"The Cormorant," she continued. "Ships are referred to as 'she'. They're considered female."

"Why is that?" he asked.

"It dates back to the old Gods," she said, "Akosia was the Goddess of Water."

"She still is," he said, "what of it?"

"In ancient times sailors carved figureheads of her to protect them at sea."

"A strange custom," he remarked, "but where did you learn all this?"

"At the Volstrum," she said, "I'm a Water Mage, remember? We learned all sorts of things connected to the sea. I'm surprised YOU didn't know that custom, I thought you worshipped the old Gods?"

"I do," Athgar replied, "but we seldom pray to the Goddess of the Sea."

"She's actually the Goddess of all water," said Natalia. "I suppose she's like our patron Goddess if you think about it."

"But you don't follow the old Gods, do you?"

"No," she admitted, "but we still understand them. Just because we don't worship the old Gods, doesn't make them wrong."

"I wish the people of Holstead felt that way," said Athgar. "How is it you're so understanding?"

"I've studied magic almost my entire life," she explained, "it's hard to believe there is only one true religion when you're wielding the power of the elements."

"Really? I would have thought the opposite. The Orcs believe it was Hraka that gave the gift of fire magic to them."

"I didn't know they worshipped the old Gods," said Natalia.

"They don't so much worship them as thank them," offered Athgar. "It's actually their ancestors that they venerate, but they are thankful to the Gods for their gifts. I'm not an expert on such things, of course. Perhaps I'll ask Uhdrig about it some time."

"Who's Uhdrig?" she asked.

"She is the shamaness of the Orc tribe I lived with," he said. "A Life Mage, to use the Human term."

"It would be interesting to meet them."

"I'll take you there one day," Athgar promised, "and you can meet Kargen, Shaluhk, and even little Agar if you wish."

"I'd like that," she said.

A bird cry shattered the early morning stillness.

"Someone's hungry," said Natalia. "They want their food."

"That's not a bird," said Athgar, "that was a man."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," he replied, "it's a signal of some type."

"They must have spotted the Cormorant," she said.

Athgar wet his finger, holding it up to judge the breeze. "The wind's died down, it's time to get ready."

"I can't see their ship yet," warned Natalia.

"I don't suppose we will for some time yet," replied Athgar. "They have the advantage of the heights. You'd best go and let Captain Kopruli know that we'll be moving shortly. You remember the plan?"

"Yes," she replied, "we've gone over it multiple times. How long do you think we have?"