The cold wind rolling in from the Blood Sea carried the scent of salt and snow.
Atheline remained standing near the shoreline long after the others had drifted away to resume their duties. The waves continued their steady rhythm against the beach, as though they cared little for kingdoms, politics, or the corrupted that occasionally emerged from beneath their surface.
Helther eventually walked over, hands tucked inside his winter cloak.
"You’ve been staring at the sea for nearly half an hour, it’s quite unnerving since you haven’t moved even a step sideways."
Atheline smiled without taking his eyes off the horizon.
"I know, but I can’t stop looking," he smiled," and I’m not planning on jumping in."
"Find anything?"
"No, except for the endless water and the hypnotic waves; there is nothing worth seeing."
Helther followed his gaze toward the endless expanse of blue.
"I get that, it will always feel disappointing whenever we put our hopes on something only for it to be dashed."
"It really is, an uncomfortable feeling."
His brother laughed quietly.
"I wasn’t expecting you to agree."
"But I wanted there to be something."
"So did I."
Silence settled comfortably between them once again. The waves continued their endless march toward the shore before retreating into the sea.
Everything looked too peaceful. Atheline slowly exhaled.
"I’ll probably come back one day or go to the beastkin continent."
His brother nodded.
"I figured."
"Hopefully you’ll get better results before panic starts to spread."
The commander approached a few moments later.
"My Lords."
The two brothers turned.
"The afternoon patrol is about to leave."
Atheline looked interested, he glanced towards the group.
"May we accompany them?"
The commander smiled.
"I was actually hoping you’d ask."
His father, who had remained speaking with several officers nearby, overheard the conversation and walked over.
"Stay within sight of the patrol."
"We will and also no unnecessary risks," Helther answered first," we’re only walking."
His father looked directly at Atheline.
"I’m speaking to him."
"..."
His brother couldn’t help smiling.
"I told you."
Atheline sighed dramatically then smiled.
"I’ve become that predictable?"
His father folded his arms.
"You have a habit of investigating mysterious things. You don’t want me to revisit a few incidents, do you?"
"I’ve only nearly died a few times."
"That’s exactly the point, I still worry even if you’ve grown past that age."
The patrol consisted of only twelve soldiers, who appeared to be veterans.
Their armor bore the marks of years spent defending the coastline, while the ease with which they carried themselves spoke of experience rather than arrogance.
The captain of the patrol slightly bowed before they departed.
"An honor, Your Majesty."
Atheline nodded, gesturing for him to straighten.
"The honor is mine."
One of the younger soldiers looked particularly excited. Another quietly elbowed him before whispering something that made the young man immediately straighten his posture.
Atheline pretended not to notice but couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly.
The path followed the coastline northward. Unlike the beach immediately below the fortress, this section consisted mostly of rocky cliffs broken only by narrow stretches of sand.
Observation towers dotted the landscape every few kilometers. Each flew the banner of the High Elven Kingdom.
The patrol captain noticed him studying them.
"Every tower maintains visual contact with the next."
"So warnings travel quickly," Atheline finished for him.
The captain nodded.
"If one tower spots movement, the entire coastline knows within minutes."
Atheline smiled.
"Simple but effective. It usually works best."
"I agree."
The walk soon became less formal. Several soldiers relaxed once they realized the king had no interest in being treated differently.
Atheline asked about their daily routines, their families, and how long they had been stationed on the coast.
One elderly archer laughed.
"My wife says I’ve spent more years with the sea than with her."
The others chuckled knowingly.
"And what do you tell her?"
"That she’s correct."
Everyone laughed. Atheline could already imagine the talk. Another younger soldier spoke next.
"My daughter keeps asking whether I’ve fought sea dragons."
"Have you?"
"...No."
The young man scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
"But I might let her keep believing I have."
Atheline grinned.
"I think that’s allowed."
The captain nodded solemnly.
"It is a father’s duty to seem at least slightly more impressive than reality."
Even Helther laughed at that. For a while, they simply walked while talking and listening to each other’s tales.
Atheline found himself enjoying the simplicity of it. These men weren’t concerned with court politics or didn’t care about noble rivalries. Their greatest worries were the weather, the next patrol, and making it home safely after winter.
There was something comforting about that.
Near midday, the patrol stopped beside a small fishing village built against the cliffs. Several wooden boats rested upon the shore, pulled well above the tide line.
The villagers greeted the soldiers warmly. Children ran through the snow carrying little baskets of freshly caught fish.
An elderly fisherman recognized Lord Helmer immediately.
"My Lord!"
His father smiled.
"It’s been a while."
The old fisherman bowed deeply.
"We’re honored by your visit and consistent protection."
"Nonsense, it’s just us doing our duty."
His father shook the man’s hand instead.
"How has the catch been?"
"Smaller but steady."
"No trouble?"
The fisherman glanced toward the sea.
"Something mysterious is scaring away the larger schools but we manage."
Atheline quietly listened as the villagers accepted their situation despite their clear struggle.
The old fisherman eventually noticed him.
"...You’re the young master."
Atheline smiled. "I suppose I still am here."
The old man laughed.
"My grandson wouldn’t forgive me if I didn’t ask."
The fisherman disappeared into his home before returning with a beautifully polished shell.
"It isn’t much, but we found it after last spring’s storms."
The shell shimmered with faint traces of Aether. It was naturally formed and beautiful. Atheline accepted it carefully.
"Thank you."
"Keep it. It brings good fortune."
Helther leaned closer after they resumed walking.
"You’ve been collecting quite a few gifts."
"It seems the goddess of fortune hasn’t forgotten about me."
Helther chuckled lightly then said, "The wooden carving and now this, it’s making me jealous. Is it your face or something?"
Atheline looked down at the shell.
"I’ll treasure them. They’re probably worth more than royal decorations."
"I think so too."