Agairs had sent me a message to meet him at his office. Arriving I found him staring at the statue of Izumu muttering, “How can it be here…how? Evidias had turned it to the house in Jhelom. “My lord I thought all the items had been taken to the Weld. Shaking his head, no we need it.”

 

 

Shivering, I looked at him in surprise. Why would we need that evil thing.  Obviously needed sleep, He had to be mistaken. “My lord perhaps it would be better to have Dahlia or Captain Corina deal with this. “I wish they could. Evidias has returned to her tower to work on a spell to stop the evil Merrick is planning. Captain Corina is guarding Dahlia. We all agreed that keeping her save was more important. So you see that leaves me. ” “Then you should let the Royal Spies and Guard deal with this. You’ve been through much these past few days.” I said hopefully, a tired leader is a dangerous one. Scratching his head, he tried to remember what he needed to tell me. “Now what was I going to say…Oh! Our only lead has gone missing, but we know where to find him.” So, I thought, at last a lead to Merrick. But how did we lose it? “Who or what is the lead?” Agaris frowned. “The lead is a small mongbat named Iskur, a long time companion of Merrick’s. I went to speak to him at the Mongbat village, but he was gone. Since he often slips away, most didn’t pay attention. However a younger friend had followed him to the Crane Marsh. I need you to summon the Royal Spies to search for him in the marsh. Once you have found Iskur report back.”

It wasn’t hard to find the Royal Spies, waiting at hall. Someone opened a gate to the marshes and the hunt was on. It was decided to split up. My group went down to the small Lizard man village. We found Iskur looking at swamp water. “Hmmm, its just swamp water.” grabbing a handful, he offered it to me. “Do you want some?” I shook my head no. What was he doing?

 

 

 

Then as if we weren’t there he picked up a piece of tree bark and sniffed it. That looks less edible than I thought it would be.” Watching Iskur, we hadn’t noticed that the LIzardmen has surrounded us. Not until they attacked. The Royal spies quickly took care of them. Someone laughed, “Not much of a challenge after Crimson Dragons.”

I gently grabbed Iskur, “Iskur do you know where Merrick went?” Jumping away from me, he grabbed his wings and held them close to his body. “No, mustn’t tell! My wings, my beautiful wings, he’ll clip them, he will. I signaled the guards to surround him. Trapped he began to cry. I knelt down to comfort him, “We will protect you, but we must know where he is. It is very important.” Iskur started to splash around in the water. Looking up, he smiled and told me he was taking a bath. “You wanted to know my secret to my youthful skin right?” he said hopefully. “No, Iskur, we need Merrick.”

“Merrick was my friend,” he said sadly, ‘Why would he clip my wings? He isn’t himself is he?” It broke my heart to see the little mongbat hiding his wings and crying. “No, he isn’t. He might be under a spell. That’s why we much find him. We won’t let him clip your wings. ” Signing he looked up, I’ll tell you, but you must tell Time Without Dreams, to eat him if he tries to cut my wings.” I assured him that not only would we tell Time Without Dreams, but we would take him back to his village. He thought about it for a minute. “I saw him head out of Zento. North through the pass towards the desert” Then grabbing my hand he pleaded for me to take him home.

Once he was safe, hiding under Time Without Dreams, we headed back to meet Agairs. He was pacing the floor waiting for us. After I told him what Iskur told me, unsurprised he sat down.

 

“I know why he is going there. My contacts in the Tokuno islands found the connection. The emblems we found belonged to an old nomadic tribe. Centuries ago a Djinn wandered the Tokuno Islands causing havoc. Djinn, named Izumu, drove the tribe out of their hidden city. Agairs pointed at the statue. Vowing to return home, the nomads found a blood spell that trapped the Djinn. Eviads fears that Merrick has discoved a spell to release the Djinn. The spell she made is to stop it. We must hurry to stop him” Agrais opened a gate to the passage.

The next day when we met with Agaris, he was visibly disturbed. “What has Merrick done. He has destroyed the door. The magic, all of it is gone.”

 

I was puzzled, what door and magic was he talking about. I racked my brains, wait, does he mean the magic door we found in Ocllo? The one the treasure was suppose to be hiding? “Agaris, the door in Ocllo?” I asked. “Yes, all of it is gone; the door, the garden, the flowers and the magic. I asked Time Without Dreams to see if I was correct. He could find no trace of magic left.”
“Was there any thing left? Something that might help us know what Merrick is doing and where he is?”

Worried, Agaris began pacing. “A note buried in the dirt where the door was and drag marks of a heavy object. I have no doubt that it was Merrick who unsealed the door and took whatever was inside. Worse, we now know the door was just a magical wall to keep whatever was inside, in. Something that Merrick has taken out. The drag marks showed what ever it was had a wide base. Possible it was a statue, but there is no way to be sure.”

“Did the note tell what Merrick had taken and where he was going?” I asked.

“No, just a warning for us not to keep looking for him and to leave Tolivar alone. He will make him pay but won’t allow him to be captured by the Royal Guard or Blackthorn. The note also said that he had dragged Spencer Hollowel out of the other side to kill him. How can this be the Merrick I know? He took Drudun’s book and murdered the man in cold blood. I don’t get it… Merrick seems like the kind of man who would protect someone for anything, but just kill them? In cold blood?”

The room was silent, as we took in the information and what it meant. But we still hadn’t found Merrick. “Agaris, are we any closer to finding Merrick?”

“No, but you need to hurry to meet with Captain Corian before he leaves to meet Dahlia. He must know what Merrick has done. him what has happened.

You need to tell Corian about this, he needs to know what has just happened before he goes to meet Dahlia. She has set a trap to lure Tolivar out. Corian is going to join her shortly. I fear that they are walking into a trap. Hurry! He shouted opening a gate for us. We found ourselves on The docks south of West Britain Bank. Captain Corian wasn’t far off.

 

We ran to him. Everyone began telling him what we had learned at the same time. ” Agaris sent us. Merrick has opened the Ocllo door.” Lady Thalia said.  Demoss added excitedly, ” Wait he took the door, no I mean the treasure.” Hemp Knight added, “All the magic is gone. Time Without Dreams checked and it is all gone.” Lady Thalia broke in “A Note was left stating he will deal with Tollivar.”

“ENOUGH!” Captain Corian shouted .”I do not have time for this Merrick. I cannot protect you anymore. Agaris, he should know I do not have time for this right now then. He has Spencer to use if we can reach him. Evidias was working on a spell.”

“No, Corian,” I said raising my voice to be heard. ” He has killed Spencer.”

Holding his head, Corian said in a resigned voice. “Of course he did. If what you are saying is true, I could use your help with capturing Tolivar. He may be the last piece of the puzzle we can get our hands on.” He opened a gate, “Dahlia lured him out, we had to falsify papers stating Elise the Golden was being held prisoner by the Royal Guard. It won’t be long before Tolivar finds out it was a sham.” He said as he stepped through the gate, not looking to see if we followed.

Stepping out of the gate, we found ourselves in a desert facing Tolivar and his juka guards. Eonir, one of the royal guards, was telling Tolivar to turn himself in. He added that if he did, Elise might be set free. Dahlia added that he had to tell everything he knew, but especially where to find Merrick.

 

 

Tolivar looked around at the assembly, he began laughing, “Turn myself in? Do you think you could build a prison to hold me?” Ignoring the rest, he turned to Dahlia. “Have you forgotten who trained the man who made you, Dahlia? You are a child, and I trained Merrick myself. You think I cannot get out of a prison that I buried so many inside of?”

“True, but have you forgotten we have Elise. You know what will happen to her if you do not surrender. There will be nothing to keep her from execution. Just tell us where Merrick is. Tell us what he is really after.” I could tell her anger was building. ” I don’t believe in this fairytale of a woman he has killed for. You know that is not what he is.”

Tolivar Fence answered calmly, ” I have no idea where he is. He is mad dog off his leash.” Then his manner hardened, ” But if I find him I will put him down, after what he did to me. So stay out of my way.” Tolivar shoved the guard aside as he moved toward Dahlia. Before he reached her, a gate opened.

Stepping through the gate,  Tavian grabbed Dahlia and shoved her through the gate. “I am through Tolivar. You will not harm her.” Tavian snarled. Before stepping through the gate, he turned and shrugged. “Do what you will with him. It has nothing to do with me.

Tolivar began laughing. “Well played, Very well, it is better this way.”

Captain Corian demanded “Where did he send her?”

“What do I care?” scowling at Corian, he continued, ” Does she know you are conspiring with the Alchemist? I will not let that stand.”

“Are you insane Tolivar?” Puzzled Captain Corian asked.

“You still believe that the murders in Skara Brae are my doing? Then you are worse than a conspirator, you are a fool Corian.” Tolivar said in disgust. I know he turned in the evidence. You have read it. You cannot even see it then?” He shook his head, “Merrick killed the Skara Brae citizens. You have seen the old spy records. In the Skara Brae records, look up the name, Abrian Sadaris. He lived there years ago. That was who Merrick was looking for. I shivered when Tolivar smiled. You know what he is capable of.  He murdered all of them looking for Abriam.  He found him, finally.” Captain Corian stood silently, unable to answer Tolivar. Looking, at the silent Captain, he taunted, ” You have seen the name, I can see the look on your face. Maybe you should tell them what I am talking about? Tell them who their beloved Merrick really is.” Then signaling the juka guards, he order them to attack. As the others fought only Corian and I heard Toviar’s parting words. ” But you won’t get to ask him yourself. I will find him and kill him, he will not harm my grand daughter Elise.”

 

 

 

I didn’t have time to think, as a Juka Lord attacked me. Captain Corian’s blade saved me just in time. The battle was over quickly, with few deaths. Back at the hall, the Captain fell into the first chair he found too tired to stand. Sighing he finally spoke, ” Merrick is not coming back. He never planned on it. For gods sake, he murdered several Royal Guards in their sleep, when Tolivar was in charge… for that alone the King wants him killed on sight. Merrick’s list of crimes, makes Tavian look like a saint.”

“But what did Merrick hope to gain? I asked. “Where do we look for him now?

Corian shrugged, “I do not know. He said he was doing it for some girl trapped in a magical prison. I do not know where Merrick’s lies end and the truth begins, or if there is any truth to it. I feel as if we are caught in a battle between Merrick and Tolivar.  Misdirection and false leads, with just enough information to aid Merrick.”

“He has always been driven by his need to protect his family.” I said, “They have always been more important to him than life.”

Captain Corian nodded in agreement. “This is even extreme for him willing to burn all of his bridges. Its like he has no regard for his life at all anymore, none. What could be so damned important? Because he won’t survive it.”

The discussion continued into the night. Merrick and Tolivar, are like two wily badgers at each others throats. And only both of them know what is actually going on. Family seemed to be the key. Merrick protecting Dahlia, his niece. Tolivar protecting his granddaughter Elise. A blood feud? Why? A question we couldn’t answer. It was clear though that Merrick had been planning this for a long time. Merrick had used us as his willing pawns. Still there was the feeling that we had missed an important piece of the puzzle. At last we tired and with aching heads, it was decided we needed sleep. As we left I remembered that for the first time Tolivar seemed genuinely afraid for once. Like he knew Merrick would kill his grand daughter if he didn’t stop running from him. Before Captain Corian left, he had said, ” I have a feeling that the events are coming to an ugly head soon.”  I could only agree.  A feeling of dread filled the night air.

 

Frowning, she quickly regrouped the spies and gated them to Jhelom. Arriving we were greeted by regular brigands hired by Blood Flagoons. I couldn’t help but think some thing was very, very wrong. Then the world went grey. In the middle of battle, it never pay to stop and ponder events.

 

 

 

Though they were just brigands, they fought as fierce as the Blood Flagoons.  Even our brave allies, Greater Dragons, died in numbers I’d rarely seen.

Even before the battle was won, Dahlia determine it was a decoy. Dividing our forces, a small group fought its way to the warehouse. To our shock, the gems were gone. How had the Blood Flagon pirates gotten through the shield.

 

We had been betrayed. But by whom, the only person I could think of was the person who had made the shield, Evidias! Knowing that she was waiting in the northern part of Jhelom, I made my way to her, gathering the spies as I went.

Seeing me, she ran towards me. Breathing heavly she greeted us strangely. ” I’m… so glad… *breathing* not all of you went with Merrick. He said you all were, going to find the woman who was trapped.” I stared at her in confusion. “Merrick? Go with him, we haven’t seen him.” When asked the spies all denied seeing Merrick. “But you had to see him. The Blood Flagon tried to get me to teach the barrier lift spell to the Juka. But they were already gone. Merrick said that you had taken the gems. I sent a letter to Dahlia telling her.” I had never seen Evidias so close to tears. Merrick, he said he had cleared moving the gems with Corian and Dahlia. He took all 6 of them.” Shaking my head, I told her that while Dahlia recieved her letter. She knew nothing about giving Merrick the gems. Dahlia was just at the warehouse. she was surprised the gems were gone. ” But Merrick said you have found that last of the missing gems. He took all of them, blue, green, purple, red, orange and yellow gems and the device. looking lost Evidias contiunued, ” But he said you all found them… and he said you were going to help him… So no one knew?

“My lady, it seems Merrick is acting on his own again. None of us knew that he was free, much less taking the gems. We were coming to see how the barrier had been lowered. I had not seen Evidias this upset. “I’m sorry… he brought the first ones and the device with him, with you all in tow. I thought… you knew he found more… He said he was taking them back to Britain with him.”

After brief discussion, it was decided that to leave for Britain at once. Hoping to catch him, Evidia lead us to a room in the Royal Barracks. Corian had me seal this up with him, to keep Merrick from escaping. When Merrick took the gems he told me he was going to use the same room to put the device together. Sighing Evidias looked at us. Don’t tell me…you didn’t know about that either.” She looked so defeated, I hated to tell her that we didn’t.

The room was empty where we arrived. Finding Merrick’s hat ands sash, she looked hopefully at us. “Maybe he is going to return.” Looking sadly at the hat, Evidias whispered ” He asked me, if I wanted to try it on… and if it would look good on Agaris. I should have… known.”

I found a book from Merrick on the table.Evidias read it aloud. The book explained his actions and reasons to Corian. The book told that by decoding Tavian’s messages and log books, he had discovered Tavian’s location. Guards were sent to bring him in. Refusing to give up, caused a fight. When I arrived Tavian wounded and in a corner with a body slumped over him lengthwise. To my sorrow the body was that of my sister, Illyia. Tavian refused to move when the guards demanded him to give himself up. I heard it then, a little cry. In his arms was their daughter. Tavian and Illyia had tried to shield the baby during the fight… but Illyia had thrown herself in front of the child. In my anger I killed the guards and threw their bodies into ocean. took Tavian and the baby away from there. And I lied to you about what happened. He went on blaming himself, saying that it was his fault. He had been distracted by both the treasure and the woman trapped inside. that if he had only not been distracted by the treasure and the woman trapped inside It was my fault, if only I had not been so distracted by the mysterious treasure, by the woman… I’d have paid more attention to what I was decoding. It seemed that Tolivar had been trying to warn Merrick by telling his story of his own daughter’s murder and the loss of his granddaughter at sea.

 

 

When Evidias finished the room was silent. Each of us lost in our thoughts. Had we misjudged Tavian, Merrick and Toliva. It was decided that finding Merrick was more important than before. But where to start. Merrick had hidden his tracks well. It was then that Evidais thought of a way to find him. She hesitated before she told us that the magic from the device was similar to one found before. It felt like the same magic from the “otherside. the same place where Spencer had sealed himself off. Looking around I saw that the gathering had the same feeling of dread. We would have to open the door and find Spencer Hallowel. Could that be why the Juka’s had been involved. The door to the void had been sealed by their village. Could it be that the “other side” is just another trap, a prison? Perhaps that was where Merrick’s woman was trapped. Seeing Evidias beginning to look exhausted, we decided it would be better to carry on planning the next day. I left feeling saddening by what we had learned. The ballad I would write would now be a epic tale of lost loves and betrayed, not the heroic one I had planned.

 

 

As I walked to the secret meeting with Captain Corain, I thought about what had been discussed last night. Both the King and the governors raised several concerns. Concerns tied to the problem of the ancient treasure.

 

I ran through ever growing list of events. First there were the city raids by the Blood Flagon pirates. Their leader, Elise the Golden, had requested a parlay. There was much discussion about her history and why the pirates not only protected her, but allowed her to rob them. Very strange to be sure. It was pointed out that there might be two factions of the Blood Flagon pirates. Several of the recent attacks had been by orcs and jukas. Before being killed, one of the leaders mentioned that he had been hired. The question is who hired them, perhaps Tolivar the Fence. A new piece of the puzzle was a rumor that imps had been seen mining. It was something unheard of. I was puzzled wondering what could they be digging for.

Next was the robbery of the Palace vaults. Who was behind it and what they took was still unknownn. Sherry the Mouse was the only witness. She had given the Captain a scrap of paper she had found. The paper having a sheen that shimmered and a hidden message. All of the attempts to find the message had failed. It was suggested that using different colors might reveal the message.

Then there was the matter of Vos, Merrick and Tolivar Fence. Both Vos and Merrick were under the watch of the Royal Guard. Vos was in the Yew prison waiting for his trial which he didn’t seem to be in a hurry for. He had many enemies trying to kill him and a jail cell would be the safest place to hid. The trial delayed by information Captain Corain had gotten from him. Merrick had verified it. I had questioned the King about the wisdom of trusting the information. He reassured me that in fact he didn’t. Captain Corain was investigating it. Merrick presented another problem. The list of the crimes he had committed, was long but so was the list of things he has done for Britannia, was equally long. Merrick also claimed to know how to get the information listing atrocities committed during the command of the Spymaster Tolivar. A list supposedly burned.

 

But the most disturbing piece of information, was the possibility of a spy in the royal palace and in the Royal Guard. Elisa the Golden had hinted of it. I wondered could there be more than one spy. One sent by Elisa the Golden and another by Tolivar Fence. Hopefully the captain had arranged the meeting to provide more information.

At last I arrived at the meeting place, a lonely tower by of Brittany bay . Finding a place to watch unseen, I laughed at the thought that I was in fact a spy for the king. Captain Corain was frowning as the members of the royal spies and guards arrived.  He told us that several beggars thought to be spies had been arrested, but  we quickly learned that the meeting was about the mysterious Captain Elise.

Corain told us that information had come to his attention, that her life might be in danger. While Agaris had been following the Blood Pirates, he saw one of her immediate crew meeting with some men. It sounded like the false “Blood Flagon” that have been attacking Captain Elise’s crew, are receiving orders from someone close. Those orders also included a threat against Captain Elise. Could it be that the royal guards were being used by both sides? Captain Elise might be using us to solve her problems, while the secret leader could be using these attacks to distract us from the ancient treasure.

I quietly moved to another position. One that allowed me to see more of the assembly and their reactions. Most were surprised when the captain told us that today, Vos had given a good lead. He told the Captain he could tell him where to find Tolivar, but not today but tomorrow. When asked, his answer was strange. He could provide a thousand and one alibies for how Tolivar was found tomorrow. Which meant that Tolivar would welcome him like a friend, but if he was caught today, Tolivar would cut his heart out himself. So that could be the person Vos was hiding from. Strange that one day would make such a difference.  Captain Corain had the same thought but felt we would have to go along to see what Vos was up to.

Merrick was another loose thread. All of us had followed and trusted him. I was shocked when he had turned himself over to the Royal Guard. Finding the ancient treasure had seem so important to us. Hum… we still were no closer to knowing what the treasure was. Could Tolivar found some small clue we had missed. It would explain a lot of the recent problems.  Tolivar seemed working hard to keep Merrick from finding it. What was this treasure. Merrick was willing to die for. I wondered was it a thing or was it in fact a person. It had been mentioned that the treasure would pull you in and trap you.  I wouldn’t like to cross Merrick in that case. Spies, you have to trust them because they figure it all out, but you can’t trust them because, half of what they say is a lie.  With that Captain Corian sent us to help Agaris.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I found Dahlia at the Hall. “Where is Merrick, that coniving… wait… what?” She stopped in surprise.  “My lady,” I continued, ” Merrick has turned himself in to Captain Carian.  He told me Tolivar is the one behind the troubles.” Dahlia thought about the news, ” Tolivar. Did he say why? I told Dahlia of the meeting I had seen. “Tolivar said that he had been betrayed by the very people he had protected as Spymaster.” Dahlia looked at me, nodding her head. “That was something I could never figure out… Merrick said the old Spymaster died, but he never said who replaced him. I couldn’t find out who it was before Merrick. There was a gap in the scrolls, that listed the Spymaster’s names, after they died of course. There are reports of some pretty brutal things done, during those years. All in the name of “Britannia” of course. But, people who should have been jailed for crimes, ended up dead. There was a good period of peace, but lots of bodies. People had other things on their mind then, though. Invasions, terrible rulers. So that’s who Blackthron had Corian setting up to go after. I had a spy listening at the last Town Council Meeting. I suppose I don’t give Blackthorn enough credit, as heso recently returned. Anyhow. Merrick, he should have come to me. I could figured something out. Instead he turns himself in, to the Royal Guard. This is a headache, and we can’t just let him rot in a prison if… Dahlia stopped talking worried that she was bordering on treason.  Looking at me, she asked “Promise me, you won’t let him rot if it comes to it? Perhaps Captain Corian and the King will hear what he has to say.” Shaking her head,  “Tolivar, a Spymaster… he looked like a doddering old fool. But Merrick always said, Tolivar more clever  than he appeared to be.  He warned me to keep my distance. I get it now. If they get a hold of him now, he’ll definitely be executed. He won’t even given a trial like Vos. He attacked two Britannian cities in the same day. Did Merrick say what he was really after. I shook my head. “No, but he did say that someday he will explained how this started.”

 

Looking at me sadly, Dahlia said, ” Enough, I need to think and we have to formulate a plan, to protect Buc’s Den. If the Captain of the Blood Flagon isn’t behind the recent attacks. We need to know what he knows. Whitebeard clearly knows he’s after the same Ancient Treasure. I’ll assume from now, that the parlay is real, Which means we need to keep him alive to know what he does.” I replied that it could be a problem as the pirates had gone in to hiding. Dahlia sighed, ” Pirates, Sherry mentioned a pirate in the Vaults. There was one Finneas mentioned being in Trinsic trying to sell jewels. So we have to assume, one of the Blood Flagon’s main pirate crew, is likely helping Tolivar. Which would explain the Blood Flagon ship attacking Jhelom. What a mess…Ahem.” She turned to leave us. “You all rest up, and take care. We’ve got pirates to deal with in a week.”

 When we stepped out of the gate, we found ourselves in the capital city of Tokuno.  Lady Dahlia led us to the Rokuon Cultural Center. There we found Vos Marigna.

Dahlia greeted him.  Smirking, he looked at us,”  I would ask how you found me, but it does not matter does it?”

” No it doesn’t.” agreed Dahlia.

What you want is information, perhaps we can work out a deal.” Vos asked with a wink.

Shaking her head, Dahlia replied ” No deals Vos, not now, all I want is information and you will give it to me.”

“And if I refuse to give it to you? What are you going to do?” smirked Vos.

Dahlia was still clearly upset from the earlier encounter with Whitebeard, “You will not have a good day then, Vos Marigna.”

Vos Marigna smiled, “Here Tolivar thought you were just a softy to be pushed around, guess he was wrong.”

Suddenly from behind we were attacked by Blood Flagon Mercenaries

“You caused this attack !” shouted Dahlia drawing her sword.

” I did not send them after you. In fact I am pretty sure they were after me and not you.” said Vos Marigna as he hid.”

“Stop them. We have to keep him alive for questioning.” shouted Dahlia leading the attack.

The battle was short but fierce.  Just when we thought we had killed them all,  Governor Veronica Mars called out that one was trying to escape.

“Hurry.” She shouted, “He is trying to slip between the buildings.”

Dahila, herself, killed the last pirate.  Cleaning her sword, she shouted, “Quickly find Vos, make sure he didn’t escape.”

Image our surprise to find him waiting for us.

“So they were after you?” asked Dahlia.

“So how about you haul me away to a nice safe cell in Yew. I’ll play nice.” replied Vos without answering her question.

With an odd look on her face, Dahlia asked.” Play nice huh? ”

If you keep me alive and well, maybe I’ll even talk a bit.” said Vos looking around.

“You want to be… jailed… you shall have your wish.” Turning to us she asked. “Would you all please escort this, guest of ours to Yew Prison?

“Of course, my Lady,” Answered Lady Thalia.

Guard him carefully, We can’t have him getting out once we have him.”  Opening a gate to Yew for us, She said, “I need word with Corian ”

Jahajx Jov placed shackles on Vos. “I trust these aren’t too tight” Jahajx Jov smiled as he pulled them tighter.

“Lead the way to the prison.” smiled Vos. ” Or you can… let me go.” Then remembering the attacked, he said in a worried voice, ” Scratch that I guess.”

As we lead him to the prison, his mood shifted from worried to almost happy.

“This way,” said Lady Thalia walking beside Vos.

“Come with me Vos”, said Jahajx Jov as he pulled on the shackles.

” Oh come on.” said Vos winking at  us. “How much gold would it take?  I’ve got coin.”

His only answers was Jahajx Jov pulling on the chain and Lady Thalia putting Artemis, her Greater Dragon, closer to Vos.

“Ouch, gently,” whimpered Vos. “One of you lot set me free. “ow”

Suddenly Vos looked at the forest.  “Oh look, company.  Why don’t you all kill those, so I live.”

At the same time, Governor Veronica Mars and Governor Markus shouted, “We have pirates here. Help us fight them off”

You lad, you don’t care they’re being attacked? Vos asked Jahajx Jov.

Jahajx Jov ignored him, pulling once more on the chains.

“Fine fellow you are. Not aiding your friends.  Fine by me, lead on!  He smirked, “There’s more coming you know.  Better keep me alive.”

At last we arrived at the Yew Prison.  There we were met by Captain Corian.

“Good Evening Captain,” Jahajx Jovs said as he handed his prisoner over. ” We have a new resident for you.”

“Dahlia sent word she was sending a prisoner she did not want to escape.”Captain Corian replied as he took the chain.

“Prisoner sounds so cruel, I offered to help.” Vos said with a smile.

Captain Corian ignored Vos and addressed us.  “King Blackthorn has authorized the presence of Royal Guard here. Take him through the black door and put him in the first cell past it on the left. Once he is in the cell, come see me again”

We escorted Vos to his cell. ” in you go” said Jahajx Jovas  tossed him unceremoniously in. Where he vanished.

“That’s odd.” said Jahajx Jov shaking his head in puzzlement.

“What happened to him?’ asked Natsuhi:

“Hmmm” Restless said troubled.  When suddenly he shouted,”  he’s gone! its a trap!”

Captain Corian came in with a smile. “A little surprise from Evidias.

” Disappearing prisoners?” Lady Thalia said in surprise.

“Ah,” Jahajx Jovsaid in relief, ” so this is intended?”

“I assure you he is in there, quite annoyed as well.” Captain Corian said as he nodded.  Dahlia sent a warning ahead of your, so we rigged it up making sure he couldn’t get out.

Looking at what seemed to be an empty cell, Lady Thalia said, ” I’m not clear that we got any information from him”

” Information, out of him? asked Captain Corian, shaking his head, “It’s more likely she intends to use him as bait.”

Thalia: No, Lady Thalia said shaking her head. “Dahlia had planned to ask him some questions”

“She can try, he’s better off as bait if you ask me.” said sadly Captain Corian, ” No telling what Tolivar told him.”  With a sigh, He continued. “Tolivar,  what is that old man up to… I thought he was a friend. Come he said opening a gate. “We should check out his house in Jhelom.”

Arriving Captain Corian pointed out that Tolivar’s house was across from his.  He had been keeping an eye on him.  “No sense knocking,” he said as he entered the house.  ” Not sure he left anything to find.”

Just then Lady Thalia pointed at  a book she had found.

Just a book, what of it?  Hold on…” Captain Corian said excitedly,

Ah… I guess he was getting suspicious, and knew I was catching on to him.” Sighing, Captain Corian said to himself,  “Tolivar… I thought I knew you better.”

Refocusing, Captain Corian said, “So those Royal Guards I threw out, the ones gambling and stealing, they were his. At least I appear to have gotten all of them.  Huh… the Blood Flagon had a spy in the Royal Guard as well, from Tolivar’s notes.”

“That explains the pirate attacks.”  I noted.

“Yes,” agreed Corian, ” He notes I found the man as well… I wonder which one he was.  Guess we’ll never know. King Blackthorn had them hanged for treason.

“Which one got hanged?” Asked Lady Thalia?

” All of them, including  the Blood Flagon spy. Blackthorn doesn’t tolerate betraying Britainnia citizens.”

Jahajx Jov asked? “Is it worth the time to figure out which one it was?”

” It might be. I still have their belongings in some chests, as evidence. I’ll have to go through it all.” Corian answered.

“From the sounds of this note, Vos was on a mission of some sort.” observed Jahajx Jov

” Dahlia seems to have gone ahead to detain Whitebeard for a bit longer. Tell her from me, Merrick doesn’t seem a bad sort.” he led us outside.

“Wait outside, she mentioned sending a gate when she was here.”

“We will tell her” Jahajx Jov.

Captain Corian began to walk away. “The gate should come soon enough, about here.” Then he wandered off to think.

“Hmmm, trust no one,” Dolomite muttered. “Is Dahlia trustworthy”

At last the gate arrived.  Dahlia was waiting for us when we stepped out.  Looking around I noticed we were back at the beach where we began.

” I sent for you as soon as arrived… there’s footprints at the shoreline. Something must have spooked him.” Dahlia said.

“Shall we follow the foot prints?” asked Jahajx Jov

” Wait… Dahlia said looking at the tracks. “There’s… two tracks going in opposite directions… One goes to the shoreline..  Must be Whitebeard toward his ship”

looking at the two sets of tracks, Jahajx Jov asked “Shall we track them both?”

“So why is there another track… that way?” wondered Dahlia,” Of course, Whitebeard must have fled. But from what.”

The answer came quickly. Everything dissolved into darkness as  a Mercenary Elite’s burning eyes filled your vision and I found my self frozen.

“Well now we know why Whitebeard fled.  He’d rather we do the fighting for him.” Dahlia raised her sword and the battle began.

As we began to fight, the mercenaries seemed to retreat,  from behind them came Golden Dragons.  At first the number of deaths made it seem that the fight would be lost.  We regrouped and the battle turned.

 

 

 

 

 

At last the battle was over.  Looking around Dahlia mused,  “Whatever he knews though, must be worth it. They were willing to tangle with the city Guards. Those bandits just kept coming, and dying…”

“But golden dragons? asked Thalia, “That’s a little beyond pirates.”

“That’s is possible.” Replied Dahlia. “I have no idea what power is working with them.”

Dahlia suddenly changed the conversation. ” I had word with Calin, whatever he found, we are going after. Calin mentioned something, about the location of a key. I’m assuming it is to the door we found outside of Occllo.”

“What of Merrick?” I asked. “Captain Corian sent us with a message for you.”

“And what was it? Dahlia asked?

“That Merrick is not a bad person.” Answered Lady Thalia.

“If Merrick shows up, so be it, he can help. But I’m not leaving it to his discretion.” Dahlia grumbled about Merrick. ”

Jahajx Jov aced ” Thalia, have you relayed everything we discovered in Jhelom?”

“Jhelom?” questioned Dahlia.

Thalia explained all that had happened and what we had learned.   From the attack to taking Vos to the Yew prison.

Jahajx Jov told that we had learned that there had been a Blood Flagon spy, but that King Blackthorn had them all  hanged so we don’t know who it was.

Dahlia thought about all she had been told.  “Ahem, I need to go speak with Evidias, Calin and then report to King Blackthorn again. He wanted an update, I’m inclined to follow that word to the letter at the moment.  Prepare for our next meeting.  We are going after the key and will try to find out what is behind the hidden door.”

 

 

 

When Lady Dahlia called for a meeting, King Blackthorn sent me to see what her concerns were.  When I arrived at the meeting hall, it was already crowded with the Royal Spies.  She was warmly greeted by Thalia, Natsuhi, Longtoohz and others.

 

I could tell that Lady Dahlia was not  her normal pleasant self.  Instead she seemed angry with us.  I asked what the trouble was.  She scowled at me, responding, ” I am glad that you asked.  In fact, I have a simple question for all of you.”  “Shoot” , said Longtoothz.

In a demanding, annoyed tone, Dahlia demanded! “Who is the Spymaster.”

We looked at each other in confusion.  Lady Thalia asked question we all had. ” Today?”

“Do you think that amuses me?” Dahlia stated turning to Lady Thalia

Bravely, Lady Thalia continued, “I believe that you are the Spymaster, my Lady.”

This answer seemed to make Lady Dahila even angrier.   “I am? Not Merrick? or a handful of other people, who seems to ask for things and all of you  get it done.  Why is it that when Merrick says jump, all of you keep saying, how high?”

This caused even more confusion.  We had been asked by Captain Corian to keep an eye on Merrick.  He had told us, he would inform Lady Dahila.  Could he have forgotten or worse had he been delayed.

” Merrick seems to cause a lot of trouble. Its more that we’re trying to keep him out of it.” answered Lady Thalia.

Looking tired Dahlia sighed. ” Last time I checked, he retired,  he has no affiliation with the Royal Guard, or  King Blackthorn.  I know you are all just trying to help. But I am afraid Merrick has gotten himself mixed up in murky things.” Shaking her head, Lady Dahila added.  “Do you know who just called me in for a meeting?   The King himself . He asked me if what Merrick was doing endangered  safety of Britannia. “You  know the look I had on my face, when he asked me those questions and I could not answer him?.”  “The King asked me if Merrick was putting the safety of Britannia in danger, I didn’t know  how to answer.”  Lady Dahlia sighed again

Rock stated with a frown, ” then maybe…… the king should be king like and come and kill him”

” It isn’t that Rock.”  Dahlia replied. ” I have gotten too used to doing things Merrick’s way.  I am not sure I have that luxury anymore  It is a blurry line is it not?”

We became quiet and thoughtful.  ” We should have informed you what Merrick was up to.” I told her

” Corian was right to go to Blackthorn with questions about what Merrick was doing. He had a right to.  Though I wish he had also informed me.” said Lady Dahila.

Hum, I thought to myself.  That is strange that Corian hadn’t informed Dahila.  I wonder why.

Odd that Corian didn’t confront Merrick though.” Lady Thalia pondered.  “But  then Corian… does things by the book.”

“Have we been appointed knights now? Asked Restless.

Shaking her head, Dahlia replied. ” The King feels we would be more effective as Royal Spies for now.”

“I’m not trying to crucify Merrick, he taught me everything I know. But we need to handle this, Merrick made it our issue, my issue.” said Dahlia. “What has he gotten himself into.”

“Perhaps we should question Merrick.” said Restless.

“Lady Dahila,” said Lady Thalia, “I think it relates to a past obsession of his and Whitebeard. I have found Whitebeard.”

Jumping up Rock shouted. ” Ok lets kill him and be done with it.”

“Lady Thalia, where did you find Whitebeard?” Questioned Dahila.

“He is on a beach, South of West Britain Bank. If you take the Southwest Bridge out of Britain. There is a beach straight south of there.  That is where I last saw him.” Lady Thalia said getting out of her chair.

” You’ll have to get yourselves there. when last I saw him,  I promised I would come alone, and need time to explain your presence.

Looking puzzled Restless asked? “Promised who you would come alone? Who are we meeting?”

“I’m sorry Restless, I got a head of my self.  We are meeting Whitebeard.” said Dahila.

“Do we get to kill?” asked Rock.

“Knowing Whitebeard, I would be prepared for fight.”  Dahila said checking her sword.

Whitebeard was still on the beach when we arrived.  It was as if he knew we were coming.  When Dahila began questioning him about Merrick, He told us his history with Merrick.  “When he was a boy I found him, nothing more than a wittling away lad, living in a gutter somewhere.I took pity on the boy, took him aboard my ship, taught him to be a regular fiend of a pirate” he grinned. He continued, ” One day a man, Tolivar, came calling, trying to hire a pirate crew to chase some “Ancient Treasure.Sent the boy to meet the man and bring him back to me ship. It was a mistake, didn’t know I would regret it so…” Looking hard at us Whitebeard asked, “You’ve heard the name, aye?

Nodding their heads,” Yes,”  said Lady Thalia.  “Aye,” Jahajx Jov added .

“Nice,” Longtoothz, agreed.

Later I heard that Tolivar used the lad for bait I heard later, to kill off a man’s guards while Tolivar could get at this gem, The Shimmering Sea of Eshica.”  WhiteBeard shook his head sadly. ” Merrick was a fine pirate in his youth. ” I remember Merric khad  met a girl somewhere along the way, before I had to maroon them on that island. Her name was Amelia I remember.  He wouldn’t tell me who she was, or what importance she had to him.”  looking at Dahlia, he warned her, “Tolivar didn’t just train Merrick, there was another lad, named Vos Marigna . Don’t trust that one. I’ve a pretty good idea…that lass you know where to find Vos.  I’d get to him before he slips away.”

” If he’s right, we need to get our hands on Vos before he runs. No time, come. this way.” Quickly Dahlia opened a gate.

 

Captain Corian approached  us explaining that  Merrick was going to be late. ” He is still  working on the broken Cypher issue with Calin the Blind.”

“My royal spies, I need your help dealing with a brawl in Yew” Captain Corian said.

When we arrived in Yew, we found  brawl going on in the Tanners shop in the center of the city.

“Pirates again!” someone shouted!  “Show them how we deal with brigands.”

Quickly we joined in the fight.   Several Jukan  Blood Flagon Pirates had focused their  attack on  a man named Tamin the Recursive. After defeating the pirates,  we discussed what had happened.

“Why would Jukan pirates come here and attack. This is very worrisome. Captain Corian must be told. Maybe Tamin can shed some light on this.  Time to question him.”

When questioned, Tamian  became upset and confessed that he had been holding onto a green jewel call the “Emeris’s Jade Sea” though he called it by another name   This gem had been identified by a Jeweler in the city .   He said that twelve years ago  it belonged to a wealthy Noble. before it was stolen.

In frustration, Timan threw the jewel at us.  “I didn’t steal it, I was paid good money to hold it.  They told me some one would come for it. I figured it was the thief who had stole it.  I’ve held it for twelve years.  I’m tired of being attacked by pirates and thieves.  I sick of unsavory men trying to buy it. I’ve  been holding it for twelve years for someone. That jewel has brought me nothing but ill luck. ” shaking his head, he looked at us “Take it, I don’t care if I was paid to hold on to it.  No jewel is worth my life.”

” Looking at the Jewel”, we asked.  ” Who gave it to you?”

“Decarpus” replied Timan.  ” I tried to find him to give it back, but I couldn’t find him or anyone who knew where he was.”

“What did the man look like?”

Timan thought for a moment.  ” As far as I can remember, he had long black hair and tan skin.”

We discussed the situation.  “If we were to protect him, we might catch this Decarpus.”

We told Timan that we could keep him safe.  In disgust, he looked at the jewel and recalled as quickly as he could.

When Corian arrived, we  told him  what has transpired. He looked at the jewel in disbelief.  “This might have something to do with Merrick’s treasure.  I better keep it.”.

“Tolivar has asked me have you all keep an eye on Merrick for him.” said Captian Corian.   “He said the last time the treasure came up, he started behaving shifty.  Tolivar never figured out what he was up to either…  Which is unusual for Tolivar, I’d wager Merrick learned from him a little too well, ” he continued.  “That is why Tolivar had him take over  you ,the Royal Spies, to begin with, he finally pulled the wool over his old Master Spies’ eyes.  Anyhow, Tolivar seemed genuinely worried about Merrick for once.  But he seems intent enough on it, to keep all of it from Dahlia.”

When  mentioned that perhaps Merrick sees it as a contest with Whitebeard, Corian responded,, “It could be, I remember when we found Merrick the first time, when Whitebeard abandoned him with that tiny boat on an island in the middle of nowhere.  Anyhow… keep it to yourself.”

I need you to go to  Merrick. “You’ll find him in Castle Britain.”

When we found him.  Merrick told us he had figured something out.

“That note mentioned Higher, Higher. I believe that means for us to go higher.”

Quickly we went to the roof of Castle Britain. There we found another note with an image on it as well as another riddle.

“On either side them an endless river far too wide, beyond the place of living and the place of dying.  In between them stone.  On one side, follow north, but only half as far as the second city.  In the south you will find the moon.”

 

Confused at first, we began discussing it.  As we start naming off places, cities and dangerous places. “Wait ,”  Merrick said “This  could be referring to a city, and something near it. ” Overlaying it on a map of nearby Britain he discovers this:

“This small triangular location correlates to a small cave!” he exclaimed in excitement.

Inside the cavern, we found it filled with strange objects, presumably to create Magical Keys.

Merrick found another note attached beneath the small sitting bench.  It reads:

I borrowed several things from the Alabaster Keep in Ilshenar. The Ternium Bricks were hard to take, cold as ice. They froze nearly everything I tried to place them into. I do not know how Lorick manages. While attempting to get one of the Sivarum Looking Glasses. I stumbled upon a room of damaged ones and took one of them instead.

I tried to build a Dreamshade lamp, but was not successful. The proper process uses the same materials as for a Frozen Dream Lamp. But when done in the right amounts, will create something different. They call it a Dreamshade lamp. The creation of the type of magical keys I need requires one. It won’t matter if I can get the dust required to reveal the doors. Without a pair of keys for it.

There is a list of the things I have found so far that are necessary to find it. I have hidden it in the gardens of the Alabaster Keep, just in case.

We begin discussing locations, bringing up different cities .  Merrick  discounted each of them. He said that they were all to obvious and that someone would have seen something by now.

Then someone mentioned that it might be an area in Ilshenar  “We can there by accessing the spider caverns.”

Taking a teleporter to an Island area in Southeastern Ilshenar, we found the location we are looking for.   More of the same magical key crafting material can be found upstairs:

 

Looking in the last room, we found a damage piece of paper that reads:

If someone finds this, I beg them to finish what I started.  You have probably tried already and failed to find it.  I have failed more times than I can count now, but with my help you may succeed.  If you found any of the clues with the word, “A.M.E.L.I.A.” on them, then I am already dead.  I cannot say for sure what it means, but I am certain it is not just a name.

I have discovered several of the items I will need to find the location:

1. Magical Dust, from a creature near Althaye’s Garden.
2. A strange Mechanical Cypher.
3. An enchanted gem with a map carved inside, known as Eschia’s Simmering Sea.
4. A set of magical keys, crafted from a Sivarium Looking Glass, reinforced with Ternium and shadow essence.
5. Four “keystones” used with the magic map to be used in the Mechanical Cypher.
6. A list of locations, seven in total where Doorways have been spotted.
7. Essence of Dreamwhisper.

Using a charcoal rubbing, Merrick found another location on the other side.   Realizing it is likely in Ilshenar, it is overlaid and moved across the map.

 

Following the map we ended up in the desert.  Searching, we accidently  encountered a strange magical creature, called a Dreamwhisper.

It disappeared, but Merrick realized he must have stepped in some of the magic dust from before.  Taking the globe he has been carrying , he  poured more dust until the creature  is revealed again.

We quickly dispatched the creature. Looking at  one of the Frozen Dream Lantern’s , he  had been carrying, was now charged with the creatures magic.

 

Arriving back at the meeting hall, ” Hum”  Merrick said ” I  wonder where the “Essence of Dreamwhisper” comes from.”  Touching the lamp, a strange dust flew into Merrick’s face.  Merrick suddenly felt ill.  “It seems ,I just swallowed some Dreamwhisper essence then.”  I wonder if throwing the roses into the lamp would provide it fuel to light it. Would one of you toss the Dreamshade Roses into the lamp for me?”

Merrick moved farther away, “I suggest that the rest of you join me.  You never know what will happen.”

The lamp didn’t light up.  “I guess it would be better to leave it to Evidias. I’m a bit surprised it didn’t explode.”

Looking queasy, “I think I should find a healer to take a look at me.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upon arriving in Jhelom,  Merrick found he had no money.  “This way,” he called. “That bar keep won’t let me have a tab anymore.  Claims I caused a bar fight… And didn’t pay for the damage…” Merrick paused “Well… I kind of did…”
Laughing we followed him back to the meeting house.  Merrick stopped in surprise. “Hello Anette?”

” I apologize for breaking anonymity, Merrick,  but it was urgent. Anette said.

“Urgent, well we have nothing else to do. He replied.  It is fine, everyone here can be trusted, what is wrong?”

Pirates have been gathering outside the city to the North of here. They snuck in, anchored offshore, unloaded some men and then the ship sailed off.” explained Anette.

“You said Pirates? How many did you see? asked Merrick? ”
It was hard to tell, they swam to shore with weapons tied to their backs.  I was going to warn the Town Guard, but thought you should know first.  Anette said frowning in worry.

“So they hit us while we are distracted… ”   Merrick reassured her. “No need, we will handle the situation ourselves.  Thank you Anette.  You did Jhelom a service that won’t be forgotten, not by the city, or me.”
Looking at us, smiling Merrick said, “I’m in the mood to kill some pirates. Who is with me?”

Looking for a fight, we all agreed and set off to find the pirates.  But when we found them, we couldn’t help but notice that Blood Flagon pirates had …White Wyrms.   That didn’t stop us.  Our tamers knew that they were no match for their Greater Dragons.

 

 

 

At last the pirates and the White Wyrms were defeated.  “Is that the last of them?” Merrick asked as he looked around.

“Seems so,” Dregg replied.

“Yes sir,” agreed Savannah Rose.

“Hurry, I know what they were after.  To the Meeting hall.” Merrick shouted as he ran.  When we arrived, Jahajx Jov reached out, touching the
invisible wall.

Merrick sighed in relief, “Good, the magic hasn’t been disturbed. It doesn’t make sense. What were they after, all we found were blank maps? He thought for a minute. ” What if the maps aren’t important.  Hum Two maps… cypher parts and a red jewel?”  Merrick went into the secret room and picked up the Shimmering Sea of Eshia.   He continued,  “What if the maps, were just a clue, and the Cypher needed two maps to be decoded. But that maps… weren’t maps… the jewels were the maps. I wonder what would happen if I held the gems up to a light?”

“Try it, ” encouraged Zeke Terra, and Merrick did.  As we watched him hold up first the Shimmering Sea of Eshia and then the red gem, black dots appeared on the walls.

“Wow! nicely done.” exclaimed Richard Cranium.

With a grin, Merrick said, “Guess what? Whitebeard isn’t one step ahead of us anymore. I wager that if we fix the Cypher, we can get to the key first and open that door south of Occllo.”

“Woot,” shouted Zeke Terra, “Let’s do it.”

“here is the rub… the Cypher is broken.” Merrick suddenly smiled, “I know just the person who can fix it.  Anyone remember Calin the Blind?”

“No,” replied JINX.

“Funny old man, lives on an island alone in the ocean, but he is good at fixing things and solving magical puzzles.” explained Merrick. “So Whitebeard wants the magical dust, I’m willing to bet we don’t need it anymore.” He might have the key we need to open the door, but I bet he doesn’t even know it.” Merrick smiled. “So if we give him the dust… he’ll hand over what needs decoding, without knowing it” Laughing  Merrick continued, “so Whitebeard thinks he put one over me. After Calin fixes the cypher, We’re going to find us a magical key and treasure.”   Jingling his gold pouch, Merrick jumped up.  “Anyone for a drink?”  Once we all had drinks, Merrick told us of his adventures with Whitebeard.about the time he sailed on Whitebeard’s ship, and how Whitebeard had figured him out, used him to help him steal something valuable and then marooned Merrick with a tiny boat on an island in the ocean.  No wonder, Merrick’s dislike of pirates and his mistrust of Whitebeard.  All to soon it was time to say goodnight.  I thought about the adventures we had that day and what we had learned.  Singing as I went home, I couldn’t help but wonder, what adventures would be next.

 

 

 

 

As we were starting to enter the castle, Merrick noticed a note left in the court yard.

 Picking it up he read,   “It was I who stole it, and though I wanted to turn myself in.
I could not bear being imprisoned without a pick or key.
But I lost the picks when I was startled by someone.
Perhaps if I confessed or spoke of it, I would feel better.
If only my wit had been sharper I could have escaped.
An action, an object, becomming a person suddenly.
Letter by letter, raising higher, higher.
Instead I searched for an escape and then fled.”

I wonder what he stole? said Merrick. “Well someone picked the locks on those doors.  But I don’t see anything… was that it?”
We continued to search the castle.  In on of the bedrooms we found a set of lock picks, Merrick looked about to see if there was any other clues. “Anyone else found anything but Lockpicks out of place?” he asked.

“I found a sword in one of the meeting rooms.” called Jahajx Jov. “there are letters inscribed on it”

“Has anyone found anything else that seems to be out of place?” Merrick asked.

“Ya.” said Jinx.

A map that is locked down” added Demoss.  “There is also a marble column.”

Aye.” replied both Zeke Terra and Richared Cranium.

“Odd place for a column.” Jahajx Jov said.

“Actually the North side,” added Jinx.

“While technically north,” Lady Thaila said. “North East Corner.”

” True. But the column is on the East wall.” Merrick pointed out.

“This mark on map is east.”Demoss pointed to the map.

“Oh! the first maps lines up.” JINX said excitedly.

Let me see if anything happens when I shove the column.”  Merrick shoved the column but nothing happened.  “Hm, I missed something.”  Picking up the sexton, Merrick again shoved the column.  “It won’t… budg…. ”  A  gate had opened.  Carefully we went through.

” What? Where are we?  Delucia? Merrick, still holding the sextant, said in surprise.
“There is a note here.” said Lady Thalia picking it up and showed it to Demoss.

“100? what does that mean?” asked Demoss.

” A 10o? Hold on… it’s coming into place…” replied Merrick.

“Could it mean 10 degrees?” asked Lady Thalia.

“Aye,” agreed Demoss.

“10 degrees and the circle has two lines going East and one going South…Assuming it’s connected could it be 10 degrees north of here?  Does that sound right?’ asked Merrick.

“Aye” Richard Cranium replied.

” I think we are south here.” Lady Thalia added.

If that is correct then I’d better mark our coordinates.   Looking at the sexton, he had me write down the coordinates,  78° 25′S, 47° 6′W.

Merrick continued with the map. ” So if there are two lines going East and they are longer. East looks twice as long as north.”

Deciding that was a good place to start, off we went.  Merrick used the sexton to lead us to the coordinate’s,  68o 0’S, 35o 7’W.  When we had reached 710, Merrick stopped.

Merrick stopped checking the sexton. “710 degrees not there yet.   We need to head East as well, don’t want to get stuck on that cliff.”
Merrick stopped  “Look, More brigands. They must be looking for it as well.”

We change our route to miss the brigands.   Merrick stopped again to check the sexton. ” 63o… we’re too far North. It has to be South of us.”

When we arrived, we found a map piece .

Looking at the map, Merrick looked puzzled. “That’s odd, isn’t there usually another clue.”

Zeke Terra pointed to some thing one the ground, “there’s another sextant.”

“Maybe there are cords on the the sextant.” Thalia said.

Hm, We had a sextant at the start… and now another?” Let me look at the map again.” Looking at the two lines Merrick  noted that one is longer than the other.  “Let’s try it again. So… 10 degrees, no… a longer second line. Let see that would be 11 degrees North, if East is twice as long… 22 degrees East. Does 57o 54’S, 13o 55’W sound about right?”

 

Deciding that Merrick’s coordinates were correct, we set off again. Again and again we ran into cliffs and  Ravines.
After a while, Manticore  sighed, ” looks like a circle to me.”

Finally Merrick found a road, ” I’m going to follow the road…Ravines, are annoying.  We’re close.”  Soon we can to another cliff.  “Well…climb it is…” Merrick started to climb the cliff.  Not wanting to become lost, we quickly followed him.  At the top, we found another piece of the map.  Merrick  placed it together along the seams with the first piece.  Angrily he shouted, “An empty map…is this a joke?”

Looking around carefully, Lady Thalia found a cypher on the ground.   “The missing key?” asked Funky Chicken.

Richard Cranium noticed that the were three parts to it.  Merrick picked it up.  “No map, no Whitebeard. Just a broken Cypher. I think I’ve about had it for the night…lets return to Jeholm.  We need a drink.”