The Emerald Sea glittered beneath the setting dusk, its endless horizon akin to a line of shimmering pearls as it spread out before me.
They say it’s one of the seven wonders of the world. They are wrong. There is only one wonder and it’s me. And so I gifted the crew of the Henrietta with a moment to remember as I stood upon the bow of their ship, my presence emboldening their lives as I did the image of the paling evening.
It was something quite sorely needed.
Because currently, the sparkling waters of the Emerald Sea were being disfigured by more than this crumbling ship.
It was being marred by the enormous pile of rocks threatening to block out the sun.
“What … What is that?!”
I was appalled.
Because upon these rocks protruding like warts on a nose, a paradise for ruffians awaited.
“Are those … buildings?” I asked anyone who dared to answer. “Is this why outlaws erect hovels in forests? To train how to live in squalor in the middle of the sea? Why, even from here, I can see the holes in them! What architectural inspirations did these hooligans apply to create such a uniform appearance of poverty?!”
That’s right!
This was no mere result of a lack of construction acumen!
The uniformity of the wonky rooftops! The synchronised puffs of smoke emitting from open fire pits despite the peril of so much woodwork! The colour-coordinated paintwork to match all the shades of vomit!
It was too intricate, too purposeful, too methodical to be anything less than by design!
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” said Captain Talrik, a brief pause from bellowing at his crew as they prepared for docking. “A true den of freedom, where rich and poor may gather to trade morals for whims.”
“R-Rich?! How could anyone with a modicum of wealth choose to reside in such a collection of hovels?!”
The captain grinned, a memory clearly surfacing in his mind as his one silver tooth promised nothing but regret ahead of me.
“It takes more than a rabble of miscreants to build anything half as fine as this, adventurer. It is a true town, requiring sponsors with far more funds than any captain possesses. And they do not build only hovels. Rest assured, young lady, what you see represents only the bottom rung of Port Defiance.”
I wrinkled my nose in response. I could have done far worse.
“You speak as if the highest rung isn’t but a thumb away.”
“More than a thumb. A golden staircase. You can climb it after we’ve docked at the Captain’s Quay. You’ll find more than hovels and shacks there when you do. As much as pirates enjoy their cabins, they enjoy their manors more.”
My mouth fell open at such a scandalous notion.
“M-Manors?! Surely, you jest!”
To own manors overlooking the poor was a privilege! What right did these pirates have to grow fat on their carrion spoils? They were not born into affluence like I was! They did nothing to deserve it!
It was … It was shameless!
“I do not jest. Above the alleys of Deadman’s Corner, the paved roads and orchards of the Admiral’s Quarter provides a stunning vista. There’s even a picnic garden. A popular family spot.”
I opted to immediately dismiss everything the captain had said.
I possessed neither the time nor the inclination to argue definitions. And his were woefully wrong. Clearly, a sailor had as much of an idea of what constituted orchards and manors as garden slugs did galleons and yachts.
Indeed, even from here, I could smell the dirt smothering whatever counted as streets like the livestock of Aquina. Regret welled within me as the ship gradually neared and the first muddied faces of the dockworkers became clear.
Regret … but also determination!
Because seeing the scale of this allotment before me only increased my desire to boot this eyesore back beneath the sea!
Frankly, it was a travesty it wasn’t done so already!
Yet again, only I had the competence to fulfil this very basic task. And I would leave no pebble unturned.
No longer would I hear the complaints of our coastal nobility claiming they had no means to ward off piracy. It did not require a navy. Only a single ship, the will to sail it, and preferably a lot of soap.
“This unwelcome patch of miscreants is significantly greater than I expected. How, captain, is it possible that this jut of rocks has evaded the eyes and cannons of every navy to operate in these waters?”
The ogre chuckled.
I knew which answer to expect even before I heard it. Whether nobility or sailors, they protected their secrets and their treason with the same coy smile.
“How indeed? Perhaps it’s the whim of the stars. The ones bearing down upon the Emerald Sea guide those who earn their favour. And I happen to be quite generous with my donations.”
Oh, I had little doubt about that.
Judging by the fullness of his coffers, he was far more generous with the sea than with the dockmaster of Trierport.
But no matter. He may keep his secrets.
After all, I would find out on my own accord.
Ohhohohoho!
This captain may not speak, but others will! Others who I didn’t require to sail me back to my own shores!
And so, I looked ahead as the sounds of bells rang out to welcome the Henrietta as it approached, rolling clear waves against a pebbly beach and ramshackle docks enveloped with moss.
Up close, it was evident why Port Defiance was given its name.
It was in a constant battle against the tides of nature attempting to swallow it back to the depths.
And judging by the remains of shacks washed up on the rocky shore like flotsam and jetsam, it was losing.
Still, I had no time to wait for the sea to do its job.
The waves may not be in a rush, but I was.
“Welcome to Port Defiance,” said Captain Talrik, signalling his crew to hopefully ram the docks. “Fairest of all free trade ports north of the Dunes and south of Lissoine.”
“Call it for what it is, captain. There is no need for embellishment.”
“A pirate haven, then.”
“No. An unwelcome den of misdeeds and debauchery. I shall look forward to instilling the fear of soap in these vagrants.”
The ogre grinned, not knowing that as soon I had supplies in excess, him and his crew would not be spared from the wrath of bubbles.
“Then I look forward to the results. Port Defiance was never built to house any ruler, and the Golden Prince has overstayed his welcome. The pirates raise him at the peril of us all. Those of the sea should submit only to the sea. To challenge the waves is to challenge powers beyond our reckoning.”
“Yes, well, it’s entirely their fault they’ve forced me here. Now kindly inform me which ship is the Golden Whoever’s so I can begin sinking it.”
The ogre chuckled, the sound dying only when he saw my frown. Close. A moment longer and he’d have seen my scowl instead.
“I’m afraid the Golden Prince’s ship is far too splendid to be found docked at the Captain’s Quay. His is moored elsewhere, slipped between shadows and fog like a rat amongst sewers.”
“I take it you’re not as proficient at rat catching as trading, then.”
“Oh, I am. Just that most rats don’t possess magical cannons. And we wouldn’t be able to approach without sights already trained on us. Able as she is, I’m afraid this is not a task for the Henrietta. How you choose to approach the Golden Prince is your own prerogative.”
“Your words suggest you shall not be personally guiding me through this maze of louts. Does this Golden Hooligan strike the fear of storms in you?”
The ogre’s smile hardened, though his demeanour remained flippant.
“I do not fear that whelp. I fear Black Eyed Annie and Sometimes Sober Todd. Just because I’ve been gone doesn’t mean my tab’s gone with me. They’d skin my hide for my crowns and my crew would help them gather what spilled if they knew I was here. No, this is far as I’ll go. Until I hear news of your demise, of course. Then I suppose I’ll have to look for another adventurer. Maybe C-rank, this time.”
“An insulting lack of confidence, but I do not begrudge your lack of faith in adventurers. They are, after all, as persistent as an undiagnosed rash and only slightly less useful.”
The captain blinked. His eyes glanced down at the copper ring despoiling my slender finger.
I resisted the urge to toss it overboard.
Coppelia would just get her clothes wet fetching it for me.
Speaking of whom–
My eyes were briefly drawn by a flash of colour.
Coppelia’s fluffy golden hair zipped across the rigging of the ship as she made a mockery of the overweight tabby by effortlessly hopping after it. She then brought her hands to her mouth in surprise as it promptly fell.
I swiftly looked back at the captain, my expression betraying nothing.
“In any event, your gallantry beyond ferrying me here is unneeded. With my loyal future handmaiden by my side, there’s no task I cannot complete before a reasonable bedtime … usually.”
The ogre regarded me closely with his dark eyes.
Then, he turned his chin to the side, seeing where his ship would shortly be docked.
“You’ll find news of the Golden Prince from the Sea Stone,” he said after a pause, his voice low and serious, drowned out almost by the ringing of the bell echoing in my ears.
“The what?”
“The Sea Stone. An ancient artifact which resides on this isle. It serves as a compass to all. The destination is whatever you seek. Or in your case, whomever. But a warning–it will answer only those whose hearts are deemed worthy.”
I rolled my eyes.
Another artifact which required a worthy heart. How utterly quaint.
How many of them did my family own in the vaults? Each time we needed to use one, we had to haul a farm boy from the nearby village, since worthy meant poor. Ridiculous things.
“Very well. I can find someone stricken with poverty. Where is this Sea Stone with the contrived mechanism?”
The ogre shrugged.
“No idea. Otherwise I’d have it myself. Good luck.”
I nodded as I attentively listened to my instructions.
To sum it up … do everything!
“Very well. I thank you for the extremely rudimentary information. Please see to whatever business you have on this decrepit illegal settlement, as it is currently marked for annexation by the sea. I shall be back shortly.”
The ogre raised an eye. Lacking brows, it was remarkable he was so expressive.
Even so, he made no comment. But he didn’t need to.
It wasn’t his confidence I required. It was my own. And I had no doubt I could sweep away the pirates inhabiting this rock like the crinkled leaves in my orchard.
“A request, if I may,” he finally said. “Before you venture blindly into the den of misdeeds and debauchery.”
He pointed to the other figure beside us.
Utterly ignored by us all, the pretty mermaid was as stationary as the ship’s figurehead, her long, red hair swaying like a flag against the coming night.
“If possible, could you direct a healer here? It’s been some time since she’s been in this state. I’m concerned she still hasn’t moved. Are you, uh, quite certain you found her like this?”
I regarded the line of drool falling down the mermaid’s chin, the vacant expression on her face, and the reflection of my angelic smile etched in her empty eyes.
I looked at the captain.
“Yes.”
Not detailing which question I answered, I offered a nod of my head before making my way down from the ship’s bow.
Upon the deck, the crew were practically hoisting the vessel into the wharf.
Coppelia landed next to me. She leaned down and allowed an overweight tabby to escape from her hands, before offering me a smile brighter than the dusk.
“So, did I hear that right? We’re gonna be searching for a mysterious artifact? … Because I love stuff like that!”
“I’m delighted you do. But no, we won’t be.”
“Eh? But didn’t the guy say it could point us to wherever we need to go?”
“Without mentioning where it is. Make no mistake, Coppelia. I’ve read enough plaques beneath our artifacts to know what monumental effort is required to attain them. There is zero possibility that this artifact is anywhere but the far end of an extremely tiresome dungeon filled with puzzles, traps and dead things. We lack time and moronic adventurers to fetch it for us. Most of all, I refuse to solve inane riddles while coughing on the dust of some ancient peasant.”
“Alrighty! Does that mean you have another plan?”
In answer, I raised my hand to my lips and smiled.
“Ohhohoho … why, I always have a plan.”
I peered over the side of the ship, studying the ramshackle docks filled with scuttering rodents. I pointed down at one and confidently nodded.
“We’re going to diplomatically ask the local citizenry where their leader is.”
“Got it!~” Coppelia pumped her fist into the air. “We’re gonna indiscriminately kidnap and interrogate pirates!”
A few moments of silence passed between us.
“Aren’t you going to correct me?” she asked.
I thought about it.
“No.”
The Emerald Sea glittered beneath the setting dusk, its endless horizon akin to a line of shimmering pearls as it spread out before me.
They say it’s one of the seven wonders of the world. They are wrong. There is only one wonder and it’s me. And so I gifted the crew of the Henrietta with a moment to remember as I stood upon the bow of their ship, my presence emboldening their lives as I did the image of the paling evening.
It was something quite sorely needed.
Because currently, the sparkling waters of the Emerald Sea were being disfigured by more than this crumbling ship.
It was being marred by the enormous pile of rocks threatening to block out the sun.
“What … What is that?!”
I was appalled.
Because upon these rocks protruding like warts on a nose, a paradise for ruffians awaited.
“Are those … buildings?” I asked anyone who dared to answer. “Is this why outlaws erect hovels in forests? To train how to live in squalor in the middle of the sea? Why, even from here, I can see the holes in them! What architectural inspirations did these hooligans apply to create such a uniform appearance of poverty?!”
That’s right!
This was no mere result of a lack of construction acumen!
The uniformity of the wonky rooftops! The synchronised puffs of smoke emitting from open fire pits despite the peril of so much woodwork! The colour-coordinated paintwork to match all the shades of vomit!
It was too intricate, too purposeful, too methodical to be anything less than by design!
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” said Captain Talrik, a brief pause from bellowing at his crew as they prepared for docking. “A true den of freedom, where rich and poor may gather to trade morals for whims.”
“R-Rich?! How could anyone with a modicum of wealth choose to reside in such a collection of hovels?!”
The captain grinned, a memory clearly surfacing in his mind as his one silver tooth promised nothing but regret ahead of me.
“It takes more than a rabble of miscreants to build anything half as fine as this, adventurer. It is a true town, requiring sponsors with far more funds than any captain possesses. And they do not build only hovels. Rest assured, young lady, what you see represents only the bottom rung of Port Defiance.”
I wrinkled my nose in response. I could have done far worse.
“You speak as if the highest rung isn’t but a thumb away.”
“More than a thumb. A golden staircase. You can climb it after we’ve docked at the Captain’s Quay. You’ll find more than hovels and shacks there when you do. As much as pirates enjoy their cabins, they enjoy their manors more.”
My mouth fell open at such a scandalous notion.
“M-Manors?! Surely, you jest!”
To own manors overlooking the poor was a privilege! What right did these pirates have to grow fat on their carrion spoils? They were not born into affluence like I was! They did nothing to deserve it!
It was … It was shameless!
“I do not jest. Above the alleys of Deadman’s Corner, the paved roads and orchards of the Admiral’s Quarter provides a stunning vista. There’s even a picnic garden. A popular family spot.”
I opted to immediately dismiss everything the captain had said.
I possessed neither the time nor the inclination to argue definitions. And his were woefully wrong. Clearly, a sailor had as much of an idea of what constituted orchards and manors as garden slugs did galleons and yachts.
Indeed, even from here, I could smell the dirt smothering whatever counted as streets like the livestock of Aquina. Regret welled within me as the ship gradually neared and the first muddied faces of the dockworkers became clear.
Regret … but also determination!
Because seeing the scale of this allotment before me only increased my desire to boot this eyesore back beneath the sea!
Frankly, it was a travesty it wasn’t done so already!
Yet again, only I had the competence to fulfil this very basic task. And I would leave no pebble unturned.
No longer would I hear the complaints of our coastal nobility claiming they had no means to ward off piracy. It did not require a navy. Only a single ship, the will to sail it, and preferably a lot of soap.
“This unwelcome patch of miscreants is significantly greater than I expected. How, captain, is it possible that this jut of rocks has evaded the eyes and cannons of every navy to operate in these waters?”
The ogre chuckled.
I knew which answer to expect even before I heard it. Whether nobility or sailors, they protected their secrets and their treason with the same coy smile.
“How indeed? Perhaps it’s the whim of the stars. The ones bearing down upon the Emerald Sea guide those who earn their favour. And I happen to be quite generous with my donations.”
Oh, I had little doubt about that.
Judging by the fullness of his coffers, he was far more generous with the sea than with the dockmaster of Trierport.
But no matter. He may keep his secrets.
After all, I would find out on my own accord.
Ohhohohoho!
This captain may not speak, but others will! Others who I didn’t require to sail me back to my own shores!
And so, I looked ahead as the sounds of bells rang out to welcome the Henrietta as it approached, rolling clear waves against a pebbly beach and ramshackle docks enveloped with moss.
Up close, it was evident why Port Defiance was given its name.
It was in a constant battle against the tides of nature attempting to swallow it back to the depths.
And judging by the remains of shacks washed up on the rocky shore like flotsam and jetsam, it was losing.
Still, I had no time to wait for the sea to do its job.
The waves may not be in a rush, but I was.
“Welcome to Port Defiance,” said Captain Talrik, signalling his crew to hopefully ram the docks. “Fairest of all free trade ports north of the Dunes and south of Lissoine.”
“Call it for what it is, captain. There is no need for embellishment.”
“A pirate haven, then.”
“No. An unwelcome den of misdeeds and debauchery. I shall look forward to instilling the fear of soap in these vagrants.”
The ogre grinned, not knowing that as soon I had supplies in excess, him and his crew would not be spared from the wrath of bubbles.
“Then I look forward to the results. Port Defiance was never built to house any ruler, and the Golden Prince has overstayed his welcome. The pirates raise him at the peril of us all. Those of the sea should submit only to the sea. To challenge the waves is to challenge powers beyond our reckoning.”
“Yes, well, it’s entirely their fault they’ve forced me here. Now kindly inform me which ship is the Golden Whoever’s so I can begin sinking it.”
The ogre chuckled, the sound dying only when he saw my frown. Close. A moment longer and he’d have seen my scowl instead.
“I’m afraid the Golden Prince’s ship is far too splendid to be found docked at the Captain’s Quay. His is moored elsewhere, slipped between shadows and fog like a rat amongst sewers.”
“I take it you’re not as proficient at rat catching as trading, then.”
“Oh, I am. Just that most rats don’t possess magical cannons. And we wouldn’t be able to approach without sights already trained on us. Able as she is, I’m afraid this is not a task for the Henrietta. How you choose to approach the Golden Prince is your own prerogative.”
“Your words suggest you shall not be personally guiding me through this maze of louts. Does this Golden Hooligan strike the fear of storms in you?”
The ogre’s smile hardened, though his demeanour remained flippant.
“I do not fear that whelp. I fear Black Eyed Annie and Sometimes Sober Todd. Just because I’ve been gone doesn’t mean my tab’s gone with me. They’d skin my hide for my crowns and my crew would help them gather what spilled if they knew I was here. No, this is far as I’ll go. Until I hear news of your demise, of course. Then I suppose I’ll have to look for another adventurer. Maybe C-rank, this time.”
“An insulting lack of confidence, but I do not begrudge your lack of faith in adventurers. They are, after all, as persistent as an undiagnosed rash and only slightly less useful.”
The captain blinked. His eyes glanced down at the copper ring despoiling my slender finger.
I resisted the urge to toss it overboard.
Coppelia would just get her clothes wet fetching it for me.
Speaking of whom–
My eyes were briefly drawn by a flash of colour.
Coppelia’s fluffy golden hair zipped across the rigging of the ship as she made a mockery of the overweight tabby by effortlessly hopping after it. She then brought her hands to her mouth in surprise as it promptly fell.
I swiftly looked back at the captain, my expression betraying nothing.
“In any event, your gallantry beyond ferrying me here is unneeded. With my loyal future handmaiden by my side, there’s no task I cannot complete before a reasonable bedtime … usually.”
The ogre regarded me closely with his dark eyes.
Then, he turned his chin to the side, seeing where his ship would shortly be docked.
“You’ll find news of the Golden Prince from the Sea Stone,” he said after a pause, his voice low and serious, drowned out almost by the ringing of the bell echoing in my ears.
“The what?”
“The Sea Stone. An ancient artifact which resides on this isle. It serves as a compass to all. The destination is whatever you seek. Or in your case, whomever. But a warning–it will answer only those whose hearts are deemed worthy.”
I rolled my eyes.
Another artifact which required a worthy heart. How utterly quaint.
How many of them did my family own in the vaults? Each time we needed to use one, we had to haul a farm boy from the nearby village, since worthy meant poor. Ridiculous things.
“Very well. I can find someone stricken with poverty. Where is this Sea Stone with the contrived mechanism?”
The ogre shrugged.
“No idea. Otherwise I’d have it myself. Good luck.”
I nodded as I attentively listened to my instructions.
To sum it up … do everything!
“Very well. I thank you for the extremely rudimentary information. Please see to whatever business you have on this decrepit illegal settlement, as it is currently marked for annexation by the sea. I shall be back shortly.”
The ogre raised an eye. Lacking brows, it was remarkable he was so expressive.
Even so, he made no comment. But he didn’t need to.
It wasn’t his confidence I required. It was my own. And I had no doubt I could sweep away the pirates inhabiting this rock like the crinkled leaves in my orchard.
“A request, if I may,” he finally said. “Before you venture blindly into the den of misdeeds and debauchery.”
He pointed to the other figure beside us.
Utterly ignored by us all, the pretty mermaid was as stationary as the ship’s figurehead, her long, red hair swaying like a flag against the coming night.
“If possible, could you direct a healer here? It’s been some time since she’s been in this state. I’m concerned she still hasn’t moved. Are you, uh, quite certain you found her like this?”
I regarded the line of drool falling down the mermaid’s chin, the vacant expression on her face, and the reflection of my angelic smile etched in her empty eyes.
I looked at the captain.
“Yes.”
Not detailing which question I answered, I offered a nod of my head before making my way down from the ship’s bow.
Upon the deck, the crew were practically hoisting the vessel into the wharf.
Coppelia landed next to me. She leaned down and allowed an overweight tabby to escape from her hands, before offering me a smile brighter than the dusk.
“So, did I hear that right? We’re gonna be searching for a mysterious artifact? … Because I love stuff like that!”
“I’m delighted you do. But no, we won’t be.”
“Eh? But didn’t the guy say it could point us to wherever we need to go?”
“Without mentioning where it is. Make no mistake, Coppelia. I’ve read enough plaques beneath our artifacts to know what monumental effort is required to attain them. There is zero possibility that this artifact is anywhere but the far end of an extremely tiresome dungeon filled with puzzles, traps and dead things. We lack time and moronic adventurers to fetch it for us. Most of all, I refuse to solve inane riddles while coughing on the dust of some ancient peasant.”
“Alrighty! Does that mean you have another plan?”
In answer, I raised my hand to my lips and smiled.
“Ohhohoho … why, I always have a plan.”
I peered over the side of the ship, studying the ramshackle docks filled with scuttering rodents. I pointed down at one and confidently nodded.
“We’re going to diplomatically ask the local citizenry where their leader is.”
“Got it!~” Coppelia pumped her fist into the air. “We’re gonna indiscriminately kidnap and interrogate pirates!”
A few moments of silence passed between us.
“Aren’t you going to correct me?” she asked.
I thought about it.
“No.”
