Not All Heroes Are Guiltless

Chapter 86

Chapter 86

Dungan’s POV

(Several months prior to the Summer Solstice)

“What’s wrong, Tian? You aren’t as strong as you were a few months ago.” I sneer as Tian shakes off the onslaught, I just unleashed on him.

When reports were given to me several weeks ago. He had an armada and was searching the abandoned mineral islands we had to leave behind because the damage of Hou Ndours efforts made any business unsafe and unhealthy for anyone’s benefit.

I left before Gentry could talk me out of just sending the navy after him. I knew no one would be able to defeat him, but now I’m starting to doubt it. His lack of strength is almost refreshing only because I still have not found his master. He hasn’t been able to use the altar to increase his power, so he must not be as well connected to his master.

Tian growls and charges at me, and I almost have to laugh when he lands directly into the dirt by my feet. I look down at him questionably, “Tian, what happened to you? You never were this much of a clutz.”

His growl is feral and lacks the intimidation, “Mutt. You and that w***e of yours will be wishing for death.”

“You just going to fixate on revenge that you are too weak to muster yourself? Why not bring your master out. I’m sure he would be better than the pathetic waste you are. At least then he’d understand how a weakling like you can fail so many times.” I hiss in his ear.

I can feel a shift in his aura and I know he’s working on another spell. I weave my defenses so close together. Tian face changes though to a look of fear and I almost feel some pity for him. “I should have accepted your pact. The one I bargained for isn’t what I wanted.”

He disappears in a mist and I scream out loud when I notice what just happened. Something pulled him through the tears of the reality. Another f*****g transport spells. Just when I had gotten through to the real Tian.

Glancing around the beach around me. My men have been able to apprehend many of the pirates and what is left is now left with no morale to fight without their commander. He abandoned them and they probably have no loyalty.

I watch as the Hou Ndours are cuffed together. They all seem to be nearly grateful for being captured. I really need to discuss with Gentry more details of the status of living in the far sea territories.

Tian is weak and then that transport spell was basically a short leash. A way to recall him back in the possibility of being lost. Meaning, whatever he was searching for was something his master must have been worried he wouldn’t have access to for much longer.

I headed to the old storage warehouse on the island. These islands were a good quick resource for minerals deposits within the shifting sand of the beach. But with the storms and high tides prevalent and then the structures being in disrepair during the timeframe Hou Ndour had decided the islands were in their domain during my predecessor's reign. The warehouse was falling apart on one side.

Crates were still filled and sealed. Most had been flooded with the rising tide but they were heavy enough they hadn’t moved from their original location. I rest my hand on the crate and try to give a tug. The boards pop open and bright colored silk clothes fall out. A long with trinkets and other elaborate items. These must be the treasures from Redland. I pick up a beautifully carved jewelry box and rub my hand across the empty sets where jewels would have been placed.

Great. He was looking for something in the leftovers of the Redland raid. I’m starting to get pessimistic if I will find what he was even sent to get. It could be anything.

“She needs it back.” The voice is soft and has the same tone as when she used to argue with Nell. Glancing around the crates I can’t see her form but I know that voice anywhere.

“Star? Please. Show me what to seek. I’ll get to Aela.” I say and feel the uncomfortable silence when she doesn’t answer me.

“Its already too late. The spider has already set the trap and the strains are tightening.” Star’s voice is so sorrowful and I can feel the pain so deep with myself. “She’s strong enough she can fight back.” I say to try to get Star to make herself known to me.

“No, kiddo. If she manages to escape, she will be scarred even farther.” Star says with a fake resolve. I can finally see her standing with a hand on one of the crates to the back side of the warehouse. “It’s over here.”

I open the crate and find some small shelves amongst the cargo. I pull out the drawers and notice a hidden compartment in one of them. I break into the bottom and find several items. A sliver dagger, a tiara which had some of the best defensive protection enchants, and a matching necklace. I reach for the necklace and its form changes to an amulet and I smile. I remember the item. Star would wear it whenever she left on a mission.

Star had already dissipated from around me. I spoke out loud, “I’ll make sure she gets these. And only her.”