Many settlements in the River Valley are cut off from all others, and can only be reached by river. The Valley is so rugged by river channels that it is utterly pointless to lay roads. Suitable land for cultivation or just for building a village is valued above rubies.

Odiern is probably the wealthiest settlement in the River Valley. But it is rich not with gold, but with its abundant land. The earth gives life and food. Marshes, on the other way...

Odiern is located in the north of the River Valley, moderately away from the usual routes of merchants. It takes longer to get from the Outpost, but the distance gives it protection from the marauders of the Valley.

In small settlements like this, all people know each other. People can get along, quarrel with each other, but they know that it will be difficult to survive in this inhospitable land alone.

The head of Odiern, Silben, has many sisters and brothers, but Nialeeka is his only child. In Nialeeka's early years her mother raised her, but after her death, this duty passed to Nialeeka's grandmother, mother of Silben.

He is preparing his daughter for the role of the future head of the settlement. Not everyone agreed with this decision, but Nialeeka's perseverance and her abilities gradually convinced the inhabitants of the correctness of the head's decision.

During the day, Nialeeka is continuously busy, whether be it chores or something else. Out of curiosity, she studied medicine from the local doctor for some time. He was so impressed with her talent that he was ready to take her as a student.

Once, having returned from a voyage, her father introduced Nialeeka to the man who became her teacher. He taught her languages of other countries, as well as reading and writing. After some months, he had nothing to teach her. The girl grasped everything in a single flash. Together with Athorn she studied sailing and taking readings of celestial bodies with her father. She didn't want to sail the seas, but she was fascinated by the opportunity to find her way looking at the stars, not at the road. 'If only', she dreamed, 'I could find a way with the help of the clouds too'.

Even in trade and mathematics, she managed to surpass her best friend, Zira. Although what is there to surpass...

Over time, the rumours about the gifted daughter of the head of the northern settlement reached far beyond the north of River Valley. The local merchants who made their way on their boats to the settlement watched a capable, beautiful girl and could not help but admire her.

When Nialeeka was twelve years old, merchants from other villages began offering her father to betroth her to their sons. Nialeeka's family was quite wealthy through the efforts of her grandfather and especially her father, so the merchants' offers did not have an impact.

Only one answer awaited them. Nialeeka remains in Odiern to become its head, and she is already engaged. A loving father did not want to give his daughter to someone, so he furiously declared to everyone that she is already taken, although this was not so. And a couple of years later, when Silben saw that all this time his beloved daughter was in the clutches of a guardian beast, he could only frustrate and deal with it. Several years later Athorn and Nialeeka became the most noticeable young couple in the settlement. Everyone wished them happiness.

Silben's beloved wife, the mother of Nialeeka, died young and didn't give birth to a son for her husband. Around the same time, during his next voyage away from the River Valley, his friend and his wife, whom Silben met in the faraway sea, died. Their son was left without parents, and the harsh future awaited him. So Silben decided to adopt Athorn and bring him up in the River Valley. The boy grew up trying to justify the trust of his adoptive father and obeyed him in everything. He was smart, skilful, knew how to lead people. Silben could not find a better candidate to inherit ships.

Not everyone in the family supported this decision. The Silben's brothers advocated leaving the ships to their sons, family's blood, since their brother did not have a heir. The fortune of the family is linked to ships built outside the Valley and belonging to Sylben and Phelan. Sylben was adamant. He was ready to entrust the source of his well-being to his brother, but still, it would belong to his daughter Nialeeka.

Athorn was not very fond of sailing the seas and rivers. He wanted to learn sword skill with tireless enthusiasm. He was stubborn, and if he wanted to achieve something, he succeeded. And vice versa, if he didn't want to do or learn something, he resisted with all his might. Of course, he did not show this trait of his character to his adoptive father, Silben, and obeyed his will. Although Silben, of course, knew of his nature.

Athorn was an obedient puppy before Silben and Nialeeka.

In front of everyone else, he was a wolf in a lamb's skin.

Since the boy cannot get along with people and sail, then let him command the warriors, Silben thought. And Athorn was sent to learn the art of the sword from Phelan. Subsequently, Athorn became closely acquainted with the troops of his adoptive father.

Silben was a clever man who had seen a lot and knew that his luck would not go unnoticed. There will always be people eager for someone else's wealth.

Therefore, Silben and Phelan gathered a small but loyal unit with the accumulated wealth. After acquiring the ships, they began to pay them from the money after selling goods and artefacts.

Athorn has been training with Silben's men since childhood, but his requirements were higher than for ordinary warriors. He had to carry out orders better and faster than everyone else.

Over time, the reins will pass to him and Nialeeka, but he must earn the fame and respect of people now.

One year and a half after the arrival of the Silben's ships in Odiern, Athorn noticed a ten-year-old Nialeeka wandering towards the port. He thought that she was looking for her father.

"What did you do here?" Asked Nialeeka in between greetings.

"I had an errand on the quays. Your father isn't there right now."

"Where is he then?"

"Near the armoury, trains soldiers."

"Those people who came to protect the ships and Odiern?" She asked with some enthusiasm and walked towards the training field, to where the armoury was located.

Athorn's gaze faded somewhat. He saw those people and had seen what they are capable of. Nialeeka's apparent admiration for these people is undeserved.

"Do not approach them," he instructed her severely.

Nialeeka staggered back, frightened by his grim tone.

"Why do you say that? These people will protect us!"

Athorn quickly looked around and, making sure that there was no one around who could hear them, he spoke:

"These people can't be called your father's forces yet. Now it's just mob, expelled from all the places where they lived. They can wield a sword well, be good sailors. But not one of them can be called a good person. Your father just gave them a chance to prove themselves."

Nialeeka opened her eyes wide. Athorn's words were wholly unexpected for her.

"They are pirates," said Athorn distinctly, emphasizing the last word. "They will be sent to gallows sooner or later if they misstep."

"Your father set them a harsh condition. That is to direct their swords only at those who came here with bad intentions."

"They will protect not only Odiern but also several neighbouring villages. If villagers give a signal, these men will answer their call." He was silent for a moment. "Provided that they will unite and become the men whom your father expects them to be."

"There are enough pirates and robbers in the Valley. Do not assume that the troops of Odiern are good people. Once again, do not approach them if you cannot protect yourself."

Nialeeka remembered the words of Athorn.

She was ten years old when this conversation took place. And Athorn was not so much older than her, only by a few years. His words back then made a huge impression on her and had the desired effect. Nialeeka ceased to trust the people she met thoughtlessly; she became more circumspect.

Nialeeka did not want to admit it, but from the very beginning, she admired Athorn. With his quick mind and perseverance, he achieved everything he wanted. He was taller, stronger, and smarter than all the other boys she knew. Her gaze always dwelt only on him. If they have grown hand in hand, and everyone considers them brother and sister, can she dream of something more?...