With the rising sun, the Reckoning shoves off from the crowded harbor at Port Arjuri and heads north. The sudden summer storm has passed and the skies are clearing, but the seas are still swirling and white-capped.The ship rounds the last headland of the island of Arcoy. Tall, snow-capped Mount Rissau, in the center of the isle, is still visible to the south and will be for some time. The skies to the east are pinkening with the rising sun.
Vendig, pipe jutting from the corner of his mouth, approaches Dacien as the Tobon checks a staysail. "Mister Dacien, a word with ye.."
Dacien is moving about the deck, making sure that hands take care of sails and lines, but he stops to speak with Vendig, "Aye, Mister Vendig, what might I help you with this fine morn'?"
The Vulkah looks left and right, then shrugs. "No way for it to come and say it, lad. The hands, they've b'gun t'talk. Wonderin' about the Cap'n's heading..."
Dacien pauses and furrows his brow, "I've no special insight inta the cap'n's thoughts, Vendig. P'rhaps we might ask Mister Mirko when he comes up on deck?"
The stout Vulkah taps ash from his pipe. "Aye. He be downbelow. Saw him harin' off after Mister Talon, me thinks, with a face that'd curdle me own mother's sweet milk."
Dacien chews on his lower lip, "That bodes ill for someone, when tha Urag gets a burr under 'is saddle..."
Vendig nods. "Aye, lad. Back in th'day, when I was no older than you, I was an axe-warrior, a-fightin' them screamin' greenies. That was long ago, long enough that Tol Nedra was still ruled by Reith. And I'd put Baj wi'any of them wild Urag and he'd a-come out the victor, dragons t'dumplings."
Dacien smiles, "Me old drover usta say 'Ye can take the lad outta the wild, but ye canna take the wild outta the lad'. If ye see Mister Mirko afore me, whistle and I'll come a'running."
Below, Ferlan sticks his head into Baj's cabin and tells him, "Mister Talon's here, as you requested, sir."
Baj looks up from his small table and finishes tying back his long hair. He nods his thanks to Ferlan.
Ferlan backs away and unobtrusively closes the door behind him as he leaves.
Talon steps into the cabin and waits for Baj to have the first word.
Baj stands and retrieves two small mugs from a small rack hanging on the bulkhead, "Brandy, Mister Talon?"
Talon nods and says, "Yes with thanks to you, sir."
Baj sets the two pewter vessels on the table and gestures to one of the pair of small chairs, "Have a seat, it has been a long day."
Talon settles onto a wooden bench in the small cabin.
The ship rocks gently back and forth in the whitecapped sea as it turns east. Orange fluid in a fine glass decanter on the table sloshes in rhythm with the ship's movement.
Baj sits opposite Talon, "I am sure you've tasted this spirit before. When Captain Tyree freed me from my former master, I kept nearly three cases of it. Most of the crew has no taste for Dhaziri Fire Spirits. I usually share it with Mister Almira, but I feel certain a man of your travels has a more educated taste than most." He pours each mug half-full with the orange fluid, not spilling a drop.
Baj sips his mug and regards Talon for a long moment.
Talon lifts his cup and takes a quick sip, then places it back down on the table. He says nothing, letting Baj lead the conversation.
Baj sits forward and leans his elbows on the table, his chair creaking under his weight, "Twice in the past day enemies of yours have threatened this ship or its' crew. How do you propose we resolve this?"
Talon says, "I...ah, I'm sorry about that. If need be you can let me off at the next port, Mister Mirko."
Baj leans back and sips his drink, "I think the situation may have gone beyond that, Mister Talon. An agent of King Lucard has taken note of this ship. He has been forced to stand down before us. Your departure may not be an adequate resolution."
Talon says, "I will do all in my power, sir, to ensure Valentin causes no harm to this ship or its crew. If I leave the ship they will have no more reason to follow you."
Baj frowns and tips up his mug, draining it, "Mister Talon, let me assure you, as long as your interests do not interfere with the well-being of this ship or its' crew, I will stand at your shoulder with blades drawn. Until you or the Captain decide otherwise, you are a part of this ship."
The bottle on the table between you slides to the side as the ship rocks. Baj gently reaches out and stops its travel.
Talon says, "I appreciate that Mister Mirko , and I feel I owe you an explanation. Valentin has a vendetta against me. His men have been hunting me for some time now and so far I've been able to elude them. Joining this crew was a means of escape when I first boarded but I must admit I've become very fond of you all."
Baj smiles, "And I am not a man to turn away a blade as talented as yours, 'Healer', but if you wish to leave, you should do it before we get too far from shore. If Valentin follows us, it will be hard to hide from that fight."
Talon drains his drink. "I don't wish to run from Valentin any longer, Baj. You see, I used to work for Valentin. I'm very capable of dealing with him should he catch up with us. He knows this and he fears this, I assure you."
Baj nods, asessing Talon's words, "You will find that most men on this ship are more willing to stand beside an honest man with a price on his head, than a man who keeps his secrets when no one hunts him."
Talon says, "It was true when I said I was one of Lucard's healers. It just wasn't my main job. Call it a sin of omission."
Baj smiles, "The sins, well, those tend to accumulate, do they not? Let us try to keep the omissions to a minimum from now on."
Talon says, "Aye aye Mister Mirko."
Baj stands and extends a hand, "Most of the crew already know this, but I'll make it a point for you. I had no life before this ship, I would have no life without it. As such, I would give my life for any man aboard worth being called a man. Keep no secrets from me and the world will fear my blades at your shoulder."
Talon says, "My thanks Mister Mirko, and don't worry I'll be watching your back as well. Thank you, Baj for this chance."
Baj nods to Talon, "I need to take a turn about the deck and give the Captain a report before I turn in." He stashes the bottle back in a chest and hangs the mugs back on their pegs.
Kell raps on Rhyll's cabin door. Rhyll is within, dozing after a long, eventful day.
Rhyll rubs his eyes, then swings up to a sitting position and calls, "Who is it?"
"It's me, Rhyll. Kell," the Polar warrior calls.
Rhyll says, "Come on in Kell."
Kell pushes his way in. "Sorry t'be disturbin' you, sir. Lady Izmeralda, she suggest I come..." The fierce looking warrior is a bit awkward and out of sorts. He stands in the doorway.
Rhyll looks confused then says a bit coldly, "And what is it her lady-ship wishes you to talk to me about."
Kell says, "I should tell you, sir, me and her...she tried to get me t'scupper her. But I didn't board 'er, sir, much as I'd a-liked, out a respect for you."
Rhyll rubs his eyes again and shakes his head, then says "Kell we a5re friends and any relationship you have with the lady is your business, but I will not have any man of mine compromising his loyalty to me or this ship. Is that understood?"
Kell looks hurt for a moment. "Loyalty, sir? No, you mistake me. I was gonna lash her but good for her forwardness. In my lands, that's not done. A woman like that, wanton like that, gets thrown from th'tribe t'make her own way. Call 'em snow-brides, the wretches. No, sir. She explained she did it t'get closer to you, on account of you and I are friends and brother-warriors, and all. Says she wanted t'get you t'notice her." He adds, "I'll beat her bloody, just say th'word, sir."
Rhyll laughs and slaps Kell on the back, "No need, my friend, I'll deal with the lady. I should have never doubted you and for that I offer my apologies."
Kell nods. "My gratitude, sir."
Rhyll says, "Do me a favor Kell, ask her ladyship to join me will you?"
Kell salutes. "She's a clever one, sir."
Rhyll says, "Aye to that Kell, she was after all the Mayor's tart. I think we need to get a few things straight."
Deeshon, far above Dacien and Vendig, calls down, "Ships! Ships t'port! Two of them, by the by, three leagues off, Sarry traders by their look, westbound!" The Reckoning is currently under full sail, headed east.
Dacien grabs a mizzenbackstay and swings up into the rigging, a hand shielding his eyes as he looks off to the west. Far off to port, to north-northeast, two tiny smudges are visible on the horizon that might be sails. But Deeshon is rarely mistaken about these things. In the distance beyond, to the east, are are the tiny islets called the Scatters, lawless isles ruled by pioneers...or renegades.
Erris calls to Dacien, clinging to a yard, "Action, Mister Dacien?"
Dacien swings back down to the deck, "That's for the Cap'n t'decide, Mister Erris." He darts down the ladder below decks at a full run.
Vendig calls after him, "Breakfast is cancelled, Mister Dacien!"
Revas looks around for someone to give him a bearing, grumbling to himself.
Dacien bounds down the passageway, nearly colliding with Baj, "Two ships, Mister Mirko, three leagues off, might be Sarry traders."
Baj ducks aside to let Dacien by, "Aye, Mister Nettleburr!" As Dacien runs past him, Baj turns and heads up to the main deck, taking the ladder three steps at a time.
Dacien pounds on the door to Rhyll's cabin, "Captain, sir, two ships spotted, Sarry traders by the look of 'em!"
At Dacien's knock, Kell slides the cabin door open, and looks back at Rhyll.
Rhyll bounds out the door, "Well, lets have a look at these lovelies."
As Rhyll and Baj emerge on deck, they can see the deck's a-boil with activity. The idea of two Sarry traders has got them excited. Hands look towards the Captain and First Mate, expectantly.
Baj turns a takes a long look back at Port Arjuri, scanning the horizon for any ships that might have followed them out of port. Baj calls up to the masthead, "Mister Deeshon, are there any ships following?"
Deeshon calls down: "Nay, sir, nothin' behind, these ships is head of us, sir, port stern quarter, comin' out of th'Scatters."
Revas is unimpressed. The skinny old helmsman, chewing a piece of cheese and spitting the rinds into the sea, says, "A bearin', sar, can't point the ship w'out a bearin'."
Rhyll holds up his spy-glass and says, "I'd make it north-northeast, try to swing a bit wide at first."
Deeshon calls down. "Two Sarries f'r sure now, sir, with the wind at their backs and borne t'us. I make one's a trader, all fat and pregnant, th'other her escort. Takin' no chances, sir!"
Revas swings the wheel on a north-northeast heading, wide as Rhyll ordered.
Candra squints in the rising sun. The dawn is not kind to Urag eyes.
Rhyll calls up to Deeshon, "Deesh, can you see what she's packin'?"
Deeshon says, "Not at this range, sir! But she's lean and low in the water, built for manuever, sir! Reckon they don't trust these parts, sir?"
Candra says, "Should we run up the colors, my Captain?"
Rhyll says, "Not yet Candra, I'd like to get a better look at her first."
Baj moves close to Rhyll, "Close on the escort first, sir? Once we deal with that, we can hunt down the trader at our ease."
Rhyll says, "My thinking exactly Mister Mirko."
As the ships approach, you can see that both maintain a fairly close range to each other. They are no more than a bowshot apart, even in this rough sea.They are about two leagues off now, just coming over the hazy horizon, tiny dots at this remove. They angle towards one of the smaller islands, Azora Cay, on the very western edge of the Scatters, looking to give you a wide berth.
Dacien mutters, "That's some good sailing f'r bluebellies."
Baj says, "They sail in a tight formation, sir. We could use that against them."
Rhyll says to Baj, "I'd like to come at the escort from the side opposite the trader. My hope is the trader will try to run for it."
Izmeralda emerges on the quarterdeck, brushing back her mane of dark hair. "You wanted a word with me, Captain?" she asks.
Rhyll looks over to Izmeralda distractedly, "Oh yes, well I'm sorry but that's going to have to wait for a bit, seems we have some company."At this speed and heading, you will be in fighting distance within an hour.
Baj says, "Dacien, please call Mister Almira and Mister Benning to the quarterdeck."
Dacien says, "Aye, sir." He darts off below decks to fetch the mage and the priest.
Almira answers Dacien's knock from within, without opening the door, "What is it, you disagreeable Tobon? I am indisposed."
Dacien says, "There are a pair of Sarry ships and we're closing on them."
Almira mutters, "Ask them to come back another day when it's convenient for me."
Dacien bangs on the door again, "Sir, the cap'n wishes you to attend him while there's still a chance t'win the fight, and I'll not leave without ye."
Almira slides his cabin door open, looming above the bosun. His skin is pale and his eyes reddened. He pulls a flap of his robe over his head. "Oh, very well, Mister Dacien. I am, of course, at your command."
Dacien trots down the passageway to Benning's cabin and raps on the door, "Mister Benning, sir? The cap'n needs ye up on the deck."
Benning's door slides open, smoothly. He nods, silently.
Dacien trots back up onto the main deck, Almira and Benning trailing behind him.
Revas says, "Orders, sar?"
The merchant ship and her escort are almost a single silhouette now, as they turn north-west towards the rocky Azora Cay, marked on the charts on the table before Rhyll. They appear to be turning to avoid you, unsure of your provenance.
Deeshon says, "They're turnin' north-westerly, sir! Around the cCay, just there, sir, lookin' like they want t'play it safe!"
Rhyll says, "I want them between us and the Scatters Revas, I suspect the escort will move to the outside."
Baj says, "If we close from their starboard side, we will be able to keep the escort between us and the merchant, sir. The merchant won't be able to fire upon us without chancing a hit on the escort."
Rhyll replies, "Exactly Mister Mirko, I want to give them the old squeeze."
Baj nods to Rhyll and smiles a broad smile, "Captain Tyree would be proud this day, may the Warrior bless him."
Rhyll moves to Revas' shoulder and says with a smile, "This going to be close can you handle it old timer?" he turns to Candra and says, "Raise the colors on my command."
Baj calls down to Farlan and Ferlan, "Load all scorpions, we aim to disable the escort and move on to the prize quickly."
Revas spits over the rail, grumbling to himself. "Ftui! Can I handle it, sar? The day I can't outsteer some bluebelly is the day y'can drop me carcass overboard, sar!"
Deeshon calls, "They're a-turnin' t'run, sir, like foxes to the hound!"
Rhyll winks at the old sailor and claps him on the back.
Dacien calls up into the rigging, "Deeshon, keep a sharp eye out on their wheels and watch for them t'split courses."
Rhyll shouts, "Raise the flag, lets let them know what they're running from!"
Candra bellows, "Run up the colors!" Erris winches the black banner into place, fluttering over the mainmast. The crew gives a cheer.
The two blue fish-flags of Sarrik are clearly visible over the ships before you. Beyond them, the outline of Azora Cay is visible in the morning haze.
"The Reckoning! The Reckoning!" roar the ship's crew.