After pillaging the schooner and setting course for a new island, I spent a quarter hour fuming in my cabin before admitting that I needed to be visible to my crew. Id given them the order to kill innocents I couldnt just do that and shut myself away!
Yet on deck a black air hung around like a dark cloak, and I was no comfort to my crew. Many were distraught, but I wasnt the one to help them. Unable to return to my cabin and feeling like the ship was a prison closing in around or a kraken layering its arms on I stalked to the stern and practiced magic. Throwing a piece of driftwood out with water push, I would try to catch it with water whip. Repeat. Again. Blow off so mana and so steam.
Marcus had always emphasized the control aspects of the spell. Most people used it like a lash an ineffective blade. It could be as dexterous as the limbs of an octopus. In the ntal realm I could control a hundred arms with ease. Stars, I could have played a bloody organ with them! But reality required real practice. It was becoming my signature combat spell because of my versatility with it. There was no harm practicing with it, was there?
Practice. Again, and again. My mana was getting low, but I still needed so way to blow off steam to cope.
I was a monster. Those people Id killed even the ones Id tried to save. They all saw it. And now they were watching from beyond the grave their faces judgntal and accusing. Why couldnt I make the sacrificial play? Did cheating death myself really cause the world to be such a worse place?
I recalled Sadeos words when Id first told him I was a servant of Davy Jones. His response had been, Whos Davy Jones? At that ti, the whole world had been put in perspective. Jones might be the terror of the seas, but he wasnt all-powerful even in his realm: and there was a much bigger world out there than the oceans that made up the center and the outer edges. This drama on the high seas was nothing on that scale: the risks I posed negligible.
The screams of the dead made it very hard to return to that ntality. Id never claid to be a saint, but what I was now was sothing the Donic of a year ago would have despised.
Who am I kidding? I despise myself even now.
With a roar I clapped my hands together with the biggest water push I could manage, draining all my mana to supplent it into sothing big enough to jerk our ship several degrees.
I looked out into the sea behind us as the water swallowed up the efforts of my spell and returned to its own tranquil movent, ambivalent to my despair.
Once your waves comforted , I whispered. Why wont they now?
Like the spirit of the ocean was speaking directly into my mind, I understood exactly why. Once my heart had belonged to the ocean, for better or worse. Now, my heart and allegiance was owned by Davy Jones.
For better or worse.
Captain? Burdette said behind . A word?
I ignored him for several monts. Burdette had been struggling. So monts it seed he looked at like I was the sa upstart crewman Id been months ago. Other tis, he looked at and saw my charisma-stripped features and shuddered. Sotis it seed he rembered how deadly I could be, and handled like a toxic blowfish.
Yes, Burdette. I said. What is it? How do you see today? Will it be contained insolence or restrained terror in your voice?
In your cabin, if its alright, sir. Id like to go over our course.
Very well.
I led the way. Sailors of our level didnt need to review our course unless we were making changes. He really wanted to speak to alone.
Well, out with it! I said as soon as hed closed the door.
Yes Captain, he responded, knowing exactly what I ant. Its not good for the n to see you like that, sir.
In a black mood over the executions we did? Ill not try to hide that from them. I think it would be a worse weakness to hide away.
No Captain, thats not what I ant. I ant your magic practice, sir.
Surprised I spouted, Whats that got to do with anything?
Well sir, you look sothing fearso when youre doing it. Most people are already leery of what mages can do to them with magic, and after what we just did well, it looks like youre holding a lash over them, saying dont rebel, or Ill use my powerful spells on you.
I shook my head. Powerful spells? Right.
But it was the job of mates on a ship to bring such matters as these to the Captains attention. Had the crew really been feeling that? I couldnt claim to have been paying attention.
Very well, Mr. Burdette. Ill restrain myself.
Aye, sir. Theres one more thing.
Speak.
Do you have any ans of improving the morale of the crew? I an, I understand that its I an, the ship is a
Were a cursed ship crewed by n with no choice? I said dryly. Im aware.
Yes, Captain. But it seems that morale does still play so part in things doesnt it?
It does, and one of the ship features is currently sucking 5% from the morale per day.
Thats what I an! Sir, if we dont improve things well, I dont know how the crew will respond.
More talk of mutiny? I asked, recalling that hed told there was seditious talk while I was recuperating from my lightning injuries.
No one dares say anything like that. Instead, they feel like theyd rather be dead. Its all rather bleak right now, but it could turn sour fast, especially if things get worse.
I sighed. We are all questioning if death would be better, Mr. Burdette. But tell : how can I improve the morale of a crew that knows their souls are tied to the ship, theyll never see their hos or families again. And there is nothing I can do about it!
Seemingly unsettled by my outburst, Burdettes suggestion was tentative. Is are things like port calls forbidden?
What?
Say we navigate to so small island town, let the lads swim from the subrged and hidden ship to the shore and make their way to town for an evening being normal again. Ordering food, drinking with friends, complaining together, ogling the serving girls giving them a night like that would improve things, I think.
I stewed it over. Why not? What were the risks? That my crew would be identified as cursed? That theyd talk? That soone would try to keep them from returning to the ship?
I voiced these concerns, and Burdette was quick to offer solutions to most. The location we picked would be key: so place big enough to handle our crew but small enough not to have enough forces to trap us. Burdette even suggested a place he knew of.
Being identified was a much greater risk that had no mitigating factors. Could the crew bluff and say they had a collective curse of a different kind? Could they collectively strong-arm a small port into putting up with them even if they were found out?
As we talked, I could feel myself being persuaded. I did need a way to staunch the spiraling morale, didnt I?
Very well, I said, tracing my finger from our next ambush location to the island Burdette had ntioned. A night on the port it is.
It was a surreal experience, sitting alone in a tavern. I was scarcely ever alone, always drinking with whatever crew I had signed up with before swapping to the next one. That was before Id beco a Captain, much less a Captain under Davy Jones. I felt like a spy or infiltrator into the realm of normal people.
Readying the crew for a port call had been equally surreal, most stunned by the news or refusing to believe Id actually approve it. It wasnt until we were anchored in the shallows and readying to swim to shore that it beca real for them. Many were hesitant, understandably guilty about having fun with the blood on their hands, but no one wished to be left behind. I let them split into groups under the eye of those I trusted to keep tabs on them.
I didnt join those groups. Part of it was what Burdette had said, the n needed so ti away from . Part of it was the desire to be alone with my drink. So once everyone else had departed I swam off on my own, too, leaving the Deaths Consort without anyone on board. I wasnt exactly worried about soone stowing away aboard her.
The town Burdette had picked was bigger than Id expected, but I guess they did have to be able to handle the influx of nearly 300 people. The schooner Id so badly wanted would never have fit us all unless I packed so in more tightly than the slaves had first been.
Knowing the locales that my crew was heading for, I picked a much smaller, quieter, and out of the way place for a drink. To et that criteria and still be open after sunset ant that it was a seedy establishnt. The characters here probably would have eaten the old Donic for breakfast. Now, they all gave a wide berth, though not without muttered comnts like, Would it hurt you to put so points in charisma?
Thats how I found myself just over a day after Id sentenced 31 people at least 31! I didnt know if the rest made it to shore! with a half-finished mug of grog on my table, and a three-quarter full bottle of whiskey. Id never liked grog, but my goal had been to get drunk enough to forget. After tasting the brew, I refused to do that to myself. Hence the whiskey. I wasnt usually one for anything stronger than beer, but Id never had ghosts to silence before.
I was making strong headway through that whiskey bottle. Maybe I should get a few to stash in my bag. A nightcap might help sleep better at night much better than reading and diving into the ntal realm.
I tried to pace myself, but had no idea where my limits were. On one hand, Id never drunk anything this strong so fast before. On the other, I could tell the alcohol wasnt impacting the way it should. Physical resistances sotis impacted such things its how dwarves could down such strong ads without batting an eye, it was their physical resistances. Or was it their resiliency and tabolism? Did anyone actually know for certain? Ah, those bushy-faced fellows
Okay, I probably was slightly impacted. Not bad for halfway through the bottle. My thod of pouring into the small glass in front of for each drink rather than drinking from the bottle was clearly working.
The people in this fine establishnt gave and each other a wide berth. That made it pretty easy to keep track of anyone even close to . So it was a surprise when a cloaked figure sat down across from and pulled her hood down to expose her flowing hair and dark, hard eyes.
What are you doing here? she demanded.
Hali.
My mind was so flummoxed that I didnt process her sudden appearance, much less her question. So much so that I repeated her own question, though in a much different tone.
She glanced at the bottle Id nearly finished. Do I need to sober you up before getting answers?
The happy smile on my face faded. Right. This was all-business Hali, professional spy, not just a girl Id been crushing on.
Not that Id admitted that until after I thought Id never see her again.
Maybe Id built more in my mory than thered ever been, but it still hurt that she didnt seem just as glad to see .
Right, my face. No one was glad to see anymore.
No, no need. I said. Unless your cure is a tasty potion rather than the water dunking I imagine.
She studied . I studied her. Or rather, I got lost in her eyes. They were such vibrant eyes, blue and hazel and maybe a bit of green how was I supposed to describe that color? So people just had eyes that defied simple blue or brown. She wasnt dressed like a rough sailor anymore. There was a touch of makeup on her face, under her cloak she was wearing a dark green dress, with a cut that was tailored for her body
Her eyes narrowed a bit, and I felt my cheeks reddened if that was still possible. I was 100% blaming the whiskey on my wandering thoughts and eyes.
The last I saw you, youd thrown off a ship. Hali said. Staying behind with a band of cutthroats. Howd you survive?
First off, I saved you when I threw you overboard
My job was to delay the pirates until the princess could make an escape, Hali interrupted. Thanks to you I was helpless to do that!
Well, I did your job for you! I snapped back. And saved your life to boot, so youre welco!
She dropped the matter. What happened then? Tell about it.
I poured myself another glass, for all that just a mont ago Id felt like I didnt need to drink anymore. I made a nuisance of myself. Killed a few of them, ran down to the lower hold where the treasure was nice to finally know how much stuff was down there, by the way! They thought they had trapped which I guess they did so they got so buffs and heavy armor to root out. That gave ti to plant a trap. Wow, whiskey burned your throat even more after youd been talking. They fell for it. I blew a hole in the keel with those magic runes large enough to flood the ship
I told Hali everything, about how Id continued to pester Jack into pulling off his second ship from the princess, how Id turned the Ravens own artillery against her, how Id been taken alive. She didnt have to drag anything from , I gushed it all out. Was that a spy skill of hers, or the whiskey? Id have to be more careful though the mories made wish there was another bottle.
What happened after they caught you? Hali pressed.
Turning the whiskey glass around in my hand, I muttered, I dont want to talk about it.
I felt a pressure on my mind and knew that she had to have so sort of interrogation skill. Theres more to your story. A lot more. Keep talking. After a mont, her voice lost so of its edge. You know you can talk to .
Stars, I cursed lightly, only realizing I said it aloud a mont later. The stick and the honey. Is what youre doing a skill or are you just talented?
The corner of her mouth twisted. Both my skill levels and talents have been called into question, lately. But you have more to say. Im going to hear it.
They tortured , I admitted quietly to her. I had a dagger from the Wind Runners hold that applied fear. Jack took it and he cut , and cut , and cut I cant even rember how far my terror debuff went. Or rember spilling everything I could say. It wasnt much later I got a quest notification that the princess had escaped, and Jack gave up.
You had a quest? Hali asked in surprise.
A whole quest chain tied to the Wind Runner. I lost it when the ship sank, but there was a hidden quest about the princess that I got credit for.
She nodded slowly. What else?
What else? I sputtered. Bloody waves, she just wasnt going to stop was she? Not until shed dragged out of my oath to Davy Jones!
Wait a second, she was a spy for Antarus. Antarus already knew my identity and was spreading the word. How did she not know what I was the mont she saw ?
I can see youre tensing, trying to hide things from , she said. You told all about everything else, but now youre hesitating. Why?
I couldnt spill everything. Think Donic! Think! Push through your liquor addled mind and co up with a story! But Hali was a skilled interrogator no doubt having professional abilities that would root out lies. Everything I said would have to be truth.
Lawless Jack he liked the grit I showed. Hated for thwarting his mission, but liked what Id done. He talked with about working for him. He gave an ultimatum. And uhhh, my mind couldnt think of where to go next. Any story I tried to put together shed pick apart. Thats all I want to say on the matter.
She was already shaking her head. Mr. Donic, your story stinks. You stink. And I may have completed my mission to the princess, but this isnt going to sit right with until I know everything.
You dont want to know everything! I exclaid, too loudly for the establishnt. Abashed, I quieted my voice and muttered, You dont want to know everything. Made a deal I shouldnt have, now good people are dead because of . Amber liquid splashed the back of my throat. What Id said was true, and it was all I was going to say. Not just because I didnt want to spill secrets, but because I was reminded of the screams of those whod just paid for my choices.
Hali hesitated. Maybe whatever ability she was using could pick up on the darkness of my thoughts. She sighed, and just like that the mask of interrogator-Hali slipped away.
The world punished you with your imbalance? Or was it so so unfortunate cursing you?
I dont want to talk about it, I repeated twirling the liquid around a glass Id very deliberately poured. Sothing like that.
She grimaced and waved to the barkeep for an ale. Alright Donic, I wont pry. Im Im sorry for what you went through and thank you. For my life, that is.
I nodded, my throat tight. Too tight for the drink I was intending to consu. There was only another pour or two left in the bottle.
The silence that followed seed to convince Hali to share her own perspective. After you threw into the ocean, she still sounded slightly bitter about that. Captain Michael pulled into his craft and we made away with all haste. It turns out my presence was fortuitous. I had a cloaking ability, and Captain Michael had an ability that let him spread the effects of one crewman to all those under his command within a certain radius. The combination ant that we could hide the two life rafts. It wasnt completely effective, but it was night. We made it. All of those rowers were given dals for the effort they put into getting us to shore.
Once ashore, things went as could be expected. We didnt arrive with the dignity wed wanted the betrothed princess to have, but we were on safe shores and quickly found ourselves under Oorkoms protection. The alliance was sealed and since the two lovebirds who were the cause for the whole thing wouldnt stop going moon-eyed over each other, they were even married ahead of schedule. Happy ending for them! Finding herself in possession of the ale shed requested, Hali took a swig of it. ? I found myself in hot water.
How?
Sohow, the Madu found out about an operation Id conducted. I wont give details, but it was an affair that made Nilfheim and Oorkom very mad at each other. When Nilfheim told Oorkom, it was embarrassing for Antarus. They had to use a good bit of political capital on my account, which made them unhappy. It also put under too much scrutiny for my intended purpose in Oorkom, so that was a wash. At the end of the day it didnt matter that Id gotten the princess to her destination; Id failed to get her there safely with the esteem she should have had. That looked bad on .
All of that piled up to the court being very upset with , and being very well known to our allies and enemies. Whats soone like supposed to do when everyone is looking at you? They exiled here to these islands. Oh, they gave a fake assignnt to conduct here, but theres no way Im going to find leads on Davy Jones or his apprentice this way.
If Id been drinking, Id have spewed it all over the table. Thankfully, Hali had just been taking another swig and I had my face under control by the ti she lowered her tankard.
They put here to keep out of the way. They havent even kept abreast of whats going on in the world, just act disappointed when I dont have new information for them.
Sounds rough. I said, trying to keep my voice neutral.
She grinned mirthlessly. Thats not the bad part. The bad part is I know the whole reason for it. Theyre waiting to see if things die down, if Ill have a use again. If not, theyll hand over as a prisoner as a sign of good will.
My jaw dropped a bit. Thats harsh!
Yeah, she said. But I always knew it was the ga I played. I was raised for this. My family are personal servants of the crown. My great grandfather was the first one to swear the oath. Its a fancier oath these days. Used to be Ill cut any throat you say needs it, even if it be my own. Taking that oath as an eleven year old? I always knew my end would be harsh; either assassinated or rotting in so dungeon.
But, I said slowly, noting the bitterness in her words. That oath you took at eleven feels more restrictive now that it cos down to it, right?
She tossed so hair from her face I did not get sidetracked on how pretty she was when she did and half raised her tankard before setting it down. Yeah.
I nodded. I could empathize about oaths that you regretted, even if I couldnt tell her aloud.
I think I think I might know sothing that pertains to you.
What?
You said Nilfheim learned of incriminating evidence? Well, Lawless Jack was hired by the Madu, and he found so letters on board the Wind Runner before it sank. He gave those to them. Did you have anything on board that would tell them?
I didnt, Hali said, clenching her tankard tightly. But Michael could have. Bloody stars, I wish Id been able to send him to the bottom myself!
I nodded. I almost did. Things would have been simpler.
We had a shared mont of silence, before I asked a question that had been on my mind for months. What about everyone else who escaped? I asked. Ive never actually known who the other survivors were. Did did Virgam make it?
She looked at sadly. I didnt even think no, Im sorry. Virgam wasnt one of those on the rafts. She told each of the nas of those who had. Id known Mr. Donaldson had, injured as hed been, but hadnt known Harm and Sam had made it off.
What did they do with their dals? Sign up with the navy? I joked.
Actually, yes. She said, and my face soured a bit. I didnt want to think about n I knew being on ships I might sink. Whats been real interesting is what Captain Michaels has done. No sooner had he handed the princess off than he asked to be on a ship hunting Lawless Jack in retaliation. And you know what? He got it. Oorkom happened to have a recently repaired ship without a skilled naval Captain, and with the alliance and all the two nations agreed it would be a fitting first joint venture.
You see, Captain Michaels was burning up over the loss of his nephew. He knew his duty was to the princess and her safety, but I saw him as we were rowing away. Leaving his ship, leaving Redmund, it tore him up sothing fierce. He was set on revenge.
I was suddenly glad I hadnt ntioned itd had been my hand that accidently slayed Redmund.
About a weeks journey north of Tulisang, he got his revenge. They found the Raven limping along, trying to make it to a safe harbor. Even crippled, Lawless Jack put up a fight. Reports were that the fight lasted over a day unusual with enchanted weapons and mages in play. In the end Michaels pulled it off. Lawless Jack wont be sailing above the waves any more.
Jacks dead? I asked, stunned.
Mmm-hmm. Hali said, sipping her ale, then studying once more. I realized what it was she hadnt asked yet. If I was with Lawless Jack, how hadnt I known this? How had I gotten away?
Jack kicked overboard, I said. His interest in wasnt enough, as it turns out. Fortunate, I guess! I said, toasting with my glass. It must have been right after that Captain Michaels found him. The swim was worth it after all! I tossed the whiskey back.
I hadnt exactly harbored thoughts of hunting Jack down my ire had been redirected towards the people whod hired him but sohow Id always thought wed be eting again. We had unfinished business. He couldnt just disappear from the seas like that, could he? Well, I guess he wouldnt be the first person at sea to do so.
My answer either satisfied Hali, or she was having pity on and not prying. Unless this was all an elaborate, less-invasive interrogation than our first few minutes. Id never really seen her in her elent only when she was hiding amongst a crew, pretending to be soone she wasnt while ferreting out any potential threats to her charge. Her bosses apparently didnt think she was good enough as a spy anymore, but shed earned the profession at so point.
To Lawless Jack! She toasted. May his corpse feed the fishes a long ti! I gave half a smirk and toasted with her.
What of Michaels after that?
His success was looked on very favorably. He was promoted to Admiral by the king, and he and Admiral Thurgood from Oorkom are sharing command of the H.M.S. Erald, largest warship on the oceans. Theyre tasked with stopping Jones and his lieutenant before they can get up to mischief again.
Again?
Stories go that Jones is the only reason humanity didnt crush Nilfheim, Bandarn, and others centuries ago. Ive lived in those place, and Im not as racist as so, but humanity got a big smack-down back then. Jones and his sea monsters utterly wrecked naval movents, and geography didnt play into the humans favor back then. Since humans are the dominant force on the seas once again, theres a war against an alliance of the other races, and Davy Jones suddenly popped his head up again She spread her arms as if to say there you go! The court doesnt want to be sent back to the isolation years. Antarus is an island nation: we dont do so well without our imports.
I nodded. They dont even care to talk first?
Davy Jones is seen as more of an elental force than a reasonable person. Attempts to reason with him in decades past never ended well. No one really thinks hes human anymore, either. She shrugged. As long as Im not at sea when the storms blow through, I honestly dont care.
That was fine and dandy for her, but I had a vested interest in what the court thought and tried! But then, I was Jones own lieutenant and even I didnt know his motivations. His first orders to had been to stir up trouble and level up not likely the sa goals that he had. That begged the question what is was he wanted, and why it seed his only role for was to be a villain.
Its weird, Hali continued. On the Wind Runner Michaels was Captain, but I was placed above him in authority surreptitiously, of course, you know all about that. Now, in a way, Im reporting to him after all. Hes Admiral of the task force, Im an informant, she drew air quotes around the word. On the dealings with Jones. As if there was ever anything She took another drink.
There a lot of ships under Michaels command?
Oh, he can pull nearly any local ship he wants in so long as there isnt another engagent going on! Aside from that, hes got a few warships with him all the ti. He even has so old buddies with him, Captain Darius is in command of the Athair, and they go way back.
I knew of the Athair, and of the Erald, and Id noticed the nas of their Captains and Admirals, even if I hadnt been sure if they were the sa people I knew. Id encountered them in Tulisang, when theyd tried to trap .
The Athair had been the one to block in the harbor, sending a high-level squad after imdiately. At the sa ti, Id been given my quest Sins of the Father, Sins of the Son. It had explicitly told that the identity of my father would have consequences, and the timing of the Athair showing up and the quest assignnt was too much to be coincidence.
Captain Darius? I asked, trying to be nonchalant. Whats his story?
Funny enough, he used to be a gang with Michaels and Brennon Marston. You rember the Marstons dont you?
Yes I said, but she wasnt listening.
In fact, I seem to recall sothing about Jennifer Marston hating your guts while we were aboard the Wind Runner, all because of rumors that you were an illegitimate child of the family. Son of the dead Marston boy before he could marry your mom, was that right? Oh! she said, in mock shock. That Marston boy was Brennon!
I swallowed. Yes, yes. His friendship with Michaels is news to
You never even tried to pressure the Marston family? They could have made you a junior officer on your first sea voyage!
I didnt want their help! I said. I wanted my mother free from them, but turns out that wasnt what she wanted. Anyway, I have my doubts Brennon Marston really was my father.
What makes you say that?
Reasons.
Was it a quest?
What? I tried playing surprised.
She ticked off points on her fingers. You already ntioned you had a questline that got sunk literally and it probably indicated that Brennon Marston wasnt the guy. You never knew the true identity of your father. You got interested when I said Michaels was part of a group with your presud father, you think hes the guy! That sounds so ssed up.
No, I said, shaking my head in an attempt to clear it. I dont think Michaels is my father. Or at least, I didnt
Not likely. He was the moral compass of their group; not likely to be the one ssing around with ladies sorry to talk about your mom like that. That leaves Captain Darius, doesnt it? Ooh, this is juicy. If only this were the sort of thing that could get off the hook with the court.
Just Darius, eh? I said. I waited a mont. No quest updated popped up, but that would have been too easy. Well, not likely well cross paths at this point.
Co on! No curiosity? No desire to stir the pot just a bit? Think of the drama!
It seems you are the only one who delights in the dramatic, Hali.
Oh, I doubt that. Sowhere inside of you is a showman who likes to make an entrance. You might think youre a modest nobody, but I see right through you!
Hali, at once youre so right and so wrong, I thought. Maybe I am more dramatic than I think myself, but if you really see through right now Im in a lot of trouble.
Ive gone my whole life without my father. No need to drag him into anything now.
Fine. But if I get the chance, Im going to have a very fun conversation making Darius feel as awkward as possible. Were you passed down any lurid details that I can pin him with?
Passed from who? This was my mum were talking about!
Okay, yes. Eww. Youre right, that would be weird.
I couldnt help chuckling to myself. See, this is how I rember you: bantering and running your mouth at a mile a minute.
It helps to disarm people, she said. A knife appeared on the table as if by magic.
My mind stalled as I tried to process what had happened the betrayal that had led up to this. Had she been leading along by the nose for the whole conversation? My reflexes wanted to spin one of my blades at her, but another part of said that this was Hali! I couldnt do that! Locked in indecision, her knife stayed on the table.
Oh stars, your face! she broke up. That was revenge for when you pulled a knife on , rember? Oh, stars! Totally worth it! If only I had an artist around to sketch you.
I closed my mouth and tried to decide if I should be relieved, fuming, or laughing. Assuming I wasnt who I was with the secrets I had, it could be seen as the prank she seed to intend I guess. Id had crewmates pull much worse on and done it to them in turn, of course.
I tried to force a chuckle and poured the last whiskey from the bottle. Got , I said. Oh, you got alright.
Cooling her mirth, she drained her ale. Where are you going from here?
From here? Hmph. Thats a long ways to think these days.
Catching the first ship headed anywhere? I thought that was your M.O.
Not many crews would take , these days. I pointed at my face. It was getting hard to get simple jobs even before this. Now? Well, I was always thrifty with my savings.
Join an adventurers guild, she advised, sohow serious. The local chapter will take you on, imbalance or no. Slay so monsters, hunt so pirates, when you level up put everything into charisma. Itll take so ti, and youll probably never have the sa pretty face, but your imbalance can be mitigated.
You thought I had a pretty face?
Was it the alcohol, or did her cheeks get just a bit red?
Just listen to . Dont sign on with a pirate crew or any less savory types because you think you dont have a choice, alright? Promise .
Oh, Hali. If you only knew.
I promise. No signing on with anyone else.
Good. She dug into a pocket and pulled out a small, multifaceted white orb. Take this. She rolled it across the table.
Stopping it, I picked it up and analyzed it, asking for an explanation while I did. What is it?
A communications device, I have its pair. Not as good as sothing that lets you speak telepathically, and sothing of a one-use item, but it can be used on opposite ends of the world. Use it, and it will share your emotions and thoughts for a brief duration, as well as pinpoint your location. I want you to know that if you ever need help, you can let know. Ill do my best to repay you for the debt I owe you.
Debt? I asked, rubbing the small orb between my fingers.
You did save my life, even if you threw overboard. She stood. Dont despair, Donic. Things dont have to be at an end just because they seem bad now.
As she trailed by, she let her fingers slide over my shoulder. All the tangled thoughts and doubts I had got suspended as I received a notification.
Congratulations! You have earned 1 to your main attribute: Charisma.
To have my charisma boosted naturally, Hali would have had to see past my ugly magically imbalanced features. I would have had to truly impact her sohow, she would have had to truly care.
She never saw the tear that slid down my cheek. She was already gone.
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