Short Story- The Lion's Pride

Kesarakk

Good Day my fellow Ashes family! For those of you who don't know me, I started writing short stories for Ashes of Creation roughly three years ago. Due to life being life I stopped writing for a while. I'm happy to announce I am back and if you have enjoyed my stories in the past I welcome you to read this one! I had more fun writing this story than my previous ones and I hope you enjoy it as well! This story is the first part in a series of other shorts that I plan on writing for the foreseeable future. As before I welcome any criticism the community has because it can only make me a better writer and give you better content.

Disclaimer: This story is based in the world of Verra before the Apocalypse. Information about this time period is limited and vague. With that in mind, I had to take creative license, but my hope is I stayed true to what the community expects and follows the vision Steven has set for the world. Future stories will change as more information is published about the world, characters, and the lore concerning them. If I have messed up current information I do apologize and will work to correct those mistakes. I do not work with Intrepid Studios nor have I spoken with anyone on their team about lore or locations mentioned. Names of characters, locations, and political structures between races are of my own creation and design and are not considered canon.

The Lion's Pride

The morning sun sat on the open water like a bonfire, brilliant and expelling all darkness. The night had been a peaceful one, though Taro couldn't sleep. He spent most of his life in a boat, but that had been in the swamp. There the water was calm and didn't like to be disturbed. Here, in the deep waters of the ocean, the waves rose and fell as though great titans fought for dominance beneath them. It was an imagine Taro could do without.

The orc grabbed the railing for support as they passed over another current. The ship rocked, and Taro felt his stomach protest. He took a deep breath to steady himself, not caring if the salty air burned his nose. It was cool and oddly refreshing, and anything that could keep his scarce breakfast down was welcome.

A whistle cried above the quarter-deck behind him. It was the same signal he heard every morning. Time to get up, it warned. Grumbling voices and footsteps could be heard around him as the sailors came from below. Taro watched as they filtered out like ants from a hill. He found it fascinating how they moved so quickly and sure-footed on an ever-shifting surface. He hoped it wasn't a skill he would have to learn. Boats are trouble enough without the water trying to swallow you.

"Master Taro, good to see you're growing sea legs. I was afraid I'd have to give you and the others an escort when above decks." Said a voice above him.

Taro didn't have to turn to see who was speaking. The voice could pierce most weather, so far as he was concerned, and held an irritable monotone that only old-men with little rest and accustomed to protocol could master. However, he did turn if for no other reason than respect. This was his ship, after all.

"Admiral Vatteris, I trust you slept well." Taro Said.

"Like a turtle on lazy waves. Are your people ready? We should be reaching the destination this morning if our calculations are correct." Said the Admiral.

"We'll be ready. Kamae and Satele have been working together to prepare spells for the coming storm." He said.

"You'll need them." Said Vatteris. He pulled out a pair of gloves from the folds in his tunic and put them on. "That's also something I wanted to discuss with you."

Taro remained silent so the Admiral could continue, but he already guessed what was coming.

"I've spoken with Captain Shandris, and we both agree in the interest of the crew's safety, we won't be taking the Lion's Pride through that storm." He said.

"But, sir, with respect, your orders-"

"My orders were to escort you and your team to the Litanu Isle. No other vessel could traverse these waters the way Lion's Pride can, and her presence alone is enough to deter most Sprites." He said.

Taro knew the reference at once, though never being at sea. It was a common name for Pyrian vessels that hunted supply ships through Verra's channel. Pirates.

"You have to understand, Master Taro, my first duty is to this ship and her crew. Even though Lion's Pride is more than a match for most Sprites, there are bigger and meaner things than rogue elves on these waters. I won't risk our lives over a research experiment."

"You don't believe in our mission." Said Taro. It wasn't a question but a statement. The Admiral snorted and waved a hand.

"I've spent more time with water under my feet than earth. Verra is a big place, my friend, but her waters are even bigger. Things live under these waves that give grown men nightmares, and I've had my share. I don't put stock into monsters that live beyond our skies when my hands are full with monsters under them."

"Admiral! Storm ahead. Looks like a baddy." Said a sailor from the crow's nest. Vatteris turned from Taro and faced the main part of the ship, ending the conversation.

"Helm, bring us close enough to hear her cry, then set anchor. Get those longboats ready. We depart as soon as they've cleared the wake."

"Aye, sir!" shouted several sailors, and they went to work. The crew doubled their speed, carrying equipment and running between decks.

"Master Taro, I'd get your team together. Once we are in position, you only have a few minutes to depart. That storm isn't going anywhere, but I am."

"Thank you, Admiral." Said Taro and went below decks knowing it was futile to argue.

#

Two crewmen ran into Taro as they met on the stairs leading below decks. They had large packs on their back and looked wide-eyed at the orc. It could have been they weren't accustomed to orcs on a human ship but Taro suspected it was something else. They gave their apologies, and he stepped aside to let them pass.

There were few crewmen down here in the mess hall, save the night shift that had been relieved minutes before. They sat around a large, rectangle table with benches on either side. The surface held stacked plates, mugs, and dim lanterns. Four men sat on either side facing a short woman at the head of the table.

She was a dwarf. Bald except for a pair of bushy eyebrows. Blue tattoos veined over her scalp and down to her bare arms with corded muscles that would make most men envious. Her arms moved in exaggerated angles as if in the thralls of a story.

"Then I told them buggers: Ye call yerself sailors, but yer nothin' more than suckling wet dogs ye cowards." She said. The crewmen roared with laughter and raised the mugs in salute. She grasped her own and downed it in one gulp.

Taro made his way around the table and crossed his arms with a half-amused expression. She looked up at him like a child who just won a game against their peers.

"There ya are Taro. I was beginnin' to think ye were busy scrubbin' yer breakfast off the side of the ship." The crewman laughed, but Taro ignored them.

"Are you packed? The Admiral has boats ready for the expedition." Said Taro.

"Eh, what's that now? I feel a storm ahead, but we didn't pass through it. Yer tellin' me the ol' dog is afraid of a lil' water?"

"He isn't taking the ship any closer."

"Well, let's just see about that. Give me five minutes with the dear Admiral." She said.

"Kamae..." warned Taro. The crewman turned to each other and began to speak quietly.

"Bah, was only jokin'! But ye tell the good Admiral when we get back I'll have more than my share o' words for 'im."

"I wouldn't have it any other way. Where is Satele?" asked Taro with a chuckle.

"Ye mean yer wifey? Probably in the hold skulkin' as usual." Said Kamae.

"She's not- mmm- just get above and loaded before the Admiral throws us overboard." Said Taro.

The smell of damp wood and salt filled Taro's nose as he stepped off the ladder and into the hold. The only light came from the hatch above. Containers sat in neat piles along the wall and in the middle making two easy pathways.

Taro made his way around the corner of the middle piles, and he spotted her. She was barely visible in the collected dark of the hold. A faint, blue light emanated from her fingers as she muttered words to herself in an arcane language. He moved closer, careful not to disturb her spell-casting. It was short-lived, however. Taro's left foot caught the edge of a wooden crate. There was a crunch and Taro groaned in pain.

Suddenly Satele's light went out, and then Taro felt the cold metal of her spear against his neck.

"You move like a human, Vek." Said Satele. It was husky and deep but held a feminine quality.

"I've asked you not to call me that," Taro said. He brought his hand up and pushed the blade away.

Satele snorted and stamped her spear into the ground. It sprang to life, illuminating the curved metalhead in blue light. Taro could make out the brownish-red tint of her skin that marked her as one of his kind. Leather armor coiled around her athletic frame like a snake. Their eyes locked for several long moments, then Taro spoke.

"The Admiral sent me to gather everyone. We depart in a few minutes."

"I didn't think that human had the guts to face the storm. Looks like I won our bet." Said the orc.

"Kamae..." said Taro said to himself and shook his head. "Are you ready to go?"

"As ready as I can be." Said the orc. "I was hoping to divine a landing point to help direct the ship... well I guess it's just us now."

"Have any luck?" asked Taro.

"No, there's some type of interference. Almost as though whatever is there doesn't want to be seen. I can try again after I rest."

"There isn't time. The Admiral was adamant about our departure."

"For the best. I can't stand being held up in this dark place much longer." Said the orc.

"I'm sorry for that, Satele. I tried to get the Kaivek involved, but they didn't have ships to spare."

"So they told you." Scoffed Satele. "They're probably preparing for yet another invasion. But that can't be helped now."

Satele grabbed a large pouch from where she was sitting and hoisted it over her shoulders. The two went up the ladder and to the main deck. Kamae was there waiting with a pack on her shoulders. Behind her stood a squad of crewman geared for combat. They stood at attention as Admiral Vatteris gave them some final words of encouragement. When he turned and noticed Taro he dismissed them.

"Last chance, Master Taro. Say the word, and we'll depart for Port Kaelen. There is no shame in changing minds." Said the Admiral as he approached.

"Thank you, Admiral, but we have our orders. The Lightpact needs to know what is on that island." He said.

"As you wish. Ensign Gramhin has been briefed on the mission and his men are ready. They'll follow your orders to the letter. Captain Shandris hand-picked these men and I trust her judgment."

"You honor me, Admiral Vatteris. Lion's Pride is the jewel of the Kaelar fleet, and her crew is no exception." Taro said with a low bow. Vatteris returned the bow with one of his own.

"Sun's rising, and you've got a long journey ahead. I gave Gramhin a speaking-stone and will contact us once you've cleared the island at the end of your mission. We'll remain in the area for one week then depart to resupply. That's your window so don't miss it."

"We won't." Said Taro. He looked to his companions, nodded, and stepped into the boat off to his left. Five boats lined either side of Lion's Pride. Three held the squadron. Satele had one to herself while Taro and Kamae shared the last.

Admiral Vatteris saluted one last time then gave the order for the boats to lower. Within five minutes they were unhooked and rowing toward the storm. Taro watched as Lion's Pride set her sails and turned northward. Taro only hoped he would see those sails again in one week.

#

A flash of light caught Taro's attention as the boats crept closer to the wall of black clouds. Less than a second later, the sound of thunder greeted them. The sun was higher now, but its light couldn't penetrate the storm.

"Hold on, lads and lasses. This is the easy part!" shouted Ensign Gramhin. His long beard caught the breeze and whipped around his face.

The water splashed around them as they passed the cloud barrier. The wind howled in warning and the waves grew larger. Darkness swelled until the boats could no longer see each other. Taro wiped his face as the first droplets of rain hit his face. Lighting struck the water in front of them, casting five dark shadows in an endless sea. They had no idea how close they were to the shoreline, but they sensed it wasn't close enough.

"Now, this is my kind of storm." Said Kamae, tapping Taro's shoulder as she shouted over the thunder and wind. She threw her arms wide as if to hug nature's fury like an old friend.

Her revelry was short-lived as another bolt struck. The blast nearly threw her and Taro from the boat. They held on and didn't move for several seconds in fear of being thrown into the depths.

"That was close." Shouted Taro.

"Aye, too close for me liking." Agreed Kamae.

There was another flash, screams of men, and then silence. Taro looked at where the lightning struck, but the darkness was still too thick.

"Alright, if that's how ye want to play it, beastie." Said Kamae as she rose from her seat. She brought her hands to her mouth and began to mutter into them. Electricity danced between them as her spell grew in power.

As if to answer the challenge, a bolt of lightning struck. Kamae grabbed the bolt with her bare hands. Her arms strained against the power of nature itself. Her lips no longer moved, but she did not waiver. Then she extended her arms above her head. The white bolt crashed into the clouds above. The storm groaned as tendrils of lighting forked in all directions. The wind died down as the storm rumbled, but did not send any more lightning to the invaders.

A pale, blue light erupted from the end of Satele's spear. It arched back and grew in size until all the boats could see each other. Four remained out of the five. Taro guessed what the screams were earlier and said a silent prayer. When they landed on the dark shore of Litanu Isle a few minutes later, he had to wonder if they would meet the same fate or if something darker loomed ahead.

Gauldruin

I can't wait for more please!

Lex

Very nice! Glad to see you back!

ashone

I think the word "scarce" referring to his breakfast should be "scant". Scarce implies that breakfast is not a common occurrence, scant implies that it was tiny.