Chapter 8
Journey to the Pirate Islands

    Xalamath sat on his throne, his elbow on the armrest, his clenched fist on his forehead, and his mind deep in thought. Footsteps. He heard footsteps. Turning his gaze upward, he saw two figures approaching the throne room. As the figures got closer, he recognized them as Tymat and Griel.
    “Ah, finally, the only two sane humans around here.” He thought.
    Griel advanced toward the throne. “Yur Highness, me and me comrade here would first like to express our great apologies for everything that happen’d earlier.”
    “It is alright Griel, I know you and Tymat had nothing to do with the outburst.” Xalamath said coldly. “Otherwise I would have had you thrown in the dungeon with the rest of the lot.”
    “Thank you your highness. We are grateful.” Said Tymat.
    “Oh, no. I am the one who should be grateful, for it is I who have seen that there are at least some sane people in this forsaken world.” Xalamath replied. “As a matter of fact, I believe I shall reward you for your absence in the hostilities.”
    “No, sir, we won’t be needin’ any reward for doin’ absolutely nothin.’ Griel said.
Oh, but you do! Besides, I was planning on lending you a ship from the beginning!”
    “A ship?!” Tymat blurted. “We certainly don’t deserve a ship!”
    “Don’t be a fool Tymat. Every Tolias has great fortune, and this is just my way of honoring that fortune.”
    “But Your Highness, I can’t accept…that would be wrong.”
    “Don’t be ridiculous Tymat. Take this offer. You are in need of a ship and I have offered to give you one.”
    “We accept!” shouted Griel.
    “I appreciate your enthusiasm Griel, but only Tymat may accept, for he is the one to whom I offered this gift.
    “Tymat, don’t be a fool.” Griel whispered under his breath.
    “Well, I suppose I accept, but I will forever be in your debt.”
    “Don’t think that. This is a gift, not a barter for your service.”
    “Thank you Xalamath.”
    “Don’t mention it.”
    The next day all preparations had been made to set off. Tymat stared at the beautiful Sloop he had been given. On the nose of the ship, a great Griffin of Crescent Moon had been engraved. On both sides of the ship there were engraved symmetrical wings.
    Though he was staring straight at the beautiful boat, he had a hard time admiring its beauty. Several questions hung on his mind. Where were they going? How were they going to get there so short manned? What were they going to do once they got there? All of these were very formidable questions that he hoped Griel could answer.
    Fortunately, as he thought all of these things, Griel happened to be walking by and shouting orders at some half-drunk sailors.
    “Griel!” Tymat shouted.
    “WHAT!” Griel snapped back. Tymat could tell he was aggravated with the sailors. “Oh, sorry Tymat. I didn’t realize it ‘twas you.”
    “It’s ok. Yelling is the last thing I’m worried about right now.”
    “Aye, I know what yur sayin’” I’m mighty eager to get off this island. I’ve had more action th n I ever bargained for in these las few days.”
    “I agree…but…wait. You said that we’re getting off of this island. How?”
    “Well, it’ll be tough. We have bout two-thirds a crew and there be no elves a wantin’ to help us. I’d say we could probably run the ship short manned for a while, but for more than a couple of weeks it’ll be difficult. But don’t you be a worryin.’ I have a plan see.”
    “What kind of a plan?”
    “A risky, but rewardin’ one. I plan on takin’ the crew south to the Pirate Islands.”
    “WHAT!? You must be kidding! Only the scum of scum lives there! Sure, they may be battle weathered and ready to fight, but that’s just another reason not to go!”
    “Aye, all you say is true, but don’t you fear lad. I have connections down south. We’ll be in good hands.”
    “Yeah, the hands of thieves!” Tymat thought, but did not bother to say. “Well, if you say you know what you’re doing, I can only trust my captain. I will follow wherever you go, Griel.”
    “Aye, thanks lad. That means a lot to me. But right now we don’t have time for sentiment. It’s time to board!”
    And with that, the new ship (appropriately named the Winged Guardian) set off on its voyage to the Islands of Harro, Tirria, and Resolis, The Pirate Islands…
    Sailing went smoothly over the next several days for being short-manned. Griel and Tymat spent increasing amounts of time with each other and soon became good friends. After about two weeks, not only had Tymat learned many sword-fighting techniques from Griel, but he also became incredibly strong from doing his daily chores on the ship.
    One foggy morning, gulls were heard in the distance by all of the sailors. As the day went by, the clouds dissipated to reveal an array of dark, rocky land with sparse vegetation. This was the Pirate Island number one, Harro…

Main • Introduction • Chapter One (Struggling to Start) • Chapter Two (Mutineers)
Chapter Three (A New Life) • Chapter Four (In the Court of the King)
Chapter Five (Good Night…It Will Be Your Last) • Chapter Six (Holding the Fort)
Chapter Seven (The End of an Alliance) • Chapter Eight (Journey to the Pirate Islands)