006. "Into the Unknown."
It had been weeks since I was banished from my home.
One month, I was the only researcher in forbidden dark magic. A daughter of the Queen. Living in the castle on the Sky Islands of the Kingdom of Elves.
Now... I was just a dark elf stuck on a one way trip to a land I've never been to. With my only friend and guide being a stranger I just met.
Cyril... He was kind, smart, and seeing how he talked to the traders on board the ship. He knew his way with words, able to get the best deal for what little he offered.
If he didn't approach me that day in the cargo hold... I don't know where I would be now. I feel I owe a debt to him, but... He was the leader of a clan.
He told me small bits and pieces the past few weeks of who they were. A band of outcasts, living outside the rules of the Empire and Kingdom. Becoming a power in itself with their numbers, bases, and wealth.
What was their ultimate end goal? I didn't know. But he said me and my research in dark magic will help them get closer to it.
He offered me everything if I joined. Room, food, clothing, money, even my own lab and research materials. It was too good to be true, but was researching dark magic outside of the Kingdom legal?
What laws were there regarding the use of magic in the Empire? How would he protect me from researching dark magic? What if the Kingdom found out? Would I go from banished to wanted criminal?
I thought about everything he told me about the Empire. The way dark elves are treated, the terrible conditions...
Either I go along with him with the opportunity he has offered me, or I go on my own. With nothing but what I had in my bag and the little coin given to me.
I stood on the deck of the ship, the air compared to the Sky Islands was frigid as I could see my breath in the cold air.
Land came into view for the first time in weeks. Cyril stood next to me as the sun rose in the distance.
"Vivian... It's time. Have you come to a decision?" He said.
"I have..." I said.
The ships crew were working all along the deck as we stood to the side out of their way, taking in the view ahead.
"Well?" Cyril said, looking at me.
"I'm joining you, Cyril."
He smiled.
"Good, but you are not just joining me. You are joining my clan, just know that."
I looked back at him.
"What does that entail?"
"Normally new members would go through initiation at one of our bases, and there are rules. Our main settlement however is far inland." He looked to the land ahead. "You'll be with me most of the time once we land, and you've been a joy to be around. So... just go as you have been."
"Just how I've been?"
He nodded.
"If you want to know the best rule though..." He stepped away from the edge of the ships deck, back towards our cabin. "It's follow the leader."
I followed behind him, and we were back in our cabin.
We began to pack our belongings. I had nothing when I came aboard, but Cyril was nice enough to get me a few outfits I can rotate around in the meantime and a bag to carry whatever I had.
He packed light as well, only carrying a large sack he kept along his back.
"Are you excited?" He asked.
I shook my head.
"I don't know what to expect, really."
"It's a lot to take in. But I know just the place to visit when we arrive."
"What's that?"
"My girlfriend, my second in command. I always request her to reserve us a room in a bathhouse when we arrive. It's in town."
At this point, I had to accept the stench coming off anyone on board the ship and myself to maintain my sanity. The moment I heard the word bathhouse...
"Please tell me we are going there immediately." I said.
Cyril laughed.
"Of course, our paperwork should be in order and I have men at the dock that will take care of our cargo." He scratched his chin. "Though... We will have to get some form of identification for you. I'll just send one of my people to take care of that."
"Wouldn't I need to be there as well?"
Cyril shook his head.
"If they see one of my men, the records office will take care of the request. No questions."
"...I see."
We sat in the cabin as the ship began to dock. I looked out the window as the ship approached.
I could hear the yelling outside as both the deck crew of the ship and the dock workers worked fast.
Ropes were tossed back and fourth, crews rushing to the get the ship in place and… we stopped moving.
We made it.
Soon... I will set foot in The Empire. With Cyril as my guide, and leader.
— Written by Froey. —