The warm and nostalgic banter of the reunited trio continued into the late evening and

chilly arrival of night. After Michaels insistence that Griffin serve them the finest tequila in the
tavern (a relatively mediocre brand of liquor to be honest), the night melted into a drunken
memory of laughter and reminiscing. It was the bartender himself who needed to usher the three
of them out of the tavern once closing time descended and it was time to lock up for the night.
After taking a moment to let the chill of the night help sober them up, the giddy threesome made
their way back towards the docks.
Michaels townhome was settled closer up towards the governors manor, so he bid his
female companions goodnight once they approached the edge of Sailors Row. Heading towards
her own flat, Emily offered Captain Andrea one of the furnished apartments underneath her
office, but was politely declined. Andi would much rather be rocked to sleep by the sea than
attempt to sleep in the startling stillness of an apartment on land. Emily laughed and quickly
gave the hiccupping pirate one last hug before they parted ways; one to stay on land and on to
go to sea.

The following morning aggressively roused Emily with a pronounced hangover. Quietly
groaning into her pillow, she struggled to recount how many pours of tequila she consumed the
night before. Her hiatus in drinking since the devastation of the storm left her with a weak
tolerance and the smug delusion she could handle her drinks the same way before she became
swamped with work. Tequila is always a good idea in theory, Emily thought bitterly, but never
in hindsight. Struggling to sit up without wanting to retch, Emily Ravenswood knew her day was
going to be long and painful.
Her morning ritual was dramatically hindered by the pounding in her head and the
tumultuous nausea that swirled in her stomach. Stumbling across her room to reach her wardrobe
and dresser, she paid little mind to the colors and patterns of the shirts and petticoats that she
pulled out to wear. Opting out of wearing one of her stiff, patterned stays, Emily instead chose to
tie a thick leather belt around her billowy linen shirt. Her dark, mismatched petticoats were
paired with a comfortable pair of worn boots that she typically reserved for strolling around the
dockyard. Today, she decided, she would dedicate her mottled attention to the stack of paperwork
she had been neglecting at the corner of her desk.
When a particularly strong wave of nausea hit Emily as she stumbled out of her room,
she realized she needed to eat something to act as digestive anchor if she was going to make it
through the day with relative ease. After smoothing down her knotted hair and darkening her lips
with rouge to distract from the puffiness of her tired eyes, Emily braced herself for the inevitable
assault of the midmorning sun. Taking a deep breath before opening the front door of her
building, she hissed in pain when the suns light struck her sensitive eyes and the sharp pounding
in her head only became more pronounced. The bakery where she typically bought her breakfast

bread and ham was just down the cobbled street; an easy errand on a typical day, but her
hangover made it seem like a brutal journey.
Sun kissed dock workers and plainly dressed townspeople bustled past Emily, seemingly
livened by the warm sun and the calm salty air. Since it was the edge of autumn, the winds
rolling off the ocean had become noticeably sharper and the smell of dried leaves was wafting in
from the forested northern border of the towns edge. Caesicius knew that the inevitable chill of a
new season was due to arrive any day, so it was important to bask in the warmth of the summers
final days. Well, important to everyone that wasnt Emily Ravenswood.
Ah, there you are, Dock Master Emily!
After edging her way to the bakery and purchasing several salted crackers, Emily was
standing in the cool shade of the striped awning that stretched out over her office buildings
entrance when a familiar voice jogged her from her reverie. Emily felt her eyebrow twitch out of
annoyance. Even on a normal day she despised the nagging attention of a very particular dock
overseer she regretfully hired a few weeks into her own dock master appointment. Struggling to
swallow her last bit of cracker, Emily forced a pitiful smile before turning towards the young
man striding towards her.
Good morning, William.
William Farthsgood was a bumbling dock worker who flaunted an unkempt head of light
brown hair and round humorous features. His strong, broad shoulders and brawny arms were
unbalanced by his narrow hips, shaping his torso into an upside down triangle. While Emilys
own facial expressions reflected her perpetual determination and sharp intelligence, Williams
reflected his light-hearted personality and inability to maintain a professional composure.
Overall, Emily regarded him as a foolish worker and a borderline incompetent overseer.
Unfortunately he possessed the loyal trust and companionship of many of the dock wollopers in
the yard and it would be a foolish professional ploy of her to remove William from his position.
Flashing Emily one of his toothy grins, William addressed the dock master with that
mornings reports. I have some good news, some weird news, some bad news and I guess
some more good news. Emily felt her headache strengthen. The good news is well be able to
finish repairs to the Magdalena, the North Star, and the Sapphire before mid-autumn. The weird
news is the Blue Harpoon pulled into harbor, yesterday, so you obviously know what that means.
But the bad news is the Pullian Trading Company rerouted some of their ships after merchants
learned that half of our dockyard was damaged by the storm so we wont be getting any more
shipments before winter. But the other good news! he prompted, throwing out his arms for
emphasis, Lord Bellasio and his company are planning to come to Caesicius for the Azur
Festival!

Emily dwelled on Williams other good news skeptically. Lord Bellasio was a shadowy
character surrounded by nefarious rumors. He was probably the least trusted advisor to the king
and emperor, Francis XII, but with none of the rumors about his dealings ever being proved true,
he was technically a successful and politically adept royal official. His voluntary travels to
Caesicius grimy port town left Emily doubtful and a little on edge. Nonetheless, she thanked
William for his lively reports and assigned him to manage the docks while she handled repair
schedules and budgets in her office; accompanied by a homemade hangover elixir and a rusted
metal bucket at the foot of her desk.

Parallel to Emilys hangover woes, Michael Van Anderson was cursing the moment he
suggested tequila in the middle of an afternoon. While Emily was painfully pulled from her sleep
in the middle of the morning, Michael had the displeasure of being awoken by a headache at the
inhumane hour of early dawn. Although this wasnt far from his normal routine, his hangover
made the normally tolerable morning cruel and unforgiving.
After stumbling through his own morning ritual, Michael Van Anderson was seated at his
specially crafted writing desk tucked away in the quiet recluse of his rich townhome library. He
instructed his servants to dim the lights and go about their business as quietly as possible.
Although his staff removed their shoes in an effort to soundlessly flutter around the townhome,
their constant muss and hushed chatter did not escape Michaels sensitive ears and pounding
head.
The shipment log spread out in front of him provided him grim news of scant profits. He
gave a heavy sigh and closed his eyes. He couldnt tell if the uneasy feeling in his stomach
stemmed from his hangover or from the bitter reality of financial loss. Caesicius was an ideal
port for merchants due to lax taxes and easy access to towns and countries across the Andric Sea.
It was also one of the only ports on the Ruber Peninsula and was an important shipping hub for
its small collection of towns and farms. Over the years since Michael established his offices in
the port city, the number of merchant ships that pulled into harbor either to unload shipments or
replenish supplies had significantly grown in number, causing the humble dockyard to almost
double in size in the short timeframe of a few years. The increase in official Pullian Trading
Company ships also deterred many of the former pirate vessels to pull into harbor and harass the
town. But if Michael was to be entirely honest with himself, he would admit the diminishing
presence of buccaneers was dulling the romanticism and intrigue that drew him to Caesicius in
the first place.
However, with the Pullian Trading Company publically declaring their temporary
rerouting of ships until next spring, perhaps the lull in official shipments will entice these pirate
crews to sail into harbor once again. Michael shuddered at the thought. The notion of pirates was
thrilling in theory, but he would rather not be faced with that potentially dangerous

confrontation; especially with his reputation as one of Caesicius wealthiest businessmen.

Suddenly, a potent wave of nausea caused Michael to jolt forward and lunge for a porcelain
bowl.

Your tea, Master Van Anderson? a voice offered hesitantly.

Michael lifted his head to see his head housekeeper, Miss Hughes, standing squarely in
the doorway of his library. Her wide, squat frame almost filled the width of threshold allowing
her boldly printed petticoats to brush against its wooden frame. Miss Hughes was as part of the
lavish townhome as its high molded ceilings and intricately paneled walls. She was the head
housekeeper for its former resident, and was insistent that she head the young Van Andersons
serving staff as well. Although her unrelenting stubbornness and constant undermining of
Michaels authority offended him at first, he eventually grew fond of Miss Hughes motherly
affections towards him. And he couldnt deny she was an excellent head of household.
Yes, please, Miss Hughes, said Michael, ushering for her to carry out his afternoon
ritual. The pomp and circumstance of afternoon tea was as crucial to his business agenda as the
shipment log he had been revising all morning.
Also, added Miss Hughes, turning to leave, You have guests standing in the atrium.
Ill go ahead and send them in. Before Michael could protest Miss Hughes audacious initiative,
the round, red-cheeked woman had already hurried away; only to be replaced by the unexpected
arrival of Emily and Andi.
Two individuals couldnt contrast each other so distinctly as Emily and Andi did at that
moment. Andi had hurried into his library in a flurry of uninhibited enthusiasm while Emily
sauntered in behind her, tired and sullen-faced. Michael very much saw himself in Emilys drawn
out composure and gave an exasperated sigh when the mysteriously bright-eyed Andi hopped
over to his desk and bade him a loud Hello, Mikey Van Andy!
He flinched at her childish nickname. The moment Captain Andrea compared the
similarity of his last name to her own name, she stuck him with Mikey Van Andy regardless of
his extreme displeasure. Hello, captain, he said in return.
Andi studied his uncharacteristically crude appearance with amusement. I see the tequila
did a number on you, too. I had the honor of seeing Emilys breakfast in a bucket, this morning.
Poor thing.
Emily rolled her eyes. Im right here, you know. And you didnt need to come by my
office. Michael is the one who needs to oversee the unloading of the tea and coffee off your
ship.

Thats right, said Michael, recalling the hazy details of the previous afternoon, Ill
come by the dockyards after tea. Emily, do you have some dockers to spare?
Sure. Ill have William put a group together.
Andi brightened at the mention of the oafish dock overseer. William Farthsgood! How is
he?
It wasnt a secret that William harbored affections for the fluttery pirate captain. While
Andi found his sentiments endearing, Emily found them annoying. Anytime Captain Andrea
arrived in the harbor, William would pester the dock master into inviting him to join any
activities she and Andi would be doing in town. Andi would insist that Emily allow him to tag
along, but Emily argued any casual interactions between she and William would negatively
impact their professional relationship. The real truth was Emily simply found William to be
enormously bothersome.
Hes irritating as usual, Emily replied shortly, plopping into one of the low-backed
chairs placed in front of Michaels desk.
Andi decided it was best not to pursue the topic, especially considering Emilys irritable
mood. Instead, she focused on the reason why she dragged the dock master to the Van Anderson
homestead. I have a story to tell you two! she said excitedly.
Captain Andrea Carver never arrived in Caesicius without a wild tale to tell her two
closest friends. The purpose of her constant sailing and tendencies to disappear and reappear in a
port without warning were mysterious, even to Emily and Michael. But if there was one thing
they could rely on Andi to always have, it was a new story to divulge. Sometimes she told them
about her reckless attempts of intrigue and deceit, other times she would describe her magical
encounters with the fabled creatures found the Andric Sea and its bordering lands. Regardless of
the topic, her stories were always thrilling and mesmerizing.
But Michael was too irritable and sour to humor this swashbuckling sprite, today.
Perhaps tomorrow, he insisted, I need to finish work and retire early, tonight.
Andis expression fell. But this is a really good story! I promise! I finally got around to
visiting the Isle of Aer. You wont believe the kind of people I ran into on that island. Hardly
anyone actually lives there, mind you. Theyre all pirates and sailors. Apparently when Caesicius
became an Amydalian city, the Isle of Aer became the new pirate refuge. Its fantastic! Michael
and Emily shared an unconvinced expression. Their disagreeable looks did not escape Andis
notice and the young pirate captain began to fume. I saved your shipment of tea and coffee,
Michael. The least you can do is listen to my story!

It was at this moment Michael spotted Miss Hughes hesitating in the doorway of the
library, a large platter of tea settings held firmly in her grasp. Yes, come in Miss Hughes, and
please bring in enough cakes and sandwiches for my guests. Theyll be staying for tea.
Does that mean you two will listen? Andi said hopefully.
Emily and Michael begrudgingly nodded. Yes, Andi, well listen.

Captain Andrea Carver had a list of places to see and things to do, but refused to
formulate an effective calendar. Well just follow the clouds, she would say to her crew,
Theyll take us to our next adventure. It was on a particularly windy morning in the middle of
summer when the Blue Harpoon chased a curiously turtle-shaped cloud and arrived at the Isle of
Aer.
In any harbor that the Blue Harpoon pulled into, its slender width and blue tinted sails set
it apart from all other residing vessels. While Andis ship was rather unimposing compared to the
naval built warships of the Amydalian Empire and even the hefty and crude design of
independently operated ships of pirates and privateers, the Blue Harpoon could out run any
existing nautical vessel; and blend in with the pale horizon where it would vanish at the meeting
point of the sky and the sea. Andis crew was just as radical as her ship; a ragtag team of nomads
and adventurers who adhered to the eccentric leadership of the pint-sized pirate. Some pirate
crews obeyed their captain out of fear; Andis crew followed her commands out of sheer
fascination.
Their arrival at the Isle of Aer marked a milestone in Captain Andreas pirating career.
Located closer to the nation of Malva than the Amydalian Empire, this mysterious island was
shrouded in myth and legend. It could be argued that this shroud was designed to safely harbor
nautical bandits and outlaws; while most preferred to believe the origin of the island was rooted
in the myth of the tragic love shared between an ancient pirate and a cursed siren. Either way, the
Isle of Aer boasted a large and thriving pirate paradise, ruled by the buccaneer tyrant known as
Old West.
Unfazed by the looks of skepticism and scoffing amusement that she roused when she
stepped off the Blue Harpoon, Andi gave her skipper a few short commands before bouncing
into town. Although she was dressed entirely in the shadowy tones of black and gray, Captain
Andrea still drew curious attention from passing pirates and sailors as she strolled down the dirt
road that made up the port citys main street. Andi wasnt the only woman pirate captain to stop
by the island, but she was the most strangely whimsical looking. Pirates didnt typically giggle
and hop like she did. But, then again, Captain Andrea wasnt a typical pirate.

I wonder where the tavern is, she thought, pausing to peer down a promising looking side
street, I could go for something cold to drink right about now. Her dark eyes settled on a faded
sign, swinging above a crumbling buildings front door. She could make out the word Alibis in
pale gray writing. Odd name for a pub. Following the smell of ale and the sound of drunken
laughter, Andi found herself in the dark and bustling interior of Alibis, the pirate ports pride and
joy. Unlike the eclectically decorated Red Devil with its dark wooden tones and atmospheric
candlelight, Alibis was constructed entirely out of cemented sand and clay with small round
holes carved into the walls to serve as windows. The high vaulted ceiling was suspended by dark
brick columns with an interior balcony that jutted out all along the walls of the tavern. What
Alibis lacked in ambiance, it made up for in size and functionality.
Andi had to fight her way through swaying groups of rambunctious pirates in order to
reach the crowded bar. Almost every square inch of the counter was occupied by an incoherent
patron, shouting eagerly at the barmaids scrambling to accommodate the thirsty crowd. When
one finally broke away with a frothy tankard of beer, Andi quickly jumped in his place.
Beer, please! she called out to one of the barmaids; a young, sharp-featured girl with
hair bleached blonde from prolonged exposure in the island sun. The startled barmaid was
surprised by the high-pitched tone of Andis voice, but quickly recovered and fetched Andi her
own overflowing tankard. Tossing a coin across the counter, Andi thanked the girl and pushed
herself away from the counter.
After surveying her surroundings, Andi decided the ideal spot to enjoy her drink was on
one of the balconies that lined the perimeter of the tavern. A birds eye view of the drunk and
emphatic tavern patrons would serve as entertainment while she finished her beer and planned
her next adventure. The Isle of Aer offered so much potential. But, she thought grimly, Id rather
stay away from Old West. While Andi was proud of her fearlessness, she was certainly not a fool.
Any interaction with the notorious pirate tyrant might land her to danger rather than adventure.
Finally, after pushing past burly drunks and having beer sloshed on her coat, Andi
eventually made her way to one of the balconys corners where she found a quiet table to occupy.
While the first floor of the tavern was reserved for laughing and merriment, the second floor
appeared to operate as a meeting place for captains and fellow pirates. Most of the tables
scattered along the balconies were occupied by groups of men and women, visibly more
composed than their drunken counterparts beneath them. Andi began to imagine the purpose of
these meetings and decided this is was where she was going to find her next job. Preferably
something better paying than the last one, she thought bitterly, taking a satisfying swig of her
beer.
Her hopeful thoughts were interrupted by a man sliding into the chair across her table.
Andis eyebrows piqued with surprise at the sudden intrusion, and she felt her hand immediately

slide to the saber that was buckled at her waist. She never liked to use her weapon, but violence
was an inherit part of piracy.
Relax, the stranger crooned, his startlingly gray eyes flickering towards her hand
hidden beneath the table. Although he couldnt see her saber, he could see Andi tense at his
appearance. I dont want to fight. He lifted his hands, palms out in a sign of good faith; as if to
say, see? Im unarmed.
Andi doubted he was without a saber and revolver of his own, but she pulled her hand
away from the hilt of her blade and rested it on the table to mirror his peaceful gesture. The
stranger across from her was noticeably tall, even from a seated position. I bet hes taller than
Michael, Andi mused. His features were hard and sharp, as though the island winds had cut and
shaped his face into high, protruding cheek bones and a long, angled chin. His skin was a dark,
caramel color and his light brown hair stuck out on their ends, naturally highlighted by time
spent in the sun. By all accounts, Andi found this stranger to be exceedingly handsome and she
found herself unconsciously tugging at her braid.
The strangers mouth pulled upwards in a wide grin, causing the taunt skin around his
lips to crease and wrinkle. Captain Andrea Carver of the Blue Harpoon, I presume? He had the
subtle rolling accent of a Malva native, but his inflection was oddly reminiscent of Andis own
Amydalian dialect.
Although Andi found herself charmed by the strangers handsome appearance, she
suddenly felt uneasy by his familiarity with who she was. That gives him an advantage, she
thought warily. He might know anything and everything about her, while she didnt even know
this strangers name.
As if reading her thoughts, the man introduced himself, My name is Julius.
Julius? she said, pressing for more information, From where?
The mysterious mans smile grew even wider. The sea, much like yourself. Its liberating
not being a citizen of any nation, isnt it? Allegiances can be troublesome.
Indeed
Im glad I ran into you, continued Julius, because rumor has it that youre the pirate to
come to if somebody wants something retrieved.
Andi decided to play coy. Possibly.
Julius chuckled. I understand that youre suspicious of me; which is for the best. I am
certainly not one to be trusted. Andis expression darkened at his own admission. But, you see,
Im not interested in jeopardizing you and your crew. I simply have a business proposal for you;
pirates honor and all that, right?

Go on, Andi prompted, warily curious about Julius proposal.

I understand that you have ties to the city of Caesicius; which is perfect because that city
has something I need. Im looking for a particular compass. It was formally owned by someone
very specific, and I would very much like to have it for sentimental reasons, you could say.
And this sentimental compass is in Caesicius?
Julius nodded. Its previous owner lived in Caesicius. When he passed away at sea, his
home was pillaged by the local pirates and criminals so that his belongings were scattered across
the peninsula. But rumor has it, his compass was stashed away in that small tavern that sits on
the towns shore.
Andi instantly thought of the Red Devil. Easy enough. Im sure Griffin can help me out.
What are you willing to offer me for this job? Andi had learned two important things in her
line of work that she was very careful to stick two: dont ask too many questions and always
demand to be paid up front.
Thinking like a true business woman, mused the stranger. He leaned down to lift up a
leather pouch that was sitting at his feet up for Andi to see. Gold, naturally. The only way to pay
a pirate.
Andi was unimpressed. The only way to pay any other pirate, she corrected, Ill need
something a little more interesting.
Julius unnervingly gray eyes lit up in amusement. The rumors about you are
impressively accurate. In any event, I have also prepared an ancient map for you. Supposedly it
hides the location of Azurs sunken city, but no one has been able to decipher it. I simply have no
reason to keep it.
An old map, huh? Emily might like that. She likes old stuff. Alright, agreed Andi, Ill
find your compass in exchange for the gold and the map.
The odd mans reaction to her agreeing to the job was surprisingly emphatic. He really
wants that compass. After relaying the physical details of the compass, Julius placed the bag of
gold and a rolled up piece of stretched leather on to the table. As was typical fashion at the end of
business transactions, Andi waited until the stranger left the tavern before she collected herself
and made her way outside. The strangest part about the details of her job was Julius refusal to
tell her who the former owner of his coveted compass was. She knew it was a prying question,
but she reasoned that knowing who used to own the compass might help her locate it. But Julius
was obstinate and Andi never found out the answer to her question.

So, here I am, back in Caesicius not only with Michaels shipment, which was a
completely unexpected turn of events, but also an old map for Emily and a new job!
Michael and Emily sat quiet for a moment, pondering the mysterious and oddly
unnerving details of Andis latest tale. Normally Emily would be ecstatic at the notion of an
addition to her collection of oddities, but the mention of a mysterious compass somewhere in her
brothers tavern left her with an inexplicable notion of dread. Even Michael appeared to be
unconvinced by the ease of Andis latest business venture. Seeing the skeptical expressions on
her friends faces, Andi laughed. Dont worry! she insisted, Ive done plenty of jobs like this
before. Lots of people hire me to transport goods because my ship is so fast. Im not surprised
this guy wants me to do this job for him. I dont even think he has a ship of his own.
You dont know that. You dont know anything about him, argued Michael.
Andi shrugged. Comes with being a pirate. You just have to take a liar at his word.
The sudden growl of a hungry stomach reminded the three of them that evening had
settled and supper was in demand. Andi smiled sheepishly, her hand gently rubbing her stomach.
Havent had much to eat, today. So why dont we go to the Red Devil and have Griffin serve us
some fish and ale?
Emily and Michael felt the aftershocks of the hangovers swirl in their stomachs.
Maybe just the fish, suggested Michael.
We really need to work on your tolerance, chirped Andi, Especially since Im back.
Tolerance of alcohol? Or tolerance of you?
Andi swatted at Michaels arm. Dont think I wont sail off with her tea and coffee!
Because I will!
The three friends laughed and nudged at each others arms as they made their way out of
Michaels library. Their personalities clashed like the seasons and their friendship could be as
turbulent as the sea, but Michael, Andi, and Emily were convinced they were fated to be together.
They filled each others gaps and strengthened each others weaknesses so that they each felt
most complete when they were gathered together; preferably in a tavern with a tankard.