The Reckoning leaves the waters of the battle behind and sails towards the grounded Queen Amoret, just ahead. The freighter's crew looks to have fled to the nearby island at your approach. The waters around Azora Cay grow shallow now, too shallow for a vessel of your draft. You have sustained grievous wounds in the battle for the prize, your port rail shattered, your mizzenmast rigging torn, two of the port scorpions disabled. And at least six dead and many more wounded. The life of a pirate is not an easy one.
With two battles fought this day, the hours have just flown by and it is now late in the day. The wind has stilled somewhat--rapid changes in the weather are common in the springtime.
Dacien climbs high into the rigging, calling out orders for crewmen to secure loose sails and lines.
Baj says, "Captain, we should anchor here and send men to the prize in longboats."
Rhyll says, "I agree. Consult with our Master Carpenter if there is anything he'd like for us to salvage off of that tub for him as well."
Dark-beared Otho is on the quarterdeck, hammer in his hand. "Beggin' yer pardon, sir, but she's a sore hurtin'. We need us some mendin', or we won't last th' next storm..."
Baj says, "We are still close enough to the Isles that we might take the entire ship and sail back to Port Terval to sell it whole. She would fetch a good price, Captain.""
Rhyll turns and smiles. "Ah, Master Otho just the man I was looking for. We are going to start sending long boats to yonder trader. Is there anything I can have the men bring back for you? For the repair of the ship I mean."
Otho strokes his beard. "Sir, 'tis a big job. Not like th'men can just bear back some timbers fer me." He purples. "Ha'ye seen th'woundin' in our side?" he gestures, angrily.
Rhyll considers."Chances are were going to be here a few days repairing the ship. Or for that matter we could sail her out here."
Revas says, "Sar, th'bottom's right close, sar..."
Rhyll says, "Master Otho, in this I must defer to you. Where do you want the ship to begin repairs?"
Baj says, "Captain, if I might make a suggestion? If we careen the ship on the sand next to the prize we can make repairs at the same time we examine it."
Rhyll looks to Revas and raises his eyebrow in question.
Revas shrugs, "We're like t'be swimmin' home, in this state..."
Candra asks, "The men, my Captain, they've asked about the plunder, sir..."
Baj bares his teeth at Candra, "Tell the crew that the Captains decision will be forthcoming."
In the Urag gesture of deference, Candra slinks off, averting her eyes from Baj's, like a whipped dog.
Rhyll sighs, "Take her in Mister Revas as Mister Mirko suggests, it's not a bad idea. Then we can kill two birds with one stone."
Otho gestures to the beach near where the Amoret rests, "Best t'put her on that stretch o'dune o'er there, sir. If I need to send men up 'neath her, the sandbar'd be no place. Out o'high tide."
Dacien slides down his slim line to the deck and alights near Rhyll and Baj, "Captain, sir, we've got some mending t'be done aloft. I can handle it with six or seven men, less if we're t'be here more than a day or two."
Rhyll nods and says, "It looks like we will be here for at least two days. Pick the men you need."
Dacien nods, "Aye, cap'n," and trots off to gather his men.
Rhyll turns back to Otho and says, "Can you make due with the sand bar as Mister Mirko suggests Otho?"
Otho says, "By th' looks o'it, sar, three days hard by the isle, here, afore we can get underway."
Baj says, "My concern is that we stay as far clear as can be from that village, Otho. No need to tempt fate by setting up on their doorstep."
The ship's carpenter nods in assent, "Aye, sir, aye, as Mister Mirko wants."
Baj calls down to the main deck, "All hands, make ready to careen the ship next to the prize!"
Rhyll smiles and says "Well then I'm glad that's settled. Let Mister Mirko know whatever you need Master Otho."
Baj says, "Candra! Gather a detail to get on that sand bar and haul her up high and dry! And make sure that Mister Koster is among them!"
Rhyll says, "Baj, see we keep the men busy. I don't want any of them getting in their heads to take a visit to that village unless I say its ok."
Calls ring out across the vessel. The decks are secured, the rigging furled, and Candra's troops swing into action. They lower a longboat into the water, paddle towards the sandbar, trailing ropes behind them to guide the Reckoning into place.
The Queen Amoret appears deserted, sitting aslant at a steep incline, leaning to starboard. A man could just walk across the wet sand to her.
Baj says, "Mister Vendig, take six men and board the prize. The Captain wants an inventory of the loot as well as an educated appraisal of the ship. Make sure the crew is really gone."
Baj says, "Farlan! Get your crews working on repairs to the scorpions. Ferlan! Your men should assist Otho in his work." The twins set to, silent and dutiful as usual. They'd make fine sailors in any navy.
Rhyll, seeing Baj has everything in hand turns to go. "When you have a chance Baj drop by my quarters."
Baj nods to Rhyll, "Aye, Captain, I will be just a moment longer."
Rhyll turns to Izzy and says, "My lady care to join me in a glass of Mazirin Red?"
Baj yells a last order up to the masthead, "Mister Deeshon! If anyone from that village heads this way, I had better know of it before he gets three steps from his door!"
Deeshon calls down. "I saw the crew head that way, sir! Fast as their blue legs'd carry them!"Izmeralda nods. "What about the prize, Captain?"
Baj says, "Well, if they get any ideas about heading back this way, we shall certainly want time to set up a proper welcome for them, Mister Deeshon. Keep a sharp eye."
Rhyll says, "What about it? I trust my men to secure an abandoned ship."
Izmeralda looks back over her shoulder. "Where I am from, we would never trust men with such treasures..."
Rhyll looks the lady in the eye then tips a nod to Baj and says, "That's Mister Mirko's specialty, keeping men honest."
Baj smiles a frightening smile for the Lady Izmeralda, "And I take a special pride in keeping men honest, milady."
Baj takes a last look around for anyone that isn't busy. Seeing no idle hands, he follows after Rhyll and Izmeralda.
The damage is fairly extensive. Otho's estimate of three days may be optimistic, and the gap in the starboard side will certainly need spares from the Queen Amoret or even new boards cut from the trees on the cay.
Dacien picks a trio of men from the crew, Oojif among them, to help with the repairs atop the mizzen.
The Reckoning flutters forward, alongside the prize, and Ferlan's weapon crews splash into the water below, tugging on ropes, pulling the great ship into place.
Dacien and his crew succeed in cutting loose the shattered piece of the mizzenmast and lower it slowly to the deck with its' tangled rigging and sails. The Tobon bosun slides down a mizzenshroud to the main deck, calling his men down after him, "Okay, lads, let's get cracking on the new canvas. Oojif, see what you can salvage from that mess."
The mute Oojif nods, scrambling to untie the tangled lines, grinning happily.
Vendig fits his blade attachment to his hook, nodding to Candra, Erris, Talon, and a few other stout fighters. They form a boarding party of seven.
Candra leads the way down the ladder to the water below, which is no more than chest deep now.
Vendig looks over his shoulder. "In case there's any bluebellies on board yon prize, Mister Talon, your talents may be needed, one way or the other, take me meaning."
Talon nods. "Always glad to pitch in."
Candra and Erris, his arm still bound but rapier in hand, their feet bare, splash out of the deep water to the sandbar. Vendig is right behind, with Talon in tow, and three more troopers behind. The Queen Amoret looms before them.
Candra nods to Talon, then nimbly scales the ladder dangling from the side of the beached ship.
Talon follows Candra, clambering up the rope ladder on the side of the Amoret.
The deck of the Queen Amoret is quite abandoned, the merchant sailors fleeing in a panic. A jug of brandy is still left open and undrunk at Talon's right hand. The deck is oddly slanted and makes the going tricky,and challening even for one of Talon's agility.
Talon turns to Candra. "Want me to start checking berths?"
Vendig says, "Mister Talon, you and Mister Erris go you below and do that. We'll look about up here."
Talon nods to Vendig and heads for the holds. Erris is right behind Talon.
Rhyll opens the door to his cabin and beckons his two companions to enter.
Baj says, "Captain, I might suggest we make our conversation short. We do not have long before we will have to go ashore."
Rhyll says, "That's exactly what I asked you here to talk about."
Izmeralda seizes the flask of Mazirin Red and pours three goblets without being asked to. She lifts one. "To the prize!" she says.
Rhyll lifts his glass and says, "Yes, indeed this was a close one and well-won."
"Defeating Captain Draco surely will not sit well with him, Captain Rhyll.." the lady murmurs.
Baj takes the offered glass and lifts it, "To the Reckoning and to the memories of the ones we lost this day." He drains his glass and sits it down silently.
Rhyll nods and drinks from his glass again. The says, "I'd like to send a little scouting party into the town. Judge just how friendly the locals are. I'd like you to lead the party."
Baj lifts an eyebrow, "Aye, Captain. It should be a small group, able to move quickly if the need arises."
Rhyll says, "Who do you wish to take with you?"
Baj pours himself another glass of wine and sips it thoughtfully for a moment, "I think that I would like to take the healer, Mister Talon. A most resourceful man in a tight spot."
Rhyll nods, "Anyone else?"
Baj shakes his head, "Not unless you have another in mind, sir. A pair of men should suffice for a quick look into the town."
Izmeralda says, "Might I go as well, Mister Mirko? I have some diplomatic..abilties..."
Baj shrugs as only an Urag can, "I leave it to the Captain's discretion, he is in command."
Rhyll raises and eye brow. Why do you wish to go Mera? Is my company so bad? Or is there another reason?"
Talon and Erris pad down the darkened, slanted corridors. The freighter is quite deserted, her berths empty. They reach her hold, and it seems stuffed with barrels and crates.
Talon scans through the cargo to get an idea of just what exactly they have won. Each one is stamped with a stylized blue shark, sleeker and sharper than the fish emblem of Sarrik. Talon knows this seal well. The personal seal of King Lucard. He looks around for something to pry one of the barrels open. Finding a sharp-ended fish gaff, he pries one open and looks inside.
Within are dried bags of spices from the Burning Kingdoms, each one worth more than its weight in dragons. Within another crate, wrapped in oiled leather, are long, exotic-looking fishing spears. Within a third are woven rugs from far Dhazir. Each is a rich treasure and would fetch a fine price. These luxury goods were meant for the King's own palace.
Erris fills a cup from one of the kegs. He gasps, spits out the drink, and passes the cup to Talon with a smirk.
Talon takes a swig and smiles. The fluid in the cup is Molossan firewine, of good vintage. Talon has not tasted its like in years."It seems poor Lucard will be deprived of some fine goods." He smiles again this time, even bigger, "The King in Sarrik will not be happy, no not at all." Then takes another swig.
Erris says, "But I don't see no money, Mister Talon..."
Talon says, "Lad this is money, hard currency where ever you go. This cargo will sell for a fine price.""
Erris blinks. "Oh...well, then!" he says, excited.
Izmeralda says, "I've been on this ship for weeks, Captain. You didn't let me go ashore in Arjuri. Am I your prisoner?"
Baj sits uncomfortably in his seat watching the power struggle between Rhyll and the Lady Izmeralda.
Rhyll seems to consider, "I could let you go. Perhaps it would be a good test of your loyalty. Do you now want to be a member of this crew?"
Izmeralda blinks. "Loyalty? I have been nothing but loyal!"
Rhyll says, "I repeat my question Mera, are you a member of this crew dedicated to the Reckoning, it's Captain?"
Izmeralda says, "What kind of a question is that?"
Baj looks directly into Izmeralda's eyes, "She has never taken the oath, Captain."
Candra and Vendig push into the hold. "What've you got there, lad?" asks the Vulkah.
Candra says, "We found few dragons, only goods. This tub must have been on its way home...with something for the shark, whoever that is."
Talon knows that none of the former crew men will dare go back to Sarrik. He knows what Lucard would do to any who would dare loose a haul like this.
Talon calls back, "Why we have quite a prize here. In fact one fit for a King."
Vendig says, "A King, lad?"
Talon says, "Indeed I can even name him if you like."
Vendig grins. "You mean this is Lucard's own catch, lad?" Erris nods, laughing, and even Candra joins in, baring her teeth in glee.
Talon says, "Aye the old shark will have heads rolling."
Vendig says, merrily, "Let's get us back t'the Cap'n and tell 'em." Erris passes him a cup of firewine and the old Vulkah gulps it down, greedily.
Talon smiles with the rest. He relishes this victory over Lucard.
Rhyll says, "I should think a very simple one. Before I send you out there I want to know if you are still a passenger or if you are one of us?"
Izmeralda says, "I have nothing but the welfare of this ship at heart. If you don't wish me to go with them, then say so!"
Rhyll says, "Take the oath then. And I will let you go."
Izmeralda goggles. "You wish me to swear an oath to be a pirate?"
Baj stands quickly, rising over the woman, "Is it beneath you? Do you live under our protection when your master would have slit your throat, and yet still think yourself our better?"
Rhyll says, "Easy Baj, lets see what the lady has to say." He smiles, "It's what we do, love. All of us--and to be honest we take it quite seriously, on this ship."
Izmeralda looks up coolly at Baj. "No..no, my father was a buccaneer. I have learned much from you all on this vessel and owe you my life. Give me the oath, and I will swear to it."
Baj backs away, bowing slightly, "My apologies, Captain. My apologies, milady."
Rhyll nods to Baj. He stands and in a solemn voice says, "Swear service to me, Rhyll, 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!"
Izmeralda bows her head a moment. "I so swear, by the Warrior."
Baj bows his head, "Live free, die free, by the Warrior, so I swear."
Rhyll looks at Izzy lifts his glass and says, "Welcome to your new family, Mera the lady pirate!"
Mera lifts her own glass. "I thank you, my Captain. You have but to order me."
Baj extends a solemn hand to Izmeralda, "Welcome, shipmate."
Mera looks down at Baj's green hand. She shakes her head and extends her own hand to him, fingers down, wrist bent, back up. Old habits die hard.
Baj takes her hand and gently turns it to the handshake of an equal, smiling back at her.
Mera says, "But if I am one of you now, what is to be my office on board this vessel, Captain?"
Rhyll stops in mid toast and says, "Hmmm good question. I'll give it some thought. Stop by my cabin tonight and I'll give you an answer." He then winks at her to let her know he's just joking.
Rhyll says, "Mister Mirko, crewman Mera will accompany you if you so choose.""
Baj says, "I would be glad to have her, Captain."
Vendig's party is on their way back to the Reckoning now, shimmying up the rope ladder to the main deck. They seem thrilled and pleased at the results of their expedition. Vendig has a set of ship's papers in his fist.
Vendig tells Talon, "You're wi'me, lad, we're to see th'Captain."
Talon says, "Aye sir. And good news we'll have for him!"
A thunderous rap comes at the door of Rhyll's cabin. Only a Vulkah knocks that way.
Rhyll says, "Well I hate to break up this lovefest but there seems to be someone at the door."
Vendig and Talon spill into the now-crowded cabin. "A report on th'prize, cap'n. Tell him, Mister Talon!"
Talon bows. "As good fortune would have it sir. It appears we have stumbled on to a prize bound for the King of Sarrik himself. Only the finest goods, worth more then their weight in gold."
Baj grunts, "The only question now is whether we have two ships that are seaworthy or only one to haul away our fortune."
Rhyll shows a big smile. "Well, gentlemen this calls for a drink Mera can you scuttle up two more glasses?"
Mera pours two more glasses of Mazirin Red.
Rhyll winks at Izmeralda and says, "Seems you joined my crew at a most opportune time."
Mera says, "So it would seem. When can we loot the prize, Captain?"
Rhyll says, "If I know my crew I'm sure the unloading has already commensed. Mister Vendig?""
Vendig shakes his head. "Th'men know their place, sir. No lootin' till you order it."
Rhyll says, "Mister Mirko you have business to attend to so I'll oversee the transfer personally. Talon, you'll be helping out Mister Mirko." Rhyll heads off with Vendig, and they can hear him say, "All right, you old shark lets see what goodies we have in store."
Baj says, "Aye-aye, Captain. If we come across any of the crew from that trader, should I offer them terms?"
Rhyll turns and says, "Yes, do that--take some coins as well to line the local leaders' pockets with as well. I wouldn't mind giving the lads a leave if the town is open to it."
Baj says, "Aye, Captain. Mister Talon, Miss Mera, come along now."
Mera sets down her goblet, offers a salute to Rhyll, and tags along after Baj.