The harsh, sharp air of the mountains gave way to the warm winds of the foothills and finally to the salty, humid scent of the ocean. As they traveled west, the landscape transformed utterly. Illyria's grey sky and gloomy forests were replaced by a more open sky and a coastline covered with pine trees.
The journey was relatively peaceful, but they remained alert at all times. The fact that Selene had escaped, not knowing Kael's whereabouts, created a fear of ambush. However, the skill of Korvan's detachment in concealing themselves in nature and tracking trails gave them confidence.
Finally, they reached "Windcrest Shore." It was a rocky cove opening onto the boundless "Endless Ocean." Here, the wind blew freely, and massive waves crashed against the rocks, spraying foam. Sere was seeing the ocean for the first time. It was vast, moving, furious, and yet mesmerizingly beautiful. The Threshold Stone on her chest pulsed in a calm but determined rhythm, synchronized with the waves.
In the cove, there were stone piers defying the waves and wooden boats that looked sturdy. This was the base of the "Sailors' Guild." Unlike Grimhold, it wasn't a hidden place but an open, commercial port, yet famous for its adventurous and hardy sailors.
Korvan led the group directly to the door of the largest inn to speak with the guild chief. Inside, the salty air mixed with smells of beer, cooked fish, and wet rope.
In the main corner of the inn sat a giant of a man, his face deeply lined by wind and sun. His arms were covered in tattoos of sea monsters and ancient maps. This was Guild Chief Borgard.
Korvan greeted him. "Borgard. It's been a long time."
Borgard slowly set down the mug he had raised. His eyes scanned Korvan, then Moaito, and finally Sere. "Korvan. Left the mountains for a taste of the sea? And brought... interesting companions." His gaze lingered on Moaito. "I know you. The Ancient One from the legends."
All conversation in the inn ceased instantly. Every eye turned towards them.
Moaito nodded. "So they say. Borgard, we need your help. A ship and crew to reach the Eye of Water."
A wave of astonishment and fear rippled through the inn. Borgard let out a deep laugh, but there was no mirth in it. "The Eye of Water? Madness! No ship that sailed those waters has ever returned. Its location isn't even on maps. Only madmen or those seeking suicide take that route."
"We may be mad," Sere interjected, her voice clear and resolute in the heavy silence of the inn. "But we don't want to die. We want to save the world." She took out the Threshold Stone. The stone emitted a warm, soothing light into the room. "This stone will guide us there. But we need a ship."
Borgard stared at the stone for a long time. He grew serious. "Why? Why do you want to go to that cursed place?"
"Because it is sick," Moaito replied. "Just like the Pinnacle of the Wind and the Spine of the Earth. And if we don't heal it, all the oceans will die. Your fishing, your trade, your shores... all will be lost."
This was a tangible, frightening threat for Borgard and the other sailors. Not some distant legend, but something that concerned their livelihoods and lives.
Borgard thought for a while. Then, he slammed his fist on the table. "Alright then! If the seas are in danger, the Sailors' Guild cannot stand by!" He turned to the crowd. "Who's there? Who has the courage for this mad voyage?"
After a moment of silence, a young woman stood up from a corner of the inn. She had long, braided blonde hair and sea-blue eyes. "I'll go, Borgard."
This was Captain Anya. The young but skilled captain of the swift and agile ship "Sea Serpent." "My father," she added, her voice proud and sorrowful, "set sail searching for the Eye of Water and never returned. I want to follow his trail... and perhaps live a different fate than his."
Anya's words encouraged a few other sailors in the inn. Soon, a small but skilled crew had gathered around Anya, volunteering for this dangerous journey.
The next morning, they all stood before the "Sea Serpent." The boat looked long, slender, and fast, living up to its name.
Korvan turned to Moaito. "We will wait for you here on the shore and keep watch against any threat from Kael. May the gods be with you."
Moaito and Sere thanked Korvan and his detachment one last time. Then, taking the hand Anya confidently offered, they stepped onto the deck of the "Sea Serpent."
The ropes were cast off, the sails filled with wind. The boat slowly moved away from the pier and began to advance towards the boundless blue of the open sea.
Sere leaned against the railing and watched the receding shore. Each time, she was learning more, meeting more people, and taking on more responsibility.
Anya took the helm and pointed towards the horizon. "The journey begins! Get ready, land-lubbers! The ocean is far wilder and more unpredictable than your mountains!"
And as the "Sea Serpent" glided towards unknown waters, Sere felt the pulse of the Threshold Stone growing stronger. The Eye of Water was calling. And this time, their enemies weren't just on land; perhaps they were waiting beneath the deep, dark waters.