Aethir - Dewayne M Kunkel Page 0,3

Marcos has spoken the truth, in his own way he has opened my eyes to the horrors that face us. We have both seen things that I had once believed to be nothing more than myths from ages long past. Now I know them to be true, as Marcos has said we cannot hide from what is coming. I for one will stand and fight, perhaps we can make a difference.”

“We?” Casius asked.

“That is if you choose to tag along.”

“Somehow I knew this was going to happen.” Casius said with a slight shrug. “Where you go I’ll follow.”

Connell stepped up onto the porch. “I want to see my home once more Casius. I have been gone too long.” He said before opening the door.

Casius understood Connell’s feelings all too well. He missed his own home but unlike Connell he knew there was nothing left for him to return too. He swallowed deeply forcing back the upwelling grief.

They entered the common room and Connell’s back stiffened as he saw a figure seated in the room’s far corner. “Word travels fast,” He muttered.

A large man wearing stained leather trousers and a heavy wool sweater. His hair was a knotted mass of gray with hints of black at his temple. His face was wind burned and etched by deep lines giving him a permanent glower. Beneath bushy snow-white brows his eyes twinkled in the gloom.

“I’ll be damned.” The old sailor muttered. He came to his feet and gave Connell a warm embrace. “Took your time coming back boy.”

“It is good to see you Shane.” Connell grunted breaking free of the old mans grip.

The old man nodded and returned to his seat. “Connell it is not safe here. The whole Senatum is out for your hide.”

“I have to leave Lakarra, the sooner the better.”

The old man lifted his half full tankard and swirled the contents about. “The oceans rough this time of year. More so than usual and safe passage is far from guaranteed.”

“I know of no other I would trust with the crossing.” Connell said with a smile.

Shane finished his drink and waved for more. “Just you and your companion?”

“There are three others, five in all with horses as well.”

The captain leaned back in the chair. “My ship will suffice.”

“I am most grateful Shane.” Connell said thankfully.

“The sooner we get you out of here the better.” Shane continued. “The ship will leave ere first light.” The old seaman stood and gripped Connell’s hand in parting. “I have much work to finish tonight before we set sail, we’ll catch up on the trip.” Shane took a step to the door and stopped. “You still riding that damned demon from Kesh?” At Connell’s answering smile he added. “Then you load him.”

Connell laughed. “I will,” He reassured the man.

“I’ll never understand why you would keep such a foul tempered beast.” Shane muttered as he left the Inn.

“Our good Captain I presume?” Marcos said coming across the room to join them.

“You don’t miss much, do you Marcos?” Casius asked.

“He’s rough at the edges but a finer sailor you’ll not find in these waters.” Connell answered pushing a chair out with his foot for Marcos.

D’Yana entered the room and came to join them at the table where they were discussing the upcoming voyage.

“I’ve never been on a ship before.” D’Yana said with some regret. “Is it true what they say about eating light before setting sail?”

“Yes.” Both Connell and Casius answered at the same time.

“There is a good chance that you will catch the sea sickness.” Connell continued. “The less you eat now, the less you will have to toss up once the ship starts rocking.”

“Wonderful,” D’Yana said rolling her eyes. “And just how long does this sickness last?”

“Sometimes it will linger for the whole trip.” Connell replied cheerfully. “Then again it may only last a day or two, or you may not get sick at all.”

“Just go easy when we break our fast in the morning.” Casius said cutting off Connell. He did not want his friend to face D’Yana’s wrath. “How did your rumor hunt go Marcos?” He asked hoping to change the subject of conversation.

“Several points of interest as a matter of fact.” Marcos said. “The first is the Senatum are keeping a low profile but their agents are here nonetheless.”

“Damn spies and turncoats.” Connell remarked.

“Exactly,” Marcos agreed. “Men who would unwittingly do the dark ones work for a few burnished coins.”

“Then we keep watch tonight.” Connell advised. “It will be in the dead of