An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

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.”

in silence. They moved swiftly along the narrow path and reached the smuggling dock in less

with over a dozen fishing boats. At first glance, it looked like nothing more

Out on the 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 with a straw

about?” Warrick frowned the moment he saw the fishing boats ahead. ” You’ve got to

fishing boats, and none were longer than 25 feet. They might be fine for a short

sea. If they ran into rough weather, a boat this size wouldn’t stand a chance-it

he got thrown into the sea. He couldn’t figure

Prescott.” Mulder said evenly, “Of course, I know these fishing boats can’t

on them would be

your plan?”

“These fishing boats are just for the first leg of the trip. About 30 miles out, the Hall of Gods has a luxury

nearly had me

let out a breath of relief, chiding himself of course, Mulder wasn’t the type to make such an

so tense, I wouldn’t have pulled a stunt like this,” Mulder said with a

cover. A larger vessel would only attract attention and invite trouble. To be safe,

the area, and there’s no ambush. It’s all

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

sail now, “Mulder said as he leaped onto the

crossed, didn’t react. He

Wake up!” Mulder kicked the man’s boot