A/N: See, told y'all it'd be a quick update! Before I go any further, I should just mention that the chapter title for the last instalment (Desert Heat) was given to me by my good mate, Josh. I shoulda mentioned that, but I didn't.

Okay, this is a shorter chapter (by my standards) but hopefully satisfies you. I'll let ya get to reading it then!

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

A REST IN KALAY

When they had finally left the bane of the Lamakan Desert's heat, it felt like a huge relief for Isaac, and no doubt the other three as well. They immediately stopped at a nearby river, jumping in, fully clothed, to cool off. They took huge drinks of the clear, clean water and washed off all the sweat and grime from their bodies that had gathered throughout the ordeal of their three-day trek. Isaac had never felt such relief at having left a hot place, except maybe from the erupting Mount Aleph.

Although the refreshing cold water and the cool, fresh air felt great, he knew he still absolutely had to go. The quest impelled, urged him on. He simply must succeed. The river of water, the cool air and the fields of green grass were a stark contrast to the sun scorched sands of the Lamakan, and he felt like resting here a moment more. But he knew they had to keep on moving. Saturos and his party would be moving quickly, eager to light the Lighthouses as soon as possible so they could release Alchemy and seize its power for themselves.

So, after only a brief and seemingly too short rest, Isaac ordered everyone to get a move on towards the nearby merchant town of Kalay. He didn't like giving orders, but knew it was necessary to get them moving again.

Besides, Ivan had already assured them that they would be able to stay at master Hammet's palace for the night, and Isaac didn't want to miss out on that. They hadn't had a real good sleep since Xian. There were advantages; it seemed, to being the servant of a very wealthy and well known merchant.

They spent most of the day walking to Kalay along Silk Road, after crossing the river. It was a quiet trip, uneventful, which was good because Isaac didn't feel much like over exerting himself just yet.

It was nearly late afternoon when they reached Kalay, and Ivan was clearly pleased to be back home. Isaac wished that he could go back home to Vale. They were closer now than they had been since they left Vault, which was just north of them now. If they travelled well, they could probably make it in four days.

But of course, they couldn't. As much as he wanted to go home and see his mother, they still had their quest to fulfil. He couldn't return until he had the remaining Elemental Stars. And maybe the Mercury Star, too, if they could extinguish the beacon. When this quest was over, maybe they could spare the time to try and find a way to do that. Isaac figured they would probably have to eventually, anyway. They couldn't just leave that blazing beacon of power there, even if it did provide Hermes's Water to cure Imil's sick.

His thoughts of the quest, however, soon left his mind as Ivan began leading them through the streets of Kalay. The town of commerce and trade, populated by merchants and bargain-hunters alike, was a varied, bright and alive bustle of activity. All along the streets that criss-crossed the expansive looking, well designed buildings were merchants and business owners behind stalls crying their wares, showing off the quality of their goods and bartering with potential buyers.

There were all sorts of various products on show. There were dozens of stands with silk from Xian, which probably cost a lot more now that Silk Road was cut off by the desert, exotic fruits and vegetables from all over Angara, Gondowan and beyond, strange looking birds in cages and exquisite works of craftsmanship. It was clear why Kalay was the trading capital of Angara. There was such an air of excitement and commerce in the air, Isaac almost felt like going out and buying himself something.

"This town was founded by Master Hammet years before he adopted me." Ivan explained. "Back when he first began his long, successful career as a great merchant. And he founded this town with his own money when he made his first fortune. He is the Lord of the town and the surrounding area, and many merchants come here to make money and follow his advice hoping to become as successful as he is. Since he's been kidnapped, his wife, Lady Layana, is probably in control. Which is another reason and I want to visit Hammet's Palace. To find out what's been going on, as well as have a place to stay for the night."
As they approached the palace, Isaac got his first look at where Ivan lived and worked. The only comparable structure Isaac could think of was Lord McCoy's palace in Bilibin. It was of a similar size, but its architecture was different, much like the other buildings around, which Ivan had said was like those of north Gondowan in design. It was elaborately decorated, clearly the property of an extremely well-to-do merchant.

As they approached, two guards brandishing spears in polished armour stopped them by standing in front of the door.

"This is Lord Hammet's Palace." One of them said. "The Lord is away, currently. Please begone."

"We will happily welcome visitors once Lord Hammet has returned." The other reassured the group.

"Don't worry, leave this to me." Ivan whispered to Isaac before approaching the guards. "What about me? Can I still come in? I need to see Lady Layana." The two guards looked at each other clueless for a moment, searching one another's face for a sign the other recognised their master's servant. Did they even know who Ivan was? "Don't you remember me? I haven't been gone that long!"

"Uh…" the two guards looked at him, then the other suddenly spoke up in realisation. "Hey, it's you, Ivan! Hey, Ivan, long time no see! It really is you! You look so much older now! And your tan…!"

"Wow, you really have grown up in such a short time, Ivan!" the other piped up. "I can't believe it! You don't look like the same meek servant who left Kalay a few weeks back!"

I guess we probably all look a little different after all we've been through. Isaac reflected.

"I'm so glad those low-life thieves freed you!" the other guard said. "Do you know if Lord Hammet will also be released?"

"I don't know, I wasn't actually there." Ivan answered. "I haven't heard anything since his capture."

"You haven't heard?" the first guard exclaimed. "Looks like we'll have to fill you in. What happened to you, then? Where have you been?"

"Well, that's quite a long story…" Ivan answered. "But I'd better tell it to Lady Layana."

"I understand. These are friends of yours, I presume?" The guard asked and Ivan nodded. "Then you are all welcome here. I shall take you to the lady at once. Come, follow me." He opened the ornate, double doors and led hem through, ordering his companion to cover for him while he was gone. The guard led them through the corridors of Hammet Palace. There were many expensive looking paintings and vases decorating the wall as they followed the plush carpet to the meeting room.

"So why didn't those Lunpa scum didn't take you, Ivan?" the guard asked as they followed. "Weren't you with Lord Hammet?"
Ivan shook his head. "I remained in Vault to look for his stolen rod."

"Stolen? Someone stole his rod? You mean the Shaman's Rod?"

"Yes, the Shaman's Rod." The Wind Adept answered, showing them the item in question that he held in his hand. "But I was able to recover it… with the help of Isaac and Garet here."

"Then Lord Hammet must still be imprisoned in Lunpa…" the guard mused. "Terrrible. Great man, Hammet is; it would be a shame to lose him. I look forward to hearing what happened… ah, here we are, Lady Layana's room." He stood before a carved oak door, and knocked loudly with a gauntleted hand. A soft voice called for him to enter.

Upon entering Lady Layana's room, Isaac was struck by the lavish decorations. Golden ornaments and candle stands, fine silk curtains, fine paintings, this one room alone must be worth tens of thousands of gold coins.

Relaxing in a red velvet chair, reading a leather bound book, was Lady Layana. She was a beautiful looking woman, still short of her middle years, with waves of thick, curly red hair falling to below her shoulders. "Guardsman, what is-?" Her voice cut off as she laid eyes upon Ivan. "Ivan… is that you? It is! Come here, dear! Where have you been? What happened?" She stood and gave the servant a warm hug.

"It's so good to see you again, Miss Layana." He smiled, returning the hug.

"Yes, indeed. Please, have a seat, all of you." She motioned to the other cushioned chairs surrounding a small table. "We have so much to talk about. Ivan, who are your new friends?" The Jupiter Adept introduced everyone as they took their seats in the surprisingly comfortable chairs. Layana ordered the guard to fetch refreshments, while asking Ivan to tell her everything.

Ivan told most of the story, beginning from witnessing the Aleph eruption in Vault, and losing the Shaman's Rod. Occasionally Garet added in something, while Isaac remained silent and let his friends do all the talking. When Ivan began telling her about Imil and Mercury Lighthouse, Mia spoke up and explained some more, but Ivan continued speaking for the most part all through Kolima, Fuchin, Mogall, Altin and the Lamakan. When he finally finished his tale with their arrival in Kalay, he took a deep breath, leaned back in his chair and said, "… and that's pretty much everything. I know it's a lot, but the last few weeks for me, us, have been pretty busy."

For a moment Layana was in a shocked silence, the golden goblet of wine in her hand momentarily forgotten, eyebrows slightly raised, red lips open. Finally, she regained her composure, took a sip of wine, and said, "And I thought the tales Hammet told were incredible. Ivan… I don't know what to say." She'd hardly said anything during the explanation at all, only asking a few questions when something wasn't clear, but otherwise listening in rapt silence.

"When I had heard that you were back, Ivan, I had dared to hope…" she faltered slightly and then regained her composure, "that Hammet had returned with you."

"The last I heard, Hammet was still locked up in Lunpa Castle." Ivan replied. "So, what has been happening in Lunpa since I was gone? I haven't heard anything since leaving Vault." Isaac and the others didn't say much, but were content to sit and let him do most of the talking.

"Only bad things." she replied with a sigh. "As you know, the leadership passed from its founder, Lunpa the noble thief, to his son Donpa, and then to it's current ruler, Lunpa's grandson…"

"You mean this Dodonpa guy?" Garet asked.

"Yes. Dodonpa – I refuse to call him a Lord - is a very evil man." she replied. "His father, Donpa, is heartbroken at the state of Lunpa now, I have heard. Dodonpa has completely overturned the cities traditions into evil and corruption incarnate. Neither of the previous rulers would have allowed this to happen. Not at all."

"So, what happened?" Ivan pressed.

"Not long after Hammet was captured, we received a message signed by Dodonpa himself, demanding a heavy ransom in exchange for Hammet's life."

"Did you send it?" he asked. She nodded. "When?"

"Let's see…" she mused, "First, the volcano erupted… the ransom note came right after that. We sent him the money straight away. I hate to let that villain win like that, but we had no choice. Hammet's life was in danger!"

"It's been quite a while since the eruption…" Ivan mused. "You don't think… that they might actually not set him free, do you?" She sighed, staring into her wine.

"I don't like the idea of it, but I think it might be possible." Isaac said to break the silence. "From what I've heard of this place, it sounds just like the sort of thing that they'd do."

"Yes, I agree, Isaac." Ivan responded. "I don't want to believe it, but something seems wrong about this. It's been more than enough time for Hammet to have made it back by now."

"Are you suggesting he may never come back?" Lady Layana exclaimed, with concern and worry in her voice. Ivan nodded soberly in reply.

"I have to agree with Ivan." Garet spoke up, "If they were going to release him, they'd have done it by now. I met a couple of these Lunpa bandits in Vault, and I wouldn't trust them as far as I could throw them."

"I am sorry, Lady Layana," Mia told the frowning woman, "but I think Ivan might be right."
Lady Layana set her wine down and began pacing up and down the room, softly rubbing her smooth chin with one delicate hand, thinking about the situation, murmuring to herself. "You're right, there's no use in kidding myself, as Hammet would say. But… what can we do? How can we rescue Hammet? What…" she choked a sob. "…what if something has happened to him?"

"Let us handle this!" one of the soldiers by the door offered. Isaac had almost forgotten them until they spoke up. "My lady, this is exactly what the soldiers of Kalay are here for! Just give the word, and we shall storm Lunpa and bring Hammet back!"

"I cannot do that…" Layana replied softly, slowly, "Not without thinking it over carefully… How can we guarantee Hammet's safety if we send soldiers to attack? You see, I cannot do it. I cannot put Hammet's life at risk…" It was clear she cared very much for the well being of her husband.

"Can't we do something to help?" Garet asked Isaac. "It doesn't seem fair to let this happen, and we are partly responsible, what with setting off the eruption and all…"

"I'd love to help out, Garet," Isaac replied, "but you know we can't. We have got to go after Saturos and Menardi, and we don't know how far ahead they are."

"Yeah, I know, but…" the Fire Adept trailed off. "It isn't right."

"What are you two talking about?" Layana enquired.

"I was wondering if we could help, somehow." Garet answered.

"It is too dangerous." Layana replied with a firm shake of her head. "If you fail, your lives will be in danger, too. Besides, you have your own quest to continue, which is far more important."

"But what will happen to Lord Hammet?" Mia asked. "I feel sorry for him, being locked away like that."

"Hammet is a good hostage for them..." she explained. "They won't kill him, he's more valuable alive. We shall simply have to wait for another message from Lunpa."

"Miss Layana, I can't leave like this..." Ivan started. "I can't just abandon Master Hammet, he's like a father to me…"

"It will be fine, Ivan." she smiled. "I understand your concern, but your quest with Isaac is far more important now. Hammet would not want to distract you from-" she cut off abruptly.

"From what?" Isaac asked

"I suppose I shouldn't keep it a secret anymore." she answered after a brief pause of contemplation. "You have every right to know all of this now, Ivan... You see, long ago, Hammet swore an oath to a Jupiter Adept."

"A Jupiter Adept?" they all exclaimed.

"Yes. I knew the prophecy was true when I had heard that you, Isaac and Garet, were from Vale."

"What prophecy?" Ivan probed. "Who was this Jupiter Adept?"

"The prophecy… Three years after a terrible storm strikes Mount Aleph, Ivan must depart on a journey with warriors from Vale, and the fate of the world shall hang in the balance. So it was foretold."

"I never heard anything about this prophecy." Ivan told her.

"It happened several years before Hammet founded Kalay... before he met me. Hammet felt that he had reached an impasse as a merchant then. He risked his life on a journey to find a new source of business on another continent. He was in mortal danger at the south western edge of the world, when some Adepts appeared and save his life. He had lost consciousness. When he awoke, he found himself in their village."

"Just a moment." Ivan interrupted, "Am I from that village?"

"Yes." she answered, "The Adepts were Jupiter Adepts, as you may have guessed. They were the last remnants of their Clan, who had long since lost their homes and any hope of surviving to the next generation. They passed away not long after, for they were very old. They gave him the Shaman's Rod and a baby... named Ivan."

"You mean… I was a descendant of the Jupiter Clan?" he exclaimed. "That means… I'm the last of them… wow…"

"Yes..." she continued. "It was quite a shock for him, but they gave him little choice in the matter, and made him swear to look after you. They also gave him several doubloons to help ensure a good upbringing for you."

"Doubloons?" Garet whistled. Doubloons were very valuable, worth several hundred regular gold coins each.

"Yes, it was a lot of gold, but he also received some business advice. He was advised to buy silk in Xian and sell it in Tolbi. To see anything sell so well, it was like a dream come true. There's no denying that was when Hammet picked up his knack for business."

"Does that mean… he met my parents?" Ivan asked hopefully.

She shook her head sadly. "No, they said your parents were… well, they said you were their last child, all the others were too old to continue the Clan's legacy. Only one other child of the Clan remained… a young girl who was taken by a group of traveling monks."

"But… he met my… my real family I guess, right?" Ivan asked

"I can't say. There were only a few Jupiter Adepts, all too old, a young girl and a baby. They gave you to him with the other items.

The Wind Adept sighed. "Gee, I, uh… well, did he have to promise them anything in return?"

"Ah, yes, it is something you will need on your journey. The Adepts asked Hammet to use the Shaman's Rod to obtain it. He looked for this object wherever he went... But he could never find it. Then, three years ago, a storm struck, one that hit only Mount Aleph...Hammet told me he was worried that time was running out...but he had managed to unearth a clue just in time. That, Ivan, is why he took you with the caravan on his last journey north."

"I had no idea..." he said. "So that must be why he left the rod in my care. But then, that means his capture was all my-"

"No, Ivan." Mia stopped him. "You mustn't blame yourself..."

"But it was my carelessness that allowed the rod to be stolen." he protested. "And ultimately, that's why Lord Hammet is being held in Lunpa..."

"You must continue your journey and complete your quest." Layana told him in a tone that brooked no argument, "You can't blame yourself."

"But what will happen to Master Hammet?"

"I will handle this." she told him. "Continue on your journey, and do not worry about Hammet. It is what he would have wanted. What he was told you must do. What the Jupiter Adepts wanted." She looked to the object that Ivan held tightly in his hands. "I am sorry I cannot tell you more about the Shaman's Rod."

"So… the Shaman's Rod will help us find that thing we need for our quest to succeed, right?" Garet asked.

"Yes. I don't know what it is, but it will be needed. That is why they gave the rod. Will you look for it?"

"Of course we will." Isaac answered, "I'll do whatever I have to, to succeed in our quest."

"If Isaac says he will, then there's nothing to worry about!" Garet declared, giving his friend a hearty pat on the back.

"Well, we have talked for a long time." she said, looking out the window. Isaac looked out and was surprised to find it was late at night. "We should all get some sleep, we can continue talking tomorrow."

X

Their stay at Hammet Palace was quite luxurious to say the least. Isaac hadn't received treatment like that since Xian. They were well fed with delicious, sumptuous meals, and slept in comfortable beds. Isaac wished that they could only stay another night, it was quite nice. But unfortunately, they had to leave the next morning, after a quick breakfast.

Ivan spoke privately with Lady Layana for some time before rejoining his companions. When he did, his purple eyes were deep in thought, but he did not appear as troubled and confused as he did before.

For a moment, who looked at the north gate of Kalay, as though considering heading to Lunpa himself.

"You're thinking about Hammet, aren't you?" Isaac guessed.

"Yes…"

"Ivan… I won't hold it against you if you want to rescue him yourself. I'll understand; if my father were still alive and held prisoner somewhere, I'd be tempted to go out and save him, no matter the consequences to the world."

Ivan hesitated a little before speaking. "Thanks, Isaac, but… I've been talking with Lady Layana, and thinking about it a lot last night, and… well, I've made my decision. The quest is more important. I want to save him, I really do, but I can't. When I first went to Lunpa, I knew all about your quest, but I still wanted to rescue him more. When I found it was impossible, that was when my desire to help you took over. But if I could have… I probably never would have joined you and Garet. I could go now, but I've realized… I can't let my sentiments get the better of me, I have to finish this quest. I know it's bad to leave Hammet there, but… well, I've decided to go with you, Isaac."

"Thank you, Ivan. Maybe when this quest is all over, maybe we could go back and save him."

"Yes, maybe." His purple eyes lit up with hope. Layana joined the group, and wished them luck with their journey. The four of them couldn't thank Lady Layana enough for her hospitality and kindness. Leaving the manor behind them, they made their way through the streets of Kalay to head onwards with their quest.

Passing through the markets, they stopped briefly at several different stalls to purchase extra food and various provisions for their journey, as various other things they felt they'd need, and got them at fairly good prices, too. Mia found a stand selling healing potions and salves, and bought a few items that she didn't yet have and felt might be useful. Once they were sure they had everything that they needed, they headed for Kalay's south gate towards Kalay docks along the shore of the Karagol Sea.

"You know, if we sail across the Karagol Sea, we might just gain a whole lot of time on Saturos, if he takes the Silk Road around." Isaac noted, looking at the map. Ivan remained silent, still brooding on the things he had just learned last night. "Let's hope that they do at least, because we're way behind enough as it is." He quickened his step, trying to avoid a merchant trying to convince him to buy some weird looking fruit.

"So what, we're going to go sailing over the Karagol Sea, then?" Garet asked, avoiding another merchant.

"It should be cheaper than usual at this time of the year, because they would get a lot of business from people wanting to go see Colosso." Ivan informed them, breaking his silence. "However, there will be a lot of people who are going to be on the boat, especially seeing as Colosso starts tomorrow."

"Okay, I've heard a lot about this Colosso, but what exactly is it?" Isaac asked. "It sounds like some sort of big event, yet I don't know quite what it is."

"It's a big competition held in Tolbi every year." The Wind Adept explained. "The most powerful warriors from all over the world come to compete against each other, to see who is the greatest of all the fighters. The winners get huge rewards and status, and are allowed to join the Tolbi army, which only accepts Colosso winners. That's why it's the most powerful fighting force in all of Angara or Gondowan. Colosso is the most popular event around. Huge crowds attend every year to see it."

"Hey, that sounds pretty interesting." Garet noted. "I wouldn't mind going to see this Colosso event."

"Garet, you know we don't have time to waste on watching tournaments." Isaac gently reminded is companion. "Maybe you can go and watch next year."

"Yeah, I know, but still… if we weren't so busy, I wouldn't even mind entering myself."

"Are you crazy!" Ivan exclaimed. "Do you even know what it is you're up against? What happens in those fights?"

"What? Beat up the other guy? Yeah, I can do that!" Garet replied. "I'm a Fire Adept, they wouldn't have a chance against me!"

"Garet, people die in those battles!" Ivan told him. "It's not necessary to kill your opponent to win, but it does happen a lot, whether intentionally or accidentally."

"That sounds awful." Mia moaned. "Why would any one want to watch that! Who would come up with that sort of idea?"

"That'd be Lord Babi, the leader of Tolbi." Ivan informed her. "He's a fairly old man, who has been leader for as long as I can remember. He started the tournament to build up a powerful army for Tolbi of only the most powerful warriors in the land. This might, combined with the huge economic revenue the event brings in is what makes his city rich and powerful, even more so than Kalay."

"So I take it he likes power, then?" Isaac guessed.

"Yeah, Hammet only allows Kalay to continue trading with Tolbi simply because it's crucial for the economy to work." Ivan replied. "Babi has already used his power to conquer the entire northern Gondowan coast, including Suhulla and Lalivero."

"Some people really are too greedy for their own good." Mia muttered.

"So once we cross the Karagol into Gondowan, we're under the law of Tolbi." Ivan stated. "The only thing remaining that even remotely resembles an empire in the entire known world."

"I suppose with so many people in Tolbi, we might have trouble locating Saturos and Menardi's group." Mia sighed. "But they'd be heading for Venus Lighthouse, right? It's the only place they could be heading for."

"Looks like it." Garet shrugged. "Anyway, where is this Karagol Sea? I've never seen the sea before, so I want to get there fast!"

"Kalay Docks are a little way out of the actual town of Kalay, along the border of the sea." Ivan explained. "It may be a bit expensive, but taking the boat across will be the quickest way to get to Tolbi."

X

Kalay Docks was not that far away and they quickly arrived. Isaac stood at the shore, and gazed out across the Karagol Sea.

"Wow, so this is the ocean that Kraden told us about!" he murmured in appreciation. He hadn't imagined anything like this! Endless water as far as the eye could sea, constantly in wavelike motion. He couldn't even see the other side!

"Hey, Kraden wasn't kidding when he said that the ocean was impressive to see!" Garet added. "Who would have imagined that there could be so much water in one place?"

"Actually, you two," Ivan interrupted, "this isn't a real ocean. The Karagol Sea is surrounded by land, you see, so it's actually an inland sea. The ocean is in fact what surrounds land, not the other way around."

"But… it looks just like Kraden described!" Garet protested.

"If this isn't the ocean, then I wonder what a real one looks like." Isaac questioned no-one in particular.

"Hey, Isaac, one day we gotta go and a see a real ocean, like what Kraden was telling us." Garet declared.

"Actually, Isaac, Garet," Mia started, "a real ocean looks just the same as an inland sea like the Karagol. You aren't really missing out on much."

"That doesn't make much sense." Garet replied slowly. "If they both look the same, how can they be different?"

"I have to agree, Garet." Isaac added, "Shouldn't they be the same thing, Mia?"

"Well, maybe. But there not, so there." The Water Adept shrugged.

"Never mind, let's just get on the boat and get sailing." Isaac said. "We can't let them get any further ahead of us than what they already are."

Kalay Dock was almost like a small village along the shoreline. A few buildings and warehouses surrounded the docks where currently only a single large passenger ship was in dock by the pier. And that was when Isaac realized he was finally looking at the first boat he had ever seen in his life.

A massive wooden vessel floated on the gently rolling water, with a single, large crows nest in the center of what Isaac guessed must be the deck. Along each side were rows of oars that, to his knowledge, were supposed to make the ship move in the water.

"That's impossible!" he exclaimed, "How can something that big float? It must way a tonne!"

"No kidding, Isaac!" Garet joined in. "Surely that thing should just sink like a rock? Or, in this case, a huge hunk of wood…"

"I see me and Mia have a lot to explain to you two villagers about sea travel." Ivan laughed merrily.

"We'll explain it all…" Mia also chuckled. "But for now, let's just board the ship."

The four Adepts approached the boarding ramp, and together boarded the Tolbi-bound boat.

A/N: Another chap done, another step closer to completion. Someone asked me recently, how many chapter do I think this will go for, and after giving it some thought, I think it's going to be about 10 or so, give or take.

Well, next up, the Karagol! A much more action packed chappie for ye, with big octopus, squid type things. The old sea salts call 'em Krakens, I believe. Big fella's, sink a full ship single handedly, they will. Anyone who encounters them disappears... and is never seen again…

Anyhow, until then, cya next time!