“Captain have you heard about these Kahikanans?”

Tryston glanced up from a pile of parchment to study his comrade in arms. The iceling male was situated in a stone room with a large desk of ancient wood before him. The desk itself was elegant in design and a proud product of sturdy craftsmanship - for those who could actually see it beneath the mess of reports covering its surface. Brothers had reported in about strange sightings already, others about bandits and some just about their families and the weather. However, on the top of the pile were fairly recent letters which spoke about this new land which was being explored. A new land with a race who could exist underwater without needing to ever go on land though they did opt to explore the surface on occasion apparently. Else who would have confirmed their existence? No one in Tendaji, at least not from Zena, would have dared to swim so far into the ocean depths. Too many monsters roamed the deep seas and even Tryston was amazed that not only did this race breathe in the waters but that they didn’t die to the great water serpents that lurked in ancient texts.

So after one last glance at the pile of letters, Tryston held one up towards the other iceling with an amused expression, “I think I have heard about these new fish people, Zyma.” He stretched the letter out to study it more, “Is there anything more of interest that you might know? All I hear is that they can stay underwater and that they apparently are peaceful? We don’t have to worry about them invading Zena anytime soon.”

“Still, don’t you find yourself curious?” Zyma moved forward and plopped into the open seat opposite of Tryston, “Like how is it possible that these people can stay underwater for their entire lives? Are there more races that we don’t know about then in other areas of the world? First the Yaeli, then then Belreans and now this?”

Tryston raised a brow, “You mean even in Zena?” What other races would even want to stay in these frozen lands? He doubted anything would want to be in the mountains to the far north. The icy peaks touched the skies and many gossiped that going too far up the mountains could take the very air from your lungs. The iceling man placed the letter back on the desk, “Honestly I’m not too worried about these Kahikana. If they have interesting pieces to trade then we can help the villagers to send their merchants towards the docks in Oba and Matori. I’m sure they would be eager to acquire pieces from the new lands.”

Zyma chuckled, “For a man of few words you sure are good at issuing orders.” The chuckle died on his lips at Tryston’s somber expression and a flush decorated his cheeks, “I mean yes sir. I think that’s a great idea for the merchants in the village. I’m sure they would be eager to find out what goods can come from the Kahikana. Do you think they have good alcohol?”

Tryston simply shook his head, “I suppose we will see.” After all he wasn’t exactly in the position to leave his homeland to travel to Kahikana. Nor would he be eager to go onto a vessel that traveled the deep seas. Airships, normal ships, any type of ship really didn’t settle well with him at all. He much preferred sticking to his snow covered mountains and solid land. Zena was too cold a place for these tropical races. He doubted any of them would ever cause a threat to his home so Tryston was not too concerned. They would probably freeze before even making it halfway through Zena after all. If anything he hoped that the village could benefit from the Kahikana by finding new trade partners. Whatever they brought over would be considered rare and in high demand with wealthier families who could afford such fineries. That would be the only thing of interest for Tryston when it came to the new lands.

“Okay then but if they do have good drinks I’m calling dibs on the first taste.” Zyma grinned, “I’ll make sure to share some with you. We’ll see who all wants to travel South to help out those merchants. I’m sure any bandits will be happy to try and snag an item or two when the merchants return from overseas.” His expression shifted at the thought, his gaze darkening with serious intent, “Here’s hoping that they try. We could use a good fight.”

“Thank you, Zyma.” Tryston watched as his friend strode from the room. At least he knew that he could count on the others to help out even in times like this. It would be interesting though to see exactly what came from Kahikana. I suppose we’ll just wait and see.

[WC: 820]