The boat sliced through the cold waters of the Vermillion Sea, leaving a foamy trail in its wake. Arkhos rose before them, its floating buildings gleaming in the morning sun, the famous stepped districts climbing the hillside like a wedding cake made of marble and sunlight.Adom stood at the helm, one hand resting lightly on the polished wood, watching the city grow larger with each passing minute. The familiar skyline, dominated by the Academy's seven spires, stirred something warm in his chest. After weeks in the frozen mountains, even the brisk sea air felt welcoming."So," Captain Lowe said for perhaps the fifth time since they'd set sail at dawn, "nothing happened? Nothing at all?"Adom glanced at the young naval officer, whose eyes kept darting toward the cargo hold where fifteen bound Ravensguard soldiers, three sedated dire wolves, and one particularly battered Northking were secured."Were you expecting something?" Adom asked. "A daring escape attempt, perhaps? Maybe a sea monster attack to complete the adventure?"Lowe flushed slightly. "Well, no, but... it's the Northking. Mervyn Ravencroft. The Butcher of Redbrook. And you've got him trussed up in my hold like a festival pig.""Your point?""It just seems too... easy."Adom raised an eyebrow. "I can assure you, Captain, it wasn't easy.""No, of course not," Lowe said quickly. "I didn't mean—""I know what you meant." Adom's tone softened. "The binding artifacts are nearly foolproof. Even if he could break free, where would he go? We're in the middle of the sea."Lowe nodded, seeming slightly reassured. He adjusted their course by a few degrees, hands confident on the wheel despite his youth. "I still can't believe it. First mission as war mages, and you and your team bag the Northking himself. They'll be talking about this for decades.""That was the plan.""You planned to capture the Northking? Specifically?" (...)