Vendig kicks closed the door to the Captain's cabin. In his arms he has a tray laden with a special meal, a roast ham and boiled taters, in rich brown gravy. He sets it on the small table.
It's a tight space, gathering the ship's notables in here: Rhyll, Baj, Dacien, Vendig, Candra, Mera, Benning, Talon, Almira, Revas, Otho and Kell.
Vendig rumbles: "I'm th' last, skipper. Y'can say y'r piece, now."
Kell pours wine for the company, from a stone jug, a sweet Sarry vintage taken from the Queen Amoret.
Dacien hops up and grabs a goblet of wine.
Vendig ladles out the fragrant repast and adds a wedge of black bread to each plate. He serves the Captain first, then Baj, and the others in order.
Rhyll gives a gracious bow and says, "Gentlemen and ladies-- first let me say how happy I am you could join me tonight."
There are nods around the table. They are happy to be there, glad to put the shoreline behind them and be at sea again, hunting for adventure.
Rhyll says, "I have much to say... but let us first dig into these most delicious-looking victuals Mister Vendig has made for us."
Candra seizes a piece of gravy-laden ham and jams it into her maw, in the Urag style, nodding appreciatively as she chews with her mouth open.
Baj eats slowly, dawdling over his food in a most un-Urag-like fashion.
The meal is well-done and well-seasoned, and delicious. Everyone enjoys Vendig's fare and comes back for seconds and thirds.
Otho asks to hear more about the battle Baj, Talon and Mera fought against the Devourers. The three explain their parts in the struggle, Baj modest and self-effacing, Talon and Mera praising Baj's fierceness in combat.
Dacien eats heartily, pouring several more goblets of wine for himself and his tablemates as the meal progresses.
After the company has finished the meal, Rhyll stands and raises his goblet and says, "To the best crew a Captain could have. To adventure on the high seas and to Free Men everywhere."
Baj seconds the toast, "Free Men!"
The pirates raise their goblets, clinking one against the other. "Free Men!" rings the cry.
Rhyll continues, "I know there has been some question about our course, so let me say this outright. We are headed for the Kandan Reach." He then looks for the reaction of his crew.
Baj raises an eyebrow, but holds his tongue.
Dacien says, "The Reach, cap'n? What's the job?"
Vendig sits back, taps his pipe clean, then takes his time about refilling it with leaf. He offers his pouch to Dacien in case the Tobon would also like a smoke after dinner. As Rhyll speaks, the old Vulkah frowns, striking a spark from his flint into his pipe bowl.
Dacien takes a hefty pinch of the Vulkah's leaf and stuffs his pipe.
Revas says, "Been in those waters, sar. Nothin' there but seaweed and fog."
Rhyll says, "Why are we pirates? Why do we do what we do risking life and limb? Can any of you tell me?"
Candra says, "Because we're free, we do as we please..."
Dacien puffs his pipe alight, "Wenches and drink!"
Baj scowls at Dacien and sips his wine.
Rhyll says, "True, but we are also free to be farmers or pig tenders or barmaids for that matter."
Kell says, "No one else would have us!"
Benning is silent, listening to the Captain's words with his usual gravity.
Rhyll says, "Come now what do we gentlemen and ladies of fortune seek?"
Dacien says, "Fortune!"
Baj growls at Dacien, deep in his chest.
Talon sits cleaning his nails with the point of a dagger, not wanting to interfere in the conversation.
Almira shakes his head at this question and answer session. He is usually the one who does this and is not used to playing guessing games.
Rhyll claps his hands, pointing at Dacien, "Give that man a bottle of red!"
Vendig puffs his pipe to life, filling the room with fragrant blue smoke.
Rhyll says, "What is the ultimate adventure, leading to the ultimate fortune? I'll tell you, King Galin's treasure. And we are going to find it."
Almira says, "I surmise this is something to do with her..." He angles his pointy chin at Mera, sitting near Talon across the table. "And the Dragha whom we evaded those weeks ago."
Dacien lifts his goblet to Rhyll and drains it in a single gulp, "A fine a'venture we're t' be goin' on."
Rhyll nods to Mera and says, "Yes, Master Wizard it does. You see the Governor of Mazirin felt so strongly that this treasure existed, that he staked to good ships and a good deal of his reputation on it."
Mera speaks up. "I know it sounds mad...but it's true. My father, the pirate Raven, located the treasure twenty years ago, but he wasn't able to carry it off. He put to sea to get more men to help, but he was blown off course and washed up in Sarrik. But he told me where it was: on an island under two peaks, and guarded by a Dragha. The governor sent ships to find it, and one was lost, and the one I was on was sunk by the Dragha. So it must be true! The Dragha surely guards something, and it knows we know where he is, now. And I can find our way back there."
Vendig says, "It's called the Fool's Treasure, lass, for a reason. I met me Raven once, a fine sailor, no less a pirate than any one at this table...but surely, he's gone off course in this."
Baj leans forward and clears his throat loudly, "And how shall we account for this Dragha?"
The company look towards Rhyll for an answer to Baj's query.
Rhyll says, "We account for it as we account for any foe standing between us and what we want, Mister Mirko."
Candra slams one fist into her open palm, baring her teeth, in approval.
Baj says, "Aye, Captain, but we saw what happened the last time that Dragha took a dislike to someone. It cost us several good men and our former Captain."
Dacien makes a loud noise, "We wuz taken by s'prise las' time, Baj, we'll gut him and use 'is innards fer rigging this time!"
Rhyll says, "Let me tell you something you may not know--something my father the Lord of Avery told me when I was just a small boy. King Galin had two children. A son named Galmon and a daughter named Tarah. Galmon died before he ever sat the throne, and do you know what happened to Tarah? She married a man named Black Jack Avery, the first Lord of Avery. So by bloodright I claim that treasure and I will not let some thieving Dragha stand in my way."
Candra says, "You see? The treasure is the Captain's by right!"
Dacien jumps to his feet, a bit unsteady, "It's his by blood!"
Rhyll says, "It will be ours! All will share in it when we get it."
Vendig says, calmly, "Lad, a hundred ships have gone to the bottom looking for that pile o'loot. It's said the sword of King Brannais of Tol Nedra is even in that hoard. What makes you think we've a bett'r chance than all them others?"
Rhyll says, "I have every confidence in this crew and I believe Raven saw the treasure."
Mera says, "As do I. My father may have been a rogue, but he was no liar."
Benning says, "'Was'? Then Raven is dead?"
Mera replies, "I am sure that he is. He was in the Governor's prison hulk and surely fated to die soon."
Rhyll says, "Gentleman, ladies, Yandar will soon be at war. There will be no pirating till it is over. If we stay, we will have to choose between Baron Lyndag and Bastien. I, for one, would rather choose my own fate."
Dacien says, "L's go an get the treas'r!"
Candra bashes her fist on the table, spilling a goblet of wine and rattling the dinner dishes. "Aye! The treasure!"
Rhyll says, "I believe Tyree chose the best crew and I believe if anyone has the right or the chance to recover this treasure it is the crew of the Reckoning."
Revas says, "I'll get us there, Cap'n! You and me, missy, let's make us a chart..."
Otho grins. "We're gonna be like Kings, then, Captain!"
Rhyll says, "You are my officers. If I have any chance of winning over the crew to this grand adventure I must first have your backing. What say you?"
Vendig looks towards Baj.
Dacien says, "The Reckonining!"
Candra joins in, but doesn't slur her words like Dacien: "The Reckoning!"
Kell sings out as well. "The Reckoning!"
Rhyll looks over to Baj and Vendig to see what their answer will be.
Baj stands and raises his goblet, "The Reckoning!"
Vendig shrugs. "By the Nameless. You've gotta die o'something, hey?" He stands and clinks his mug against the others. "Th'Reckonin'!"
The entire company is on their feet now, clinking goblets.
Dacien drains another goblet and settles back into his seat, hard.
Rhyll uncorks a fresh jug and starts filling goblets all around. Then he yells, "The Reckoning! The ship of Kings!"
A week has passed since you set course for the Kanda Reach, far to the south of the Yandar Main, a narrow arc of islands slicing deep into the southern seas. You are now a hundred leagues or more south of Azora Cay, and have seen not a ship for the last three days. The spring winds of the last few days have borne you far, the weather with you and the skies clear, but as dawn approaches you, a coil of mist has sprung up about you, to port and starboard.
On dawn watch, Dacien stands with Revas on the ship's quarterdeck as the ship proceeds slowly southwards, the mist thickening as you sail, the winds stilling, but still roiling the mists.
The barely-risen sun is just visible as a pink presence in the east, in the thick morning fog.
Revas says, "Been many a year since I was in these waters, Mister Nettleburr. Best we make way slowly till I get me bearin's. Won't do us no good if we rip out her bottom on a tangle."
Dacien nods gravely, his enthusiasm for this adventure waning as the distance from Port Arjuri's taverns increases.
Rhyll appoaches the two and says, "Master Revas, whats your opinion of this fog? Are we nearing the isles?"
Revas nods. "Aye, sar, I'd wager dragons to dumplings, they're not far off. Mayhap when th'sun rises, it'll burn off some o'this mist." The old helmsman indicates his crude chart, he made with Mera's assistance. The lady has a sharp memory, and Revas was pleased with the work.
Rhyll leans on the rail looking out to the fog and says, "Soon now, that's good. The men are starting to get restless."
Tully, the former bluecoat, speaks to Dacien quietly. Voices travel easily in this air. "Some o'the men, sir...they're worried about the Dragha."
Dacien cuts the boy off with a sharp gesture, "No use speaking of it, lad. I'm sure the Cap'n has a plan."
Tully says, "Just so long as it doesn't hit us in this fog. We wouldn't have a chance."
Dacien turns to face Tully, "Lad, you've a lot t' learn about shipboard life. If'n there's a bad thing, ye never speak of it. Gives bad things life when y' speak of 'em."
Tully nods. "I'll remember that, Mister Nettleburr, I will."
Rhyll says, "If you gentlemen will excuse me I must go consult with our Master Wizard." The pushes off from the rail and heads for Almira's cabin.
Deeshon calls down from the tops. "Can't see far in this soup!"
Dacien calls back up to Deeshon, "Keep yer eyes peeled, Dees! Erris, pull down those tops'ls, sluff some speed, lad!"
In his cabin, Almira sits hunched, a bubbling beaker on the table before him. He looks up as the Captain enters. "Good day, Captain. Or is it morning? I lose track. Have we found the treasure yet?"
Rhyll says, "Not yet, Master Wizard. Have you given any thought to how we can defeat the Dragha if it comes to that?"
Almira indicates the beaker before him. "I have indeed, sir, and I have been brewing this for our eventual encounter with the Dragha. I must say, as a scholar of these creatures, I am looking forward to encountering one again. I have also been researching Aaridaagaa, as it called itself, in my modest library. Quite a well-documented creature, it seems."
Rhyll says, "Is there any chance we could avoid fighting the creature?"
Almira tells Rhyll, "I believe there might be. Dragha do not always destroy those they encounter. Aaridaagaa appears to have had much interaction with the 'mammals', as they call us. His name appears in the chronicles of the Crimson Coast several times, but he has not been heard of since Galin's day." Almira flips open an old book, rapidly. He points. "See? Here he is mentioned as destroying the ships of one of the old pirate kingdoms. But here, it is reported he landed and actually spoke to a group of Palladian warriors."
Rhyll replies, "Are there any accounts of Dragha giving up their hoards?"
Almira looks at Rhyll as if he has grown a second head. He doesn't deign to reply.
Rhyll says, "I guess not. Well, I'd hate to kill such a majestic creature but if we must. So what's in the beaker?"
Almira says, "I advise you not to touch it. Vyrin. A potent venom. I thought it might aid us in the battle."
Rhyll nods, "I will leave you to your work. Good day Master Wizard."
Erris' and his hands reef the topsails, slowing the ship's progress. Visibility is nearly down to zero, now, the cool of the morning causing the fog to thicken.
Dacien turns to the aged helmsman, "Should we hold her here, Mister Revas?"
Revas nods. "The current, she's speedin' up...like water goin' in a pipe. See? Means there's somethin' to port and starboard, isles most like."
Dacien moves over to the old man's chart table and points, "Like, maybe, these two isles here?"
To aft, the fog breaks for just a moment as the sun rises. A beam of sunlight lances through the mist bathes the quarterdeck in soft dawnlight.
From aloft, Deeshon cries, "Ship ahoy, aft quarter! A ship! I make her three leagues off, headin' south!" From the deck, that's over the horizon, so any ship Deeshon sees is invisible except from his perch.
Baj yells up to the tops, "Deeshon! Did you see the markings on that ship?"
Deeshon calls back. "No markin's, Mister Mirko! She looked t'be a merchanter, little smaller than us, but where she come from, no way t'tell!"
Revas is about to reply to Dacien when Deeshon interrupts.
Baj steps out onto the maindeck just as Deeshon calls out his sighting. He looks as if he has not slept well for many days.
The cloak of fog about the ship closes to aft again, shrouding the Reckoning in mist. The fog feels clingy, coating the deck, the men and the lines with a fine film of moisture.
Baj says, "Mister Revas, is this a safe speed in this fog?"
Revas calls, "Aye sar! But we're ent'rin a channel, sar, and the Warrior only knows where th'bottom is, sar!"
Dacien notes the conversation between Revas and Baj. He calls up to the masts again, "Erris, reef the mains! Leave us just enough sail to maneuver!"
Erris, dimly visible above, calls down an "Aye!" and his hands get busy reefing the mains.
Revas says to Baj, "Best t'take a soundin', sar. Get a man'r two in a boat ahead o'us, get our depth. These waters like me not."
Baj says, "Excellent idea, Mister Revas. Dacien, two men in small boat for sounding!"
Dacien says, "Aye, Mister Mirko! Talon! Tully! Get a small boat and row out for soundings."
Rhyll walks out on deck and notices the commotion. "Mister Mirko, what's our status!"
Baj says, "Sending out a small boat for soundings, Captain. And some ship aft, sir."
Talon and Tully hop to, grabbing a coil of rope, a ballast weight, and a chalk for marking. Ferlan helps them into a longboat and the two men are slowly lowered into the still green water.
Dacien moves forward to the fo'c'sle to relay soundings.
Rhyll nods, "What ship? Did anyone see her markings?"
Baj says, "No markings, sir. A plain merchanter, is all, headed south, same as us."
Rhyll says, "There is only one reason another ship would be in these waters. I have a feeling more than just the Governor of Mazarin and ourselves have been listening to Raven. We may have more then just the Dragha to contend with."
Baj nods, silent in contemplation. Then he says, "Then we should deal with this ship first, before we come to the Dragha's attention."
Talon and Tully, in the longboat, disappear into the fog ahead of the Reckoning. There's a splash as they drop the weight, and after a moment, Tully's voice returns, "Mark, six fathoms!"
Dacien calls out, "Six fathoms!"
Another long moment, and invisible Tully calls out again, "Mark, eight fathoms! Gettin' deeper, sir! The way looks clear!"
Dacien says, "Eight fathoms!"
Another long pause, a splash, the line is wound up and marked. Tully calls again, "Mark, twelve fathoms!"
Dacien says, "Twelve fathoms!"
Revas says, "We only draft us three fathoms, sar, looks like we got a clear channel ahead."
Baj says, "Dacien, bring the boat back in!"
Dacien says, "Aye-aye, sir!"
Dacien says, "Talon, Tully! Bring 'er back aboard!"
Rhyll turns back to Baj and says, "We should move on a bit further then turn and wait for that ship. In this fog, they won't ever see us."
To the east, in the direction of the rising sun, the thick coils of fog clear another moment, and just for a moment, an island sits there, leagues off. Conical, rounded, thickly grown with trees and vegetation. And at its top, a split peak, two tall crags spiking up from the conical top of the isle. And then the fog closes again.
Mera is at Rhyll's side. "Captain! Did you see that?" Some of the hands certainly did. They're pointing to port, excitedly, although now all that's there is a wall of thick gray fog.
Revas grins, broadly. With his jagged, warty, wrinkled face, the sight is not pretty.
Mera says, "Just as Raven said. Twin peaks at its top!"
A wall of fog shrouds the vessel on all sides now, and no isle is visible.
Dacien returns to the quarterdeck, "The crew's anxious, sir. A ship behind us and the treasure ahead."
Now a distant noise can be heard wafting over the ship. A discordant, skirling sound, coming from forward, not aft where the distant vessel was sighted. The longboat is still forward, hidden from view in the thick soup.
The sound grows louder. It resembles something like a hundred cats being boiled, all at once.
Baj turns back to the helmsman, "Mister Revas? What is that noise?"
Rhyll calls "Deshon what do see up there?"
Vendig spits. "I'll tell you what that noise is, lad...You left th'Howling Lands young, so mebbe you forget..."
Baj turns to Vendig, "Yes, Mister Vendig?"
Vendig hisses, "That music can only be Gholibins..."
Dacien says, "Gholibins? Them little green things?"
A dark shape looms in the mist ahead, to port. Low slung in the water, and narrow, her decks are crowded a horde of tiny green shapes. She moves as silently as death. The noise, music, such as it is, comes from the ship that approaches out of the mist.
The pirates point in horror and shock as the Gholibin vessel races for them. They seem almost stunned by the surprising sight.
The oncoming ship is raggedly built, slathered in black and yellow, her sails carelessly slung from the masts, her decks bristling with armed warriors.
The two ships are no more than a hundred yards apart now, and the Gholibin raider is arrowing towards the port side of the Reckoning on a collision course.
Baj says, "Hard to starboard! Battle stations, now!"
Dacien leaps for the rigging, "Erris! Battle sails!"
An awful caterwauling issues from the Gholibin crew, as they play merry hob on their awful squeezeboxes, bang spears and swords on each other, and scream rage and defiance as they sweep for the Reckoning.
Candra bellows, "Gholibin filth!"
Rhyll yells, "Ready for battle Reckoning! "
Baj jumps for the main deck, yelling as he runs, "I said 'BATTLE STATIONS, NOW!!!'"