At Tess's suggestion, they journeyed West along the coast to find a coastal town. If they were to attempt to cross the water then they would need to rely on more than simple water manipulation.
They arrived at the town while the sun was at its peak in the sky.
The first thing the group noticed was the Armurian gate.
It was a beautiful sight.
Two large, white walls towered out of the water and continued until they met land, standing hundreds of feet above the surface. Guards stood along the top, barely noticeable from their location. Where the walls met lay a large gate that opened and closed whenever vessels of various sizes passed through.
Beneath it, a lot closer to the carriage, stood the town of Armuria.
Along the coast, a large port was filled with vessels, the valuable spaces there rotating between incoming and outgoing vessels. Stores lined the harbour, allowing travellers to fill up on food and beverages. Incoming merchants could sell their wares at the public market found on the other side of the terrace.
East of the port was a large, regal building. People in military uniforms, coloured in the light-blue markings of the regions Guard flocked to and from the building as they carried out duties.
To the north of the town lay the residential area of the town. People went about their business, carrying out daily tasks. Children raced through the streets, their presence told by high-pitched laughter.
The west of the town was taken over by nature. A large park, complete with grasses, flowers and trees was alive with the sound of wildlife, of birds chirping and tiny creatures scurrying underfoot.
Arriving at the gate, they were met with a checkpoint.
Guards scrutinised the carriage, ensuring it contained no dangerous substances.
"State your purpose," one of the guards commanded them. The guard was an average-looking, middle-aged man. His eyes, tired and weary, wore the years of service he had on display.
"We seek transport," Tess answered him in a flat tone. "We were hoping to find some here."
"Transport where?"
"Anywhere. We've decided to travel."
The man's eyes narrowed, as though he recognised them from somewhere. After a long moment, he stepped back and waved them through.
They took the carriage to the stables before proceeding on foot.
As they passed through the town they found why they had received such a curious look from the man.
Their actions after Yar had made them wanted people.
Posters with poor illustrations were found on the walls, telling the masses of their crime of desertion.
Upon seeing them, the group increased their pace towards the harbour.
Once at the waterfront, they headed inside a tavern.
"Excuse me," Tess asked one of the bartenders, "you wouldn't happen to know someone willing to transport people by water?"
"Hang on a second," the bartender responded. She walked down the bar and began talking to a man, gesturing to the four of them as she did so.
The man nodded, then headed over to them.
The first thing they noticed about him was the strong stench of fish that lingered around him.
His main physical feature was an untidy clump of hair formed on his chin.
He was average height, and wore attire suited to a person who travelled by boat. His body was covered by a large jacket and his legs were protected by a pair of long, dark boots. His head was protected by a beige hat.
"So, you need transport somewhere?"
Tess nodded. "South."
"South? But this is the southernmost part of Rovinia. There's nothing past here."
"So, a few centuries back, this land defended attacks from the South. Therefore, you could infer there was something there at that time. Now, in my experience, land doesn't simply disappear."
"It'll cost you. A lot. After all, you're asking me to go to uncharted territory."
"We'll pay. Once the job is done."
An excited smile spread across the man's face.
"When do you want to leave?"
"As soon as possible," Marcus said, inserting himself into the conversation.
"Well then," he said before finishing a drink. "Guess we had better get going."
The ship he led them to was pretty sizeable, especially for one person. The hull was large, providing plenty of room below deck for the five of them.
Once aboard the ship, Marcus fell asleep.
He hadn't gotten any since the fort, and slept only for a couple of hours while there. Therefore, once they were off, his body shut down.
While dreaming, he received a vision.
In front of him stood an ethereal being, coloured the perfect shade of a bright white.
On all sides he was surrounded by blinding light, so bright that it made him panic.
The being spoke to him.
"Be strong, child. This journey is close to ending, and it will end in pain and suffering."
"You will lose this time, just like all the rest."
"Fear not, because in this game between Gods you are unique."
"When you fail you merely restart. You have, and you always will."
"Truly, I am sorry. You shall endure millennia of suffering, all in the hope that one day the world will be safe."
"You know what you must do."
"Enter His realm, and hurt Him."
"Let our light shine brightly through His corruption. Fight against his rot. Do not give in. Rage against His ascendancy. Rage against the death of all things."
"Prepare yourself for a fight as soon as you arrive."
Marcus saw the being's lips move as he awoke, but heard no sound coming from them.
"Marcus!"
"You alright?"
"What was it?"
The instant he awoke he was bombarded with questions by his companions.
'It probably wouldn't go down too well if I told them this mission was doomed to fail.'
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit of a weird dream, I guess."
"Was it the same one?" Elanor asked.
He shook his head. "I don't remember much, but it wasn't that one. Plus, we're definitely going to the right place."
"How would you know that after a dream?" Tess asked.
"Gut feeling, I guess."