As Kasar strode over to the captain, he noticed the lizard-lady’s hand swipe his pockets and return empty handed. A hiss erupted from her, meant only for herself, but Kasar heard it.

  “Keep your scaly hands to yourself,” snapped Kasar, turning around.

  “Who are you calling scaly?” she asked, peering over her shoulder.

  Kasar’s fists tightened as Vorza’s words pricked at his mind. He continued walking. He wished Vorza could see his pacifism, because it took immense effort to not snap back at the woman. Either way, fighting with some mercenary about insults wasn’t something that Kasar invested in. He calmed down and continued walking.

  Kasar sat down at the captain’s table where Ostrik and his other cohorts sat as well. They seemed to be amidst a conversation over tea, but all eyes turned to Kasar.

  “Hello,” he said.

  The captain scowled, but gave a nod. Ostrik’s eyes held a mischievous glint, face grinning as he scanned Kasar head to toe.

  Kasar sat down in the empty seat and gulped. “We wish to sail with you. We will work and fight for our wages.”

  The captain cleared his throat and turned to Ostrik and his band. Then back to Kasar. A challenging smirk appeared on his face. “Do you tell stories?”

  Kasar shook his head with a frown.

  “Do you sing?”

  “No.”

  “Dance?”

  “No, but I can fight. We both can. We’re Dancing Devils.”

  Ostrik gave a patronizing giggle. “Aren’t there like a handful of you folk left?”

  “There’s more out there,” said Kasar, voice higher pitched than he’d have wanted. “I’m sure. General Valiki for example.”

  “General Valiki?” asked the captain, intrigued. “You know him?”

  “I dueled him,” said Kasar, feeling akin to an imposter. However, an idea formed in his head. “And that proves I am capable in a fight.”

  The captain stroked his beard as he began to consider, and even Ostrik looked at Kasar in a new light. One that did not seem like admiration, but rather rivalry. Competition.

  “So he’s dead?” asked the captain.

  “I spared his life.”

  A whistle flew out of Ostrik’s mouth.

  “That could have changed the course of the war,” said the captain. “Or not. Lord Torvic’s practically a god. Rumor has it he’s taken out battalions on his own.”

  “Doesn’t matter to me,” said Kasar. “Can we join you?”

  “To the Gilded Isles? Yes.”

  “Know of any ships going to Mahar?” asked Kasar.

  The captain chuckled and took of a sip of that tea. He regarded it and grinned. “Funnily, this is Maharian tea. Spiced perfectly. But no… Most if not all ships are steering clear of the Maharian coast. Wars brewing there and no captain wants to be near a Maharian civil war if they can help it.”

  “Another war?” asked Kasar with a sigh. “So how do we get there?”

  “Any ship in the Gilded Isles will go anywhere if you have the coin. That’s your best bet,” said the captain.

  Kasar grimaced but nodded nonetheless. “Fine.” He didn’t enjoy Vorza’s depiction of that place.

  “Why did you duel him?” asked Ostrik. “Out of curiosity.”

  The captain showed eagerness to hear the tale as well.

  Kasar cleared his throat and narrated the events that had occurred south of here, in the jungles of the front lines. Kasar noticed the taller man with the great sword had also leaned in with great interest. A smile plastered his face, and he gave Kasar a soft and respectful applause.

  “You have honor,” said the tall man. “I respect that.”

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  “Don’t mind Cryppe here,” said Ostrik. “He likes discussing honor a lot.”

  “As a Dancing Devil,” said the tall man named Cryppe. “I am sure he believes in it, Ostrik. Even if you don’t.”

  “Oh stop being cliche, eh?” laughed Ostrik. “It is a fun story, but you know as well as we do, if your story is true, those peasants are probably flayed by now.”

  Kasar did not react.

  “You knew this,” said Ostrik. “And still you dueled him. If I had to guess, you have a death wish. Or a hunger for glory.”

  “Neither. I just gave them a choice.”

  “Hmm, whatever. They had one beforehand too. Eitherway, this voyage should be entertaining.” Ostrik flashed Kasar a toothy grin.

  Cryppe scooted his chair toward Kasar as Ostrik and the captain continued discussing other matters, such as the storms on the way, and sea goddesses. The captain seemed tense on the latter topic.

  Kasar wanted to listen, but the tall man began speaking instead. “I am Cryppe.” He splayed his arm out for a shake. Kasar took it and the man smiled. “I traveled with these folk for a while now. Rend is a grim man, but I get along with him the most. Ostrik and Kasulta? And their bard friend who comes and goes as he pleases: they get on my nerves. Glad to know someone on this voyage will be easier to speak to.”

  “My name is Kasar. I didn’t think this would work to get a voyage.”

  “I think Captain Dunarik and Ostrik were mostly teasing. Sailors get bored at sea. Madness grips them there more than anywhere else I hear. Nothing but blue and black around you, with the unknown below. Stories are always welcome. Plus, it is good to have skilled fighters with us.”

  Kasar gulped as the pang of guilt settled in. He was decent at combat, but part of him felt perhaps these sailors would have too much faith in him. At least Vorza could carry what Kasar slacked on. Two were better than one, surely.

  “What kinds of dangers are on the sea?” asked Kasar.

  “Pirates, sea monsters, storms, not that the last one can be helped. You just pray at that point.”

  “Sea monsters? Really?”

  “Oh yes. Below the waters are several kinds of creatures. They mimic monsters on the surface. Asexually spawned hives that are fueled by blood. But the sea is a little…” He licked his lips, nervously. “Alien.”

  “Alien?”

  “Yes, like otherworldly.”

  “My mentor Vorza over there speaks similarly of the sea.”

  “Was he a mariner?”

  “Mariner? Like a sailor? Then, yes, he served in the Vrodian navy as well as the army. He was there when the Triscourge happened. He fought against the hordes.” Kasar couldn’t help lacing his words with pride for his mentor.

  “That is commendable. Indeed I think we did well recruiting you along.”

  Vorza was munching on some nuts when Kasar returned. “How’d it go?”

  “We’re allowed to board,” said Kasar with a grin.

  Vorza’s eyes gleamed with astonishment. “Well, well, consider me impressed, lad. I didn’t expect it.”

  Kasar’s face burst into a blush and a grin. “They set sail within the hour.”

  “Wonderful. That gives us enough time to laze about and rest. It’s been a while since I’ve sailed the seas. You better get your guts in order, lad. Some folk find themselves quite at odds with the constant sway.”

  “Really?”

  “Oh, you will see. Hard to explain, but imagine like your body moves one way, but your mind doesn’t expect it to.”

  Kasar didn’t quite understand, but he figured he’d soon realize it firsthand anyways. He suddenly felt Kasulta’s presence again, and his hand shot out to snatch her wrist. “Again?”

  She hissed at him, ripping her hand free. A wicked grin formed on her mouth as she spoke. “So Devils do have eyes on the back of their head.”

  “Or maybe you just stink that much,” snapped Kasar. Even in his own head he sounded juvenile.

  “Take it back.”

  A fire ignited in his belly. Not as bright or hot as before, but a flame nonetheless. “No.”

  Kasulta gritted her filed dagger-like teeth. “What if I break you? Then will you see the error in your ways?” The way she said it made Kasar think she was being outlandish on purpose.

  “Back off, lass,” said Vorza, brows furrowed and creases forming on his forehead.

  “Make me.”

  Kasar wanted to engage more than anything at the moment. Vorza must have sensed it.

  “She’s goading you,” his mentor said softly. “Just walk away.”

  Kasar took in a deep breath till his lungs could take no more. Another sharp intake to expand further, feeling the air inside him fill him up. Then he exhaled. “We’re going to get ready to sail with Captain Dunarik.”

  Kasulta almost pouted. “You’re no fun.”

  “Don’t bore yourself around us then, eh?” said Kasar. The two Devils turned away, senses still trained on the woman. She eventually strode off chuckling.

  “What kind of band have we gotten ourselves into?” asked Vorza.

  “We’ll see, I suppose.”

  “Luckily at sea, they don’t want a big feud as much as we don’t. You have nowhere to go.”