Celtic climbed back onto his ship and took control of the wheel. The black sail moved with the wind as the ship sailed away from the wreckage. Elara sat quietly in the corner of the deck, still uneasy after what had happened. For nearly an hour, neither of them spoke. Eventually, the storm began to calm. The rain weakened, the waves settled, and the sea became quieter. Elara finally spoke. “What's your name?” “Celtic Valyron.” Elara didn't recognize the name. “I am Elara, the Queen's royal messenger.” Celtic continued steering. After a moment, Elara asked, “Why are you alone in the sea?” “I enjoy it.” She looked at him, still curious. “Where did you come from?” Celtic answered simply. “I was summoned.” Elara's eyes widened. “Summoned?” “Yeah.” “But there were only three summoned heroes.” Celtic looked at her. “Five.” Elara froze. “...Five?” “One died.” Celtic paused. “One was exiled.” Elara stared at him. She had only ever heard that three heroes were summoned. She had never heard about the other two. “I must tell the Queen.” Celtic shrugged. “Go ahead.” “You'll be rewarded for saving me.” “Nah.” “I'll drop you off at the nearest port.” After another hour of sailing, they reached a nearby port. Celtic brought the ship alongside the pier, and Elara stepped off. She turned back toward him. “Come to the palace. The Queen will reward you greatly for saving me.” Celtic's eyes narrowed. “She won't like me there.” “Why?” Celtic drew his sword and showed it to her. Elara looked at the blade, confused. “What is that?” “Skrillnot.” “...Skrillnot?” “Tell the Queen I have it.” Elara remained confused. “Why?” Celtic put the sword away. “Queen thing. It'll solve itself there.” Before Elara could ask anything else, Celtic turned and walked back onto his ship. The black sail caught the wind. His ship slowly sailed away, leaving Elara standing at the port with the strange message he had given her.

Chapter 2: The Weight of Holy Iron