Should I Accept?

Serena delicately brought out from her robe a dried piece of beast skin. With utmost care, she handed it to Farmer. At first, he didn't place the piece of skin in his eyes but once he glanced at what was written on it, his hands began trembling and his eyes glowed with a fiery passion.

"Where did you get this?" He asked amidst hurried breaths.

"You know what it is?" Just as she finished her question she regretted having asked it because Farmer's hand shout out with blinding speed and wrapped itself around her neck.

"Where. Did. You. Get. This." He menacingly said, enunciating each word carefully.

"It was Aeldan Cuej who gave it to us." Serena managed to say with difficulty. "He gave it in exchange for my sister, claiming a great treasure's location was hidden on the map." At her words, Farmer released her and let out a long sigh as his gaze suddenly became tired.

"He was lying to you." He explained after a few minutes of silence. "There is no treasure marked on this map. Only something that is extremely important to me, but of no use to you or your own." Farmer handed back the map and crossed his arms against his chest.

"This map is yours, Farmer, if it is so important to you." Said Serena gently.

"I'd be lying if the thought of taking it by force hadn't crossed my mind, Serena. I can feel that you're a second-dimension sorcerer. To kill you would be easy. And yet, I do not want to do that. But my pride does not allow me to take this in exchange for nothing. What is it you want from me? What do you expect? I am no hero of legend, not even a good man. Do you want me to save your sister? Is that it?"

"Before I answer, may I first ask you something?"

"You may."

"With your level of power, you could easily gain a strong foothold in any major city on the continent. You could even join the Emperor's faction and live a life that would fill most with envy. Why don't you do that?"

"Power. What a quaint concept, don't you think? Power drives men crazy. It turns the kindest of saints into the worst devils. Everyone knows this, and yet they still stoop low enough to do so. In this world, only the powerful can speak of justice. Only the truth of the strong is the truth that matters. Power is appealing, but only to those that are willing to lower themselves enough to gain it. I am not such a man." He explained with a trembling voice and letting the palm of his hand float gently on the water's surface. "Does my answer satisfy you?"

"It does not. What is it that you want from life?"

"Good question. My answer, then, is to live without having to worry for my loved ones."

"You need power for that, do you not?"

"I need only the strength to protect them. But for that strength, I am unwilling to sacrifice my sanity."

"Bullshit!" Shouted Serena in anger. "You're strong! Strong beyond belief! So strong I cannot fathom the depth of your power! How dare you stand as a hypocrite and say that you do not want power once you already have it?! How can you look at me with those eyes and expect me to believe you?! You're so strong and selfishly live here without caring for the suffering of the weak in this dog eats dog world. Prove everyone wrong! Prove to me that you are better than this and help me save my sister. That is the price I ask for this map!"

Farmer was stunned and stared at Serena for a moment before breaking out in laughter. He guffawed maniacally and let his head fall into his hands just in time to hide two tears which discreetly fell into the sea. Serena hadn't seen them, but she felt something was wrong with Farmer's laughter.

"You're right!" Farmer struck his fist against the surface of the water with such strength that a large tower erupted and drenched both of them completely. "How dare I be a hypocrite? I am powerful. I am strong. How dare I regret it? How dare I speak to you in such a manner?" He said as the water struggled to calm down once more. "Maybe it is because I'm unsure whether you're real or a figment of my imagination. I have seen you before; in my dreams. This is not the first time we talk. And maybe I'm dreaming again. I cannot tell these days whether I'm awake or still asleep. Maybe I died many years ago and everything around me is just an illusion to keep me from waking again. How could I ever know? Does it matter even if that's case?

"Who are you to me, Serena? Who am I to you? Are you a demon delivering me into the darkness or Naosh's angel, here to free me from the voices in my head? I don't know anything, not even if I exist." At this Farmer tightly grasped Serena's shoulders and pulled her into his embrace. At first she wanted to pry herself away, but there was something in Farmer's urgency of action that made her feel warm inside. "It has been so long since I last felt alive. And so, I shall make a deal with you. For the next two days I shall ponder over your words and your map. If I deem it to be real, we will set sail to the location detailed therein and find its hidden secrets. After that, I will help get your sister back. For now, leave me be. Let me wallow in my thoughts."

With that, he released her and indicated her to return to the shore. Serena hesitated for a moment before leaving with a few parting words.

"There is something else the oracle told my grandfather and I. She told us your real name, Farmer."

"Did she now?" He asked curiously.

"Yes. It's Fenris, like the guardian wolf of Naosh, isn't it?"

"That's a name no one calls me by anymore. Please don't use it in front of others. In fact, my name now is Farmer." He said as he stared into the distant waves.

"Very well." Replied Lauren. Yet she did not tell him that there was another part to the oracle's prophecy; that the man called Fenris would eventually become her destiny. Rushing out of the water, Serena ran back to the tavern where her warriors were anxiously awaiting her arrival.

"Young Mistress, is everything alright? We heard a large explosion." Inquired Oulong. "Why are you wet? Did that beast of a man throw you into the cold water?!"

"I am fine, Oulong. There is nothing to worry about. Quickly arrange for some lodgings for us. We will be staying here for a few days."

"Very well, Young Mistress."

--

In the water, Farmer stood in the same position as before. He was wondering what had possessed him to speak in such a manner to that girl. It was completely unlike him to show such vulnerability to someone; let alone a person whose intentions were yet unknown. He stared into the distant night. A normal human being would be unable to glimpse anything, yet his eyes could see in the darkest of darkness with ease. A particularity of his strange birth.

"What will you do?" Suddenly asked an invisible voice. "Do you really believe her?"

"I know not." He whispered softly. "But my heart tells me I should."

"Don't. Don't. Don't. She is a spy. A spy from him. She means you harm. You are cursed. The curse of the devil's blood." A cacophony of voices spoke. He had long gotten used to these voices plaguing him, only to leave him alone when killing. "You can never rest in peace. Farmer. Fenris. Gale…"

"Don't call me that!" Shouted Farmer into the distance. "Gale died many years ago. And Fenris is buried until my curse is lifted!"

"Gale, Gale, Gale, GALE! You cannot run from who you are. Monster. Beast. Murderer…" The voices chanted. "The one born from the blood moon; the one who cannot die too soon. The one whose fate was a cursed dying breath; the one whose hand brings naught but death. The one whose blood and soul are tainted; the one whose death has not been fated…"

"I know, I know. But if this map is real, if she is real, then I have a real chance to rid myself from this curse. And I will be free to seek revenge…"

"You cannot go, Farmer. She is not real, only we are real. Only us. Only we are truth. If we leave, what will you be left with. Nothing!"

"Be quiet!" Whispered Farmer in anger. "I shall make my decision on the second day after tomorrow. For now, let me think. Let me ponder. Let me rest, for I have grown wary of your nagging."

--

The next few days went by in tranquillity. Farmer had passed down an order that Serena and her warriors were under his protection and thus no one dared cause them any trouble. Despite the hamlet being a haven for pirates, mercenaries, and other undesirables, all knew of Farmer's strength and dared not go against his words. After the proclamation, Farmer disappeared and entered seclusion. This, in itself, did not come as a surprise to the inhabitants of the hamlet. It left Serena without anything to do, however.

During the morning, Toli would act as a guide for Serena and show her around the several stores in the hamlet. Later, for the rest of the day, he would take her up the cove and point into the distance as he told of the far-off places in the sea. He would mostly tell her of Farmer's exploits. He told her of an island covered in mist, wherein strange creatures, half woman and half bird, would sign an enchanting song that would lure any man to their deaths. Much further up North, there was a ring-like stone inhabited by a gigantic sea-beast upon which fruits that would raise arcane power grew. Farmer had almost died bringing back a large batch of those fruits. Like these, Toli told her many tales.

Every time, she would listen to his tales with avid interest, dreaming that one day she, too, would see these strange and magical lands. She imagined herself sailing alongside Farmer and braving tempestuous waters and unthinkable beasts in order to find great treasures. What truly surprised her, however, was that Farmer never kept anything he brought back. He always gave it away, asking for nothing in exchange. Eventually she could keep her curiosity no longer and decided to ask about it on the morning of the third day, during one of their market runs.

"Surely Farmer keeps some sort of treasure for himself! How can he be this strong if he doesn't?"

"I know not, Young Mistress." Explained Toli. Eyeing around for anyone who could overhear him, he instantly beckoned her to come closer and whispered the next sentences into her ear. "I have personally never sailed with him. But those who have tell us that he is a strange man indeed. It almost seems as if he is searching for something. In the last five years, since he arrived, he has been constantly setting out to sea and heading to parts no one has dared to before. It is because of his success that he is now the captain of the biggest ship."

"What is he looking for, do you think?"

"No one knows, but he often secludes himself and goes over dozens if not hundreds of maps, plotting a course to Naosh knows where."

"It must be something truly magical if it's so important to him."

"It isn't." Suddenly spoke up a familiar voice from behind them. Toli and Serena startled in unison as they quickly realised that Farmer had overheard them. Turning around, they noticed that Farmer was walking towards them dressed in dark leather armour adorned with many golden runic passages and carrying a large knapsack with his staff hanging on his back; and a jewelled dagger fastened to his hip. Clearly, he was ready to depart. "It's what I suspect is detailed on your map. And if it's accurate, this will be a voyage of at least six months."

"Six months at sea?!" Exclaimed Toli. This was something that had never been attempted before. The longest any ship had been at sea wasn't even half that time. The biggest problem was the fact that the beasts and perils at sea were at least ten times worse than those in the mainland. This trip was practically suicidal!

"Aye. Which is why I have I question to ask Serena."

"Pray tell, what is it?" She asked warily.

"It's simple. Should I accept your mission?" His piercing gaze met her own and Serena was at a loss for words. She didn't know what he expected her answer to be, but she knew she couldn't lie to him.

"No, you shouldn't." The words came out of her mouth, but she had no power over them. "Your life is good here, and to follow me may very well mean you will never return."

"Good." Smiled Farmer. "Then we will depart right away, while the tide is still high."

Before anyone could say anything, Farmer turned around and quickly jogged towards the pier. Staring at his receding figure, Serena couldn't help but feel at ease in her heart. Somehow, all the worry for her sister's wellbeing had disappeared because she genuinely believed that with Farmer helping her, the only possible outcome was her successful rescue.

"What do you think he meant with that?" Asked Toli.

"I don't know. But, he doesn't seem like the kind of man who does things half-heartedly or if he doesn't have a reasonable chance to succeed."

"You're right. Who am I to question how the mind of such a man works?" Sighed Toli. "How I wish I could join you in your voyage, but I'm afraid I will journey East as soon as you depart. Do not worry about your fiancé, me and my men shall take him with us and leave him in the nearest settlement with enough coin to contact his family."

"Thank you, good Toli."

"There's no need. You have done much more for me. Now go group up your guards and I will lead you all to Farmer's ship."

"Thank you."

Less than an hour later, Serena and her warriors were all standing at the foot of the largest ship in the pier. A true galleon, this ship was built out of some kind of red wood which brimmed with arcane protection. Serena doubted she would leave a scratch on its surface were she to strike it with full strength. It was a spectacular ship indeed. Dozens of men were hurriedly shouting at each other as they rushed to carry aboard all manners of chests filled with food and weapons, no doubt.

Before long, a dark-skinned man approached the group and saluted Toli.

"Toli, good man! I have heard of your trip to heal your daughter." Warmly spoke the dark-skinned man. He was dressed in thick leather garments, and had many small blades fastened to his chest and arms. He was completely bald, but his muscles were as large as an bull's. "Allow me to wish you all the best and hope to share a good tankard of ale next time we meet."

"Thank you, my brother. I take your words to heart and will surely buy you many tankards in the future. Naosh curse me if I don't buy you an entire barrel!"

"May Naosh hear your vow!" Laughed the man loudly. "These must be the land-lovers my captain is inviting with us, right? Naosh take us in innocence, he goes madder every day if he thinks these people will be of use."

"Only he himself knows what he thinks. Who are you to question him?" Teased Toli. "Everyone, this man is Lampa; Farmer's trusted lieutenant and the man charged with protecting the ship whenever they come back here. He is a warrior and a sorcerer of great power that is second only to Farmer. He will be the one taking care of you." Explained Toli as he nodded towards Serena and the others.

"What about Farmer?" Asked Serena. Her disappointment was apparent in her voice and Toli couldn't help but snicker knowingly.

"What about Farmer?" Chastised Lampa. "Do you take my captain to be someone who must babysit land-lovers on such a perilous journey? He will be navigating and plotting our course during the duration of the voyage. You're lucky he has insisted you take an officer's quarters. If it were up to me, a woman should only join us if her job were to please the crew."

"How dare you speak like that to the Young Mistress?!" Shouted Oulong furiously and drawing his sword menacingly. Before Serena could order him to be silent, Lampa drew a metal tonfa from behind his back and struck Oulong's blade so hard that it flew off the pier and a good distance into the sea. His movement was so swift, that had he aimed for Oulong's head, it would be his brains sinking to the bottom of the water instead of his weapon.

"Land-lovers will always be dogs in our eyes." Evilly commented Lampa. "Just for drawing your weapon against me, I am entitled to end your life as I see fit. However, the captain warned me that you do not know of our ways and so I will forgive you on this occasion. It will not happen again. Remember, while out at sea, my word is Law; and I am judge, jury, and executioner. Only the captain's words are above my own. Consider yourself warned."

With that, Lampa bade his farewell to Toli and instructed Serena and her men to follow him aboard. Toli smiled apologetically to Serena and gave her a hug as they walked the rampart to the ship's upper deck.

"Welcome all to our captain's beloved: Alana's regret!" Shouted Lampa proudly. His words were met with the loud cheering of all the men surrounding them. Clearly, this ship was the pride of these sailors. What Serena was wondering, however, is who Alana was and why did she hold such an important place in Farmer's heart.