Chapter 13

On a sunny day following a new morning, the town's citizens by the ocean were getting ready for their morning. Shops were opening. The fishermen were loading their boats, ready to head out. A line was beginning to form at the entrance to the town. These were first mostly merchants, some civilians, and others travelers. The guards at the entrance made sure it was all peaceful. The town streets were beginning to get busy.

The people staying at an inn on the outskirts of the town were enjoying breakfast. An older man enjoying smoking a pipe had left to go to work. A few more people, adventurers, also left for work. A wolf beastman walked out; Beowulf followed the older man, Fisher, to work.

In the inn, waitresses were already at work. A wolf-beastman girl was looking after her child. Adolpha fed Adolphus her son. "Beowulf still seems to have doubts about Fisher," an older woman said. Madam, are you sure they can change?" Adolpha said. Cynthia Borrows, Madam, is an older woman and the inn owner. Madam smiled and told her they could.

On a boat heading out towards the sea, Beowulf kept to himself. Fisher steered, and the crew did their own thing. One of the crew members approached Beowulf. "So, I heard you have been on the mysterious island…" Beowulf stayed silent. Another member also questioned him. Fisher stared at Beowulf. He exhaled, "He claimed to have spent days there…"

The crew members began to question Fisher. Someone said that countless adventurers and pirates had been looking for them. "Even the Umbridge Kingdom tried to look for it." Beowulf thought of the massive ship graveyard. He asked if ships had gone missing. "Yeah, a lot." Another said he heard that a friend of a friend went looking for it and never returned.

Beowulf said there was a massive ship graveyard near it, which surprised everyone. Everyone began asking Beowulf to talk. Looking at their expression, Beowulf started talking about living on the island. Once they got to their destination, they began casting nets.

The crew wanted to hear Beowulf's story, so they worked fast. Fisher smiled and puffed from his pipe. When they took a break and ate, the crew still questioned Beowulf: "So, how big was the snake…" "Did you really make a boat…" "Was there any other danger on the island?" Someone said he heard there was a treasure. Beowulf said he didn't see anything like that.

They got back to work, and it slowly became quiet. They began heading home; Fisher asked someone else to steer. He walked over to Beowulf and leaned against the rail. He refilled his pipe and smoked. Beowulf was cautious. Fisher turned around and stared at Beowulf.

"Have you ever wished you could change the decisions you made in the past?" Beowulf listened. "Sometimes," he said. Well, I wouldn't," Fisher said, which upset Beowulf. I made some choices I am not proud of, but it has made me who I am…" Beowulf became confused. Fisher laughed.

Fisher talks briefly about his childhood and growing up in a hardworking home. "I associated with the wrong crowd when I became older. My folks were not poor, but the mention of money interested me." Fisher said he ran away from home and became a bandit. "I was living the life, drinking, gambling, stealing…" Fisher chucked; he pulled out a flask and took a sip.

Fisher said that after working small jobs, he and his friends met people who offered them large sums of money. Fisher said he learned as he moved up and chose jobs accordingly. "I broke away from those I called friends, and I found out later they died," Fisher said they liked doing reckless jobs.

Fisher continued his life story: "I had become a well-known carrier. Nobles hired me to move money and eventually slaves…" Beowulf clenched his fist. Fisher noticed but did nothing; he remained calm. Fisher said he hired some people. "They were people I thought I could trust…" Beowulf becomes surprised.

Fisher said that greedy people were worse than beasts. "It is always good to be wary of people." Fisher and his crew had a job that was supposed to pay well. Fisher said the royal knights caught them. "We were transporting some slaves. It was a route we always took…" Fisher said they managed to get away but lost some slaves along the way.

"We were beaten but received a small reward," Fisher said. He spit the reward and took the most because he was the boss. Fisher took out a small knife. "You know what those ingrates did…" Beowulf shakes his head. Fisher said they saw he was getting older and wanted a new leader. "Unsatisfied with me anymore, they backstabbed me, took everything, and left me for dead." Beowulf saw Fisher had a mad expression; he asked how he survived. Fisher smirks, "Funny story…"

They reached the port and began unloading the fish. Fisher was busy with work, so he sent Beowulf home. As Beowulf headed home, he thought about what Fisher had told him. As Beowulf walked through the town, he saw the people enjoying themselves. He had forgotten he was hiding and looking over his shoulder not too long ago.

Beowulf got to the inn and went inside. The waitresses were working; he looked for Adolpha, who was not there. A waitress approached him and told him Madam was in their room. Beowulf thanked her and headed to his room. Beowulf entered.

A blacksmith dwarf was sitting next to Adolpha. Madam held Adolphus in her arms. They all stare at Beowulf. "Beowulf, you are here. We need to ask you some questions," Madam said. Beowulf, confused, nods and asks what she needs to know. The dwarf blacksmith turns to him and asks him about the collars.

Beowulf is surprised. "All I know is that Lord Micheal uses these collars on slaves who will give him problems." The blacksmith is at a loss for words. He tells Beowulf that he is working on taking them off. "Your wife told me that it has been done before." Adolpha gets embarrassed when he says wife.

Beowulf's expression changes. "It would be impossible…" "What do you mean?" Beowulf tells them they use their blood before the collar is placed on them. "A stranger came and made a small cut. He took some of my blood. In a bowl, he placed a black crystal…" "I black crystal?" the dwarf blacksmith says in surprise.

Madam, confused, asked, "What is so shocking about hearing about a black crystal?" The dwarf blacksmiths looked at her. "Have you ever heard or seen one?" Madam thought. "No," she replied. The dwarf blacksmith then talked about the crystals. He said that the Dwarf Kingdom creates a bunch of artificial ones. Natural crystals are, by far, still much superior.

"Over the years since the creation of artificial crystals, no one has been able to produce a black or white crystal, even looking for natural ones; no one has seen one." The dwarf looks at Adolph's collar. He sees the black crystal. The dwarf blacksmith looks in his bag and pulls out a tool. He touches the crystal, only to have the tool melt.

"Whoever made this discovery must be very intelligent, but it is not finished." Madam questions him, "What do you mean?" The dwarf blacksmith tells her they have many impurities. "These have flaws, but they are still real. Again, I heard you can take it off; how?" Beowulf tells them about a bracelet Lord Michael uses.

The dwarf blacksmith apologizes to Madam and tells her he can't remove them. "I have never seen something like this." He also apologizes to Adolpha and Beowulf and excuses himself, but before he leaves, he tells them to look for a far more experienced blacksmith. Madam thanks him and walks him out.

Later that night, they felt depressed. Madam was enjoying tea while Adolpha fed Adolphus. Beowulf stared at him. Fisher had come later than usual; he told Madam he had taken care of the warehouse. Beowulf then remembered his story and asked him again how he survived. Adolpha, confused, asked what he was talking about.

Madam chuckled and asked Fisher if he had told him. Fisher nodded his head. "Yeah, I told him a little," Fisher replied. Madam saw that Beowulf was curious and told him she would tell him. Adolpha was also interested and wanted to know what they were discussing. Madam waited for the customers to leave.

Once there were only a few people, Madam got comfortable and told them her tragic story. "I don't like to tell this story to many. "I care for others not because of nobility or pity…" Madam teared up. "I was once like you, a slave…" Adolpha and Beowulf are stunned. Madam continued.

Madam came from a low noble family. Her grandfather owned a small portion of land and was skilled at maintaining it. He ran a farm and hired people from a small village near it. Many of the people liked him. In his final hours, he summoned his family. Madam said his grandfather had four kids; her father was the youngest.

Madam's grandfather split his wealth, giving each a fair share. The older brothers got money, and the younger ones got land. The two oldest brothers had no interest in the land. "Every day was wonderful. My father worked hard to maintain the land like his forefathers did. I grew up taking care of some life stock…"

Madam remembered some old fleeting memories. "My father and third oldest, my uncle, were close," Madam said; she didn't see much of the two older uncles. "One day, I was coming downstairs and overheard my father talking to someone. It was the oldest, and he was asking to borrow money." Her father had an angry expression.

After he had let him borrow money, he left. Madam said she heard the two older uncles were terrible at handling money. She also learned why her grandfather gave him land; he knew he could make a living. "As time passed and I grew, I was well respected in the village. I had made several friends."

Beowulf and Adolpha saw her expression change. "One day, my father received a letter. It said my uncle, the one who was closed, died in a hunting incident." Madam said his uncle liked to hunt. "It made my father cry. During the funeral, my other two uncles showed up and made a mess of things. They claim his land and money, which infuriates my father, but he cannot do anything."

Madam said that she believed there was some backhand deal. After that, again, they disappeared. Their family was enjoying their peaceful life again. More time passed, and soon, it would be Madam's coming-of-age birthday. Madam's parents were busy getting everything.

The day before her birthday, Madam was happy feeding horses. Everyone else finished their work early and left. That night, Madam and her family were eating dinner. Her mother happily talked to her; her father laughed hearing their conversation. After dinner, Madam went to sleep; she could not sleep, so she had her mother tell her a bedtime story."

Her mother laughed and agreed. Madam had fallen asleep; a loud bang woke her up. "I hurriedly went and looked out the window. The site terrified me: the barn where the animals were was on fire. I ran, calling for my father. The next scene shook me… my father by the door dead in a pool of blood…"

Madam shed more tears; recalling this made her very depressed. Adolpha also shed tears. Beowulf felt sympathy for her. Madam continued, saying the people who showed up were debt collectors. They were looking for her uncles, who owed a lot of money. Madam screamed; the bandits saw her and chased after her. Madam looked for her mother.

The bandits caught and took her; they also took anything of value. When she was being transported, she heard they had killed her mother, too. The pain in her chest felt like it was about to burst. When they stopped, they opened the wagon she was in. A burly man looked at her; he paid the men, and she was taken.

"I was put to work in the fields. The burly man was a noble, and because of her uncle, she was taken as collateral; it was to intimate them, but the nerve showed up," Madam said. Madam said the noble had many slaves. She mentioned that slavery was acceptable at the time before King John the Fifth took the throne.

"Corruption played a big part. Many high noble use this to take land and power." Madam said she was a slave for three years, wearing tattered, worn-out clothes; she worked with other humans, beastmen, and a few elves. "The elves, still prideful, hardly spoke to any other race." Madam took a sip of a cup—Madam's hand trembled.

"I still remember clearly; it was a hot summer day, and we were working hard and exhausted. Suddenly, some collapsed. The guards were not paying attention, so I ran over to help. She was an older woman that helped take care of us. She was burning up from the heat…" Madam was about to give her the little water she had.

Suddenly, there was a commotion, and there was some panic. Fire started raining from the sky. Madam, look. Just outside the field, a group of people on horseback wearing knight's armor showed up. They drew their swords and without warning attacked."

Madam saw the knights killing everyone. Some tried to fight back but were not a match; the guards ran away in fear. The older woman told her to run. Madam hesitated. She finally got up and was about to run when she felt something pierce her in the back. Adolpha felt sick hearing that. Beowulf asked about the knights.

Madam replied that she believed they belonged to another noble. Madam said Noble fought a lot. "It seems better under this new King John, but some things still happen." Madam continued, saying she woke up feeling pain. "I saw I was bleeding; I got up and saw that many of the people were dead, and everything was burnt."

Madam struggled to walk; she wanted to leave the field. She managed to get to the main road and collapsed. She felt her life fleeting. Beowulf saw a quick smile. "Hey, are you alright? Oh, no blood…don't worry, I'll get you help…" Adolpha saw that everyone was smiling; she was curious as to why.

"I woke up a few days later; I stared at the canopy of a wagon. There were boxes and other valuable merchandise." "Some save you." Madam chucked, "His name was Mathews Borrows, a lowly merchant…" The wagon stopped, and Madam heard someone get off and walk back. The curtain was pulled, and a man stared at her.

Mathew was a good-looking man. He was older than her. He was light-skinned with brown eyes, long black hair, and a well-clean-cut face. "Oh, you are awake; sorry for the uncomfortable ride. Madam shed tears and began to cry. "Ah, please don't cry!" "This man saved your life; where is he, Adolpha asked?" Madam smiled and said, "He has long passed…" Adolpha was saddened and apologized.

Madam said that Mathew saved her from death. She said he used some of his medicines to treat her. "I was indebted to him; I fell for his kindness and eventually married him…" Adolpha and Beowulf look at each other. "Your savior became your mate." Everyone there laughed.

Mathew brought Madam to Ivory Springs, where he was building his first shop. Madam had nowhere to go, so, saddened by her story, Mathew hired her. She worked hard, and they fell in love. They settled in Ivory Springs; the business grew, and they built a home.

"We were happy; I thought my life was changing, but unfortunately, there were more hardships." Madam looked at Adolphus; Madam revealed that her injury made it impossible for her to have children. Adolpha, surprised, looked at Adolphus and shed more tears. Beowulf looked down.

Madam said they tried many remedies and cures, but their one wish could not be fulfilled. She said her husband was sad but did not blame her; they moved on, making their business thrive. Beowulf cautiously asked who her husband had died. "He died an honorable man," she replied.

Madam talked about the feud between the nobles of Ivory Spring and another city. It had gotten to the point where they threatened those living in their territories; they were called to arms. "Mathew was a merchant, not a warrior. I heard the battle was chaotic; the lord and my fell, including Mathew." Adolpha turns and looks at Beowulf; she grabs his shirt.

Madam shed no tears but looked proud. By this time, the young King John had taken over. There were some changes, and they punished many nobles. The Kingdom took Ivory Springs, and no one dared to cause trouble. Madam said she became heartbroken and didn't want to live anymore. She then remembered her promise to him.

The business was slowly losing money, and she had difficulty managing it. Adolpha stood up and walked over to her. She places Adolphus in her hands and hugs her. Madam was surprised. She laughed and patted her head, "It's alright. This was a long time. I like my life now." Madam was tired; one day, as she was closing shop, she saw two children.

The children were hungry and scared. They heard people; Madam saw they were slaved children. Without much thought, she took them and hid them. At home, she helped them recover and fed them. Their faces saw hope and smiled. Madam smiled; she remembered her own time as a slave. Thinking of her late husband, she found a reason to live again.

Madam sold a few businesses and, with that money, helped the children get back home. She was able to find their parents; she told herself she made a good decision. The parents thanked her. Madam kindly smiled and left. Madam wanted to help others, not because of nobility but because it was right.

Madam sold more business and bought slaves. She healed them before setting them free. She also used other methods, and Fisher laughed; she hired mercenaries to attack slave traders. Madam made connections, and even some former slaves helped her.

The former slaves became adventurers or opened businesses. They contributed money to help Madam continue her deeds. Madam used some of the funds to create the inn as a refugee. "We were doing quite well. I eventually ran into a dying old man…" Fisher slams his glass mug. I'm not that old." Everyone laughs again.

Beowulf also laughed. Fisher smirks. Madam said she found him lying almost dead. She treated him. When she learned about his career, she did not judge him. Fisher, while recovering, spent time with those he once transported. He asked Madam to hire him and said he would do anything. Madam still had one more business.

Fisher, with no experience, became the captain of the fishing boat. With his previous experience, he also helped Madam avoid being tricked by some deals. Madam said she had become old and could no longer help like in the old days. Another group formed, and they took over helping. Madam sometimes helps but also takes care of her inn.

Beowulf and Adolpha apologized and thanked her for what she did for them. Madam nodded and said it was nothing. Madam said she wanted to show him something. She got up and headed to her office. Everyone else began heading home. Madam returned and showed them a flier.

Beowulf is surprised. "One of our spies got this from an underground source. It was the bounty for Adolpha. It was spread in early spring." Beowulf didn't know what to say. Adolpha saw it and became sad. Madam again explained why she had her doubts about Adolpha. Many young wolf beast girls were kidnapped. In the end, many were released when money was offered.

Beowulf again apologized and told her it was up to her to believe them. Adolpha, with sadness in her eyes, said she would tell her everything. Madam stopped her and told her it could wait. Madam excused herself and went to bed. Everyone else went to sleep. In their room, Adolpha quietly talks to Beowulf.

"There is so much evil out in the world. I don't want Adolphus to suffer like we did…" Beowulf takes her hand. "I won't let it happen. We will get to your family, and everything will be alright." Adolpha clings to him with tears falling from her eyes. "Mother…"

Beowulf was about to head out the following day when Madam stopped him and told him she had something important to discuss. "I told you about myself last night. I wasn't going to keep this a secret." Beowulf was confused. What is it? "I told you that my grandfather was a low noble. He gave my uncles land, and they disappeared."

Beowulf nodded, "Yes, what about them?" He asked. Madam brought up something the Umbridge Kingdom was doing. "King John has been looking into some of the nobles' businesses. Not long ago, I was contacted, and they seemed to have found something related to my family. It looked like Mathew had been looking into my family for me."

Madam had been called to the capital. Beowulf was surprised. "If you had come earlier, I could have made some arrangements. All I can do now is give you money for safe passage. Beowulf bowed and thanked her again. "This is more than enough. I hope everything turns out alright." Madam smiled, "Go on now; Fisher is waiting…" Beowulf left.

Beowulf boarded the boat, and they departed. They began work, and Beowulf worked hard; he was working harder than the others. Fisher questions him why. "I thought about what you said. Listening to Madam also made me realize something. Fisher, sorry, I have also done bad, and thanks to you, I now know I can change…" Fisher took a puff from his pipe; he smiled.

When they returned, Beowulf learned to sell fish. The fish were separated and sold to different shops. Once they sold everything, Fisher told him he could go home. Beowulf, feeling proud, was returning home; he passed the town. "Did you hear another town was lost…" Beowulf hears some people talking.

Beowulf stopped for a minute before continuing home. When he got home, he heard a lot of noise. Beowulf entered and saw many people urging someone. Adolpha, in a maid outfit, was timidly serving customers. Madam scolded some customers. Once Adolpha set down the plates, she ran after Madam. The customers laughed.

Beowulf walked to a talk and sat down. A waitress came and handed Adolphus to him. "She wanted to change and asked Madam to let her work. Adolpha has been working hard all day." Beowulf smiled as he saw Adolpha shyly taking orders. Adolpha saw Beowulf and wanted to run to him but stopped; she continued working.

Once things settled, Adolpha cried towards Beowulf, who patted her on the head. Adolpha took Adulphus and smiled. Madam praised her hard work. Beowulf waited for Adolpha to finish work so they could eat together. When everyone had gone, Adolpha asked Madam to wait.

Madam sat and asked what was wrong. The others who stayed were the same as yesterday. Adolpha took a deep breath and looked at her, her eyes full of determination. "Thank you for what you have done for us. I am sorry for keeping this from you, but I was scared if you were to find out…" Everyone was confused.

Adolpha looked at Adolphus in her arms. "I am Adolpha of Gray, Daughter of Chief Alarick and Sierra of white…" Everyone was stunned. Madam stared at Adolpha. "When I was young, I discovered I had light magic…" Beowulf's eyes widened, as did everyone else's. "That is why Lord Micheal kidnapped me," Adolpha said, teary-eyed.

A fleet of ships heads out into the ocean in a specific direction. A knight says to someone, "General, we should be arriving in this town called Ivory Springs in a few days. "Good, make sure everything is ready for when we arrive." "Yes, sir…" the deck was busy with sailors. The sailors looked human but had pointy ears and horns.

Inside were more sailors and soldiers; the cargo was holding large black spheres. Some soldiers were looking at a map. Some towns near the coasts were marked off. A circle surrounded Ivory Springs. The soldiers smiled.