The salty sea air filled Roderyk's lungs as he leaned on the ship's wooden railing, watching the endless expanse of water ripple beneath them. The sun had just begun to set, casting a warm, golden hue over the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange. The rhythmic creak of the ship's hull, coupled with the soft murmur of waves, offered a serene contrast to the whirlwind of thoughts racing through his mind. This was his first time at sea, and despite the excitement, an undercurrent of anxiety clutched at his thoughts.
The ship, The Starfall, was a sturdy vessel, with sails full of wind and a crew of seasoned adventurers. The ship's deck bustled with activity, the crew busy with their tasks as they steered towards the distant lands they sought to explore. As he stood, lost in thought, he noticed Orin approaching, accompanied by the group from before. Orin's grizzled face broke into a grin as he saw Roderyk. "Ah, there you are, lad. Thought you might've changed your mind and stayed ashore."
"No, I'm ready."
Roderyk shook his head, trying to match the man's confidence.
"Good to hear," Orin said cheerfully, clapping him on the back.
"Don't let Orin intimidate you," said a woman with long black hair tied in a tight braid, her voice calm and measured. She leaned on a long spear, the weapon's polished surface reflecting the morning light. "I'm Sylva. And don't worry, we don't bite—unless we have to." Her smile was reassuring but held a hint of something dangerous.
As introductions continued, Roderyk's head spun. There was Keldan, a massive man wielding a greatsword that looked like it could cleave a tree in two. Beside him, a wiry figure, Volos, casually flipped a pair of daggers, his hands a blur of motion. Nara, a quiet woman with sharp eyes, standing a little apart, a bow across her torso. Her gaze seemed to take in everything at once, never missing a detail. And then there was Dr. Lorian, a thin, nervous-looking man. He clutched a medical bag like a lifeline.
Roderyk found himself caught between amusement and concern as Dr. Lorian tried to hide behind Keldan's broad frame. "I, uh, I'm the doctor," he stammered, clearly uncomfortable with the group's focus on him. "But, uh, don't count on me in a fight."
Orin chuckled and clapped Dr. Lorian on the back, nearly sending the poor man sprawling. "Don't worry, Doc. We'll keep you safe. You just patch us up after we take care of things."
Sylva stepped forward, her expression shifting to something more serious. "With introductions out the way, let's go over why we're here. Roderyk, you're new to this world, so we'll need to fill you in. Come along."
The group gathered around a large map spread out on the deck, with Sylva taking the lead in explaining the geography of the world. Roderyk knelt down beside them, trying to absorb as much information as possible.
"This is where we are now," Sylva said, pointing to a small dot labeled 'Seabrook.'
Roderyk nodded, preparing to commit the names and locations to memory. The map was vast, and the sheer scale of the world was overwhelming.
Sylva's finger traced a path from their current location across the waters to a range of mountains in towards the west. "This is 'Arionis' the capital of 'Eldoria'. Ever heard of it?"
"Once or twice from the fishermen. They say it's the biggest of all the lands."
Sylva nodded. "There are all kinds of countries out there—some open to visitors, adventures like us and merchants and so on, some not so much. The people of Eldoria are most welcoming, some say it is the reason they were able to expand so much…"
"It's a land of many diverse people, cultures and so on." Orin chimed, taking a gulp from his gourd. "It's very easy to blend in, start a life or even set up businesses, and for that reason it attracts people from all over."
"But it's not without it's dangers." Said Sylva in a low tone almost as if talking to herself.
Roderyk, his eyes wide, payed attention as Sylva continued the lesson, pointing out various landmarks on the map and explaining their significance. It was a lot to process. The world was vast, so full of both beauty and danger, that it was hard to know where to start.
"We'll be sailing Arionis for now," Sylva continued, her tone more serious. "There are plenty of dangers there, but nothing we can't handle. The plan is to continue the journey on foot. It's a long voyage, if we are to sail directly to volkara it'll take a while. The quicker option would be to land in the coast of the capital, resupply and continue the journey by foot."
Roderyk nodded, feeling a bit more reassured. If these adventurers could navigate this world, then maybe he could learn to do the same.
Keldan took over the explanation, his tone heavy and playful. "Well have to go through the city first then the forests. Both are beautiful, but they can be tricky. We'd only spend two nights at most in the city so you don't need to know too much for now, But the forests, lots of wild beasts, some of them friendly, some not."
"But the real danger comes from people."
"People?" Roderyk asked, confused.
Orin grinned. "Bandits, thieves, and other ne'er-do-wells. They're just out for themselves and they'll take anything you have if you're not careful—your money, your weapons, your life even."
Volos, silent up until now, spoke up in his low voice. "We've had to fight off more than our fair share of them. Ruthless gangs like the Red Fangs and so on. You'll need to be ready to defend yourself."
Roderyk swallowed hard. The thought of having to fight other people, not just wild animals, was unsettling. He wasn't sure if he was ready for that.
But there was no time to dwell on his fears as Sylva continued the lesson.
As the sun wore down, the group's tone became more serious. They moved from discussing the geography of the world to the specific dangers they would likely face on their journey. Roderyk listened intently, his unease growing with each new revelation.
"It's full of dangers out there," Sylva said, her voice steady and calm. "The biggest threats come from people. Bands like the Red Fangs, the Shadow Claws—they're not just thieves. They're killers who'll do whatever it takes to get what they want, and they won't hesitate to kill anyone who stands in their way."
Roderyk's stomach churned. He'd known that this world was dangerous, but he hadn't realized just how ruthless some of its inhabitants could be.
"And it's not just the gangs," Keldan added. "There are plenty of lone wolves out there—rogue adventurers who've gone off the deep end. They're just as dangerous, if not more so, with no one to keep them in check."
Nara nodded, her expressionless face the still same as Roderyk had seen it before.
"That's why you need to be prepared for anything. You never know who or what you'll run into out there. And you can never count on them playing by the rules."
'Huh? playing by the rules?' Roderyk thought as his mouth went dry.
"Some people out there will do anything to survive," Orin said grimly. "They'll cheat, lie, steal—whatever it takes. Won't even hesitate to stab you in the back if it means getting what they want."
Sylva put a reassuring hand on Roderyk's shoulder. "But that's why we're here. We'll teach you how to defend yourself, how to see through their tricks, and how to survive in this world. It's not going to be easy, but we'll be with you every step of the way."
Roderyk nodded, though his mind was still reeling from everything he'd learned. The world he'd stepped into was far more dangerous than he'd imagined, but he had no choice but to face it. And with this group of seasoned adventurers by his side, he may yet have a fighting chance.
Orin clapped his hands, breaking the tension. "Alright, enough with the doom and gloom. Let's get to the fun part—training! Roderyk, you're going to need to learn how to fight, and we're going to make sure you're ready for anything."
"Anything?" Roderyk echoed, unsure if he should be excited or terrified.
"Anything," Orin confirmed with a grin. "And don't worry, we'll take it easy on you. I think."
✧✧✧✧✧
A few days passed and the early morning light filtered through the thin veil of mist that clung to the ship as the crew began their day. The Starfall had set a steady course, carrying the adventurers toward their uncertain future. The sea was calm, but the atmosphere aboard was anything but.
Roderick, feeling the weight of his new reality, tried to shake off the remnants of sleep. Today was the day his training would begin in earnest. As he stepped onto the deck, the cool sea breeze brushed against his face, sharpening his senses. He had no idea what to expect, but the anxiety bubbling in his stomach made it clear that he was about to be tested in ways he hadn't imagined.
Orin, who had been up since dawn, was already busy supervising the crew's activities. He spotted Roderick and waved him over with a grin. "Morning, lad! Ready to get your hands dirty?"
Roderick forced a smile, trying to mask his nervousness. "As ready as I'll ever be."
"That's the spirit," Orin chuckled. "Come, we've got a lot to cover."
The two made their way across the deck, where the rest of the group had gathered near a collection of training equipment—a motley assortment of wooden swords, shields, and other practice weapons. The sight was enough to make Roderick's heart race.
Keldan was already warming up, his massive arms flexing as he swung a giant wooden sword with the ease of someone who had done it a thousand times before. "Morning, Rod," he called out, his voice booming over the sound of the waves. "Don't worry, we'll go easy on you. Wouldn't want to break you on your first day."
Roderyk wasn't entirely sure if Keldan was joking or not, but he nodded all the same.
Sylva stepped forward, her expression serious but not unkind. "For starters, you need to know, Roderyk, that fighting isn't just about swinging a sword. It's about survival. Your instincts, reflexes, and your ability to think under pressure are just as important as your strength."
She handed him a wooden sword, its surface worn smooth by years of use. "We'll start with the basics—footwork, balance, and how to hold your weapon properly. These might seem like simple things, but they're the foundation of everything else you'll learn."
Roderyk took the sword, its weight unfamiliar in his hand. He felt clumsy and awkward, but tried not to show it. He followed Sylva's instructions as she guided him through the stances, adjusting his posture and correcting his grip.
"Keep your knees bent," she instructed, her tone patient. "You want to stay light on your feet, ready to move in any direction at a moment's notice."
Roderick tried to follow her advice, but his movements were stiff, his mind too focused on not making a mistake. Sylva noticed his tension and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Relax, Roderyk. You're not going to learn everything in one day. Just focus on getting comfortable."
He took a deep breath, trying to loosen up.
"Right, basics. Got it."
As the morning wore on, the training continued. Keldan joined in, demonstrating powerful strikes and blocks, his movements surprisingly graceful for a man of his size. Volos offered tips on how to anticipate an opponent's moves, his quiet voice steady and calm, while Nara provided pointers on staying aware of one's surroundings—a skill she had mastered as a ranger. Even Dr. Lorian, despite his reluctance to engage in combat, shared some valuable insights on how to avoid injury during a fight.
It was a crash course in survival, and Roderyk found himself struggling to keep up. He was sweating, his muscles ached from the unfamiliar exertion, but he refused to give up.
By the time Orin called for a break, Roderyk was exhausted. He leaned against the ship's railing, trying to catch his breath. The salty air filled his lungs, a reminder that there was no escape from the reality he had chosen. This was his life now, and he had to adapt if he wanted to survive.
Orin approached him, a canteen in hand. "You did well for your first day, lad. It's not easy, but you're tougher than you think."
Roderyk took the canteen and drank deeply, the cool water a welcome relief. "Thanks, Orin. I just... I didn't realize how much I have to learn."
Orin nodded, his expression thoughtful. "That's the thing. No matter how much you know, there's always more to learn. But you got the right attitude at least, and that's half the battle."
Roderick managed a small smile. "I just hope I can keep up."
"You will," Orin assured him. "And remember, you're not alone in this. We're a team, and we look out for each other. You'll get the hang of it."
Roderyk nodded, feeling a little more confident with Orin's reassurance. The warm sea breeze rustled his dark brown hair, and he took a deep breath, readying himself for whatever came next. The thought of learning to fight, to truly defend himself and his companions, filled him with both excitement and a touch of apprehension.
Orin clapped his hands together, a broad grin splitting his weathered face. "Alright, let's restart, shall we? Sylva, care to show our lad more of the basics?"
Sylva nodded, stepping forward with her spear in hand. She moved with a fluid grace that Roderyk couldn't help but admire. "Footwork is the foundation of any fighting style," she said, her tone calm but authoritative.
"Without proper footwork, it doesn't matter how strong you are or how sharp your blade is. You'll be knocked off balance and taken down."
She began demonstrating a series of steps and stances, her movements smooth and controlled.
"You want to keep your weight centered, knees slightly bent, ready to move in any direction," She explained. "Try to mirror my movements, Roderyk."
Roderyk mimicked her steps, his own motions awkward at first. Sylva, noticing his clumsy attempts, shook her head with a wry smile. "You're overthinking it. Relax. Let it flow naturally."
Keldan, who had been watching from the sidelines, couldn't resist jumping in. "You gotta move like you're trying to dodge a cart rolling downhill!" He laughed heartily, mimicking a wildly exaggerated sidestep that caused the others to chuckle.
Roderyk chuckled too, his nerves easing a little. "Alright, alright. Less like a stumbling, more grace. Got it."
Sylva raised an eyebrow, but her smile remained. "Something like that. Now, again."
The days continued with more drills. Orin led sessions on maintaining balance while holding a weapon, Keldan demonstrated powerful strikes with heavy bags filled with sand, and Nara even offered a few tips on finding one's rhythm, comparing archery stances to dance. The humor of seeing Keldan attempting to move to a beat—utterly out of sync but with all the enthusiasm of a bull in a pottery shop—wasn't lost on anyone. The crew's laughter echoed over the waves.
After a brief lunch break, where Dr. Lorian nervously hovered around the food, mumbling about potential stomach ailments from "poorly cooked sea rations," the group reconvened. This time, it was Volos's turn to impart some wisdom—or at least, that was the plan.
Volos leaned against the ship's mast, his arms crossed and his eyes narrowed at Roderyk. "Alright, kid," he said, voice low and almost lazy. "You might think swinging a sword around will save your skin, but out there, sometimes it's about not getting hit in the first place. We're gonna work on agility and stealth."
Roderyk nodded eagerly, though he felt a bit wary under Volos's scrutinizing gaze. "Got it."
Without warning, Volos flicked his wrist, sending a small throwing knife sailing through the air. Roderyk's eyes widened as the blade whizzed past his ear, embedding itself in the barrels behind him.
"Lesson one," Volos said, "Stay on your toes."
Roderyk gulped, his heart racing. "A little warning would've been nice."
"Life doesn't give warnings," Volos countered, retrieving the knife. "Neither do I."
"Is this what you meant by taking it easy on him?" Roderyk muttered, glancing at Orin. The veteran adventurer just laughed and shrugged.
Volos proceeded to run Roderyk through a series of dodging drills, tossing small stones at him and making him navigate a makeshift obstacle course set up with barrels and crates. At first, Roderyk stumbled and tripped, but with each attempt, he began to move with more fluidity, his feet learning to adjust quickly to the changing terrain.
"Not bad, kid," Volos finally said, albeit grudgingly. "Maybe you're not completely hopeless."
The comment, while backhanded, felt like a small victory to Roderyk. "Thanks... I think?"
The sun began its descent toward the horizon, casting long shadows over the deck, Dr. Lorian, to everyone's surprise, decided to hold a brief "self-defense and survival" lesson. He had somehow convinced—or rather, begged—Orin to let him have a moment to teach the new recruit.
"Alright, everyone," Dr. Lorian began nervously, holding up a small pouch filled with herbs. "Combat isn't always about swords and spears. Sometimes, it's about avoiding the fight altogether, or using your surroundings to your advantage." He fumbled a bit as he took out a vial filled with a foul-smelling liquid. "This, for example, is... well, I don't know what to call it, but it's so bad it can knock a man out cold."
"More like knock 'em dead," Keldan said, pinching his nose and waving his hand dramatically. "Doc, when was the last time you actually used that? And on who?"
"Er, myself, actually… by accident," Lorian admitted, blushing furiously as the others burst into laughter.
Roderyk couldn't help but chuckle too. "I guess that counts as field-testing?"
"Something like that…" Lorian sighed, slumping his shoulders. "But really, knowing how to make the best of a bad situation is key. I'm not just talking about smelling concoctions, but understanding when to hide, when to distract, and when to run. Or, you know, faint convincingly."
Roderyk found the doctor's lesson surprisingly useful, even if it was presented in a rather unorthodox manner. At least, he thought, he'd learned a thing or two about how to make a quick escape—or at the very least, entertain the crew.
✧✧✧✧✧
After the doctor, Orin decided it was time for a bit of practical training that combined the elements they had been working on. "Alright, everyone," he called out, gathering the crew around. "Time for a little game."
He led them over to the ship's narrow railing, where a series of ropes had been tied, creating a kind of tightrope along the edge of the deck. "The goal is simple: walk the length of the ship along this rope without falling off. You can use whatever means necessary to keep your balance.
Roderyk watched as each adventurer took their turn. Sylva, with her impeccable balance and poise, made it look easy, gliding across the rope without a single misstep. Keldan's turn was more of a spectacle; his massive frame wobbled back and forth, but he managed to keep himself upright through sheer determination—and, perhaps, by simply being too heavy to fall.
Then it was Roderyk's turn. He took a deep breath and stepped onto the rope, feeling it shift beneath his weight. His footwork training from earlier helped, but the gentle sway of the ship added an extra layer of challenge. He made his way slowly, trying to maintain his balance, but halfway across, Volos tossed a small pebble at his back.
"Stay on your toes, kid!" Volos called, feigning innocence.
Roderyk wobbled precariously but managed to keep his footing, much to the amusement of the crew. "Nice try, Volos!" he shouted back, grinning.
By the time he reached the end of the rope, Roderyk was sweating but triumphant. Orin clapped him on the back. "Well done, lad. Not bad for your first go."
"Thanks," Roderyk said, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "I think I'm getting the hang of this."
"Good," Orin said with a chuckle. "Because we're stepping it up a notch."
The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of red and gold, the crew gathered around a small firepit on deck to wind down from the day's training. Keldan was regaling them with tales of past adventures, embellishing the details to elicit laughter from the group.
"And there I was, face-to-face with a bear the size of a house!" Keldan boomed, gesturing wildly. "And you know what I did? I looked him dead in the eye and said, 'You've got three seconds to leave, or you're going to regret waking me up!' And wouldn't you know it, the bear turned tail and ran!"
Roderyk laughed along with the others, enjoying the camaraderie and the sense of belonging that came with it. He could already tell that these people, strange and unpredictable as they were, were becoming more than just mentors—they were becoming friends.
Dr. Lorian, having finally relaxed, added his own humorous contribution. "And remember that time I accidentally gave everyone the wrong potion? Nearly knocked us all out cold before the big battle!"
"Oh, we remember," Sylva smirked, rolling her eyes. "You're lucky Orin didn't throw you overboard."
As the laughter and storytelling continued late into the night, Roderyk found himself thinking that, despite the challenges ahead, he wouldn't trade this journey for anything. Here, on this ship, he was learning, growing, and, most importantly, finding his place in a world that was as vast and unpredictable as the ocean itself.
And as the stars began to dot the sky above, Roderyk looked up and smiled. His adventure was only just beginning.