The three had walked for what seemed like hours towards the eastern most part of the city. It was a ramshackle ghetto of violence and death, but it was farthest away from Captain Bikke's sphere of influence. Kelga led the two mages towards the only building on the block that was well lit: a small tavern.

When they entered Gilles was nearly choked by smoke and burning incense. Rough-looking characters of all races, professions and genders drank and gambled. No one looked too friendly, but the two wizards didn't stand out here nearly as bad as they did in the other pub.

A pair of female elves stood and raised their glasses as Kelga entered the bar. One of them smiled and spoke up. "So, is it true that the Royal Navy hit the port?" The banter died down as everyone listened for Kelga's response. Gilles didn't necessarily like the unexpected fame this was promising.

"Yeah, the port was hit!" Kelga shouted, nimbly jumping on top of a table as if he were about to deliver a speech. "It wasn't the Navy, though! It was these two mages!"

All eyes in the room turned to Gilles and Duane. Gilles cringed in annoyance while Duane merely shrugged and removed his hat, bowing gracefully.

One by one every man, woman, elf and dwarf in the tavern stood and started applauding the spellcasters. Their cheers were incredibly loud, and some had even started banging weapons, tools and dinnerware together. Gilles felt like his head would explode, but Duane seemed to bathe in it.

"What are the heroes' names?" The other elven girl asked.

Kelga spun and gestured to the two strangers. "The black mage goes by the name of Gilles Arkham. He's a fully trained wizard from Hawkeye, far to the north. He trained under the legendary black wizard Homac Topapa, who is well known for his research into ancient Lufenian civilization and his unfortunately fruitless efforts to transcribe Meteor."

The crowd cheered again. While Gilles appreciated the adulation, it made him intensely uncomfortable. He had never studied magic to become a celebrity, or even a hero. Knowledge, power, and maybe a little wealth were what drove him. Kelga motioned for the crowd to quiet down again. They complied, but not very quickly.

"The red mage is a man of whom I've heard much, but have only had the pleasure to meet today. He is none other than Duane Sorel, the renegade noble who has attained a remarkable proficiency in both black and white magic. He is also an accomplished fencer and a seasoned adventurer."

Duane removed his hat again, smiled, and bowed gracefully- once again. Gilles wanted to kick him, but settled for merely rolling his eyes. Kelga let the crowd cheer Duane for a few more moments, and then hushed them again.

"Together these two mages, a wizard and a warlock, single-handedly destroyed Black Beard's frigates, the Sahagin Queen/ and the Scimitar. If the rumors of Bikke's blood-soaked skirmish with the Navy are to be believed, that puts him down to only the Nirvana herself!"

The crowd cheered once again, this time louder than ever, but once again Kelga hushed them. "What's more, two armories were destroyed and numerous pirates were slain. Again, assuming the rumors are true, Black Beard's gang is now in the double digits!"

Kelga jumped off the table and stood between the two mages, raising their arms in the air. "Gods willing, with their help, we will be rid of those raping, pillaging, marauding butchers once and for all!"

OH GODS NO! Gilles wanted to throttle the little bastard, but instead exchanged a wide-eyed gaze with Duane, who for the first time since they arrived, did not appear to be enjoying himself.

The crowd became absolutely unglued. Bards began drumming, fluting and luting, but it could barely be heard over the uproarious applause. Kelga turned toward the two, and Gilles leaned toward him and whispered harshly. "We need to talk!"

"Sure!" Kelga replied. "Let's get us some drinks and leave the noise behind!"

Kelga motioned toward the dwarven barkeep, who nodded and produced a bottle of hard mulsum and three glasses. Kelga picked up the items and motioned for his companions to follow, they then proceeded upstairs to his private quarters.

Despite the tavern's seedy exterior, Kelga's apartment was quite well kept and opulent. The boy obviously lived in greater luxury than the old man let on. Gilles closed the door behind them, but Duane was the first to speak up. "What was that?"

"Yeah, just what the hell do you think you're doing?" Gilles seethed.

Kelga turned and gave the two a wide-eyed, innocent look. "What? You're after Bikke too, right? The fight is almost over, he's weaker now than he's ever been!"

"We're not interested in pirates, fool. We couldn't care less about that gang or this city! We needed to find you, and your contact Zok informed us that this was the only reliable way to do so!" Gilles' yellow eyes appeared brighter than ever, almost flaming.

"You sure went to a lot of trouble just to find me, what gives?"

Duane had seemed to regain his composure somewhat, and cleared his throat anxiously. "What my esteemed colleague is trying to say is that we don't work for free. This isn't some kind of charity. There's a certain this for that involved, you understand?"

The rogue grinned. "Ah, now you're speaking my language. I've amassed quite a stash since my war with Black Beard began. Name your price."

Gilles snorted. "The crystal. Hand it over."

All of the color seemed to drain out of Kelga's sunburned face. "I don't know of any crystals."

The black mage's finite patience was becoming exhausted. "You know, for a thief, you don't lie well. We know you have one of the four legendary elemental crystals. You know, the ones from Lukhan's Prophecy? The ones that are supposed to be able to manipulate the forces of nature and bring the world to either salvation or destruction?"

The thief merely swallowed. "It's mine."

"I understand that, but I've come a very long way looking for it, and Mr. Sorel has been assisting me tirelessly in my search since my arrival. We've gone through hell to find you, and that stone. We're not leaving Pravoka without it."

Kelga shook his head. "I'm afraid that's not possible. It's an extremely important artifact."

Duane coughed. "Oh, I assure you, we understand that. If the Prophecy is to be believed, it is the only means by which to save our dying world- and rid ourselves of the monsters which plague it."

"That's why I can't give it up! Look, I didn't steal it or buy it or even find it; it's MINE. It belonged to my father and his father before him, it was the sacred jewel of our clan for hundreds of years. Given to us by the king of Elfheim for our assassination of the dark elf king in those days. Do you know what that means?"

"So you are descended from ninja..." Duane mused. "If you're familiar with the Prophecy, I assume you mean that makes you one of the four Warriors of Light."

Kelga nodded. "I can't part with this crystal. The fate of the world may be at stake."

"Then come with us!" Gilles barked. "Zok said you were interested in knowledge. Well, I'll have you know that the only way you're going to learn about that stone is by coming with us. If you really believe that nonsense, at least have some respect for a fellow Light Warrior!"

"What?" The thief asked, confused, but his eyes went wide as Gilles produced the Wind Crystal.

"I have one too." The wizard explained. "Although as a heretic, I'm naturally somewhat skeptical of the Church's prophecies, this is perhaps the most important archeological discovery of our time; even if it isn't the key to saving the world."

Kelga didn't say anything for a long time, but he eventually cleared his throat. "Yours is faded."

"What? Of course. They're not supposed to be functional at this time."

Kelga shook his head. "Not mine, mine's active." He reached down his collar and pulled out a long, silver chain identical to Gilles' except for the stone set in the pendant. This crystal was red instead of green, but also unlike the Wind Crystal, it shimmered with brilliant crimson light.

"It's the Fire Crystal!" Duane whispered. "And he's right, it is lit!"

"Curious." Gilles was genuinely puzzled, why did the Fire Crystal retain its brilliance while the Wind Crystal had apparently lost all power? "Are you able to do anything with it?"

Kelga frowned. "I'm no magician, and the crystals are supposed to be pure elemental magic in a solid, condensed state- or at least that's what Zok's books said. So no, I haven't been able to do anything with it."

He is too stupid to grasp magic, fool. "Look." Gilles explained. "It's not a spell, and it's not intrinsic. It's an enchanted item, like a spell scroll in its pristine state- it's supposed to be able to be used by anyone, even without the proper training."

"You can't be certain that the crystals operate on the same principles as conventional magic." Duane reminded him.

Gilles sighed. "Here, can I at least see the thing?"

Kelga reluctantly removed the chain and handed it to the black mage.

The wizard grasped the crystal in his hand tightly, red light streamed through the fingers of his gloves. Gilles closed his eyes and appeared to lose consciousness while standing. "It's practically seething with the power of fire! How can you not feel it?"

"Maybe because, I'm not a mage?"

"Nonsense. A mindless worm could perform impressive pyromancy with this treasure. You need to get a better feel for the universe around you, kid." Gilles handed the crystal back to Kelga.

"Maybe you could show me." The thief muttered plaintively.

"Come with us!" Duane pleaded. "If you're unwilling to part with the Fire Crystal, my hopes of becoming a Light Warrior are for naught. At least accompany us on our journey to understand the power you two possess!"

Kelga stared at the shimmering jewel in his hand. "Come with you? Where?"

Gilles shrugged. "Cornelia, I guess. There's obviously something to the Prophecy, and if that's the case we might as well go to the prophet himself."

"Sage Lukhan resides at the Cornelia City Temple of Light." Duane explained.

Kelga looked into the black mage's burning amber eyes. "...Okay, I'll come with you. This is important, and fascinating I might add. But I have a favor to ask."

"You're in our debt brigand, remember?" Gilles growled.

Kelga nodded. "I know, but it's important. I must avenge my family's honor, and I must restore peace and order to Pravoka. Bikke must die."

The black mage sighed. "Now? Not now..."

The thief did his best to look reassuring. "Oh no, of course not. You're right, this business with the Prophecy is far more important, I'm just asking..."

"Asking what?"

"If we become Light Warriors, and are ever near here again, can we finish the job? Can we free Pravoka?"

"We'll see." The wizard answered curtly. "So, are you coming with us?"

"Yes." The thief resumed staring at the glowing Fire Crystal. "Yes I am."

A tall, slender figure in a flowing robe and cowl approached the main gate of Captain Bikke's home, formally the Vasquez family's mansion. Although it walked briskly, almost marched, its footfalls didn't make a sound. The pirate guarding the gate was nodding off, and almost didn't notice the stranger approaching. He jerked as the hooded man cleared his throat. The pirate stood up straight and put his hand on the hilt of his blade.

"Who're you? What ye be doin' here?"

The tall man didn't answer immediately. After an awkward silence an unsettling voice responded. "I am a business associate, I have previously hired the captain's services and have come to collect what I've paid for. Is the captain in?"

"I hear he's a wee bit 'indisposed' right now, you might try commin' back tomorrow."

The stranger crossed his arms and shook his head. "No. I will claim my prize tonight."

"Hold here." The pirate grunted and opened the gate. Even with his face-obscuring hood, the stranger was visibly annoyed. The outlaw trudged up to the mansion's front door and spoke with another guard. After what seemed like forever, the second pirate went inside while the first returned to the main gate. "We'll see if the cap'n's admitting callers."

"It is very uncouth for a lowly pirate to make royalty wait outside."

The pirate gave the figure a cockeyed glare. "Huh. Ye're royalty?"

The cloaked man didn't answer. When the second pirate finally returned the gatehouse guard turned to exchange a hushed whisper with him. The first pirate turned back around and cleared his throat.

"Ah, I'm terribly sorry 'Yer Highness' but the cap'n's not takin' callers right now. Come back tomorrow."

"Unacceptable." The figure hissed and raised both arms. Whispers issued from the hood unlike any the pirates had heard. Before they could draw their weapons the air around them distorted and billowed with a translucent gas. The two marauders collapsed to the ground like rag dolls, the figure merely side-stepped them and proceeded towards the front door.

Inside, Bikke lay face down at a table; a half-emptied bottle of hard liquor sat next to him. The tall man entered the room and removed his hood, revealing the long ears and sharp features of an elf- the dark blue skin and exotic tattoos suggested a particular ethnicity of elf.

"Captain? Captain!"

Bikke jerked awake and sat up, rubbing his eyes. "What the? YOU! Heh, just who I wanted to see. I want to renegotiate our price!"

Without invitation, the dark elf pulled up a chair and sat across from the old pirate. "And why, pray tell, should I be penalized for your ineptitude? Did you even recover the Eye?"

"Yeah I got it, but it wasn't easy! That witch's hole was booby trapped, and SOMEONE tipped off the Royal Navy that I would be in the area. I lost my entire godsdamned fleet, Astos!"

The dark elf waved his hand dismissively. "I warned you of the dangers of attempting to ambush one who can see the future. Overwhelming force was the only way you would be able to retrieve it. I can't be held responsible if you ignore my advice, Captain. Likewise, you're a pirate. The navies of all three nations are a constant threat to your operations. Again, I ask why any of this is my fault."

Bikke jerked to his feet and grabbed the bottle off the table. With one swift swing he shattered it and held the broken end right up to the elf's face. Astos didn't so much as flinch.

"I'm ruined, Astos! Ruined! I only have the Nirvana/ left, an' some of the locals hit my portside assets while I was gone! I can't even make a good guess as to how many o' my mates I lost, nor can I guess how much it'll cost to replace everything. And not everything can be replaced! It's ALL yer fault you lichen-licking, bigeyes barnacle!"

Astos sighed. "You're inebriated, captain. I suggest you sit down so we can discuss this like adults. I can kill you with but a thought, remember?"

Bikke tossed the broken bottle in the fireplace and sat down again. "I want twice the arranged price!"

The dark elf flashed a serrated smile. "Fifty million? I could hire a band of mercenaries to sack this chateau and take it from you for a tenth of that. And again, what's stopping me from killing you and taking it myself?"

"You must really take me for a fool. It's not on me, an' only I know where it is! You can't read the future yet! You kill me, an' you kill yer chances of ever seein' outta that Eye!" The pirate returned a very plaque-tarnished grin of his own.

Astos sighed. "Thirty million."

"Forty."

"Thirty-five."

"Forty!"

"Thirty-five." Astos' tone indicated that his patience for haggling was exhausted. Even in his drunken stupor, Bikke took the hint. He fished in his pocket briefly, and tossed out a tiny clear orb. Astos hissed, but said nothing. Bikke figured he above all people would appreciate such a bluff.

The dark elf's clawed hands quickly grasped the orb. Like a greedy little child he turned away from the pirate and held the sphere up to his face, gazing at it lustfully. "It's beautiful! Absolutely gorgeous!"

"I'm glad someone's happy!" Bikke snorted. "I have just enough to rebuild. Ye've set me operations back by a decade, I never should have accepted yer offer. I rue the day I met you, 'Highness'."

"So who attacked you? And who notified the Navy of your whereabouts?"

Bikke shrugged. "Yer the one who can see the future now, you tell me."

Astos gasped and smiled. He had almost forgot. Without hesitation he quickly jabbed into his face and plucked his right eye out. The optic nerve was still attached, he jerked it and snapped it off. It was all Bikke could do to keep from retching while the dark elf popped his still twitching eyeball into his mouth and chewed. He looked at the the crystal with his one remaining eye while blood ran down his face; as if he was unsure which end was which. He shrugged and inserted it into his empty eye socket.

He blinked and rubbed his new fake eye. He gazed around the room briefly and smiled. "Incredible! Absolutely amazing!"

"What?" Bikke demanded.

"I can see everything! Everything at once! It functions much like a normal eye, but I can examine things in greater detail should I so wish. It isn't difficult to control, it's subconscious even. What's more, I can see the future, the past. Everything. I can see everything!" He cackled with glee.

"So who tipped off the king? Who hit the port while I was gone?"

"Yes, of course." Astos murmured and stared off into the distance. "A human. One Otis Bartz."

Bikke produced a long knife and stabbed it into the table. "That slimy bastard! Rot in hell you halfwit! He died in the ambush he made happen!"

Astos shook his head. "No, he's alive. Living in Cornelia right now, in rather opulent luxury I might add."

Bikke stood and grabbed his chair, he roared in rage and broke it against the wall. "DAMN YOU! I'LL KILL YOU OTIS! I SWEAR I'LL KILL YOU!" His white-hot rage subsided and he turned back to the seer. "Who hit Pravoka? Word on the street is Vasquez hired a couple o' mages."

"The rumors are correct. He who is descended from the slayers of my ancestors is responsible for the destruction of your landlocked assets. Kelga Vasquez, you're familiar with him, yes? His family and mine go way back." Astos stroked his chin and appeared lost in thought. "The two mages on the other hand... Most interesting."

"What? What's interestin'?"

Astos shook his head. "Nothing that greatly concerns you, although I should say that Vasquez and his new friends are not to be underestimated. No, these humans are special somehow. But that's not even the half of it. Things are going to be getting complicated in Cornelia soon. You gave the Royals more of a run for their money than I'd previously imagined... If you're looking for work, I have another job for you."

Bikke shook his head. "Forget it."

"But this one's on my land."

"Then get one of yer own to do it! I got a backstabber to backstab, and Vasquez'll be back. I wanna have a warm Provokan welcome ready for him when he returns."

"How do you know he'll be back?"

"Am I wrong?"

Astos smiled. "No, I'm just curious."

"He hates me more than anything. My fleet is- WAS, built on the remnants of his family's shipping consortium. His ma and pa hanged 'cause o' me. He's been a thorn in me side ever since."

The dark elf smiled and nodded. "I see. Literally."

"Then why did you ask?"

"Just testing my new toy. So, you're unavailable for the time being?"

"I'll never work for you again!" Bikke growled. "After you pay me, we're through!"

Astos stood and bowed. "Of course." He reached into his cloak and produced a sheet of parchment and handed it to Bikke. Scrawled all over the page were cryptic designs similar to the tattoos on Astos' face. "The Elven merchant marine ship Dragonwillow is moored at Pier Eight. It's crew may appear to be Eastern Elves, but they're not. They're with me. This is a letter of authorization to have the cargo- your payment- offloaded. I will inform the captain that the price has been renegotiated."

The dark elf put his hood back up. "I wish you would reconsider, Captain. I can help you rebuild your fleet. Thirty-five million is a start, but it's only a start, and there's plenty more where that came from. The Crystal Eye has shown you to be far more capable than I previously thought."

Bikke scoffed. "I'm flattered, but nay. In my current fix I probably couldn't even pull off this next job."

Astos sighed. "Very well, I'll just have to find someone more capable for this next little errand." He turned to leave the room while Bikke shuffled around for a fresh, unbroken bottle.

"Good luck with your li'l coup!" The pirate called after him.

"Luck?' Astos turned and bared his fangs in the dark elven approximation of a smile. He pulled his hood back again and tapped his fake eye. "I won't need it." He hissed.