In the red, late afternoon sun, the Sarrik merchanter Renegade, crewed by Tol Nedrans, races north, her deck aslant as she rounds a swell. Two leagues to the east lurk the cluster of Gholibin isles, now being left rapidly behind. To the west, the sun begins to sink below the horizon. Two scorpion shots behind Renegade is the Reckoning, scudding along in pursuit.
Rhyll and Baj stand on the quarterdeck as the pursuit unfolds, cool breeze in their faces.
The Renegade's crew appear to be well-trained or motivated: perhaps by Captain Raven in his recent tenure as ship's master. Revas has not left the wheel since Rhyll ordered the pursuit, but he has not cut much distance from the Renegade's lead.
Baj yells up to the crewmen in the masts, "Put every last yard of sail on the masts, lads!"
Crews crowd the tops, unfurling every last spanker and topsail.
Rhyll turns to the old man and says, "Master Revas, will we catch her or is this a fool's errand?"
Revas doesn't meet the Captain's glare. He is clearly embarassed by his inability to cut the distance. "She's got the Dark Rider's own wind in her sails, Captain." the old man mutters.
Rhyll walks to the rail and contemplates their current actions.He wants vengeance, but running a ship requires a level head.
The Renegade slams hard through a clutch of waves, and she falters, her momentum flagging for just a moment.
Revas shouts, "She's just made a mistake, captain!" He spins the wheel hard over to port, angling after the prey. He has gained some distance now. Both ships are racing before the wind.
Rhyll shakes his head then pushes himself back from the rail and says with disgust, "Turn her around Mister Revas. We can't catch her and we are moving farther and farther away from our true goal."
Revas says, "But sir! Givin' up the prey and all!"
Baj stands at the rail, his shoulders knotted with tension, "If we let them go now, they will be back at a time of their own choosing, Captain."
Rhyll says, "If my gut is right, we will meet them again. Turn her about, Mister Revas, we have a treasure to claim!" He stares at Baj a moment. "As much as I want to catch them, and as much as Mister Revas wants to catch them, we both realize it will be a long and hard chase, and this is not what we came all this way to do."
Revas glances off towards the ship he has been pursuing so hard. "Aye, sir..." he mutters.
Baj nods, "Aye-aye, Captain."
Deeshon calls down, from the darkening crow's nest. "Another ship, sir! I make her three leagues t'north, sir!" The Renegade is no more than a few hundred fathoms off the Reckoning's port bow, so he cannot mean that.
Rhyll calls back, "Mister Deeshon I want a description of the ship. Any colors flying?"
Deeshon calls down. "No sir, no colors. She's our size, sir, no, a bit bigger...the Warrior's Holy Trousers, skipper, it's the Firewing, it is!"
Rhyll says, "Bring her about quickly Master Revas, I want to be in a good postion when we meet the Firewing. Damn that Draco! This time I will sink him.""
Baj snaps into action, "Mister Nettleburr, please be so kind as to fetch Mister Benning and Master Almira to the deck. I have a feeling their skills will be needed." He jumps down to the main deck, "All hands, fighting stations! The Firewing is our target!"
Dacien runs off below decks, calling out for the wizard and the cleric as he runs.
Rhyll says to Revas, "Head back to the island. If they start getting close we'll turn and fight them."
Revas turns the wheel hard to starboard, and the Reckoning comes hard about, angling eastward now, back towards the islands.
Erris calls to Rhyll, "We're not chasin' the Tol Nedrans, sir?"
Rhyll replies, "As much as it pains me Erris, no. We came here for treasure. There will be time for revenge later."
The Renegade leaps ahead, her sails full of wind, headed north, as the Firewing charges south. The Firewing is still unseen by anyone save Deeshon, but the crew can clearly see their erstwhile prey getting away. The Reckoning now has turned south-east, back towards the islands.
Rhyll says, "Mister Mirko, make sure we keep a close eye on the Firewing. If they start getting close, we will turn and engage them."
Baj says, "Aye, Captain." He looks to the masthead and calls out, "Mister Deeshon, keep an eye on the Firewing, let us know if she closes!"
Deeshon says, "Aye, sir, Firewing's in a hurry, but she mayn't see us yet!"
Baj says, "Mister Deeshon, what course does the Firewing steer?"
Deeshon squints into the gloom. "She's southbound, sir! The Renegade, she's northbound!"
Raven has appeared on deck, and waits calmly nearby for Rhyll to notice him.
Rhyll turns to Raven and says, "Captain, how is your daughter?"
Raven says, "She'll live, sir, she'll live. My apologies for bringing the Tol Nedrans into this."
Revas calls, "South by south-east bound, sir, south by south east bound, the isles dead ahead!" The dark shapes of the three Gholibin isles now fill the front quarter.
Rhyll says to Raven, "I assume it was the Nedries that freed you?"
Raven says, "Aye, stole me, more like. They must have heard the rumor that the treasure'd been found and pressganged mee to lead 'em straight to it. But I won't make that mistake again. The man they captured is not the same as the one who stands before you."
Rhyll says, "Understandable under the circumstances. I won't hold you responsible for what the Nedries do."
Baj leans close to Rhyll, "Captain, if you will pardon the interruption, perhaps we should find a nice dark place to lay in wait for Draco and his crew?"
Rhyll turns to Baj and says, "Are they still following us?"
Baj says, "They are headed this way, and you surely do not mean to leave the ship with that threat hanging over our head, do you?"
Rhyll says, "Let's take a look at the charts."
Raven says, in amusement, "Young Draco? He's still around?"
Rhyll says, "I'm afraid so. And probably holding a grudge from our last meeting."
Raven says, "Or wants a bit of the King's Own Treasure, I'd wager. The word would have been all over the Maze when I left."
Baj says, "If Captain Raven knows where the treasure is, we can wait out any pursuit from the Firewing or the Nedri and retrieve it at a more convenient time."
Rhyll retrieves the charts and looks to see if he can find a likely spot.
Revas unfurls the Gholibin charts for Rhyll, affixing them to his map table with a pair of daggers.
Deeshon calls down, "She's approachin' the Renegade, sir. Like to board her, it seems! Bet those Nedris went from the fryin' pan to the fire! Too dark t'make much out from here."
Revas places his thumb along a jagged stretch of coastline on the kidney-shaped island in the center of the group. There is a cove marked there, marked with trees, that might make a fine place to hide or lurk for an ambush. "'ow about 'ere, sar?"
Baj looks to Rhyll and then to Raven, "Looks like a likely spot for an ambush."
Rhyll nods in agreement then says, "Let's do it then. This time Draco has made his last mistake."
Baj stands up straight, "Mister Revas, take us into this cove here. We shall wait for our guests to join the party."
Raven says, "I'll help. Never liked that fat bastard anyway. If you'll have me in your crew."
Rhyll looks to Baj and then to Revas and finally says, "Welcome aboard."
Dacien smirks in the gathering darkness and jumps up into the rigging, "Take in sail, lads! Maneuvering speed only, but tie 'em loose so's we can get moving again quick like!"
Erris gives orders to his topmen. "You heard th'bosun!"
The sun is now a fat ball in the westering sky, the clouds crisp and glorious, the sunset is bloody crimson. Sailor's delight.
The Renegade is not to be seen, having been borne away northwards, towards the Firewing. The island looms ahead, her slopes thickly forested, the twin-peaked mountain looming from its tall center. Revas makes for the cove, as Rhyll ordered, past a long strand that mounts a stand of old pine sentries.
Baj extends his hand to the older man, "It is good to make the acquaintance of a legend, sir."
Raven offers the usual forearm clasp to Baj. "I'll thank you to stop that right now, Mister Mirko, and swear me th'oath again."
Baj breaks grip with Raven and looks into his eyes, "Swear service to 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."
Raven says, "Live free, die free. I swear by the Warrior!"
Baj breaks into a broad smile, "Welcome aboard, sir."
Rhyll extends his hand to Raven and says, "Weclome to the Reckoning Mister Raven, welcome."
Raven returns the smile. "Thank you, Mister Mirko. What's my job to be?
Baj replies with a wry smile, "Cabin boy of course."
Baj snags Ayrn as the man walks by, "Mister Ayrn, escort Mister Raven to my cabin." He tells Raven, "You will find an assortment of weapons. Arm yourself and make ready to welcome our guests, sir.""
Raven says, "I still remember how to use a sea-saber." He allows Ayrn to lead him away.
Rhyll says , "I think I'll see to our patient. Mister Mirko, come get me if anything changes."
Baj trots off to see to the rest of the crew and their preparations.
Mera sits upright now in Rhyll's cot, on the mend, Benning at her side with a bowl of broth.
Benning rises as Rhyll enters his cabin. "Good evening, Captain," he says, gravely as usual.
Rhyll says, "How is Lady Mera, Mister Benning?"
Mera says, with a smile, "The Lady Mera is fine, Captain. But am I not still a member of your crew?"
Rhyll smiles then leans down by the bed and says, "Of course, and so now is your father it seems."
Mera says, "I am glad he did. He says he missed the pirate life."
Not long after, as the night comes on, Revas is steering the vessel through the broad mouth of the cove. The cove is crescent-shaped, with high rocks overlooking a dark beach. Revas tells Baj, "D'we drop anchor, Mister Mirko?
Baj says, "I think not, Mister Revas. We will need to move with all haste when the time comes."
Deeshon paces his crow's nest, impatiently. He hasn't called down in some time. "Mister Mirko, look at th'island, sir!
A red light has issued from the very top of the twin peaks. A baleful, glowing red light.
Baj is about to speak to Revas again when his attention is grabbed by Deeshon.
Noting the light, Baj calls up to the rigging, "Mister Nettleburr, please fetch the captain, quickly!"
The Reckoning's crew point and gape in disbelief, and look towards Baj for guidance.
Dacien drops to the deck and runs for Rhyll's cabin.
Baj says, "Steady, lads! No need to worry!"
Rhyll says, "Well, he will be a welcome addition to the crew."
Dacien pounds on the door to Rhyll's cabin urgently, "Captain Rhyll, sir, come quick, there's somethin' you need t'see!"
Rhyll rushes out the door, and Dacien follows behind at a run.
As Rhyll climbs up to the weathedeck, the red light on the dark peak grows brighter. A dark shape is barely visible there, now, something huge and bulky, as big as the Reckoning herself, or larger. Rhyll, Talon and Dacien join Baj on the quarterdeck.
Baj shakes his head, "An ill omen, Captain."
Then the light goes out, as suddenly as it appeared. Whatever vast shape was up there, has retreated back down some tunnel.
Rhyll turns to Baj and says, "The Dragha! Where is my Master Wizard?"
Vendig mutters, "Asleep, no doubt... or hung over."
Dacien turns on his heel and head back below decks to fetch the wizard.
Almira is strapping his white robes into place, like some great bird. He rubs his stubbly chin and tells Dacien, irritably, "Yes, yes, Mister Nettleburr, I heard the summons. What does he expect of me this time?
Dacien says, "Your presence above decks is all I know, sir."
Dacien rushes away from the mage as quickly as his legs will move.
Almira presents himself to Rhyll. "Yes, my captain." He seems to have missed all the excitement, as the mountain is dark now.
Rhyll says, "Well Master Wizard, it seems you have missed a glimse of the Dragha."
Almira nods. "Perhaps it is for the best. It also missed a glimpse of us."
Rhyll says, "What can you tell me of the Dragha, Almira? What have you seen in your looking glass?"
Almira says, "Dragha sleep long hours, my captain, but when they wake, they see a long way. I expect that this one will expect our visit."
Raven is wearing a sea-saber now, chosen with Erris' help. He joins Rhyll and Baj on the quarterdeck.
Rhyll says, "If it knows we are here, why hasn't it attacked?"
Almira shrugs. "Who speaks for the lightning, my captain?"
Baj gestures to Raven, "Perhaps we should ask the man who knows more about this island than any of us, Captain?"
Rhyll nods agreement with the mage then says, "I suppose you are right. When the Firewing gets here you will be needed on deck."
Rhyll turns to Raven and says, "Mister Raven, any knowledge to share?"
Raven says, "The Dragha's name is Aariidaagaa, Captain. It stole Galin's treasure and fled here. When I was here last, we made it as far as the base of the peak before we had to turn back--the Dragha frightened my men and killed a score. My plan was to return with more men, but I was caught in a storm and washed up on the coast, bereft of a vessel. When the time comes, I can guide us back to the peak."
Rhyll says, "That is well. Mister Almira does this name mean anything to you?"
Almira says, "Indeed, this name appears in the Chronicles, Captain. A well-known Dragha, that interacted several times with the peoples of the Coast. On the site of the future Port Kalida, it turned away a party of raiding Palladians."
The ship sits quietly. Long hours have passed, the moons grow high in the sky, and the small cove is nearly silent. For the Reckoning, though, on nightwatch, they are wary and alert, ready to move at a moment's notice. Bored and restless, Prilehn's archers begin singing a sea-chanty of the Crimson Coast: "The Drunken King and his Lady". In the still night air, the sound likely carries a long way.
Baj makes his way to the singing men, "Quiet, lads. There will be time enough for singing after we sink the Firewing."
Deeshon calls, from the darkness above, "Ships ahoy, captain. Headed south. Looks like the Renegade and the Firewing, sir, together, sir."
Revas jumps to the wheel.
Rhyll ssys to Bay, "I believe we will lay low and let them land. Then we will pay them a visit."
Baj returns to the sterncastle and motions for the crew to stand ready, awaiting Rhyll's orders. He leans close to Raven, "Where will they likely land?"
Raven says, "The south coast of the island. There Gholibin don't like the south of anything--it's superstition-- so they steer clear of it. And there's a fair anchorage there, as well."
Revas says, "We're to sit here, sar?"
Rhyll says, "For now, Master Revas."
Baj gestures to Rhyll, "Captain, Mister Raven believes that they will likely anchor to the south coast where the Gholibin will not go. Perhaps we should ambush them at anchor rather than face two ships in combat at sea?"
Rhyll says, "My thoughts exactly, Mister Mirko."
Revas winks and grins in approval. "Aye sar! That's a cunnin' plan, sar!"
Baj smiles broadly in the darkness, his large teeth almost glowing, "It will be good to see Captain Draco again. I hope he is as happy to see us."
Raven says, "Don't underestimate the Vorghol, Baj."
Rhyll walks to the rail then turns back to his crew and says, "Either we will get them, or the Dragha will. Either way Draco and the Nedries are doomed."