Welcome aboard Ezra

"So, you're saying you and him have to go there?" Rufus pointed to the map stack, which depicted a tiny pinhead-sized island surrounded by craggy and pointy mountains.

Something didn't feel right to Rufus and Ralf a few nights ago when Amalia returned bearing a perplexed expression after delivering meal to Alaric and Hermes. Following dinner, they made up their minds to visit them. Some sort of wailing sounds could be heard coming from the door as they got closer to their home. They quickly discovered that the door was unlocked from the inside, so they twisted the knob.

"We will go back home." They heard Hermes say this.

When the door opened, Hermes and Alaric jumped as they saw two people standing on it, their faces displaying a mixture of perplexity and worry. Their eyes opened at the sight of Hermes' dejected expression and Alaric's tear-stained cheeks. Hermes and Alaric exchanged glances before sighing. They didn't want to tell them this way, but there's never a good time for these conversations.

The night seemed to last forever, or at least it seemed that way. Alaric had told them everything from the beginning, including the curse and his upcoming journey. Hermes was there to assist him whenever he needed aid remembering something. When Alaric revealed his real name and that he was once—or perhaps even still is—a king, Ralf and Rufus's expressions were a sight to behold. They were on the verge of kneeling before the powerful ruler of the country they had only read about—the realms of fire. In order to save his daughter, his family, and the country, the monarch has been with them for four years while continuing to live as a regular person. He didn't know whether he could find the warlock, but he needed assistance because this was the last straw. If going there was all that was left to save his family, he would do it in a heartbeat. Ralf and Rufus both shed tears while listening to the story. One can go to any lengths to protect their family, but they never expected that someone would go to this extreme. Alaric saw his own daughter in Amalia, which helped to understand why he adored her. When the tale ended, it was nearly dawn, and Alaric and Hermes couldn't make sense of Rufus and Ralf's blank expressions.

After a while, Rufus broke the tension by clearing his throat before speaking. "So, Mikael, I'm sorry. Your Majesty, please." At this, Alaric chuckled and waved his hand.

"Call me Mikael, and now that you know who I am, don't treat me any differently."

"But you are the powerful king."

"I believe that Mikael has given me a better quality of life than King Alaric. So, please."

"Well, that's going to be a difficult task now."

"It's fine, really, but it's already dawn." Alaric got up from the edge of the bed where he was sitting, and then others did too. After all that time, it was strange to receive a royal greeting, which caused Alaric to bitterly chuckle. "If you both agree, let's continue this tomorrow. I understand if you deny because it is risky, so no pressure." Alaric smiled. Both Ralf and Rufus remained silent. It was dangerous and might have resulted in death. Should they help or should they not? These thoughts persisted in their heads as they waved good night and exited.

"What if they back down?" Hermes said,

"We cannot compel them; you are aware of the risks."

Everything returned to normal for two to three days; Alaric and Hermes worked their regular hours, and Amalia made the supper as she always had. Like always, Amalia's mother managed the store. But Ralf and Rufus constantly turned away from their eyes. Alaric understood that they needed time to put things out carefully because this undertaking was both dangerous and difficult. They were left to make their own decisions without any further influence from Alaric or Hermes.

Hermes and Alaric were waiting for their food when they were seated in a restaurant. "I think they won't come."

"Who won't come?" Ralf interrupted Hermes with his voice.

Turning around, Alaric and Hermes noticed that Ralf and Rufus had added a couple more persons to their group. "We set out to create an ally." Rufus added. "They'll be joining us on our excursion."

And that's how they were sitting at a round table, discussing how exactly they would get to that island. The water surrounding the island didn't freeze even though it was on the pole, and neither did the vegetation. What is magic if that isn't it?

"That appears to be impossible," one of the men stated. " Consider the water, and don't forget that we wouldn't have any stops to replace lost items or make repairs." Everyone turned to face the man. He was right; all they required was good aim; it was like a single blind shot with no more arrows. It's understandable that people avoided and never explored that area given that no one who went there survived.

"What advice do you have, Jonah?" Rufus enquired.

"We require sufficient fuel, food, a repairman, a lookout, and a medic. We can't stop anyplace once we enter the water, so we must move forward." Alaric scanned the group. Hermes could be an excellent leader for this journey if he doesn't forget anything. Ralf and Rufus can build the ship, and he can aid with repairs—that much he has learnt. Jonah can handle the stock of food and fuel as he works in the food shop with Amalia's mother. Ben, a powerful man, might be the one to alter the rigging and carry out other strenuous duties. Additionally, a young boy who was doubtful about his existence possibly made the decision to join the group in a spurt of adrenaline because he wanted to go on an adventure. Alaric sighed; they couldn't even go on the sea in this condition.

"What can you do, young man?" Alaric inquired about him.

"I — I want to assist."

"It's not about that; we require a person with actionable skills." Alaric grit his teeth as he said it. He was irritated at the group. "I need more than just some rowdy youngsters. I need a real team that can do something." He yelled and stormed out of the restaurant.

"I don't have anywhere to go." The boy mumbled.

Alaric was becoming hostile and irritated, but it wasn't his fault the doctor had warned that his behavior might change occasionally. He might exhibit excessive emotion or impulsivity; his mind was teasing him. Hermes reassured them that Alaric wasn't actually upset; he was only nervous while they exchanged glances. "I'll speak with him." Hermes touched the boy's shoulder with his hand.

Alaric stood outside the restaurant, staring at the sun and it's failing attempt to keep the planet warm, and he wondered how the weather was in Josen realm. Is it hotter? Or perhaps a cool, mild breeze? He had the impression that he was confined to a cell with no doors or windows. He didn't want to lash out at them; it's not their fault; they're just ordinary people. He was annoyed. He had to travel to the island where nobody else wished to go. He desired a crew, but this was impossible in the merchant land of Antares. "Alaric." Hermes stopped his line of thought. Alaric felt shame flooding through him as he turned to gaze at other people who were seated inside with their heads bowed. "Don't be worried; they're not angry."

"Hermes, I'm losing my senses. I'm losing my mind."

"Do you recall when we were still young and had no idea how to use a sword?" Alaric stared at him with perplexity, wondering why Hermes had suddenly started to recollect old memories. " And your father would become angry with us." He laughed as he reflected on earlier days. "However, we never gave up. Look at us now: "A magnificent universe ruler and a most dreaded assassin." It took time, true, but look at us now." Alaric responded with a chuckle. "My point is, they are similar to us but more raw; you are our leader. So, mold them how you see fit, just like your father did."

"Hermes, this is not boot camp, the time is short, and it is risky."

"Then take it as a challenge, when have you ever backed down before. Lead them, make them worthy, give them a motive to be on this journey. Only you can do this." Hermes was right, they were the people who had lived their entire life being a merchant or some other worker. They need to be polished and nurtured. All it needed was to plant the seed of desire, one fixed goal.

"I should begin by apologizing, then." Alaric guffawed.

Hermes and Alaric were about to return inside when a familiar voice stopped them. " Can I join in?" the individual inquired. The sight of the healer standing next to Amalia surprised Alaric and Hermes. "She informed me that your team required a medic." Amalia was avoiding their probing looks by focusing on her feet when Alaric turned to face her.

"I'm sorry for listening to everything that night, but I couldn't help being curious."

"I'm sorry for listening to everything that night, but I couldn't help being curious." "First and foremost, let's go inside." After sighing, Alaric invited them inside. Nine persons were now debating the upcoming journey. Ralf continued glaring at his daughter because she had such an inquisitive attitude; she only wanted to assist, but that often got her into problems. Hermes and Alaric sensed the conflict between the father and daughter. "Who else is aware? I hope there are only the nine of us." said Alaric. There were eight sets of eyes that were all fixed on one another looking for an answer as they shook their heads. "Good."

"So we now have a boatswain, a cooper, two carpenters, a medic, and..." Hermes took the boy's gaze. "A boy."

"How about me?" Amalia enquired.

"You won't be going anywhere." Ralf answered right away. "You'll remain in your mother's care." Everyone nodded in accord as he said that. "By listening in on the conversation, you already made a mistake. You're simply a kid; we can't take you."

"He is, too." Amalia indicated the young boy. "Even a pickpocket, he is." When she said it, everyone gasped, and the boy got up from his seat. "Don't you dare deny now; I saw you that day."

"All right, that's enough." Hermes regarded them both. "He made mistakes, but I believe he can be effective. He was a pickpocket; therefore, he has quick hands and sharp vision, making him a suitable candidate to serve as our lookout." The child was now staring at Hermes in bewilderment while Amalia stared at him. " Amalia, you're not coming with us, I'm sorry." Hermes interrupted Amalia as she was about to speak. "Before the expedition begins, you'll stay here and assist us, but you won't board the ship." Hermes reached for his index finger. "Am I understood?" Amalia continued to give the boy and her father the evil eye. "Amalia!"

"Yes." Amalia huffed in response.

"Good."

"I think we've got the quartermaster," Alaric looked at his friend and remarked with a smile. "Now all we need is a ship."

"Problem solved," Rufus said. "I've been mending a stowaway ship for months now; it could be beneficial, but we don't have enough fuel." They were eight people willing to sacrifice their lives for someone they didn't even know. Few of them even knew who he was, and Hermes, as he had promised, would always stand by Alaric. Alaric saw their faces; they were joyful and eager to set out on their expedition, but the guilt over posing a threat to their safety was eating at him.

Amalia questioned, "Uncle are you okay?" as the other 8 pairs of eyes stared at Alaric in shock, noticing the uncertainty in his eyes. His eyes were streaming with tears as he sobbed.

"Captain," said Jonah. Hermes gave Alaric a discreet back rub because he was aware of what he was contemplating.

"I cannot be a captain," he said, "I'm jeopardizing all of your lives for my selfish demands." Part of this melancholy was brought on by his illness, and part of it was because he was truly worried for those individuals, whom he barely knew. He softly wept.

Rufus remarked, "Captain, you're not selfish, you're anything but selfish."

"With your goal, we now have an aim—something to do instead of living a scheduled existence, and about us, we were living our lives aimlessly till now," Ben stated.

"And I was a pickpocket. Now that I have a goal to achieve, I feel more useful than ever. Please don't take it away from me."

"And since I am your healer, I must always take care of you."

Rufus remarked, "We are your friends, Mikael; like a family, of course we are in this together."

"And I'm where my King is."

Alaric smiled as he observed them. He arrived in the Antares region in search of an ally but ended up finding a family. A family that is willing to put their lives in danger for him. However, they required a few more personnel. For their journey, they required someone to supply them with food and gasoline. Everyone left for their houses after discussing their duties with the exception of the youngster, who didn't have a home. Amalia returned with her father and uncle. When Alaric noticed the youngster pacing, he called him once again.

"What are you doing wandering?"

"I don't have anywhere to go; I occasionally dwell in stable streets."

"What led them to you?

Alaric huffed and asked him to travel with him. "I was sleeping on the bench, they were discussing about the expedition so I volunteered claiming I am skillful and know about ships," he said.

He received a new set of clothes from Alaric and Hermes, which were a tad large for his slender build. The boy changed and then timidly sat down on the ground. "Why are you sitting on the floor?" He rose up immediately and apologized. Hermes answered, "No, I mean sit on the bed, not the floor."

"Bed!"

"Yes," Hermes responded, and the youngster sat on the bed, a little anxious since he was not used to any type of animosity; he had spent practically his whole life on the streets, as far as he could recall. He has no recollection of a family or house. He occasionally picked pockets things to gain extra money while other times he worked on the farm and made a few pence. That was his world. He wasn't used to live like a typical little child. Hermes saw the nervousness in his eyes and asked. "What is your name?" the boy looked at Hermes, astonished, as if he spoke a strange language.

"I don't have any; people refer to me as a pickpocket or rag."

Hermes and Alaric felt awful for the boy since no one should have to live like that, without a name or family. Alaric remarked, looking at him, "You are not a pickpocket any longer; you are my crew member. We'll call you Ezra, which is Hebrew for "help," because the gods gave you to us to assist us."

Hermes said, "Welcome aboard Ezra."