Rhyll and the shore party travel swiftly back down the Kingsroad, to the tiny fishing village of Kerne that they left two days before.In the morning light, Deeshon's keen eyes spot an abundance of bluecoats milling about in the village square, so Rhyll gives orders to avoid the village proper.
Under the cover of the woods, the pirates uncover their hidden longboat. Loosing the captured horses along the road, the party piles into the longboat and paddles for the Reckoning, which is just sailing into view in the bay at the rendezvous point.
Rhyll says, "Now that's timing for you! I'll have to commend Mister Mirko on him promptness."
The trip to Mazirin has been surprising. The hands seem relieved to be getting back to the ship. Rhyll calls out to the crew, "Put your backs into it, lads. Lets make ship and be out of here."
Izmeralda slumps in the bow of the longboat, her future uncertain, looking gloomy and bedraggled.
From his station at the helm, Revas calls to Baj, "Longboat at one o'clock, Mister Mirko! And the Captain aboard, I make it!"
Baj stands at the railing, spyglass to his eye, "Indeed it is, Mister Revas." He calls down to several hands on the foredeck, "Longboat stations! Prepare to receive the Captain."
Some of the bluecoats in the village crowd the shore, curious about the Reckoning's morning arrival. The villagers must surely have told them about the ship that saved them from the Tol Nedran raiders.
The Reckoning's crew hop to it, making ready to receive the longboat, swinging ropes into place.
Baj turns back to Revas, "Make ready to depart as soon as the Captain is aboard, Mister Revas. There is no reason to give those bluecoats a better look at us than necessary, aye?"
The old helmsman spins the wheel and brings the Reckoning into place, a mile offshore. "Aye sir!" he calls.
Baj moves down onto the deck to await the arrival of the longboat.
Rhyll turns to Izmeralda and says, "Cheer up, lass. You have your life, we have our gold, and soon a grand adventure. What more could you ask for from life?"
Izmeralda replies, "You have never lived in a palace, then, Captain, with fine things and an entire city at your beck and call."
Kell points out the shattered and burned remains of the Tol Nedran vessel slumped in the shallows of the bay. The pirates are amazed. Only partial timbers still stick up above the waterline. "Looks like she's a goner, Captain!" Kell shouts.
Rhyll studies the wreck for a moment then turns to Izmeralda. "Ah, but I've felt the wind at my back and seen many a wonder most Kings have not."
Dacien laughs loudly into the wind, "Cap'n Tyree said there was never a building built wasn't a prison of some sort."
Rhyll nods in agreement. As the long boat pulls along side the Reckoning he calls out "Ahoy Reckoning!"
Soti and Drarn pull the oars and bring the longboat alongside the Reckoning. Ropes are winched into place as the small boat glides into place. Kell and Candra attach hooks to the longboat, and aboard Reckoning, crewmen turn a capstan by marching in place around it.
Baj says, "Ahoy in the longboat! Welcome back, Captain!" He moves to the rail and assists the longboat passengers back aboard.
The boat is lifted from the water with the shore party aboard. As the longboat comes even with the Reckoning's deck, the hands aboard her leap to the maindeck with grins and shouts of relief.
Rhyll smiles. "Mister Mirko, impeccable timing!"
Izmeralda rises and offers her hand to Baj.
Baj returns Rhyll's smile as he takes Izmeralda's hand, "Good to have you back, Madame."
Rhyll looks at Baj and says, "The Lady has decided to stay with us for awhile longer yet."
Baj nods, "I see, Captain."
Candra and Farlan hoist the chest from the longboat and set it carefully on the deck.
Rhyll says, "Oh, and the Governor has sent us a fine reward as well."
Baj gestures toward the Tol Nedran ship with his head, "We both have tales to tell, sir, perhaps we should meet in your cabin after we get underway?"
Rhyll says, "Indeed Mister Mirko, indeed. We will need to get under way in all haste. Candra, take charge of that chest and see that it is locked away."
The longboat inboard now, Revas turns the rudder, and the Reckoning turns broadly and glides from the narrow bay, headed out to sea.
Candra guards the chest with her usual attentiveness, shouldering it herself and carrying it to the Captain's cabin.
Deeshon says to Dacien, "Looks like they've seen some action while we were away, Dace..."
Dacien looks about the ship, nodding slowly, "Amazing, Dees. They survived without us..."
Koster smirks at Dacien as he lashes a line into place. "Didn't make us any money, though..."
Dacien turns and stands tall, looking Koster straight in the eye, "We took care o'that, laddie, enough fer even you to be happy with yer share."
Talon has come topside and hangs back watching the spectacle.
Deeshon spots the dark-haired newcomer and elbows Dacien, and speaks loud enough for Baj to hear. "And who's the new bloke?"
Baj turns and looks down at Deeshon, "You could always go and ask the gentleman yourself, Mister Deeshon."
Deeshon looks up at the huge Urag. "Aye, sir. Believe I will my own self!"
Rhyll calls out as he heads to the helm, "Full sheets Mister Reevas, I want to put this coast far behind us." He jogs up the steps to the wheel and shouts, "Mister Mirko, to the helm please!"
The Reckoning catches an early morning breeze and sails from the bay, rounding the headland to the north. The Sarrik coast begins to recede behind you to the west. The limitless green waters of the Sunrise Sea beckon before you to the east.
Baj bounds up the ladder to the wheeldeck, "Mister Revas, I believe that the Captain would like me to take the wheel." Revas looks relieved to stand down, as he hasn't left the quarterdeck for two shifts.
Rhyll stands by the rail and breathes in the air, "Ah, but its good to be back out to sea again." he says.
Baj takes the wheel from Revas, "Course, Captain?"
Rhyll says, "Yandar, Baj, there to refit and then back out to sea."
Baj says, "Aye, sir. The Isles it is."
Revas says, hopefully, "We back t'prowlin', Cap'n?"
Rhyll says, "We have bigger fish to fry. I'm sure they'll be good hunting on the way, but this time it won't be our main goal."
Baj arches an eyebrow at Rhyll but holds his tongue.
Rhyll says, "All in good time Mister Mirko, all in good time. Let's get safely out to sea and then we will talk."
Baj nods, "All things in good time, sir."
Dacien calls down to Vendig, "Mister Vendig, what food be there for some hungry adventurers?"
Vendig says, "In honor o'the Captain's return, I slaughtered th'last few hogs, Mister Dacien, and it'll be cutlets and bacon for our feast this day. But be patient!"
Dacien grins broadly, "Cutlets and bacon, he says! And then he wants patience!!!"
Deeshon approaches Talon. "Ahoy there, mate. Name's Deeshon. Who you be?"
Dacien catches sight of Deeshon and the stranger and decides to stand back to observe.
Erris cuts in from where he stands on a rail above Talon and Deesho. "His name's Talon...he's a healer...isn't that right, Talon?"
Talon says, "Pleasure to meet you Deeshon, as the lad says my name is Talon, I'm from the village we just left behind."
Erris makes a cynical noise. Deeshon glances at him and offers Talon a rough salute. "Pleased to meet you, Talon. You a payin' passenger, then?"
Talon says, "I helped treat some of your wounded. I'm willing to earn my keep to the next port."
Dacien looks Talon up and down, noting his clothes and demeanor and his lubber's hands.
Talon says, "The people of my village owe this crew a great debt. They saved us from the invading Tol Nedrans."
Dacien interjects, "Ye born and raised in Ashenvale then, Mister...Talon, was'n it?
Talon says, "No, but it was my adopted home. I was the village healer."
Dacien smiles and extends a hand, "Well, we're always glad to have another healer aboard, sir."
Deeshon nods. "Benning can always use a hand..."
Talon takes Dacien's hand and says, "Well met. By the way the village's name was Kerne."
Dacien's smile fades, "Indeed, it is, sir. My mistake."
Deeshon smirks. Erris clambers away to his work, gloomily, like a pouting child.
Vendig bellows at the crew in general, "All right, then enough prancin' about'! Work t'be done! That's an ocean we're a sailin' into, you louts!"
Dacien nods to Talon and drops his hand, looking at him hard before turning and climbing aloft into the rigging.
Hours later, as twilight approaches, the crew is rested and fed, the sun beginning to sink in the west, the Sarrik coast is a blur on the western horizon. The farthest western outliers of the Yandar chain are three days to the east, and Port Arjuri, the largest port of the chain, a haven for merchants and pirates alike, is three days hard sail past them.
Each man expects some share of the Governor's dragons, and no one can complain of their cut. There were nearly 2000 dragons in the chest--enough to make each of those deputies rich--and every hand, even down to cabin boys, will get a share. The officers and senior crew get 10 shares, Baj 25 and Rhyll 50, as is customary.
The men are happy and glad to be out at sea again. The mouthwatering smell of roasting pork barbecued over open flames fills the sunset air, and even Rhyll and Baj can smell it in Rhyll's cabin below. They can also hear the sound of hornpipes being played as some of the men unwind. Vendig has provided the two leaders a rich slab of roast pork and roasted apples alongside, and sent along a jug of Mazirine Red.
Rhyll settles himself into his chair and pours two glasses of wine. "Please Baj sit, we have much to talk about."
Baj sits and takes up his glass, "Indeed, Captain. Would you like to tell your tale first?"
Rhyll smiles and says, "So we had a good haul and we sill have her ladyship with us. Perhaps she come of some use this time around." Lady Izmeralda berths in Benning's cabin, where she rests. The priest of Ardis has sworn to sleep in a hammock on the deck. He tells Baj of the trip into Mazirin, the brawl at the Crouching Lion, and then finally about the battle on the bridge. By its end, it's time for a new bottle.
Baj raises an eye at some details but holds his tongue to the end of the tale.
Rhyll says, "So her ladyship, Izmeralda is none other than the pirate Raven's offspring. I think she'll be a bit more amiable now she is no longer the high and mighty Governor's consort." He lifts his glass and says, "What think you of Raven's tale?"
Baj shakes his head slowly, "If it is true, there is a fortune hidden to which the Lady Izmeralda might lead us."
Dacien savors a meal as only a Tobon can, as he comments to Deeshon, "Healer, he may be. Townsman? Never."
Deeshon nods. He gobbles a piece of bacon with relish and says, with mouth full, "My granny's tit, he's a-one of them fishermen."
Dacien nods as he chews the meat from another rib, "Soft hands, like the Lady Izmeralda, he has. I'll be an Urag wench if he's ever done an honest day's work."
Erris sits down next to Dacien, his expression sour. He gestures off towards Talon. "He doesn't fight like a fisherman, I can tell you that."
Benning seats himself next to Talon and offers him a plate of roast pork cutlets and black bread. Before them, some of the pirates blow and toot on their hornpipes, filling the sunset with music and celebration.
Talon, seeing a friendly face in Benning, decides to relax. "Ah you must be Mister Benning the healer. I have heard much of your skill in the arts over the past day."
Benning's face is scarred on both cheeks, his expression dour, his eyes hooded. "And you do fine work as well, Talon," he says quietly.
Talon says, "I thank you and also for the food. Please do join me."
Benning sits silently by Talon as the music swirls around them. Vendig has watered down a keg of wine and the men are allowed to drink from it as they entertain each other with songs and jokes.
Baj pulls the Vorghol warrant from inside his shirt and hands it to Rhyll.
The warrant in Rhyll's hands is a commission to a Tol Nedran lord, Matothis, to apprehend a renegade named Valkris. Rhyll looks over the document then tosses it to the table. "So the Tol Nedrans are getting bold. They think to hunt on our grounds. I assume it was you who dealt with their ship?"
As the two men drink, Baj relates the details of the burning of the Tol Nedran ship, the battle on the beach, and the death of the Vorghol.
Rhyll says, "You say the new man, what is he some kind of healer? He dealt with the Vorghol? Quite interesting, don't you think? I should like to meet this healer.""
Baj frowns, "He claims to be a healer, but he handles a blade like a nobleman, more a fencer than a fighter."
Rhyll says, "You say he was in a hurry to be gone before the bluecoats arrived?"
Baj nods, "He did not seem like he wanted to be there for the soldiers' arrival."
Rhyll thinks of his father then says, "Well there are few in Mazirin or in Sarrik at large I suppose who care much for the bluecoats. They have been known to go after inncocent men you know."
Baj sips his wine, thoughtful, "Or young nobles in hiding that would not wish to be found out."
Talon has been relating to Benning about the men he has treated and measures he took. "Of course my healing is only mortal, not divine as I'm sure your own is."
Benning shrugs. "The Lady blesses us all, my friend. I just do my own part with what she lends me."
Talon bows his head and says, "Ah yes the good Lady. Where would our art be without her blessing."
A gentle breeze has begun to blow in from the east. But the air feels moist somehow, with the promise of rain behind it. Revas, at the helm, looks up and shakes his head.
Dacien watches closely as Benning and Talon chat, continuing to eat as only a hungry Tobon can.
Erris tells Dacien, "You fellows see any action on shore? We took on some Tol Nedrans, did you hear? I was great, of course."
Dacien laughs, "We ran into some o' those pantywaists from the Firewing, but it weren't much of a fight."
Erris says, "Ha! The Firewing! I bet you wish you could have seen me in action!"
Dacien elbows Deeshon, "Oh, indeed, a sight t'behold, I'm sure y'were."
Rhyll says, "I'd like to keep this treasure hunt between us for now. No need to have the men shooting their mouths off when we get to port."
Baj nods, "A wise decision, sir."
There is a sharp rap at Rhyll's cabin door. A feminine voice says, "Captain? Might I have a word?"
Rhyll stands and goes to the door. "Come on in my dear, have you had supper yet?"
Izmeralda enters. She has changed into more practical pirate-style clothes, from her ragged silks, her long dark hair put up. She shakes her head. "You are most kind." She waits by the table, ever the lady.
Baj jumps up from his chair, "Forgive me, milady, please take my seat."
The young woman slips into Baj's seat like she owns it. "Thank you, Mister Mirko. The smell of the barbacoa that your men have prepared..I am afraid I am ravenous."
Rhyll serves Izmeralda up a plate. "Mister Mirko would you please pour a glass of wine for our guest?"
Baj plucks a clean glass from a chest and pours it full of the Mazirene Red, "A vintage with which I am certain milady is familiar."
Benning asks Talon. "Do you plan to take the oath and join us, Talon? Or will you leave at the next port of call?"
Talon says, "To be honest I haven't really given it much thought. I suppose I will have to think on it a bit."
Benning says, "The life of the Free Men is not for everyone. But we won't ask what you did on shore."
Talon nods, "All men have a past, not all of us wish to recall it, as I'm sure you men well know."
Benning nods, his eyes shadowed with his own dark past.
Izmeralda digs in, wielding knife and fork expertly in the city style. She hasn't eaten in days. "This is the most delicious thing I have ever eaten, Captain..."
Rhyll smiles at Izmeralda and says, "I'm glad you enjoy it. I must say I like your new apparel. Most fitting for the lady pirate."
Izmeralda says, "Your men were courteous enough to supply it. But I am hardly a pirate, Captain."
Izmeralda sips her wine. "I suppose you are right, Mister Mirko."
Baj clears his throat, "Milady, pirate or not, you are an outlaw now. Embrace it, it is your life."
Rhyll says, "As our dearly departed Captain Tyree used to say, it's in the blood." He lifts his glass for a drink, "Your father would be proud. And now speaking of the old rascal, what do you think our chances are of finding this hoard of yours?"
Izmeralda says, "Do you mean to say you mean to retrieve the treasure?"
Deeshon rolls his eyes as Erris demonstrates his technique. The young bravo is on his feet, imaginary sword in hand, as he shows his footwork. "Left, right...those Nedri are slow!"
Above where the Tobon sit eating and drinking, the sails snap and belly in the westerly breeze. Rain and storms are common on the Crimson Coast in the springtime, and this wind seems the harbinger of more extreme weather.
Dacien looks up, his attention suddenly drawn by the snap of a sail, "Weather's comin' up, Dees. Better call yer birds down or they might get drownded up there."
Erris spins and dodges, showing off for the Tobon. "One-two! Down goes number three!"
Deeshon rises, wiping his pork-greasy hands on his trousers. "Aye, Dace, no rest for a sailor. And you'd best make sure the sheets are down, afore the wind tears 'em." He scrambles off to see to his charges aloft.
The wind's beginning to pick up now. In the darkening east, you can see a line of low stormclouds stretching north to south. There'll be no going around this blow.
Dacien stands up and turns his attention back to Erris, "Well, three is good, I'll give ye that, Erris, y'know, if'n ye have a sword and that, but I took down three o' them Firewing lubbers barehanded."Erris pauses in mid-boast. "You?"
Dacien turns to leave but pauses long enough to add, "And it woulda been four but the Captain made me leave off afore I could get to that stone-headed Kugg."
Erris purples. "Kugg was there? And you missed him? I want a shot at that fat Urag...." He blinks, jealous of Dacien's exploits.
Dacien smiles and extends a hand to Erris, "Next time, we'll split his carcass between tha two of us, mate."
Erris shakes Dacien's hand. "Deal, my little friend, a true deal!"
Dacien grins and rushes up the mizzen, well versed in setting sails for a storm like this.
Rhyll looks over the rim of his glass and says, "What if I were. Could you lead us to it?"
Izmeralda narrows her eyes. "Certainly. I have an excellent memory, Captain."
Rhyll says, "Now that we have some funds to tide us over, this venture peaks my interest. Plus I have a score to settle with that Dragha, and what better way to seek my revenge then through taking its gold?"
Izmeralda says. "The journey will be perilous. But a man who gained such a legendary treasure would be famous forever."
Rhyll says, "Fame doesn't interest me, Famous people in my business end up on the wrong end of a rope, but money can change a lot of things. And one more thing, Tyree was like a father to me. That Dragha has to pay for his death."
Izmeralda says, quietly, "I understand revenge, Captain. Let us join our fortunes together, then."
In Rhyll's cabin, the wine in the carafe sloshes back and forth, indicating that the ship is headed into rougher waters.
Baj looks up at the overhead, "Captain, the weather seems to be picking up, I had best get up on deck."
Rhyll turns to Baj and says, "Feels like a blow Mister Mirko?"
Baj nods, "Yes, sir."
Rhyll says, "Please do Mister Mirko. See me later also... I have one last thing to go over."
Baj places the wine on the table and bows slightly to Izmeralda, "Milady, it has been a pleasure, as always."
Rhyll turns back to the lady and says, "Ah so where were we? More wine my dear?"
Izmeralda says to Baj, "And you, Mister Mirko. Thank you for your hospitality."
Izmeralda nods. "Yes, one more glass won't hurt, will it?"
Baj closes the door solidly behind him and makes his way up abovedecks.
The small celebration on deck's begun to break up as the wind picks up. The settting sun has dropped below lowering clouds now, throwing the ship from twilight into full darkness.
Baj joins the watch at the wheel, "Is Mister Revas awake?"
Revas stumps up behind Baj and speaks. "Aye, Mister Mirko. Tried t'sleep, but felt the rain in me bones. We're headed into a spot of it, that's for sure."
Baj smiles at the old navigator, "I had a feeling that you would be here before I could send someone to wake you. Would you prefer to take the wheel or instruct a novice like myself?"
The ship shudders gently as the wind comes on, and then a wall of rain that the crew hears long before it reaches them spills down on the Reckoning. The storm is here now. Not the worst rain the Reckoning has experienced--this is a routine squall for these parts and this season--but any storm at sea is serious. The music stops. Torches gutter and go out; men hurry to their stations as the deck slicks with water.
Revas scowls. "Don't scupper me, Baj Mirko. You know your way in a storm." He takes the wheel anyway, confidently.
Baj laughs, "Shall I lash your hands to the pegs, sir?"
Big raindrops now patter down on the Reckoning. Revas says. "Not yet, Mister, not yet." He lifts his head and takes a big gulp of rainwater.
The rain beats down on the portholes in the Captain's cabin and the ship shudders gently.
Rhyll pours Izmeralda another glass of wine then says, "So what became of your father?"
Izmeralda looks out the porthole a moment. "He was supposed to be executed....and since I did not return to validate his tale, then I suppose he already has been."
Rhyll says, "From what I have heard of him he is a wiley old fox. I wouldn't count him out so easily."
Izmeralda says, "I can only hope so. I hardly knew him, really..."
Rhyll wipes his mouth with a cloth napkin then gets up from the table. "I suppose I should have a look at this storm first hand. You are welcome to stay here and finish your meal Izmeralda."
Izmeralda refills her wine glass. "I hope you will forgive me. And I will be here when you return..."
Rhyll puts on his rain cloak. "Stay as long as you wish." He turns and heads out the door.
After taking his leave Rhyll heads up to the helm to assess the situation. It's vital in this situation to get everything lashed down or stowed.
Baj steps forward and yells up to the men in the rigging, "Lash down that topsail at the starboard end, Deeshon! Your birds can wait!"
The men hurry to lash down the tools, weapons, gear, and other potential flying objects on deck.
Otho, the ship's carpenter, takes a quick look at some of the ships' timbers still damaged from the encounter with the Dragha a week prior. He limps about the deck, his leg healing, a hammer in hand.
Deeshon, like a monkey, swings out on a line and lashes down the topsail.
Talon attempts to help where he can but mostly tries to stay out of peoples' way.
Rhyll walks up to the wheel and says, "How's she look Revas? "
Revas, wet white hair plastered to his forehead, says, "Fair bit of weather we're havin', Captain. Not too bad. It'll be a long night, though..."
Rhyll, used to piloting the ship with Revas says, "Want me to take her now or next shift?"
Dacien swings down onto the deck and makes his report to the bridge, "Cap'n, sir, sails are rigged for foul weather."
Revas shakes his head. "No, Rhyll, boy, I've got her---" Then he stops himself. It's what he's called Rhyll for years. "I mean, beggin' yer pardon, Captain Rhyll..."
Lightning crackles above, and a clap of thunder booms right after. Almira stands like a great bird in the ship's prow, divining the energy of the storm.
Rhyll smiles at Revas then says, "Thank you, Mister Dacien." He continues to stand by the old man's side.
The men's morale is beginning to falter. A long wet night awaits them. They were celebrating just scant hours before, and now it seems the Powers themselves battle in the heavens.
Baj moves to stand close behind Rhyll, "Sir, if you wish to change the tradition, it is your option, but Captain Tyree never took the wheel himself. The Captain commands, others do the work."
Rhyll says, "Mister Mirko, I wouldn't think of giving up the helm for good. Tyree had his ways, I guess I'll have mine."
In the rain and thunder above, Deeshon shouts an unheard order to one of his lookouts. He's gesturing furiously and scrambles hand over hand, for the crow's nest.
Dacien moves back out to the deck, "Get the water barrels, lads, don't waste the fresh stuff." Barrels are rolled out to collect the rainfall.
As Deeshon reaches the perch, a bolt of lightning sweeps down, strikes the top of the mizzen, and shatters the crows' nest. The wooden platform, with Deeshon still clinging to it, plummets into the now wild sea, near where Talon clings to the rail.
From aloft, Erris bellows, pointing, "Man overboard!"
Talon sees it bob in the rainswept sea, trailing farther and farther, the tiny figure of the lookout still grasping the timbers. Holding dearly to the rail, he says to no one in particular, "So much for the nice leisurely cruise."
Thunder booms across the ship.
Dacien sees his friend go over the side and screams, "Dees!", as he rushes to the rail. Grabbing a coiled lifeline, he plunges into the roiling sea.
Baj yells above the roar of the storm, "Man overboard! Bring her about, Mister Revas!"
Rhyll runs to the rail and shouts, "Get some lines out, let's haul them back in. All hands on deck!" He starts ringing a loud piercing bell. One-two-one-two. Everyone on board knows what it means.
The Reckoning wheels hard about, tacking into the squall.