An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

As night fell, Warrick sat motionless in his room as he tried to calm his mind through meditation. He had always been able to clear his mind with ease. But tonight, no matter how hard he tried, focus eluded him. A restless unease settled over him and refused to let him relax.

Nearly two hours passed before Mulder’s scouts finally returned. This time, they brought good news.

The smuggling route they had scouted was completely safe, with no signs of an ambush. The West Lucozia army had yet to discover this potential escape route.

Once everything was confirmed, Mulder let out a breath of relief. Warrick, too, finally felt the weight lift from his chest.

“Since the route is safe, we should set out immediately to avoid any unexpected complications.” Warrick said.

He had no intention of waiting any longer. He was a wanted man, and every moment in West Lucozia increased his chances of capture.

There was no telling when the army might surround him. Only by escaping to Thaloria would he be truly safe.

“Pack up. We’re leaving now.” Mulder wasted no time.

After a quick disguise, the group set out.

The countryside was quiet, and their plain van blended in as it rumbled down the road. After about an hour, they reached a fork where the road ended.

“There’s a narrow path ahead. The van can’t go any further we’ll have to walk from here.”

They moved swiftly along the

with over a dozen fishing boats. At first glance,

water, the boats drifted in the dark-except for one, where a dim light still flickered. A man dressed like a fisherman lay on the deck

route you were talking about?” Warrick frowned the moment he saw the fishing boats ahead. ”

longer than 25 feet. They might be fine for a short trip in calm waters, but even a small storm could capsize

days at sea. If they ran into rough weather, a boat this

an ultimate grandmaster wouldn’t save Warrick if he got thrown into the sea. He couldn’t figure out whether Mulder

Sir Prescott.” Mulder said evenly, “Of course, I know these

on them would be

plan?” Warrick’s frown

just for the first leg of the trip. About 30 miles out, the Hall of Gods has a luxury ship waiting -that’s the real vessel

how it is. You nearly had me thinking you’d lost your

course, Mulder wasn’t the

pulled a stunt like

larger vessel would only attract attention and invite trouble. To be safe, he had the main ship anchor farther

the area, and

he finally led Warrick forward. Under the cover of night, the

We can set sail now, “Mulder said as he leaped onto

lying on the deck, legs crossed, didn’t react. He looked as though he hadn’t heard