CHAPTER FIVE: ROAM

Kyle stood at the window of his townhouse living quarters, where he'd lived ever since he'd retired as a bandit and left Nanza. Since he didn't think Hell Mel would take too kindly to Kyle taking up space in his mansion and having too easy access to his daughter, he'd bought himself a small townhouse that he operated his "adventurer for hire" business from, with living quarters set up on the second floor. It was rather sparse compared to the luxury of Meribia's other residents, but it suited Kyle's needs.

He gazed idly out of the window, savoring the sight before him. The sun seemed to shine brighter than ever, a cool breeze was blowing, and there was hardly a cloud in the sky. It was the perfect kind of morning to begin a great adventure.

After impatiently waiting for an entire week, all was finally prepared for the journey to the Dragon's Graveyard. The Darkfire had been refitted and loaded with supplies, Jessica had arranged everything with her father and Sarek, and they were ready for their departure.

Finally, he'd had enough of just staring into open space. He slung his satchel onto his shoulder. He hadn't packed much else besides his battle gear; he had a strange feeling he'd be doing plenty of fighting before this trip was over. At least he hoped so. He hadn't been in a decent fight since his battle against Ghaleon.

"Ready to head out?" he heard Jessica say behind him.

"Yup. Let's do it," he replied. He turned around, and gaped as he looked at her. She was dressed in a white tunic with a leather vest, tan leggings, and lightweight leather boots. Her untamed, honey-blonde hair cascaded loosely down her shoulders.

Kyle thought she looked absolutely stunning. "I don't think I've ever seen you wear pants before," was all he could say.

Jessica smirked. "Somebody's gonna have to wear the pants in the family after we get married."

It took Kyle a few seconds to realize he'd just been insulted. "HEY!"

He launched a nearby pillow at her, which she caught and tossed back playfully. Laughing, he charged towards her, but she nimbly dodged him and tackled him to the floor from behind. They wrestled for a bit, but Kyle managed to pin her down after a brief struggle.

"We should go now," Jessica said, panting for breath. "We don't want to keep everyone waiting."

"Awww, just when it was getting fun," Kyle grumbled.

Jessica winked at him seductively. "We'll be on a ship for the next three weeks. We'll have plenty of time for fun. But right now, we've gotta get going."

Grudgingly conceding her point, Kyle climbed off of Jessica, and they headed to the docks. "So how's things with your dad?" he asked. "I've been hearing something about some of his men being missing?"

"Yeah, the sentries who disappeared on the night the Dragonheart set sail to follow up on those pirate rumors."

"Probably drunk off their asses somewhere," Kyle said, but his brow furrowed. Sudden rumors of pirates, missing soldiers…all this right before we're going to the Dragon's Graveyard? That's one hell of a coincidence.

As they walked towards the shipyards, Kyle couldn't get it out of his head that the missing guards and the Dragonheart's pirate hunt might be connected to their upcoming adventure, but nothing came to mind. He was tempted to talk to Jessica about his suspicions, hoping she might have ideas, but he figured she'd think he was trying to chicken out. He decided it would be best to keep his thoughts to himself…for now.

But all thoughts of the Dragonheart were suddenly swept from his mind as he beheld the Darkfire in all its glory in its place at the shipyard. The massive vessel was painted solid black, with gilded framing intricately carved to resemble fire. The figurehead on the mast was an arm emerging from a mass of flames, brandishing a sword. This had been the vessel of "Hell Mel" himself from his pirating days. This had been the ship that had borne the Four Heroes of old as they embarked on the greatest adventures of all time. Kyle beamed with pride as it finally sunk in that he was to be master of this magnificent ship.

Mel was at the dock waiting for them, with two companions. One was a tall elderly man dressed in traveling clothes and a battered brown overcoat, who Kyle guessed was Sarek. The second was young, probably about the same age as Kyle. He was short, had an average build, and dressed similarly as Sarek, except he wore a dark green jacket. His hair was that weird color where Kyle couldn't tell if it was blonde or brown. His large blue eyes seemed meditatively calm, and his expression seemed rather solemn.

"Have you any word from the Dragonheart, Governor?" Sarek was asking Mel.

"Not yet'," Mel said gruffly. "I'm beginnin' ta think the entire thing was a prank of some kind. There aren't even that many outlaws or pirates operating around Meribia these days…except Captain Rathbone, o' course. I wish I could sail off with the Dragonheart and eradicate that miserable cutthroat personally!"

"I don't blame you, from what I know of the man," Sarek replied. "Still no word from your missing men?"

Mel sighed. "None. It's been three days since the Dragonheart left, and I'm startin' ta get suspicious. But I don't wanna trouble you with all this, or hold ya up. This expedition means too much to Kyle to keep him waiting."

"I'm sure Kyle will appreciate that," Sarek said. "From what your daughter has told me, this quest will mean a lot for him."

"Speaking of Kyle," the young man said as he gestured towards Kyle and Jessica. "The rest of the party seems to have arrived."

"About bloody time ya showed up!" Mel said with his usual laugh. "Sarek here was thinking about sneakin' off without ya!"

Sarek smiled innocently. "And risk the wrath of your daughter and future son-in-law? I think not, Governor. A pleasure to see you again, Jessica."

"Likewise," said Jessica with a bow. "Kyle, this is Master Sarek of Vane."

"You've certainly grown up since I last saw you," Sarek said with a smile. "You were only two years old then."

Kyle shook Sarek's hand, and was surprised by the strength of his grip. "Jessica tells me you knew my dad during the war," he said, not sure what else to say.

Sarek nodded, smiling sadly. "I did indeed. You look just like him in his younger days. By the way, this is Rayner, my son."

Rayner greeted Kyle with a slight nod of the head. "I've heard a lot about you, Kyle. You're probably the only bandit that gets to be the subject of table talk at the Magic Guild. Especially with the female students."

Kyle fought down a grin as Jessica's brow furrowed. "This is Jessica de Alkirk," he said quickly.

"Nice to meet you, Rayner," Jessica said politely.

Rayner bowed and kissed Jessica's hand gently, causing her to blush slightly. "My lady."

"My lady," Kyle grunted, his eyes narrowing. "My fiancée, in fact. So hands off."

Jessica shot Kyle an angry glare, but Rayner looked amused, rather than offended, and he gave Kyle a faint smile. "She is indeed a rare beauty. But I'm already spoken for back in Vane, and Elena would never forgive any indiscretion on my part. So you have nothing to fear from me."

"Well…glad to hear it," Kyle said, now feeling slightly embarrassed. "So you're also a student at Vane?"

Rayner nodded. "For now. I'm hoping to be a teacher at the Guild when I get older."

"Just like your dad, huh?" Jessica said. "Do you have a magic specialty?"

"Defensive spells, primarily," Rayner said. "I can do some basic elemental attack magic, but I find it much more worthwhile teaching someone how to defend their life, or the life of a friend, than how to take someone else's. There are plenty of other combat instructors to teach that sort of thing."

"Sounds good," Kyle said. "Anyways, don't worry about your old man. We'll bring him back safe and sound, and you won't even miss him."

"Oh, I'm sure I won't," Rayner replied. "After all, I'm going with you."

Kyle raised an eyebrow. "You sure you wanna do that? This ain't no vacation cruise, you know. This is risky business."

Rayner merely shrugged. "I'm aware of the risk involved. But my place is with my father. I'm sure you can understand that."

At that, Kyle's eyes narrowed dangerously. Jessica gently placed her hand on Kyle's shoulder in order to cool him off. "He's just a little surprised," she said hastily, in order to avoid anyone's feelings being hurt. "We weren't expecting anyone else to come along – especially your son."

"Nor was I," Sarek said with a slight edge to his voice. "But Rayner insisted on accompanying me, and I couldn't tell him not to come. He's old enough to make his own decisions now, and when he makes them, I must honor them."

Kyle could almost hear Sarek's unspoken "whether I want to or not," and it surprised him. Jessica had described Sarek as being extremely confident that he could take them to the Dragon's Graveyard and back safely, but now he seemed uncertain with his son involved. No degree of confidence could prevent fatherly instinct from kicking in, it seemed, even in all-powerful magicians.

"Unless of course you'd rather I stay behind, Kyle?" Rayner asked, looking uncomfortable and obviously feeling unwelcome. "This is your adventure, after all. It wouldn't be proper of me to invite myself."

Kyle was tempted to accept Rayner's offer. It galled his pride to think that a pipsqueak magician from Vane would be willing to accompany his father to the Dragon's Graveyard while he himself had abandoned Gryffin during the same quest. As he had done so many times since Gryffin's departure, he imagined passersby sneering at him with scorn, laughing behind his back and whispering "coward." Is that what Jessica and Sarek would think of him? Or Rayner?

On the other hand, he thought that telling Rayner to stay behind might offend Sarek. The guy's willing risk his neck to help me complete Dad's last mission. The least we can do is let his kid tag along. Besides, it tore me up having to say goodbye to my old man. I can't put Junior here through that.

He forced a grin and clapped Rayner on the shoulder. "Ah, don't worry about it. We've got room for one more! Just don't put any more moves on my girl. Get it?"

Rayner smiled. "Got it."

"Good. So, is everyone ready to go?"

"Ready and waiting," Jessica beamed, giving him a mock naval salute.

With his classic grin, Kyle linked his arm with hers, and escorted her up the gangplank. There were no words he could think of that would be right for the moment, and none were needed. The mages followed behind, watching them with amused expressions.

When they arrived on the deck, a squad of soldiers saluted and shouldered their weapons. A dark-skinned, barrel-chested man with a short black beard, dressed in an officer's uniform, approached Kyle. "Welcome aboard, sir! I'm Admiral Salvo of the Meribian Fleet, commander of the Darkfire."

Kyle raised an eyebrow. "Commander? I thought I was going to be in charge here."

Salvo folded his arms and raised an eyebrow. "Have you ever commanded a ship before?"

"Uh…no."

"Have you ever been on a ship before?"

"It's…been a while," Kyle replied with a sheepish grin, wondering how many more times he was going to make an ass out of himself today.

"Well, that's why I'm here. You may be master of this ship, but I'll be the one giving orders to the crew and keeping her running. Fair enough?"

Not wanting to annoy the admiral off any more than he already seemed to be, Kyle merely nodded. "Yes, sir. Perfectly fair. So what's with all the troops?"

"The Ramius Zone is a popular hideout for bandits and pirates. We may even come across the guys the Dragonheart is hunting for. I want to be prepared in case we run into trouble."

Kyle grinned smugly. "If we do run into them, or anyone else who gives us trouble, you don't need to worry. Between me, Jessica, and the magicians, we can take care of anyone that gets in our way."

Salvo put a hand to the sword at his side. "It's not the Meribian Navy's way to let other people do our fighting for us. If we run into trouble, we'll do our share. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to get this ship underway."

As Salvo walked away, barking a series of commands, Rayner whispered in Sarek's ear, and the elder mage nodded. Sarek turned to Kyle and Jessica. "I hope you'll not think me too presumptuous, but before we set sail, I'd like to say a prayer for our success on this voyage. We'll be sailing through waters that are rarely traveled, and the four of us will have a more difficult task ahead of us once we've reached the island. We have no way of knowing what awaits us. So would either of you mind?"

Kyle and Jessica looked at each other, and Jessica gave a solemn nod. While they both knew Althena was no more, at least not the same as she once was, Jessica wasn't about to say anything that might harm someone's faith. She had neither the right nor the authority to do so.

The four of them held hands, and Sarek closed his eyes. "Goddess Althena, Mother Songstress, as we prepare to cast ourselves over the ocean to unknown shores, may you remember us and look upon us and our endeavor with favor. May you guide us safely along our humble path to our destination, and may you bring us home safely through dangerous days and endless nights."

No sooner had Sarek finished his prayer when the Darkfire's massive sails were deployed as the pilot carefully guided the ship. The mighty vessel lurched forward as the wind filled the sails, and the mighty vessel was on its way, scything through the murky waters of the Meribian Sea.

Kyle made his way to the bow, savoring the wind in his hair and the sun on his face as the Darkfire glided across the ocean. Jessica came up beside him and draped her arm around his shoulder. "Enjoying yourself so far?"

"Yeah," Kyle said. "We've been dreaming about this moment since we were kids, and now it's finally happened - just like I always knew it would. Remember that time on the docks when I said I wanted a ship of my own just like Mel's so I could go around the world and become the world's greatest adventurer?"

Jessica nodded. "I almost wanted to cry when you told me that. I thought that if you sailed away, you'd leave me behind and I'd never see you again."

"Nah, I never would've done that. Adventures wouldn't be as much fun if you weren't there with me to share them with. That's why I wanted you to be my first mate, and why I…"

Kyle broke off suddenly, a pained expression on his face. "Why what?" Jessica asked.

"Oh, nothing," Kyle said, smiling once again and drawing Jessica closer. But Jessica couldn't help noticing that Kyle's enthusiasm now seemed rather forced.

-x-x-x-

After a hearty celebratory dinner, the off-duty crew of the Darkfire fell to its own devices. Some of them sang rowdy sailor songs over bottles of rum and card games, while others decided to rest up for the next day's duties. Admiral Salvo and several other crew members were teaching Rayner how to play Royals, a popular card game among travelers, while Sarek was sharing a drink with Kyle and Jessica up on the deck.

"Aynekian brandy," Sarek said as he filled their cups. "You'll never find a better - or more potent - brew on Lunar."

"Yeah, my dad drinks that when he goes to the Hero's Haven," Jessica remarked. "So what shall we drink to?"

"To adventure, of course," Kyle said. "What else?"

Jessica shook her head. "This adventure is in honor of your father, Kyle. So why don't we drink to family?"

Kyle and Sarek looked at each other and nodded. "To family," they echoed. Kyle drained his cup, and nodded with satisfaction. "Hey, this is pretty good."

"Easy there, Kyle," Jessica said with a pointed glare. The last thing Kyle needed was to make a drunken fool of himself in front of one of his father's old friends.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm taking it easy. Where'd you get this stuff?"

"I brought a supply with me when I left Aynek," Sarek replied. "I'd lived there for a while before relocating back to Vane."

"Really" Jessica said with surprise. "That's a long way off. What were you doing all the way over there?"

"Yeah, and how'd you and my dad meet up? And what were you doing during the Heresy War?"

"It's a long story," Sarek said before finishing off his rum. "I suppose I'd better start at the beginning, if I'm to answer all your questions. I was actually born and raised in Vane, and I was an enthusiastic student of magic. However, I was always curious about the world beneath us. My mother and father had nothing but scorn for foreigners, an all-too-common sentiment in Vane, and my fascination with the outside world troubled them to no end. But that didn't stop me from running away from home once I was old enough, and I began exploring Lunar on my own. I've heard it said that Ghaleon suffered from the same wanderlust as I did, and that he too left Vane for the same reason. I took inspiration from it, and so I left.

"It would take far too long to regale you with all that I have seen and accomplished, although there is still much I have not yet seen - and may never see. But in my younger days, I was a reckless youth, and got into all sorts of scrapes and troubles. But I never lost my fascination with magic, and I would also search for older spells and more obscure forms of magic, which remained unknown even to the wisest of Vane. I settled down somewhat after I met my wife, and my sons Daryn and Rayner were born. However, I still studied magic extensively, and traveled when I could.

"Then came the Heresy War, when the mad priest Talon attempted to destroy all those he felt did not follow the 'true' teachings of Althena. He gathered thousands under his banner in the name of his bloody cause. He named them the Lyshan-hara, and ordered them to kill any 'blasphemers' without mercy, even if they were of their own family. Many flocked to his banner and killed in his name. Of course, many fought against Talon and the Lyshan-hara, and thus began a time of incessant violence and hatred that swept over Lunar like a plague. Almost every region of Lunar was caught up in that madness. I swear by The Goddess there is nothing more tragic than civil war, fathers against sons, brothers against brothers. When I think of all the brave souls who died in that cursed war, your mother among them…it breaks the heart.

"What was even a greater tragedy, at first, was how The Four Heroes themselves were divided about how to proceed, and I remember how bitterly they quarreled. Killing Talon could make a martyr out of him, and create many more fanatics just like him. But letting him kill innocent people wasn't an option either. And then, of course, was the fact that Ghaleon thought there was a good deal of merit in what Talon preached, and sympathized with his cause, although he deplored Talon's bloody methods. He believed that Althena had given us rules to follow, and those rules had to be obeyed."

"You sound like you knew Ghaleon pretty well," Kyle remarked, raising an eyebrow.

Sarek shrugged. "Not really. I don't think anybody really knew Ghaleon well, except for Dyne and Lemia. And even with them, it seemed like he was holding back a part of himself. Ghaleon was never one to trust in emotions, preferring to be guided by cold intellect and logic. Perhaps he feared letting his emotions override his judgment. Or maybe he thought emotions made him feel vulnerable. Regardless, I certainly never expected him to turn out the way he did.

"Anyways, The Four Heroes eventually decided to fight it out with Talon, and others joined with them - myself included, hoping my magic could help in some way. But it was a difficult ordeal - not only because Talon was powerful, but because many people besides the Lyshan-hara believed in his cause and saw us as evil for standing against him. It was as much a fight against the hearts and minds of Talon's misguided followers and supporters as it was a fight against blades and magic. You can kill an evil man rather easily, but destroying an evil cause is much more difficult. And when too many of your foes are decent men who have been blinded to the truth…may Lunar never see the like again.

"Anyways, Gryffin and Ferris were among those that joined us. There was some resentment that they were putting a price on their swords, considering what was at stake, but I was impressed by their valor and skill. And besides, they did have to earn a living. Eventually, we somehow became friends - or at least 'drinking buddies,' to put it in the vernacular. Gryffin was the only man who could ever beat me at Royals, and while I don't like to boast, I happen to be an excellent card player.

"Gryffin and I parted ways after the end of the war and Ferris's funeral. He returned to Nanza to raise you, Kyle, while I took my family with me to Aynek, a small and remote village where I could continue my magical studies and experiments away from the conflicts of men. I'd had my fill of violence and killing during the war, and now wished only for a peaceful life of study and learning. I feared that by staying in Vane, I would find myself drawn into other conflicts. But after I'd learned of Ghaleon's crimes, I knew my native city would have need of me, and so I returned. Majesty Mia offered me a position as teachers at the Guild, hoping to introduce more diversity into the Magic Guild's curriculum. My older son Daryn is an architect, and he's helping to reconstruct the new Vane. Since he has no skill in magic, it pleases him to help Vane in other ways. And that, my friends, is my story."

Jessica nodded her head, then yawned. "Sorry about that," she said apologetically. "It's been a big day, and I guess I'm worn out."

"Perfectly understandable," said Sarek. "Perhaps you should rest up for tomorrow."

"Yeah, I suppose." She stood up and stretched a bit. "Are you coming too, Kyle?"

Kyle shook his head. "I'm gonna stay up for a bit. I'll be down in a little while."

"Well, don't stay up too late. Good night, guys."

"Good night, my lady," the mage replied.

Jessica headed down to their cabin, leaving the two of them alone. Kyle suddenly felt strangely uneasy around Sarek. He felt like he had so many questions to ask this old friend of his father's, and he didn't know where to begin.

"What was my mom like?" Kyle finally asked. "I don't even remember her."

"Oh, she was a beauty," Sarek said sadly. "Exotic, clever, and the most charming smile you could imagine. They were an interesting match, to put it lightly. They told me a little about themselves one night when we were exchanging back-stories over a few bottles of wine. Gryffin told me how he was born to wealth and privilege, and she was a common bounty hunter, who had lived alone on the streets of Nanza all her life, getting by with her wits and her cunning. I think that wildness in Ferris was what attracted your father to her. Did he ever tell you what he gave up to be with her?"

"He never liked to talk about Mom that much. But I've heard that he left the Knights of Khavod when they wouldn't let him marry a commoner, and Grandpa disinherited him."

"Gryffin renounced far more than a mere title and fortune to be with your mother, Kyle," Sarek responded. "He once told me that as a boy, he wanted to be a knight more than anything else in the world. It was everything he ever dreamed of. The day Gryffin became a knight was the best day of his life, because not only had his lifelong dream come true, but he made his father proud of him for the first time. Gryffin and your grandfather were never very close, apparently.

"However, the day he met and fell in love with your mother, he knew he would have to make a choice. His father would never approve of the marriage, and you already mentioned the attitude of his fellow knights. Like I said, I never really got to know Gryffin all that well, but I do know that he loved your mother more than anything in this world, and that love meant more to him than a rank or title. He forfeited his knighthood and inheritance, everything he worked so hard for, just for her. To sacrifice a dream, a lifelong ambition for someone you love…that takes a rare man indeed."

"Yeah, that sounds just like my old man," Kyle muttered. "The only other person I could ever think of pulling something like that was Alex. The guy spends his whole life wanting to become a Dragonmaster, he finally makes it, and he gives it up to save Luna and the world. I've gotta say, I was impressed when he pulled that. He must have really loved her to give up being Dragonmaster."

Sarek nodded. "In the best of heroes, it is their love for those dearest to them that demands the greatest tests of their strength. But those they love are also the true source of that same strength, and it is through that love that they find the inspiration and willpower to achieve true greatness and glory."

Sarek's brow suddenly furrowed, and his face became grave, as if he'd just seen something disturbing. "If you'll excuse me, I think it's time I retired for the night," he said hastily.

"Something wrong" Kyle asked.

"I'm not sure," Sarek said. "I just got a sudden feeling that there may be trouble in the days ahead. I don't know anything specific…it's just a vague warning. Just in case, I'll need to rest up if I am to be of any use. I'll see you in the morning."

"Later," Kyle replied, trying to think of something non-sappy to say. "Thanks for…you know…talking, and all that."

"Any time," Sarek said with a smile. "Have a good night."

Now alone on the deck, Kyle began pacing, oddly restless for some reason. He eventually came to rest on the railing of the ship, staring at the night sky and the reflection of the stars upon the dark water, lost in thought.

After a while, he heard footsteps approaching from behind. He turned around to see Rayner walking towards him.

"So how'd the game go?" he asked the young mage. "Do you still have any cash on you, or did the admiral and his boys clean you out?"

Rayner smiled thinly. "Actually, I didn't do too badly once I got the hang of the game. Is my father up here?"

"Nope. He just went to bed a few minutes ago."

Kyle expected Rayner to go back downstairs. Instead, he stood besides Kyle, gazing at the open water. "Amazing, isn't it?"

"The view? Yeah. I could really get used to this, traveling the world by ship. I daydreamed all the time about being able to do this."

Rayner nodded. "When I was a kid, Dad would tell me and my brother all about the places he'd been, everything he'd done, and all the friends he'd made. I was always jealous, because I never thought I'd ever get to have experiences like that. I figured I'd spend my whole like in Aynek, until we went to Vane. And now, here I am on my first real adventure. Is it always this exciting, heading off into the unknown, not knowing what to expect?"

Kyle grinned. "Always. My dad used to tell me that travelers live perfect lives, because there are always more places to go and things to see. It's impossible to be bored, even if you go the same place twice, because the experience is different each time."

"Yeah, I'd imagine," Rayner said as he shifted uneasily. "Although…I can't help feeling…I don't know…afraid."

"Of what?" said Kyle, trying to keep the scorn out of his voice. A little late for second thoughts now, pal. Maybe you should have thought a little harder about tagging along before showing me up in front of Jessica.

Rayner sighed. "I don't know. I guess of not being able to pull my own weight…not being up to the challenge. Letting everyone else down, especially my dad."

Kyle shrugged. "Just be confident. Don't slow yourself down with all that self-doubt crap. Anyways, your dad seems like an okay guy. Even if you do screw up, he's probably not gonna hate you for it. You're a rookie. He knows that."

Rayner shrugged. "I know, but my mind can't accept that for some reason. No matter what I do, I still feel like what I do is never going to be enough. He has all this experience, all this accomplishment behind him. How can I measure up to that?"

"That's just it," Kyle said. "You shouldn't try to measure up to your father. You're not him, and you're not supposed to be him. I did that for way too long."

Rayner raised an eyebrow. "And how long did it take you to learn that?"

"A long time," Kyle admitted.

"I guess it's something all sons have in common," Rayner said thoughtfully. "No matter how many times our fathers tell us they're proud of us or support us, we still feel like we need to prove ourselves to them."

"That sounds more like women than fathers," Kyle said with a laugh.

"You would know," Rayner replied. He briefly looked amused before turning serious again. "Speaking about your father, I wanted to apologize about before."

"About what?"

"When I said that my place was with my father, it obviously upset you. It must have sounded like I was taking a shot at you, and I really didn't mean to do that."

Kyle nodded. "Thanks. And...uh...sorry if I was a little obnoxious back there."

"Don't worry about it. I understood what was going through your mind. You must have thought I was trying to show you up in front of everyone by going with my father when you had not."

Kyle looked at Rayner apprehensively. "Are you a mind reader also?"

Rayner chuckled. "I don't need to be. You're the kind of person who's easy to read when it comes to what they're thinking."

"Is that right? So what am I thinking now?"

Rayner looked him over. "You're wondering if we're doing the right thing by going to the Dragon's Graveyard after you promised not to."

"Am I really that easy?" Kyle said warily.

"Yeah, pretty much."

Kyle shook his head with a chuckle, and then his expression turned serious. "And what do you think about this whole deal? Do you think what we're doing is right?"

"Absolutely," Rayner answered without hesitation.

"Why?"

"Because of your motives. You're not doing this for your own glory or fame. You're not out to plunder or desecrate a holy site. You're doing this to honor your father. That makes this quest a truly noble one."

Kyle rolled his eyes and laughed. "'That makes this quest a truly noble one?' You almost sound like Alex."

"The Dragonmaster? I'm honored."

"Hey, don't be too honored. The guy drove me nuts sometimes with his boy-scout routine. Still, the way everybody looked up to him, the faith and everyone had in him…I've always envied him for that. I wish I could be like that sometimes. The kinda guy that people can trust and genuinely look up to."

"I'm sure you could be," Rayner said. "I've never believed in the idea that we can't change what we are. It just takes determination and willpower, and a true desire to change."

"Nah, I couldn't do it," Kyle replied. "I like being the roguish type too much. So tell me about this girl of yours back in Vane. What's she like?"

Rayner blushed slightly. "Her name's Elena. She's beautiful, she's smart, and she has these enchanting dark eyes, like star sapphires. She's also very…what's the word…mischievous, but in a fun way, not a mean way. She taught me how to have fun, and enjoy the little things in life, stuff I always took for granted. We only met a couple of months ago, but I guess that's all it really takes to know you found the one."

Kyle frowned. "If you guys love each other that much, why did you leave her behind? Wouldn't she be upset if something happened to you?"

Rayner smiled even wider. "Of course she would. But nothing will happen. We'll all make it back."

"How do you know?"

"Because we're on a noble quest, remember? Noble quests are always successful. Besides, you told me to be confident."

Kyle laughed. "Yeah, I did, didn't I?"

"So now I'm following your advice. Anyways, I'm heading to bed. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Alrighty. And Rayner?"

"Yeah?"

Kyle grinned. "Welcome to the team."

Rayner smiled back and bowed. "Thank you. It will be an honor serving with you, sir," he said with a smile.

Kyle chuckled as Rayner headed below deck, and then returned to gazing out at the open water. Sarek and Rayner had given his a lot to think about - not the least of which included Sarek's apparent premonition of danger. What would be waiting for them when they got to the Ramius Zone? And did the rumors of pirates have anything to do with the expedition to the Graveyard?

Finally, worn out from all the thinking and brooding, Kyle made his way back to his cabin. In the faint moonlight that shone through the porthole, he could tell that Jessica was already fast asleep. An open book lay beside her; she had clearly nodded off while reading.

As quietly as possible, he made his way to their bed and climbed in beside her. He lay beside her silently, completely mesmerized as he watched her sleep; her golden hair spread across her pillow, her face bathed in moonlight, her soft purring as she breathed. A lock of her hair was draped across her face, and Kyle gently brushed it away. Jessica's eyes flickered open at his touch.

"Sorry. Didn't mean to wake you," Kyle whispered.

"S'alright," Jessica moaned groggily. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I've just…got a lot on my mind right now."

Jessica stroked his face, and in the dim light, Kyle could see her smiling saucily. "I think I might be able to do something about that."