Rhyke was not a man to drop a sad story or intimidate a sailor, nor was he rich or well known throughout the land… He was, however, a man who could hold his drink far better than most dwarves. His master had trained him to keep his wits about him even while under the influence of herbs and various concoctions, so a drinking contest for a trip out of hell seemed like a good deal. Especially if all he had to lose was a cheap iron sword.


Rhyke sat on the bow of the ship with his she wolf Ciss at his side. She was curled up much like a dog would be on the swaying deck of this ship. Rhyke had made himself comfortable against her flank, rubbing her softly as he watched the water pass slowly by. Most men probably did not wish to brave a wolf large enough to eat a man with little less than a bite, however plenty had in the past. Rhyke simply hoped no one would bother him so long as he didn’t bother anyone else. 

It wasn’t long before land became visible. ‘Rhyke! Rhyke! I smell birds!’ Rhyke opened an eye as Ciss perked up, eager to get off of this small thing and go hunt with Rhyke. “Easy now, Don’t get too excited, we don’t know what this land has to offer. Not to mention that getting you out of whatever city we land in means you cannot bite anyone like you did last time…” Rhyke stood up as he spoke, though to anyone else it would come off as growls and strange body gestures. ‘That man tried to attack you with one of those short claws! He is lucky I only took his arm. If it weren't for that hard stuff on his chest I would have had his throat.’ she growled. “It is called a dagger, Sis. He was not going to harm me, you know I can handle myself.” Ciss would just give him a big eyed look, like a sister would a brother. ‘I don't want you to be hurt like…’ 

Rhyke comforted her, pushing the thought of his elder to the back of his mind. He died living what he taught, and deserved a far better death than the one he had been given… Rhyke planned to do as he had done, though he planned to do it well away from the kingdom of man. Perhaps here there would be a place for him to live in peace.