Chapter 22, Xorbis:A small two-masted ship pulled alongside Tiivel’s brig. Between the pair, a series of chirps slipped over the waves as one ship recognized the other.
Another dwarph stood on the gunwale and held the rigging fast. This newcomer sported hair of fire orange. To any casual observer, the two short men could have been brothers.
From the helm came “Xorbis, why are you here?” The short, dark-haired man shouted. “Go back to Freeport, where you will be safe… for a while, at least.”
“Tiivel… What have you done?” Despite the distance between the pair, the voices boomed across the water. “Please tell me what I’ve heard isn’t true.”
Now Tiivel stood, one hand on the wheel, the other on a hip, defiant. “I have merely pushed the pieces around the board. My work here is done.” His la
