Irwin's Journey - The Cardsmith-Chapter 278: Happy to be back

Bail scrubbed away at the worn sail, sometimes looking at the storm that was raging just beyond the deceptively flimsy barrier. The winds caused the ship to be shoved around mercilessly, but he barely noticed. Just like he was able to ignore the constant howling of the wind and the wind and sometimes rain battering his face and back. This wasn't the first time he'd been out here, and it wouldn't be the last.

Besides, it wasn't as bad as what was beyond the barrier! Not that it hadn't crashed a few ships already. That meant that they only had six left. They were trying to scavenge the wrecks of the others to perhaps build another one, but the storm made everything far more difficult.

I'm glad Lord Daubutim ordered all ships to remain within sight of the exit portal, he thought. At least that meant that if something bad happened, they would be able to get help before they all died… hopefully.

As he meticulously continued removing the dust and tiny bits of debris that were sticking to the smooth metallic material, he came across the beginnings of a tear.

"Dammit," he cursed, the sound of his words drowned out by the howling wind.

We really need new sails.

As he memorized the spot, he knew the captain wasn't going to be too happy with it. It meant another potential problem. Any more, and The Akern would be forced to remain at the docks when they returned.

Well, at least I'll be able to go home for a while if that happens, Bail thought.

Moving to the top of the sail, he sat down on the edge and looked across the front of the ship and the Eluathar Mountain range. The storm seemed far less powerful, closer to the mountains, and he knew it wasn't just an illusion. The barriers around the enormous branch beyond seemed more than capable of holding back the storm, with only the small side corridors breaking down and crumbling.

The distant mountain range blocked his view of the Sesnanser exit portal, but it didn't bother him too much. Technically, they couldn't see the exit portal, but to compensate, their ship was the closest to it. Besides, keeping an eye on the only known route from the central world warranted the risk.

Not that anyone is likely to come from there, he thought as he turned to look out across the back and the broken corridor. The walls had partially crumbled, and a churning mass of black lay beyond it.

Bail sighed as he thought about his wife and daughter. He and the crew were supposed to be here for another week until they were relieved by The Slous, after which he could see them again.

As his gaze skimmed the narrow corridor, he froze. A glowing blue shape was moving through the clouds, rain, and hail., rapidly moving toward them.

"Captain! Incoming!" he roared.

His voice was still drowned out, and he cursed as he jumped down and grabbed the sail, causing his adhesion card to help him stick to its surface. He relaxed its power and slid down as fast as he could without breaking his legs on the landing.

As he reached the ground, the only two others on deck were looking at him in surprise, and he pointed ahead. There was no sight of the bluish thing yet, but that only lasted for a few moments. Then, it became visible.

What is that? Bail thought as he stood near the railing.

He felt The Akern begin to move forward, back to the mountains, while a dozen guards joined him near the railing.

"What is it?!" one of them screamed, his voice barely audible.

Nobody answered him, but they watched as the blueish glow became bigger and bigger until, finally, a large ship burst into the largely intact corridor. Surrounded by a brilliant blue barrier and with a gleaming black sail, it moved so fast it was catching up to them already. A moment later, a second ship with a similar barrier came out. This one had a blood red sail.

Shit, did the Raiders find us? Bail thought.

As the ships closed in, he saw they were twice as wide and three times as long as The Akern and almost fully blocked the narrow passageway. The blueish shield that covered the lead occasionally touched the barriers, causing bright bursts of lightning to ripple out.

The Akern was picking up speed, and as they closed into the mountains, the roaring storm weakened enough for normal conversation to be possible.

"They are going to catch up before we return," one of the guards shouted.

A sense of unease rippled across the others.

"Then it's a good thing we aren't anyone dangerous!" a voice said.

Bail and the guards spun around to see a tall, hairy man with bright silver eyes and a tired but happy grin standing behind them. Everyone froze for a second, then one of the guards stepped forward, pointing an almost accusing finger at the man.

"You are Lord Greldo!"

Greldo?! The Hound? Didn't he leave with Lord Irwin? Bail thought.

The man grimaced at the name, then shrugged. "Greldo will do. Now, I'm going to head to the exit portal to warn them we are coming. If you have any food left, get it out on deck, and someone will come to pick it up in a minute. We have a lot of hungry people on those ships. "

Before anyone could respond, Greldo vanished.

"Did that just happen?" someone asked, the sound of the storm now distant like a far away thunderstorm.

"Get the food on deck!" someone else shouted.

Bail turned back to the railing, ignoring the sudden chatter, and looked at the ship that was now close enough for him to see people moving on the deck. There was a massive shape on the prow, and he frowned as he looked at it.

Is that an anvil? he thought in disbelief.

--

Finally, Irwin thought.

He stared out across the towering trees that became visible between the mountains. A copse of trees that was surprisingly large, already bigger than Sesnanser's had been, was growing around the portal within its branches while the beginnings of a harbor lay nestled inside.

The trip back had taken almost two months as they kept running into dead-end corridors. Even with all their efforts, they couldn't keep the barriers of both ships powerful enough to traverse those if they were longer than a day. As their supplies rapidly ran out, Irwin had started pulling more and more people into his soulscape and putting them to sleep.

The burden of having so many people there had quickly become a drain, even for him.

Although they were all below deck now, he could still feel soreness in his soulscape, and the perpetual headache from overusing it had yet to dissipate.

Nothing a few nights of sleep in my own bed can't cure, he thought.

As they moved through the final canyon and out into the open, the enormous scale of the branch they were on returned to him. He couldn't see the barriers in the distance, and those above were so far above them that all he could see were the roiling clouds of the storm. Unlike the small corridors, the massive walls of the branch seemed more than able to resist it, and with the sounds of the storm gone, a quiet peace came across the ship.

We really need sound dampening when we go back out there, he thought.

Shoving that worry away for the future, he looked to the side as The Concerto pulled up beside them. Earila stood at the helm, barely large enough to look across the wheel, her eyes wide with joy. With four of the five rank-five Ganvils on it, she had been able to fly it while Irwin had taken care of The Ruby's Revenge.

"It really is a rank-six world," Hou'dor rumbled beside him, his voice thick with awe.

"It's incredible," You'gyn whispered, sitting on the much larger Ganvil.

"What? Did you two think I'd lie to you? Bah! Welcome home!" Ambraz shouted.

The joy in his voice was as strong as what Irwin felt, and he laughed softly.

"Finally," a rumbling voice muttered, sounding bone-weary.

Irwin grinned as he looked to the deck in front of him where Montain lay with his back against Dar'malder, his eyes on the incoming harbor.

"I'm going to eat three meals, then sleep for a month," he rumbled.

"I don't buy that one bit," Irwin said. "Esther is going to make you practice first thing tomorrow morning!"

Montain groaned, then laughed painfully. "Morning, huh? I can't wait to see a proper sun again… I don't think I'll leave Eluathar for the next hundred years."

"Stop whining," Dar'malder rumbled from behind his back. "Look at how much progress we made! I'm closing in on rank three!"

"Just don't get used to it," Montain said. "I don't want to even think about doing any reforging for the next month!"

Irwin laughed, then tuned out their banter as he watched the small and disheveled ship that flew ahead of them. It was making its way to one of the docks, and Irwin saw enough free space for a dozen or more ships.

People were running around, and a group was forming near the docks.

I agree, though. I'm going to go home, hug everyone, eat, and then sleep for a week," he thought.

As they reached the docks, he saw dozens of excitedly shouting guards. One was pointing at a free spot, and Irwin raised his hand in agreement as he gently guided The Ruby's Revenge to it. As it thudded against the wooden docks, Carilla and the other three men, Serrid, Bernt, and Lalcolm, began throwing the anchoring ropes, and Irwin pressed a few runes before stepping away from the helm.

"Daubutim will be here in a moment."

Irwin jolted, then turned to find Greldo standing behind him in the shadows of the sail, a wide grin on his face.

"You just can't stop doing that, can you?" he muttered.

He glared at Greldo until his friend's infectious grin became too much. Shaking his head and smiling ruefully, he looked around. "Do they have enough people to handle what we are bringing?"

"Daubutim said it would be fine, but he did want to know if you had any ideas on what to do with everyone," Greldo said. "I told him what you'd said, that the Viridians and other smiths will go to Trimdir for now."

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"Except for us, right?" Montain said as he got up and joined them. "You promised to show me your home and the mountains behind it!"

"Yes, yes," Irwin said as he began walking to the gangplank. "Dahlia, you, and your sisters are welcome in New Malorin together with the rest of the crew.."

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Though I hope Bronwyn has some free housing with extra high ceilings, he thought to himself.

As he reached the gangplank, he turned to Hou'dor. "Can you and the others remain here until everyone has been settled? I'll have someone bring you to my place after."

"No problem, Captain," Hou'dor rumbled. "I wouldn't mind not moving for a few weeks and resting."

"Don't fall asleep too long," Irwin said. "I'm sure Ambraz wants to show you some things when you are on-world."

As he walked onto the dock, the guards were all looking from him to the massive anvil on the deck, but none seemed willing to ask what it was.

Not interested in telling them now, Irwin headed towards where The Concerto was docking. One of the guards who had been quietly waiting quickly ran after him before falling in line.

"Lord Irwin, it is good to see you back safely," the guard said, bowing his head.

Lord? Irwin thought, shaking his head as he turned to the man. He froze, stunned by the man's dull, silvery eyes.

"Did Trimdir and the others manage to make you a heartcard?" he asked.

"No, my lord," the guard said. "Though I wish they had. My sixth card is called Silvzeran Eyes of Detection. It allows me to spot metal even if it's hidden behind cloth."

Greldo made a choking sound, then he began laughing. Irwin looked at his friend, then at the guard, who seemed confused.

"Never mind him," Irwin said, wondering what the man would see if he looked at him or Hind. "There are close to sixty hungry, wounded, and weary people aboard each of these ships. We need to get them through the exit portal and situated."

"Yes, my lord," the guard said. "We have more healers coming, but the others will start checking the wounded right away."

Zender, Earila, Boohm, and the others came walking towards them. While Zender and Earila obviously looked happy to be back, the others were staring around curiously. You'gyn flitted through the air, landing on Boohm's massive shoulder.

"I'd expected this to be a bit… bigger," Selene said as she walked up to Montain.

"Stop complaining," Esther said while Dahlia looked at Selene and shook her head dismissively.

A crackling buzz caused everyone to turn around as a red burst of lightning appeared on the docks behind them, turning into a tall, stoic-looking man with eyes of silvery glowing lightning.

"Daubutim!" Irwin shouted as he stepped forward, clasping hands with his friend.

He'd not seen him in years, and he immediately saw the difference. The look in his eyes was calm and collected, and he seemed happy, for lack of a better word.

"Irwin, it is good you made it back," Daubutim said, a hint of pure joy managed to poke through his usually emotionless voice.

"It's great to be back," Irwin replied. "I can't wait to see my mother, Bronwyn, and the others!"

"They are all doing great, though I think your brother will have a little surprise for you," Daubutim said. His gaze flicked around, and he seemed to want to say more when he frowned.

"Is everyone alright? Where are Rindiri and The Sonata?"

"That's a long story," Irwin said. "But Rindiri is searching for more of her people, and she will hopefully come here after the storms stop."

"You know when that will happen?" Daubutim asked.

Irwin shook his head, wishing he had the answer to that.

"These two ships look far superior than what we have," Daubutim said. "They are able to move through the storm… is that a regular thing?"

"Most ships can't, but these two are special. That's The Concerto," he said, pointing at the black-sailed ship. "And that's The Ruby's Revenge."

Daubutim examined them before turning to the group of others who had quietly watched. Hind had joined them, and Irwin saw Daubutim's eyes widen as he saw her. "A Fiz'rin, four Granitians, and an Onyxian," he said. "I think we should head to Portal Keep so you can give us a rundown of what happened. Lord Bron is on the way, as are Lisbeth and some of the others."

Lisbeth? Irwin thought, wondering who that was.

"Alright, can you have someone get Trimdir? We have a lot of smiths with us."

Daubutim looked at him before nodding. "Yes. It's good that you brought more cardsmiths. Are there any that can make heartcards?"

Irwin gestured for them to start walking, and Daubutim fell in line with him.

"Yes. Montain, Dahlia, Esther, and Selene can all do that," he said. "Also, we brought some rank zero Ganvils."

"Some?" Ambraz snorted. "We brought over a hundred!"

Daubutim's eyes widened minutely. "Let's go. I'm curious to hear everything that has happened."

"That might take a bit," Irwin said. "But if you get us some food, I'm sure we can manage!"

--

Hours later, the group sat in a spacious room with windows on one side and arrow slits on the other. The only just setting sun, visible through the windows, filled the room with ample light, and Hind, Boohm, and the others stood there.

Irwin and Greldo sat with a small group of people around a massive table. He hadn't been surprised to see Lord Bron and Clarish there, but he was surprised that Basil hadn't been there. Trimdir and Daubutim were the last two, though Daubutim had said he'd make sure to inform the others.

Maps, many with tags and papers, decorated the walls beside them, while dozens of books lined another shelf.

"Are you sure it was wise to leave the crew of the Ruby's Revenge at Sesnanser?" Lord Bron asked, leaning back in his chair.

They had come to the end of a long, long story, where Irwin had told them nearly everything that had happened. He was weary, and they hadn't even gotten to the things that must have occurred while he was gone.

"They aren't raiders, so it wasn't warranted to just kill them," he said, hoping they were almost done. He wanted to see his mother, brother, and the rest of his family. "We could have brought them along, but I'm not sure we want them here either."

"It's fine," Daubutim said, seeming to catch on to his desire to be done. "The storm shows no signs of stopping anytime soon, and without a ship to leave, they will be stuck."

"And the people in Sesnasner world?" Trimdir asked.

Irwin looked at his first teacher, happy to see he'd barely changed. The burly smith looked no older than the last time, and his arms were as corded with muscle as always.

"If the Galubs and Nyzir were blocking the exit-portal on the planet side, there's little we can do about that," Daubutim said. "With the Nyzir there, sending our shadowwalkers is a death sentence, and we don't even know if there's even someone left alive."

Irwin agreed with his friend and was glad to see that nobody continued asking questions. Instead, they quickly went over a few details about where to bring who, with Trimdir agreeing that the smiths would best be sent to him.

While the others spoke, Irwin looked at the woman behind Daubutim. She'd not said a word yet, just standing behind his friend quietly, observing everything. With straight, short hair down to her shoulders and light brown eyes that were looking around constantly, he faintly recalled her. She had been the only other person he knew who had gotten a shadowstep card.

"Irwin?"

Irwin looked to the side to see Trimdir grin at him before staring at Daubutim.

"Stop bullying him, and tell him already!"

Irwin frowned. Something was going on, but it wasn't bad, seeing as everyone was smiling. Daubutim got up and looked at him before taking the woman's hand.

"Irwin, I'd like to introduce you to Lisbeth. We are going to be bound together in a few days," Daubutim said.

Irwin stared at his friend, seeing a faint joy in his lightning eyes, then at the woman, who smiled.

"That's great," he said, getting up and feeling the weariness wash away for a moment.

"Congratulations," Greldo said, joining him as they both walked to Daubutim.

Trimdir boomed with laughter. "He has been waiting for the entire two years that you were gone!"

"No, only sixteen months, three weeks and a day," Daubutim said.

Irwin saw a slight blush on his friend's cheeks, and he shook his head.

"Why didn't you just-"

"Because he wanted you to be there," Clarish said, giggling behind her head. "For someone with such a stern face, he can be surprisingly soft-hearted."

"I don't have a stern face," Daubutim said, frowning at her, only causing the rest to laugh even louder.

Daubutim ignored them, turning to Irwin.

"I was hoping that you could reforge Lisbeth's heartcard before we connect the chains," he said.

"Of course!" Irwin said, smiling at Lisbeth. "I'd be honored."

"Good, but now I think it's time you head home," Daubutim said. "If Bronwyn hears I kept you from your mother an entire day, he might start shouting."

"Probably because mom will pull his ear," Irwin agreed with a grin. "But you are right. Can you…" he looked over his shoulder at his crew and friends standing near the window.

"I'll get them all situated," Daubutim said.

"Then I'll get you to New Malorin," Clarish said, looking at Lord Bron. "Is it alright if I leave you here for a bit?"

Lord Bron nodded as he looked at the people still staring out of the window.

"No problem! I have a lot of questions and plenty of people to ask them. I'll be fine."

"Can you take me along, girl?" Trimdir said as he got up. "I want to have a chat with Ambraz about You'gyn and those rank zeros."

"Of course, but stop calling me girl," Clarish said, putting her hands on her hips. "I'm almost twenty-three!"

Trimdir snorted but didn't say anything, while Irwin blinked in surprise. So that was how old he would have been had he not gone into the portals? He felt both older and younger…

Pushing the slight worry about that away, he walked to Hind and the others. They turned to him, all curious to see what would happen now.

"I'm going to my home now, and most of you will have to stay here for a while," he said. "Lord Bron and Daubutim will take good care of you. I expect we will be here for at least a few months before we leave again, so try to enjoy yourselves. If you need anything, ask any of the people in here now or Basil when he returns."

Which reminds me that I need to figure out where he is and what has been going on, Irwin thought.

He focused on Dahlia, Montain, and his sisters. "I need a bit of time to find a place for you all to sleep in New Malorin. So for now, I hope you don't mind remaining here for a while."

"We will be fine," Esther said before any of the others could say something to the contrary.

"So, who are we bringing then?" Clarish asked, moving beside him. "You, Greldo, the old man, and your sister?"

Irwin snorted, then looked at Clarish, who was looking at him with mischievous eyes. Hind laughed, her voice like boulders rolling down a hill.

"This is Hind, and she's a Fiz'rin," Irwin said, realizing he might have to warn his mother about her before she got any wrong ideas. "Most of her people look a lot like me, or I look like them, I guess…"

"So, she doesn't look like this because of her cards?" Clarish asked, looking surprised. "I thought…"

"No," Irwin said. "And before you ask, I have no idea how any of this worked."

"This is all nice, but I really want to go home now," Greldo said, putting his hand on Irwin's shoulder.

"Clarish here will come get you in a day or two," Irwin said, looking at the rest. "Though if you want, you can remain here."

"Can we roam around as we want?" Hind asked, eyes sparkling.

"Sure, just make sure to be careful of those Flying Razorteeth," Irwin said.

Hind's eyebrows rose, but she just nodded. After a few more minutes, everyone was finally ready, and Irwin stood beside Clarish.

"How many people can you move in one go?" he asked.

"Six, but not very far," Clarish said.

Irwin nodded, and then a pale fog swamped around them, and the world turned black for a moment. A powerful whine of soulforce came from all around, followed by swirls of silvery soulforce and a sense of intense tugging. Then Irwin felt rough cobblestones below his foot as a warm wind blew, and the fog vanished.

They were standing in the main square of New Malorin.

"Okay…" Irwin muttered, shaking his head to get the whine out of it.

"Are you alright?" Clarish asked, looking worried.

"Yes, fine," Irwin said. "My new cards allow me to hear and see way more than I could before, and it seems that includes some of the things that teleporting does. I'm fine, just a bit surprised."

He didn't wait for more questions and began walking towards the street he knew his brother's house was at.

Looking around, he saw that much had changed. The central square and some of the roads leading away were now covered in stone instead of mud, and many unfamiliar buildings surrounded it. From the slight wear and tear, he could see they weren't exactly new, showing just how long he had been gone.

There were only a handful of people walking around, which wasn't surprising as it was getting dark quickly. Those who did see them were looking at Irwin curiously, but none approached.

It took a few minutes to reach Bronwyn's house, and just as Irwin raised his hand to knock, the door was yanked open.

A small shape rushed out of the door, colliding with his chest.

"Uncle Irwin, Uncle Irwin! Did you bring me anything?!"

Irwin stared at the small boy dangling from his shirt, grinning up at him.

"Your eyes are silver, like Papa's! But he said they would be red like Smith Endil's heartfire! Did the color drain out?"

Irwin heard a soft laugh from the door and looked up to see his brother look down at him with a wide smile.

"No, I created my second heartcard," Irwin said, looking at Drum seriously. "If you are a good boy, I'm sure you will get silver eyes when you become as big as us."

Drum nodded, seemingly to think it was only natural.

"Did you bring me a present?! Grandma said people that go away for a long time always return with presents!"

Irwin's mind raced, and then he thought about something.

"I'll make you something tomorrow, but if you are good I'll play you a song before you have to sleep," he said.

"Can you make me a metal Hound toy?!"

Irwin nodded, walking inside the house. Carla stood there, smiling widely and holding a bundle that was letting out soft mutterings. His mother stood behind him, tears slowly flowing down her face while she smiled happily.

"So, seeing as you brought Trimdir, I take it we still need to talk about some business before we can celebrate?" Bronwyn said, slowly taking Drum from Irwin and giving him a one-armed hug.

"Don't mind me," Trimdir said. "I'll go and find Endil and see how the boy's been improving. Come and find me in the morning, Irwin!"

"Thanks," Irwin said, waving at Trimdir who was walking away, dragging Clarish along with him.

"Now, how about the two of you come inside!"

Irwin felt his mom's hand grab his wrist and pull him further into the house, then into a hug.

"I'm so happy you are back," she whispered.