Rising Sun: Issue 5

The Memory of Haakon

37

The faces of the crew are unusually tense today. They gaze out into the sea, searching and hoping that something they expect to find there will not be found. They passed once through these waters safely, but they believe that passing through again is only bringing the winds of fate against them.

The stressful mood affects all on board, including Lakaast and Goragik. Lakaast has turned to aiding in the working of the ship to take his mind off the perilous situation the ship lies in. Goragik has turned to foul temper that wards all of the crew away from her. After she brutally tore one sailor limb from limb for trying to ease her out of her mood, the rest of the crew has given her wide berth. She still gnaws at the remains of an arm bone from the unfortunate sailor who got in her way. The crew has hastily learned not to confront an irate Nadziranim.

You gaze vacantly over the sea, almost wishing that the danger found you. Any action, even the threat of death in battle seems to be better than this waiting. The frustration of worrying over something that may or may not affect you is agonizing.

The ship is currently North of the Kirlundin Isles. This is perhaps one of the most precarious areas of the entire voyage. Only a few dozen leagues to the south, lie your mortal enemies, the Sommlending. The ships of these stalwart sailors are known to patrol these waters on a regular basis. Only luck and fortune prevented the 'Bloody Merchant' from being detected in these waters before. The superstitious crew does not believe such luck will be found again.

Captain Mosk is of another theory. He has planned his route to travel outside the typical sea-lanes of normal sea travel. By staying far away from these areas he does not think anyone will find the ship, at least no one who is not expecting to find you. Your own mind wonders though, for perhaps some anxious Kai who saw your escape from Helgedad has even now followed in your wake to this point in your travels.

Sure enough, not a moment after you think of this, the lookout gives a cry. A ship has been spotted from the crow's-nest. Captain Mosk's face is perplexed, confused as to how the patrols have found him. Whipping out a telescope, he peers at the oncoming ship and curses under his breath.

Grabbing his looking glass from him you look at the ship as well, suddenly realizing that it is not one but two ships. A swift clipper far precedes the other, as it forges its way through the waves for your ship. There is no way the ship you are on can outrun such a swift vessel. The other is farther away and has a large ram affixed to its prow. At its head is a cloaked figure. At first you cannot believe your eyes, but as the ship draws closer you realize that standing on its deck is the Supreme Kai Master Rune Fire. In his hand is drawn the flaming sword, the Sommerswerd, ready to blast the ship and all on it to atoms. Fear and dread seize your heart for though you are already powerful, you are still no match for the Kai Supreme Master.

The crew's shouts around you awake you from your reverie and you look up to see the clipper drawing alongside the Bloody Merchant. Grappling hooks and ropes are thrown along the sides and quickly you are drawn even to the other ship. 'Prepare for boarders!' Shouts the captain and the Pirates all draw their blades.

Beside you Lakaast draws a large Axe and Goragik begins to transform into some strange creature of claws and fangs. Suddenly a brilliant flash of light fills your eyes and for a moment you are blinded. A blast of fire and heat has emanated from the other ship, which you instantly sense was delivered by the Sommerswerd. The main mast of the Bloody Merchant comes crashing down, flaming in charred ruins. It hits the deck and tears apart an upper portion of one of the sides. Pirates go careening into the ocean, shouting in terror as they go.

Reld, the first mate, swings a bloody scimitar and points to the Kirlundin Marines boarding the ship. 'Death to the Sommlending!' He screams and charges into them with a dozen crew behind him.

If you wish to follow him into this charge turn to 42.

If you wish to hold back, turn to 47.

Contact: TheRisingSun@bigfoot.com http://www.crosswinds.net/~therisingsun/August2000/Haakon/37.htm