Heart of the Ocean

by Jason A. Gilbert

  "Do you think there are still tribes out there?" Dio asked, surprising Laila.

  "What? On the plains?" she asked.

  "Yes. We all know the stories of Artus and his people, but do you think they're still out there?"

  "According to my mother they are. She was stationed at one of the northern outposts, on the southern edge of the plains. They used to get raiding parties that had ventured south. That was the whole reason for the outposts, I guess. She never told me much, just that they weren't something to be concerned about."

  Dio nodded. He had probably heard as much.

  "What about where you're from, Connor?" Dio asked. Laila was surprised again. The two of them did not really address each other.

  "What about it?" Connor responded.

  "Are there tribes there?"

  "Tribes?” Connor looked confused.

  “The tribes that originally came together to build Terus lived out there,” Laila explained, memories from her days studying for the Test returning easily. “They were nomadic and lived under harsh conditions for a long time after the Collapse. Artus Socratis was the one who finally united the people and formed the beginnings of the Confederacy.

  “There are still remnants to the north of Terus. Mostly bandits and other nomads. They are who my mother used to fight when she was stationed there as a Guardian. She didn’t ever think much of them, but there are always rumors about other tribes, some that held to their honor better than those in the north. People say they moved south after the founding of the Confederacy. Maybe near Custos?” Laila finished with a shrug.

  “Oh. I don’t know about any tribes. Just us. To the east are some small cities near the coast. But nothing organized. And in the west is a desert. That's one of the reasons we don't venture into the Confederacy with any frequency. It’s either cross the desert or climb through the mountains to the north."

  "Didn't you both do that?" Dio asked.

  "Aye," Connor said. He did not elaborate.

  Dio turned back to the water, unsure of what to say next. Laila smiled to herself. At least he was trying. He had no conception of the dangers they were likely to face, but if she were being honest, neither did she. And his presence at least provided a reminder of Terus.

  Thoughts of danger and their journey brought her mind back to Wyndam. She had been meaning to try and talk to him now that they were free of the city. Excusing herself from the two young men, she walked across the deck, carefully avoiding the crew as they worked. Their cabin was beneath the aft deck, where Captain Drachus stood shouting orders. She glanced at him as she made her way to the cabin. Even though his voice was loud, he did not shout anything twice. His crew responded quickly to his commands with practiced ease. He saw her approach the cabins beneath him.

  "Ah, Shi Wardein," he said formally.

  "Captain," she responded, bobbing her head.

  "Might I have a word?" he asked, leaning in and speaking to his second-in-command before stepping down the stairs leading to the aft deck.

  "I was actually—" Laila started to say.

  "Won't take more than a minute, Shi," he pressed.

  "I...Very well, Captain."

  "Good," he said. He motioned to another railing they might lean against so as to be out of the way of the crew. Laila heard his second giving orders now. "I wanted to know what your plan was once we got to Kios. Your young man over there," he pointed at Connor, "knew that was where you wanted to go. But after what seemed to happen last night, I don't think you're going to want to be in any city of the Confederacy for much longer."

  She raised an eyebrow. He certainly seemed more informed than she might have thought.

  "I plan to seek passage to the west, across the ocean," she said. There was no point in hiding her destination.

  "To the west? Do you know what lies out that way?" the captain asked.

  "Somewhat. Regardless, though, it is the way I must go."

  "To the Splintered Isles, huh?"

  "The Splintered Isles?"

  "Yes, that is what lies to the west. Not much civilization that direction. Unless you consider the Edonin. They're civilized...to a point. Have some strange conceptions of right and wrong, though."

  "You've been there?" Laila asked.

  "Once. Long time ago," he said. "Why are you going that way?"

  "I..." She hesitated. It was one thing to tell him where she was going. The reason behind her destination was a much larger story. "I was directed that way," she finally said.

  The captain looked at her from under a heavy brow. He studied her for a long moment. Laila shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, turning to look out on the water again. The water was calm and peaceful as the ship sliced across it, calming her own nerves.

  "So be it," Captain Drachus said. "You don't have to tell me the whole thing. But I may be able to help you find a ship that'll take you that way. When we get to Kios, don't go running off too quick."

  Laila took a deep breath. "Thank you, Captain."

  The captain nodded and then turned and made his way back to his command deck. Laila followed the same path briefly before stepping into the cabins beneath the aft deck. A single circular window at the end of the hallway cast a pale light in the hallway. As the door closed behind her, she felt the swaying of the ship more prominently. Bracing herself against one wall, she walked down a set of stairs and toward the one small cabin that their group was sharing.

  Icarus and Wyndam were inside. Icarus sat on the floor in his now-familiar position, legs crossed, facing the door. Wyndam sat awkwardly on one of the beds attached to the wall. Being taller than most humans, he did not quite fit into the bunk and was forced to bend himself uncomfortably. Still, the elemental's face showed no sign of pain or discomfort, even if his position gave that impression. Icarus looked up as she entered.

  "Good morning," he said.

  "Morning," Laila returned. "Where's my mother?"

  "She left a short while ago, though I don't suppose she's gone far." Icarus smiled.

  Laila half-smiled in return. She glanced at the Aurai. The elemental sat silently, his eyes glancing back and forth between Laila and Icarus absently.

  "Can I have a minute, Icarus?" Laila asked, gesturing toward Wyndam.

  The Magus hesitated. "Are you sure?"

  Before Laila could answer, Wyndam spoke up. "I assure you, Magus, I have no desire to leave the confines of this room. These human ships, floating across the water, make me...uncomfortable."

  It was the first blatant admission of feeling that Laila had heard from the Aurai. She glanced at him, tilting her head slightly. Icarus did the same, looking at Wyndam for a long moment. When the elemental did not offer any further explanation, he turned back to Laila.

  "Very well. I will not be far."

  Laila nodded and stepped to the side to let Icarus pass.

  "The guard of the Magus is not necessary," Wyndam said. "I have given you my word. Is that not enough?"

  "It will be, possibly. But it is still fresh. It's not easy for us to forget what you did to Terus."

  "Worse will come if we fail in our task."

  "What will come?"

  "The armies of the Aurai, for one."

  "Why this war? Why try to destroy Terus?"

  The elemental fell silent.

  "Fine. How do I know that you won't attack Terus while we search for these Waters?"

  "You don't."

  Laila knew she had already committed herself to their course, but she could not help her frustration seeping through into her voice. "Then why? Why are we doing this?"

  "Because you have no other choice. If you are able to defeat Nuriel, then the outcome may be changed. If not..."

  "I... Fine. You're not being very helpful."

  "Is that what you expected from this conversation?"

  Laila snorted. "Probably shouldn't have."

  The elemental shrugged.

  Laila turned and grabbed her staff from its place on the wall. She called
on her power for the first time since leaving Terus. She felt the familiar confidence and warmth move through her from the staff, but it was diminished somehow. As though there were a limited amount of magic in it. That had never happened before. She looked down at the stone staff.

  "Is something wrong, Magusari?" the Aurai asked. Laila could not tell if he was actually concerned or mocking her.

  "It's...no, it's nothing."

  "Feels reduced, does it not? Your connection to the Earth."

  Laila turned to the Aurai, questions filling her eyes.

  "The staff. It's an expression of Earth. You no longer stand on Earth. A fact I am keenly aware of. As I said, floating on water makes me uncomfortable."

  Laila did not respond. She could still pull enough strength from the staff to calm her nerves. She would have to speak to Icarus about this. For now, she was done with Wyndam. Without saying another word she spun and walked out of the room. Brushing past Icarus in the hallway, she made her way up onto the deck and into the fresh air.

  Connor stood at the railing of the ship. Other than their previous trip from Balon to Terus, he had never been on a ship before. This one seemed huge in comparison to the small riverboats he used to see on the river to the west of Custos, which ran south from the mountains near Grimmere to the sea. He had overheard Laila and Icarus talking about hiring a larger ship to take them over the oceans, and he found something larger hard to imagine. This ship already seemed too large to float.

  The afternoon sun of the second day of their journey hung overhead, though dark heavy clouds threatened to the west, as though chasing them down from Terus. Connor watched a pair of birds float over the water, seeking their prey beneath the lake's surface. They twisted and shifted with the subtle changes in the wind. Suddenly one dove into the water, rising up with its catch and sweeping away to the north.

  “Graceful, aren’t they?” Connor heard a feminine voice say from behind him.

  He turned to see a young woman, around his age, with a coil of rope over her shoulder standing there.

  “Aye,” Connor said.

  “Not spent a lot of time on the water?” she asked, hitching the rope up a little more.

  “No. There’s not a lot of it where I’m from.”

  She lifted an eyebrow. “And where’s that?”

  “Custos,” Connor said.

  “Oh, a southerner. Never been to Custos, spent most of my life on a ship, but I’ve heard of it. Very honorable people, I’ve heard.”

  Connor hesitated. “Aye…I guess.”

  “Cadi!” the captain’s voice boomed over to them.

  “Yes, Captain,” the girl said, winking at Connor before returning to whatever task she was engaged in.

  Connor smiled at her back as she walked away. He watched the rest of the crew pass by on the deck of the boat, moving quickly and efficiently. Movement from the door to the lower decks drew his attention, and he saw Lunete step out. She wore a simple robe, thick to protect her from the elements. Strapped at her side was a long blade, the same that she had fought with in Terus. Connor had noticed that she had not stepped out from their small cabin without wearing it, despite being on a boat where there was little chance of attack.

  Deciding that it was time for him to approach her, he gathered his courage. She intimidated him. He had seen how she had fought against the Aurai. It had been impressive; he had never seen anyone wield a weapon like that, not even Cyrus or his father, and they were considered some of the best swordsmen in the Phoenix Clan. And he wanted to learn. So he walked over to her, trying to appear confident. She turned as he approached.

  "Shi Wardein," Connor said, using the formal title he had heard used in Terus. The title came awkwardly to his lips, unfamiliar with the word.

  Lunete turned her head slightly, studying him. "Yes, Connor?"

  "May I have a moment?" he continued.

  "I don't see why not. There's not much in the way of extra space." She motioned at the boat around them. "What did you need?"

  "I...I would like to learn how to handle a sword as you do," he said abruptly.

  Again, she tilted her head, looking at him as her black hair drifted across her face in the wind. "As I do. As a Guardian?"

  Connor nodded.

  "Why?"

  "To... I...” He paused, gathering his thoughts. “So I can protect Laila," he finally stuttered.

  She continued to study him. "What is your place in all this?" she finally asked.

  "My place?"

  "Yes. Why were you with the Magus months ago, when he first came to Terus? Why were you the one who left with Laila? What is your place?" she repeated.

  "I am the Warden, or at least, that's what Icarus has told me."

  "What is the Warden?"

  "My people, the Phoenix Clan, have served the Magi for centuries, maybe even longer. We knew we once had a purpose, but what that purpose was had been lost in time. Until Icarus arrived. He explained a little of what that purpose had been, and that the Warden came from the ancient Clans and was meant to protect the Magusari. That was me, I guess."

  "I have heard of your people. I had no idea they had such reverence for the Magi, even still, after the Purge."

  "Aye," Connor said. "Though it had been at least a hundred years since one of the Magi had visited us."

  Lunete nodded, letting this new knowledge sink in. "Is that why you can use that blue sword of yours?"

  Connor nodded.

  "I had assumed you were just another type of Magus."

  "Not that I know of."

  "So, you're supposed to protect the Magusari? Laila?"

  "Aye, that's what Icarus has said."

  Lunete nodded, looking out over the lake. "Very well, Warden," she said. Connor could not tell if she was mocking him or not. "I will teach you. Give me some time to prepare, and we'll start later this afternoon."

  Connor smiled. "Thank you!"

  "If it is your place to protect my daughter, I will make certain that you are capable of doing so."

  Connor nodded, his smile diminishing slightly in the face of Lunete's seriousness.

  The foredeck was clear as Connor watched Lunete swing her blade in circular motions. She had spoken to the captain about Connor's request, and Captain Drachus had agreed to give them a small space on the deck to train. The waters were calm at this point, though the captain had warned that if the threatening clouds to the west came too close he would need them to leave the upper deck. After their conversation, Lunete had disappeared into the hold of the ship. She had brought a large bag with her before they’d left Terus. Connor now saw that it had been full of weapons. Most of them were swords of varying styles and lengths. There were also two clubs with wicked-looking spikes, and a set of smaller knives and daggers.

  Despite the variety of weapons laid out, Lunete prepared with the sword that she had been wearing at her hip earlier. It was a long blade, straight and double-sided. From tip to hilt, it looked to be nearly two feet long, and the hilt was simple with a small guard to protect the hand wielding the weapon. Connor continued to watch Lunete as the blade whistled through the air. Comfortable with her warm-up, she let the blade dip down, hanging at her side, and faced Connor.

  "Are you ready to begin?" she asked. She wore gloves on her hands now, and a slim leather vest over her robes that protected her torso.

  Connor nodded. "Aye."

  "Choose your weapon," she said, motioning to the blades and other weapons laid out on the deck.

  Connor smiled and called on the Sword. It had become easier and easier for him to call it up as time had gone on. The attack by the Aurai had helped too. Blue light flared to life in his hands, taking on the shape of the Sword's slightly curved blade. He brought it up to a guard position, waiting for Lunete to continue.

  She made no move.

  "No," she said.

  Connor hesitated. "Wait...what?"

  "No. You will not use that."

  "But—"

  "Regardl
ess," she cut him off. "I could see the change in your demeanor as soon as that blue blade appeared in your hands. It gives you a false sense of confidence. Against a skilled opponent, that burst of arrogance will not suffice."

  Connor tried to think of an argument. The Sword had become a part of him, was supposed to be a part of him. It was the expression of the Warden's power. How was he going to learn to fight without using his most fundamental weapon?

  Suddenly, Lunete lashed out with her own weapon. The blade sliced through the air toward Connor. He batted it away with the Sword. She pressed. Blue light and steel glanced off each other. Connor was just able to keep her blade from striking him. He was reminded of his fight with Cyrus and his inability to defend himself fully without the Sword. But, now he had the Sword. Lunete was far more skilled than Cyrus had been.

  With a few quick strikes, Connor found himself backed up against the ship's railing with the tip of Lunete's blade at his neck. The Sword dissipated as Connor raised his hands in surrender.

  "As I said," Lunete continued, the only sign of exertion a slight heaviness to her breathing, "against a skilled opponent, the surprise and confidence you seem to tap with that weapon is useless. You will lose."

  Finally she lowered her blade.

  "Now, choose your weapon," Lunete turned her back on Connor and walked back to the center of the foredeck.

  Connor shook himself, trying to clear his mind of its sudden doubt. Walking back to the weapons she had laid out, he chose a simple sword. It had a slight curve to it, as he was more familiar with that type of sword, and it was probably why the Sword took a similar shape. Icarus had said that the weapon itself was a manifestation of his will.

  "Put those on." Lunete pointed to a vest and bracers similar to the ones she wore.

  Connor complied quickly, strapping the bracers to his wrists and wrapping the vest around his chest. It was a little big, but it gave Connor a little more sense of protection.

  "Now, I do not know what you have learned previously, but it is obvious that you have some skill with the sword. Some," she emphasized, as Connor perked up.