The wind howled against the sails as Lieutenant Adrian Nicolas stood on the deck, staring into the swirling black horizon of the Dark Sea. His hands gripped the railing tightly, knuckles white as he felt the cold, ominous mist creeping closer with every gust. The weight of the quest hung heavy on his shoulders—a journey not taken lightly—especially with the warnings from Commodore Ellington and the mysterious offer from Singed.
Two Weeks Earlier, month of Aetheria 14, 1775 of the Dark Ages of Arithian Calendar
After the intense chase of criminals in Reveret Kingdom, Adrian found himself standing in the opulent mansion of Singed, Arithea's wealthiest businessman. The rich aroma of expensive perfumes and the glint of treasures from far-flung corners of the world filled the room. Singed, dressed in luxurious silks and adorned with jewelry, sat at his desk with a disarming smile.
"Lieutenant, Lieutenant Adrian Nicolas," Singed greeted smoothly, "I've heard much about you. A man with a reputation for getting things done. The one they called the prodigy of the sword"
Adrian nodded cautiously. "I hear you have a job for me."
Singed gestured grandly. "Not just any job. I want you to venture into the Dark Sea and bring me an artifact—the *Eye of Arithea*. It's been lost for centuries, but my sources tell me it lies somewhere beyond those waters."
"The Dark Sea?" Adrian's expression darkened. "You must know the legends. Ships go in and never return."
Singed waved a dismissive hand. "Legends, Lieutenant. Nothing more. The seas are dangerous, yes, but with the right crew and the right man at the helm, success is inevitable. And you, Adrian, are that man."
Adrian considered Singed's words carefully. "Why me? What makes you so sure I'll come back when others haven't?"
Singed smiled, leaning in. "You're not like the others. You care about your crew. You'll do what it takes to keep them alive, even if it means making sacrifices. That's what will set you apart."
"And the artifact," Adrian pressed, "what exactly is it?"
Singed's eyes glinted with a secretive light. "The *Eye of Arithea is a relic of unimaginable power. It's said to control the very tides of the world, to shape fate itself. Bringing it back will make us both wealthier than we could ever dream."
Adrian clenched his jaw. His crew needed this, but the price felt steep. "There's always a cost. What aren't you telling me?"
Singed leaned back, a smirk curling his lips. "The sea demands much, Lieutenant. But the rewards, I assure you, are worth it."
A week later after his chat with Singed, Lieutenant Adrian sat in Commodore Ellington's quarters, the glow of oil lamps casting long shadows across the room. The Commodore, an older man with a stern face lined by decades at sea, sat behind his desk, studying Adrian with an expression that mixed disappointment and concern.
"You've always been a skilled sailor, Adrian," Commodore Ellington began, his voice steady. "But this… this is madness!"
Adrian squared his shoulders, meeting the Commodore's intense gaze. "Commodore, my men need this. We're barely getting by, and this job is our way out."
Ellington slammed his hand down on the desk. "And for what? To venture into the Dark Sea? Do you even know what lies beyond those cursed waters? You're leading your crew to their deaths!"
Adrian shook his head. "I don't believe in fairy tales, Commodore. There's an artifact out there, and Singed has promised us enough gold to secure our futures. I can't turn this down."
The Commodore leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing. "And you trust a man like Singed? He's nothing but a merchant of lies and shadows. You'll find nothing but ruin under his employ."
"Singed told me this artifact could change everything for us. It's not just about the gold," Adrian insisted. "We've been scraping by for too long. My men deserve better than a life of uncertainty. I'm trying to help my crew."
The Commodore stared out the window, the sea reflecting in his tired eyes. "You're a good man, Adrian, but the sea isn't kind to good men. The Dark Sea has claimed far greater sailors than you. Do you think you'll fare any better?"
Adrian paused, the weight of the Commodore's words settling in. But he couldn't back down now. He owed it to his crew.
"I have no choice," Adrian said finally. "They're counting on me."
Commodore Ellington sighed, shaking his head. "The sea does not reward heroes. You may leave with your crew, but I pray to the gods of Arithea that you return. The Dark Sea… it changes men. And sometimes, they don't come back at all."
Adrian turned to leave, but the Commodore's final words echoed in his mind, lingering like a shadow.
Present Day: Aboard the Ship
Now, as the galleon creaked and groaned against the rising storm, Adrian couldn't shake the weight of Singed's cryptic words or the Commodore's dire warnings. The mist that curled around them seemed almost alive, and whispers of the Red Witch spread quickly through the crew. They were all on edge, especially Vice Captain Loden, who had grown visibly more fearful as they approached the Dark Sea.
Captain Darrick, the first mate, approached Adrian with a concerned look. "Loden's been talking about the Witch in Red. Says she's more than a legend."
"Bring him to me," Adrian ordered.
Soon, Loden stood before Adrian in his quarters, his eyes wide and darting as he nervously wrung his hands.
"You know something about this so called witch?" Adrian asked, his voice steady.
"Aye, sir," Loden said, his voice trembling. "My father… he sailed these waters. He told me stories about the Red Witch. She haunts the Dark Sea, takes sailors who venture too far. But… they're not souls, sir. She keeps their bodies, takes their minds. They become lost, never fully dead, never fully alive."
"And you believe this?" Adrian asked, frowning.
Loden swallowed hard. "I didn't. Not until I saw her…"
Adrian's stomach tightened, but he refused to show any fear. "Keep quiet about this. We're going to sail through, understood?"
Loden nodded and backed away.
---
### **The Storm and the Witch's Arrival**
As the ship pressed forward, the mist thickened, swirling ominously around them. Then, without warning, the storm struck. The waves towered over them, crashing down with violent force as the wind howled through the sails. Men scrambled to keep control, but the sea was relentless.
In the midst of the chaos, a faint crimson light flickered on the horizon. Adrian's eyes narrowed as he saw a figure standing atop the water, her form outlined by the red glow that cut through the darkness. The storm seemed to pause as she drew closer.
"The Red Witch," Loden whispered, his face pale with fear.
Adrian had heard the stories, but now, face-to-face with the Witch in Red, he realized the legends were real.
"You have ventured too far," the Witch in Red said, her voice cold and commanding. "The Dark Sea does not forgive."
Adrian tightened his grip on his sword, knowing it would be useless. "Who are you? Why have you come?"
The Witch in Red smiled, her eyes glowing with an unnatural light.
"This is where the sea claims the lost," she replied. "And you, Lieutenant, are standing on borrowed time."