The Blacktide's Secret

The harbor lay in ruins. Charred timbers jutted from collapsed homes, fishing nets hung in tatters like funeral cloths, and the air reeked of ash and brine. People wandered the streets hollow-eyed, some shifting rubble, others dragging planks of wood in a feeble attempt to rebuild what was lost.

Ardent's voice was low, grim. "The reports we received said the same. Everywhere the demons marched, they burned and destroyed everything in their path."

Alvis stroked his beard, scanning the blackened docks. "The king sent word ahead, commanding a ship to be prepared for our departure. Yet I see no sails, no crews. Why is there nothing here?"

Kazuki glanced at him. "Are we looking for someone specific?"

Alvis nodded. "Indeed. Captain Cedric Skeld, though most know him by his title — the Blacktide. He's the only man who's seen the monster that haunts these waters and lived to tell of it. A great belly, a scruffy black beard, and hair that rolls like the tide itself — that's how you'll know him. If we are to cross the Sea of Mourning, we need him."

His gaze shifted to the twins. "Girls — take to the sky. Search from above. There aren't many souls left here, but someone must know where he is."

The twins nodded and rose on currents of wind, soaring toward the smoke-stained horizon.

"Ardent," Alvis continued, "search the eastern streets. The rest  — stay together and ask around."

So they split, walking through the fractured harbor. Everywhere, hands were busy — young boys salvaging rope, old women patching nets, fishermen hammering broken planks back into shape. Kazuki slowed as he saw a weary man struggling to lift a beam from a ruined stall. Without a word, he stepped forward, heaving the timber aside with his strength.

"Thank you, young man," the man said, bowing deeply.

Kazuki moved on, lifting debris, steadying carts, carrying supplies for those too frail to manage alone. The others soon followed his example, inspired by his quiet determination. And as they helped, they asked about the Blacktide.

From above, the twins circled, watching Kazuki's movements closely. They saw the way villagers' faces brightened after he passed — how he worked not for reward, but simply because it was needed.

At one stall, an old merchant struggled with a heavy crate. Kazuki lifted it easily, setting it down beside the man's cart.

"Bless you, boy," the merchant wheezed. "Not many would lend a hand these days," he said, giving Kazuki a grateful nod. Then lowering his voice. "Captain Skeld, the one you looking for, his boy was taken a day ago, and the poor man's been searching every street since."

Kazuki's expression hardened. He called the others over, repeating the man's words. Shock rippled through the group.

"Thank you," Kazuki said, bowing his head to the old man.

"Wait." The merchant dug through his goods and gestured at the cart. "Take something. My thanks for your help. I couldn't sleep easy otherwise, knowing I hadn't rewarded a young man who lifted a burden without expecting a coin."

Kazuki hesitated. "That's not necessary, sir—"

"It is to me," the man interrupted firmly.

Kazuki glanced at Zephyr. "Would you like something?"

Her answer came flat, almost cold. "No."

Kazuki nodded, respecting her words. But as they walked away, Gorran hung back, glancing at Maeryn, then leaned close to Kazuki.

"I've been married a long time, lad," he said with a grin. "And let me tell you — when a woman says 'no' like that, it often means 'yes, but I want you to decide.' I've lost count how many times I asked Maeryn if she wanted a food, she said no, and then scolded me later for not buying her any."

The old merchant chuckled, overhearing. "He's right, boy. My wife was the same way. Best to have something in your pocket when the 'no' turns to a 'yes.' Trust me on that."

Kazuki found himself chuckling faintly despite the weight of the news, filing the advice away.

He lingered by the merchant's stall a moment longer before finally choosing — a simple necklace strung with a polished amber stone that glowed warm against the light. It caught him because it reminded him of Zephyr's eyes, that golden-brown hue.

Gorran came up with a wide grin, holding two delicate hairpins shaped like leaves. He pressed them into Kazuki's hand. "The twins' birthday is coming up soon. Give these to them when the time's right."

Kazuki blinked, surprised. "…Thank you. For having my back."

When they regrouped, Verena descended from the sky, her cloak still fluttering from flight. "We found him. The Blacktide is at the tavern… drinking."

They made their way through the ruined streets, following the faint glow of lanterns until they reached the old tavern at the harbor's edge. Inside, the air reeked of ale and salt. Behind a table littered with empty mugs sat a broad man slumped in his chair, his hair and beard as black and tangled as seaweed. His belly pressed against the table's edge; his hands wrapped around another cup.

Alvis stood near him, pipe in hand, his expression dark. "He's in no state to talk much. But I've heard enough. His son was taken yesterday. They're demanding him to trade his ship for his life."

Kazuki frowned. "We heard about his kid…. his ship?! There wasn't any ship in the harbor."

At that, the drunken captain gave a slurred laugh. With surprising steadiness, he fished into his coat and pulled out a small carved object.

A miniature ship.

He set it on the table. "Here she is. The old little thing. Passed down to me from my father, and to him from his before."

The group exchanged glances, baffled. They didn't question it due to his state.

Ardent leaned in. "Where and when are you supposed to meet them?"

The man drained the last of his cup before answering. "After sunset. At the harbor. They want my ship so they can run."

"Don't they know no one survives the Sea of Mourning?" Zephyr pressed.

The captain's eyes dropped, his gaze locked on the rim of his glass. For a moment, silence stretched, broken only by the clatter of mugs behind the bar.

Then his voice came out low, shameful. "Couple nights ago, I drank too deep. Loosened my tongue. Told them my family secret. This ship's no ordinary craft. It's a gift from the Gods themselves. An unsinkable vessel. That's how I survived when no one else did."

He ran a hand down his scruffy beard, his voice rough with regret. "But it only answers to my bloodline. You can take the ship from me, but if it's not my family at the helm… it won't move an inch."

Ardent's eyes narrowed as the drunken captain's words sank in. He set the captain's empty cup aside with a heavy clink.

"Then we watch the harbor tonight," he said. "If these men mean to trade lives for a ship, we'll be waiting. And when they show themselves, we'll end this."

The party exchanged firm nods.