Thank you everyone for your patience with me writing this latest chapter. These last few weeks have been exceptionally busy for me in my professional and personal life. I will do my best to keep adding chapters as I can; however, it may be a week or so between each one. For whatever reason, every time I sat down to write, I found myself getting pulled away by something. But I wanted to finish this chapter and get it taken care of and so viola!

Please let me know what you think of this latest chapter. I am trying very hard to develop my characters in new directions emotionally, and to show that remorse and grief can play a part in who they are. Ask yourself this, what happens with overwhelming power when it's let loose accidently? How would you deal with it? Who would you turn to in your grief?

The new world is changing the Sauhugin and Lord Sekolah has chosen Michael to guide his development and worship. They are and will remain so, a lawful evil race but they are developing in new directions. Keep in mind, there are no Gods or Goddesses remaining, only an empty void of divine power that most clerics tap into. With Lord Jormungandr, Aka Tyrant Lizard, Aka Michael, actively bringing a guild of religious worshippers into the new world, Lord Sekolah has followed. But will other deities come after? Or will he be the sole true divine power in the new world? Questions..questions..

But yes, please give me feedback and let me know what you think of the direction I am going. My characters are not infallible…. they are finding passion, love, grief, and despair. But they are also finding growth, change, and hope.

And thank you everyone who chose to follow my story so far. You motivate me to keep going!

Saintlyone

Chapter 8: Beneath the Waves of Change

For long moments my yellow slitted eyes stared down at the smashed table after my npc's had left, my thoughts in turmoil over my anger, forgetting for a few moments that I was really only a 20-year-old guy who found himself in extraordinary circumstances in the new world. Sighing heavily, I sat back on the edge of my sand bed, and focused on composing myself, my thoughts kept returning to the meeting, the anger, and how my lack of maturity might have impacted my relationship with Ripscar.

Shaking my scaled head in regret, focusing for a moment on the heated sensation under my skin from my sand bed, I could only wonder how my father would have handled a situation like this, my memory of him reminding me that he would always seem calm and collected no matter what.

Flashing back:

"Mom, is everything all right? What does that man want from daddy?" Looking up from behind her legs, my six-year-old mind struggled to understand why the bad man was yelling and shaking his fist at my father, tears on my cheeks as my childhood sensitivity picked up on the anger coming from the stranger.

"Shh, it's okay Michael. Go play in the next room while the adults talk, okay? Can you be a big boy for mommy right now?" Leaning down, his mother hugged him tightly for a moment, her soft floral scent comforting and quieting him as he nodded, wanting to make her happy as he left for his room. Peeking out from his bedroom, he watched as the stranger got even louder, shaking his fist in father's face until his mother interfered, shoving a stack of papers at the stranger and telling him to get out. Tiny fist in his mouth, he nearly cried out when the strange man snatched the papers and reared his hand back, ready to slap his mother.

In the next moment, his father was there and gripping the stranger's wrist, face to face with him as he quietly walked him backwards and out of the room, manhandling him until they were out of sight. It was only later when he was a bit older that he learned that his father, a former strength trainer, had seen Michael peeking out of the doorway and didn't want to upset him with physical violence. Instead, he had physically forced the loan collector out into the hallway where he had proceeded to slap him twice, loosening his teeth and teaching him a little respect for daring to raise a hand to his beloved wife.

Back to the present:

Sighing to himself, upset with his lack of control earlier, he took a long, deep breath and blew it out after a moment, physically calming himself. Looking back on his memories, he realized that it was that moment in life that later on when talking to his father about it, had taught Michael about quiet strength, prudence, and patience, something he had forgotten today. Mentally speaking to himself, he promised he would make it up to RIpscar and find a way to separate the evil from the good in the future when it came to sacrifices for Lord Sekolah's avatar; unaware of the ironic comfort he was feeling at condemning others to a gruesome death.

Mentally evaluating my next steps, my hand reached out into the darkness that was my inventory and pulled out a sturdier stone desk to replace the damaged wooden one; extensive furniture options one of the perks of being a low-level developer. Slowly, I pulled the drawers out on the shattered wooden desk, grateful that my rum and glasses were not damaged as I placed them in the stone desk drawers alongside my other sundry nicknacks. Finishing and vowing to do better in the future, I shook myself once more before donning a more formal attire from my inventory, a blue scaled cape, matching belt, and leggings, a gold torque around my neck and over my bare chest. With a final rueful glance down at the shattered table, my eyes sorrowful, I left the room and headed towards the grotto and the waiting sea elf.

Karkinos lair; The Grotto

Sitting cross legged on the beach in the grotto, Othea relaxed under the watchful eyes of the Sahuagin warrior assigned to her. While not considered a slave any longer, it was explained by that toothy faced cleric that she would need an escort to avoid any unnecessary issues that might arise from being a guest in a new place. Finding the warrior with his black eyes and scaly skin generally inscrutable to her attempts to make conversation, she decided upon a new conversational tactic as she tried once more to engage him. "What can I expect when I meet Lord Jormungandr? What type of person is he?" Staring at the strange sea elf with his black eyes for a long moment, he eventually gave a small nod as he relaxed slightly, his voice unexpectedly high pitched with lots of accentuated clicks, 'S's and 'C's.

"It is good you are trying to learn about Lord Jormungandr, the chosen of our God Sekolah." He began slowly and thoughtfully, clawed finger pointing to himself. "This one is called Kral'zik and I will try to answer. We came to this new world from another where he was one of the mightiest of beings. Our Lord though is humble when he needs to be and bloodthirsty when we, his creations, are threatened." Gently stirring the sand with his trident, the Sahuagin Kral'zik continued and looked into the water thoughtfully. "I am but a warrior who knows his place, but you will find none among us who has a bad thing to say about Lord Jormungandr or his vision for the new world."

Nodding as she listened, her gray eyes thoughtful while taking in this new information, then focusing on the warrior in front of her once more. "What about you? I am a sea elf and have lived for nearly two hundred years but have never heard of a race like yours." Shifting on the sand and turning to face him more fully, her words thoughtful and full of curiosity. "What are the Sahuagin? I heard your female cleric, Zanne I think was her name, call you that. But what does it mean?"

Gently fingering the point on his trident as he looked away, then back again, Kral'zik answered her, his voice taking on a rapturous tone. "Lord Sekolah in his wisdom, when the ancient gods were fighting and flooded the lands, created us from the lords of the sea, the great sharks. Some gods created sea elves and other beings, but Sekolah in his wisdom created us from his image. If you wish to know more, then ask High Priestess Zanne, she can give you more history. As I say, I am just a simple warrior who follows orders. It is enough." Sitting back on his haunches, he looked out over the grotto, then back to her where she sat cross legged on the beach. "In our original world, we would be enemies. Sea elves and Sahuagin hate each other., but here.. is different. We do not feel the hatred to your kind here. You are…friendly and kind. Not a warrior or strong in body but is okay. Not all Sahaugin are warriors either."

Sitting for a moment longer and seeing he was not going to continue, mind filled with even more questions now, her eyes darted over to the small, demonic looking sharks that were flitting around in multi-colored displays, then to the amazing waterfall that fell out of the wall and into the grotto. Making to stand up with the intent to dive into the water, she only took one step before the warrior stopped her with his trident in a non-threatening manner. "Wait, do not dive into …water without permission first. We need to ask … guardian if you can partake in the coolness of her waters." He explained in his halting, clicking voice.

Stepping closer to the water, Kral'zik raised his trident in respect and called out, his sharp teeth catching the lights of the grotto's flittering, yet deadly defenders: "Lady Karkinos, the guest of Lord Jormungadr wishes to enjoy your waters. May she do so…. safely?" Stepping back with a short bow to the water, he turned back to Olthea. "It is for your … safety that we ask her respectfully. Do not be afraid of what you will see, after all you are under Lord Jormungandr's protection. However, even he is respectful… when entering her home waters."

Eyes filled with curiosity now, then widening as the entire grotto started shaking, fighting the urge to run, she nonetheless stood her ground as a mighty crab shell arose from the water, followed by eye stalks, then claws larger than some small whales she had seen in her travels. Standing and staring in shock, somehow comforted by Kral'zik standing calmly next to her, her natural curiosity asserted itself as the giant crab lumbered forward and unexpectedly bowed, it's voice bubbling and burbling. "My Lord, you honor us with your presence."

Turning quickly, she was caught off guard by the pale scaled being in front of her with slitted yellow eyes, clawed fingers, and warm smile that had walked up while she was focused on the giant crab. "Thank you, Karkinos and Kral'zik." His raspy voice called out. "You must be Olthea; my Warmaster Koral-finn speaks highly of you and your oneiromantic ability. Is it true you told Zanne that you dreamed of our Lord Sekolah's avatar and his justice on your enslavers?"

Bowing deeply to him, her eyes could not stop staring at his unusual scales, regal outfit, eyes, and everything else; her curiosity overwhelming her as she attempted to compose herself suddenly. "Lord Jormungandr, it is my pleasure to meet you at last. Your warriors speak very highly of you. And yes, I did tell your priestess that I dreamt of a giant shark and his attack on the slavers." Saying the last, her eyes flared in anger at the mention of the evil individuals who had captured her. "They got exactly what they deserved, and I will lose no sleep over their bloody demise. Was that shark your Lord Sekolah then?"

Sitting cross legged on the sand and motioning to everyone to have a seat, our conversation began in earnest as Kral'zik and Karkinos listened in, their attention focused entirely on us. "That was the avatar of Lord Sekolah, not his majestic self. However, for all intents and purposes his avatar enacts his will upon these and every other ocean he visits. What you witnessed was his bloody justice upon those who deserved it." As I explained this to her, my mind drifted back to his majestic form as it silently glided by in the deep water, remembering every detail of his awesome and unstoppable might.

Observing him as he spoke, her mind was filled with many thoughts about these previously unknown strangers in the world's ocean and their even more strange god. "Who is he really? Who is Lord Jormungandr and what is his intent for my people?" Listening to his explanation, her attention focused on him and her thoughts spun in their own direction with each new piece of information he provided. Nodding to him as he finished, she leaned forward, her ear tips quivering as she stared into his yellow slitted eyes, her voice serious. "Tell me Lord Jormungandr, have you heard of the Slane Theocracy and their evil ways?"

Private Quarters of Ripscar Tidehunter

Hissing softly in frustration, scaled fingers tapping over and over on his pact trident, Ripscarr was upset with himself, mostly for failing his lords wishes, but also for his weakness in not foreseeing the battles deadly outcome with the loss of nearly one third of their warriors. Koral Finn may be Warmaster for Lord Jormungandr, but it was Ripscar who was supposed to be the intelligence provider for the lair. It was his role to foresee possible outcomes and to help suggest battle strategies to minimize their losses and maximize the enemies. "This…will not happen again." Picking up a ceremonial dagger, it's jagged edges and glinting teeth flashing in the candlelight, he kneeled in front of his private altar to Lord Sekholah, preparing to ritually sacrifice a talon to his patron. "My lord, please accept this sacrifice for my failure. I cannot allow myself to make such mistakes in the future."

Placing his hand on the altar, the contrition driven warlock raised the dagger overhead, ready to slash downward to sever the second digit on his left hand, black eyes purposeful in his remorse. "Please forgive me, Lord Sekolah." Muscles tensing to chop forcefully, when without warning, his wrist was grabbed from behind and squeezed painfully, the serrated dagger falling to his chamber floor. "You fool! You arrogant fool of a warlock! Do you think this pleases anyone? Do you think maiming any part of the body of Lord Sekolah's shoal will please him? Do you think wounding yourself will undo the damage that has already been done?" Hissing angrily through her pointed teeth, Zanne Deepstalker, high cleric of Lord Sekolah, castigated and berated him as he kneeled on the floor in front of his private altar.

Hissing down at him, her eyes fierce as they flashed in anger, her taloned hands sliding lower off his wrist to grip his jaw painfully, she continued. "Our lair…our very group is a school of sharks.. shoal of predators that serve at Lord Sekolah's whim! How dare you think maiming any part of yourself will serve him! His people have already been hurt and maimed in their first battle in the new world. Do you dare add more pain to that loss for our lair? How dare you think such things!" Slapping his face forcefully, knocking him against the alter, she stood back with a warning hiss, arms crossed in religious fervor. "Get up and don't ever assume to guess what will or will not please our Lord!"

Slowly standing, jaw clicking in pain as wincing and forcing his anger down, he stared back into her eyes for a long moment before blowing a long breath of air out in resignation and looked away. "I made a mistake that hurt our lair badly and unintentionally went against the tenants of Lord Sekolah and our Lord Jormungandr. Help me to make sure this does not happen again. I will not be responsible for more of our people dying." Saying this, he turned and sat heavily on his sleeping cot and leaned back, digging his fingers into the material and closing his eyes for a long moment, mind racing as he awaited her thoughts.

Hissing at him one more time, she relaxed and pulled a chair over from his study area, an ornately carved piece filled with cryptic runes and glyphs that the warlock claimed helped him meditate and focus on his arcane workings. Tapping her fingers as she stared at him and sat there, eyes thoughtful. "On the matter of those explosives.. we should have consulted more closely with Karkinos. She is our maritime sage and historian. She may have ideas on how to counter them or to be better prepared for other unexpected weapons in the future." Shaking her head angrily she continued. "We did not think the natives of this new world had such magic at their disposal. We won't make that same mistake again. Now…tell me where you went wrong with the sacrifices? Lord Jormungandr was very clear on this. No innocents are to be sacrificed."

Scowling at the memory and shaking his head in anger, he answered her, his sibilant voice hissing through the chamber. "I have thought of nothing else since our lords meeting. My ability to divine their souls is helpful, but time consuming. It is not helpful when processing a large number of souls. I think…" His voice petered off as he got a faraway look in his eyes. "I think it's a matter of thoroughness that's to blame for the time consumption." Holding up a taloned hand to stop her from asking the obvious question, he continued. "I mean that the soul divination is a useful tool for gathering complex information from a target, however we don't need complex information." Standing suddenly, his thoughts whirring as he began slowly pacing in front of the listening cleric, eyes distant as he thought out loud.

"We need to know two things." Holding up his fingers as he counted them off, candlelight flickering from his black eyes as he explained. "One, are they evil or good aligned? Two, are they destined for greatness. I believe the first can be solved easily enough. Remember when Lord Jorgmungandr in his greatness, had us inventory all the magical items he collected from fallen enemies over the years and store in the vault under Karkinos in her lair?" Zanne nodded as she listened, mind flashing back to the last time they performed this duty.

"I believe there were several low-level amulets of detection there that would detect either good or evil in individuals if they were worn. We would just need to approach an individual and they would either glow brightly or darken like a pit of emptiness depending on their alignment." Turning to fully face her, the warlock continued, his voice excited and full of clicks. "In the second matter, it would not be an issue if we sacrificed those evil souled individuals who might have achieved greatness to Lord Sekolah. However, the good souled individuals who might achieve greatness would not be sacrificed. We could study them at our leisure and determine if their potential greatness could be added to our own."

Grinning in excitement, he sat back down on the bunk and leaned back once again, this time crossing his arms in satisfaction as he awaited her response. Hissing softly, she leaned forward angrily. "You think of these solutions now? After we suffered losses to our lair? And not before? You are lucky our Sire has ordered that we alter the way we worship Lord Sekolah. Otherwise, I would have taken great pride in punishing you for your jubilance over this. To serve our God, our Sire, and our Lair well is all that matters. Do not ever let me see you taking such pleasure again in finding solutions after suffering caused by such lack of foresight."

Staring intently into his eyes with her own black ones, she finally blinked and settled back for a moment, then standing and pushing the chair back to Its rightful place and walking over to his door and opening it, a young surface elf girl stood outside. "Now, lets move on to other topics. Have you seen our new worshippers? I want you to play a part in their training with me." Motioning to the elven girl, she ushered her into his room and let her eyes look around for a quick moment. "Ripscar, this is Anamisa, the most promising of our young disciples. All of us will be responsible for training these young children in the ways of Lord Sekolah. When you have time, your role will be as an arcane educator to the class. I want the children to be well educated and well versed but also well taught in the ways of both divine and arcane lore."

Bowing before him, the young elven girl introduced herself, her young voice crackling with nervousness and excitement. "Hello, Lord Ripscar. It is an honor to meet you…" Her voice trailed off as he hissed at her in interruption, his eyes friendly and warm as he held up a taloned hand, rings glittering on the digits. "Young lady, please just call me Ripscar. No need to bow before me in submission. We are all part of the same family and all equal in certain ways. The only two who should be called by a title are Lord Sekolah and Lord Jormungandr. But thank you. I understand your intent." Smiling he sat back as the young girl decided in that moment, that she quite liked him and reminded him of a favorite uncle she once had, although slightly fishier and seaweed smelling.

Outside the lair, in a hidden coral grove

Inhaling deeply, the crimson scent of blood being carried away on the tide filled Koral-Finn's gills as he watched the body of a young shark get quickly tore into by the oceans many small predators, its heart cut out and drifting with the remains. Raising his arms in the underwater currents, small bubbles formed around his lips as he intoned solemnly.

"Great Sekolah, Apex of the Depths, Accept this offering of blood and flesh.

As this life ebbs, may your hunger be sated.

Grant us your savage strength, your relentless drive.

Let our teeth be sharp, our strikes be true.

In your name, we rule these waters.

For the glory of the hunt, now and always."

Lowering his arms after a long moment, his black eyes thoughtful as he watched the sea devour his tribute, Koral-Finn turned and began the short swim back to the lair, thoughts spinning as he hoped his small tribute would help guide the mighty deity's future growth in this new world. After all, it was important that his new worship be guided by blood, strength, and sacrifice; always a sacrifice.

Pushing aside fronds of seaweed and deep kelp, he nodded to the sentries outside the lair's entrance, two high level Sahagun warriors and two high level summons, giant octopuses that blended closely with the soil here. The four of them a mighty early warning system for any intruders foolish enough to get close without Lord Jormungandr's permission. Swimming past, he entered the electric blue rune covered lair entrance and closed his eyes perfectly, timing it so that the expected bright flash would not hurt the delicate orbs accustomed to the sea's depths, giving them a moment to adjust as he looked around.

Spotting several surface dwellers that were recently freed, a dwarven male and female minotaur, he strode purposefully towards them, his gaze fierce, but not intentionally so as he approached, merely that of a seasoned war chief intent on having a conversation, surprise evident when the male spoke first. "Sir Koral-Finn was it? My name is Delgrum Treasurebeard and my companion is Kitris Thundereye." He continued; his rolling voice magically translated inside the lair so all languages could be understood easier. "We would speak with you, if you have a few moments?"

Eyeing the unusual duo for a long moment, his black eyes inscrutable as he listened before nodding his assent. "Delgrim and Kitris…" he began, doing his best to respectfully form the unfamiliar names on his lips. "How may I be of service? Lord Jormungandr has made you our guests until we can return you to the surface. Is there something we can provide that you need?" Tapping his taloned fingers on the hilt of his cutlass, he patiently waited on them to continue, mind wondering at this strange turn of events.

"Well, Sir. It's like this. In my former life I was a jewel smith and a merchant and never much of a fighter. Kitris here was the opposite; she was a fighting monk and well…we uhm…" Pausing, the dwarfs voice suddenly became uncertain as he stared up into Koral-Finn's emotionless black eyes, unsure of how this unfamiliar creature would respond. "What Delgrim is trying to say is that we and several other freed slaves wish to remain here, to study and to learn." With a frown of irritation at her companion, the minotaur finished for the dwarf. "On the surface we were slaves, captured and tortured and used against our will. For me personally, I see a martial community that I can learn from and grow as a monk and as a fighter. And I'm not sure what Delgrim hopes to get by remaining." Frowning again, she leaned against the wall, her movements smooth and flowing as she demonstrated a quick martial arts kata.

Looking at both of them for a moment as he processed this information, Koral-Finn was momentarily at a loss for words at her physical display. Nodding his head as he listened, he turned and looked thoughtfully over at the lairs entrance, entranced by the glowing sigils for a long moment. "I can ask our Lord Jormungandr about this. It is not up for me to decide this matter. You are our guests and have the right to petition to stay, no one will say otherwise on this." Turning back, teeth and eyes glinting in the magical light as he continued to address them. "Gather those who wish to stay here in the amphitheater. Ask the guards to escort you there if you're not familiar already. I will seek out Lord Jormungandr and try to have an answer in a few hours for you." Nodding his head, he abruptly turned and quickly strode off, his movements smooth as he thought about this latest development, not seeing the weird looks that passed between the dwarf and minotaur at his departure as they tried to read his unusual mannerisms.

Grotto, a short while later.

Gritting his teeth at Olthea's continued description of the atrocities the Slane Theocracy was responsible for, Lord Jormungandr could not help but be reminded of ancient earth and the genocidal armies of the mid twentieth century. Settling down cross legged in the warm sand across from her, mind spinning as she continued, while Krokinos and Kral'zik listened and observed from a few feet back, their eyes watchful and thoughtful, then filling with barely controlled rage as she concluded telling all she knew of the Thane Theocracy.

"After coming ashore, as traders for our people, we were captured by one of their elite units and most of my brothers and sisters were enslaved." Her eyes angry and body language shaking as she recalled her painful story. "I was forced to watch as my youngest sister, only eighty-three, not even a teenager in human years was forced by their 'men' on the beach! They used her as an example of what they do to non-humans and to force us to comply! We couldn't even look away as they held our faces and eyes open with magic.. We were forced to watch and listen…." Voice trailing off as grief struck her and great wracking sobs filled her body as she forced herself to continue. "After… afterwards the cutting began…they began cutting our ear tips off and tossing them in a pot for later….to make stew for our trip to their city. I was only spared because of my ability. They..they somehow recognized I had a unique talent and didn't want to harm me too much."

Holding up his taloned hand, slitted eyes red tinged with anger and disgust, Lord Jormungandr halted her story, no longer needing to hear any more of it. Hesitantly, he reached out and gripped her hands, unsure of how to show kindness between his species and hers. "I give you my word as Lord of this lair, that we will do what we can to keep you and your people safe. On this, Lady Olthea, my word is law and final!" Hissing and nearly spitting the words out in his anger. "Your people will find refuge with us if they wish. We will establish trade partnerships with your leaders and protect you as valued allies if called upon. No one should be forced to witness what you have seen. If possible, we will even attempt to rescue any of your people yet living on the surface."

Stuttering, tears flowing freely as she listened, silent sobs slowly retreating from her delicate frame, it took her a long moment to respond and push her pained memories back. "Lord, thank you. I …I cannot speak for all my people, but I will do my best to convey what I have heard to them. As their oneiromancer, I hold great influence and will use it to forge a positive path forward with them. My dreams have shown me a future filled with blood but also with light and a sense of hope. They…are not always clear. But I know that our paths are meant to be together."

Nodding to the warrior Kral'zik, voice sibilant in restrained anger as his teeth flashed in the grottos light. "Please show Olthea to her quarters or wherever else she wishes to go. I need to speak with Krakinos alone for a while. And when you get a chance, send Zanne, Ripscar, and Koral-Finn to attend me within the next hour. Standing and reaching out, much to her shock and amazement that he, the lord of this lair would offer his hand and help her to stand, could only stare for a moment. "Please get some rest and let us know when you are ready to rejoin or contact your people."

Watching, arms crossed as she left with Kral'zik, he finally turned his attention back to Krakinos, his voice angry and restrained, interrupted by her burbling voice before he could speak. "Lord, upon your word we will begin preparations to deal with …with these enslaving scum." Scuttling her legs in agitation, her large bulk shaking slightly in anger as she continued, small waves splashing as the grotto shook from her bulk. "Before we were merely looking to halt their slave trade in our newly established waters…however…I think now it's something else entirely. Please sire, when the time arrives, let me leave the grotto and go to war with you. Let them fear the wrath of my claws and might."

Growling up at her, eyes flashing dangerously, he nodded his assent. "I want you to work closely with Koral-Finn to discuss as many ways as possible to disrupt their slave trade and to locate their main harbor. Ripscarr will act as our intelligence officer in this matter. Until our Sauhugin and Kuo-toa forces are replenished, you have my authorization to use whatever summons are necessary to do so." Gritting his teeth, eyes flashing dangerously up into hers. "And… you have my permission to use whatever you feel is needed in the armory to complete this goal." Spinning, he stalked off from the grotto to seek out his npc leaders, no longer willing to wait the hour needed for them to come to him.

Several Days Later, Tremedere Slave Processing Trade Harbor, 1 am

Dipping behind the clouds, the partial moon hid its pock marked face, it's silvery light so beautiful on the rolling waves one moment, the next muted and covered. Standing watch, the sentries overlooking the harbor fought off mental fatigue and boredom, the cool night air calm and relaxing to their tired minds as its salty, gentle caress blew across their skin. Yawning, the first sentry shifted the grip on his crossbow, the jingling of his chainmail and leather barely heard in the soft breeze, near at hand a signal bell and wooden pyre ready to be lit in case of attack. But whether he was alert or not didn't matter, his tired bloodshot eyes were trained across the harbor and on the silvery waves, but unable to pierce them to see the drama playing out below.

Sudden movement caught their eyes as they stared, trying to focus on the scene playing out in the harbor, unable to understand what they were seeing as one by one sailors and slaves alike walked into the water or over the edge of the ships to land with a splash, not making any sounds of distress or crying out. "Markil…what are they doing?..." The first guard began but his voice trailed off, a strange siren song filling his mind, compelling him to walk forward, his friend on the other side already moving as well. With stiff steps, both guards walked off the edge of the parapet, the siren song filling their mind, promising pleasure if they but obeyed, the jingle of metal and crashing of flesh the only sound made as they fell several stories onto the stone blocks below, killed instantly as they impacted. Across the small harbor, guards, slavers, and slaves alike all walked out of their rooms and down to the waters edge, then into it, disappearing one by one below the dark surface, only the uninvolved townsfolk remaining untouched but deep asleep, unable to wake.

Under the waves, deep in the harbor, Krokinos sang her psychic song of compulsion, amplified by her summons, several dozen Morkoth who joined her in their hypnotic siren voice, the evil squid like beings allowing her to extend her range up to nearly a mile. Grinning viciously from beside her, Koral-Finn recalled his Lords last meeting in the grotto, his weblike hands helping to stabilize him in the dark water's currents. After the disastrous loss of Sahuagin in the last attack on the slaver's ships, Lord Jormungandr decided that fighting traditionally would only hurt their numbers further, thus the use of non-traditional methods such as this one. Plus, adding an element of horror to the events unfolding would only benefit them in the future when the Slane Theocracy tried to figure how an entire slave harbor was emptied overnight.

Swimming to the side, he observed as the slaves, soldiers, and slavers alike were all herded into giant bubbles of summoned air where they would be screened, and their fate determined. Those involved as slavers were pulled to one side, the siren song ending for them as their senses returned, their sharp cries of distress and anger music to his ears. Those who were soldiers were also screened, the evils ones joining the slavers after being disarmed, and the good ones removed separately where they would have their minds altered by the Morkoth, leaving no memories of the events of tonight behind before being returned to land. Looking further to the side, his black eyes glittered in amusement as the ships in the harbor were systematically being marked with runes of rot and decay on the bottom of their hulls by Ripscar Tidehunter, ready to be activated randomly over the next several weeks, preferably while deep at sea.

Turning, his mind pleased with his observations, his glittering black eyes watched as Zanne began directing the enthralled slaves to grab onto large nets hanging off of summoned giant squid, their goal to rapidly return them over several leagues to the underwater lair, magical bubbles of air keeping the prisoners alive and warm during their enthralled journey. Nodding in satisfaction that she would ride with the psychically compliant slaves to keep them peaceful and calm, their air pockets active and air warm around them, Koral-Finn's mind turned to his Lord's last plan of the evening, to visit righteous destruction on distant slaver shipyards several leagues down the coast after emptying them of additional slaves and personnel.

Several Leagues away, Tremedere Main Shipyards

Swimming lazily in circles in the dark waves, my lesser sea iguana form was all but unnoticeable to anyone on the shore, even with the moonlight casting a dancing silvery light across my scales in the softly lapping water. Gently swishing my tail, my eagerness nearly overcame my caution to feel real land other than that from my lair, under my feet in this new world as I worked my way stealthily to the shoreline. Swimming closer, my scaled form slid alongside the wharfs in the darkness until I came upon the sandy shore, my slitted eyes cautiously looking around as I sought a vantage point to observe my next move, the darkness nonexistent to my sight.

Crawling up the sandy beach and over the berm, my initial plan was to use my summoned Morkoth to repeat the siren call taking place in the slave harbor currently, however a streak of light and sudden, searing pain in my spine changed all of that. Rearing in agony and spinning around on the beach, my slitted eyes caught sight of a trio of black clad individuals materializing out of thin air, their greater invisibility spell fading now that they launched their initial attack; unbeknownst to me, members of the holocaust scripture had arrived.

Slithering across the sand, not waiting to see what this powerful trio's next attack would be, I launched a counter offensive, immediately shifting three levels higher, my powerful bipedal form nearly twenty-five feet tall and towering over the figures, who immediately scattered in multiple directions. Roaring a challenge, I stomped towards the lead figure who immediately backflipped, a black spear materializing in his grip as he tossed it, the powerful weapon impacting my chest plates but not penetrating. Tail spinning, I slammed one of the other individuals who was attempting to sneak up on me, his body flying back and away, tumbling as he recovered, magical light dispersing the kinetic energy across his armor, apparently not injured. Sudden brightness lit up the beach area, blinding me for a quick moment before a low tier lightening bolt slammed into my scales, dispersing harmlessly over my body, causing me to chuckle internally as I pretended to stumble in the wet sand, exposing to my attackers a false opportunity.

As expected, the spear wielding first attacker rushed in, building momentum as he leaped high in the air, preparing a powerful strike, the second recovering from my tail slap as they coordinated together, a glowing sword leading the way towards my dorsal spines. Growling in anger, my rage rising as I observed all this happening in near slow motion, my right eye suddenly exploded in a shower of gore and gristle, the magic caster flying high above me having shifted into a new form of attack, his body encased in a low tier battle suit and sniper rifle, only luck causing him to hit such a vulnerable spot of mine. Screaming in pain and outrage, I felt dual impacts upon my body, the spear wielder redirecting his attack towards the underside of my chin where a normal reptile's skin would be at the weakest point, and the other on my spine where the sword bounced harmlessly away, my high tier physical nullification negating their attacks.

Stumbling back, my roars filled the night air as I clasped my forearm over my destroyed orb, my kaiju's regenerative ability already healing the wound and my evolutionary adaptability special skill growing crystal coverings over my eyes, preventing the same type of damage from occurring again. Roaring again, refusing to give in to my ultimate kaiju form and truly devastate the area, I chose instead to hunch forward and gather my energy before leaping and stomping, simultaneously creating a lesser seismic stomp on the beach and releasing an energy burst, both attacks designed to stun and knock back opponents tougher than these three ever would be. With a grin I watched as all three opponents were caught off guard by the attacks, all of them flying back to crash into the debris that was once the wharf that I tried to stealthily sneak up on. Activating another ability of mine, I faded into the background of the sandy beach, for all intents and purposes perfectly camouflaged as another dune as I watched and observed, distant lights coming on from the shipyards as the sounds of battle faded and curious guards called out.

Watching and observing as all three opponents recovered over the next few moments, amazingly durable and resilient after quaffing several potions, my shock was absolute when they spun and charged at my hidden position, somehow able to sense my presence or my physical energy, something unheard of back in Yggdrasil when using this ability. Mere moments passed before they were upon me, the magic wielding sniper launching high into the air as he resumed his ranged attack, the other two hacking and stabbing furiously at my form before I could fully stand, none of their attacks penetrating. Roaring in anger once again, I gave myself over to my full rage, shifting to my ultimate form, all three hundred and thirty feet of towering, primal fury dominating the beach and surrounding area, determined to stop these gnats once and for all.

Roaring once more and stomping my feet, a massive seismic tremor that dwarfed the earlier one hit the beach, waves smashing up against the nearest ships as panicked screams filled the air, sailors falling off the sides and rigging from where they were watching the struggle on the beach.

Slitted eyes red with rage as I stomped forward, all three combatants suddenly scattering in separate directions to flee my wrath, as tiny and insignificant as mice before a lion, their escape something I was not prepared to let happen. Screaming in rage, I let loose one of my lesser-known area attacks, a short-lived atomic pulse that expanded outwards from my glowing triangular dorsal plates, engulfing buildings and ships in a combination of sonic, radioactive, and kinetic damage, devastation on a scale not seen in hundreds of years in the new world. As the pulse expanded outwards, the very air itself seemed to catch fire as buildings blew apart, ships burst into flames, and the land trembled in agony, devastation burning all around for several miles, nothing having escaped this inferno from hell.

Throwing my head back, I screamed in primal victory as I watched all three combatants get instantly vaporized under my attack, in my rage never considering the overkill and devastation I had just visited upon the land. Breathing heavily and calming, my red tinged eyes slowly returned to yellow as my short-lived rage receded, shock and sorrow filling me as I beheld the folly of my actions; ships and buildings burning, screams of pain filling the air, hundreds, maybe even thousands of people killed, all because I lost control in a moment of anger. Eyes wide at the devastation I inadvertently caused, my form shimmered and shifted down to my humanoid one, my heart heavy as my mind reeled under the realization that for all intents and purposes, I had just dropped a small thermonuclear explosion on a medieval shipping town.

Wails and cries of pain and sorrow filled the air, the sound scarring my mind further and promising to be relived in the nightmares to come for the long years ahead, my body locked in place for long minutes as I tried to process what catastrophe I was responsible for. Slowly turning, my mind shutting down as I walked into the surf, unfeeling of the cool waves against my skin as I began swimming away from the land that my very touch had cursed with the force of a nature god gone mad. As each stroke pulled me further away from the shore and into the moonlit dappled waves, my mind replayed the battle over and over, my shame and regret only fueled further by the knowledge that I didn't have to slip into my ultimate form; I would have won the fight with a lesser ability if I had only allowed myself to.

Open Water, Deep Sea

Riding alongside the enthralled but soon to be freed slaves, their magic air bubbles being kept active by her force of will, Zanne Deepstalker was shaken by images of her lover, his grief and despair overwhelming, nearly causing her to lose her grip physically on the cargo nets holding them safely and metaphysically on the air they breathed. "Stop! Stop! Something is wrong with our Lord! Something is wrong!" Screaming out telepathically across the water, she ordered the convoy to stop, the giant squids floating tranquilly in the deep sea, their cargo of nets and air bubbles holding the psychically enthralled slaves behind them. Forgetting for the moment that Koral-Finn and his bodyguard were left behind to observe the harbor, she called out first to him and then to Ripscarr Tidehunter in her desperation, the images of her lover throbbing painfully in her mind.

"Take them! Take the guests back to the lair! Our Lord needs me! His heart….his mind..something is wrong and I need to find him! Go! Go!" Nearly screaming at the warlock, she relinquished control of the giant squids and stayed long enough to ensure that he could handle the air bubble magic necessary to keep the soon to be freed captives alive. "The others…the evil ones, keep them enthralled until we can prepare them for sacrifice! Hurry!" Eyes frantic as she sensed her lover's distress, their shared connection to Lord Sekolah amplified in his watery realm. "No, I don't know what's wrong! Only that he is in distress! Now go!" Shoving at Ripscarr as he floated near her, she grabbed two Sahagun warriors that were nearby and hastily summoned a third giant squid, the magic flaring bright blue in the dark depths as she ordered them to hook their ropes around its body, preparing to depart, her heart aching painfully at the thought of her lover's mental distress.

Ever since that bloody and memorable night on the altar where they had shared each other's bodies in the presence of Lord Sekolah, her emotions had become increasingly tied to her lovers. Her race was never known for its warmth or long-term feelings, but ever since coming to the new world, her emotions and those of other Sahagun who pair were bonded to their mates was becoming increasingly impossible to ignore. Gritting her teeth, she forced herself to calm down and stop shaking, knowing the only way she could help her Lord was to first be there for him, no matter what circumstances stood between them.

Breathing in the saltwater deeply, she focused her prayers and her thoughts on Lord Sekolah, asking for his help in guiding her towards his chosen one in this new world, her mind fervent and heart aching painfully. "That way! Go that way! Make haste! Quickly!" Mentally ordering the squid, all four raced off through the ocean's darkness, her connection to her God and her unexpected bond with her lover guiding her as surely as a moth to the flame. Mentally prodding the giant squid, they hurried as quickly as possible, careful not to exhaust their ride as the leagues slipped by and unfamiliar tides pushes against them. Minutes turned into hours as they continued, her mind filled now with bitter despair, images of grief and guilt burning stronger within her as the distance closed. Focusing her prayers to Lord Sekolah, she tried desperately to convey her love across the ocean's distance, whispering her lovers secret name over and over to herself, the emotion nearly foreign to her aquatic race as she sensed disaster looming.

With a final burst of speed, the squid flew through the water with its passengers on board, Zanne's senses telling her that her lover was just ahead and near the surface. Slowing the squid and ordering the two guards to stay back, she launched herself above the water to where the sun was just rising over the horizon, it's light burning her black eyes painfully but she didn't care, only seeing her lover as he treaded there, staring into the sun, his grief overwhelming as he held a serrated blade over his wrist, prepared to slash deeply into his flesh. With a burst of speed and a final cry she dove over him, holding his wrist back as they rolled over and over in the water, her desperate strength giving her what was needed to stop his actions. "Stop! Michael stop! What's wrong? Why are you doing this? Stop!" Clutching him desperately, tears flowed from her black eyes as his grief became hers, their hearts joined together emotionally.

"Please, talk to me! What's wrong?" Hugging her back, sudden sobs wracked his mighty frame as he let his despair flow, no matter how powerful his body was, mentally he was still a scared twenty year old human who was vastly unprepared for the massive number of deaths he was responsible for earlier in the evening. "Holding her tightly as they cried together, his grief overwhelming all other thoughts, the rising sun found them both floating on the ocean's surface, miles from any land in any direction, the sheer beauty of the light on the rippling water enough to slowly begin soothing his heart as they shared this tender moment, no words needed. Gripping her webbed hands eventually as he looked down at her, his grief filled yellow slitted eyes brimming with pain and despair, he looked deeply into her black orbs, her love reflecting back at him. "Zanne…please … lets talk somewhere not so painfully bright. There is much I wish to share with you. Can you use your deepwater sanctuary spell here?" Nodding, trembling in his arms, the power of his emotions scaring her, she took a deep breath of the morning air and prepared to summon the sanctuary. "Hold on for a moment, Lord. Let me give the guards some orders. They have waited patiently for us and stood faithfully by."

Hesitating for a long moment, afraid to leave him, her webbed fingers held his as long as she could while she slipped below the water and down to where the waiting guards swam with her summoned squid, their black eyes watching the dark depths carefully. "Karkaz and Bloodscale, continue to keep an eye out for trouble. I am going to spend some time alone with Lord Jormungandr in the deepwater sanctuary." Reaching into a pouch, she handed over two beads of communication. "Use this one to report to Koral-Finn first and then Ripscarr second. Let them know we are fine for right now but will be out of communication for a while. Use this other bead to contact me inside the sanctuary if anything dangerous or interesting occurs. Got it?" Not waiting for a response, her heart aching as she swam quickly back to the surface and her hurting lord, the guards resumed their slowly circuit, determined to protect their sire no matter what.

Deep grief and sorry filled my being as I watched her swim away from me, my heart aching and heavy as Zanne swam down to the two guards she brought, the dark depths swallowing them beneath the waves. Turning back to the sunlight dancing on the water, my mind wandered to the events of last night, the screams and cries of the innocent and evil alike tormenting me as my power was unleashed on the unsuspecting wharf town. With a bubbling hiss, the water churned as Zanne returned, her graceful form swimming quickly into my arms and hugging me tightly, the normally powerful and in control priestess looking lost and afraid for the first time in my memory. "Zanne…use your spell and I will explain everything to you, I promise." Hugging her tightly I watched as she whispered her prayer to Lord Sekolah, the words barely past her lips before the water churned and a small black door opened in front of us.

Slipping into the door, the opening closed behind us, invisible and unable to be breached by nothing short of God tier magic as the interior lit up, designed by magic to accommodate aquatic and semi-aquatic races in comfort. Lasting for twelve hours, the spell was a great way for troops to recover or for leaders to get away from the burden of command. Taking Zanne in my arms once more, I pulled her over to the magically created grotto inside the sanctuary, setting down in the warm water and snuggling her against my chest, my clawed fingers gently gripping her webbed ones. "Zanne…it is time I told you the truth. You already know my secret name…and you already know we come from another world. But let me tell you what you don't know…and then I will answer any questions you may have."

Minutes turned into hours as I unburdened myself, telling her my true age, letting her know she was my first pair bonding, describing my history and my family growing up in that toxic world and my escape to this fantasy realm that I had a hand in building. As I unburdened myself, her black eyes never blinking or looking away, she sat in silence until I had finished my description of the death and carnage I could have avoided, if I had but controlled myself. Trembling with emotion, I took her webbed hands in mine once more, yellow slitted eyes looking into her black ones with fear and uncertainty. "Now that you know I am nothing more than an inexperienced young human in this body, learning my way in this new world… I hope you will not view me differently. I..could not bear that thought of you turning away from me, Zanne."

Black eyes looking back into mine, her answer was a long time coming and not what I was expecting…Nor was the reaction of her jumping up and grabbing her head painfully, nearly knocking me over in the small grotto. "Lord, our guards are under attack!"