On board of the Black Eagle gave Siltra a deep sigh "Finally" she muttered "Seaburn. It's now only a matter of time until we are getting our payment." And turned around. Seeing Zhi Mu Lings bad mood as she was holding the wheel and proceeds to order her crew to get ready to land in port.

The lizard girl hand it to Zhi… despite being hostage on her own ship, she remains professional and didn't try anything funny. Ok, it helps they hold her son in hostage as well but it's the principal of the things.

Siltra moves down and to check on the Kobold Diplomat and the baby. And once again (Kobold) was holding Tsu Tama in the arms, caring for it like an own child. Siltra gave up trying to make sense of this. Instead concentrate on ensuring that they are soon landing.

And the first thing Siltra is going to do is finding that dammed hero. It would be helpful if she was informed about where her client would reside during his stay in this city.

Overlord Kingdoms Rise

Lady Medin was with her escort walking through the streets of her town towards the piers. The lady was curious what kind of trading vessels have arrived today and didn't feel like waiting for any reports to come in.

And having a direct eye out of how the people are doing and seeing potential needs for herself is always a change from the boring meetings and paperwork.

As she reached the piers, she saw an interesting ship landing. It was a middle sized vessel with black sails and its figurehead was that of an Eagle that spreads its wings far back. Clearly whoever made this ship had a clear idea when making it. Even the name rang true for her… "Black Eagle". Thought the lady was having the feeling she had heard of this name before… but where?

For now, it isn't much of a bother for her and simply watched as the harbor master is approaching the ship to clear the details with the captain. She saw two people walking down the plank. One was a Torrap. Rare for one to show up here… the other…

Medins eyes widened wide and in disbelieve. That… cannot be. This person shouldn't be… but…

Then a very small tidbit she heard once returned to her memory and clarity was suddenly reaching her mind. Turning to one of her escorts she ordered "Return to the mansion and prepare a message for the Overlord. Something urgent its happening that needs his direct attention. Make it clear a ship named Black Eagle is the center of it." And the guard bowed and starts to run off to fulfill his orders.

Medin herself is going towards the pair and gasps loudly enough for everybody to hear "Lady Isota? But I thought you were death. Executed by those horrendous underlings of Halbert. How come you reappear here, dressed like a sailor in the company of a Torrap?"

Both woman are at a lost first before the Torrap spoke "You must be mistaken. Her name is not Isota but Zhi Mu Ling. The Runaway wife of the Hero Sir Percy Blankey."

As Zhi was opening the mouth Medin spoke up "Oh? You are Zhi Mu Ling? Now I can understand why Lord Kuran sometimes called Lady Isota your name. Or lamented how slim the chances are for two woman to look the same."

"Lord Kuran?" asks Zhi slowly.

"Yes. Our current Overlord. Lord Kuran Yuma. Former Hero and wielder of the CrossBlade Cresent Moon." Smiles the ruling lady of Seaburn.

Overlord: Kingdoms Rise

Kuran was currently walking down a path with his few guards. All of them dressed like traveling merchants. That's catching less attention and merchants are one of the few types of groups that can still safely travel between the territories of the different Dwarf Clans. And the Overlord was looking at the map… that was quite scripted over by now.

Thanks to that bloody civil war many bridges are destroyed, passages blocked, and tunnels collapsed. Something Kuran and his followers had wildly underestimated. "What type of routes did Luna, and her vixens took to still get everything I wanted if the simple path to their most important place is such a mess to reach by now?" muttered the Overlord "next time I see her I going to ask her.

That's when Gnarl contacted him with the communication magic "Master. We got news from Seaburn. Your presence is required there."

Kuran put a hand to his ear to press on the gemstone that holds the spell that's normally put on his helmet "What do you mean I am required in Seaburn? Is Lady Medin seeing something she doesn't feel compelled to do herself?"

"From what the messenger told me it involves a ship named… Black Eagle." Replied Gnarl.

Kuran stopped in his tracks. "Repeat that. Did you say Black Eagle?"

"Yes Master. Could it be that…" began Gnarl, and Kuran can tell that this old minion has already his own suspicion "I am certain that's the case. I find the nearest spot for a Gate. And I return as quickly as I can. Get my armor ready. I am going to need it."

Kuran quickly explained his group what was going on and they went to find the nearest spot where they could safely generate a new gate.

Kuran bit his lower lip… is it truly the Black Eagle he knows? When so, then he would finally see Zhi again.

Overlord: Kingdoms Rise

Siltra was gulping loudly as she had heard the name of the Overlord… Kuran Yuma. There was no mistake, no doubt. The current Overlord was a former hero. A hero for all she knew was dead.

"K-Kuran? Kuran is alive? And he is the Overlord?" asks Zhi Mu Ling in clear shock. Oh, Siltra knew very well now that she is deep shit. No way she can claim Zhi to be a runaway wife anymore. The Torraps mind was racing. How to fix her predicament?

She is very certain that she needs very good explanation. And be VERY convincing once the Overlord appears. After all the list of deeds she did to the Overlords Wife is anything but flattering…

Lady Medin nodded "Yes. Lord Kuran Yuma is alive. And I am certain he will be very happy to see you alive again. Despite what the title implies, Lord Kuran is a very good ruler for our kingdom."

Siltra could see Zhis face becoming hopeful… and the mercenary has to admit to herself it's for a good reason.

"How about we go to my mansion where we can discuss things further?" suggested Medin "And even greet Lord Kuran when he arrives. I already send word about your appearance, and I bet the moment he hears it, he will come as fast as he can."

Zhi looks suddenly nervous. Siltra can guess why… and views it as a chance to collect some goodwill. She mentioned one of her subordination over and whispered into his ear. Nodding he went back to the ship.

As Medin waited for Zhis reply, a baby cry was heard. Turning around, Kireen was leaving the ship with two of Siltras mercenaries as escort.

Zhi was glaring at Siltra, but she only replies "I may work for money, but I am not as dumb to challenge a city. Take him. Better I lose some money than my life."

Zhi rushed over to Kireen, and the Kobold readily handed the little Tsu Tama back to his mother. Siltra could see Medins look and Siltra told her "Look. I was just on the job bringing her here to hand her over to Sir Plenkley. I am willing to do a lot for my clients, but I am not starting a fight in a town that has minions ready to swarm me. So better giving up before a battle even starts."

"A wise woman." Spoke Medin "I make sure to mention Lord Kuran how cooperative you became the second you realized your mission was a folly one."

She nods and turns to her underlings "Tell the rest to leave the ship and wait close by."

The Mercenary huffed "Let me guess: That Zhi is a high fish here?"

"Her husband is alive and became the new Overlord." Spoke Siltra quickly "And I am not happy about the fact we weren't aware of it."

"Same here. I tell the others. No need to make such a high guy angrier at us. Bet his mood won't be good anyway once he learns we hold their son hostage." And went to the ship.

Zhi came back after holding her son for a while, making sure she isn't harmed. Looking at Medin she spoke "I like to come with you."

Medin nodded "Alright. Then follow me." Then looks at Siltra "And I like you to come with me as well… and I didn't catch your name yet."

"Siltra." Replied the Torrap "I lead the Bahamut Mercenaries. And yes, I will come along." And followed the woman.

As they were reaching the marketplace, a voice called them "Ah, Siltra. It looks like you arrived already. And here I thought I could indulge myself into the good offerings of this town a little more."

Everybody's attention turned towards the source of the voice. A man in black pants, and white shirt wearing a red robe and red hat with an overly large feather stood there with a big grin. And on his side a CrossBlade was there. Two thin and short swords crossed with white decorations that reminded on lines of wind.

"Lord Percy" spoke Siltra "Quite the chance to run into you after I already accepted an invite of the lady of this town."

"I have to excuse myself… I couldn't be bothered to wait day in and day out for you to arrive port. So, I had a few boys on the lookout. I was on the way to you as I just spotted you" spoke Lord Percy as he moved closer "Ah, Zhi. Such a pleasure to see you again. Finally, we can perform our wedding duties."

"A wedding that never happened" spat Zhi Mu Ling "My Marriage is with Kuran. Not you"

"Oh please. Are you seriously believing the lie that Kuran became Overlord? That's a lie. Or at least the claim of the Overlord that he is Kuran Yuma is a lie" he smirks but then frowns as he noticed the bundle in Zhis arms. "Huh… didn't know that you got a child."

Zhi stared at him "Were you BLIND the last time we saw each other? I was in my seventh month as you told me point blank Kuran was supposed to be death and it would be my duty to marry you."

"Oh. And here I thought you gained weight" he shrugged. Siltra was blinking at this claim. And questions for a moment the intelligence of her contractor.

"No matter" shrugged Lord Percy "You are coming with me now so we can perform our duty as husband and wife."

"We are not married." Countered Zhi with a snarl "I never signed any contract or gave any vows to you."

"Aros signed our marriage contract in your name." smirks Percy as he gave a flourishing gesture towards Zhi "So by our law you are my wife for a year now." Then she turns to Siltra and orders her "Give me now my wife. I don't care if that child gets hurt or not."

Siltra hesitated, weighting her options. By the contract she has now, she is obligated to hand over Zhi Mu Ling to Lord Percy Blankley. And for the sake of her reputation, she HAS to follow the contract. But if Zhi Mu Ling was actually the wife of the current Overlord, then handing her over would make her high on the Overlords target list.

Not to mention that Lady Medin would properly do her best to stop Siltra.

As the Torrap was complimenting her options, she picked up a heightened activity… something was coming. Following her good grip of senses she turned towards the source… and there she saw it. A man covered in dark armor stomping towards them. Followed by a band of Minions. There was no question… that was the Overlord.

The only thing she found odd is that he wasn't wearing a helmet.

Lady Medin smiles and moves towards the incoming Overlord and bowed respectful "Lord Kuran. Thank you for coming in such a short notice."

"I came as soon I was able" spoke Kuran to her and then his head turned towards Zhi Mu Ling… and he smiles softly "Zhi… how much I have missed you…" and moves towards her.

Zhi quivered and her feet carried her by themselves. A hand reached out and placed itself on Kurans check "You… you are truly alive…"

"Thought it was close way back." And put his gloved hand on Zhi, running it through her hair "I thought I would never see you again." And smiles brighter as he saw the bundle "Is that…"

"Yes Kuran… our son. Tsu Tama Yuma." She smiles to him. Kuran smiles back and they were closing in for a kiss, but then Kuran had to push Zhi away and step away as a rush if slicing wind passed between them, damaging the wall in the distance.

Kuran turned to Lord Percy and narrows his eyes "Percy. Should have known you are here as well. Didn't you not cause enough damage?"

"I have no clue what you are talking about, Faker" growled Lord Percy "I know what I saw. Kuran getting crushed underneath a collapsing wall and ceiling! So much that the others agreed even trying to dig you out! We had to hire even somebody to play as you!"

"I ran into that idiot you hired" growled Kuran, "He couldn't even get the name right. Not to mention what you were doing with our home ". He stomped forward to Lord Percy while his blade was brought by the minions. He slowly draws it "And for your information. You keep forgetting how durable I actually am!"

Thought Percy was starting at Cresent Moon in Kurans hand "You even dared to create a fake copy of his shattered blade…"

Kuran just rolled his eyes "So you don't want to see facts about me. Very well. Then how about another fact: You attacked ME. The ruler of those lands. And you think you can just waltz in and point your blade against me without repercussion?"

"You are not the rightful ruler! You stole the throne" spat Lord Percy

"He is." Countered Lady Medin, "As he had legitimate married the princess and with the absence of a prince with actual heritage rights makes her husband, Lord Kuran Yuma be the rightful ruler of those lands."

Zhi turned in shock. Kuran had remarried? Well... given how unlikely it had seem for him to see her again, Zhi Mu Ling couldn't blame him… but that makes the reunion much more complicated.

"Is that so? Then he can pay back the Kingdoms debt" smirks Lord Percy in smugness "but I forgive you to admit you are a faker and that you hand over Zhi Mu Ling as she is now my rightful wife."

"Odd. I got signed papers that explains the debt was settled… after telling you where to find Zhi!" countered Kuran, his own temper rising. "You have no holding claims. Last warning. Leave! Or face the consequences!"

With that Lord Percy rushed forward and went for a series of stabbings. Most of them were bluffs to disorientate his opponent before going for the real strike into his throat… but each real strike Percy did was blocked by Kuran or deflected. Including the strike for the throat.

Percys eyes widened. How? Even the last Overlord wasn't able to block all of those strikes and only survived with the tough armor.

"You are too predictable!" countered Kuran and flourish into his own attack. Forcing Percy to sidestep but earn a punch into the face. As if that faker could predict his movements.

Glaring at the faker, he decides not to play around and grabbed the hilts of the two blades that form his slender CrossBlade and pulled. Separating them into two distinct blades and went into the offensive. He stabbed repeatedly into the air, creating greenish winds that form a series of spikes "Air Spikes!" he shouted, and his projectiles flew forward towards the intended target.

"Moon Slice!" countered Kuran and slashed the air and a white wave skimmed across disrupting those spikes that would have certainly hit Kuran before he mimics Percys move and separated his own blades with a neat motion and got ready to face Percy on even ground.

While Kuran preferred not to do that act, he knew Percy well enough to realize that with one blade he couldn't keep up with the speed Percy and fight.

While Percy was still looking at shock at the fact that Kurans blade was the genuine article, the Overlord used his chance to change into his own offensive.

Lord Percy just barely got his senses back together to start reflexively parry Kurans starting strike, but Kuran kept on this pressure. His memories of Lord Percys fighting style very livid right now. Kuran was able to predict every feint and real attack with high accuracy, only getting chinks into his armor.

Lord Percy was for a reason not considered the strongest of their former troop… while his wind techniques are a force to recon with, he needs space to perform them and are in many cases predictable.

While in close combat Percy is able to disable opponents quickly by aiming for weak spot, he lacks the strength for true armor piercing strikes.

And Kuran is on top able to utilize the fact his own blades have more mass against the thin blades of Percy. Thought Kuran never questioned how he was able to still remember Percys movement with that level precision to predict his movement.

Percy on the other hand was getting more and more frustrated at the development he is facing. He needs an opening to decide things for himself.

Disengaging quickly from Kuran and using his greater speed to gain distance, Percy uses quick slices to send waves of air at Kurans direction. The Overlord was forced to counter those with his own waves of slices made by the energy of his blades. That allowed Percy to position himself and began to perform the steps of his most devastating attack.

Kuran quickly saw what was going on, and since Zhi was directly behind him at this angle, he points one of his swords like a wand and shouts "SILENCE!"

"You fool! Your magic is not powerful enough to perform a one word spell. And even if, my Piercing Fangs are a phy- ARRRGH!" shouts Percy as he suddenly felt blades in his shoulders, causing him to stop his attack before it could go off the ground. As the sudden pain caused his hands to let go of his blades, a weight followed the pain pushing against his body and he fell down.

"Who said Silence is a spell!" told Kuran as he moves over. Percy was in too much pain to move, and it didn't help the weight on his body "It's a name… the name of my top green minion."

Percy turned his head as much he can… and found himself staring at a green minion with a white robe… how… how did he miss this green? Why isn't it smelling like bucket load of fish left out in the sun?

"You cheater…" grunts Percy as he turns to glare to Kuran "You knew you couldn't win a duel… so you cheated…"

"When did we agree to have a duel?" smirks Kuran "You just attacked me… the rightful ruler of this land. As such I am allowed to act in any way of self-defense. I just waited for the moment when it would be the least wasteful moment."

Percys eyes widened as he realized Kuran spoke the truth. His eyes fell on Siltra and grunts "Do… something"

Siltra looked at the scene and made a decision she hopes won't bite her in the long way: "You only hired me to bring Zhi Mu Ling to you. Which I did. My part of the contract is done. Not to mention it doesn't seem you can fulfill your obligations in this contract to its fullest."

"Smart woman" commented Kuran to her "I deal with you later regarding your role of getting my wife here. In the meanwhile, stay in this town. If I learn you disappear on me, better prey neither I nor the bounty hunters ever find you." Causing Siltra to gulp down nervously.

Turning to the soldiers present he orders them "Carry them to a healer! I don't want him to die yet! But keep a close eye to him and bring his weapons to my tower!"

Then Kuran turned to Zhi Mu Ling "Zhi…" and got closer to her.

To his surprise Zhi embraces him and starts crying "I… I… missed you so much…"

A tear run down Kurans check as well and lifts his wife's head slowly "I missed you too…" and they kissed deeply as the feelings for each other resurfaced with full force.

Then a sound came, and they broke the kiss. Kuran looked at the bundle in Zhis arm and smiles "Is that… our son?"

"It is Kuran… that's Tsu Tama… your firstborn son." Smiles Zhi

Kuran picked him and looked into the green eyes of his boy "Hello my prince…"

Then he looks at Zhi "come… let us go to Lady Medin Mansion… and there I will explain everything."

Zhi nodded and with the escort of minions of all things and the lady of a city with her guards she went with Kuran… and in her mind she truly wondered what happened since she ran away over a year ago.