Ascension to Eternity

Kaer met Gartonk, the pirates' boss, who agreed to offer his services for a large sum. Kaer paid without comment.

When Kaer asked Gartonk persistently about a female warrior named Aspera, Gartonk replied that it was the first time he had heard that name.

The water journey lasted long enough for Kaer to discover that the pirate Gartonk was a man of honor he could rely on. A friendship based on trust grew between the two. Kaer heard many stories about pirates, totally different from the ones he usually heard around the inns. They were not only thieves, rapists, and murderers; they had a sense of honor that guided them and made them a kind of cultured people.

Gartonk had a deep knowledge of the sea and its creatures, and he could easily navigate by using the stars. His stories about his travels through the seven seas fascinated Kaer, who began to think of him as an honorable man.

One night, Kaer was overcome with the urge to plunge into the sea. Shedding his clothes, he leaped into the dark waters. The chill of the salty sea made him shiver.

The sea was a vast and enigmatic realm, with its intricate ecosystem and laws. Within this domain, humans were merely a minor element. Kaer had never felt so insignificant.

Gartonk also disrobed and joined him. Together, they bobbed in the shadowy waters. To Kaer, it was as if he had entered a different universe, a stark contrast to his familiar reality.

They swam silently through the obscurity for an extended period, absorbing the sea's acoustic landscape. The experience captivated Kaer; he had never been so intimately connected with nature—it was a thrill.

Buoyed by the waves, Kaer sensed another presence. Turning, he encountered a creature observing him—a dolphin, its eyes luminous at night. Kaer felt an inexplicable bond with the being, as though they shared a silent dialogue. He extended his hand, caressing the dolphin's sleek, cool hide. The creature appeared to accept his gesture, and a surge of happiness overwhelmed Kaer.

They spent hours swimming and playing together, exploring the sea's mysteries. Finally, they had to return to the ship. Kaer and the dolphin parted ways, but their bond remained. Kaer felt a deep sense of inner calm.

Later, Gartonk was in his cabin with Kaer. They had a few drinks while they talked.

"We pirates have some habits. Right now, we are near an island where I usually let my people have fun for a night—booze, gambling, pirate stories, and especially women. It is our refuge. We do not come here accompanied by strangers. But as I have seen you to be a man of great honor, this time I make an exception, so you are my guest. Look, we are approaching the island of Ranallonda," Gartonk said, gesturing toward the horizon.

"I'm glad to hear that. I will accompany you with pleasure," Kaer replied, excitement creeping into his tone.

There were wooden buildings on the island, the kind that is often used by the army—built in haste and not meant to last. The buildings were arranged around the middle of the island, and there was a square in front of them. A lot of lanterns were lit there, casting a warm glow over the gathering crowd.

Gartonk landed his ship, and the pirates were already running to the land; they knew where to go and what to do.

"Do you think the ship is safe here?" Kaer asked concern etched across his face.

"You worry too much. My men know what they are doing. We will leave two guards on the ship, but no more," Gartonk reassured him.

Kaer and Gartonk were the last ones to disembark. They headed towards the lights, drawn by the sounds of merriment coming from the center of the island.

"What are those lights?" Kaer inquired, looking around curiously.

"Fire," Gartonk replied, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"No, I mean the lights in the sky," Kaer said, pointing upwards.

"Stars," Gartonk answered, chuckling softly.

"What about those three yellow ones over there?" Kaer continued, intrigued.

"Three stars, very close to each other, but not touching," Gartonk explained.

"It seems they are connected. I think it's a message that means something," Kaer suggested his brow furrowing in thought.

"Do you receive messages from heaven?" Gartonk asked, bursting out laughing. "Let's see what message Mrs. Gertrude has for you; she offers the most beautiful women you can meet around."

"Do you believe there are messages from heaven? Kaer pressed. I think that when I am no longer here, it will not be."

"You're drunk, Kaer," Gartonk added teasingly, waving his hand dismissively.

"I am not yet," Kaer shot back, laughing.

"Come, we're here," Gartonk said, leading the way toward the lively hubbub of the island.

There were many people gathered at the center of the island, sitting or standing, some even lying down. The atmosphere was hot. Women in various stages of undress, adorned with shimmering jewelry and seductive smiles, served alcohol from pitchers made of polished wood. In one corner, dancers enthralled the crowd on a stage decorated with colored silks.

Nearby, a group of pirates engaged in a strange game that seemed to blend chance and skill, their shouts mingling with the music.

"Gertrude, give me my favorite woman!" a voice boomed above the din.

"Good evening, Mr. Gartonk. What are you looking for today?" Gertrude replied, her voice smooth like honey. She glanced toward the man whose presence commanded attention.

"Give me the one with the green hair," he demanded, his eyes glinting.