It was dark and damp in the hull of the ship and the smell was horrendous. Though Alicja was beyond caring. She was currently alone in the cargo hold of Bachelor's Delight; sitting between two barrels with her head in her knees. Not only had her father been executed right in front of her, but she now knew the truth of what had happened to the rest of her family: After the execution a town crier had come up on stage to announced to the crowd the events that had unfolded in Ralda. Though the town crier was clearly biased towards supporting the concord, Alicja learnt that Godwyn had been killed during the fighting and Pearl captured. This was too much for her to take in. She had hoped that some time alone down here would help clear her mind and allow her to come to terms with what had happened. Needless to say, it had not helped. The only thing she could think about was her family, namely pearl. The idea of her little sister rotting away in the Nyhem dungeon's was a thought that made her stomach turn. 

Alicja heard footsteps of someone coming down into the hull of the ship. As she raised her head she saw Christain stumbling down the uneven stairs of the ship. Alicja didn't make eye contact with him; she had been crying earlier and she didn't want him to know, though it was likely obvious either way. Christain slowly made his way over to her.

"Sir Ramfrey says that the ship will be setting off in an hour or so" Christain said gently "Though, I think you know I didn't come down just to tell you that. How are you holding up"?

"How do you think" Alicja replied dryly "My father and brother are dead and my little sister is a prisoner of the De Reimers" Alicja paused for a moment as tears once again began to swell in her eyes "What did my family do to deserve such a fate" She exclaimed. Christain thought carefully over his response as Alicja tried to hold back her tears

"I believe that question has been asked by many people over the years. I guess the best we can do is avenge Lord Henry's and Lord Godwyn's death. In that sense we can at least hope for justice". These word were reminiscent of something that Lord Godwyn said regularly; 'The only justice that can be found in the world is the justice you make yourself'. "Once you meet up with Dilys and Ian you can all focus on getting the justice your family deserves". Alicja looked Christain directly in the eyes. Though the sorrow that had been in her eyes before was still there, there was now a glint of determination.

"As much as I want to be reunited with my siblings, I cannot leave Nyhem yet" Alicja's voice was confident and clear.

"What do you mean" stammered Christain shocked at Alicja's response

"I am not going to leave my sister a prisoner of House De Reimer. I am the last hope she has to escape from here. I couldn't save father and I couldn't help Godwyn, but I will do everything in my power to assure that my sister is safe and out of the hands of our enemies".

***

Alicja stood alongside Christain and Ramfrey as she watched the Bachelor's Delight sail out of the mouth of the harbor. She realized that this would likely be the last chance she would get in years to see her family again. As much as that thought pained her she knew she could never forgive herself if she abandoned Pearl when she needed her most.

"You do realize it is unlikely we will succeed in rescuing Pearl" Christain said as he gave Alicja a smile. He had tried to convince Alicja to remain on the ship and sail to Rathikun. Though it was to no avail. Alicja had made up her mind it was clear that nothing was going to change it.

"I know. But I am a Mazeltof, 'We never quit, we never give up and we never surrender'" Alicja spoke proudly as she recited her family motto. "This is my own path, neither of you have to walk it if you don't want to". Christain simply continued to smile

"I have been by your side since we were children, I don't plan to abandon you now" Alicja returned a smile before looking over at Ramfrey

"And you sir"? Ramfrey paused for a moment before replying

"I will stay by your side Lady Alicja. I failed to protect Ralda and I failed to protect your father. At the very least I can help you now, I swear my sword to you" Ramfrey said with a smile; he had made many vows in his lifetime, but they had all just been for show, this one actually meant something.