Reluctantly, I followed Jack into the mess hall, with Mason trailing behind us. To my surprise, several people had already filled the hall this early in the day. I felt like this ship had quite a few people whom I didn’t even recognize. I realized I hadn’t mingled with those who were injured in the first battle, yet there seemed to be more to it than that, and not all of them were Dwya.

  “What’s with all these people?” I asked as we lined up for food.

  “We rescued most of them from the docks,” Jack explained.

  “What? Didn’t the Dwya primarily occupy the docks?” I questioned, puzzled.

  “Mostly, yes, but there were others there too, handling maintenance and grunt work. You didn’t think the Dwya or the Black Rock Islanders would be preparing their own food, did you?” Jack gestured toward the cook.

  As Jack gestured toward him, the chef raised his eyes, meeting mine directly. “The Grey Elf who saved us! I am D’lish, a cooking journeyman,” he introduced himself, his gaze intense. “Thank you so much for saving us! I am truly grateful.”

  He was a tall, wiry man with brown hair in a stained apron. You could instantly tell he was a cook in this society, not only because of his lack of weapons and his dress, but because of how he moved.

  Unlike the warriors I had met, who always seemed braced for attack, D’lish moved freely. He used wide gestures as he proclaimed his profession, the kind that would make him an easy target. His way of bowing, bending deeply at the knees, struck me as vulnerable, but my own experiences shaped that perspective. If Carrick hadn’t pushed me, I might not have been so acutely aware of these details.

  “Please,” D’lish continued earnestly, “I can make you anything you want.” He stood there, still staring, awaiting my response.

  I glanced to my side, seeing Jack and Mason looking at me expectantly.

  Ugh, I hated dealing with this type of stuff. I just wanted to sleep.

  “No. That’s fine, D’lish, maybe another time. Right now, I want to sleep more than I want to eat good food.”

  That wasn’t entirely true because I would kill for one of my old favorite meals, but I did need some sleep. Furthermore, the special treatment was good and all, but he made it seem like I did all the fighting and dying for his freedom, which wasn’t fair.

  It might have been true that my actions led to his liberation, but I wasn’t the only person who did it, and so I told him, “Just to remind you, I wasn’t the only one who helped free you. Every person here helped.”

  “Of course,” D’lish responded, bowing as if I were royalty, careful not to argue. Opting out of further discussion, I scooped myself a bowl of stew from the pot and took a seat at a long communal table across from Jack and Mason. Despite the close proximity, everyone, including those seated just inches away, adhered to an unspoken rule of mutual courtesy, pretending not to notice each other. This formality, even in such tight quarters, struck me as odd.

  “What is going to happen to all of these people?” I asked Jack.

  He slapped his face with his palm and dragged it downward, distorting his features comically. I was taken aback. Clearly, he had done that on purpose.

  “He actually looks better like that,” Rabbit commented. I couldn’t help but giggle out loud, immediately realizing it was inappropriate.

  “Alf! You drive me crazy!” Jack exclaimed, his stare intense with frustration. “That’s why we brought you here! You’re the one in charge.”

  “Me, in charge? Ha. I mean, I get why you guys look to me since I played a part in your liberation. But honestly, I just arrived in your village. Hell, I’m not even allowed to carry a weapon there. I’m that untrusted. Why would you think I’m in charge?” I asked, my voice tinged with desperation. I didn’t want to take on the responsibility for all these people when I had no idea what to do with them. It was one thing to dream of ruling, but that assumed a stable society, not a ship full of refugees who might turn on you if food ran low. I intended to free them from slavery, not to dictate their lives.

  Jack’s hand returned to his face, but this time he held it there. “True, you did free us, and that’s why we were willing to follow your audacious plan to save the Dwya. Without your intervention, we wouldn’t have followed you at all, but since you did free us, we feel compelled to follow you,” Jack said, taking a deep breath, speaking unusually quickly for him. He typically spoke much slower. “And when you freed the Dwya against our objections, that turned out well, but it also made them your responsibility.” He paused, and I nodded, understanding his point. “We agreed to support your plan based on your past actions. That means everyone we saved is now your responsibility.”

  “I just don’t know how I am responsible for all of them if all of you helped,” I added, still baffled at the situation.

  “We only helped because you were in charge then, and that makes you in charge now,” Jack said, his tone firm and serious.

  “So if I suggested we sink our ship in the middle of the ocean and swim to shore, you’d all follow that command?” I retorted sarcastically.

  “No, don’t be an idiot. The Dwya and I aren’t just going to obey mindlessly, and it’s not like I want to follow a child like you. It’s just that I know that you’re the only one who can decide for the whole group. Everyone would agree with you, and it would stop us from breaking down and arguing,” Jack explained.

  That made sense when Jack explained it that way. He wasn’t eager to take orders from me, but he recognized that the other groups would follow if their savior endorsed a plan. After the rescue, I had hoped to step back from responsibility. “Rabbit, what should I do?” I silently sought advice.

  Rabbit’s voice echoed in my mind. “Get data. You can’t make decisions on incomplete information.”

  “Get data?” I repeated, sounding foolish. I was too tired for Rabbit-speak.

  “Ask them what they want to do,” Rabbit advised calmly. It seemed like such a straightforward and obvious solution.

  “Okay, Jack. I assume all of our people want to return to Falls Village, right?”

  Jack nodded, which I took as confirmation.

  I then turned to Mason and asked, “What do your people want?”

  Mason met my gaze and replied, “We want to gather the rest of our people.”

  “From where? We’re not going back to the Black Rock Islands,” I stated firmly. Now was not the time to return there. Our hit-and-run strategy had been effective, but it was riskier to attack when the enemy was prepared. I wouldn’t consider returning until we could execute another stealthy strike.

  “From our islands,” Mason said, without further explanation.

  “This is my understanding. You will drop us off, take the ships there, and then dismantle them or use them in defense of your island. I guess that leaves the non-Dwya we saved,” I said matter-of-factly.

  “No,” Mason replied. It was annoying talking to them sometimes. At some point, I would need to find a more effective way to have conversations, as they were always brief when speaking in Common and didn’t elaborate further.

  “No?” I questioned, frustratingly. “To which part?”

  “And this is the bigger issue,” Jack interjected.

  “We would not dismantle your ships or use them in defense of the island,” Mason clarified.

  “That’s not the issue,” I responded, prompting a laugh from Jack.

  “I spent a while figuring out what Mason actually wanted, so I’ll cut to the chase for my sanity. Even though it is entertaining to watch, we don’t have all day for you to figure this out. His people are leaving the islands. They’ve been hunted there for a while, and unlike us, they can’t simply move farther inland to avoid the slavers. All those ships will likely be filled with Dwya,” Jack elaborated, while Mason listened intently.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  “Where are they planning to go?” I asked.

  “On a suicide mission to Black Rock Islands.”

  “Well, that isn’t good. We just did that, and they will be on full alert. I doubt now is the time to attack,” I observed.

  “Yes, now isn’t optimal, but that isn’t the main issue. When they say ‘suicide run,’ it doesn’t mean they’re planning a hit-and-run like we did, hoping not everyone dies. It means they intend to go all out. Moreover, they understand the distribution network of my country and plan to burn it down,” Jack explained.

  “Honestly, that doesn’t sound that bad. I feel like they are rightfully angry, and if they want to smash the Black Rocks until they stop slavery, I don’t blame them,” I replied, my voice laden with righteous indignation.

  “Let me back up and explain what is happening right now and what could happen next,” Jack said, and I gestured for him to continue. “There are six major houses, and we dealt a major blow to two of them last night. They already cooperate, but after last night, their relationship is going to be strained. You stole decades’ worth of their fortune and strength. They will petition the king and make bribes in certain places. It will take some time, but I think they will eventually gather a force to come after these ships.”

  “If there is time, all the more reason for them to strike now,” I countered.

  Jack raised his hand, signaling another scenario. “Now consider this. The Dwya strike the two major food ports. One for fishing and one for grown food. They burn the fishing vessels and kill all the fishermen. At the same time, they ravage the food stores and destroy the export capabilities of the port.”

  I turned to Mason and asked, “You wouldn’t really do that, would you?”

  “Yes” was his flat reply.

  Jack continued, “See, they understand how to cripple the nation, but you don’t grasp the consequences. In the major islands, there would be mass starvation. The poor, barely surviving as is would die first, followed by the slaves. Even if slaver ships were repurposed for fishing to mitigate the crisis, it wouldn’t be enough. I estimate 40 percent of the population could be wiped out, including all the Dwya. Do you want that on your conscience?”

  I paused, taking a moment for introspection. I had to confront the reality that not everyone in the population was a slaver. It was primarily the elite who benefited. By attacking the nation as a whole, the burden would disproportionately fall on those already suffering. My operation last night was a step in the right direction. I had freed all the slaves working at that port and had helped steal the ships. With a shortage of Dwya labor, replacing those ships would be prohibitively expensive, potentially curtailing further slave acquisitions.

  “Fine. I agree with you. That is a bad plan, but what can I do about it?” I conceded.

  “They will listen to you, and that’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. Right now, the Dwya are like a hive without a queen. They pledged their loyalty to you before you freed them from their cages,” Jack explained.

  I quickly interjected, “Yeah, but that pledge was just to ensure the Dwya wouldn’t turn against us.”

  Jack shook his head. “It was more than that. From what I understand, at least those in the cage pledged their lives for their freedom or something more profound. I don’t quite understand it, but you’ve made it even more significant by freeing all of them at the docks. Those Dwya feel a deep sense of debt toward you.”

  I interrupted again, feeling the need to set the record straight. “You were just as crucial as I was at the docks, if not more so.”

  “That’s not how they see it. The Dwya feel like I, and everyone else you saved, are under an obligation to you for our freedom. So, in their eyes, everyone’s actions are yours. Now, please stop interrupting me. It’s annoying. Remember, I just went through all this to figure out what the Dwya wanted to say. And you know they don’t speak straightforwardly. It’s like pulling teeth to get any information from them.” Jack took a bite of his food, and I realized I hadn’t touched mine yet.

  I dipped my spoon into the stew and gave it a taste. After swallowing, I regretted not asking the cook for something specific. The stew was overwhelmingly salty. It seemed as though salt was the only spice they had, and they used it liberally before it could spoil.

  Seeing my face contort in distaste, Jack grinned. “It’s cooked that way for the Dwya. They love salt. It’s somewhere between being okay for us and also for them.”

  “You think this is okay?” I asked, still grimacing, but the Dwya next to us seemed to be relishing his meal.

  “No, but I mean it’s edible. If we had what the Dwya usually eat, we might choke from all the salt,” Jack replied.

  “Maybe that’s why they all look so wrinkly,” I joked, trying to lighten the mood.

  “Okay, where was I?” Jack asked.

  At that moment, Mason unexpectedly chimed in, surprising both of us. “We believe that those who helped free us are still under obligation to Alf.”

  “So you’re saying, all I have to do is release you from any obligation and order you to sail off somewhere else, and you will do it?” I asked Mason, seeking clarification on the extent of their perceived loyalty.

  “No,” Mason replied.

  “Just no?” I questioned.

  “Yes,” Mason said.

  “Wait, is that ‘yes’ or ‘no’? Or is that ‘yes’ to releasing you?” I asked.

  “Yes, then no,” Mason replied.

  I screamed a little bit. “Ahh. These guys are so confusing to talk to,” I groaned.

  “Exactly, but I’ve proposed one possible solution. I suggested they rebuild the old fisherman’s cove where we were taken and use your ships to defend the area against slavers. Maybe, in time, they could even build a fleet to push them back.” I was about to interject when Jack cut me off. “This plan only works because they agree you have a rightful claim to all the ships, and their oath of loyalty prevents them from just stealing from you.”

  I was about to clarify that the ships weren’t mine, as I neither wanted nor needed them, but Jack preempted my objection.

  “There is one slight complication with this idea. They will want your leadership from time to time,” Jack concluded.

  “My leadership?” I echoed, puzzled.

  “Fine, I didn’t want to say it, but you’ve pushed me. No one wants your leadership. If you don’t show up occasionally, they’ll assume you’ve either abandoned your pact with them or the ships. Either scenario leads them back to the same desperate measures we’re trying to avoid.”

  “What are the odds the Falls Village will be okay with them building so close?” I questioned, considering the future implications.

  “Mixed feelings. The town isn’t as hidden as it used to be, but drawing more attention to the village is the last thing Sophia wants. On the other hand, having a wall of protection against the slavers would be a positive. Overall, they won’t be throwing you a parade, but they aren’t going to oppose it vehemently either,” Jack replied.

  Seeing as I had no other viable options, I looked into Mason’s deep, black eyes. “I think this is the only solution that works for all parties. However, I just advanced to level 14, and I need to increase my levels and figure out what I am doing here.” I was about to explain my status as a traveler and my quest for three items when I remembered the second one was somewhere out in the ocean nearby. After a quick check with Rabbit, it was confirmed I was about to pass the island I was looking for. “I need to increase my levels to get ready, and I’ll also need a ride out here in the future on one of these ships. Does that work for everyone?”

  “Yes. Agreed,” Mason responded simply, boosting my spirits slightly. It seemed I wouldn’t have to argue this point. “Two ships will dock with you, and the rest will gather our people. We shall help defend each other.”

  The phrase ‘defend each other’ hung in the air, unaddressed. I chose not to reply and let it linger, unresolved.

  “Well, I guess we have it all figured out then,” I added, trying to wrap up the conversation.

  “Not so fast. What about the other prisoners?” Jack interjected.

  I pressed my fingers to the bridge of my nose, massaging it as I sighed. “What do they want?”

  “They’re divided. Some want to go with us, others with the Dwya, and a few want to be dropped off at different places,” Jack explained.

  “We’re not running a taxi service,” I replied firmly. “Give them two choices. They can come with us, or they can go with the Dwya. I do not see why they would choose them, especially after this salt soup, but it is still their choice. They can choose whoever they want, as long as they do not follow me to the ends of the earth.” I tilted my bowl to my lips, draining the last of the broth. “If that’s everything, Mason, let me show you where the island is, and then I’m going to sleep.”

  I stood, and for once, no one protested.

  Mason followed me topside. The island Rabbit had pointed out was barely worth the trouble. It was just a scatter of rocks and bird droppings on the horizon. Mason assured me he’d log its exact position so they could return if needed. That was good enough for me.

  On my way back below deck, just as I reached the stairs, I ran into Kaylie.

  “Hey, Alf,” she greeted me with her bright smile.

  “Oh, please, no. Just let me sleep,” I replied instinctively.

  Her expression faltered, and she turned away, clearly hurt by my abruptness.

  “Wait, I’m sorry. I’m just exhausted,” I quickly added, my tone heavy with regret.

  She turned back to me, her smile forced as she tried to mask her disappointment. “That’s all right. It wasn’t anything important. Why don’t you get some sleep? Some people have cleared out of the crew quarters so you can have a cot to yourself.”

  Then I received a prompt.

  Reputation:

  Black Rock Islands ‘Immortal Grey Elf’ – Level 4 Infamy “Kill me if you can”

  “What the hell?” I blurted out, causing the others to look at me. I waved them off, indicating it was nothing, but then turned to Kaylie with a pressing question. “What the hell is reputation?”

  “You got one from the Dwya thinking you’re their savior?” she asked as we walked.

  “No. From the Black Rock Islands. They’re calling me an ‘Immortal Grey Elf’ with the quote ‘Kill me if you can.’”

  She stroked her chin thoughtfully, despite lacking a beard. “That sounds about right. You did declare yourself there, so I can see why they think that.”

  “What does it mean?” I pressed.

  “Right, you’re new here. I keep forgetting. Remember when I explained how understanding works for skills?” she asked.

  “Yes, but I don’t see the connection.”

  “Let’s take Jack’s skill with the ax. He believes the ax is sharp. He understands it. He believes to his core that it will ‘split the tree in half,’ as he puts it. Reputation works similarly. The more belief there is in something, the more the universe seems to manifest it.”

  “But I’m not immortal. How does that work?”

  “Think of it like the ax. People wouldn’t believe a round rock is sharp. You’re not immortal, but you are hard to kill, and people wouldn’t associate that with you unless there were some truth to it. As for what it means for you, not much really. If there’s a chance you might live, you’re slightly more likely to survive, and thus, people think of you more that way.”

  I realized that reputation wasn’t as quantifiable as other things, and in this case, it didn’t seem like a bad thing. I thanked Kaylie for her patience with my relentless questions and made my way to a vacant cot for some much-needed sleep.