They continued their journey, rationing the food bars as best they could to stretch their supplies. Each day, they supplemented their meager meals with what little they could forage, but it was barely enough. Lanni and Lonna showed slight signs of improvement, their color slowly returning, and by the time they reached the coast, Lanni was able to stay awake for brief periods. Yet her face creased with worry whenever she looked at her uncle. Tercala was struggling. The deep gash in his back was only one of his wounds, and the blood loss had left him dangerously weak. While helpful to the humans, the food bars weren’t enough for a dragon’s body. He needed sustenance and strength that only fresh food could provide, and their dwindling supplies hindered his healing. As they arrived at the coastal town, Marn approached the docks, scanning the small cluster of ships bobbing gently in the harbor. He spotted a familiar figure near one of the larger vessels and headed over, calling out to the man. “Captain Pinno? I’m Marn va Crimto.” The captain, a rugged man with a weathered face and a mischievous gleam in his eye, looked up and broke into a smile. “Marn? I haven’t seen you since your mother sold the business! What’s brought you all the way out here?” Marn returned the grin, though his expression held a trace of urgency. “Trying to get home, Captain. Are you heading south soon?” Pinno nodded, adjusting the wide-brimmed hat on his head. “In two days. Looking for a ride?” Marn glanced back at the group waiting at the edge of the docks. “Not just for me,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. Pinno’s eyes narrowed slightly, curiosity mingling with caution. “How many are we talking about?” “Twenty-one,” Marn replied, watching the captain’s face carefully. “Twenty-one?” Pinno’s expression shifted from surprise to suspicion. “What’s going on, Marn? Twenty-one is a bit much for just a simple trip home.” Marn took a steadying breath. “It’s complicated. We’re part of a group affected by a blood charm—or a ‘magic eater,’ as some up north have been calling it. We…” “Wait, wait,” Pinno interrupted, brow furrowed. “That’s what’s been causing all the trouble? Something has been blocking magic and making people sick. It’s been affecting trade. I’ve heard rumors but thought it was some new plague, not magic.” “We have a few barely conscious and one badly injured,” Marn explained. “We’re in desperate need of safe passage, Captain.” Pinno sighed, scratching his chin thoughtfully. “Marn, I’m not sure I can help you with that many people, especially with some in rough shape.” “We’ve got two healers with us,” Marn assured him. “They’re gathering supplies and potions as we speak. And we’ll do what we can to make things easier for you.” Pinno’s expression grew wary. “The rest of your group—are they all Menthanlan? Or…” “Both Menthanlan and Yarb,” Marn admitted, sensing the captain’s hesitation. Pinno’s frown deepened. “Look, Marn, I don’t want to get involved in any trouble, especially not if it’s going to put my crew at risk. If I’m caught transporting Yarbs to Menthanla, it could cost me this ship—or worse.” “I understand,” Marn replied, his voice low. “But did you forget I’m both?” “No, but you were raised in Menthanla,” Pinno said, crossing his arms. “Different situation. You know how it is.” “After my mother sold everything, we went back to her village. The Yarbs with us are refugees seeking asylum,” Marn explained, hoping to sway him. Pinno stroked his chin, contemplating the risk. “This blood charm—it sounds like war. If I get caught with them…” Just then, Kritalla approached, his expression firm. “Do we have passage secured?” Marn gave a slight shake of his head. “Captain Pinno’s reluctant to transport Yarbs.” Kritalla turned to Pinno, rolling up his sleeve to reveal his honor guard scar. “It’s not just refugees, Captain. We have two Under Generals in dire need of treatment from The Three, and the people with us are possibly the only ones who can stop this blood charm. We could commandeer your ship, but Marn mentioned your friendship with his father, so we’re asking you as a courtesy. That dark-haired woman over there, with the elves?” He nodded toward Morina with Samar and Keltis. “She’s the legendary Immortal Queen. The legends don’t exaggerate about her temper.” Pinno’s eyes went wide, and he paled as he took in the gravity of Kritalla’s words. “The elves, too?” he murmured. “How many?” “Just two. Five immortals, three dragons, and the rest humans,” Kritalla said matter-of-factly. Pinno’s lips pursed as he weighed the situation. “Well, we can accommodate that. But the elves… I don’t know if we can feed them.” “We’ll bring vinegar,” Kritalla assured him with a small smile. Pinno gave a reluctant nod. “Alright. We’ll set out at high tide the day after tomorrow. You can board tomorrow so I can prepare for the extra numbers. It’ll be a bit cramped.” “That’s fine,” Kritalla said. “We’re used to it.” As they turned to walk back to the group, Marn leaned in close. “Sir, not everyone in our group is human. Shan and Tellic,” he said. Kritalla paused and turned back to Pinno. “Ah, yes. There’s also a troll,” he mentioned casually, with a pointed glance at Tellic. “And Shan’s race is his own business.” Pinno swallowed, his face a mix of alarm and resignation. “Well… I suppose I’ve dealt with worse. We’ll make it work.” As they walked away, Marn glanced at Kritalla, lowering his voice. “Did Morina really give you that scar?” Kritalla’s lips quirked into a small, private smile. “It was an accident while we were on duty. But don’t repeat what I said about her temper. She’ll take it out on me in the bedroom.” Marn chuckled, shaking his head. “You don’t need to worry about me. I’d never cross a woman who beats her own husband.” Kritalla gave him a sidelong look, amusement flickering in his eyes. “She doesn’t beat me. She just enjoys things… rough.” He smirked. “And keep that to yourself, or I’ll have to answer to her.” Marn laughed again, clapping him on the back. “Don’t worry, my lips are sealed.” As they returned to the group, Marn felt a small weight lift from his shoulders. With some luck and Pinno’s help, they might finally reach safety—perhaps even find a way to end this nightmare. But as he looked around at his weary companions, he knew their journey was far from over. They would need every bit of strength they had left. #fantasy #magic #dragons #hiddenlands