“There is trouble in Nekton.” That’s what had sent him off on this wild goose chase. He drummed his fingers up against the railing of the ship impatiently. After the battle was won, his pride had been destroyed along with the traitorous emperor. Why did it always have to be that way with Alfard? Olgan was a power-hungry madman that had experimented on children and the like. Lord Baelheit had separated from the very continent itself and threatened to destroy the world. Geldoblame just wanted to become a God and rule the world with an iron fist. He pounded the railing and spat out onto the water. Now he was a mercenary instead of an elite soldier. He was lucky that the new emperor even considered him for this job. He had to make money somehow. He could see his destination off in the distance. Mira, something had always sickened him about the nation. The talk of spirits and wings of the heart had always been negative things to him. At least, that’s how he was raised. It made no difference now. His parents were dead and his sister was tackling her new job as a game hunter in Diadem. His half-brother was another story. He preferred not to address him as such any longer. Nothing could reconcile the treachery he had been caught up with during Geldoblame’s rule. He sighed and plopped onto a crate. Mira was supposed to be the land of destiny and mystery. Maybe something waited for him? He shoved that notion off to the side. His thoughts were stuck on his childhood. The little greythorne that used to keep him company during his studies had vanished with all of the others to join the Great Whale. He missed the little guy’s company.

“Ship Larutel is now making port in Mira! All passengers please exit by the step-ladder on the left side of the ship! Enjoy your stay and thank you for choosing Alfard Ferry Services as your travel means!” The voice sounded almost robotic to him. He was sick of machina. That was another reason why he accepted the job in Mira. He dragged himself off of the crate and off of the ship. He twitched and gnashed his teeth to together in fear. The village they had made port in was the newly rebuilt Parnasse. This is where he would be staying? He felt nauseated and leaned on a confectionary statue in the square. People were running about and the smells of various baked goods filled the air.

“That’s my chocolate! You can’t just take it as you please! Give it back!” The voice of a young girl caught his ears above the massive crowd. She appeared to be in some type of trouble. It was none of his business. He didn’t plan on getting involved with the affairs of the locals. All was fine and dandy until the choco-burglar accidentally rammed into Skeed trying to get away from his angry victim. Skeed flinched and stood up. He dusted himself off and appeared to be miffed.

“Hey, watch where you’re going! I’m trying to make a get-away here!” Skeed glared down at him. He drew his recently acquired sword and snarled.

“Are you talking to me?” The thief drew a petty knife and lunged at Skeed. He rolled his eyes and easily dodged the clumsy maneuver.

“Idiot…” He mumbled and kicked the thief into the dirt. The girl came running up the path with glee.

“That serves you right for picking on an unarmed girl!” The girl planted his hands at her sides. She smiled at Skeed. “Thank you for stopping him. That chocolate’s really important for our next recipe.” Skeed had picked the urn off of the thief and was seated on a bench near the statue. He had taken off the lid and started lapping up the chocolate via his fingers. “Aiee! What are you doing?!” She snatched the urn away from him.

“I was eating that.” He said bluntly and reached for the urn. She pulled back and he followed. He hadn’t had a decent bite to eat in weeks.

“If you don’t go away, I’ll scream!” He backed away.

“Hm...” He sheathed his sword and turned away from the girl. He had to find out where that bakery was. That where the Duchy of Mira had decided to board him at. He turned about and the girl was gone. That chocolate combined with all of the smells in the village made him even hungrier. He had to find that bakery and fast. He didn’t need to ask for directions. There were only two bakeries in the village and he had to be boarded at one of them. He pulled a piece of paper out from his pocket and read the scribbled instructions carefully before debating on which bakery to go into first. He made his decision quickly and stalked into the building. Even this business was booming and noisy. He walked up to the counter and cleared his throat. “Are you Tissoco?” The man glanced over at him and grinned wryly.

“I’m terribly sorry but I am busy at the moment. Could you perhaps bother me later?” Skeed didn’t budge an inch. Instead, he persisted in the conversation.

“I’ve been sent for by the Duchy of Mira. You’re supposed to provide me with room and board as per their orders.” The chef paused and whirled about. He apologetically bowed his head and examined the boy.

“Do forgive my rudeness. You must be Master Skeed. We have a little room upstairs for you.” He grabbed a little bell nearby and shook it fiercely. His assistant dashed over in a hurry and bobbed her head obediently. It was the girl with the chocolate from before. Of all the rotten luck, Skeed mused. “Trill, show Master Skeed to his quarters upstairs, would you? Be a good girl and treat him respectfully. Am I clear?” She nodded and stared up at Skeed. He followed her to the back of the bakery and up a winding staircase.

“It’s funny running into you again.” He grinned, this would be fun. Now she would HAVE to give him all of the chocolate he wanted. It seemed childish for his personality but desperate times called for desperate measures.

“Don’t cause any trouble.” She opened the door and puckered her lips in a pouty manner. The room was desolate, dusty, and drafty. It looked like a room out of Azha. The expression on his face made her giggle.

“What the hell is this?” He groaned and stepped into the room.

“It’s for free so what were you expecting?” Trill was just about to close the door. She poked her head in and uttered a warning timidly. “And you say out of my chocolate!” He hissed and watched her scuttle away fearfully. He laughed sardonically. A great trip this was shaping up to be…