The Reckoning and the Swiftsure are still roped together, a web of grappling lines tying one to the other. Now comes the time for the spoils of victory. The Sarries watch in glum despair as pirates swarm over their ship, emptying hidey-holes and gathering their goods, crowing in happy triumph.
Tyree and Rhyll watch from the quarterdeck, Baj alongside. The pirates, including Dacien and Erris, celebrate as the cargo hold of the Swiftsure is emptied. Benning, looking over the busy scene, says to Rhyll and Tyree, "The Lady has been good to us this day..."
The courier ship is small, but what is found is cause for celebration. You've had worse hauls than this: there are two score bolts of fine Yandar cloth that would fetch a good price in port. There are the usual spares and supplies found in any ship, but finer: cedar planks from Anghara, nails of Vulkah make, bales of excellent canvas from Taunis. And there are three chests each holding a thousand dragons, the coins stamped with the visage of King Lucard himself.
Emerging from below decks, Vendig rolls a barrel of fine Mazirine Red across the maindeck. He looks towards Baj, "There are nine more where this'un came from. Can we break out a ration, Mister Mirko?"
Baj looks to the Captain for his approval before giving Vendig permission to crack the cask.
Tyree looks towards Baj, nods, but holds his thumb and forefinger very close together.
Baj looks down to the deck below and calls out on a voice clear to all the Reckoning's crew, "Aye, Mister Vendig, a small ration for all, but be not too free with your measure, there is still work to be done this day."
Rhyll nods then glances over the small ship looking at the deafeated crew. He turns to Tyree and asks, "Well, Captain what terms will you offer this lot?".
At Baj's agreement, Vendig pops the bung from the cask, and hands crowd about, eager for a ration of the splendid vintage. The one-eyed Vulkah growls at them, snarling in Vulkon, but doles out a taste to each, filling cups, hands, and anything else that will hold wine....
Tyree considers. "This is a Sarrik vessel, son. I doubt me they will take the oath to join us. Those marines, for certain, will not." He points to where the surviving marines are being held near the foc'sle, guarded by Erris and some others. "How say you?", he asks Rhyll and Baj.
Baj nods in agreement, "I would not trust any oath they would give, Captain."
Rhyll considers Tyree's question for a moment and then states, "We must at least offer them the chance to take the oath. If they choose to not accept, we dump them on the nearest island. The Captain and the Lady, however, will bring a fine ransom I believe."
Tyree says, "Yes, we'll deal with the lady in a moment. Rhyll, make the offer. See which of them will join us now. Those who don't; there are boats aboard. Mister Mirko, give them oars and point them towards Islay Cay, over there. If they're lucky, they will make landfall by sundown."
On the maindeck, the pirates slurp their wine in friendly companionship, but the necessary work of repair is getting done. The Swiftsure's sails were damaged by scorpion fire and need mending and crews are already in the rigging.
Baj nods and calls down to the deck again, "Dacien! Candra! Make ready two boats for those who choose to take their leave of our company. A cask of water and what rations can be spared into each boat."
Dacien puts down his cup with a slight frown and points to one of the twins, "Ferlan, find your brother and gather two casks of water from the stores. Grab whatever hardtack there is and split it between two sacks. Bring the lot to me and Candra on the port side rail."
Ferlan sets down a bundle he's carrying. "Aye!" He races off to follow orders.
Rhyll shouts down to the prisoners below, "Captain Tyree has decided to be merciful to you lot. Any man who wishes to take the Oath may do so. Those who refuse will be free to take their chances on the open sea. Islay Cay is where you can spend the next few years until you are found. What say you?"
"Oath?" asks one aged, tanned sailor. "Ye mean the pirate's oath? The outlaw's oath?"
Rhyll gives the man a stern look, "On this ship, you will refer to it as the Buccaneer's Oath or find yourself swimmin' to the nearest isle."
Benning watches, silently. As a cleric of the Triad, he takes oaths very seriously.
Dacien moves to the port side and looks over the small craft secured there, selecting the two least useful boats for the men who will be leaving.
The surviving leader of the marines, a burly dark-haired officer, staggers to his feet. His head is bandaged from a wound Candra dealt him. "We've sworn oaths already, to serve our King and Kingdom." He turns to the other bluecoats. "Any man who takes the buccaneer's Oath is an enemy of Sarrik." he says, with a defiant look towards Rhyll.
Dacien sneers and speaks loudly enough for the officer to hear, "As if your damn 'King' is any less a buccaneer than we."
Baj gives Dacien a glare that would melt tar, but holds his tongue.
Some of the crew laugh and snort at Dacien's jest, but go silent when Baj glares at the Tobon.
Dacien stands to his full height and meets the marine's eyes without flinching, almost daring him to speak in defense of Lucard.
Rhyll stares down on the crew of the Swiftsure and shakes his head and says, "So be it. We've made the offer, you've chosen your own fates. Mister Mirko, will you escort these men off our ship?"
Baj nods sharply, "Aye-aye, Mister Rhyll." He moves down to the deck, "Anyone wishing to depart may do so freely by the boats on the port side. Water and rations will be provided. Move quickly and you can make land before nightfall."
Dacien points to the two boats he and Candra have made ready for the Sarrik crew.
Some of the sailors, including the older one, look hesitantly towards one another. Three of them step forward. "We'll be sworn..." the elder says.
Captain Mabius, standing near Tyree, says, "I thank you for this courtesy, Captain," he says. He's just glad some of his men are alive.
Baj gives the men a swift appraisal, "Then step forward and remove your hats."
The sailors do as they're told, looking hesitantly. Their erstwhile shipmates glower at them as they shuffle past towards the longboats.
Erris, overseeing the prisoners as they move towards the boats, growls, "Don't you ladies even think about giving me a hard time."
As the boats are filled, Dacien directs Farlan and Ferlan to stow water and food in each before lowering them quickly to the water.
Tyree speaks solemnly, as he intones the rite. "Swear service to me, Tyree, Captain of the Reckoning. Swear to live by the articles of piracy, the brotherhood of the Crimson Coast. Swear to honor the ship. Swear to serve no King. The sun and two moons to be your only roof. Live free. Die free. Swear by the Warrior!"
Baj bows his head, the oath still strong in him.
Some of the other pirates bow their heads as well, muttering, "Live free. Die free. "
The three candidates, hands over their hearts, say, "We so swear, by the Warrior."
There's a cheer as the Reckoning welcomes three new shipmates, including the old, tanned sailor.
Baj looks down to the deck, "Mister Vendig, would you be so good as to find berths for our new shipmates?"
Vendig seals the wine cask and nods, "Aye, Mister Mirko. Come on, you lot."
Baj hooks a thumb toward the one-eyed Vulkah, "Follow him and get settled in."
The two longboats with the Sarry crewmen are lowered over the rail and drop heavily into the swirling green waters. The wounded marine officer calls up to Erris, who is looking down on the scene, "We will meet again!"
Erris sneers, "...and if we do, I'll be the last thing you ever see!"
The marooned sailors gloomily begin paddling for Islay Cay, which is about six leagues to the southeast. If they row well and the current is with them, they may indeed debark before the moons rise.
Seeing the Sarrik crew row for land, Baj calls out, "All right, the rest of you, get that cargo stowed and make this scow ready to get underway! Candra, take some hands and search the ship for stowaways, I will have no surprises during my dinner tonight!"
Candra begins hunting with some picked men, searching the nooks and crannies of the Swiftsure, looking for stowaways.
As the crew returns to work, Rhyll turns back to the two Captains. "Captain Mabius, it would seem that you carry a passenger of some import."
Captain Mabius says, "That's Lady Izmeralda, Mister Rhyll. Close in the counsels of Governor Yannick. You'd be well advised to take especial care with her." She's confined in the Captain's cabin below decks at the moment.
Tyree grins, "Mayhap the finest prize we've taken today, lad. A ransom fit for a baroness. Mister Mirko, fetch her Ladyship for us, would you?"
Baj nods, "Aye, Captain", and heads belowdecks.
The small Captain's cabin is locked and bolted from the outside, and a guard watches over the entrance. He salutes Baj as the big Urag approaches.
Baj knocks softly on the door and throws open the bolt, "Your ladyship's presence is requested by the Captain."
The door is snapped open. The petite dark woman in silks glowers up at the massive Urag. She doesn't seem afraid of much. "I suppose I'm to be ransomed?"
Baj looks down at the woman, "You are supposed to present yourself to the Captain, as he requests."
"Request. That's correct." She brushes past him, contemptuously, and makes her way to the deck as 'requested.'
Baj gives the guard a smirking smile and follows the lady up the ladder to the deck.
Rhyll bows deeply as Lady Izmeralda joins them on the deck.
Tyree says to her, "Ah, my lady Izmeralda. We are most pleased to have you as our guest. You've already met my first mate", he indicates Rhyll. "As you'll note, the rest of the Swiftsure's crew is headed for Islay, safe and sound. And so you will also be safe and sound in my care, should you behave. If you don't behave....well, I can't vouch for my crew of cutthroats."
In the foretop of Reckoning, Deeshon pauses from feeding his terns and squints into the distance. He's spotted something.
There is general mirth at the implied threat to the Lady. Although her clothes are fine, her hair well-coiffed, and her manner courtly, there is a rough edge to her that speaks of years on the street. She is unruffled, "Yes, yes. And since you know who I am, Captain, then you also know that you should allow no harm to come to me. For Governor Yannick's wrath is well-known."
Tyree half-bows to her. "We understand one another. We'll return you to Mazirin post-haste, collect what is due us, and send you on your way. Mister Rhyll, pray bring her aboard Reckoning. Give her the roomy cabin aft. Two guards on it, hand-picked by yourself."
Rhyll offers the lady his arm, "This way, please."
Izmeralda disdains the offered arm, leading her own way to the rail, then swinging her legs over to the Reckoning where the two ships are closest.
Rhyll follows Izmeralda to the Reckoning, gesturing for Kell and another big sailor to follow him.
Captain Tyree leans in close to Baj as Rhyll leads her off. "Did you notice, during the battle, she had something on board, that she kindled fire to?"
Baj nods, "I did notice that, Captain. I will conduct a search of her cabin myself, sir."
"We'll need to find out more about that, Mister Mirko." Tyree says. "In the meantime--"
He's interrupted by Deeshon's urgent call from the foretop aboard Reckoning. "Captain! 'Ware the east! Comin' in fast, sir, like a bolt of lightning!"
In the eastern sky, there's something very large and red headed your way. It doesn't seem to have come from Islay, but farther east. Much farther. A winged shape, flapping across the blue sky, moving faster than anything you have ever seen.
Baj yells across the deck, "On your toes, mates! Keep a sharp eye on it!"
All eyes turn to watch what approaches. They know this shape from legend, only. It grows swiftly. Red, bumpy hide. Spiked tail. A long, lizard shape, jaggedly horned head. A Dragha.
Erris readies his sword.
Rhyll looks skyward in awe of the approaching beast.
Vendig says, "Baj, is that wha' I think?"
Tyree says, "What in the name of....?"
The Dragha is immense, almost as large as the Swiftsure itself. The leathery wings beat the air as it circles in over the green sea.
Baj stares, jaw slack, uttering what sounds to be a prayer in Urag-ta.
The mighty creature whirls in over you, the acrid reek of brimstone settling on the ship.
Tyree looks to Baj, about to issue an order, but the usually steadfast Urag is staring blankly into the sky.
The mighty creature circles the two ships once, fiery red eyes regarding each of you with an intelligent, and utterly pitiless gaze.
Izemeralda, for her part, races for the ladder of the Reckoning, dashing below decks.
Above the Swiftsure, the Dragha spreads its wings, the immense shrouds blocking the sun and shadowing you all. You can feel the breeze from its wings. Then it bows its head, and opens its fanged maw.
A small, metallic sound marks the collapse of Dacien onto the deck of the Swiftsure.
A roar issues forth, and flames spew from the open mouth of the Dragha, raining fire into the sails and rigging of the Sarrik vessel that is roped and bound to the Reckoning.
The rigging above you catches fire, then the sails, the great red and yellow flames loosed onto the ship like a thing alive, devouring all before it.
Tyree is aghast. He orders in his Captain's voice, "Every man off this boat, now!"
Baj springs into action, "You heard the Captain! Move! Cut those lines away, everyone get aboard the Reckoning! N ow!"
Benning holds out his hands in supplication to the creature. "Wait! We mean no harm!"
Pirates in the Swiftsure's flaming rigging leap for their lives into the sea.
Rhyll finally comes out of his stupor, racing for the helm of Reckoning. "Buckets! Every drop of water, boys!", he shouts, hoping to prevent the fire from spreading here.
The pirates aboard the Swiftsure panic, falling back, horrified, dropping their tools, winecups and weapons. Fire is every sailor's dread, and a Dragha above them as well, only adds to the terror.
Candra emerges from belowdecks, stunned, then sees the immense shadow above her head and draws both swords as if she plans to battle the huge creature.
Baj pulls his rapiers from his belt and leaps to the railing, slashing at the ropes that bind the two ships together.
The Dragha circles again, and unleashes another blast of fire down on the Swiftsure. This one engulfs the entire foc'sle of the ship, which is now in flames, and spreading fast.
Koster, his clothes afire, stumbles forward and falls at Erris' feet. "Put me out, Erris!", he shrieks.
Tyree shouts, across the gap between the ships, "Get 'er underway, Mister Rhyll! Now!" He slices one of the ropes himself, alongside Baj.
Erris calmly pats out the flames in Koster's clothes, splashing water on the man from a nearby basin.
The steaming Koster, reeking of burned skin and hair, doesn't thank Erris, but sprints for the rail and hurls himself overboard, kicking for the Reckoning.
Rhyll shouts to the men working the deck and rigging, "Raise anchor, full sheets, lads, we need to get out of here!"
Baj moves like a typhoon of steel, blades flashing in his hands as he cuts rope after rope, "Candra! Get Dacien back to the ship!"
Rhyll shouts over the rail to Tyree, "Cap'n, hurry over, that tub is going down!"
Erris yells, "Come on, ladies, let's grab a harpoon!""
Flaming timbers fall from above, with a thunderous crash, blocking the exit from the quarterdeck.
Candra stoops to grab Dacien by his belt and collar, tossing the unconscious Tobon bodily across to the deck of the Reckoning .
The Dragha circles once more, its wings flaring, tail lashing, winging away from you now, headed for the tiny cluster of longboats rowing away.
Rhyll, seeing Tyree trapped, yells, "Get over the side, Captain, we'll fish you out!"
Baj severs the last lines joining the two ships and the Swiftsure and Reckoning begin to float apart.
Tyree calls, "Never mind me, Mister Rhyll! Look after my ship!" At that, the Swiftsure's flaming mainmast, canvas and rigging burning furiously, topples, towards the stern of the ship, aslant across the quarterdeck where the two Captains and some other crewmen struggle to escape.
Baj races toward the flaming wreckage, seeking a way to his Captain through the inferno.
In the distance, the Dragha breathes fiery death down on the forlorn longboats. A yellow-hot fireball engulfs them, distant screams are heard, tiny figures burning up...and then they are gone.
The tremendous reptile whirls around to finish the job it began.
Baj scrambles up the remains of the ladder. Tyree lies beside Captain Mabius. Both are very still, under the shattered fragments of the mainmast.
Vendig shouts through the flames, "Baj! Come away now, lad!"
The Dragha flies smoothly up to the side of the fiery Swiftsure, and bites a hole as large across as a tall man in the hull, then spits the shattered timbers into the sea.
Baj siezes the mast and strains to lift it, a mighty groan of effort escaping him.
The Reckoning's crew finally move into action. Men scramble to their stations. The anchor is winched up the capstan. They haul their canvas up and tie the sheets tight.
Revas, at the helm, takes the wheel and spins it hard over, cursing the air blue.
Rhyll runs past frantic crewmen trying to make his way to the wheel of the Reckoning.
The flames and the heat on the Swiftsure are tremendous, and the smoke fills your lungs, choking all.
Erris pulls a harpoon from a rack nearby. He yells to anyone close by, "Come and help me with this!"
Baj seeks a new grip and heaves against the fallen mast again, muscles in his neck standing out like cords. His Urag strength wins and he hurls the timber aside, freeing Tyree beneath. The Captain grips Baj's shoulder feebly.
Rhyll reaches the helm where Revas holds for dear life. The Reckoning's sails snap out in the wind and she begins to move away from the flaming courier.
Candra, the huge Urag warrior woman, tells Erris, "That's a Dragha, you fool!" But she takes a harpoon from the rack as well, always spoiling for battle.
Baj pulls Tyree up into his arms and begins to run for the rail.
The Swiftsure, her bowels filling with seawater, now lists to port. The deck slopes away towards the churning green sea.
Rhyll barks out orders for the men. "Throw out lines to the men trapped on the burning ship!"
Erris tells Candra, "On the count of two, when it circles back around!" He ties a line to the end of his harpoon and lashes the other end to a stay in the deck.
The Dragha backs off, surveying its deadly work. It has not even approached the Reckoning yet. It circles around, eyeing the survivors, seemingly enjoying their struggles.
Baj finishes his third step and jumps over the railing, Tyree held close to him. He hits the green water like a stone, weighted down by two bodies.
Candra snarls at Erris, "Count, you imbecile!"
Choking, acrid smoke is everywhere.
Seeing Baj jump, Rhyll shouts, "Get a line to Baj! He's carrying the Captain. I want them both on deck and safe before we're too far out!"
The Reckoning begins to move off, trailing lines. Heads bob in the water as men swim for the pirate ship, grabbing lines desperately.
Erris says, "One and a two!" On the two-count, Candra hurls her harpoon. As Erris is about to hurl his own weapon, the deck shudders and he stumbles, sliding across it wildly and pitching into the sea, headfirst.
Candra's harpoon sinks into the Dragha's armored ribs.
Rhyll takes the wheel from Revas and shouts, "Get down there and help haul those men in! I'll take the wheel!"
Candra whirls and leaps over the rail, into the sea, just as the deck slides away beneath her.
Erris, underwater, is blinded and dazed for a moment but breaks the surface.
Baj breaks the surface, takes hold of Tyree's collar, and begins to swim for the Reckoning.
The Swiftsure is beginning to capsize, fires going out with steaming, hissing and sparking.
Masked behind a pall of smoke, the Reckoning veers away from the flaming courier ship, and the pirates now splashing into the water between the two vessels.
Men begin to climb aboard the pirate vessel, grappling with lines and ladders and nets.
The soaked and breathless Vendig scrambles over the rail, and sets the unconscious, dripping wet Dacien on the weather deck of the Reckoning.
The Dragha plucks the puny harpoon from its ribs, untroubled. It is no larger than a splinter would be to a man. It orbits the Reckoning now, regarding each of you from afar.
The burning Swiftsure rolls over, showing its barnacled keel, the fires out, but the ship beginning to sink. Clouds of steam and smoke rise everywhere.
Candra joins Baj, gasping for air, but struggling to keep the Captain afloat.
The sea is littered with men and artifacts spilled from the capsized courier ship.
Rhyll shouts to Kell, "Tell the mage Almira he is wanted up on deck immediately!"
Baj kicks forward with powerful strokes, easily, surely, and clambers up into a net hung overboard by Benning. The priest reaches down to help him, Candra and Tyree into the Reckoning.
Erris seizes a line and hauls himself aboard as well. "Don't worry, ladies, I don't need any help!" he says, flicking back his long red hair.
Baj flops to the deck, "The Captain...see to him...first...Benning."
Benning leans over the slumped and battered form of Captain Tyree, head bowed in invocation. Gentle healing light issues from his outstretched hands.
Rhyll struggles with the wheel to get the Reckoning away from the lizard.
The Dragha almost seems to be smiling at you, teeth extended, as it circles one more time.
A voice is heard in your head. It is not heard with your ears, but your whole mind. MAMMALS! KNOW THIS! AND TAKE THIS MESSAGE TO YOUR RULERS! AARIIDAAGAA KNOWS YOU! HE KNOWS YOUR SMELL! STAY CLEAR OF US AND OURS! HE KNOWS YOU! AND OUR WRATH IS TERRIBLE! TELL THIS MESSAGE!
The Dhazir wizard is on deck now, watching the immense Dragha in fascination.
The Dragha breathes one more fireball into the sky, above the ship. An immense blast of yellow fire and heat rains down, but the ship does not catch fire. A warning shot. Then it turns, its wings outstretched, wheels away into the blue sky and wings away as fast as it came.
Rhyll looks to the mage and says, "What does it mean, Almira? What does it want?"
Almira tells Rhyll, "I should think the message would be obvious..."
Erris says, "Damn thing got lucky, I was just going to make a kabob out of it!""
Candra regards Erris with scorn, "I thought you knew how to use that thing."
Erris says, "I hate when a woman says that to me."
Benning rises, sadly, head bowed. His white robes are stained with blood. But the Captain does not move.
Baj rises and walks carefully over to where Benning stands over Tyree.
The stunned and terrified pirates wander over the maindeck, unsure what to do next, as the Dragha flies off to the east.
Benning shakes his head at the Urag, then looks away.
Rhyll glares at the mage, hands the wheel back to Revas, then runs down to check on the Captain.
Baj drops to one knee next to the body of his Captain, his jaw tight and eyes brimming with tears that he will not let fall, "Let the Far Fields know that a Free Man is coming, and to clear a seat at the Warrior's table."
Rhyll races across the deck to Tyree's side. He falls to his knees and grabs the man's shirt, "No, Tyree, you can't be dead, you can't!" he shouts. "Dragha, damn you!", he shouts to the sky between sobs.
With a thunderous crack, the capsized hull of the Swiftsure breaks in two, right down the center, and each piece lingers on the surface a long moment, then sinks swiftly beneath the green waves.
The Reckoning , her sails full now, is borne on the wind who knows where, as the sun begins to drop over the western horizon. A roil of shattered timbers and dead bodies floats in her wake.