I. The Second Greatest Card Tournament (Chapter One)
Deep within the Sunshade Mountains of the West…
“Andromadus, what say you? The Shuffle is set to be held next week in the South.”
I hold my tongue as I consider Nefexian’s words. They must be planning something.
“I have no interest in card games,” I say at last. "I live by the sword."
“Indeed, indeed,” Nefexian says. “You are a fine warrior, Andromadus, a most faithful Tether. There is no one more deserving of the position of first lieutenant than you. But you misunderstand me.”
They jump off the rock they were reclining on and look up at the sky, shading their eyes. I grind my teeth. Nefexian’s habit of withholding information has recently been grating on me.
“What if,” they say, “I told you I know the whereabouts of your father’s lost artifact?”
I leap from my kneeling position.
“Why are you telling me this only now?” I say. “You know it has been the singular source of my agony since the passing of my father.”
“Calm yourself, Andromadus,” Nefexian says, still looking at the sky. “I only share what I know for certain.”
“Then pray, speak. Is it the Wisterian scum who hold the artifact?” I say, my hand curling around the hilt of my sword. Receiving no answer, I continue, “Then I assume The Shuffle has something to do with it?”
“It has everything to do with it,” Nefexian says. Their tone has a finality about it, so I hold my tongue again. I resist the urge to swing my sword at the towering oak beside Nefexian. I would take it down in one cleave.
“Zaranoah,” Nefexian says, turning to me at last. My hand relaxes its grip on my weapon.
“Zaranoah,” I repeat. “Yes, I remember her. She was a whisker of true chaos, pledging allegiance to none. It was through her that I attained much of my knowledge of shadows, though at great cost.”
“I’m glad you are familiar with her,” Nefexian says. Their voice drops to the beastly tone that still sends shivers down my spine. “She is being held in the West at Castle Wisteria, Andromadus. It is true she aligns with no one, but long ago I convinced her to join my campaign. She now sleeps as another of my Tethers. It is unfortunate her body was captured by Wisteria, but no matter. Those who stand in my way will be struck down.”
I feel a rush of excitement.
“Do not doubt me, Andromadus, for you and I are more alike than you think. So now, we lay out our plans. Our fires of dominion shall ignite in the South and burn all the way to the West!”
Back in the quarters of the Embers of the Phoenix…
“The Shuffle?” Burt looks up from the table where he is busy arranging his playing cards.
“Aye, The Shuffle,” Sir Allard replies.
He is settled comfortably in his brand-new deluxe massage chair in the corner of the common room, fiddling with some kind of magical apparatus that seems to be affecting the various hums coming from his chair. Nessie, who is growing at a rapid pace, naps on the floor beside him, her long, muscular neck draped across his lap. Soraya’s quest reward has been put to good use, and the quarters are now a far cry from the peeling, dank mess they used to be. You wriggle deeper into your own plush armchair, drinking in the modern furnishings around you. Allard calls out,
“It’s just around the corner. Next week, in fact. Don’t tell me you haven’t heard of it, Burt?”
“I’m still miffed that you bought yourself a huge massage chair and none for us. And you insult me, sir,” Burt retorts. He clears his throat loudly. “The Shuffle, taking place in the southern city of Amalhasu, is the second largest cards tournament in The Great Pond, just after the one held in Windrose. The Windrose Royale has the most impressive cash prizes, and no other tournament can compete with its sheer scale, but The Shuffle is known for awarding some of the most rare and unattainable artifacts."
“At least your card knowledge is reliable,” Allard says in a carrying undertone.
You turn interestedly to Burt. Until now, you had played a few mindless rounds of cards just to get Burt off your back but had generally resisted the urge to find out more about the game. Once prompted, Burt was likely to talk cards for hours and hours.
“Oh, I’m glad you’re finally coming around, Adventurer,” Burt blurts out. He furiously pats the chair next to him and begins rapidly shuffling his deck with the other hand. “The game is called Last Fish, of course, everyone knows that. But the rules go deeper than what I’ve ever shown you, so tighten your belt; I’m taking you on an enchanted card-filled journey.”
You roll your eyes, but listen anyway. The game is indeed interesting once you know more about the rules. It reminds you of magical dueling, but instead of the vast arenas, the battlefield reaches only to the edges of the tabletop.
“And there are Instant cards,” Burt prattles on. “They’re a bit like Spell cards, but you can play them whenever you want, and I mean whenever. So be on the lookout in case you suspect your opponent has a few up their sleeve. Oh, and these are Curse cards. You have to be careful playing them because you usually have to sacrifice one of your lives to use them. And these are Champion cards. Each of them has a Signature card that, if you draw it, has its power boosted or altered entirely. Look how cool they are! They say that they’re based on real-life whisker legends that roam The Great Pond as we speak. Isn’t that exciting? Maybe one day I could have my own Champion card too,” Burt says, looking hopeful.
Allard comes to the table. You expect his usual quip of “Shut up, Burt” to come, but instead he taps Burt on the shoulder, holding up a pamphlet and a piece of parchment. You squint and see that it is a signed application form.
“I’ve entered you in The Shuffle,” Allard declares. “It’s time you paid your debt to the guild, ya squirt.”
“I’ve repaid my debt several times over, old man,” Burt says, but he takes the offered documents with wide eyes. “And jeez, Allard, thanks. The entrance fee isn’t cheap.”
“No, it wasn’t,” replies Allard. “Though it sounds weird for me to say this to you, I believe in you, Burt. Go win us something nice.”
“Aye, aye, Captain!” Burt stands up so suddenly that his chair clatters to the floor, awakening Nessie as she lets out an angry squawk. “What are you waiting for, Adventurer? Grab your cloak; we’re off right away!”
“Hold up, hold up,” Allard says, as he picks up a bulky parcel that is lying near the door. You had wondered what they were since Allard had brought them in a few days ago, and you now gasp as Allard unwraps a pair of shimmering, light brown cloaks. The material cascades over his arms, and as you look closely, you can see that it is made up of hundreds of scales, each reflecting the light as it moves with a gentle rattle. Strangely, the scales feel as soft as suede.
"Sandshark Cloaks," says Allard. “I know you’re a bit upset that I got myself a nicer chair than you two, but I did you the favor of getting these. You’ll absolutely need them in the South. Just douse them in water once a day, and they'll keep you cool and comfortable even in the hottest desert. And hear that sound it makes? You’ll be safe from Sandsharks because they’ll think you’re one of them as you cross the sands. Remember that they can detect disturbances in the sand as they swim beneath.”
You and Burt stammer your thanks, pulling the beautiful garments over your clothes.
“Looking sharp, Adventurer,” Burt says, pulling at the collars of his cloak.
“Head to the South Gate of Windrose,” Allard says. “I’ll call ahead and arrange some transportation for you to get to Amalhasu. Stay out of trouble, minnows. The South is perilous for the inexperienced. Send word at the first sign of trouble.”
“You said you trust me, right?” Burt says with a careless wave of his hand as he strides out the door. “For all your experienced traveling needs, call on Burt. He’s your whisker.”
You sigh as you pick up your and Burt's packs from beside the door and bid Allard and Nessie farewell.
“He’s forgotten his cards, the squid-head,” Allard mutters as he hands you Burt’s deck. “Keep an eye on him, Adventurer. I’m confident in Burt’s abilities, but The Shuffle has had its fair share of nasty dealings. Stay alert, and remember, be careful.”