Hidden Pathways (BOOK 1)

Covert Expedition - Chapter 85

"Did you say something, Zach?" Haerak inquired, his voice breaking the silence that hung between them.

"No, nothing at all. Is that all you have for me, chief?" Zach replied, his tone measured yet tinged with an underlying sense of tension.

"Yes, that will be all. And how did the encounter with the necromancer unfold for the Shadowed Symphony?" Haerak continued, his curiosity evident in his tone.

"It went smoothly. Thankfully, none of us sustained any injuries. We managed to acquire the potion for Nert," Zach reported, his voice steady as he recounted their mission.

"Interesting. What did this necromancer look like?" Haerak probed further, his interest piqued by the details.

"She had striking white hair," Zach answered.

"Ah, an unexpected twist. And does she bear a name?" Haerak questioned further, his curiosity deepening.

"No. She remains nameless," Zach confirmed, his gaze shifting momentarily towards the darkened sky above.

"And what of her powers?" Haerak pressed on, his curiosity undeterred.

"I cannot say. We waited outside the Luminary Tower, and she simply delivered the potion to us once it was prepared," Zach explained, his words chosen carefully.

"Hmm, intriguing. And how did you manage to persuade her to create the potion?" Haerak inquired, his interest evident in his probing questions.

Zach paused briefly, contemplating his response before replying, "We engaged her in conversation, and she eventually provided us with the potion. It was a straightforward exchange, chief."

"Very well, Zach. Thank you for sharing this information. You and your team may retire for the night. Apologies for the interruption," Haerak acknowledged, his tone conveying gratitude.

"Understood, chief. Good night," Zach bid farewell before turning towards their home, leaving Haerak standing alone in the darkness.

As Zach departed, Haerak remained motionless, a subtle grin playing on his lips as he muttered to himself, "Indeed, thank you, Zach."

Zach returned home, quietly slipping through the door and into the dimly lit room where his companions lay sleeping. Only Leeani remained awake, perched on her bed, a faint light casting soft shadows across the room.

"Welcome back, Captain. What's the news?" Leeani whispered softly, her eyes reflecting concern.

"Nert and Seraphina won't be returning anytime soon. They've set sail for the mainland of Aeolantis. And as for Kazaks and Yzavynne, their delay remains a mystery," Zach responded, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Mm, I see. Knowing them, they'll manage. I'll keep a close watch on this potion, like a diligent babysitter," Leeani whispered, her lips curling into a gentle smile.

Zach made his way to his bed, nestled between Ruby'ck and Gargeal, and took a seat, his thoughts weighing heavily on his mind.

"Can we truly trust Haerak?" Zach murmured quietly to Leeani.

"Pardon, captain?" Leeani inquired, needing him to repeat his question.

"Trust. Can we place it entirely in Haerak?" Zach pondered aloud.

"I believe we should captain, trust isn't just a choice; it's the very fabric that binds us together. It's the glue that keeps us strong, even in the face of uncertainty," Leeani responded, her voice laced with sincerity and determination.

Zach absorbed Leeani's wisdom in thoughtful silence.

"Perahaps, you're right, Leeani," Zach said, his eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and contemplation. "Thank you for reminding me of that."

"Thank you, Leeani. Your insight brings clarity to my thoughts," Zach expressed gratefully.

"It's my pleasure, captain. Is there anything else on your mind?" Leeani inquired gently.

"No, that's all. Rest well, and prepare for tomorrow," Zach concluded softly.

"Well then. Rest well, Captain. Goodnight," Leeani murmured softly.

"Goodnight, Leeani," Zach whispered back, his tone filled with gratitude.

Leeani settled under her blanket, Zach sat in silence, his thoughts drifting to the uncertainties that lay ahead.

Zach remained seated, his eyes fixed on the flickering candlelight dancing across the room, lost in a whirlwind of thoughts. "We've been through so much together, overcome countless obstacles," he murmured softly, his voice carrying the weight of their shared journey.

"But there's something... unsettling about Haerak," he confessed, his words laced with a hint of doubt. "It's like he's weaving a tapestry of trust, but underneath lies a tangled web of secrets." He furrowed his brow, the weight of suspicion settling heavily upon his shoulders. "I want to believe in him, in all of us, but..." His voice trailed off, uncertainty lingering in the air.

"I just hope I'm wrong," he whispered, the flickering candlelight casting shadows across his face, a silent testament to the internal battle waging within him.

Gargeal remained seated by the shore, solitary in his contemplation, his gaze fixed on the rhythmic dance of the ocean waves under the gentle caress of the evening breeze.

"Hmm," he murmured, noticing a lone boat gradually drawing nearer to the shore.

"Visitors?" Gargeal muttered softly, rising to his feet to observe more closely.

"I'll wait and see," he thought, his eyes fixed on the approaching vessel.

As the boat edged closer, Gargeal's heart quickened as he recognized familiar faces, faces that echoed memories of conflict and strife from the Aeolantis.

"How many times must we fight again?" Gargeal muttered, his gaze unwavering as he identified Yakub, Min, and Eldritch on the boat's deck.

"Seems they've come seeking revenge," he surmised quietly, his mind already preparing for the confrontation.

"It's time for payback, isn't it? That damn grey-haired bastard, Gargeal, he's too damn powerful for us to handle on our own. He's kicked my and Yakub's asses before, but this time, this time, we've got three against one. We can take him down, right?!" Min's voice boomed across the water as the boat inched closer to the shore.

"Absolutely, Min! This is our chance to finally settle the score with that gray-haired menace. He may have bested us individually, but together, we're a force to be reckoned with!" Yakub's voice echoed with determination, his fists clenched in anticipation as the boat cut through the water toward the shore.

"HI HI HI HI~ I sure HOPE you're right about HIM being a worthy opponent! I HAVE BEEN ITCHING FOR A THRILLING FIGHT!!" Eldritch chimed in enthusiastically, his laughter carrying through the air.

"He won't know what hit him," Min declared, his eyes gleaming with a fierce determination. "We'll give him a fight he'll never forget! A fight where he will meet his demise!"

"Let's put an end to this once and for all," Yakub muttered grimly, his eyes locked on Gargeal's figure standing alone on the shore, his gaze unfaltering as they drew nearer.

Suddenly, three war ships with several warriors equipped with weapons and armors, emerged from the fog behind the boat they were on, adding an ominous weight to their mission.