2

John Brady sat with his brow furrowed over a slew of documents he had received from King Wellturn. War had been being waged with South Triarch. He was due at the King’s court along with Prince Brandesh, the King’s son. A meeting with the king only left John Brady thinking, “To what do I owe this great honor?”

Brandesh sat, quietly puffing on his pipe, and listened while John Brady explained that they would be meeting the King.

The battle at Farcoast had cost the West much, and it was believed a new deal for peace could be brokered with the South.

“I hope I’ll be in good shape for the King’s court, I’ve been away in Towinia and it interests me how I’ll deal with the regalia.”

“Best we finish this Navory tobacco I have and head off to bed, it will be presumed that we are mannerly in the King’s court.”

Brandesh walked into his room and after slipping out of his clothes and plunged into a steaming hot bath that a servant had created for him. John Brady did likewise, back in his room, lathering under his arms and also all of the rest of his body.


The next morning all was clear and a new day shone on Sealcrest, the Empire’s capitol. Court was a splendor of ribbons and fine clothing that boggled Brandesh’s mind with the cost.

“Greetings, my son.” The King said.

“I hope all is well with you father.”

“All is well, but I trust you understand the seriousness of the peace we are choosing to have you broker. Know this, your life could be put into peril. I am choosing to anoint you with this blade, it has served me well, and now I wish it upon you, son.”

Brandesh kneeled and the king placed the blade on his shoulder gently, left, then right, and said, “You are my boy, and now you shall forget your times in the dungeon, and build a new life.”

“I will do my best father.” Brandesh said.

“It’s about time you became a knight, Brandesh.” John Brady said.

Things knightly were of little interest to Brandesh. However, Brady knew the joys and delights of being a knight, and was eager to see Brandesh’s transformation.

“Busy thinking of your gambling?” The King joked, and the small court laughed. There were three beautiful girls in the crowd, Melanda, Ralilae, and Persephanie. All were under the fair watch of good King Wellturn, along with other nobles. Brandesh had run into them in the kitchens and halls of Castle Norah and had always been enamored with them, but lacked words to communicate.

Brandesh simply smiled at the King’s joke.

“I trust you also brought your pink crystal? It will be useful to you I think.” The King said.

“Yes father, thank you.”

“Know that I love you.” The King said, “You will do fine on your mission.”

And with that the two nobles walked off into cheery daylight, towards a fast corsair the King had picked out for Brandesh and John Brady to ride quickly to Navory and meet up with Captain Lancass. A meeting between John Brady and his old friend Captain Lancass, as fierce a sailor as there ever was, interested Brandesh. Would the two get along well? Brandesh wasn’t sure. But he was excited to go to Navory.
Navory was a city of woods and fine crafts, made all the more interesting by thriving grape and tobacco farms. Brandesh still had some Navory tobacco from the last expedition, with the trolls, but was eager to replenish his stock of the fine smoke. Brandesh was always a bit of a troublemaker, and was given to the unfortunate habit; that the three separate characters, John Brady, Master Winthrope and he shared.


The corsair sped them along the Sea of Sorrows southwest towards Navory. John Brady and Brandesh felt pangs of sea-sickness, traveling on large body of water wasn’t easy for the two. They eventually arrived in Navory unharmed.

Captain Lancass was waiting as they ran out on the docks, and embraced Brandesh with a bear hug and shook hands with John Brady. Captain Lancass was known for his pats on the bottom, but he didn’t give any pats on the bottom that day.

“Shall we head to the tavern, boys?” Lancass said.

“Certainly, but first I must go the market.” Brandesh said.

“I know the need well.” Lancass said.

The three were greeted by the sights and scents of a bustling market, rich with trade. It was a Navory marketplace, with children running down the streets and fine spices and silks being sold. A boy sold perfumes out of a sack. A young woman playing a recorder danced, clothed in the sparse clothing of the South, playing a mysterious melody.
Everything was going as planned, Lancass would depart with his crew, John Brady and Brandesh in the morning. “Best we get off to the inn, and get some rest.” Brandesh said.


At the inn, called the Jade Moose, they ate a meal of bread, mutton and stew, and indulged in the plentiful fine wine that the city and land surrounding was known for.
The most interesting thing occurred the next morning. Both men were awoken by several maidens clothed in communal garb; which included silk camisoles and fairy wings made of silk. They were sent as a present from Captain Lancasse to heighten the typical breakfast in bed ritual which had been customary to the Navory settlement for years. It was his way of making the men feel comfortable before they headed out to sea for the twelve day voyage that lie ahead. Needless to say both men were quite amused at the experience. Brandesh loaded his pipe full of his new Navory tobacco and took two long puffs before passing it to John Brady.

“This is without a doubt the best breakfast in bed in all of the lands. Thank you Captain Lancass!” Brandesh exclaimed.

The men quickly got dressed and armored and rushed to the sea port with the swiftness of a mountain goat. This time it was Brandesh who greeted Captain Lancass with a bear hug. To make the scene more interesting John Brady followed Brandesh’s lead and gave Captain Lancass and equally intense bear hug. The Captain smiled inside knowing his gesture had paid off.

“I see you two men are ready for sea!” said Captain Lancass.
“Indeed sir, indeed,” said Brandesh.

Brandesh and John Brady boarded the massive vessel and were soon greeted by first mate Brooks with a lock of curly hair over his forehead and a glint in his eye. The glint caught the attention of both men. Next, Brooks invited the men into Captain Lancass’ cabin.

The interior of Captain Lancass’ cabin can only be described as nautical elegance. The entire room was decorated with finely polished wood floors and a smoky air as Captain Lancass sat on his chair puffing his pipe.

Brandesh, Brooks & John Brady took the pipes they were offered from Captain Lancass.

“Getting your sea legs, boys?” said Captain Lancass

“We are as comfortable as the finest sea gulls are with flapping their wings.” Jokingly said Brady.

“Well off thee to a monastery and shall ye declare thine white doves!” said Captain Lancass, also jokingly. The men sat around for a few minutes until Captain Lancass had to leave to begin captaining the ship. “Brandesh, make use of your time on board wisely. Familiarize yourself with the ship and your shipmates. We will be at sea for a minimum of 24 days.” Said Captain Lancass.

“We run a ship, not a laundry crew!” said Lancass.

“Aye, aye Captain” snapped Brandesh. He thought to himself, had Captain Lancass forgotten the many years of Admiral training Brandesh had under his watch. He also wondered about Master Winthrope and what he was doing right now.

That day Brandesh took the Captain’s advice and began to familiarize himself with the ship and its shipmates. He practically met everyone and knew what everyone did over an admirable six hours. John Brady was also making his rounds and finding out who the good and bad crew men were. John Brady preferred this method so he could cipher out which shipmates he would consult with while at sea. By suppertime both men were well armed with stories of discovery and insight.

Afterwards both men began reviewing plans to negotiate the peace treaty in the city of Southwish, the capital of South Triarch, and consult with their King about why the two nations warred. John Brady practiced fencing, while Brandesh practiced magic. Both men knew that their peace treaty would be met with grave opposition, as Southwish was eager to go to war. Brandesh and John Brady also began to think of causes for wanting war in the first place.

“It is because of the dolphins in the Bay of Sorrows” said John Brady, jokingly.

“Naye, it is because of the trade and who controls the seas.” Said Brandesh.
“You are very wise young lad. Let us take break for the moment and indulge in tobacco smoke.” Said John Brady, passing Brandesh a pipe.

“I believe this strange variety of Navory tobacco has me in a tizzy. I’m worried about the meeting with the King of the South, but I’ve heard his wife is all the more stunning, bedecked in emeralds and diamonds.”

“Rest your weary heart, Brandesh, for this variety has a more relaxed air.”

“How do you think we should approach a meeting with the King and his beautiful wife?”
“Simply be yourself and hope for the best.” John Brady said.


The voyage was full of both mysterious rocky seas, and wondrous endless views of the horizon, but went as planned and the men were summoned into the King’s court immediately upon arrival at Southwish.




3

“Goodbye and merry travels until we meet again dear sir,” said first mate Brooks.
Brooks then startled everyone in sight by running up to John Brady with an enamored bear hug. It was clear after days of being at sea, all of the men were weary with travel.
“Off to better plans. I say we depart now.” Said Brady.

And with the snap of a finger and a long draw from his favorite tobacco pipe, John Brady and Prince Brandesh began their direct summons to the King’s Court. The men were seemingly traveling on air as their regal transport crew travelled swiftly onto the Palace grounds. At the Southwish Palace entrance the regal crew came to a sharp halt. Awaiting the distinguished Westerners, appeared a servant named Milan. He took them to their quarters where they would await the company of his Majesty, The King of Southwish.

After the men had gotten settled into their bunks, they stripped and jumped into two hot baths. Both men began to lather their soap under their arms. The bath was hot and refreshing and calmed Brandesh’s weary soul. John Brady wondered what all the fuss was about. Here they were just two low-ranked noblemen, trying to solve a problem.
The King of Southwish, King Shagdar, was a finely dressed, stately man with a short beard. He wore a heavy turncoat, red with white fur, and an emerald ring on every finger. He personally collected the two Western men and invited them inside his private study chambers. He then took both men with him to meet the court of Southwish. Confetti flew about along with ribbons dancing in the air as the finest hosts were aimed to please their Western guests. The Queen of the South, Tri-na was bedecked in green emeralds and white diamonds, wearing them despite it being early in the day. The silk fabric of her gown seem to float across the room as she greeted the King and other men.
Brandesh was impressed with her beauty. Brady was in awe of the spectacle.

“Gentlemen, may I present Our Lady, The Queen Tri-na, of Southwish!”

“Pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Said Brandesh.

“The pleasure is all mine.” She said in a heavy, Southern accent. Her olive skin seemed to summon daylight. Her green eyes seemed to glimmer along with the emeralds sparkling in the sunlit room.

“What brings you to my land, while our nations war?” Queen Tri-na said. John Brady listened to the comment, he was a kind man and not given to rudeness, and was a good friend to young Brandesh. He thought perhaps the Queen can grant some insight into why the nations couldn’t form a peace treaty.

“We wish you no harm, and wonder why your King keeps the war going.” John Brady said.

“The war generates diamonds.” The Queen said.

“While I am impressed,” Brandesh said. “We wish for no more bloodshed.”

The King then said “Be off with you, we wish you never had come to Southwish.”

The Queen said, “But why?” It did no good, the men were ushered off into their own quarters.


That night, as John Brady and Brandesh prepared for sleep, a figure emerged in the men’s rooms. It was Queen Tri-na, this time looking just as beautiful without her jewelry, her tan skin highlighting her frame as she played a melody on a recorder. The melody was distant and strange somehow, stuck in a minor key, a melody of a love of sorts. Her body seemed to be hiding in the shadows as she played.

Eventually, John Brady said, “To what do we owe this pleasure?”

“I wish to speak to you about forming a treaty with The South. I believe we can do it with my help.” The Queen said.

“And how will you do it?” John Brady said.

Brandesh chipped in and said, “Yes, how shall we accomplish this?”

“My husband has not been one to care for The West after the way your father, the King, accidently upset him at a Court Ball. He was a bit too drunk and got involved in an argument of sorts with your father, though the insult was not known to him, your father greatly disgraced my husband. He was humiliated at court.”

“I have heard this story, from my mother, Queen Semanthia,” said Brandesh. “And know that it was mere accident and no harm was intended on your husband, King Shagdar.”
John Brady said, “It’s nothing to worry about, perhaps you can cull the King into your way of thinking?”

Brady had dealt with strange minds before. He knew that almost always all a person needed was a calm voice, to get their mind on track.

“I just don’t know what I’ll do,” said The Queen in frustration. She looked absolutely stunning in her diamond tiara and exotic garb. “My husband is a good man and leads the armies of the South well, but wants to control the Sea of Sorrows, not share control with the West.”

Brandesh said, “Perhaps some tea might be in order to calm our spirits, I will go make it.”

Meanwhile John Brady and Queen Tri-na sat in conversation.
“So how many children do you have with the King?”

“Three. We have three children, my husband married me later in his life.”

“Do you plan to have any more children?” Said John.

To which the queen replied, “No, not unless the seven stars allow for it.”

John Brady began to puff on his pipe, and seeing that they were in a casual meeting Brandesh jumped in with the tea, also smoking a pipe.

“Is that Navory tobacco?” The Queen said.

“Indeed. Would’st thou care for a puff?” John Brady said.

“Wonderful.” The queen said, exhaling the smoke. “Your manners are exceptional, John Brady, however we have matters to discuss.”

“What can we do to persuade your husband?”

“I have an amulet that was given to me by a priest once, if you wear it, you will find it makes your company quite agreeable.” The Queen said, handing Brandesh a small locket on a fine chain.

When Brandesh picked it up, he felt a strange warmth come from the amulet, and knew it was some sort of magic at play. As if reading his mind, the Queen said, “I am no stranger to magic, did you forget I am a woman too, as well as a Queen?”

Not all queens were given to magic, as the magic and ruling a kingdom were two different things, but just then, Tri-na let out a white shower of light from her hands. “Impressive,” Brandesh said, summoning a flame-whelp to show her his skill. All the Queen could do was laugh.

“A male-caster, how unusual.”

“I am honored to be in a presence such as yours.” Brandesh politely said, withdrawing the flame-whelp.
They spent the night, swapping stories and plotting the treaty for peace. A servant brought up papers for the proposition for peace to be laid out on. Just hours later, they were ready for rest.
Brandesh and John Brady took out their pipes, and plunged into the hot Bathes servant Milan had to offer. “I do say this is a delight, to enjoy a smoke after planning for tomorrow. I’ll be up, have no doubt.” Brandesh said.


After waking and dressing the two men walked to court. The sun shone through the rafters as the open pillars on the ceiling allowed light in.

Brandesh bowed to the King, and John Brady did likewise. The two men rose at ease and awaited the King’s words.

“Good day gentlemen! As you did not come all this way to waste my time, let’s turn our attention to the matter at hand.” Said the King.

“You have one chance to make your proposal to me with regard to making peace in the land over the Sea of Sorrows. As you know Southwish is a valuable port to our Kingdom. It is essential that we maintain rule over our precious port and surrounding sea lands. I am told that you were able to negotiate the freedom of two townswomen from trolls. I am also told you were able to convince Captain Lancass from Navory to act as your steward to our great land. All of these things are impressive. As a result I will be your audience.”

Brandesh noted that a strange light was emitting from the amulet while the King spoke. In the King’s private chambers, the King was enthralled as Brandesh took out the pink crystal. With the pink crystal’s power he summoned five dire-wolves, to which the King was held aghast. And then Brandesh spoke to the King.

“You will sign this peace treaty! As you can see I have the power to destroy your entire land with the promise of over a thousand dire-wolves and a million water pups, that may be summoned in an instant, with the power in this crystal, given to me by the Elf Queen.” Said Brandesh.

Again the amulet began to glow, releasing a warmth that seemed to surround Brandesh and the King simultaneously. The King looked up teary eyed and said, “I have three children and I want them to live in a peaceful world, but your father and I can never speak.”

“Wipe your eyes old man, for I have decided you will speak to my father, after signing this treaty, you will accompany my party and I back to Castle Norah on Captain Lancass’ ship. Am I making myself clear?” Brandesh said.

“Yes, yes, I will go along with you and help make peace.” Said the King.

The amulet began to dim, the crystal began to lose its brilliance and the dire-wolves seemed to fade away. “Now that we have peace, how would you like some Navory tobacco?” Said Brandesh.

The King mysteriously took and smoked from young Brandesh’s pipe with sheer delight. All the while the amulet would emit a warm glow in intervals between the two men’s conversation. The King was completely unaware that some sort of his wife’s magic was at work. Brandesh wondered if the King would ever catch on. He knew he had better not remove the amulet until after the peace treaty had been officially drafted and signed, and peace in the lands flowed.

The King’s sendoff from the Kingdom of Southwish can only be described as memorable. The Queen played a delightful tune on her recorder. The courtiers put on a display of ambience and ambrosia. The three men, Prince Brandesh, Knight Brady and King Shagdar, headed to the Marina. The King was clothed in a fantastic purple robe while John Brady and Brandesh wore tunics.

“All aboard,” said Captain Lancass.

Interestingly enough, the glint in First Mate Brooks’ eyes seemed to glimmer in rhythm with the light of Brandesh’s amulet. They immediately stepped into Captain Lancass’ smoky cabin, and began to talk.

“It seems you’ve brought a King to my ship boys,” Lancass said, “I didn’t know you had it in you.”

“I am honored to be in your keep, and will do my best at performing my sea-duties.” The King said. All the while the amulet glowed.

Captain Lancass was simply bemused by the whole scene.

Later on, the two men, Brandesh and John Brady, sat illuminated in a bright red sunset, puffing on their pipes, and enjoying the view. “What could be more beautiful, Brandesh.” John Brady said.

“I know not, fair John Brady, I know not… Perhaps some tea?”





4

First mate Brooks’ locks were flowing in the wind from the gentle sea breeze. Inside the stately ship the King Shagdar was getting settled into his lavishly provided cabin. The cabin was adorned with the finest cherry wood, trimmed in marble stone, including the floor of the massive two man sized cabin. It included an upper loft area for sleeping, with its own private bath. The lower level was completely furnished as a study, dining area and living room. This was considered the regal cabin reserved strictly for foreign dignitaries aboard Captain Lancass’ ship. The cabin also included concierge service and staff of four shipmates to accommodate all needs of King Shagdar. All the while the green amulet continued to shine.

Brandesh sat with John Brady discussing an important matter of the ship. “How much longer can we hope that the magic of this green amulet will last?” Brandesh politely said to Brady. “Well for all of our sakes let’s hope it lasts long enough for both Kings to sign the newly forged peace treaty!” Exclaimed Brady.

“The trolls were one matter, but seeing King Shagdar being transformed from a cruel master to a gentle servant, has me on the edge.”

“We have had stormy seas many moons before, why all of the sudden the lack of understanding and belief in your magical mastery?”

“One day you will know the pressure of having such power on your shoulders, it is a heavy weight, but nothing that can’t be handled with an ale.”

“We best be off to bed with a sea bath.”

“Naye, first we shall smoke some Navory tobacco and drink two pints of ale along with our shipmates.”

“Heavy conversation warrants spirits.”

Both men walked forward as they went to the cabin’s mess hall to drink ale and smoke tobacco with First mate Brooks and the rest of the crew. After a few hours of merriment both men retreated to their bathes and beds. For, they knew the importance of maintaining order when at sea.

“Seven more days,” said Brandesh. Next he clinched both the amulet around his neck and the pink stone in his hand. He began to rub each object slowly as if petting them. He then closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning the most magnificent sight met the crew of Lancass’ ship. A mountain of coral stood out slightly just passing their view, hidden along the horizon. Coral does not usually grow above the sea line, but somehow a large mountain of coral stood upon the waves, lobsters crawling and battling upon it.

“Tis’ the Sea-Mount of Tilbar.” Lancass said, as if reading Brandesh’s mind on the crew deck.

“They’re beautiful said Brandesh,” referring to the blooms of coral he could see.

“Not much of a place, it’s a famous jewel of the sea, but serves us no purpose.”

King Shagdar then appeared in his splendid purple robe and shouted, “I love the sea-life, and can’t wait to meet your father Brandesh.” All the while the amulet still glowed, hung from Brandesh’s neck.

“Care for some Navory tobacco?” Brandesh said.

“You know what, yes.” Though the King was normally resistant to new things, while the amulet glowed, he was as kind as a babe.

It wasn’t like the king was confused, he just had a change of mind as he saw it; when it came to the defending his land and what sort of booty might be plundered in an offensive. He was well trained in military tactics. He smoked from Brandesh’s pipe with sheer delight; a grin covering his face. The amulet had appeared to change his mood too.

“I saw the Sea-Mount of Tilbar this morning, a fine asset of my fine nation, and my home in Southwish.” The King said.

“Dear King, we will serve you well on your journey to the kingdom.” The King took one drag again walked to his private chambers.

“Weird guy.” Whispered Brandesh to Brady.

“It’s the amulet.” Brady replied.

“What’s this amulet you’re wearing? You’re not usually given to jewelry Brandesh.” Lancass asked.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” Brandesh said. “A gift from the queen… she really was a lovely lady.”
“Well it’s a bit unfashionable for a man to be wearing brooches!” Lancass guffawed.
“Perhaps you should get used to the sight of it for now,” Brandesh said. “And damn you for having me miss those corals.”

“You’re showing me your princely side Brandesh.”


The crew arrived at Sealcrest Harbor unscathed in their voyage. Fresh linens were awaiting King Shagdar in King Wellturn’s welcoming home. A hundred servants prepared the palace for all the business that would be awaiting the crew of Captain Lancass’ ship, along with King Shagdar.

“I do say, it is a lovely night, Brandesh.” Said the Southern King.

Brandesh rubbed the amulet and said, “Certainly. I love fine weather.” It was late spring and water was flowing in the tributaries arrayed along the outer walls of Castle Norah. Brandesh could clearly see the beauty of farmers and peasants working the fields outside the castle.

Brandesh, Brady and King Shagdar were excited to get with the King and get the peace treaty signed. Thousands of lives would be saved, and peace would once again reign in Triarch.

They walked to the King’s private quarters where Brandesh’s father would meet them. A chess set sat before King Wellturn. “I thought we might like a game while we discussed this issue, your heighness.” King Wellturn said.


Soon the two King’s were engaged in a titanic battle while Brandesh unfolded a parchment which King Shagdar eagerly signed. Brandesh and Brady left the old friends on their own, knowing all was now safe in the Land.


Brandesh bid Brady good day, and slouched into a hot bath that a servant had prepared for him. He was filthy with sweat and needed the bath. Afterwards, both Brady and Brandesh met up and smoked their pipes.


“Not bad for a days’ work, we just saved the Kingdom.” Brandesh giddily said.

“Don’t forget the help we received from Queen Tri-na.” Brady replied.

The amulet never left Brandesh’s side, even in the bath, it glowed in a magnificent way.


The next morning King Shagdar was sent home, with a merry hug from King Wellturn. If the King of the West was at all surprised at this turn of events, he said nothing.
For many days after the King’s departure, there was a thick degree of harmony that stretched far and wide over the vast West Kingdom. It was as if peace was settled in the land. However one day a courtier appeared with a note from the King upon the footsteps of Brady’s home. Brady accepted the note without reservation. He quickly learned that a merry band of thieves had taken over the lovely town of Navory. This news did not sit well with Brady. In fact it angered him. Despite his emotions, he took the note to Brandesh and explained to him the news.

“What shall we do about this uprising of thieves?” Brandesh said.

“It is said that they control the trade of the town and are no longer underground, with a fierce leader to back them, Shalile, King of Thieves.”

“Sounds scary.”

“Shall I frighten you with a ghost story? We are negotiating with a whole new kind of character. Stop joking!” Brady said.


They went to the harbor and met with Captain Lancass in his private chambers. Lancass was due out for an eastern shipment, but said he could take the two men to Navory. “I could always restock my supply of Navory Tobacco.” Lancass joked.

So it was settled, Brady and Brandesh would once again save the day and the town of Navory.


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