In a vibrant sky filled with crimson red and metallic grey; a large ship, coated in large royal blue sails, creeps across the mist in the sky, making a sound to rival the quietest whisper.

As the ship moved forwards into the advancing night, it used what little light was left to shadow the cowardly towns underneath it, so that travellers would see a mere silhouette on the plains; its size dominated by the mass above.

The ship, now meandering with the dauntingly huge mist river, waving up and down as it crossed the sky, was slowing down; the destination which it had set sail was nearing and the journey its crew had embarked on was coming to its close.

The ship was a remarkable sight, even for the inhabitants of the planet Tianda. Its entirety built from the finest materials that the planet had to offer, finished with the rarest but most beautiful of trimmings; Mella gem trimmings.

Mella gems; the most beautiful and breathe taking of riches, only ever held usually by those of the grand culture and this; was in small amounts. So the locals new that for something of this size to be trimmed in them would mean one thing, and one thing only, royalty………
Captain Artois had never seen such a pitiful city approach him, crawling on its knees to the Ares Royal Guard. It has been a week ago when he had been addressed by his Queen to guard her; as she travelled to search for a man known as ‘The Speaker’ and now Captain Artois was starting to regret doing this behind the Kings back. Though he didn’t approve of the treachery being caused to his King, it was his job to protect and serve the royal heirs and therefore he couldn’t refuse; for he was the greatest and most loyalist soldier to grace the fine Tianda.

As he walked forwards and bent over the edge of the ship, Captain Tindas could see the waves below him of mist, the Mistmen diving upwards out of the mist, staring in awe before then falling and disappearing into the translucent near opaque mist vapours they now sailed upon.

His attention however was now drawn upon the noise echoing from the crews quarters down stairs , so turning on the spot, Captain Artois marched down the steps, allowing the crisp Red and grey sky disappear into a damp, dark and depressing corridor filled with small cabins and strong smells of vomit.

The commotion was coming from the last cabin on the corridor it would seem as Captain Artois marched, halting at every cabin door to allow his focus to concentrate on the source of the noise. Opening the last cabin door, the captain found the room filled with soldiers all staring at one individual; lying in a pool of vomit, shaking and moaning.

“What seems to be the problem?” The voice sneered with much dislike at the infamous band of soldiers known to be the worst in Tianda. The captain had been given these soldiers due to their incompetence to understand and/or work out what the Queen was up to.

“Everyone, stand straight and focused, ready to answer any orders when your captain approaches!” The voice echoed with an extreme boom, most similar to a mad mans roar of hatred at the people calling him insane.

The group looked feeble and then stood straight, though many only while the captains eyes were over theirs, many collapsing into a hunch when he stopped.

“Soldier Aaron is sick sir, it’s the motion sickness from the waves in the mist…Sir!” The answer had come from a young man, standing so close to the captain that, some could argue, they were connected by the hip.

“Thank you boy, but if you could restrain from arse licking in the future it would be very much appreciated and that includes physically as well as verbally.” The captains retort was one with most utter hatred; why was he stuck with these fools. The boy had not been lying however, the soldier in front of him, sprawled out like an eagle in flight, showed obvious motion sickness symptoms. What good were they if they couldn’t even battle motion sickness?

“You will throw him overboard, the one who does will be rewarded by not also being thrown overboard which is they way the rest of you may be going if I am interrupted once more.” At this Captain Artois turned and left, his point most obviously made and understood, Captain Artois realised this when he heard the great scream echo into the distance some ten minutes later.

Captain Artois was now busying himself ready for the Queens awakening. She hadn’t left her quarters since the ship embarked and the captain was sure to make a positive impression to make up for his negative one at what they were intending to do.

They were now only 10 minutes at most from landing at the shanty towns outer boarders and he knew when they did, trouble wouldn’t be far behind.

Since the recent war it seemed “plain” cities and towns were becoming extremely rough, with a 20% survival rate to those living with in 10 miles of a “plain” city. So he knew he would need to be well prepared and focused if he was to complete this mission with the queen successfully.

Rounding up his soldiers, the captain selected 4 whom he felt were the most strongest and left the others to guard the magnificent ship. Leading his small regiment to the front of the ship, he found his queen, the stunning Lady Sherina.

Once the speech had been given by the queen, informing everyone of their given duties to protect her at all costs while she met ‘her old friend’ and convinced her to fly back with them, they turned and readied themselves for the decent through the mist and into landing on the plains.

As they dropped in height and were emerge by the great mist, the horrible sensation of being soaked in water and drenched with depression came; fortunately this was short lived and they were out in the fresh air a split second later; Slumming town’s gate directly in front of them.

Retreating down the platform now dropped by the soldiers left on board, the queen, captain and his 4 men marched towards the huge gate; left in shadow by the massive ship.

The town was daunting; on entry it was filled with the homeless, lying beside small market stalls they had set up. Many stared at the unusual attire that the queen and her men wore and at the strange way they sort of marched through the long stretch of dusty path as if not phased by such a strange sight; like this was a normal place for the ‘Grand culture’ to walk.

Turning left down the first alley way the soon came to a miniscule hut that had been built, out of place with the huge flats that towered above it. The queen, without knocking entered and the captain followed; his men waiting outside to keep guard.

On entrance Captain Artois’s jaw dropped, in front of him, where he expected a small bed and a horribly ‘plains’ cultured man to be lying was a set of stairs leading down. The queen obviously expecting this strolled down as if nothing was out of the ordinary and the captain, pulling himself together; followed.

After what seemed a decade of walking, they came to a nicely sized room filled with hooded characters all sitting a round a table, in the middle a young teenage girl sat with her legs crossed, staring at the magnificent queen and the dumb struck but faithful captain. Pulling herself up from the table she walked forwards and jumped of the top the table to the floor and addressed the queen.

“You are here because you believe I am the one, are you not?” The young girl asked with out hesitation to a formal greeting. The queen nodded and bent down low, before hastily standing back up and hugging the young girl.

The captain had no idea what was going on, why were they acting like they were in a rush? Why was the queen hugging the young girl? Who was this young innocent looking girl, and who were all these hooded figures, lifeless…maybe one of them was the speaker?

Before anything more could be addressed however a large crash echoed and the sounds of a soldier running down the corridor could be heard; the shouts of Captain Artois echoing around the room.

The soldier burst through the open door panting, a large cut deep in his face.

“Sir, our own men have attacked us, the kings orders, they plan to kill the queen and” The disturbing comments were cut short by a large blade that appeared inside the soldiers head, before disappearing into smoke; leaving the dead body, lifeless on the floor. At once after this disturbing event, 5 things happened at once, the queen swore loudly, figures could be seen charging down the corridor and the hooded men, originally presumed lifeless, stood up and ran of down the corridor, swords drawn.

The captain stood transfixed on the fight now ensuing in the corridor, completely bewildered to what had just taken place. The queen however swiftly moved and closed the door and stared into the captains eyes.

“You will take and guard her with your life, I have hear a letter of instructions explaining everything to you. She knows of her duty to save the kingdoms of our great world and restore faith in democracy. She has spoken to me with in my dreams regarding this. Now go, it is my husband and I will deal with him.” The sentence finished with a extremely unsuitable silence, the captain was so stunned his jaw had physically dropped again. Was this a joke, those soldiers would kill her, what was he to do. She wanted him to go against his king…

“That was an order Captain Atrois, now finish your duty to me and carry out my final orders, then when you succeed you are your kings once more. However I fear the guards will attack you on his orders also, I am very sorry.” The words were so gentle that even the girl seemed to have shown some sort of humanity as she held back a tear.

But before the captain could say his goodbye to the queen he truly admired, a large cry was heard and he and the girl next to him were being compressed into nothingness; the captains screams lost in compressed time and space.

They had come to about 1 mile away from where the ship had been landed, smoke was now pouring from the city, it would seem the soldiers had taken liberty to burn the town to the ground, along with its people, along with the queen…

The queen had used her royal magic to teleport them as far out as she could, the last thing she did before a blade ripped through the door and splintered through her perfectly chiselled body.

Turning in absolute silence, still clutching the letter she had given him, Captain Artois looked at the young girl standing beside him.

“So, what’s your name?”

The young lady looked at Artois and meekly smiled. Bowing and stating her name. "My name is Anei Tejina. I'm sorry what has happened. Please we must be off.. We aren't that far away and can be caught if we linger any longer.." Anei said as she quickly placed her cloak over her shoulders and began to walk away from the city.

Anei didn't know what would happen next, but she did hope that the ones that were with her would be alright. Even though she knew that from now on. This Artois would be the one that she would rely on for support. She just hoped he was as good as the queen stated in her dreams...

Anei watched their surroundings as the mist began a slow drift towards the ground. A misting would occur near sunset and they would need some sort of shelter. Anei was glad that she had been trained for travel in the wastes between each city.

Anei stopped after the sun started to set as a small dip in the ground showed a small indentation. It was almost cave-like and it would be good to stay in for a while. The misting wouldn't last that long. It was a small portion that was nearing the ground. But the now Ship that was sailing close was giving her a bit of a worried impression. "Would you care to rest for the night?? I'm sure that armor gets rather stuffy and heavy after walking for this long..." Anei said as she jumped down the few ledges into the small crevice. Looking around and getting under the small part that was slightly shaded. The red sky was seemingly beautiful at the moment. But it wasn't overshadowing the possible danger that was approching.

A grimace came across Necronic as he stared into the eyes of William Timmis; a young and once good looking man who now showed signs of absolute fear, while Necronics reflected with utter disgust.

The two hooded men sat in a large cathedral, light rica shading in every direction as it filtered through the ceiling windows; the shadow trying desperately to hide. Necronic, sat directly in the centre of this epic scene, the light casting a grave shadow over most of his face leaving only light on his crooked mouth. The seat with which he had acquired was a large golden throne, its steep backbone curling up and fashioning itself into a beautiful angel.

Timmis was shaking so much so the smell of fear could be literally smelt from a mile away, Necronic had obviously picked up on this as his face twisted into an expressionless smile, the wings purtruding from his back lifting slightly.

“You realise that I do not see this as good news, her death is of course exciting and unexpected however if she has made contact with the girl then the plans could be thwarted.” Necronics voice echoed around the room with a glee chill, two personalities combined, that of a man compelled by hysteria and that of a man who enjoys hysteria.

“My lord, even if she had made contact what would it matter, she is to young to know of her gifts or her heritage, she unlike you hasn’t had time to develop and adapt those skills and nor does she even know of your existence let alone your plans.”

“Maybe so, however unlike your worthless self, our kind are able to tune our abilities and make full use of them. On other matters, inform his liege that he will make haste in his attack of the ‘Great Woods’ if he is to make the dramatic effect he hopes. Once we have control of the 4th Kingdom we will be in a much better strategic position while also proving our..His enthusiasm towards this war.” The last words ringed with a patronising tone.

They had been walking for what seemed hours and still they were no where nearer where they wanted to be then when they left off, mainly because they didn’t know exactly where they were heading. Captain Artois had decided they would head as far north as they could before it started getting dark. Then they would set up camp and rest until morning as to avoid the misting, where they would then carry on north towards the great city of Astinbar.

Astinbar was the city of knowledge and the first floating city of the planet. Floating 240ft high on top of the large Astanbar mist lake, this elegant city was known for its prosperous fuel for those seeking grand knowledge. Captain Artois had visited this place on a few occasions also with the King, mainly on business meetings or conferences. However, before they reached this marvellous city and were to explore all it had to offer, Captain Artois needed to know exactly what the queen had left him in writing and to figure out what was going on.

They had come to some sort of crevice which would be fine to mull over the first attack of mist over the lands. Captain Artois hated the mistings, they were cold, gave the feeling of being soaked in depression and Captain Artois hated seeing the foggy figures of the Mistmen fading in and out of sight; plus he couldn’t yet read the queens letter during a misting, for fear it would be ruined. This of course was an added degenerate. They would rest here until the first misting had presented itself, then they would head north more until reaching a ranch inn that were usually dotted around the plains.

Peering over at the girl he could see her marvelling at the beautiful sky. They were directly below a mist stream which allowed the light to flicker through and sparkle on there faces, as if dancing on the mist, all the way to their eyes. However this was short lived as a huge fearful shadow, brought upon by a passing ship on a near by mist river, caused the stream and themselves to be engulfed with a fearful darkness. Could that be the lords searching for them? They would worry about this later, the ship seemed to be following the river without hesitation in an obvious attempt to escape the advancing misting.

The misting had come quick, Captain Artois had felt the heat disappear and within seconds the mist river and stream had faded into one large fog, almost merging into one huge sea. As soon as the cold and depression had come it had gone and the sunlight and red sky with it. They had now been left with darkness, the mist rivers and streams above them barely visible.

Stumbling back up the way they had come, they without word carried on northwards; both seeming determined that converse could wait until shelter had come about.

Just as the light was vacuumed away by the nights sky, they had reached there destination of sleep; a small ranch inn. Before entering through its arched doorway they turned back to stare across the mass plain of baron land they had just walked across; the burning could still be seen flickering in the distance like a shooting star.

As soon as they had opened the door a strong smell of alcohol and nearly knocked them off their feet. The inn was low roofed and covered in a thick smoke that masked the faces of many of its occupants. It would of seemed at first quite strange so many people could occupy a ranch inn that was positioned in the middle of no where; however many of these people were probably travellers like themselves in need of a place to stay.

After paying for their room and with out a last look at the silhouettes drowning their sorrows, they walked upstairs with out hesitation. Pushing the door forwards they admired the beds, the beautiful and glamorous beds that seemed to sparkle with an aura of well being. It seemed strange to think only hours ago he had been in the Ares cabins that was soaked in the smell of vomit.

Still clenching the letter hard in his grasp, Captain Artois pulled off his armour and fell into a heap on his bed, awaiting the answers that would explain all the confusion and thoughts that had been racing his mind for the last two hours. Turning to his side he stared at the young girl who was now under her blanket and closing her eyes ready for a peaceful sleep.

With what seemed like a strange twist in events, Captain Artois felt a sudden rush of understanding for the young girl and decided the letter filled with his queens answers could come tomorrow and he would follow suit and go to sleep.

As his eyes closed and the thoughts swarmed back into his head of the hijacking of the Ares and the burning of the slum city, Captain Artois pulled tighter on his embracing blanket and turned to face the wall. A faint whisper being the last noise he transmitted before drifting into a deep slumber.

“Goodnight.”

By the time Midnight had approached. Anei had fully awaken. She turned slowly to look over the now soundly sleeping Artois and then got out of bed slowly. She walked over to the draped doors and out onto the small balcony. She looked around and sat on the floor. looking into the room and eying Artois to make sure he was still asleep. Anei began to quietly chant and concentrate. A small blue flame emerged in her hand as the shadows around her now danced. they soon however became more than just shadows. Humanoid figures were now sitting around her in a circle and one other was holding her to make sure the blue light wouldn't be seen from above.

She then started her illusion and shadow manipulation drills. Making strange creatures and other things become reality in front of her. Ever watching the man inside the room. She really didn't want to disturb him. but she did know that sometime soon, he would know of her talents.

taking off her cloak and removing the illusions from her back. Anei let her two sets of crystalline wings stretch. She hadn't been able to do so in so long. It was a hard thing to do when people kept doing business with her and her 'fathers' She would now however, miss them greatly. But she also knew that where ever she went. They would be watching from the shadows and make sure that she was still watched. They had become very protective of her. and with good cause.. but that was something not to dwell on when practicing.

Anei kept this up for a good few hours. She stopped and the blue flame and shadows disappeared. She was now definitely tired and the sun would be up in a good three hours time. So she went back in and slowly went towards her bed. Sadly stepping wrong on a board and it creaked under her feet. She jumped softly up and used her wings to get to her bed. there was a slight movement of air. but she was closer to the bathroom now than before. Her wings quickly folded and illusion placed back on as if nothing was actually there. Anei just hoped that Artois wouldn't have awakened in that next moment.

The Mist Stalker was lying low on the mist line. Not at full submergence, as the mist wasn't deep enough in the river delta and she could fall through, but her mast had collapsed and her sails spread over the deck to make her appear like just an eddy in the mist. They were lying low because their target was approaching them, a fat merchantman running on stunsls with the tide.

'Helm, prepare to surface and come about to port broadside.'

Elcid cranked the thruster accuator wheel to direct aim the starboard balast tank so that when they de-presurised to surface, the blow back would manuver them around to port while the crew raised the mast. I would appear to the merchant vessel as if they had suddenly appeared on thier stern out of nowhere.

'Mark!' Exclaimed captain Capella and Elcid hauled full back on the on the elevation levers to blow the balast tanks. The force of the blow pivotted the Mist Stalker around by ninety degrees and Elcid used the rudder to bring it around another 30.

'Well done mister Baretto,' The captain congradulated him on the manuver, 'Run up the mast you laggards! Raise the colour, clear that mist off the deck and get the crews to the guns!'

The captain really didn't have to yell reflected Elcid. This was a pretty standard manuver by now. They had the element of surprise and the Mist Stalker had a veteran crew. The captain reading the look on Elcid's face smiled and as they were alone on the bridge for the moment he explained.

'Of course I know everyone knows thier buisness but it's the look of the thing my boy. They need to count on the fact that thier captain is watching them all the time, that he knows what's going on, and that I'll tan thier hides raw if they slack off even for a second.'

'Sir.' Replied Elcid.

The four pound cannons slamed back on thier traces, each small gun hurrling chain shot wheeling up into the merchantman's rigging, tearing appart the sails that were still fastened to thier cross bars, as yet unfurled. Because the merchantman was running with a tailwind, only thier foreward topsail and stunsls were flying, so any attempt at present to manuver would stall the ship and becalm it.

A second volley tore away the merchant's starboard stunslboom and that was enough to make it's captain lower thier colour. It looked like they had no stomach for a fight today which angered Elcid. He had just got a new batch of refined Crystal mist and had wanted to test the Arquebazooka's new explosive shot against some enemies.

'Remember what I told you...' The captain read his look once again.

'Always give quarter when it's asked.' Elcid responded automatically.

'Very good. Now, bring us alongside and lets be away with the prize post haste mister Baretto.'

'Yes sir.'

The raid went smoothly. The Mist Stalker was gaining notoriety in the region as the ghost ship that came up out of the mist and attacked without warrning, but who would always spare the lives of a ship's crew if they surrendered and wouldn't even steal the full manifest.

True to form, once the merchant ship had surrendered to them, Elcid pulled along side and the Captain went aboard with a retinue to negotiate. They were acting as privateers under the direction of the Thermidor Government to attack any merchant ships doing buisness with the Kingdom of Ares, so they had set up at the river delta which poured into the great mist ocean where they attacked merchant ships either leaving on the Noontide or waiting for the Midnight tide to carry them upstream.

Buisness had been good so far, and they'd only had one ship that had even put up a fight. They'd had to board it, as they were always fighting ships much bigger than thier own, and thier guns were too light to penetrate the armor. Besides, thier own armor was thin enough and if thier secret weapon was hit, they would be sunk. The Mist Stalker was unique in ship design, as far as Elcid was aware, because it featured a mist sealed cabin.

During that boarding, they'd lost three men which they'd had to replace with Plains farm hands who reminded Elcid far too much of himself when he'd first come aboard the Mist Stalker. Far too young and far too nieve and not a wisp of mist in thier blood.

Mist is extreemly dense as will creep into most places even though they are tightly sealed, so the Mist Stalker had a snorkel that it run either above or bellow the mist line, which pumped fresh air into the cabin and forced the mist back out again. It was this system which allowed them to be so successful against much bigger ships, always rissing out of the mist at close range and directly in the ship's for or aft quarter where thier guns could not shoot.

When the captain returned to the bridge with the tribute loaded in the hold, he had Elcid set a course towards thier base of opperations, a small plains village with a small air dock that was a ways out under the mist sea. They were safe from Ares ships there, because of the sea's dept which was too deep for a warship to pass through. Because the larger the ship, the greater the boyancy, an average ship of the line didn't have enough balast to sink through the deep seas to the land beneath, and while a land patrol would eventually be dispatched to stop them, the war was still a sea battle for the moment, and neither side seemed to want to take it to the next level.

All this, meant that the privateer trade was a lucrative one, as they set sail with a manifest full of silver ignots, silk and prime timber. Elcid, for all that he was disapointed he hadn't gotten a chance to use his new weapon was feeling good to be a pirate as he piloted the Mist Stalker towards home at a fair clip.

His sleep had been filled with relaxing images of dancing blue flames, a dream he had not experienced before. He grudgingly got up however in the end, rather groggy, the light was burning through the windows and were piercing his eyes. Stumbling around he managed to get out of the way of the direct sunlight and twisted on his heel to stare at Anei. She seemed to be peacefully asleep and Captain Artois saw no need to disturb her, he still needed to read the letter after all.

However, something else had caught his eye before he was able to open the letter, now sitting peacefully on his bedside table. A piece of parchment nailed carelessly into the wall displayed a picture and the huge words, “Wanted for treason.”

Ripping it off and slumping onto his bed, Captain Artois pulled it closer to his eyes as to read it better.

‘To all who live in the provenance of the Ares Kingdom, you all know that the current affairs between Ares and Thermidor have meant a mass gathering of the armies in the great sea, awaiting the first attacks to commence. Unfortunately the great Ares fleets leading ship was stolen in the night by none other but our queen and the captain of the Ares fleet. This is great treason and all those that have been caught so far have been executed or killed in action for there crimes. Unfortunately the captain is still on the loose and is to be considered very dangerous. However in this case danger can be overlooked, though many of you will be unbothered by such news as the king has neglected many of our slums for so long, a chunky reward has been implemented to any who capture him.

Above is a picture of one of the soldiers who was involved in the queen’s betrayal, lying dead after soldiers managed to detain him from causing further harm to the ‘King’; our prayers to him.

You will find on the back the picture of the captain, or should I say the ex captain of Ares. Use with it as you will, may that be to praise him or to use to hunt him.

Jal Hunter
The peoples news’

Crayton Artois now looked down at his fallen soldier, how wrong he was to be disappointed with them; they had died to protect him and their queen even though higher ranking soldiers had informed them of their treachery. Turning the parchment over in his hands his eyes found his own picture. The once gleaming but dumb founded captain staring him up with him, a smile of false pride.

Crayton Artois wondered if the ranch owners had realised who occupied this very room right now, maybe the smoke had hidden him like the others that night, maybe he hadn’t had chance to read it yet or worse; he had men waiting down stairs. No, he would of attacked when they were asleep otherwise, Crayton reassured himself. Walking over to the window he now took in a breath of the lavender scent that had been creeping into his room, it was a fine day for travelling.

Crayton Artois now addressed his letter and went about reading it, while making sure to open it as discreetly as he could, so not to awake Anei.
The letter was written in the queen’s usual slanted and marvellous style.

‘Dear Captain Artois, if your reading this I can assume my adoring husband has realised I have stolen his prized ship and made of with his most loyal captain. If this is the case then you are with the speaker and you are both in absolute danger…

I should explain some goings on first so that you can fully understand the dangers that await you.

Our democratic world as you know consists of five heads of kingdoms, also known as Kings. This well constructed scheme has been the reason all people of all kingdoms have been able to feel safe knowing that they are being ruled, managed and protected by not one brain, but five. Unfortunately as of recent times however, that has not been the case. With more people moving into the cities on the mist the less people staying to land have been heard. By this I mean, as more money is generated from the mist cities the more our king and others have ignored the rest of their kingdoms.

Though this isn’t a practically nice thing to do, it is the way of the world. You must take the good with the bad. However, not all kingdoms have got this way it would seem only two have been selfish enough to do so. One of those kings, a cowardly man who was only ever in the democratic circle because it gained him support and allowed his country to grow with trade. The other king is my husband, and until recently a loving man. He now however has changed, he like that coward from Thermidor is more obsessed with power then ever I have known him. At first I just accepted people change, but now I know it is something much greater. The tide of war is not one that has just jumped up and come about, do you truly believe that a great king could abandon half his nation and that the other cowardly king could gain supreme knowledge in war tactics. No, this is the work of a far higher power, Thermidors new shadow consultant.

Necronic, as powerful as evil, he is descendant of an ancient race, unknown by many of the people of this world, overlooked shall we say. Similar to the angelic race of man, they share their gift of wings. However this is only but one of a few give a ways of the race of Omega.

He is controlling all affairs in Thermidor, using the coward king ‘Opera’ as his face of power. He is manipulating the kingdoms into a war, a great war; a world war. This war will surely bring about absolute chaos and bet your life on mans arrogance to follow his devious plans. People are to naïve to believe they are being edged on secretly by a man of an ancient race, as funny as that sounds. When he brings chaos I believe it is his plan to bring order in the form of one kingdom, the kingdom of Tindas.

The young girl you are now with, ‘The Speaker’ is someone I have known for the past few months through my dreams. Yes my dreams, she is an Omega also and has the beautiful gift to pass messages on through dream communication. This means however, that Necronic most likely has the same gift, if not stronger. The purpose of Anei is to do two things. One is she is the only person believed to be able to bring back democracy, I don’t know whether that means she is the only one who can actually kill Necronic or put a stop to him, but it would seem likely. The second purpose of Anei is so you can learn more about her race and kind, so you will understand more of how to destroy Necronic, if you were to fail. She could be our last hope so I will hope you will protect her as you would protect me or your fallen king.

I am sorry this has had to happened and I cant explain more, I am writing this as we fly to meet her now, I feel numb, I believe I am going to be unable to see my husband again, I fear this possessed demon is all he is know. Or maybe he was always that person and love blinded me so I could not see his true colours. No, I shouldn’t think that, I wont let myself.

Aaa. We are here, Take good care Crayton Artois, the true Captain of Ares. I shall see you in the after life. Love your Queen.’

The last word was now blotched in a rebellious tear who had managed to skydive from the end of Craytons nose.

Stuffing the letter into his pocket and standing up straight, Crayton Artois marched over to his armour and picked it up. Though a large chunk was missing from his abdomen it didn’t matter, because he could hold his head high for now, the last words of the letter still ringing in his head, pumping adrenaline and energy, coated in enthusiasm and hope into his body.

The armour gleamed in the light, reflecting its rays as if proving itself to its master how defensive it can be when needed. The Ares symbols encrested on the shoulder pad however was scratched somehow, maybe shadowing the tainted kingdom. Crayton however would not leave his kingdom however, he still had faith in his kingdom even if the king had changed his ways. He was the true captain of Ares after all...

But within seconds it had be coated in a shadow and looking up Crayton found Anei looking up at him, awake.

After the long silence had subsided, Anei reached for her things and got up, attempting to get ready to go. She had also seen the parchment however and walking over began to read.

Captain Artois, readying himself for her response, stalked the room for his non-matter sword, he always seemed to loose it; and if there were bounty hunters waiting downstairs, he would surely need it.

A sigh escaped her mouth as she turned. Anei looking straight into Artois' eyes. "So.. It begins..." was all that Anei said as she placed her cloak over her head. Before seeing the Ares Symbol on the shoulder plate and knew that that would be one way to identify him. "Would you like me to mask that?" Anei pointed to the emblem as she got closer. Moving her head out of her hood slightly. Her clear Amethyst eyes almost glowing in the sunlight. They were filled with kindness and yet.. worry. They had alot to do and they couldn't have anything go wrong right at the start. But it was his decision. She did know that she could make the emblem disappear or change to something else. Only a thought was needed.

Just as she knelled down beside him, Anei stood straight up as a knock at the door sounded. She stood there but said nothing. Her eyes were closed. But her shadow wavered. It moved swiftly towards the door and after a few seconds came back. A low voice was heard as a thankful sigh had escaped Anei's mouth. She spoke at the same time as the inn keeper's wife. that if they wished, breakfast was being served to all guests currently.

"Don't worry. They haven't the clue who you are.. Or so the inn Keeper's wife has no inkling to this matter..." Anei said softly as her shadow was still slightly not following Anei's real movements.

"But I think we should just get some provisions and leave..." Anei stopped short and looked back at Artois a bit perplexed. "By the way... Where are we headed to first?" She asked as she sat on her bed as her shadow had come back to being fully normal once more.

The Mist Stalker's secret port was a week's sailing from their hunting grounds at the river delta and they had a favourable crosswind the whole way, letting them cruise at seven knots with only half thier sails set. The mist waves rolled soothingly, and after Elcid's watch on the third day Captain Capella called on Elcid to have dinner with him.

'What do you think of this vintage?' The captain asked him. Elcid could only shrug.

'Very red sir.' He replied which made the captain howl with laughter.

'Weren't you going to be a buttler or something tedious like that in your early years mister Baretto? A buttler has to know his wines.'

'I ain't no buttler sir.'

'Infact, this wine tastes much like cat's piss, but what can you expect eh? It's been stored pourly and the mist's got to it.'

'Tastes alright to me sir.' Elcid shrugged. It didnt' really taste like anything, his sense of taste was nearly gone from breathing the mist fouled air in the lower cabins as a boy.

'Yes, well I suppose you can lead a mule to culture but it will still be an ass.'

'I don't get your meaning sir.'

Again the captain laughed. 'Right then, to buisness which is why I really called you here tonight. It's the matter of all this loot we've got pilling up back home,' (home being the secret port, the ship was the pirate's real home) 'the warehouse is getting full and there's no safe fence within a month's sailing in favourable weather. If we had to spend two months each time we take a prize fencing the goods we'd as soon quit the privateering trade and go back to straight pirating.'

'Very true sir.'

'Yes. So I wonder if you have any ideas on the matter?'

'Well sir, seems to me there's a safe fence not a hundred miles from home sir, safe for any ship but the Stalker sir. She's too well known now cause you keeps insisting we lets everyone go once we rob 'em.' Replied Elcid with a hint of sarcasm in the last part.


'I'll ignore your insolence because you're a bloody good helmsman mister Baretto. Do continue in this line of thinking.'

'It's obvious sir, the next time we come across a brig or even a flute preferably, we take her as a prize, maybe blast a couple holes in her side to make her look like she's seen a hell of a battle and we take a few of our boys and a few of the plains lads who's been itchin for a chance at sailin the mists and we sail her right into Astinbar, sell the goods for a killing cause it's nob central and we got a load of silver and silks, maybe hire a few more good sailors from there, then we come back and do it again till the warehouse is empty.'

'That's nonsense.'

'Sir?' Elcid says taken aback. He thinks it's an excellent plan.

'A trick like this could only work once at the most and there's the prisonners to deal with and then there's the problem that whoever I send I have to trust to come back again, and I know for a fact that there's no one in this crew I could trust to bring everything back. The only thing to do is to divide the crew and have them take thier share in the bounty with them. So, you want the job Elcid?'

It was the first time the captain had ever called him anything other than Boy or Mister Baretto.

'Sir?'

'Want to try your hand at captaining? The offer is open to you if you'll take it. I have plenty of men waiting to take your place. We'll take the next ship prize, offload the crew that won't accept your command, and there'll be some that'll join you I'm certain, for the right price and you can have Winslow, Dekar and Harkson.'

The captain held out his hand across the dinner table to Elcid, who grasped it almost without a second thought which made the captain smile. The truth was, that the captain was getting old and knew he had to be rid of the Ambitious Elcid Baretto before the youth challenged his leadership, but the Captain believed that what was good for others was also good for him. By unloading the trouble makers in his crew to Elcid he would be keeping himself strong without having to spill a drop of blood, and Elcid would believe he had been done an enormous favour.

'Crows nest said they spotted a sail to the south not an hour ago.'

'That's a favourable direction to give chase sir.'

'Then let us give chase.' Said the captain standing from the table and placing his ridiculous red hat on his head. 'And Gods willing, by sunrise tomorrow I shall address you as captain mister Baretto.'

Elcid couldn't wait as he took the helm from the second watch and came about towards his destiny.

Clayton Artois stood rigid, what power was this he had just witnessed? Was this some of the ancient power of Omega? He wasn’t sure but didn’t feel like he need find out, though the maid was safe, the countless head hunters probably eating downstairs was not something Artois wanted to deal with.

“We will move now, we are heading to Astinbar, there we shall indulge ourselves in some history lessons at the great university for as long as we can before anyone notices us. Once people have seen me, there will be soldiers left, right and centre. Now get ready, I have a feeling there are a few head hunters downstairs, if they recognise me then were going to be in for a bloody afternoon. Its of my opinion that its too early for blood, gore and violence.” The speech sounded strict and already Artois could feel himself being his normal self again, planned and controlling.

Once they were ready to go, Artois opened the door and they set off downstairs, he had his helmet on now so his face was masked, his shield at the ready for any close ranged attacks. He knew on entry he had given away who he was, anyone from the honour guard was recognisable from a mile away and it was the mask that gave that away. All members of the kings honour guard wore a full face helmet unlike normal ones, They all had a sort of creature look to them. His was that of the crinatour, a large metal beak and two bending horns. He looked evil and powerful, which was possibly why people hated them. They were known for being ruthless up holders of the law, showing little mercy.

Marching as if he hadn’t noticed he guided Anei through the door and out of the ranch inn. He was sure as they left he saw a head hunter stand up, a sword drawn.

“I believe I just saw a head hunter, if he attacks me stand back and allow me to handle it, I do not want anyone knowing of your powers yet, if we publicise them then we will have even more trouble on our hands.” Artois stated, his voice sounding far more notorious now it was behind the metal mask.

However, before either of them could show signs of understanding a scream could be heard, ripping through the morning air, followed soon after by a huge clank of metal.

Artois managed to deflect most of the blow from the oncoming head hunter, eyeing his enemy in the eye he could see he was a keen warrior, scars covering most of his body and a skull white face. As he lunged again at Artois the blade ripped through the air, directed at his chest. Lifting his shield with might and some what ease, Artois managed to deflect the blow by hammering down on the blade with his shield. He then instantly took his chance to counter by back handing the hurtling man in the face with his shield. The crimson blood varnishing the floor, reflecting beautifully in the light. Pulling himself up the head hunter took another swing, this time attempting to take the head of Artois. Reacting instinctively, Artois managed to twist on his heel and backing his shield with his weight he managed to once again deflect the mans oncoming attack. The head hunter wouldn’t give up that easily though and withdrawing a second blade he began a violent frenzy of swipes and lunges at Artois’s neck, body and head.

Dodging and defending each of the attacks, sometimes countering by backhanding as he did before, using the shield as a sort of knuckle duster Artois finally made a more progressive attack.

The shield which was actually a close combat weapon also, as it had serrated and razor sharp edges, so making a 360 rotation, his arm stretched out wide, he managed to smash his attacker full on in the face, the shield crushing into his skull like butter, the man had received the serrated edge. The attacked, now bleeding in pints all over the shield had fallen to his knees, only involuntary actions of blood loss and shaking being made by him. After what seemed a while but was merely a second or two, Artois slowly pulled his shield out, making sure to saw further into his skull as he did so. After withdrawing his shield the attacker fell face first into the floor at Artois feet. The blood was still dripping from his shield and was now starting to create a rather large pool at his feet.

Turning and signalling Anei to follow his lead they set off towards the large city now floating in front of them about 5 miles away. It looked like a huge palace floating on the mist, because it was a huge palace floating on the mist,

The city of Astinbar, a city of knowledge, known to be one of the first cities built on a mist lake. It contained nearly every record of anything that had happened in the planets history to date and was filled with three types of people. Scholars, rich elegant grand class citizens or soldiers, so they would have to make sure they were rather discreet if they didn’t want more of what had just happened to have an encore.