Complications!

"Admiral requests your presence, Captain." The young ensign - barely old enough to shave - looked like he'd rather be anywhere else.

"Wonderful," I muttered, glancing at Luke, who was carefully unrolling a chart of the Southern Archipelago - a notoriously treacherous stretch of water even on a good day. "Any idea what Her Royal Krakenness wants this time?"

Luke shrugged.

"Wish me luck. I have a feeling I'm going to need it."

The walk to her quarters was short but thoughtful. The Admiral, as befitted her position, occupied a prime location within the naval complex - a suite of rooms overlooking the harbor, with enough guards to repel a small army. Two marines, decked out in polished armor that probably cost more than my entire annual salary, flanked the entrance, their faces impassive.

They stepped aside as I approached, a silent acknowledgment that my impending doom was scheduled and unavoidable.

Inside, was a study in controlled opulence - a carefully calculated blend of military austerity and scholarly refinement. Bookshelves lined the walls, their contents ranging from naval strategy to ancient lore, and a large, ornately carved globe dominated one corner, a silent reminder of Thalassar's reach - and its vulnerability.

At a grand desk sat Admiral, her eyes as sharp as the cutlasses that hung on the walls of the naval academy.

Opposite her were two individuals whose attire screamed nobility--brocaded jackets, jeweled cufflinks, and an air of entitlement that could only be cultivated through generations of unearned wealth.

And between them, looking about as comfortable as a cat in a bathhouse... sat Evelyn.

I snapped a crisp salute.

Seraphina looked up, her eyes, as always, sharp as shards of ice. "At ease, Captain. Take a seat."

I complied, my mind racing.

What the

hells

was Evelyn doing here?

"Allow me to introduce Lord and Lady Wrentham. Evelyn's parents."

The Wrenthams weren't your run-of-the-mill nobles; they were practically royalty, their sway reaching every corner of the empire. Whether it was business deals or political maneuvers, their name was synonymous with power, and their favor was a currency more valuable than gold.

So, the scholarly little lamb was from one of

those

families.

Explains a lot.

"This is...outrageous!" Lord Wrentham sputtered, his face reddening with indignation. "Our daughter... on a dangerous expedition to... to? It's preposterous! Unacceptable!"

Lady Wrentham chimed in, her voice equally stern. "Evelyn is not prepared for the hardships of such a journey. You cannot seriously entertain the notion of allowing our daughter, who has never so much as set foot on a naval vessel, to join this perilous expedition!"

I bit back a grin. This was better than a play. A noble family, outraged at the thought of their precious daughter risking her life for... knowledge? The irony was delicious. Of course, I understood their concern - Elysara

was

dangerous, and Evelyn, for all her enthusiasm, was about as prepared for a sea voyage as a butterfly was for a hurricane. But still...

Admiral Seraphina said smoothly, her voice a blend of authority and reassurance, "I can assure you that every precaution will be taken to ensure the safety of the crew. Captain Aedan is one of our most...

resourceful

... officers." She gave me a look that clearly said, '

Don't make me regret this

. ' This mission is not just another naval venture; it has received the backing of the crown itself. The stakes are high, but so are the safeguards."

"Royal backing or not, Admiral, it doesn't guarantee the safety of our daughter."

Lady Wrentham nodded in agreement. "Indeed, the crown's interests are not necessarily aligned with the well-being of our family."

Admiral sighed, a subtle but telling sign of her own frustrations. "I understand your reservations. Evelyn is an adult, and she has made her choice."

"My daughter may be an adult in the eyes of the law, but she has the sense of a child. Sending her into the unknown is nothing short of lunacy!" He turned to Evelyn, his voice a low growl. "You're a fool, girl. A naive, spoiled fool! You have any idea...."

"Dear,please." Lady Wrentham rose, placing a calming hand on her husband's shoulder. "Admiral, with all due respect... we are not comfortable with this. Evelyn may be of age, but she is still our daughter. Our only daughter. And I'm sure you wouldn't want to... displease us."

She wasn't wrong. The Wrentham family had been a pillar of Thalassar for generations. Their ancestors, renowned sea captains and explorers, had helped build the Empire's naval might. Their wealth funded shipyards, trained sailors, and lined the pockets of more than a few corrupt officials.

Crossing them... well, it wasn't exactly a recipe for career advancement. Or a peaceful retirement.

"I understand your concern. But this mission--"

"Is not for our daughter," Lord Wrentham cut in, his voice final. "This is nothing but lunacy."

Admiral tried to salvage the situation, assuring the Wrenthams that Evelyn would be under my

"personal protection,"

but they weren't budging.

"We appreciate your...

concern

, Admiral," Lady Wrentham said coldly. "But our decision is final."

And with that, they swept out of the room, Evelyn trailing behind them, her face a mask of... what? Disappointment? Resignation? I couldn't tell. She didn't even glance in my direction as she followed her parents out the door.

It was as if she had been rendered mute.

As the door closed with a soft thud, I turned to Admiral, who was looking at me with an expression that could curdle milk.

"Must you always stir up trouble, Aedan?" she sighed, rubbing her temples. "Can't you just... sail smoothly for

once

?"

"You taught me yourself, Admiral. Smooth seas never made a skilled sailor."

"You have a talent for... stirring things up, Captain. I can't argue with your results but the Wrenthams..." She sighed, rubbing her temples. "... they are not a family we want as enemies."

"I understand. But Evelyn... she could be invaluable to this expedition. She has...

potential

."

"Perhaps. But her parents... they're blinded by their...

concern

.

"Maybe they are," I countered. "But

I'm

not."

"Are you so sure about that?" Seraphina leaned back in her chair, studying me intently. "They might have a point. Evelyn is young, sheltered. This mission is... dangerous."

"And she has a unique gift, Admiral. One that could be... essential. With all due respect I think they are underestimating her potential. And so are you."

She looked at me then, her eyes locking onto mine with that intensity I'd come to associate with her...

serious

moods, and believe me, you didn't want to be on the receiving end of one of the Admiral's serious moods.

Elara's temper tantrums were a gentle sea breeze compared to the full-blown hurricane that was kraken's displeasure.

"You've tasted victory too often, Aedan. Don't let it make you... complacent. Don't let it blind you to the risks." Her voice was low, almost a whisper. "Sometimes, strength... true strength... lies in knowing when

not

to fight. Remember that. You're not a boy anymore. And you'll need to be prepared... for the waves

you

create."

A chill ran down my spine, but I forced myself to meet her gaze. "I always am, Admiral."

"Good. Because we're sailing into uncharted waters. In more ways than one. Now..." She shifted gears, her tone brisk and businesslike, "I heard you paid a visit to the prison. Recruitment purposes, I presume? A... Lee Wat?"

"He's the best navigator I could find on such short notice," I explained. "And his... skillset... is exactly what we need for this mission."

Seraphina nodded. "I've already spoken to the Emperor. Wat's... release... has been... expedited."

"That's... good to hear."

"Ah, but I haven't even gotten to the good part yet. Follow me."

The corridors were a blur of salutes and side-stepped ensigns as we made our way deeper into the complex. Every officer, every clerk, every lowly deckhand snapped to attention as Admiral swept past, their faces a mixture of awe and... well, let's just call it a healthy dose of fear.

Even I, who had faced down pirates and abyss creatures without flinching, couldn't help but feel a tingle of anticipation - or maybe it was just the Admiral's perfume, a heady mix of sea salt and something dangerously floral.

We passed through no less than three security checkpoints, each one guarded by marines who looked like they'd rather face a firing squad than let a fly past them. At the final door - a massive, iron-bound thing that looked like it belonged on a vault - a dozen marines stood guard, their armor gleaming, their expressions impassive. Seraphina gave a curt nod, and the door swung inwards with a groan that seemed to echo through the very foundations of Anchorfell.

The room was... well, it was a temple to Thalassar's wealth. The Treasury. Gold glittered everywhere - stacked in neat piles, overflowing from chests, even hanging from the vaulted ceiling in ornate chandeliers.

Chests filled with gemstones, ancient artifacts, and mysterious relics from far-off lands were carefully arranged on shelves that lined the walls. The air was thick with the scent of aged wood and metal, countless voyages and conquests that had contributed to this trove.

I'd seen my share of treasure, but this... this was on a different level.

But what drew my eye wasn't the gold. It was the table in the center of the room. Upon it, arranged with an almost reverential care, lay a collection of navigational instruments. Astrolabes, sextants, compasses... each piece a masterpiece of craftsmanship, gleaming with polished brass and intricate engravings.

"They're... enchanted," Seraphina said, her voice echoing slightly in the vast chamber. "Minor spells, but effective. Increased accuracy, resistance to the elements, even a rune or two to detect magical interference. They're priceless. And they're yours."

I picked up an astrolabe, turning it over in my hands, the metal cool and smooth against my skin. It was... exquisite. "This... this is incredible."

"We're entrusting you with the navy's most prized assets, Aedan. Don't make me - or the Emperor - regret it."

"You won't, Admiral."

Seraphina led me to a large, ornately carved chest that sat apart from the others. Its wood was darker, almost black, its locks reinforced with steel and what looked like... runes. She produced a small, golden key from around her neck, its teeth intricately shaped, and unlocked the chest with a series of clicks.

The sight that greeted me... well, it nearly knocked me off my feet.

Gold

. More gold than I'd ever seen in my life. Mountains of it, gleaming in the soft light, each coin stamped with the Imperial insignia.

"The Emperor," Seraphina said, closing the chest with a resounding

thud

, "is leaving nothing to chance, Aedan. This should be more than enough to... handle any... unforeseen circumstances. This is not just funding; it's a statement of intent."

I let out a low whistle. "I knew this was well-funded, Admiral, but this...this is a king's ransom."

"Surprised?"

"Just...didn't expect

this

. This isn't just a budget. It's a war chest."

She nodded. "And like any war chest, it can be both a boon and a bane. Money, especially this much, can fund many things--good and

bad

. It can build alliances... and sow discord. It can secure resources... and attract enemies. Be

clever

in how you use it."

"Understood."

"Good." She turned, and from a drawer in her desk, produced a scroll, sealed with the royal insignia. "This is for you."

Seraphina handed me the scroll, and as I unrolled it, she continued. "This, Captain, grants you the authority - the autonomy - you requested. The routes you take, the alliances you forge, the... decisions you make along the way...they're yours. But remember, Aedan - you will be held accountable for every choice, every action, every

consequence

." She met my gaze directly. "Consider this... a clear message, Captain. Failure is not an option. Use them... wisely."

"You have my word, Admiral," I said, meeting her gaze. "I won't let you down."

"I know you won't." she smiled, a rare, genuine smile that made her look... almost human. "I'll have these delivered to your quarters."

"I doubt even a few strong men could carry that without breaking a sweat," I chuckled, picturing the looks on my crew's faces when they saw this haul.

She quipped. "Or their backs."

* * *

I left the treasury, the scroll clutched in my hand, my mind still reeling.

Never in my wildest dreams had I imagined wielding this much financial power. Part of me, the part that had once been a young boy dreaming of adventure and treasure, wanted to throw the gold into the air just to see it rain down.

As I crossed the courtyard, I spotted Evelyn. She was standing near the fountain, her back to me, talking to her parents. Or rather, they were talking

at

her. Their voices, though muffled by the distance, had a sharp, angry edge to them.

Curiosity piqued - and maybe a little bit of that personal-branded nosiness - I moved closer, keeping to the shadows of the colonnade that ringed the courtyard.

"... absolutely unacceptable! We will

not

allow it." Lord Wrentham's voice was a low growl, his face flushed with anger.

"But I..."

"We have provided for you, given you everything you could ever want, and this... this is how you repay us? With this... this

recklessness

?"

Lady Wrentham chimed in, her tone softer but no less stern. "Your father is right, Evelyn. You can't just decide to join an expedition as if it's some sort of game."

Evelyn looked as if she were about to speak, but her father cut her off again. "You have no idea, no idea at all, what sort of dangers lurk out there. And don't think for a moment that your... blessing will protect you."

"Father, I just wanted to--"

"Want? Want?!" He spat out the word as if it were a curse. "Your wants have no bearing on reality. You're a liability, Evelyn, a ticking time bomb waiting to explode and bring shame upon this family. You're nothing but a naive child, playing with forces you can't even begin to understand."

Evelyn's face was a canvas of pain, each word from her parents adding another stroke to the portrait of her suffering.

"Your foolishness knows no bounds," Lord Wrentham continued, relentless. "You're so wrapped up in your fantasies that you can't see how utterly unprepared you are for the real world. You're a child, playing at being an adult, and it's high time you were reminded of that."

As I continued to eavesdrop, Lord Wrentham seemed to be gathering steam for another tirade, his face flushed with indignation. But just as he opened his mouth, Lady Wrentham gently placed her hand on his shoulder. Just like before the touch seemed to act like a spell, halting the words that were about to spill from his lips.

He looked at his wife, then turned his gaze to Evelyn. For a fleeting moment, his eyes softened, and I saw something different there--the face of a father burdened by ceaseless worry for his child. A daughter he was desperately trying to protect.

But as quickly as it appeared, the softness vanished, replaced by the stern mask. "The matter is closed, Evelyn," he said, his voice tight with unspoken emotion. "We are leaving. No more talk of this... folly."

Lady Wrentham's gaze rested on Evelyn for a long moment - a look that was both loving and heartbroken. Then, with a sigh, she turned and followed her husband, their figures disappearing through the arched gateway.

Evelyn stood there, her face a battleground of suppressed emotions. She looked like she was on the verge of breaking down, but somehow, she held herself together, her eyes not leaving the ground.

I couldn't fault the Wrenthams for their concern - Elysara

was

dangerous. But there was a way to protect your children...and a way to suffocate them.

I stepped out of the shadows. "Evelyn?"

She quickly wiped her face with the back of her hand and looked up. "Captain," she replied, her voice tinged with a forced cheerfulness.

"You might find this useful," I held out my handkerchief - a clean one, thankfully - and she took it with a small, hesitant smile.

"Did you... hear all that?"

"Just... a couple of toxic parents having a morning rant. Nothing I haven't heard before. Though I have to say, your father has a rather... impressive vocabulary of insults. I might have to take notes."

"What do

you

know?" she snapped, her voice laced with a fierceness I hadn't expected. "YOu don't know anything about my family? Don't go--"

"Easy there, firecracker." I held up my hands in mock surrender. "My apologies. I didn't mean to offend."

"Here," she grunted, handing back my handkerchief, "you might need this for the next eavesdropping mission."

"Fair enough." I chuckled, tucking it into my pocket,"So, did you mean it?"

"Mean what?"

"About how much you want to come on this expedition. Was it all just talk, or did you mean it?"

She looked down, her eyes clouding over. "Why does it matter now?"

"It matters."

She didn't reply. Just stood there, silent, the fountain's gentle splash the only sound in the courtyard.

"I did," she said quietly. "I really did."

I took a step closer and lowered my voice. "Good. In two days from now," I began, "We'll set sail, just before the sun reaches its highest point. There will be quite a ruckus down at the port, supply runs, last-minute preparations. A good time for someone... to slip in unnoticed."

She still looked perplexed, her wide eyes searching mine for answers.

I leaned in closer, our faces mere inches apart. "And If I see a certain...wide eyed scholar... waiting on the docks... I might just...

find

a place for her on board. Let's just say... my first mate has a soft spot for... enthusiastic volunteers."

Evelyn didn't reply. She just stood there, her eyes wide, her lips slightly parted, her chest rising and falling with a rapid, shallow breath.

Her expression seemed to be a whirlwind of emotions, and I couldn't quite decipher what was going on in her mind. But before she could say anything, I turned and walked away.