Anaxiunara (One Brief Eternity) book I

By David DeRosa

On a tiny globe near the edge of her galaxy Anaxiunara seeks a place to bear her young; an island group far from occupied land. She nestles there and sleeps awhile until her babies mature.
Two hundred years later the mother of dragons awakes to find her island nest overrun by humans. One of her offspring has befriended a child of this race. Anaxiunara teaches the girl to wield powerful magic. But when the Great Dragon meets the girl’s father (Capt. Jo Lee Validad) she discovers a magic she’s never known.
Jo Lee struggles to protect his family and his island home from tyrant wizards. Anaxiunara takes human form to study these curious beings, but vows not to interfere. With this strange new magic compelling her to help the man she questions her vow.
The Great One does not know the power of this strange human magic. And, if it can be said that a dragon has a weakness it would be curiosity. She must learn what it is to be human. She must know this magic called loved.

• Language: English
• Publisher: David DeRosa
• Release date: Jan 3, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452488431

David DeRosa

About the authorStorytelling has always been among my favorite pastimes. Movies, Stage plays, songs and fairytales; I love 'em all. To be wrapped in the pages of a fantasy adventure is inarguably among the greatest mind trips one can take, and all that's needed is a good book and a light to read by.Fiction has a special attraction as the mind sees and feels and lives with the characters through all of their passions and exploits. How can one truly ride on the wings of a dragon except in a fairytale? How better to travel through space and time than in the comfort of an overstuffed chair?Fantasy, of course, is my personal favorite. The only things that are real are the only things that really matter; how people think, how we feel, how we cope when life spirals out of our control. We have heroes to inspire, villains to hate, and breathtaking scenes that can only be imagined.It isn't the stories so much as the characters that involve me. By learning about them I might learn something of myself. That's what great storytelling really is; exploring foreign ideas and strange beliefs in the safety of familiar surroundings. And, the best stories will force us to think. That's a good thing when so often reality discourages it.

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Anaxiunara

One Brief Eternity

(Revised Edition)

By David DeRosa

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Manuscript Copyright © 2022 David DeRosa

Cover art by Shannon MacDonald © 2022 all rights reserved

Dedication

My beautiful wife spent many hours alone while I banged away at my keyboard. My regular job, the one that pays the bills, forces me to write in the evenings. There were many days in the labor of this work when all she heard from me was the occasional How do you spell . . .? or Is it a comma or a semicolon?

Ya see, she studied English literature in college. So, naturally I sought her advice and quite often ignored it, as men sometimes do. My struggle with the written language would frequently drive me to argue, Well, other writers do it!

At that point her gentle and compassionate advice would be, Shut up! I’m trying to watch television!

Through all of it, though, she was patient, helpful, and understanding of my obsession. For all of her wisdom in helping, and in sometimes refusing to help, I dedicate this story to my friend, my wife, and the love of my life, Cindy.

Table of Contents

Prologue

The Pirates Validad

The League Alliance

The Children’s Plight

A Lesson in Magic

Escape from Hidden Lake

Jo Lee and the League

To the Realms

Stowaways

The Voyage

The Sovereigns

Guests of the Sovereigns

Jumping Ship

The Overlord

The Journey to Lucratia

The Isle of Ruin

The Last of the First Great Wizards

The Importance of Family

The Powers That Be

The Heart of a Dragon

Abducted

The Elders

The Journey Home

Parents and Their Children

Living in the Present

Epilogue

Prologue

She appeared in a clear midday sky and glided over the tropics of a tiny blue-white world.

Having taken a mate a century ago she was ready now to deliver her eggs. Her offspring would hatch alone on this world as it was the nature of her kind. So she searched for a place that would be safe for them to grow without fear of predators.

Where she first considered, there was a species that might pose a danger. A young species in galactic terms, they were a fairly recent development; only a couple of millions of years evolved. They resembled, more than anything else, the beings called elves that also occupied this world. They were different enough that she would categorize them as another species. Their life span was much shorter, humans perhaps. She had heard that some of the worlds this far out from the galactic center had spawned young human races.

Intrigued, she watched for a few brief decades, never allowing them to discover her presence. They were on the verge of developing the ability to manipulate the raw stuff of life, the magic of the universe, as all sentient creatures eventually do. Though only one or two percent of the population, thus far, showed signs of mage craft.

Still, they were extremely clever in ways other than magic, as much a danger as the older races, dwarves and elves on the other side of this world. She would not chance leaving her young in their midst when there was another choice.

The islands to the west had no intelligent or semi-intelligent beings inhabiting them. Situated between the two great continents, the islands were far enough away from the elves and dwarves to escape their notice. The humans and the scattered herds of quasi sentient beings had not yet discovered the islands. Her babies would not be challenged there and the land was enough to support her twelve hatchlings until they reached physical maturity.

A danger existed, however, that the humans would eventually find her nest. The islands were much closer to the land they occupied, and their numbers were growing. They would expand their occupation of this world and continue to grow in their understanding of magic.

There was a risk she knew and felt exhilaration. To live was to risk. For something to live something must die. Even if her young were not discovered by these savage little beings, it was likely that some would not survive, would instead fall prey to a hungry star or lose their way in the great between. She hoped none would die sooner but there could be no certainty. She knew at least that there should be only one male. The first to emerge from his shell would find the others like him and eliminate them. That too was the nature of her kind.

It was not in her nature to grieve over this. If any of her brood were lost to predators, she would not retaliate. That would only subtract from the balance. Vengeance was not a thing she would consider. To avenge a death by causing a death would be to serve death, and she was pledged to serve life.

She would bring as many new lives into existence as fate would allow. She would show as many of her children as had strength to survive, the joys, the thrills and even the sorrows of living. Anaxiunara would share with them the wisdom that she knew.

The universe is not infinite. If it were, all things could live and none should have to perish. The potential of what may be in the universe, that is infinite.

Besides, the islands were safe enough for now. She could bear her eggs and rest easy for a while.

Chapter One

The Pirates Validad

Steer, you idiot! hollered Willam. "You’re heading us straight into the wind."

Two boys in a small boat with a single sail, shouted at each other as they drifted into a shipping lane. It was a deep and narrow channel between two islands.

I’m caught in the rope, Liam complained. Use the oars!

Liam and Willam were thirteen and eleven with quick minds and hardy spirits. Liam was tall and thin with sandy blond hair tied back in a tail. At thirteen he was nearly as tall as an average grown man. His brother Willam was a head shorter with a mop of curly brown hair. Willam had a knack for coming up with creative solutions to most of the trouble the two brothers always seemed to find. In fact, this scheme was his idea.

Willam stood up taking an oar out of its lock and held it over the side of their little boat to drag in the water. What are you doing? Liam hollered.

I’m doing what you told me, trying to get this thing turned around! As the boat rocked and pitched, Willam lost the oar over the side. Now look what you made me do. He went for the other oar, which brought the little boat dangerously close to capsizing. His brother, trying to keep the boat from swamping, went over the side and into the drink.

You stupid! Quit fooling around. Are you trying to drown me? Liam shouted from the water.

Get back in the boat! hollered Willam. We’re s’posed to be sailing, not swimming!

The boys had volunteered to stop an escort ship. Willam explained to his parents, She’ll hafta heave to. We’ll be right in the middle of the channel. They’re not gonna ram us. We’re jus’ a couple of kids.

Yeah, Liam explained. And that’ll give ya plenty of time ta loot the cargo ship.

Their parents, Jo Lee and Airia Validad, co-captained a pirate ship called the Swordfish. They were quite famous in the islands south of Big Smokey. In fact, they were known and well liked throughout the Ring, a group of islands surrounding a large volcanic landmass.

Shrouded in a mysterious magic, the largest isle was called Big Smokey for the trail of steam that was always visible drifting off the top of its highest peak. Big Smokey was unapproachable because of the magic. Anyone who got too close went mad with fear. But, the smaller islands surrounding it had been home to mainland exiles for nearly two centuries.

Jo Lee applauded his youngest son’s idea, but he warned, Don’t let them know anything, especially your names. Airia was not as certain, but finally allowed them to persuade her. After all, if her sons got into trouble they could probably out swim any of the sailors on the League ship, and the jungle on the closest isle would make for an easy escape.

Jo Lee and Airia planned their ambush where two islands next to each other formed a straight. The cargo ship was heading there now. The League warship assigned to escort them had sailed around the back of the windward island to scout for trouble. The captain of the escort ship didn’t think it likely, though. These waters were regularly patrolled by the League. He was confident only a fool or a madman would challenge them.

The boys sailed a small skiff out to the middle of a channel to block the warship’s way. Shoals on either side of the channel prevented the larger ship from going around. One boy, flailing his oars and splashing about while the other was tangled in the sheet line trying to get free, were going nowhere fast with the warship bearing down on them.

Loose the mainsail and heave to! ordered the captain of the warship. Helmsman, bring her in to the wind. Let’s see what we have here. The captain could hear the boys shouting at each other.

Need some help, boys? A friendly crewman leaned over the rail of the ship to ask just as Willam managed to pull a slipknot he’d rigged on the halyard to drop the sail.

You idiot! What’d ya do that for? Liam yelled. And, I didn’t go into the drink on purpose! You almost sank us!

Like it’s all my fault! Willam shouted back. If you’d just let me sail this stupid thing, we’d be home by now!

Easy, boys, said the crewman. We’ll see if we can straighten you out, he promised. Where are you heading?

The boys pointed in the direction from where the ship had come. Buckler’s Bay, Liam told him. It was a well-known settlement with a sizable population. The brothers could get lost there if needs be. They knew the town well enough.

Well, maybe we can get you squared away with your boat. Then we’ll send you along. It’s not that far, the crewman assured them. Captain, might we spare a moment to help a couple of sailors in distress?

I think Captain Dillon will manage without us for a few minutes, the captain answered.

And just to be certain it would take much longer than it should, Liam struggled to climb into the little boat bringing plenty of water with him. Hey, what’re you trying to do, sink us? Willam hollered right in character.

* * *

Not far away, on the island they were next to, the youngest Validad was hiding in the thick tropical underbrush. Ginny laughed at her brothers’ antics as she watched through the telescoping spyglass that her father had made for her. The boys were doing an excellent job of getting in the way of every effort made by their would be rescuer. Every attempt the sailor made to help them was stalled by their arguing. Of course, they did it all without it appearing intentional.

Liam and Willam worked very well together when they didn’t have their little sister around to slow them down. This left Ginny with a lot of time to herself. She didn’t really mind being on her own. She was a very intelligent nine-year-old with an active mind, so her conjuring an invisible friend didn’t really surprise her parents. As she grew, though, they’d hoped she wouldn’t need to maintain the pretense. She insisted that her friend, Lora, lived in a cave near the top of the small island where their home was built.

This, however, was not where she was now. Ginny suddenly remembered she had work to do. She was part of the plan. She had been so busy enjoying her brothers’ antics that she had almost forgotten she was supposed to signal her parents. Liam and Willam had dropped their sail. That was their signal to her that the League crew had fallen for the act. It was her job to tell her parents the escort ship was delayed so they could go ahead with their plan to plunder the unprotected cargo ship.

She dashed off into the forest along the path that led back to where the ambush was laid. There was just one ridge to go up and over; about five hundred feet, and she would be on the other side of the island. Ginny made the climb in less than a minute and signaled with a polished silver mirror she carried. Once the signal was given she could take her time getting down to where the grownups were.

Ginny was a special child, her parents knew. Even they didn’t know just how special she was. She knew their thoughts. They didn’t want their little girl ‘getting in the way’. They were only concerned for her welfare, of course. So Ginny stayed by herself watching from above until all the excitement was over.

"Lora, you don’t think I get in the way."

"No Ginny, I enjoy our conversations. But, what your parents are doing is dangerous. I think they’re just trying to keep you safe."

"That’s what they think, too. They wouldn’t think that if I was grown."

* * *

The inhabitable islands that surrounded Big Smokey were known, collectively, as The Ring. No one dared approach the big island.The fear was real. The magic was real and had existed since before the Ring had been occupied. The smaller islands were spread out in clusters surrounding it. They were home to the families of banished peoples left by the mainland wizards over two hundred years ago. No wizards were permitted to escape into exile. And without the aid of magic only the strongest and smartest on the Ring managed to survive.

They formed into bands and built communities. The largest of these was governed by The League of Ship Captains. Smaller groups were considered pirates and privateers. Those who founded The League hoped to one day form a centralized government and unite the people of the Ring.

In and around the islands to the south Jo Lee and Airia commanded a ship with the same hope; to bring peace to them and their neighbors by establishing justice. In an effort to keep peace in their waters, this day, they needed to raid a League ship and take its cargo.

Don’t let them get away, Jo Lee hollered as they pursued the ship sent to bring supplies to an old enemy. "They’re heading for Glenn’s Cove. Bring her about, Airia. We’ll cut ‘em off and force them into the straight." His crew reacted smoothly and swiftly on the sailing ship Swordfish.

The ship they pursued carried a payload of Kendra wood. The hard wood grew only in the northern islands, in the large fresh water swamps. It was used to forge metals because it burned extremely hot. It was especially good for making weapons of steel. For this reason Jo Lee was not about to allow its delivery to the pirate, Captain Glenn, even if it meant taking a League ship.

They’re tacking, Jo Lee. It looks like they’re taking the bait, Airia reported. They think they can outrun us by getting through the channel. She smiled, knowing the trap that awaited them.

You look rather happy to be taking a League ship, her husband teased, considering you used to be one of their captains.

That was a long time ago, she answered. And I would no more allow Captain Glenn those supplies than you would, Sweetheart. Besides, we aren’t going to kill anyone, if we can help it. The plan was to capture the ship, steal the loot and let her go. They’d done it before, just never to a League ship.

Airia grinned mischievously and asked, What about you, any thoughts about stealing from your old boss?

You know I hate it when you remind of that! Jo Lee protested. He was a bully. He still is. That’s why we’re stealing from him. I never would have been anything but a blacksmith if I’d stayed with Glenn. I should never have worked for him in the first place! His blue-gray eyes sparkled and a playful smile parted his lips. On the other hand, if I hadn’t been there to rescue you, he might’ve had his way.

She laughed. I was the youngest skipper in The League. What did I know about the pirate Glenn? And, you loved me the minute you saw me, she chided. You had no choice but to rescue me. She was a striking beauty, slender and graceful. Glenn had been taken by her extraordinary appearance and, being a pirate, he felt his gold entitled him to more than just the cargo on her ship.

And, you had no choice but to quit The League after running off with an upstart young pirate like me, he reminded her with a laugh.

She shrugged now, happily admitting, I’ve no regrets. I love my man. I love my kids. And the South Cluster needs someone to keep pirates like Glenn at bay. She lifted the corner of her mouth in a sly little half-grin, and said, You’ll do, I suppose.

With the Swordfish and a hardy crew of privateers, they stole supplies from other more malevolent pirates in an effort to keep them from getting too powerful. The couple viewed this as similar to what The League was doing in the north; putting black hearted pirates out of business. It just happened that this time The League had backed the wrong pirate.

You realize, of course, they’ll be calling us outlaws after this, said Jo Lee.

She answered with a dismissive smirk, Like I said; no regrets.

That’s it, just a little bit further. Jo Lee whispered. The trap awaiting the unsuspecting League ship was about to be sprung. Now! he shouted. Airia, bring her about. We’ll come up right behind him. He ordered his crew, Swords out, but try not to kill anyone. We only want their stuff. We don’t need to anger The League any more than that.

All at once, ballistae fired on the cargo ship, sending bolts with grappling hooks from the jungles on the banks of the narrow straight. The hooks fell in on port and starboard gunwales, getting tangled in the rigging and slowing the ship. At the same time a thick cable just beneath the surface of the channel caught the keel and lurched the crew forward as their vessel came to a sudden stop.

Surrender your payload, captain. You and your crew will go free, Jo Lee announced from the bowsprit of the Swordfish. They were well within range of the cargo ship’s defenses. Jo Lee didn’t worry. The Swordfish was one of the most heavily armed ships on the Ring. He also had crewmen on both shorelines with weapons trained on the cargo ship. You’re outnumbered Captain, and there’s no reason for anyone to die. We’re only interested in your goods.

Jo Lee was a tall and dashing figure of a man in loose fitting pants for ease of movement. A billowy shirt drawn tight at the waist by a colorful sash accentuated his broad shoulders and cut torso. Tucked into the sash was a plain wooden scabbard for a sword made of a remarkable steel he forged himself. Jo Lee made the strongest, sharpest weapons of steel anywhere on the Ring, and everyone knew him to be the best swordsman. He appeared completely at ease with his arm wrapped carelessly around the forestay, and that magnificent sword playing in his hand. His dark hair was tousled by the wind and his blue-gray eyes sparkled in the sunlight.

Jo Lee Validad, responded their captive. Perhaps you should be surrendering to me, as my escort is just now only moments away.

I wouldn’t count on your mates arriving any time soon, Jo Lee warned. Please sir, just give us your cargo and we’ll set you on your way. No one needs be harmed over this.

The League captain was taking too long to respond. To hurry his decision Jo Lee added, Or, we could overpower you, take your ship and turn you over to the pirate Glenn.

It’s his stuff you’re stealing! the man complained.

Yes, and you without it will give him something besides me to focus his anger. Jo Lee’s smile belied the threat. Glenn was not known to be forgiving and was reputed to serve his wrath to anyone who brought him news of their failure regardless of where the fault may lie.

Very well, sir. The advantage is yours, this time. The captain quickly admitted, knowing what Glenn was like. But, The League Officers won’t quickly forget. You’ll be a hunted man.

Well, if you fellows would learn to deal with a more savory lot, said Jo Lee with a grin, I wouldn’t need to rob you.

* * *

On the coast of the mainland far to the east, a swaying lantern lit the captain’s cabin on the merchant vessel Sea Swirl. Captain Jack Calivan awaited the arrival of his new first officer.

Jack was tall, muscular and fit, in his middle thirties. His short cropped hair was dark with a touch of gray at his temples. He poured over maps and weather charts in anticipation of a voyage to an unknown destination.

Landar, a wizard of noble birth, was due to arrive at any time. The wizard was not the captain’s choice, but was assigned to this mission and given his rank by the Sovereign Atell, ruler in the Realm of Calam.

Although every mainland ship had, in its compliment, a mage of one sort or another Jack wondered why he might need such a powerful fire mage. Powerful wizards had once been used to blast exiled ships out of the water before they could reach the mainland. In recent times, however, that occasion never arose. The islanders were generally smart enough to stay well clear of the mainland. They didn’t need the Realms, after all. It had been at least a hundred and ninety years since the last banishment and the end of the dark times known as the Wizard Wars.

Now exiles were generally thought of as less sophisticated, even primitive because no magic existed among them. Wizards had not been given the option of exile. So, no one of magical potential was believed to exist on the Ring, even to this day.

A sharp rap at the door brought Calivan’s mind back to the present. A young man popped his head in to announce, First officer’s here, sir, reporting as ordered.

Thank you Darby. Send him in. Well, here we go, the captain mused. Let’s hope the crew has more magic to hold them together than the noble wizard has to pull them apart.

Landar breezed into the cabin and let the door slam behind him. He flopped down in the first comfortable chair he came to, and carelessly tossed an envelope to land on the desk in front of the captain.

He was a scrawny looking man with oily straight hair cut to the shoulder. He was dressed in the latest fashion of the Realms, a bright orange and yellow frock, the colors of flame. He wore matching silk pants and a ruffled blouse. He placed his hand made leather boots on the corner of Calivan’s desk and pushed himself back in the chair. A foppish noble brat if ever Jack saw one.

These are your orders, Captain. We are to be under way with the next tide. The crew is not to be informed of our destination until we are at sea.

Calivan looked up from his charts and calmly stood with palms on his desk. He leaned over the snooty wizard and, wearing a kindly smile, he said, Mr. Landar, it is my understanding from the Sovereign Atell that you are assigned to my command and not the other way around. He stared meaningfully at the mage, taking in his posture, his attitude and the placement of his hand made leather boots. Whereby, you will stand in my presence unless you are invited to sit. You will never ever let the door of my cabin slam shut the way it just did. In short, sir, you will conduct yourself, at all times aboard this ship, in a polite and seemly manner. Is that understood?

I…These… My assignment comes directly from…

Is that understood? he repeated with emphasis. Captain Calivan could be quite imposing when needs required. Landar was dumbstruck by the captain’s overbearing confidence. He nodded a quiet affirmative. I am well aware of your assignment, and from whom it comes.

As you know, Captain, the sovereign is my uncle, said Landar, hoping to intimidate him.

And, your uncle has personally assured me that I will be in command of you and this mission. So, let me make this clear. You leave the commanding of this ship to me, and I’ll leave the wizarding to you. Do we have an accord?

Landar’s face was bright red as he got to his feet. It was clear that he wasn’t used to being spoken to in this manner. Certainly, not by one he so obviously viewed as beneath him, one who was, at this moment, towering over him. You should know Captain that I have been chosen for this mission with good reason. I graduated the academy at the top of my class. I am fully licensed in the element of fire and capable of igniting a ship this size with a single action. The boast was intended to impress Calivan. A skill honed to such magnitude was considered by most to be quite intimidating. Mainland wizards normally concentrated their studies in one discipline in order to achieve such power. It was thought to be the best way to fully develop their potential.

Let’s see that it doesn’t happen while we’re underway, Mr. Landar. I doubt that your studies in fire wielding allowed you much time for swimming lessons. Jack wasn’t going to allow him any leeway. He knew that wizards practiced in a single discipline were rarely capable of anything else. Spell crafting was virtually unknown to all but a few since the end of the Wizard Wars. Not to mention, the laws governing your use of magic are designed to protect mere commoners such as myself. Furthermore, many of your noble relatives depend on my shipping company for trade. I’m sure word would get back to them if you were to cause any undue troubles while you were assigned to my crew. He paused to allow the implications to sink in. So, do we have an accord?

The wizard mustered his feelings, squared his shoulders and nodded curtly. Yes…sir, we have an accord.

Very well, said the captain. That will be all, for now. Mr. Darby will see you and your partner to your quarters. It was customary for wizards to travel in pairs. Landar’s partner would be trained in another discipline so they could work together. Generally speaking, if one was trained to attack, the other would be trained to defend. And, while the other was given no rank aboard this ship, he was likely of noble birth and possibly even a friend to Landar.

Calivan paused long enough for Landar to turn toward the door. Then added, Oh, and, welcome aboard. His cheery expression, as Landar eyed him quizzically, was more genuine than the mage could have imagined. Round one to Jack, he thought confidently.

Thank you…sir.

Calivan’s smile grew just a little as his new first officer quietly left the cabin. Well, said Jack with some relief. That went better than I expected.

* * *

Sailing in on a following sea, a mystery came from the east. Airia asked her husband, Have you ever seen a ship like that? They were standing on the bridge of the Swordfish watching the strange ship approach.

It looks like the old style ships that brought the first settlers, Jo Lee told her. We haven’t seen a ship from the Realms for almost two centuries. What’s it doing here?

Looks like its heading right for that League warship, Airia guessed. I don’t think it’ll stand much of a chance, if it’s a hostile boat. The League ship is more heavily armed and...

As the words left her mouth, one of the forward ballistae on the League warship ignited in a spectacular explosion. The crewmen on the deck were scattered. Two of the men, covered in flame, dove into the water screaming. The League ship came about, bringing the second ballista to bear. They fired a flaming bolt into the rigging of the mainland ship. But the fire was quickly dowsed, and another explosion erupted on the League ship taking out her second ballista. Crewmen, now, lay scattered and dying on the deck.

Airia asked, Where did those explosions come from? Jo Lee was watching the whole thing through a spyglass. Did you see them shoot anything?

Their ship doesn’t even appear to have weapons, he answered. The League ship is running. We should try to help them escape. He pointed to another League ship off in the distance. There’s her sister ship. Can you signal her from here?

I think so, said Airia. But I don’t think the mainlanders have noticed us. It’ll give away our position.

I’m counting on that, Jo Lee told her. I wanna lead them into the narrows. It was the same thin channel where they’d ambushed the League cargo ship only days before. Tell that League ship to back off. I want us to be the mainlander’s target. Tell them I want that boat to follow us.

Jo Lee called to his sons who were standing amid-ship watching the battle at sea, Liam, Willam, take the lifeboat with your sister and get back to Hidden Lakes. We’ll be there as soon as we sink that foreign ship.

But Dad, we can help, Liam protested.

No argument boys, just do as I say. And take care not to be seen.

The boys went about preparing the launch while Airia went below for their sister. In a short time the three children were on their way to Hidden Lakes and the safety of their island home.

Jo Lee, in the meantime, swung the wheel around and headed out to meet this strange new threat. The two League ships had moved off as per Airia’s instructions, and the mainland ship was coming for the Swordfish just as Jo Lee had hoped.

He ordered two of his crew, Load the aft catapult with pitch. Then he instructed four more crewmen, Be ready to dump that oil on my command. They were carrying a shipment of oil meant for lamps and furnaces on Buckler’s Bay. He said of the mainlanders, "They like to play with fire, do they?

Airia, take the wheel. Be ready to come about. Jo Lee barked a few warnings up into the rigging so his crew would know what to expect. As soon as he was certain the mainlanders were coming after him, he ordered, All right Airia, come about and bring her close to the shore. We need them to follow us into the narrows. That thin stretch of water should keep the oil from spreading too far.

The wind was perfect. It carried them through the straight on a reach. They were making good time, too good. They were losing the mainlanders. Luff the sails, Jo Lee ordered. We need them to be closer.

As the Swordfish slowed and the mainland ship closed on them, Jo Lee called out, "Now! Spill the oil and haul in the sails. Be ready to let that pitch fly as soon as they’re in the slick."

The oil spread from shore to shore across the surface of the straight. At Jo Lee’s command a torch set to the pitch, and the catapult let fly. The fiery ball touched down just as the mainland ship glided into the oil slick. They wanna play with fire. Let’s see how they like that! said Jo Lee.

Flames engulfed the foreign ship and quickly spread up into the rigging. As the shrouds burned away, the two square rigged masts came down. The sails too, caught fire and brought flames down on the deck, while the oil burning all around the ship continued to work at the hull.

As sailors from the foreign ship were tortured by flame some sought to quench themselves by diving overboard only to find that the oil had spread over the entire surface. The narrow stretch of water kept the burning oil contained between the two shorelines. There was no place to swim that was not covered with flame and the rising heat and smoke was suffocating the crew that stayed aboard.

Do we hang around to pick up the survivors? asked Airia.

I suppose the League can take care of that. I just hope no wizards survive. Jo Lee responded morosely. He looked up at the sky, into the billowing black cloud of smoke. No doubt it would be seen for miles.

What do you suppose they were after? Airia whispered pensively.

I don’t know. But, this better square us with the League. I’d hate to think that everyone was after us; the Realms, the Northern Isles and the League, too. Besides, that was enough oil to keep the city of Buckler’s Bay lit for the winter months. The way I see it, the League will owe us for that. Jo Lee smiled, but he felt no joy. We pretty much saved their butts, and Buckler’s Bay signed their charter last year. They’re part of the League, now. The money wasn’t really what concerned him, though.

He had taken lives before. That never made it any easier for him. The aggressors had forced him to act quickly. He saw no other way but to destroy them. Now, the question remained, What were they after?

Chapter Two

The League Alliance

The next two days saw Jo Lee and Airia at home, preparing for a trip to Trader’s Bay and the headquarters of The League of Ship Captains.

Hidden Lakes was surrounded by a coral reef. It was located in the southern cluster of isles that formed the Ring. There were three mountain peaks and two freshwater lakes. The Validad home was built on a cliff that towered over the first lake. They called it Hidden Lakes because it couldn’t be seen from the sea.

Their home was nestled into the cliff like a well made puzzle. Natural striations of rock that formed shelves and outcrops supported a great room central to the dwelling, with five rooms built like satellites around it. The structures were anchored to the rock and supported by chains and stilts. Connecting stairways and ramps were enclosed with roof and windowed walls. Railed walkways, open to the mild tropical climate, joined a balcony around the great room. A porch facing the lake had a stairway down to a pier where they kept a thirty-foot sloop used for pleasure jaunts and personal business.

The Swordfish was moored now on the second lake, hidden behind a waterfall. They owned equal shares with the rest of the crew. They were elected to co-captain the ship on merit of their abilities. After the battle they’d sent the crew home to spend time with their families.

Jo Lee did what he called his honest work making swords and knives of the highest quality. He also fashioned settings for jewelry and made intricate tools like the telescoping spyglass that was used by many a ship’s captain. He had a workshop set up in a shallow cave with a natural chimney and plenty of room to shelter him from the weather.

Though he made on average only one or two items a month, everyone in the South Cluster knew of Validad steel, and his craftsmanship was well prized. South cluster artisans had a reputation for quality and Jo Lee was among their finest. His limited production made his wares all the more valuable.

We’ll be counting on you boys to look after your sister and keep an eye on things around here, Airia told her two sons. They had gathered in the great room for a family meeting. We’re only going to be gone a few days. Still, it’s up to you to take care of things. And if anything happens to delay us, you know what to do. She had drilled them on every contingency for the past hour.

We’ll be alright, Mom, Liam assured her.

Yeah, it’s only for a couple of days, Willam added. If you’re worried about us, why don’t you take us along?

That’s all we need! exclaimed Jo Lee as he joined them. You two would probably run into that captain you bamboozled, and we’d all end up in the pokey. The brothers laughed at the reminder of their little escapade.

Ginny giggled. You shoulda seen them, Dad. They were so funny. Liam fell in, an’ then he swamped the boat. Willam was hollering for him ta get outta the water. Those sailors thought they’d never get ‘em straight. I was laughing so hard I almost forgot to run up the hill an’ give the signal. Her giggle was infectious. Soon they were all laughing and joking about the League ship heist.

But you did run up the hill, and you did send the signal. And because you all worked so well together, I am very proud, said Jo Lee, still chuckling.

Now, gather around, he said. As you all helped pull that job off, your mother and I have some gifts to give you as your share of the booty. He took three items he’d been holding and handed them out to the children.

For you, my keenest swordsman, he handed his oldest son a sword he’d made especially for the boy, I give you my finest work. He knew his son would handle the weapon well. Already, at his young age, Liam was giving his father a hard workout during their practices.

The blade was slightly curved and polished to a mirror finish. Only the patterns left by the folding of the steel and the clay used in the final heating and quenching, marked it as anything unique. The plain leather wrapped handle was unremarkable but sturdy. It offered a sure and comfortable grip, perfectly balanced and easy to wield with one or both hands.

Liam knew that, properly honed, this steel could slice through nearly anything even as hard as a normal sword. Whoa! Thanks Dad.

It’s up to you to keep it sharp, Jo Lee reminded his oldest son.

Now for you, my young maker of things, Willam was always tinkering with something. Jo Lee often marveled at his second son’s ability with tools. The boy was an absolute genius with mechanical things. Here is a weapon upon which to focus your meticulous nature. See how it works?

It was a compound bow that assembled in three pieces. The upper and lower sections were identical laminated wood, each with a small wheel at the end where the string went around and attached to the opposite side. The centerpiece was a finely crafted flat-spring mechanism that allowed the archer to adjust the tension without affecting the curve.

The three pieces fit into a hard leather case, molded to hold them firm and separate in roughly the same space as an arrow quiver. It was an incredible work of craftsmanship, equal to Jo Lee’s masterwork swords.

I traded my second finest work for that, Jo Lee told the boy, but quickly added, Old Ernie on Shipbottom assured me it was his finest work. Everyone in the South Cluster knew Shipbottom was the island where the best fletchers could be found.

I’ll take good care of it, Dad. Thanks. Willam immediately took the pieces out of the case and fitted them together. Once he knew how it worked, he’d be able to duplicate it in his father’s workshop.

For you, my lady of the most curious mind, we have a book to fill your imagination with wonder.

Don’t I get a weapon, too? Ginny asked.

Jo Lee laughed considering the trouble he’d gone through to get this particular book. It cost him more gold than he’d charge for one of his swords. My dear young lady, I would be remiss in my duty as a parent, were I not to inform you that knowledge is the most formidable of all weapons. He never spoke as a child to his children. Both parents believed their intelligence was reflected in their use of language. Their youngest was particularly good with words. She even claimed that animals used language and did, at times, seem to actually communicate with the wildlife around her.

That book contains maps of all the known landmasses and some that are not known. It has star charts, instructions for navigating, weather charts, histories of explorers, and a really good recipe for duck stew.

Ginny giggled and asked, Duck stew, with celery and parsnips? That happened to be her favorite supper because she only had to clean one pot. She enjoyed helping Ol’ Cookie who worked in the galley on the Swordfish, and he made an excellent stew.

Listen children, this is the first time we’ll be leaving you for more than a day. Airia told them. Can you think of anything you’ll need while we’re gone?

Don’t worry, Mom. We’ll be alright, Liam assured her for the umpteenth time.

We’ll be fine, Mom, Willam confirmed. We’ll take care of things here, while you guys go straighten out the League.

It’s ok, Mom. You don’t have to worry. I’ll look after the boys, said Ginny precociously. The brothers grimaced while the corner of Ginny’s mouth turned up in a characteristic little half grin.

Very well, said Jo Lee. We’ll be back in a couple of days. He gathered his wife and children in one big hug, and said, I’m very proud of you all.

So am I, said Airia. The way you handled yourselves when that mainland ship attacked, I am very proud. Now, if anything strange happens while we’re gone...

We’ll head for the hills, and hide out ‘til you come back. The children repeated her instructions dutifully.

Unless we get a clear shot at sinking one of those stinkin’ wizard ships! said Liam.

We could set up the cannon! added Willam excitedly.

Out of the question! their father retorted. You leave the sinking of ships to the grownups! Is that clear?

Yes sir, the brothers answered sullenly.

* * *

The Sea Swirl heeled over as the wind filled her sails.

On the horizon was a tiny speck, the first visible sign of their destination. The ship had been six weeks out of sight of land. The Outer Islands had been, for almost two centuries, naught but a history lesson to those who studied the great wizard uprising and the purging of the Realms. Calivan remembered those lessons now, from long years of study. His father had insisted that an education in history would make him a better ship’s captain. He’d never dreamed, in those days, that he might one day come to see the Ring for himself.

In those early times of settlement it was told that dangers greater than humans existed. Gigantic lizard beasts roamed the islands. They could run on four legs as fast as the hunting cats of the Mountain Realm. When they stood on their haunches they were twice the height of a man. They were known to have eaten much of the livestock and even some of the settlers.

The first exiles were lawless savage fighters who risked much to clear the smaller islands of such dangers. They formed into bands of marauders claiming territories on the islands that surrounded Big Smokey. Of course, the big island was uninhabitable. It remained, to this day, a navigational obstruction, unpopulated by men. While the cause was a mystery, the affect was well known. Everyone knew to keep well clear of it or the madness would take them.

Captain, Calivan’s first officer, the wizard Landar, called over to him from port side. The isle we’re looking for will be in the lower cluster beyond the first that we encounter. May I suggest a change of course to bring us around, so as not to alert the inhabitants?

Very well, Mr. Landar. Though I doubt they’ll have failed to see us already, Calivan informed him. He turned the wheel to bring their course downwind of the first isle sighted. See, there? He pointed with his chin toward the windward side of the bow. Look there, a small sailing vessel, perhaps a fishing boat or something used for trade between the islands, he guessed.

Landar turned with an airy disgust. He hadn’t noticed the boat himself, though most of the crew had been watching it for nearly a half hour. He stomped angrily up to the captain. How long have you known? He asked, making no attempt to hide his dissatisfaction.

This morning, Calivan shrugged. He makes better time than us. If our charts are accurate he’s heading for the upper islands.

For a moment it looked as if Lander’s temper would flare before he mastered himself and said, It shouldn’t surprise me. This is, after all, not the first such venture sent by the Realms. The islanders must assume something by now.

Calivan knew his orders, but was curious as to how the wizard interpreted them. And, what should they assume, if I may ask?

Lander’s condescending smirk reminded Calivan why he disliked nobles in general and this one in particular. That we are here, by order of the Overlord, to apprehend or destroy any persons of magical potential before they become a nuisance to the Realms, he said, seething with distain, or a threat even to these people, such as they are. He waved the back of his hand in the general direction of their destination.

The wizard’s tone was common among nobles, that they would save these people from a threat that did not yet exist. His answer raised a curious eyebrow on the captain’s face. And have we, as yet, apprehended any of these potentials?

No, the wizard stated blandly. Reports say, however, that we have eliminated several threats.

Threats? said Calivan. He glared at his first officer with a look of astonishment. Begging your pardon, Mr. Landar, but is it not we who are a threat to them? After all, the Overlord had only just taken control of the mainland when these colonies were established. There’s no reason to think that the people here would recognize the authority of our rulers or the rules that govern us.

Captain, you know that we wizards can sense the presence of another with potential for working magic. That is why we are here. These people are breeding wilders. It is our job to protect the Realms. We also have a humanitarian responsibility to the people out here, whether they wish to recognize it or not. Someone has to protect them from the obvious perils of a rogue wizard population. I am certain that our actions are in everyone’s best interest. Lander’s smug reply was purely defensive.

Everyone except these poor young wizards, thought Calivan. I only observe, sir, that these people may have no idea why they’re suddenly being attacked. Calmly, but before the wizard could take a breath to respond, Calivan continued. And, should I find myself, so far from home, surrounded by hostile vessels, I would like to know what might be said to waylay their hostilities.

Really, captain, these people can hardly be civilized enough to mount an organized attack. They probably don’t even know what to do with their magic, how to develop their strength. I doubt they’ll give us any real trouble. He literally looked down his nose at the tiny ship on the horizon. I’m sure you needn’t worry.

And yet, you’ve not been able to capture any of them, Calivan said pointedly.

Truth be known, Captain, we haven’t really tried.

That was the reason the captain suspected. It caused Calivan to grimace visibly as it was what he’d always disliked in the nobilities of the Realms. He hadn’t wanted to believe it, but from the noble’s point of view it made sense. The Overlord would never tolerate rogue mages. His control in the Realms was absolute.

Those born with potential were very rare, and when they came into their power they could be sensed, as Landar had said, by other mages. They either went to the academies that were controlled by the sovereigns or they were drained of their potential, some of which was said to be transferred to the rulers, making the sovereigns and the Overlord all the more powerful.

In some realms, however, it was not impossible for a commoner to make something of himself. With a bit of hard work and enough business savvy to deal with nobility, commoners could live comfortably in Calamport or Merchant Bay, two of the largest city ports on the western coast.

Calivan’s father made a name for himself in the shipping industry. A young Jack Calivan worked with his father and had seen most of the Realms before his thirteenth year. He wanted to follow in his father’s path. So, when he was approached as a potential he happily gave up his powers not realizing exactly what he had agreed to at such a young age.

He vowed never to regret his decision. He realized that a commoner with magic was less likely to attain his aspirations than one without. He would have been trained and instructed to do as his rulers saw fit. And Jack loved his life at sea. His father’s shipping company had grown under his command. Calivan’s ships were the fastest on the coast, and his crews had the best training. He had seven ships where his father had three. So life was good, until the Overlord commandeered his fleet for this ‘mission vital to the safety of the Realms’. Of course, it was promised he’d be compensated generously. But the fact remained he had no choice in the matter.