Chapter 3: The Captain's Past
The Aurion sailed steadily across the open sea, its sails taut with wind and purpose. The ship creaked rhythmically with the waves, each motion a heartbeat in the journey ahead. The crew bustled across the deck with precision and familiarity, but their captain stood apart, lost in thought.
Pol ST Daniel gripped the railing at the bow, his gaze locked on the horizon. The salty breeze tugged at his coat, but his eyes remained distant. This ship, this voyage, the promise of the Wriths—it all felt heavy when weighed against the memories of what had been lost.
Kaiden ST Theri, the vice-captain and Pol's long-time mentor, approached quietly. He studied the young man he had come to see as a son. "What's on your mind, Captain?" he asked, his tone both gentle and firm.
Pol didn't answer at first. The ocean stretched before them, and with it came a tide of memories. Finally, he spoke. "The sea reminds me of home... and everything I lost."
Kaiden nodded. "You've never told the crew the full story. Maybe it's time they knew."
Pol turned to face him. Then, after a brief pause, he walked to the center of the deck. The crew looked up from their tasks as he raised his voice.
"Everyone," Pol called, "I need you to hear something. It's time you knew who I am, and why this journey matters."
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The Tragedy of the ST Clan — The Flam'o Incident'o
"I was born into the ST Clan," Pol began, his voice strong but laden with sorrow. "We were a people of the sea, deeply connected to ancient spirits known as the Wriths. My father, Doran ST Daniel, led us with wisdom and strength. He believed the Wriths were not just relics of power, but beacons of unity."
He glanced downward, fingers tightening against the ship's railing. "Our strength made us a target. Nine centuries ago, the EL Clan formed a faction—the Order of Eclipsia. Their mission was simple: destroy the Wriths, and anyone who protected them. We were in their way."
Pol's voice lowered. "They came at night. It wasn't war. It was slaughter. I was just a boy when the Order burned our village to ash. I remember the flames. The screams."
Kaiden stepped closer, placing a hand on Pol's shoulder. "I remember, too. That's when I found you. Alone, barely alive. I swore then I'd protect you."
Pol nodded. "And you did. But I never forgot what they did to my clan. Especially not the man who led the attack."
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A Boy Left Behind
Pol looked to the horizon, remembering. "My mother, Alyra ST Veyra, was the soul of our people. She taught me the old stories, told me the Wriths were gifts, not weapons. That night, she hid me away beneath our home. I heard her scream. I never saw her again."
Mirae, leaning nearby, spoke gently. "Do you believe she's alive?"
Pol hesitated. "I don't know. But if she is, I'll find her. And I'll find the truth of what really happened."
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The Order of Eclipsia
Kaiden addressed the crew. "The Order of Eclipsia still exists. They seek the Wriths for themselves, to reshape the world in their image. But they won't stop us. Not this time."
Nira Kuzi stepped forward, a map in her hand. "Our next stop is the Isles of Avaris. The first Writh lies there, buried in ancient ruins. If we move fast, we can reach it before they do."
Pol looked to his crew. Warriors, scouts, healers, navigators—each chosen for a reason. Each willing to follow him into the unknown.
"Then we sail for Avaris," he said. "We find the Wriths. We uncover the truth. And we end the Order."
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A New Resolve
The crew dispersed, returning to their tasks with newfound purpose. Pol remained at the helm, Kaiden beside him.
"You've come far," Kaiden said. "Your father would be proud. And your mother, wherever she is."
Pol nodded. "We set sail not just for justice, but for legacy. This isn't just my journey. It's our future."
As the Aurion cut through the sea, the clouds above darkened slightly, hinting at storms to come.
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Far away, deep within a shadowed fortress, Zephyr EL Veyrion traced a finger across a worn map. His lips curled into a sinister smile.
"Let the boy chase legends," he murmured. "He has no idea what true power lies beneath the Wriths. But he will."
Next In Chapter 4:The Races Of The World