life… It’s ironic I wouldn’t want the person who kidnapped me on my wedding day to s
top traveling with me.

  Or maybe she saved me instead.

  Feeling restless, Nihlen looked around the ship. When he looked up, and saw the look out point atop the mast, he quickly decided that was where he wanted to go. He scaled up the mast, until he reached the look out point at the top. It was unoccupied, and Nihlen sat back against the wall of the small structure, looking out over the ocean. Slowly the sun set, and he watched it in quiet contemplation, wrestling with himself on what he should do about Marina and Cal.

  “Ship approaching off the port bow!” A voice suddenly called out. “It’s flying an unfamiliar flag. What are your orders, Captain?”

  The sounds of sudden action below were everywhere as the crew scrambled around the ship, and another booming voice, that of Vel, split the serenity of the sea. “All hands on deck! Prepare for a possible attack! Full speed ahead, lets try to outrun them first!”

  Nihlen looked around the ocean surrounding them. He didn’t know anything about boating, and had no idea which directions ‘port’ and ‘bow’ indicated. It didn’t take long to see a large ship, slowly approaching them from far off on the horizon.

  Silently, the entire ship waited as the ship ambled ever closer. Even at full speed, it became clear they could not outrun the unknown vessel. Nihlen squinted at the ship, trying to see the flag. It was several minutes before Nihlen could begin to make it out. It appeared to be a long sword planted in a skull.

  That flag… I’ve seen it somewhere before in my studies. It seems so long ago though, I can’t remember it. It’s not the flag of any nation, but that flag is still very important. Nihlen thought, sinking back into the small structure. I'll wait here and see what happens for now.

  The sun had nearly set before the strange ship had reached them. It was holding pace with them, about the length of a ship away. On the deck were several men, large and weather beaten. As Nihlen surveyed them from above, each one looked bigger than the last. These guys were bad news.

  “We’ll be having all your cargo!” A voice from the ship called. The accent was quite thick, with a strange twang to it. Nihlen searched the deck for the source of the voice, and saw a man standing on the side rail of the deck. “We’ll be coming aboard now, and if you want to keep your lives, you’ll do just as we say and not try anything funny.”

  The other men on the ship were yelling and brandishing their weapons. Then others came into view, carrying grappling hooks. They tossed them over, and men began to swing across, landing with loud thuds against the side of the ship before scaling up the side. Nihlen counted each of them as they pulled themselves aboard the Meteor. Seven total. Then, one more grappling hook came flying across the space between the ships, and the man who'd been standing on the railing of the deck swung across. Two of the other men quickly pulled him up.

  That one must be the Captain. Nihlen thought, following him up the side of the ship as the men hoisted him aboard.

  The men not helping their Captain were brandishing weapons threateningly, making their intentions clear. As the Captain landed on the Meteor's deck, he too drew a blade, and stepped forward to the front of his comrades.

  “As I said before.” The Captain said, pointing his sword toward Vel. “We’ll be taking everything you got on your ship. I suggest you keep your men in line, no one needs to be a hero.”

  “The cargo on this ship includes cargo for the Queen of Leoradan.” Vel said, standing tall even with a blade pointed at him. “Stealing the Queen’s cargo would be viewed as an act of war.”

  All the men burst out laughing, the enemy Captain loudest of all. “You think we care about such a thing?” He asked, still roaring with laughter. “I’ve stolen the Queen’s cargo hundreds of times! We're from Elharlia, everything we do is an act of war! Now no more talking! Boys, take care of the place!”

  Just as the men started forward, and Vel and his crewman drew weapons, the door to below deck suddenly burst open. Through it ran Marina, followed by a very worried looking Cal.

  “What is going on here?” Marina asked, looking around at everyone. Nihlen's panic heightened the instant the two came above deck.

  “What do we have here?” The Captain asked, starting forward himself. “I thought this was a cargo ship, but here we have quite a lovely lady! How about you come along with us?”

  The Captain reached out toward Marina, but his hand was suddenly smacked away. “How about you keep your filthy hands to yourself.” Cal said, stepping in front of Marina.

  “Oh, we got a tough guy here boys!” The man exclaimed, starting another round of raucous laughter from himself and his men. Then his sword suddenly flew up, and he pressed the tip to Cal’s neck. “Tough guys go for swims in the ocean that they never return from.” He said dangerously.

  A deep throb echoed through Nihlen’s head and left eye. It was the first time it had troubled him since they had boarded the ship. Like in the forest, he began to feel the situation was dangerous, and the feeling of a strange sort of detachment, and power, began to well up within him.

  Without even thinking, Nihlen was flying over the side of the look out point. He removed his hat as he fell, and tore the bandages off the left side of his face, uncovering his eye. Then he placed his hat back on his head. All as he was falling through the air. With a loud crash that cracked the boards of the deck, Nihlen landed on the ground in a squatting position, staring down at the deck.

  The Captain had looked up just in time to jump back before Nihlen landed, and was staring at Nihlen wide eyed. “Who are you?”

  Slowly, Nihlen stood up. As he rose, he placed his left hand on the hat covering his eye. “I’m just a passenger on this ship.” Nihlen said, looking up until he met the gaze of the man with only his right eye.

  “You would have done well to stay wherever you were hiding boy.” The Captain said, shaking off his surprise. “Didn’t you hear me say no one should be a hero?”

  “I heard you loud and clear.” Nihlen said, his voice quiet. He didn’t break his gaze for a second. “I am not acting the hero. I have simply come to tell you that you will leave this ship, and sail back to wherever it is you came from.”

  When he finished talking, he slowly began pushing the hat up from his left eye. As the Captain’s face came into his left eye’s field of vision, a look of horror came on his face, and the faces of his men. He scrambled backward, a small gasp escaping his lips.

  “What in the world are you?” The Captain sputtered, looking around at his men. “Don’t just stand there! Get him!” He screamed.

  “Don’t do it.” Nihlen warned quietly. The men all froze in place, hesitating. “It is time for all of you to leave this ship.”

  “I’m sorry Captain!” One of the men screamed. Without a moments hesitation, he jumped over the side of the deck. Like the flood gates had opened, all the other men started to follow. The Captain pulled a knife from his belt, set his sight over the side of the ship, and threw the knife, skewering the man before he even hit the water.

  “You will regret this boy! You have no idea who you’re messing with!” He screamed, brandishing his sword violently toward Nihlen. “Anyone else have any bright ideas about jumping ship!?” He roared to his men.

  The men looked at their Captain, then turned back to Nihlen. “No sir!” They answered in unison, running toward Nihlen.

  “That’s too bad.” Nihlen said quietly.

  The men were coming as one mass, and Nihlen squared himself for their attack. The crew of the Meteor, Cal, and Marina all stood dumbfounded as the men rushed Nihlen. As the first reached him, he swiped his sword vertically at Nihlen, who easily side stepped the blow. As he moved, he kicked the man’s legs out from under him, and then dealt him a crushing blow to the ribs, sending him rolling across the deck of the ship. Undeterred, the other five reached him simultaneously, deciding to all hit him at the same time. Nihlen lightly dodged their flurry of blows, never moving from his spot. As each one attacked, and was dodged, they were brought down. A chop to the ne
ck, a kick to the groin. A broken nose, a foot in the chest. One by one they fell like flies, never even landing a hit on Nihlen.

  The fight was over almost before it even started. The men were sprawled out on the deck, some moaning in pain, others out cold. All that was left was the Captain.

  “Do you wish the same for yourself as them?” Nihlen asked, moving menacingly toward the Captain.

  “Stay back!” He warned, brandishing his sword. “You really are some kind of monster, that’s for sure, but what about your friends?” He suddenly pulled another dagger, and cocked the blade back, aiming it at Marina.

  Nihlen was filled with a sudden rage. He closed the space between him and the Captain in the blink of an eye. Twisting his arm, he forced him to point the knife toward the Captain's own side. A look of pure terror covered the Captain's face. Nihlen smiled at him, fully glaring at him with his strange new eye.

  Without a word, he slammed his head into the Captain’s, opening up a bloody gash on the man’s forehead. Shaking in fear, the Captain looked at Nihlen, wide eyed. He seemed oblivious to the blow. All he knew right now was pure fear. “Let me go, we’ll be leaving!” He roared.

  “Yes, you will.” Nihlen said, picking the man up by the throat. Marina whimpered slightly, starting toward Nihlen, but Cal held her back. He too had a look of complete fear, but also admiration for the true strength of the fighter standing before him. As much as he hated to admit it. He knew nothing of Nihlen’s eye, nor what had transpired in the forest. Just that right now, the Prince was unstoppable.

  Soundlessly, Nihlen held the Captain over the edge of the ship. “Ready yourself to leave, your comrades will be joining you shortly.” Without another word, he dropped the Captain over the side of the ship.

  “Help me throw these guys over.” Nihlen said, pulling his hat low over his eye before he turned around. His words, and the action of turning around, broke the spell that had come over everyone. Cal, and other members of the crew moved over to the men, and one by one they tossed them over the edge of the ship into the water below.

  The crewmen who hadn’t crossed over to the Meteor had started jumping into the water to fetch their Captain and unconscious crew mates. Their boat began to slow, and the Meteor quickly pulled away. Nihlen watched as the men floundered around in the water, being left behind by their slowing ship.

  The strange feeling that seemed to accompany his new eye, which had come over him before he jumped off the mast, began to vanish. It occurred to him how strange the entire scene must have seemed to all that were watching. It seemed very strange to him now too.

  “First, I’d like to thank you boy.” Vel said, stepping forward. “But there is something very wrong here.”

  Nihlen closed his eyes. There was no way he would be able to explain any of this.

  “I’ve been on the sea almost my entire life. I’ve had encounters with pirates and thieves in the past. Those men said they were of Elharlia. I don't know if that's true, but you easily defeated seven men and their Captain. No single man, no matter how strong, would destroy them so utterly and easily, without even taking a hit. Not to mention what they said when they saw your face. What exactly are you hiding beneath that hat, boy?” Vel asked, stepping right up to Nihlen’s face.

  Without saying a word, Nihlen pulled the hat off his face, fully exposing his eye to the small crowd of people gathered on the deck.

  Several people gasped, and a few of the men fell back. Vel turned from Nihlen, falling to his knees. Cal was staring at him, a blank expression on his face. His knees were shaking. Marina was also staring at him, but her gaze was soft, and she didn’t show any reaction. Nothing like the first time she saw it.

  “This changes things…” Vel said, slowly pushing himself to his feet. “I do not know what you are. I do not know what Jaylin knows about you, and I am not sure why he asked us to take you. But I do know that there is something wrong with that eye, and I have to put the safely of my crew first. I’m going to have to restrain you for the remainder of the voyage. I ask that you please cooperate.”

  “Now hold on just a minute! Nihlen just saved us all!” Marina said, stomping forward. “You can’t seriously mean to treat him like he’s done something wrong!”

  “Marina, it’s all right.” Nihlen said quietly, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Vel is in a position of leadership. He does not know me, and he must put the safety of those who are in his charge first. I will do as you ask Vel, lead the way.”

  Two of Vel’s crewman grabbed Nihlen, one under each arm, and took him away, led by the Captain. Nihlen looked over his shoulder at Marina before they disappeared below deck.

  “I’m sorry about this boy.” Vel said as the door closed behind them. “The little miss there must think I’m the one who is a monster.”

  Nihlen winced at Vel’s words, but hid it behind composure. “I understand your reasoning Vel, and I do not have a problem with it. Just don’t lock up Marina and Cal. They’ve only known me for a short time, and have nothing to do with this.”

  “I will not lock them up lad, and they will be free to visit you. I’ll have to place a guard outside to make sure nothing funny happens, I’m sure you understand.”

  Vel led them down to the bottom of the ship. Along with all the cargo was a small cage. “This is our brig. Make yourself at home lad. You’ll have what you need, but I’m going to have to ask for that letter Jaylin gave you.” Vel said, holding his hand out to Nihlen expectantly.

  “I can’t give this to you… I really need to meet with the Queen.” Nihlen said, deciding to be completely honest. “I will never make it to see her if she doesn't receive that letter.”

  “She will see the letter lad, do not fear that.” Vel said, opening the door to the cage. “But I wouldn’t be a very good countryman if I didn’t do my best to protect my Queen from any possible threat. I must tell her about what I’ve seen, and she will make the correct decision.”

  Nihlen looked at Vel for a few moments, and then reached into his pocket. He pulled out the letter Jaylin had given him, and handed it over.

  “I’m not your enemy boy, do not fear my intentions so. You look like you’re losing your hand.” Vel said, placing a hand on Nihlen’s shoulder. “Circumstances have just changed. I can tell by the words you said to calm the young lady that you yourself are accustomed to the idea of leadership. This will all turn out all right I’m sure. I don‘t do this out of my own fear, but for the sake of my crew. I heard their reactions when they saw that… Eye of yours, and these are men who have also fought for their lives on the high seas. I must keep order while we are out here.”

  Nihlen stepped into the small cage, and Vel closed the door behind him. “I’m sure the young miss is itching at the door to get down here, so I’ll send her right down.” Vel said, starting to walk away. He suddenly stopped though, and turned back. “That is quite a beautiful lover you have there boy, you did really well in her.” He said, walking away chuckling before Nihlen could correct the idea.

  As Vel disappeared, Nihlen sat down, leaning against the bars of the cage. Moments later, Nihlen heard the sound of hurried footsteps down the stairs. As Marina came into view, she whirled around, spotting Nihlen.

  “The nerve of that man!” She huffed, running over to the cage. “I’m so sorry Nihlen! If I hadn’t insisted on seeing what was going on, you wouldn’t have had to come down. I'm going to go give Vel a piece of my mind!”

  “I would have ended up coming down anyways.” Nihlen said, trying to reassure her. “There was no way I could let those guys rob Jaylin’s ship. Please, Marina, just let this be. I believe Vel is a trustworthy man, and he's doing what he believes is best. The last thing anyone wants is a mutiny out here where we can't escape after all.”

  “Still…” Marina said, a slight whimper in her voice. She’s really upset about this… Nihlen thought, feeling a slightly warm feeling in his stomach.

  “It’s only another month or so!” Nihlen said jokingly, tryi
ng to lighten the mood. “Maybe I can convince Vel to haul me up to the deck every once in a while.”

  Marina began giggling, and wiped the tears away that were forming in her eyes. Then a silence fell between them, and Marina looked away. Nihlen looked at her, wondering what she was thinking.

  “What’s it like?” She asked suddenly, her voice barely above a whisper.

  Nihlen didn’t have to guess she meant his eye, and the strange mood that overtook him during the two fights he had experienced. “Scary…” Was the first word that popped into his mind. “A pounding sensation of pain rushes through my head and eye, and a strange feeling of detachment overtakes me. But then I feel a rush of power coursing through my veins, sense impending danger, it's like I can do anything. Even jump from the mast without flinching. The world slows down around me, and I feel invincible. I feel calm, I don’t have to pretend like I’ve done in the past, like when you guys-”

  He cut off suddenly, not wanting to say it. Like when you guys kidnapped me.

  She simply nodded, still looking away from him, waiting for him to continue his story.

  “The first time, there was an overwhelming blood lust as well. I killed those people without a moment of hesitation.” He chocked on those last words. He had done his best to not think of that particular event. It made him feel sick, thinking he had taken lives, and even sicker he had felt nothing when it happened. “I think it may have continued that way if you hadn’t plead with me, told me to stop. Tonight was nothing like that. I felt the same power, but I didn’t feel the need to kill them at all. I simply wanted to stop them, to protect everyone. To protect…”

  He cut off once again, not sure if he should say it. To protect you.

  Suddenly, Marina turned around. She came over to the cage, and reached her hand slightly inside. “Whatever is with that eye, I will help you find out. It feels evil, but one thing I know already is you aren’t evil. There are many things in this world I don’t know, don’t understand. I don’t know what will happen when we leave this ship, and it scares me to my bones to even think of it. Yet…”

  She stopped suddenly, withdrawing her hand from the cage. “I don’t know what I want to say exactly.” She said, looking down at the floor. “It’s been a rather eventful night, and I think we could all use some food and rest. I’m going to go get you some dinner, all right? Wait here…” Marina said, starting to walk away. She stopped after a few steps, and laughed a little. “Not that you have any choice to wait, I suppose.” She chuckled at her own joke.

  “I’m glad it’s funny now!” Nihlen called after her as she disappeared. He caught a glance of her as she started up the stairs. She had suddenly seemed sad and distant. He had wanted to lighten her mood, joke along with her, but to no avail it seemed.

  As her footsteps faded, Nihlen leaned his head back, closing his eyes. What an eventful night. I guess things can never stay fully peaceful even out here…

  The sound of foot steps approaching again pulled him out of his thoughts. He wondered who would be coming this time, since there was no way Marina had already prepared food to bring down. Nihlen peered out from between the bars. The footsteps suddenly stopped, and Nihlen continued peering through the cage, trying to see over as far as he could in the limited space. When the footsteps started up again, Cal suddenly came into view.

  The two just stared at one another, neither saying anything. Slowly Cal began approaching the cage. As he closed in, he sat down on the floor, right outside the bars.

  “Words are not my specialty.” He said, looking directly at Nihlen. “I’m just going to say what I have to say. I have made it clear since we met that I don’t like you or want to have anything to do with you. I hate your kind, and that hasn’t changed. But even I can only be so stubborn. You put your neck on the line for all of us, even rushed the man who threatened Marina to save her, and as a man I can’t ignore that.”

  Nihlen bowed his head in acceptance.

  “However… I have found a new problem with you, and I’m sure you can guess what that may be.” Cal said.

  “I’m sure it’s the same thing that has me in this cage.” Nihlen said.

  Cal moved closer to the cage, peering in at Nihlen between the bars. “I want you to tell me the truth behind that eye. If I see even a hint of a lie, I’ll make sure this cage goes overboard with you still in it.”

  So Nihlen told him everything he knew. What he knew about the ceremony that day they kidnapped him. What happened during the ceremony, and even how he had felt. He told him of the headaches, and what happened when he stayed behind in the forest that night. Every detail, even the deaths of all those men. He told him of Marina finding him, and even how she reacted when she had seen his eye. He left nothing out, and put everything he knew on the table.

  Cal had listened silently the entire time, until Nihlen finished speaking. He sat silently for a long while, staring off at the cargo around them. When he finally turned back to Nihlen, he said. “That’s a lot to take in, and thinking is not my greatest strength either. But I’ll tell you what I think so far. I believe your story, and Marina seems to believe it too. The capture of Draven, and something strange like this. Even someone like me can see they have to be related.”

  Suddenly, he stood up, still looking down a Nihlen. “You are a strange person, Prince of Draven. I think I may understand a little of why Marina doesn’t hate you. I will try my best to understand you, and limit my hostility. But you must promise me something as well.”

  “What is that?” Nihlen asked.

  “Try to learn what it’s like to not be nobility. Right now, technically you aren’t. You stick out when you talk to people, and that will make it difficult to hide. You have to learn to be a commoner now, so I don’t want to see any of the… Entitlement you display when you think of yourself as a Prince.” Cal said.

  Looking at Cal, Nihlen suddenly burst out laughing. “You are right, I am no longer a Prince, at least until my kingdom is reclaimed. At this point, I am just a regular person, treading down my Path like any other. I will do my best to heed your advice Cal.”

  With that, Cal nodded, and started to walk away. He stopped though, and turned back. “Of course, if anything happens to Marina because of this, I'll hold you personally responsible.” Then he walked off once more without waiting for Nihlen's response.

  Nihlen watched him go, wondering what exactly had brought about this sudden change of heart. He had expected Cal to fly off the handle, call him a monster, maybe even try to kill him right there. To tell him he wouldn’t see Marina for the rest of the voyage at the very least. Wouldn’t see her ever again. Never would he have expected acceptance.

  You may be a lot smarter than you believe, Cal Vaciri. Nihlen thought, suddenly feeling very tired.

  Chapter 8

  Truth and Consequence