The Vengeful Tide-Ch. 16 Teaser

Just a little something to get you all excited for!

WttW

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“Aesteal,” I spoke. She looked at me.

My eyes slowly blinked. “Tell me of your mother and father in the lands of Fgg’rial. What were they like?” I asked.

If I’m am to be honest, I don’t know why I was curious about this, especially after Aesteal and I had delved into the depths of sexual bliss. Usually, I might not have cared if it were my past life, but since bonding with this elf, I have…grown a bit more curious than I normally would have been. Heh, maybe that’s my age getting to me. Either way, I found myself curious to know more of her life. We had spoken of personal things before, but I don’t believe I asked her about her parents.

Aesteal was silent for a long while. Given that our bond had flared in strength, most likely due to the sex, I was more in tune with her mood. She wasn’t sad or upset, but I could feel some hesitation within her body. I decided to rub her arms to soothe her thoughts lest they overwhelm her.

“‘The spirits are my mother. The land is my father. As one, they guide me and instruct me from birth to my passing. So too shall my body respect them and grow in their pride.’ That would be the answer I would give you had I met you within the Great Lands. However, I assume that wasn’t what you meant,” she softly said with a rather melancholic chuckle.

I can’t say I returned the laughter.

“I really don’t know, Sir. I’m told I was found deep within the Aslkren Woods just outside the kingdom’s walls. I was taken to the Order and there I was raised. I asked that question only once and what I told you just now was the answer I was given. From then on, I was not allowed to think of my parents. My mind was driven to the protection of the Kingdom. While others took breaks or spent elven traditions with family members, I practiced my way of the bow and blade. Most thought me cursed, for an elf with no lineage is called ‘Ẻjn’, One Who Brings Misery,” she said.

I remained oddly silent. My hands continued to rub her shoulders and her fingers traced the lining of my stomach. “Yet, when I was by myself I fancied the ideas of my parents. I fantasized that my father was a Fgg’rial Elder Scout with many elven men and women taught beneath his bow. He could fire arrows as fast as the paws of a Dwarm Hare. His voice like mighty thunder and his eyes like burning fire. He was well-versed in elven scripture and he would have taught me how to read and write the Chronicles of Ỳn. He would have been a patient man, not so quick to anger, but steady in his steps. Like any elven warrior, he was prepared to defend the causes he felt were suitable to him,” she said.

I slowly nodded with my thoughts almost at a standstill. “I see,” I said softly. I closed my eyes and listened to her words. Like a hot blade, she sliced into my soul with each tale that calmed me for some reason.

...

Despite their excitement, I had to put a damper on the rising spirit of the ship. I quickly called everyone together. “Yeah yeah, shut your mouths and pay attention! I can already see that greedy gaze in your eyes just like in the Sea of Greed. Now, you’re right, beyond this island there are maybe four or five more pieces of land which hold such glorious treasures that I promised,” I said.

Before everyone could holler, I stopped them. “That said, don’t lose your damn minds. You think islands like these had trials like those if they weren’t dangerous in and of themselves?!” I questioned. That quickly settled them down.

Once I had everyone’s attention, I exhaled. “Naturally, explore all ya wish. Collect whatever you want and it’s yours for the taking, but…if you walk into the forest and a feeling of utter dread wraps over you, go no further. Turn around and alert it to Ellen, my mother, or me. And, if you think you can be crafty and try to continue on anyway, then I’ll just say…you’ll wish the Taker of Voices was the one to end your miserable existence,” I told them.

Some swallowed the fear in their gullets as the waves carried us to the island. I stared at its massive body. “You made a fool of me last time. There shall not be a second time!” I thought.

...

“WHAT?!”

I heard Ellen shout from afar.

Inhale, Eric Drakclaw.

Exhale, Eric Drakclaw.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Despite our ruined mood, Ilzahold laughed. “Another time perhaps,” she reasoned. Meanwhile, I turned around, and, during my walk to the source of the noise, contemplated the ways I could be angry without sinking the islands beneath the surrounding waters.

No, I didn’t do it. I was indeed tempted to try though.

“What’s the matter?” I asked. I noticed Ellen and my mother along with three men who looked very guilty. I closed my eyes and drove away the thoughts coming thoughts that were all too enticing at the moment.

Sothshore pinched the bridge of her nose and turned to me. “Two men haven’t returned after a few hours. Apparently, they were betting treasures on which fucker could go further into the forest. Now two of them haven’t shown up,” she fumed to me.

....

Despite the fact that I had Liara’s memories, despite the fact that I had much of Liara’s knowledge, despite the fact that I had sailed the seas in my first voyage with her all these weeks, for the first time I felt I was actually looking upon the Witch of Draegnar. I was looking upon a woman of world renown, a woman who could move kingdoms and empires to war with but a flick of her finger if she desired, a woman…that had struck deals and fought with demons, gods, and spirits. She truly earned her other title.

Liara Ilzahold, The Last Wielder of the Essence of Hoɖ.