I feel like the beginning is a little slow, but I hope to set the pace as soon as I can. I actually don't know when to end this, I feel it could go for a while, or have a sequel.

Chapter 2

Though it did not take a lot to find a port, in truth, they seemed to be nearly everywhere, the trouble was very clearly finding a ship. Or a ship with a mad enough captain to take them beyond what was known.

When Ike spoke to the captains, the answer was almost always the same:

"The Radiant Hero! I'll be glad to take you and your companion anywhere on Tellius, free of charge!"

But when he would bring up what he wanted, they would always apologize and say they stuck to their trade routes. However, should he want to go to wherever they were heading, just catch up before they left!

Finally, Soren took over.

"Let me talk to them, Ike. I don't think anyone has recognized me."

He was growing anxious. He could see it clearly in his mind's eye as he walked the docks, his heels clacking against the wood with his hurried steps. Mist would be wailing, clinging to the nearest person - most likely Boyd or Titania - begging for someone to please bring her brother back. And the longer they stayed in place, the more likely it was for that exact scenario to happen.

It took over a week of no, and a couple of men who would not even speak to him, but Soren eventually found what he was looking for. He agreed with the captain to bring his friend in the morning, and they could discuss the details.

Ike was more shocked than thrilled. When Soren told him, he nearly choked on his dinner.

"And he's going away from Tellius?" Ike asked for the tenth time.

"Yes, he said he has made the journey before, though many people don't believe him. He'll meet with us in the morning."

Sleep did not seem ready to come to Ike that night. He was up most of the night with so many thoughts racing through his mind. The sun could not rise fast enough for him.

After a quick breakfast, the two of them met up with the captain. They found him barking orders to his men near his ship as they rolled barrels onto the vessel. He did seem shocked when he saw Ike, but not because of his hero status.

"When the lad said he had a friend wantin' to go with him, I expected another shrimp!" He squeezed Ike's hand and shook it vigorously, then introduced himself as Ron. "Said he wanted to go off Tellius, that you'd be willin' to pay a pretty purse to go!"

"Yes, sir," Ike said with a wince. Ron's hand was like a vise. He freed his hand and grabbed his coin. The captain inspected his pay, but to their surprise, he tossed nearly half of it back to Ike.

"You're a big one, and I expect work on my ship. Though I don't know about the little one."

"I can work enough for both of us," Ike offered.

"Don't worry," Soren said dryly. "If the ship is stalled by lack of wind, I'll blow us along." Ron laughed at that and clapped Soren's shoulder, nearly knocking him to the ground as he did.

"A mage! I should've known!" He shook his head and sighed. "Well, we leave in an hour. Or whenever these slackers decide to pick up the pace!" The crew scrambled and scurried around in confusion for a minute or two as they all decided to do the same thing at once. Ron chortled to himself. "Say your goodbyes and get over here as quick as you can."

"You all right?" Ike asked as they walked back to the inn. "I thought he was going to take your head off for a second."

"Any higher and he might have." Soren groaned and rubbed his shoulder.

"How did you work your magic?"

Soren fought the desire to roll his eyes. He was sure Ike was making a pun. "Oh, I didn't, actually. Another man pointed me to him when I told him what I wanted. And while he may seem a few spells shy of a tome, I think he'll get us to wherever it is you plan on going."

They returned to the inn and gathered their things. Soren did not want to admit it, but he was glad to see the end of the inn. On the sea, they were less likely to be spotted. Ike seemed to truly want to leave, and yet in his heart, if his sister demanded he stay, Ike would stay.

Ron was surprised at their quick return, but he turned it into a joke. "That eager to leave, eh? Women troubles?"

"We've said our goodbyes before we left," Soren said. It was not truly a lie.

"And you look like you need help now."

Ron took them to their cabin. It was low, with a few hammocks strung from the ceiling. There were a few cabinets bolted to the floor for their clothes and items. Ron told them that so far they would not have to share with anyone. He was light on crew, but he was sure Ike would pick up the slack.

Once their things were stowed, Ike and Soren joined Ron on the deck. Ike joined the others to load the ship. Ron studied Soren for a moment, then said, "You seem like a smart kid. Think you can look over my books?"

The remark that he did not expect Ron to have books was on Soren's tongue. He shrugged indifferently, and followed Ron into a small room. Soren was astonished to see it was comfortable and well lit, with a sturdy table, lantern, and shelves lined with ledgers. What amazed him more was the neat and clear handwriting inside.

"I don't have the time to do it anymore, traveling gets way too busy. But you make great money bringin' back things people never seen before!" He laughed. Soren was going to have to get used to his jolly attitude.

"It all looks so... tidy. I can take care of this."

"Good lad." He did not slap Soren's shoulder again. He left Soren alone.

With Ike's aid, the crew had the ship loaded and ready to set sail in no time. He stopped by to give Soren warning that the ship was ready, but Soren was deep in the dusty ledgers. He went back to the deck.

The light breeze tickled his face and ruffled his hair. The spray of the sea was salty on his lips. Still, Ike could shut his eyes and finally relax. Though his journey had just begun, he was excited and eager to see where the ship would take him. And who he would meet along the way.