It has been ten years since the climactic events at Dragon's Gate. Eliwood and Hector's ragtag army of misfits and mercenaries has disbanded and gone their separate ways. The pirate Dart, with the help of his sister and old friend, Wil, has come to terms with his forgotten past. His old captain, Fargus, has finally succumbed to the ravages of time, and passed away, leaving his ship, the Davros, to Dart. Armed with his new ship and an old treasure map, Dart finally decides the time is right to fulfil his lifelong dream, to set out on a quest for the legendary treasure of the pirate king Han Gak. Before he can do this however, he must gather a crew willing to risk their lives in the name of adventure.

Chapter One: The Journey Begins

Time, Dart reflected, had not been kind to Oswin. The past ten years had brought nothing but wrinkles and grey hairs for the distinguished knight of Ostia.

"It's been far too long old friend," said Oswin.

"Aye mate, far to long," replied Dart.

Dart had decided to try Ostia first, in his search for a crew and money to finance his expedition. Dart had fought along side Marquess Hector many times during their journey together, and knew he could count on him for support.

"And how are Fargus and the Davros doing these days Dart?"

"It's Captain Dart now…" Dart paused for a moment, sadness creeping into his voice. "Fargus…he ain't among the living no more…"

"I'm sorry… I'm sorry to hear that. Fargus was good man, even if he was a pirate." replied Oswin.

The sadness left Dart as he continued, "Ah don't feel to sorry for the man. He died the way he lived: on the open seas, with the spray in his face and an axe in his hand."

A small silence filled the air between them.

"Now I'm sure you haven't returned to Ostia to reminisce about old times," pressed Oswin. "What is it, that you would speak with Lord Hector?"

"Har, Oswin matey, yer still as sharp as ever. The truth is, I need money. For a treasure hunt."

Oswin didn't say anything. His eyes, however, said more than he ever could have.

Slightly deflated, Dart pressed on. "Don't give me that look mate, at least hear me out. This ain't just any treasure hunt, this be the treasure hunt to end all treasure hunts! Will all be rich as-"

"You've chosen a poor time to petition his lordship for money," Oswin interrupted. "Ostia is in the middle of a lengthy trade dispute with the merchant guild."

"Well be that as it may-"

"It doesn't matter, Hector is expecting you. Go on now, and try and be a little more tactful in your request."

"Aye, it's been good talking mate."

With that Dart turned and headed for the two massive wooden doors that lead to Castle Ostia's Great Hall. Dart passed between them, and felt immediately dwarfed by the room he entered. To say that the room was big would have been a massive understatement. The hall was gigantic. The cavernous ceiling loomed far above. Evenly spaced throughout the hall were enormous pillars of stone that would have taken at least five men to circle. And way off in the distance was the throne, on which sat Lord Hector, Marquess of Ostia and the Lycian League. He was as big as ever, but had grown a long blue beard to go along with his thick head of hair. It suited him well, thought Dart.

The long trek to the throne gave the approaching person a chance to reflect on how insignificant they truly were, so that by the time they reached the throne, there was no question of who was in charge.

Dart reached the throne, panting slightly. He looked around. Around Hector sat various vassals, courtiers, and other hangers-on. Dart thought he recognised one of the bishops that surrounded Hector, as Serra, the cleric from their earlier quest. Gone were her girlish pigtails and carefree demeanour, she seemed as refined and regal as anyone else standing in Hector's court. But she either didn't recognise him, or pretended not to, as she completely ignored him. No matter, thought Dart, I never liked her anyway.

Hector had been slouching in his throne in a most unregal manner, but as Dart had gotten closer to the throne, he had visibly perked up.

"Dart!" Hector boomed. "You don't know how good it is to see someone other than those damned guild emissaries walking down my hall."

"Har, the pleasure's all mine Hector."

Slight gasps emanated from the courtiers. "You will address his majesty as 'your Lordship'," barked one self-important court official.

An embarrassed look came over Hector's face. "Ah…yes, perhaps we could retire to my private chambers Dart?"

Once behind closed doors, Hector became a new man. It was as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Hector had never managed to fit into the role of a ruler. That had been his brother's speciality, not his. After ten years of being marquess, he was no closer to fitting in. He chaffed against the seemingly thousands of rules he had to follow. He was constantly sending the court into a tizzy with his brash impulsiveness. In fact one of his first acts after becoming marquess was to marry a common mercenary from Ilia. Scandalous stuff, to be sure. Hector often thought back to his carefree days and the battles against Nergal. So when one day, out of the blue, Dart appeared on his doorstep, Hector took an immediate interest.

"So tell me, how goes things Dart? I could have sworn hearing that you were dead."

"Har matey, not that old story. It takes more'n a little cut to stop the pirate Dart. Let's just say, the tales were a little, embellished."

"Hahaha… well put. Do you remember when…"

The two talked for many hours, telling war stories and reminiscing about the good old days. Eventually, Dart decided that the time had come. Now was his time to spring his proposal.

"Ok, now 'ere's how it works. I'm not the type that likes to beat around the bush. As I likes to say, 'He who-"

Hector let out a loud sigh. The colour drained from his cheeks, and he became the sunken, lifeless Hector Dart had seen before.

"How much money do you want" interrupted Hector

"Matey, you wound me. That's not 'ow it is at all! …Well, it is, actually, but that you would assume-"

"If you need money, I will help as much as I can."

"Well at least let explain what it is I'm after. Now look at this beauty," Dart proceeded to pull out an old, mouldy, rolled up piece of parchment. Hector looked at Dart quizzically. "What's this you ask? Let me tell you something matey, this is a treasure map. And before ye say nothing, this ain't just any mouldy treasure map. This map was made by none other than Han Gak 'imself!"

Han Gak's name failed to elicit any response from Hector.

"Don't tell me you ain't never heard of Han Gak, the legendary pirate king? He was the most ruthless, bloodiest, meanest pirate that ever sailed the open seas, and you've never heard of him?" Dart exploded.

"Ah…no, I can't say I have," replied Hector, slightly sheepishly.

"Well mate, the Davros is mine now, so all I need's a willing crew, and money for supplies. Think of it, sailing the high seas on a quest for adventure and treasure. What could be greater?"

All this talk of adventure was getting Hector excited. It had been so long since his last adventure. Dart could see it in his eyes and decided to go for the kill.

"What do ye say mate? How'd you like join me'n the Davros on our little journey?"

Hector had to bite his lip. "It's tempting…oh so tempting…but, but I have responsibility now…and a family. I have a little girl now. The cutest thing you'll ever see. You'll have to meet her…before you leave. I married Farina, did you kno…" Hector trailed off. Dart did know. An awkward silence followed.

"I guess I've been wasting my time 'ere. If that's all then, I'll be off." And with that, he swept out of the room, brushing past the waiting Oswin outside.

Hector swore under his breath. "Oswin, make sure Dart is well looked after before he leaves."

"Aye my lord"