Several weeks later, the Eternal Wanderer had stopped on New Glorin for some minor repairs and supplies. Onestar, Hall, Belieth, Crystal and Blaise were gathered in Lord Monitor's chambers in the main castle, enjoying a light snack and sharing information gathered.
"After looking over those crystals you brought back, Onestar," Lord Monitor began, "it looks like Te'Ess- Arr has more in mind that just Omnispace."
"Agreed," Onestar replied. "According to what we gathered, Te'Ess-Arr plans to destroy several spheres. He's already done this economically with Vodonispace, and physically with Omnispace."
"Solaris is on the list for his plans," Hall continued, "but I somehow think Montrazar is too clever for schemes. However, it looks like he's also behind the strife in Greyspace, and also something in Clusterspace, but exactly what, we're not sure.
"He didn't go into details in the crystals," Blaise replied, after finishing a scone. "What he has planned is something we'll have to investigate later."
"Still, we have more than enough evidence against him," Monitor replied. "I have a ship leaving here tomorrow for Realmspace, to the nearest office of the Spelljammer's Aid Society. They'll deliver the information to all their offices not to associate themselves with either him or the Grand Arcane Trading House. I've also put a warning in there to be extremely careful of any planar travel salesman they may run across."
Belieth was standing over near a window, looking to the courtyard below. Ville was down there, trying to get a racoon to take some nuts he had. The racoon came up to him and began eating from his hand.
"What about Ville?" she asked looking over to Monitor.
"I took a look at him the other day," the magi replied. "What Colicor had in store for him is anyone's guess. That crystal imbedded in his forehead is the source of his new abilities, but to remove it would probably mean killing him. It's attached itself to his brain."
"He almost looks like a vampire," Belieth commented. Ville had sat down near a tree, the racoon climbing into his lap, enjoying some more nuts. "He looks frightening, but that 'coon down there doesn't seem to notice."
"His powers seem somewhat vampiric, Belieth," Monitor replied. "He can use those claws of his to attack, and if they draw blood, they can absorb his attacker's strength, vitality. I don't believe he needs blood to sustain himself, though. The strength he absorbs wears off shortly afterward. I have no idea how to remove the curse."
Lord Monitor's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. The wooden door opened, and Meridian, Normakon and Taraq entered.
"Repairs complete," Meridian said.
"The Wanderer is ready to leave whenever you're ready, Onestar," Normakon continued.
"Excellent. Tell the crews that we'll be leaving at the beginning of Alpha shift tomorrow. Oh, and Normakon, thank you for accepting the position of assistant navigator. Welcome aboard."
"Thank you, samurai," Normakon replied. He bowed slightly.
"Humph," Meridian commented. "'Assistant'."
"At least now the crew will be able to have a navigator who can speak more than one word at a time," Normakon replied.
"They understand," Meridian shot back, as they pair turned to leave.
"Two words!" Normakon commented, their voices fading out as they go down the hall. "Imagine that, a new record!"
Onestar shook his head. Hall laughed slightly, commenting "Well, this looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
Everyone chuckled. Taraq remained standing there, clearing his throat. Onestar looked up at the tall mul to see what was wrong. In Taraq's hand was the molydeus' double headed axe.
"Captain," Taraq began, "I wanted to thank you for taking me aboard your ship. You've showed me more than I ever knew existed. The Verdant Plains never could match the wonders of Wildspace. However, I wanted to tell you that I will not be accompanying you when you leave New Glorin."
Onestar arched an eyebrow.
"With your permission, Lord Monitor, I'd like to remain here on New Glorin," Taraq bowed as he asked.
"You have my blessing, Taraq. May I ask why?"
Taraq looked down at the blade he held in his hand. "According to Normakon, the creature I took this from, the molydeus, will not stop until he finds me. From what the beholder tells me, the creature has some powers that I may not be able to compensate. He can call others like him from the outer planes to aid him.
"I was raised as a gladiator, trained in honorable combat. I do not run from a fight, but neither do I look for one. No doubt, the creature will not stop until he finds me, but when he does, I want our battle to be held on equal footing."
"I still have much to learn about the rest of the spheres, and hopefully I can learn here with you. If you think my presence will place your home in jeopardy, I will leave."
"Nonsense!" Lord Monitor stood, walked around his desk and shook Taraq's free hand. "I've faced a few planar monsters in my time, nuisances really. You're more than welcome to stay here. In fact, I could use a good chief of security. Interested?"
Taraq bowed slightly. "An honor. I accept."
The next day, the Eternal Wanderer lifted away from the waterdock on New Glorin, headed back into the rainbow ocean of the Phlogiston. Monitor, Hearth and Taraq watched the ship leave slowly, still trapped within the flow island's gravitational field. Once it escaped the island's gravity, it shot like a rocket, toward another destination.
"They're headed for Solaris," Monitor said. The silence among the three of them was intense. None knew what to say.
"They'll be all right," Hearth said, leaning on the railing of the castle for support. "They'll stop Te'Ess-Arr."
"I wish them well," Taraq replied. "In the short time I spent with them, I considered them family."
"They're a family," Monitor commented. "Why, that captain is like a son to me."
The trio watched until the ship became nothing more than a speck against the flow, headed for another adventure.
