As the Reckoning sails east, the farthest western outliers of the Yandar chain come into view to the north and south: tiny rocks, atolls and larger wooded isles, barely populated. Aside from the core islands in the center of the chain, most of the archipelago is just such small islets: remote, barely populated, often still wild and home to fell beasts. These islets offer little to your ship; often there is little food or fresh water on them.
You are bound for the Yandar Main, a cluster of isles in the center of the chain, and specifically Arcoy, a mountainous island, where sits the largest city in these lands: Port Arjuri. Here rules the King of the Isles, Bastien Diodore. Southwards from Arcoy is the rugged island of Tervoy, where the smaller city of Port Terval is the capital, a fortress claimed by Baron Danmar Lyndag, an outlaw and rebel.
"She's limpin', sar!" grumbles Revas to Rhyll. He means the damage the ship incurred from the storm a week past, and the combat with the slavers, has slowed the Reckoning from her usual top speed. The damage to the mizzen hasn't been repaired and will need a day or so with a shipwright to fix. The old helmsman points. "She's like a lame horse with a shoe missin', sar." He indicates the missing top of the mizzen where it was shattered by the lightning strike. Although Otho has repaired much of the damage to the ship, he was not able to find a spare to replace the section of mast, and the Reckoning will not maneuver as well, nor sail as fast, without it.
Baj joins Rhyll and Revas on the quarterdeck, noting where the two are looking with a frown.
Rhyll says, "Looks like were heading to Port Arjuri and Gabnor, Mister Revas."
Revas nods, clenching his pipe between his teeth. "Aye, sar! Port Arjuri 'tis!
Baj nods, his frown deepening, "Repairs and new sails are going to take a big portion of the profits, sir."
Rhyll frowns. "With out a swift ship, they'll be the last profits we see Mister Mirko."
Baj says, "Aye, Captain. I know it as well as you."
Benning opines, "The two thousand dragons we took from the slavers will surely soften the blow, Captain."
Rhyll turns to the new comer and says, "Aye, quite true Mister Benning. How are the injured coming along?"
Benning says, "Just what I came to speak with you about, sir. The injured are fit and mostly ready for duty, sir. The ones who are of age to serve, I mean."
Baj says, "How many are too young, Mister Benning?"
Benning says, "There are six children, sir, the oldest, Scatha, merely ten summers. He might make a ship's boy were he so inclined, but he's a raw lubber as are they all. Their tale is that their village was raided by slavers and their parents slain in the struggle, which leaves them orphans of the sea." He adds, darkly, looking down, "Young blond children fetch a high price in the markets of Molossa." His own experience as a slaver long ago leaves him with knowledge of their ways.
Baj nods, scowling, "I think that we can come up with a better solution for the little ones, Mister Benning."
The new crew fit into their duties uneasily. Many, if not most, have sailing experience and are glad to do jobs with the promise of recompense. You have taken nearly thirty new hands aboard, from most nations of the Seven Kingdoms and beyond. But not all are happy to be pirates instead of pursuing honest work, however, and Pelian, the outspoken Tobon, has expressed as much to Dacien. "They like them Captain Rhyll, Dace, and are grateful t'be free, but not all of them wish t'be Free Men, if you take my meanin'."
Dacien nods slowly and chews on his lower lip while he thinks this news over. "If you have any influence with the unhappy ones, tell them that they should hold their water for a spell, I'll have a word with Mister Mirko on it."
Pelian nods, looping a rope about the capstan as a yard swings into place. "I'll speak wi'em, Dace. For my own self, I'm happy t'be here."
Dacien winks at Pelian, "Good to hear, mate."
Dacien climbs the ladder to the quarterdeck and stands close to Rhyll and Baj before clearing his throat.
Baj notes Dacien's presence and gestures for him to wait his turn.
Dacien clears his throat again, more loudly.
Rhyll says, "Baj, I'll need you to find work for these new hands. Dace and you can size them up and see where they fit best."
Baj says, "Aye, Captain. The new hands are working into the crew already. Mister Nettleburr will be seeing to their training and berthing."
Dacien clears his throat once more, very loudly.
Baj turns to Dacien and snaps, "What is it?!?"
Dacien stands a bit taller and addresses Baj and Rhyll, "Sirs, there are a few of the new men that have expressed some, err, reservations about being a part of our crew."
Rhyll says jokingly, "Well then ready one of the life boats."
Dacien smiles a bit uncomfortably, "Well, sir, I think that's what they're worried about, afraid to come to the point, but unhappy none the less."
Baj looks to Rhyll, "We could put them ashore as soon as we hit port, Captain."Rhyll says, "As you well know Dace, Tyree would suffer no man who didn't want to be here for long. We're pirates but we don't send men to their doom for not wanting to stick with us. Put the word out that any who wish to leave are welcome to at the next port. Any who choose to stay will get a fair share like the rest of the crew."
Dacien nods and smiles for real, "Aye, sir, I knew ye'd put the situation right. Thank ye, Cap'n." He trots off to pass the word.
Ilian, Scatha's younger sister, is assisting Talon with sewing up a wound. The girl threads Talon's needle with nimble fingers. Otho, the ship's carpenter, hasn't rested as Talon told him, and as a result he's torn his stitches that Talon put in just a few days before.
Talon says, "Now Otho, I told you not to more around too much. Look what you've done to my handy work."
Scatha blanched and looked faint when Talon asked him to help, but slim blond Ilian didn't. She waggles her finger at the burly carpenter. "Do what he says!" she snaps.
Otho growls, "Oh, it's the two of you now, is it, Talon? And let me ask you, who's goin' to do the work around here? Ayrn? The lad's ne'er about when I needs him!"
Talon says, "It will be harder to heal the second time around. If this wound goes bad, man, Captain Rhyll will be looking for a new carpenter. Think on that."
Ilian pokes the man. "Think!"
Talon smirks then says, "Easy girl, he's an injured man remember."
Baj pauses on his way down the deck to watch Talon at work. Talon, wrapped up in his task, is unaware of the Urag's gaze.
Otho says, "Do your worst, Talon." He seats himself on a cask and rolls up his trouser leg, steeling himself for the needle.
Talon first carefully cleans the wound then holds out his hand to the girl for the needle. He double stitches it this time to help it hold better; unfortunatel, this takes longer and hurts a bit more then last time.
Otho bears the pain in stoic discomfort, muttering under his breath and managing not to curse in the little girl's presence.
As Talon sews, Ilian watches eagerly, and asks, "What's going to become of us, Talon? Scatha says we're going to be pirates like you!"
Baj turns at the words, watching Talon carefully for his response.
Talon looks up from his work then says, "Hmm, I suppose that's possible. Did Baj have you take the oath?"
Ilian says, "No, we was too young, he says. What's it like, bein' a pirate?"
Talon snaps the thread from the newly finished stichwork. "Actually, I'm quite new to pirating. As you can see I'm a healer by trade. What makes you want to be a pirate anyway?" He indicates Otho then says, "See what happens to pirates?"
Ilian says, "I don't want to be a pirate. I want to be a harper like my mother was. But I can't go back to that life...the slavers destroyed everything."
Talon ties the final stitch. "You're all finished, Otho. Mind you take it easy, now. Ask Vendig for a cup of rum, tell him it's doctors orders. It should take the sting off."
Otho rises on his wounded leg, tests it experimentally, makes a face, and limps off, nodding at Baj respectfully on his way past.
Talon turns back to the boy and says, "Don't let anyone stand between you and your dreams. If you've a mind too you can still make it happen. Yandar is a new place with new possibilities."
Baj arches an eyebrow at Talon's words, but holds his tongue.
Ilian says, darkly, "My dreams are very bad, Talon. The slavers...they did things to me."
Dacien finds Pelian on the main deck, "Pass the word, friend, the Cap'n won't keep a man that don't want to stay. Any man wants to go is free to leave once we hit port."
Pelian nods. "Are we bound for Arjuri?"
Dacien says, "I think so. Why do you ask?"
Pelian says, "Scuttlebutt has it that Baron Danmar's ships is out and about, makin' trouble for the King, and trouble's brewin' twixt the two. He's a mind to war, that Baron. Anyone approaching Terval's like to be boarded or sunk."
Dacien looks closely at Pelian, "And how'd you be comin' by this information?"
Pelian explains, "I heard the slavers speakin' of it. Learned me a little of their gabble-talk, by and by. They were steering well clear of him because his sea wargs were on th'prowl."
Dacien nods, "I'll pass it along, Pel. Don't be so tight-lipped next time you've got info like that."
Pelian says, "O'course, Dace."
Talon says to Ilian, "I can not change what happened and I'm sorry about that, but I can help you get a new start." He sits on the cask Otho vacated, "I have a friend in Yandar who might be able to help you youngsters that have a mind to leave the ship. I can put in a good word, but I'm sure she will willingly take you in."
Ilian says, "Who's this friend?"
Talon looks out over the rail to the sea then turns back and says, "Her name is Camille, she owes me a favor. But last I heard she has made it her mission to help the homeless children of Yandar. She is a very kind hearted woman who has been through some tough times of her own, but she has a big heart as well. I'm sure you would like it staying with her. "
Ilian studies Talon. "You're not like the other pirates, Talon."
Talon smiles and says, "Comes with the trade, I'm afraid."
Ilian says, "I'll tell my brother and the others about Camille. Will you take us there?"
Talon nods and says, "As soon as we make port."
Illian notices Baj lurking nearby, behind Talon. "Hello, Mister Mirko!"
she says, brightly.
Izmeralda approaches Rhyll on the quarterdeck. "Captain, if I might have a word?"
Rhyll gives a gracious bow then says, "For you my lady, of course."
Izmeralda says, "Might I inquire as to our destination?"
Rhyll says, "We need repairs dear Izzy. May I call you Izzy? Izmeralda is so formal. We must make port at Ajuri before we do anything else.""
Izmeralda says, "No, you certainly may not. Izzy is so undignified. But you may call me Mera."
Rhyll smiles a wide grin the says, "Hmm, Mera, I think I fancy that. As you can plainly see, Mera, we are in bad need of repairs."
Izmeralda says, "Indeed. But we will be proceeding to the Dragha's isle, still?"
Rhyll leans on the rail looking out to sea and replies, "As soon as our repairs are made. Then we will sail straight towards the Dragha's isle. But lets keep that our little secret for now shall we?"
Dacien approaches Rhyll, "Cap'n Rhyll, sir? Might I have a moment of yer time?"
Rhyll turns to Mera and says, "If you would please excuse me my lady, I must attend to my crew."
Izmeralda says, "Of course, Rhyll." She looks sidelong towards Kell a moment and the two share a glance.
Talon looks up at Baj and says, "Ah, Mister Mirko sir, I didn't see you near by."
Baj smiles back at Talon, "I was actually just coming to speak with you about the children and how they are coming along."
Talon grins and says, "That one there, Ilian, would make a fine healer one day, if she chose. She has the stomach and the nerve for it."
Baj bows to the girl, a bright smile on his face, "Good day, young miss. Are you enjoying your stay with us?"
Ilian doesn't recoil a bit from Baj's fanged smile, although such a sight would send most Reith children screaming. "Yes. When do share the plunder?"
Baj squats down and laughs aloud, "That is a fine question, Miss. I will be sure to pass it along to the Captain for his answer."
Ilian explains. "Talon says he's going to take us to a friend of his, who takes in orphans like us. Isn't that good news?"
Talon says, "Ah with the Captain's permission of course."
Baj says, "Yes, that is wonderful news! Although the Reckoning is a fine ship and a wonderful home for us, I am sure you will be much happier where you can sleep in a real bed every night."
Ilian says, "Urag sleep in caves, I've heard. But there are no caves for you, are there?"
Baj stands again, "No, miss, no caves for any of us on this ship." He turns to face Talon, "And I am sure that Miss Ilian would make a fine healer if she chooses to do so."
Ilian pouts, "I don't like it when people talk about me as if I'm not there."
Rhyll lifts an eye brow at the shared glance between Kell and Izmeralda and makes a mental note to question Kell about it later. He then says to Dacien in an annoyed voice, "Yes, Dacien what is it this time?"
Dacien says, "Cap'n, one o' the new crew from the slaver says he overheard some o' them Molossans talkin' about how the Baron's ships are makin' trouble fer the King. Thinks that it might be best if we stay clear of Port Terval."
Rhyll says, "Hmm Danmar is a tricky bastard. Good thing we're headed for Ajuri."
Dacien nods, "Thought ye might like to know it, Cap'n."
Rhyll nods, "Thanks, Dace. Listen I have a favor to ask of you. I'd like you to keep an eye on the Lady Izmeralda. I'd like to make sure she's on the up-and-up, if you know what I mean."
Dacien nods to Rhyll, "Aye-aye, Cap'n."
Rhyll winks and says, "Good man. Report back to me personally."
Izmeralda makes her way below decks, alone, retiring to her cabin.
Dacien notes Mera's departure and watches for any others following.
The big Polar warrior Kell looks after her as she disappears downbelow, but he doesn't follow. Then he turns back to his work, sharpening boarding pikes and resetting them in a weapons rack.
Baj looks down at the girl, smile gone but voice soft, "You may not like it, but many things will happen in this life that you do not like. You will learn to live with disappointment as you become an adult."
Ilian's had too much of an introduction to adult life aboard the slaver. Her eyes water for a second and then she bites back her tears. There is much strength in her. "I understand, Mister Mirko."
Baj kneels and takes her chin in his big hand gently, "There is no need for tears, young lady. I am not angry with you and you have no need to be upset. I was speaking directly to Mister Talon about you. I was not speaking ill of you and you have no need to mind my words to him. Is that understood?"
Ilian wipes at her eyes and summons her bravery. "Yes... I mean, aye-aye!"
Talon looks on, suprise by the softness of the usually hard first mate.
Baj stands and salutes the girl, "Carry on, Miss Ilian."
Talon stands and salutes, "Mister Mirko, sir."
Baj nods to Talon, "My thanks for your care of the crew and the children, sir."
Talon says, "No thanks needed Mister Mirko, 'tis my job."
Baj says, "And it is my job to make certain that the crew is well taken care of and to show my appreciation for those who do a good job."
Talon nods, "Well, my thanks then."
The Reckoning sails eastward, bound for the isles, the choppy waves slapping against her hull.
Deeshon calls down from above, "Two ships, ahoy! A pair of merchanters to stern! Three leagues off, I make them!" From the main deck, no ship is visible, but Deeshon can see ten miles off or more in his crow's nest far above. He's spotted something far to the west, behind you, Sarrik merchanters most likely, not an uncommon sight in these waters.
Rhyll turns to Revas, "That's a fat prize to let fly. What's your opinion Mister Revas?"
Revas shrugs. "Captain's pleasure, sar. But we've a good wind into port, for all that."
Dacien pipes up, "Cap'n, sir? If the Baron is pickin' fights, might two merchants this close to Terval be a bit too temptin', if ye get my drift?"
Rhyll shouts over the rail, "Mister Mirko, topside please if you would."
Baj trots quickly to attend Rhyll. "Yes, Captain?"
Rhyll says, "Two Sarry merchant ships Mister Mirko. As much as I hate to pass a prize like that, it seems an inopportune time. What's your take on it? Dace thinks it might be some sort of trap."
Baj says, "It might be a trap or it might not. Either way, sir, we are in no condition to take on two ships at once until we have our mast repaired and a full set of sails."
Deeshon, looking into the hazy distance, calls down again. "Them merchanters, one's no merchanter but a big fat Sarry frigate, sir! Convoy guard, most like!"
Rhyll says, "Ah, and one's a frigate! Sounds like a fat plum. But with the damages I'm afraid we might just have to let them go."
Revas looks over his shoulder to Rhyll for orders.
Rhyll turns, "Steady as she goes, Mister Revas, we'll have to let that one go. Perhaps another day!"