“What is going on?” whispered Tarra.“Quiet. Watch and listen, nothing more,” Val admonished.The men found seats at a table near Val and Tarra and began talking boisterously. When Nate served them drinks they seemed merry enough.“Tell us, Innkeep. How is business?”“Well enough, good sirs. We be seeing an increase of folk from Durres, leaving the city.” Nate answered in his southern coastal accent.“And you would be needing a fair bit of fish from the sea, no?”“That be true. Me brother and son try to get us fresh fish every few days, especially when we are between clients.”“I figured as much. Well, I be here to collect your tribute. After all you are fishing on the Sea Devil’s waters.”Nate balked and made to walk away but the man caught his arm and spun him back around. “Now see here, innkeep. I’m captain Talwater, second

Val turned back to the room to find Tarra slumped against the wall, head buried in her knees as she sobbed.“I just want to go home.”“You are the one who wanted adventure. Not so great when you are the thick of it is it?” Val said dryly. She wasn’t in a mood to coddle this girl.Val checked her person and assessed what she had available. He had her rune dagger, a modified silver flash vial, two smoke bombs, the brass knuckles and a few other small daggers hidden about her person.“Are you going somewhere?” Tarra asked as Val stepped to the door.“If I am not confined to this room, then I am going to explore.”“Don’t leave me here alone!”“Bar the door… look it locks from the inside. When I am gone, move this metal bar into place and no one will be getting in here. I will knock three times when I come back and you can let me in. ok?”Tarr

Val made her way back into the depths of the ship. As she left, the other trainees were trickling away to their own bunks. When she arrived at the door to her shared room she knocked and she heard someone scrambling around inside. “Val? Is that you?” “Its me. Open up.” The bar slid out of place and the door cracked open. Val stepped in and relocked the bar behind her. as soon as she turned back to the small room, Tarra pounced her, wrapping her arms around her neck and sobbing. “Don’t leave me again. I was so scared.” Val detached herself from the hysterical girl and pushed her onto the lower bunk. “Peace girl. You are fine. No one has messed with you right?” “A few stopped by but I kept the door locked and they just left. But we are stuck on this ship going to who knows where. I don’t want to be a slave.” Tarra says, near to tears again. “Things are well in hand. I don’t foresee us being sold as slaves. In fact, I think after

The hot air balloon ride was exhilarating. Tarra sat with her back to the wall of the basket, holding tight to Valkyrie’s leg, but Val stared out at the wide ocean and looked down on Captain tailwater’s ship far below as they ascended to the clouds.The Luna Marra now floated at around 500 feet off the surface of the ocean. It had slowly continued to descend even as their balloon rose up to meet it. A guide rope appeared as they reached the final 200 feet and crewmen tied it of to the basket.As the balloon rose above the surface of the floating island, Valkyrie realized this as not just a floating island sized ship, but a city unto itself! In the middle, a large tower glistened with sunlight and morning due. It looked to be at least ten stories high. The surrounding buildings were often two or three floors each.Wide areas of green grass and even a few trees could be seen around the main tower.  It reminded Valkyrie of a lord’s estate.Read more