The Dark Compass (The Lost Captain #1): A Tale of the Dwemhar (Stormborn Saga Book 10) Read online

  Contents

  The Dark Compass

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  Part One: Black Scales

  Part Two: The Lone Isle

  Part Three: Wura's Game

  Part Four: Legend of The Lost Captain

  Note to Readers

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  The Dark Compass

  Stormborn Saga Book Ten

  J.T. Williams

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  www.Authorjtwilliams.com

  The World of the Dwemhar

  STORMBORN SAGA

  Stormborn

  Mage Soul

  Elf Bane

  Stormborn Saga Trilogy

  Ranger’s Fury (Ranger Trilogy #1)

  Black Moon (Ranger’s Revenge #2)

  Aieclo (Ranger’s Revenge #3)

  Epochs (Clockmaster’s Shroud #1)

  Shards of Etha (Clockmaster’s Shroud #2)

  Shadow Cry (Clockmaster’s Shroud #3)

  HALF-ELF CHRONICLES

  Half-Bloods Rising

  Seer of Lost Sands

  Shadow of the Orc Star

  Necromancer’s Curse

  Wrath of the Half-Elves

  The Last Dwemhar

  ROGUES OF MAGIC

  Rogues of Magic Trilogy

  LOST TALES OF THE REALMS

  Ranger’s Folly (Ranger’s Revenge Trilogy Prequel)

  The Dwarven Guardian

  A Stranger’s Quest

  Wizard Trials

  All books listed here are within the same world. For further information, please head to my website!

  Part One: Black Scales

  Valrin sipped a cup of tea as he tried to forget his nightmares that woke him from an already rough slumber. There were many aspects of this floating shamble of a city that reminded him of being on his ship. The creaks of wood beneath his feet, the smells of salt and the splash of the occasional fish but there was no breeze. Since the destruction of Aieclo the seas had been remarkably calm and not even the strong winds from the North were present. The ocean was changing.

  He took a seat on the edge of a pier. In about an hour several of those living here would begin to fish. It was a simple enough life for the survivors. They’d fish in the morning, work to make more small boats midday, and then they’d eat around late afternoon.

  At night, they seemed to drift into their own groups. There were several dwarves that were actually wanted to the far south. Those three, especially the one called “War pig”, were very secretive, keeping to themselves in all ways, except for the game of dice Ordak had played with them. Then, there were the “healers” as Evurn called them. Apparently, the Rusis overlords that had run Silir limited the types of magic that could be used openly. These healers were more that proficient at their art and apparently, were students of a druid that lived in the elven lands of Narisond.

  Aeveam had become more of a recluse, spending her time meditating. Evurn, well, he had stayed with Valrin at most times. Valrin didn’t mind this. Elera and the King had made point to keep watch, flying every morning to scan the surrounding seas. They wanted to make sure those that were here remained safe.

  But those nightmares.

  Valrin shook, forcing the images from his mind. He could still hear her voice. He couldn’t stop thinking about her. It had only been a few weeks but as he rubbed the stubble of hair on his face he coughed, wiping away a few more tears.

  He felt something creep over his hand and noticed Rasi, Evurn’s albino snake. He looked further up to see the shadow elf.

  “Did the herbs not help your sleep?” he asked.

  Valrin shook his head. Evurn took a seat next to him.

  “I had a dream,” Evurn said, “Quite an interesting one.”

  Valrin didn’t say anything. He sipped his drink and continued to look out across the water.

  “I was dealing with the god Wura again. There was a giant chicken, with swords. It actually breathed fire.”

  Evurn took out a pipe, a new habit he had developed being stuck on the free floating city deemed Raftwreck by those upon it.

  “Is this going to be a new thing?” Valrin asked him.

  Evurn packed to smoking weed into the bowl and used a lighting stone to create a few embers.

  “I need a staff again. This method of creating flame is quite barbaric. But, Elera said there is a deep fog approaching. It’s getting more difficult to see.”

  “How does that affect anything. We’ve been here for what a moon cycle and a half? The priest departed looking for his method of transportation yet hasn’t returned. We couldn’t leave if we wanted and there is only enough wood here to build a small fishing boat. Nothing good for sailing great distance.”

  Evurn nodded, “And they do not want the dragons to be spotted for fear of drawing out more of their kin. Elera is a smart one,” he said. “That King, Nevron, he’s not quite what he was once but he’s honorable it seems.”

  “In the short term, could they take you to get a new staff?”

  Evurn coughed on his smoke, “It isn’t such a simple act but they could. I have spoke with them about it. We are planning to leave at dawn but I hadn’t gotten to that part in the conversation yet with you.”

  Valrin smiled, finishing off his tea. Beneath him, several glacier sharks swam in a slow circle. The glowing runes on their body like lights beneath the surface. He was drawn to it. Drawn to the depths.

  “Then good. You lost something dear and it should be something you’re able to replace.”

  Evurn leaned over the edge, seeing the sharks.

  “Meredaas sends his sign,” Evurn said.

  “Glacier sharks?”

  “I told you that if the gods wanted you dead for losing the Aela Sunrise, then you’d be dead. Sharks like this do not circle just anywhere. Have you prayed to him? Sought clarity like I told you to?”

  “It wasn’t the gods that built that ship, it was the sea-peoples, the Dwemhar. The gods care little for us and our fates.”

  Another approached. Valrin turned to see Elera.

  “Are we not waiting to dawn?” Evurn asked.

  “We can’t go,” Elera said. “Nevron flew high above us and these mists and fogs are much greater than any natural formation. He believes they something else.”

  The sun was coming up in the distance but with a bit more light, Valrin looked up to see a great cloud rising up above Raftwreck like the tall front of a great storm but not at all a storm. It was silent, and brought with it a warm breeze.

  “These Glacial Seas do not feel so cold with that wind,” Elera said.

  “I think I agree with your King, these are not natural and I have not seen something like this before.”

  “Either way, we can’t go. You said it was an island not too far from here?” Elera asked, “Perhaps a fishing boat could reach it?”

  “It isn’t so pertinent to reach a place where I can take a staff and I assume we still have not heard from Fadis or any of Taria?”

  “Nothing. If our messages are even getting that far. We’ve been seeing more dead birds and fish across the ocean. It doesn’t make sense. Do you think it is this warmer water and air?”

  Evurn nodded slowly but with and unsure glare, “I have never seen anything like this, so, maybe. I forgot to ask you last night, did we get that coffee in?”

  “If by in you mean did
it happen to float by, yes. You have a bit of luck when it comes to coffee but don’t tell Ordak or he’ll start going on about cinnamon. Ever since my King made him coffee apparently it’s the only thing he talks about. Got him going for a good three hours the other night.”

  Evurn laughed, walking to Elera, “Come on, Valrin. Some coffee is in order.”

  Valrin motioned for them to go on, “I’ll be in a bit. I would like to pay my respects to Meredaas and his sharks before I go back in.”

  Evurn nodded and begin speaking with Elera as they went back in.

  Valrin had no desire to speak to Meredaas in any form but he could not help but to think that everyone in his crew had gotten over Braei’s death without so much as an extra tear. He couldn’t stop thinking about her. His dreams were filled with storm clouds and lightning, her Rusis energies exploding behind a shroud of darkness. He still felt the surge in the air as he had spun the wheel of the Aela Sunrise, breaking from the grasp of Marog. He felt the stab into his inner chest reminiscing of the moment he knew she had died, that she had been lost to the sea.

  It haunted him.

  Of the brightest stars,

  ‘Neath the moon so high,

  Standing in its gleam.

  I rub my eyes

  Hoping for once

  I do not see you just in dream.

  Over ocean waves

  And icy breezes

  Across waters shimmering

  My heart is lost

  Unto the depths

  My soul no longer glimmering.

  Clouds of shadow,

  Lightning streaks,

  thunder strikes my mind.

  My heart is split,

  My love is lost,

  No hope I have in the divine.

  From Travaa lone isle in the north,

  to Swia where the winds do sing,

  To Gurundothrak the vile and black

  To Saelmark and the Elven King.

  We defeated dwarves of wretched heart

  And stood against the vampiric foes,

  Descended down into the depths,

  Facing the darkness that was Aieclo.

  Through time we flew and shifting tides,

  Weaving a fate to be,

  Until we fought to save our friend

  And for you to in the end

  Save me.

  Valrin had never been one for song. He closed his eyes tightly, forcing the memories of Braei from his mind. Chasing away what once was.

  He didn’t want to feel it.

  To feel her memory.

  He heard something though that caused him to open his eyes and saw an outline of a figure on the waters ahead.

  Then, he heard a voice behind him.

  “Valrin, it seems it is time to move forward.”

  He turned to see the genie floating just above the ground.

  “Where have you been?” he paused, “and how long have you been standing there?”

  The genie laughed, “Good Radahala has been here for some time. Quite the words you speak this early morn’, I am impressed. But it is time for us to prepare, our boat comes.”

  The outline turned to a dark shadow and Valrin could see a small boat with a single person upon it. His eyes traced over to Radahala the genie and the small man now sit cross legged on the dock. As the boat came closer to the shore line, the fogs rolled over the ocean behind them. The boat itself was small and narrow with a single lamp hanging off the front of the vessel.

  He had actually seen this boat before but only in glances. He had never seen the one who piloted it. He had heard of a figure pulling some of the survivors from the water, they mentioned their rescuer had a “soft voice” but most believed it was just a dream. As the boat came alongside the dock, the figure paused, a bit surprised before Radahala floated it over to them.

  “It is time you be known to the one I told you of. As the figure climbed onto the deck, it let down its cloak. It was a woman about Valrin’s age, or so he assumed.

  “Valrin of Travaa, Stormborn of the Glacial Seas, this is Millia of Silir. She is my servant for a time and has saved many from the waters here. She will assist us, you will assist her, and she will assist you, in the small trial ahead. Now, on to the boat!”

  It was then that Evurn and Ordak both came walking with mugs of coffee. As Valrin stepped on to the boat, Evurn protested, quickening his pace.

  “What is going on?”

  “I have need of him and her. We shall be going.” Radahala said.

  “Going where?” Ordak questioned.

  Evurn scanned the boat, “This is a small vessel. I have seen one like it before when I and Aeveam’s father went to realm of Wura.”

  “Holy Wura, blessed is the master,” Radahala said, “But alas, that is now where we go. Many treasures are needed but first a tool, an object. Yes. I need the Stormborn and I need Millia, both will be useful, both pay for their services.”

  “Pay? You have denied wanting anything!” Ordak said.

  “Valrin goes because the gods demand it, Wura demands it,” the genie went on, “Do you agree, Valrin?”

  Valrin looked between Millia and Radahala, “What is it you are seeking and can we not obtain a bigger boat? I would much prefer my crew with us.”

  A ribbon of green lights shot over Raftwreck. Radahala began jumping from his right foot to his left, clapping his hands. “Oh, very good! Wura blesses us! What more do you need? You need nothing! Good, good!”

  “My sword,” Valrin said.

  “A sword? A sword!” Radahala said as he snapped his fingers.

  Valrin’s sword appeared in his hands. He affixed the blade to his waist and shook his head to Evurn, “I will see what it is this Radahala wants with us. Keep watch for word from Fadis or the others.”

  “Aye captain,” Ordak said.

  “Are you sure of this?” Evurn asked.

  “What else are we to do. These fogs are making everything impossible. This is the first time this genie has seemed eager to do something.”

  “The fogs? The fogs!” Misla’s presence! Misla breaches the world. We must prepare, we need tools. We need such items to save the ship. Your ship. The Aela Sunrise!”

  “How long will we be?” Valrin asked.

  “Not long. But long enough. We need this to move forward with your crew. Millia needs this to well, it will be seen.”

  Valrin noticed the stranger Millia had black scales across her arms. As Valrin looked at her arms she hid them in her robes.

  “Okay, let’s go.” Valrin said.

  As he stepped on to the tiny boat, Radahala floated over and stood on the tip front of the boat. Millia pushed them off the dock and they began a slow paddling away from Raftwreck. For a few moments, he watched Evurn and Ordak on the docks before mists veiled them.

  Part Two: The Lone Isle

  He turned back, seeing now that Millia stared at him.

  “You are the one called ‘Stormborn’?” she asked.

  “I am. And you are?”

  “I was a leader of a thieves guild in Silir, before the destruction.”

  Radahala laughed, “Yes, many decisions made had ill fortunes for all. Valrin has lost his ship, has created an enemy unlike others, and has lost his love. You, too, Millia, have lost all you built, lost your love, and now you own a debt to me. It is funny that it has all came together like this.”

  “I do not find it funny, genie,” Millia said.

  “He hasn’t been the best for humor in the time I’ve seen him,” Valrin said, looking at the genie, “But where have you been? You’ve been gone for some time.”

  “Sandcows. Looking for my Sandcows. I have to retrieve something but it is a small token. You, Valrin, shall learn a new bit of lore that you have not heard. Wura has provided a way and we shall take it. Holy Wura, wise Wura!”

  “How does a genie become a follower of Wura?” Valrin asked.

  “How now? Is not Wura the god of tricksters? Does he not create the polar lights
that ribbon above the far Northern reaches. Whimsical and playful, just as a genie. I am but a priest of Wura, faithful, to assure paths go as they should as best as they can.”

  “My companion Evurn does not care for Wura, a bit about monsters and titans, says Wura has a cruel way of playing games.”

  Radahala laughed, “He does but that is not what we do here. We go to a place, a resting place, and old place. We need Stormborn fluids.”

  “Fluids?” Millia asked.

  “Blood, old blood! A place that needs the O-L-D BLOOD!”

  The random scream of the genie made Valrin jump and exhale sharply.

  “Dwemhar blood, you mean?”

  “Yes, them.”

  Valrin leaned forward and buried his head in his hands, “So, we go to a Dwemhar ruin? Isn’t that just a standard adventure then.” He motioned to Millia, “I have not seen something such as what is on your arms before.”

  “Black Scale, apparently, it is a side effect of being saved from drowning by this one here,” she said pointing to Radahala, “and is a sign that means I have a debt to the gods.”

  “A debt that will be paid, is being paid, might be paid.” Radahala giggled.

  “It is going to remain that I do have control anymore?” Millia asked.

  “Oh yes, it will remain as such. I guide us through the fogs, the hands of Wura take us to a place. I had found this place once before but I didn’t know what it was. Now I do. I am excited!”

  He begin to bounce around the edge of the ship again.

  The fog around them was thick and warm. It was difficult to breath and in a way, he didn’t even feel like he was on the Glacial Seas.

  “Have you heard from Meredaas or does Wura not care for the one of the ocean?” Valrin asked.

  “Meredaas has been watching, waiting. You have favor with that one. He will help if he can but the oceans are not well. Too warm, I’m afraid. When something is cold and made warm, sickness can follow if it is not made cold again soon. Yes, this is very important to all of the gods. Though, they are troubled with events to the south. It seems my old friends are in trouble.”