“From the illusion that the goddess showed me, I would say the island is between a quarter and half the size of your kingdom. As for distance, it isn’t far from the continent.”

King Vex says “Impossible! There is no way an island could be that close to the continent and it not be known.”

“Well, I haven’t seen it myself, but I don’t think the goddess would have lied to me. I could fly out and verify it, it would only take me an hour or two.”

King Vex pulls out a map and says “Where is this island supposed to be?”

“Right about here.”

King Vex says “Well, there is an island there, but it is supposed to be nothing but a bunch of rocks.”

“It sounds like the slavers and pirates have worked hard to keep it a secret.”

King Vex says “The fact that they succeeded, if it’s true, worries me more than the island itself. Which goddess told you about this island?”

“Melomarc did. She even promised me a reward if I cleared the island. I mainly want you to claim it so that the same thing doesn’t happen again.”

King Vex says “Melomarc is an odd one to be issuing this kind of quest, but she isn’t one known to play tricks either.”

“She told me she hates slavery because it takes away a woman’s right to say no. I’m not sure why that matters to her, but she seemed sincere.”

King Vex says “Well, I hate to disbelieve a goddess, but I would feel better if you verified the island's location.”

“Alright, I will head out as soon as we are done here. So, what do we need to talk about before heading north?”

King Vex says “The kingdom north of mine is not friendly to us, or anyone really. In the past they have waged war against all the kingdoms around them in an attempt to expand their territory. They have failed every time. Their most recent attempt was against the beastmen. They were winning at first, but recently something changed and they lost badly.”

Emperor Amn says “This has put their king in a bad mood and I am doubtful that he will take the normal bribes to let us through. However, his kingdom stretches from the coast to the lands of the beastmen, so going around is a problem.”

“I’m guessing that you want to know if I can get the caravan safely through the lands of the beastmen?”

Emperor Amn says “Exactly. I’ve never known anyone who has as good a relationship with beastmen as you. If you can get us safe passage, it would speed our journey.”

King Vex says “Not to mention it would save Amn a small fortune in bribes.”

“Well, I can try, but it will depend on which tribe we are dealing with. My relations are with beastmen tribes on the peninsula, not the continent.”

King Vex says “We need to deal with the Black Lion tribe. Have you heard of them? They are fierce warriors, but recently they have become much more powerful. It was a nasty surprise for the king we want to avoid.”

“Oh, in that case it won’t be a problem. In fact, their increase in strength should be because of something I did.”

Emperor Amn says “What? What did you do? And when did you do it?”

“When I was first on the main continent. I saved a black lion named Grimgar from slavery and taught him how to improve his core. I’m guessing that he made it back to his tribe and taught them as well. They owe me, safe passage for the caravan should be no problem.”

Emperor Amn says “Great! That will save us a few days of travel!”

King Vex says “I wouldn’t be so sure of that, there are no roads through their territory. We will not be able to move as fast.”

Emperor Amn says “That’s only because you don’t know about the ability of Ash’s mount. She will create a road for us and we will be able to go full speed!”

King Vex says “How could a mount create a road?!”

“Lizzy’s special ability is earth control. The land will flatten itself out for her, but I would call it more a path than a road.”

Emperor Amn says “Whatever you want to call it, the carriages will be able to move at speed and we will save time.”

King Vex says “A road through beastmen territory would be a huge deal. Do you think you could work out a treaty between me and them to allow trade caravans through?”

“I don’t know. They will let our caravan through because they owe me and they are honorable from everything I know. A deal with your kingdom will depend on their relations with you, both now and in the past.”

King Vex says “As far as I know, my kingdom has never had any conflict with the black lion tribe.”

“That’s good. Then as long as they don’t see all humans as the same, there is a chance. I will broach the subject with them for you, but I can’t make any promises.”

King Vex says “That is all that I am asking.”

Emperor Amn says “Well, we now have our route, so when do we want to leave?”

“Once I verify the island’s existence, how long for your forces to get there?”

King Vex says “If you verify it tonight, they can leave with the morning tide. Barring any problems, it should take them two days to get to the island.”

“Alright, I will confirm the island tonight so that they can set sail tomorrow. I will return to the island tomorrow and take care of the occupants. I will gate back the slaves and we will sort them out here. As long as that doesn’t take too long, we can leave the day after.”

King Vex says “You don’t need my forces to help you take the island?”

“Nope. By the time they get there the place will be deserted, but intact. They simply need to claim it and keep anyone else from occupying it.”

King Vex says “You will deal with the pirates and slavers by yourself?!”

Emperor Amn says “Don’t doubt Ash’s power. He is powerful enough to level a kingdom on his own!”

“I don’t know if I would go that far, but a town of pirates and slavers should be doable. Besides, that is my quest.”

Emperor Amn says “Well, at least the others will stop complaining for a day. I’m afraid we will be abusing your hospitality for a little longer, Vex.”

King Vex says “Ha! You could all stay for a month and it wouldn’t come close to the value of this island!”

“Speaking of, I guess I had better go verify it.”

Emperor Amn says “Make sure you tell your wives! I don’t want them coming after me with questions!”

“Oh, relax. My wives are not that scary!”

The look of utter disbelief on Amn’s face makes Vex start laughing and I take that as my cue to leave. Before heading out, I head up to the suite to tell Lin and Mercy what I am doing. Not to save Amn from being questioned, to save myself from getting in trouble.