From: rolandsal@aol.com (Roland Sal)
Date: 12 Sep 1998 21:04:48 EDT
Quick to Strike
Lauter Deur, Underlord of Warsal and ruler of House Deur, observed the various creatures below. Slaves of many races labored at the will of his troops as they prepared to launch their invasion fleet, equipping the ships that would carry House Salsinger and the rest of Warsal's doom. Long, narrow ships, tall in stature, filled the shipyard.
Everything was going perfect, the plans were made, the agreements signed...
Leaving his thoughts, Lauter allowed himself a thin-lipped smile before paying notice to the room's only other occupant. He turned to the elder Drow, deep emerald eyes gazing up as he took a moment to regard his Chief Advisor. "Send for Riders, and have them advance on the temple immediately," Lauter commanded before turning back to his observing.
It will all fall into place, the Salsingers would pay for their betrayal, and he would rule the isle once more. He thought, his expression growing grim, they will all pay for betraying me.
Xion Llane, the elder Drow, bowed respectfully to his lord. Thin strips of white hair fell over his Advisor's dark robes. "As you wish, my lord," Xion's only reply as he arose. Xion clasped his hands behind his back, talon-like fingernails lacing over his palms as he awaited dismissal.
"...dismissed."
The screams that followed the explosion could only be matched with the devastation. Julian managed to avoid most of the debris as it rained down upon the group of defenders. The entire upper region of the temple was gone, scattered in pieces around the small town. Grimly, Julian guessed those meditating in that area were killed instantly. Grabbing up his weapons belt, he bolted to the temple, joining a group of defenders as he neared.
Julian nodded to the lead defender as he snapped off a salute to him, "Where is the General, Corporal?"
The defender motioned to what was left of the large temple, "he was headed to the middle levels last I heard, sir." He seemed to consider, "should we send a team in after him, sir?"
"Yes, of course." Julian spared a glance to the crowd seeming to form around them, "Get the townsfolk back and try and find the source of the attack... I sure as hell hope the Duer don't have another Dyri." Nodding their agreement, the defenders rushed into action.
Julian hurried off to find a messenger.
House Salsinger must be warned.
War in Warsal: Quick to Strike
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From: rolandsal@aol.com (Roland Sal)
Date: 14 Sep 1998 19:12:26 EDT
Julian refrained from spitting as he addressed the front guard, "I said I was here to see Lord Salsinger." Julian arose to his full height, uncharacteristically, he tried to look like the rank he bore.
The attempted seemed futile as the guard once again replied, "Lord Salsinger is currenly unavaliable, you will have to return at a later date."
"Look," Julian spoke through gritted teeth, his eyes meeting the guard's in a piercing gaze, "I need to speak with him now, I have news from the Defenders." He offered the guard a small smile as he spoke proudly of his group.
"I'm sorry, sir... but you will have to wait untill his return, Lord Jenn is currently serving in his place," the guard's calm tone was almost unnerving.
Sheer willpower kept Julian from just storming into the castle and demanding that the current Overseer send troops to the eastern shore. "Then allow me to speak with Lord Jenn."
Lord Jenn, or Sir Harl Jenn as his proper name would state, married into the family when he wed Roa's only daughter, Naomi. Back since Roa's reign, Harl had always been loyal to House Salsinger, serving as a Knight for the past decades.
"On who's authority, sir?" the guard turned, just slightly, to regard him.
Julian glanced off to the door for a moment before returning his gaze to the younger elven's. His eyes flared a light blue as he spoke the words, "Julian Slane, of the Defenders."
The guard blinked. Immediately, he snapped off a crisp salute to the veteran war hero. He was in the presence of a great, and had denied him access to the Overseer. "Forgive me." With that, the guard backed away in a respectful bow, motioning to his counter-part to open the gate.
Julian refrained from stopping the man, even after all these years it still bothered him that people found his actions of over a century ago to be worthy of a hero. The other guard bowed his head as well, pulling the level to allow him access through the gate. Without much word, Julian nodded to each of them before passing through the upraised gate and into the plush courtyard of House Salsinger.
He would need to speak with Harl at once, and give word to wherever Roland may be.
Date: 14 Sep 1998 19:12:26 EDT
Julian refrained from spitting as he addressed the front guard, "I said I was here to see Lord Salsinger." Julian arose to his full height, uncharacteristically, he tried to look like the rank he bore.
The attempted seemed futile as the guard once again replied, "Lord Salsinger is currenly unavaliable, you will have to return at a later date."
"Look," Julian spoke through gritted teeth, his eyes meeting the guard's in a piercing gaze, "I need to speak with him now, I have news from the Defenders." He offered the guard a small smile as he spoke proudly of his group.
"I'm sorry, sir... but you will have to wait untill his return, Lord Jenn is currently serving in his place," the guard's calm tone was almost unnerving.
Sheer willpower kept Julian from just storming into the castle and demanding that the current Overseer send troops to the eastern shore. "Then allow me to speak with Lord Jenn."
Lord Jenn, or Sir Harl Jenn as his proper name would state, married into the family when he wed Roa's only daughter, Naomi. Back since Roa's reign, Harl had always been loyal to House Salsinger, serving as a Knight for the past decades.
"On who's authority, sir?" the guard turned, just slightly, to regard him.
Julian glanced off to the door for a moment before returning his gaze to the younger elven's. His eyes flared a light blue as he spoke the words, "Julian Slane, of the Defenders."
The guard blinked. Immediately, he snapped off a crisp salute to the veteran war hero. He was in the presence of a great, and had denied him access to the Overseer. "Forgive me." With that, the guard backed away in a respectful bow, motioning to his counter-part to open the gate.
Julian refrained from stopping the man, even after all these years it still bothered him that people found his actions of over a century ago to be worthy of a hero. The other guard bowed his head as well, pulling the level to allow him access through the gate. Without much word, Julian nodded to each of them before passing through the upraised gate and into the plush courtyard of House Salsinger.
He would need to speak with Harl at once, and give word to wherever Roland may be.
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From: gimmzak@aol.com (Gimmzak)
Date: 15 Sep 1998 19:49:10 EDT
After a brief discussion with Roland after the Overlord's challenge match, Gim hurried away from the Battlefield and into his carriage. The driver made their way back to the ancient fortress set inside the mountain. The sentry on the battlements seeing the familiar carriage approach signaled down the dwarf\ves manning the controls to the massive doors. A loud creaking groan reverbed into the mountain as the doors slowly
swung open. The carriage hurtled through the doors and came to a stop in the courtyard, without waiting for it to stop completely, Gimzak was off and moving toward his study, shouting, actually bellowing for Balor, his high priest and one of his oldest and trusted friends.
Balor Footbreaker heard the mighty bellowing, he had just happened to be a few doors down from the study in the library, going over some old maps of the mountain. He quickly too the side passage connecting the two rooms and entered the study. There he found Gimzak pacing.
"What is it Gim?" Balor asked. Gim turned and smiled, his eyes showing a sparkle not seen in a long time. "I need you to ready 1500 of the soldiers, we march for New Mountainside immediately" Gim replied. Balor just stared at him for a moment before speaking. "Gim, why are we marching on New Mountainside, I thought...." He was interrupted by Gim laughing softly. "We aren't marching on them Balor, we are marching TO them. War is afoot my friend and
Roland can use the help." Balor breathed a sigh of relief and he nodded. "I shall be ready to leave within 8 hours M'lord" Again he was stopped as Gim held up a hand and shook his head. "Not this time my dear friend, this time I will lead them into battle"
Balor started to protest but knew it would do no good. With a resigned sigh he finally relented and sunk into a chair. "What do you need me to do Gim?" he asked. "Well, first, I'll need my armor, the dragon hide, and both axes and the shield, second, I'll need you to retrieve me somehow in the event I'm challenged for my ring." Gim paused thinking. Balor nodded rising from the chair and turned to leave, stopping as Gim spoke again. "Balor, Roland is
a friend, and it is only right that I go" he smiled "It's been a long time since I've been in battle my friend, all will be well you'll see." Balor nodded not turning around and speaking under his breath as he departed "yes, that is what I am worried about".
A mere half hour later Gim entered into his personal armory, slowly, reverently approaching the armor he wore long ago on Oearth, and when he first came to Rhydin. The hide still looked almost new as he took very good care of it. Shadow dragon, trimmed in blue dragon hide, with a red dragon hide cape. Carefully he dressed, the armor still fitting him, even though he noticed gaining a few pounds recently. Nodding his satisfaction he moved next to
where the weapons were resting. A silver battle axe, and a black one. Oath Keeper and Father Woes respectively. He took them and placed them on his sides, then turned and picked up the shield, it was as black as midnight, and he strapped it to his arm. Fond memories of the last time he wore the army, and The Company of the Dragon came back to him and he smiled wider. With that he turned and made his way for the courtyard.
The scene in the courtyard was one to see, 1500 dwarves, all in full battle gear were assembled and quietly waited their king to address them. Off to the side, a group of 20 dwarves, known as Battleragers made the noise, anxiously awaiting the word to go. Gim stepped out ontop of the battlements and looked over his assembled army proudly.
"My friends, today we march to New Mountainside to help a friend, from there we will board a ship and then we will engage the enemy. I don't need to tell you how to fight, you've all proven worthy...so let's march!"
A resounding cheer went up, that shook the very mountain itself, the massive gates opened and 1500 dwarves marched out, down the winding path to the base of the mountain and off toward their destination. Somewhere in the back a lone dwarf started an ancient dwarven marching song and soon, 1500 dwarves joined in singing. The very ground around them trembled as they marched on their song filling the air for miles.
Up front, Gim marched with his people, the feelings returning again, the exhilaration of going into battle again, his mind wandered briefly to something, and he put it off without another thought. He was going to battle once again, helping a dear friend...all would be good..he was sure of it.
Date: 15 Sep 1998 19:49:10 EDT
After a brief discussion with Roland after the Overlord's challenge match, Gim hurried away from the Battlefield and into his carriage. The driver made their way back to the ancient fortress set inside the mountain. The sentry on the battlements seeing the familiar carriage approach signaled down the dwarf\ves manning the controls to the massive doors. A loud creaking groan reverbed into the mountain as the doors slowly
swung open. The carriage hurtled through the doors and came to a stop in the courtyard, without waiting for it to stop completely, Gimzak was off and moving toward his study, shouting, actually bellowing for Balor, his high priest and one of his oldest and trusted friends.
Balor Footbreaker heard the mighty bellowing, he had just happened to be a few doors down from the study in the library, going over some old maps of the mountain. He quickly too the side passage connecting the two rooms and entered the study. There he found Gimzak pacing.
"What is it Gim?" Balor asked. Gim turned and smiled, his eyes showing a sparkle not seen in a long time. "I need you to ready 1500 of the soldiers, we march for New Mountainside immediately" Gim replied. Balor just stared at him for a moment before speaking. "Gim, why are we marching on New Mountainside, I thought...." He was interrupted by Gim laughing softly. "We aren't marching on them Balor, we are marching TO them. War is afoot my friend and
Roland can use the help." Balor breathed a sigh of relief and he nodded. "I shall be ready to leave within 8 hours M'lord" Again he was stopped as Gim held up a hand and shook his head. "Not this time my dear friend, this time I will lead them into battle"
Balor started to protest but knew it would do no good. With a resigned sigh he finally relented and sunk into a chair. "What do you need me to do Gim?" he asked. "Well, first, I'll need my armor, the dragon hide, and both axes and the shield, second, I'll need you to retrieve me somehow in the event I'm challenged for my ring." Gim paused thinking. Balor nodded rising from the chair and turned to leave, stopping as Gim spoke again. "Balor, Roland is
a friend, and it is only right that I go" he smiled "It's been a long time since I've been in battle my friend, all will be well you'll see." Balor nodded not turning around and speaking under his breath as he departed "yes, that is what I am worried about".
A mere half hour later Gim entered into his personal armory, slowly, reverently approaching the armor he wore long ago on Oearth, and when he first came to Rhydin. The hide still looked almost new as he took very good care of it. Shadow dragon, trimmed in blue dragon hide, with a red dragon hide cape. Carefully he dressed, the armor still fitting him, even though he noticed gaining a few pounds recently. Nodding his satisfaction he moved next to
where the weapons were resting. A silver battle axe, and a black one. Oath Keeper and Father Woes respectively. He took them and placed them on his sides, then turned and picked up the shield, it was as black as midnight, and he strapped it to his arm. Fond memories of the last time he wore the army, and The Company of the Dragon came back to him and he smiled wider. With that he turned and made his way for the courtyard.
The scene in the courtyard was one to see, 1500 dwarves, all in full battle gear were assembled and quietly waited their king to address them. Off to the side, a group of 20 dwarves, known as Battleragers made the noise, anxiously awaiting the word to go. Gim stepped out ontop of the battlements and looked over his assembled army proudly.
"My friends, today we march to New Mountainside to help a friend, from there we will board a ship and then we will engage the enemy. I don't need to tell you how to fight, you've all proven worthy...so let's march!"
A resounding cheer went up, that shook the very mountain itself, the massive gates opened and 1500 dwarves marched out, down the winding path to the base of the mountain and off toward their destination. Somewhere in the back a lone dwarf started an ancient dwarven marching song and soon, 1500 dwarves joined in singing. The very ground around them trembled as they marched on their song filling the air for miles.
Up front, Gim marched with his people, the feelings returning again, the exhilaration of going into battle again, his mind wandered briefly to something, and he put it off without another thought. He was going to battle once again, helping a dear friend...all would be good..he was sure of it.
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From: xlronman@aol.com (X lron Man)
Date: 16 Sep 1998 12:15:41 EDT
The sea was a thick ooze of angry froth swirling and crashing about the ship as they loaded. Amidst the crowd, though surely far from a part of it, was the looming figure of silent odd. In contrast to the rest of the mercenaries boarding the Salsinger vessel, he did not speak or jest, but merely turned the battered and bruised ebony mask of steel toward the sea. Oh, how absolutely disgusting the sea was in its
oscillating moods and ideas imbued with its sickening texture of wet. How could anyone like such a beast as the sea? Today, the beast was angry, and its dismal reflection of steely clouds displayed its anger flagrantly.
They were finally all on the ship. Barbarians, knights, and assassins all questing for the ever-loving gold shuffeled to claim their standing spots on the ship. They bumped, shoved, and pushed to gain comfort and space. Not one touched the masked figure. They looked up at him, and as everyone did when they looked at him, they noticed the mask. They noticed the warped steel and battered age. Most of all, they noticed the lack of holes in the
mask. It possessed not holes for sight or holes for breath. It was simply blank steel-- and they backed away.
"Men," all attention turned forward toward the gruff voice and the veteran man of muscle standing on a platform. "Today we sail from New Mountainside toward yet another war in yet another land. I know not one of you, but we are brothers. We are warriors who shed our blood and give our lives to our love of battle and our need for gold. House Salsinger calls us this day. May we all have the chance to be called again." With that, the ship grunted
and shoved forward to commence its own war with the angry sea.
Date: 16 Sep 1998 12:15:41 EDT
The sea was a thick ooze of angry froth swirling and crashing about the ship as they loaded. Amidst the crowd, though surely far from a part of it, was the looming figure of silent odd. In contrast to the rest of the mercenaries boarding the Salsinger vessel, he did not speak or jest, but merely turned the battered and bruised ebony mask of steel toward the sea. Oh, how absolutely disgusting the sea was in its
oscillating moods and ideas imbued with its sickening texture of wet. How could anyone like such a beast as the sea? Today, the beast was angry, and its dismal reflection of steely clouds displayed its anger flagrantly.
They were finally all on the ship. Barbarians, knights, and assassins all questing for the ever-loving gold shuffeled to claim their standing spots on the ship. They bumped, shoved, and pushed to gain comfort and space. Not one touched the masked figure. They looked up at him, and as everyone did when they looked at him, they noticed the mask. They noticed the warped steel and battered age. Most of all, they noticed the lack of holes in the
mask. It possessed not holes for sight or holes for breath. It was simply blank steel-- and they backed away.
"Men," all attention turned forward toward the gruff voice and the veteran man of muscle standing on a platform. "Today we sail from New Mountainside toward yet another war in yet another land. I know not one of you, but we are brothers. We are warriors who shed our blood and give our lives to our love of battle and our need for gold. House Salsinger calls us this day. May we all have the chance to be called again." With that, the ship grunted
and shoved forward to commence its own war with the angry sea.
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From: rolandsal@aol.com (Roland Sal)
Date: 18 Sep 1998 14:06:59 EDT
The sail to Desloeque was a very uneventful one, almost madding with its calm waters and effiecent crew. Roland busied himself with all sorts of maps and written information, plotting a suitable defense against the invasion that could be launching even as they sailed. Andur and Repness often would aid him, offering ideas and corrections as the days went by. Soldiers practiced their sowrdsplay where they
could, remaining in fighting condition had always been a must during trips such as these.
Upon the fifth day, they landed. Only to find the city leveled; buildings still burned, many dead bodies, and a group that still continued the fight...
______________________________
"Grab your weapons, men! Aid the militia untill the city is secure again... Gold group, try and get those fires out." Roland yelled over the bussle of troops and sailors, before going for his equipment as well. Andur raced up to his side before he could turn, already prepared himself, Andur offered him his equipment.
Suiting up in a set of light, leather armor, a surcoat covering his torso, he lead Andur down the exit ramp. Crestrion and Munial, his two loyal guards were quick to take up his side, sporting their own armor and surcoats. Roland nodded to those accompaining him before motioning down the main street. Screams, battle cries, and the occasional broken window grew closer as the group of four ventured down the street.
Seemingly from no where an arrow struck Crestrion in the shoulder, burrowing past leather armor to the young elven flesh. Crestrion gritted his teeth, but didn't cry out or scream. "Incoming!" someone behind them screamed, immediately sending the four allies rolling for cover. Crestrion and Roland under a nearby carriage, Munial behind a large tree, and Andur into an ally. Mere moments later a large flaming mass struck the building
nearest the group's last position.
As the smoke and debris subsided, Crestrion snapped the arrow in two, leaving the arrow's front in still burried in his arm. Roland glanced over, "Have that looked at when we return." Crestrion nodded before drawing his sword, laying it beside him from under the carriage.
A few moments later, Andur hurried over to speak, "We took care of the cattipults, Naja flanked them even as they fired." Roland squirmed out of his shelter, dusting himself off with a nod to Andur, Crestrion following suit shortly after.
As the group continued down the street a young trooper, Roland identified as a Corporal from Phoenix Company, stepped up to them. The Corporal snapped off a quick salute before taking up step beside Roland. "Status report, Corporal?"
The younger elven refrained from a grim smile, "The port is secure, two secotrs remain, the mercenaries seem to have that covered, however. Oddly enough... it appears as if we are battling Ogres..."
Roland blinked.
Hesitantely, the Corporal continued, "...and Goblins, Orcs, you name it, sir"
Roland mentally winced at the news, "Any idea how they got here? They couldn't have just walked."
The Corporal nodded, "Luckly, they came on ship. Duer's ships." He gestured towards the eastern port.
Good that they didn't march through Sa'ala or Sithenroak, Roland thought, bad that they are with Duer. Roland prayed the dwarves arrived in time to secure Sa'ala from any sorts of attack.
Roland nodded, "Right then, carry on, Corporal."
______________________________
The group continued down the street with little excitement, finally coming to a hault at the city's garrison. Even through the attack, the large building still remained. It would be here that the allies would meet, and discuess plans of defense...
Date: 18 Sep 1998 14:06:59 EDT
The sail to Desloeque was a very uneventful one, almost madding with its calm waters and effiecent crew. Roland busied himself with all sorts of maps and written information, plotting a suitable defense against the invasion that could be launching even as they sailed. Andur and Repness often would aid him, offering ideas and corrections as the days went by. Soldiers practiced their sowrdsplay where they
could, remaining in fighting condition had always been a must during trips such as these.
Upon the fifth day, they landed. Only to find the city leveled; buildings still burned, many dead bodies, and a group that still continued the fight...
______________________________
"Grab your weapons, men! Aid the militia untill the city is secure again... Gold group, try and get those fires out." Roland yelled over the bussle of troops and sailors, before going for his equipment as well. Andur raced up to his side before he could turn, already prepared himself, Andur offered him his equipment.
Suiting up in a set of light, leather armor, a surcoat covering his torso, he lead Andur down the exit ramp. Crestrion and Munial, his two loyal guards were quick to take up his side, sporting their own armor and surcoats. Roland nodded to those accompaining him before motioning down the main street. Screams, battle cries, and the occasional broken window grew closer as the group of four ventured down the street.
Seemingly from no where an arrow struck Crestrion in the shoulder, burrowing past leather armor to the young elven flesh. Crestrion gritted his teeth, but didn't cry out or scream. "Incoming!" someone behind them screamed, immediately sending the four allies rolling for cover. Crestrion and Roland under a nearby carriage, Munial behind a large tree, and Andur into an ally. Mere moments later a large flaming mass struck the building
nearest the group's last position.
As the smoke and debris subsided, Crestrion snapped the arrow in two, leaving the arrow's front in still burried in his arm. Roland glanced over, "Have that looked at when we return." Crestrion nodded before drawing his sword, laying it beside him from under the carriage.
A few moments later, Andur hurried over to speak, "We took care of the cattipults, Naja flanked them even as they fired." Roland squirmed out of his shelter, dusting himself off with a nod to Andur, Crestrion following suit shortly after.
As the group continued down the street a young trooper, Roland identified as a Corporal from Phoenix Company, stepped up to them. The Corporal snapped off a quick salute before taking up step beside Roland. "Status report, Corporal?"
The younger elven refrained from a grim smile, "The port is secure, two secotrs remain, the mercenaries seem to have that covered, however. Oddly enough... it appears as if we are battling Ogres..."
Roland blinked.
Hesitantely, the Corporal continued, "...and Goblins, Orcs, you name it, sir"
Roland mentally winced at the news, "Any idea how they got here? They couldn't have just walked."
The Corporal nodded, "Luckly, they came on ship. Duer's ships." He gestured towards the eastern port.
Good that they didn't march through Sa'ala or Sithenroak, Roland thought, bad that they are with Duer. Roland prayed the dwarves arrived in time to secure Sa'ala from any sorts of attack.
Roland nodded, "Right then, carry on, Corporal."
______________________________
The group continued down the street with little excitement, finally coming to a hault at the city's garrison. Even through the attack, the large building still remained. It would be here that the allies would meet, and discuess plans of defense...
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From: rhy@aol.com (Rhy)
Date: 24 Sep 1998 23:53:47 EDT
~Running free under a steady northwest, the SeaRaven flew with the grace of a racing hull. The wake faintly creaming behind her was as true as a mans...or in this case womans hand on the helm could make it. Standing at the wheel, Rowan lifted eyes limned with silver to the taut canvas with a pride in her heart few ever knew. The Ravens standard rigging, tarred black for protection against the salt spray, rose above the deck like a dark line of
ladders approaching a perfect sky and Rowan contemplated her ship against the vastness.
The ship was a small two-masted schooner some six years old, and one hundred sixty eight feet from deck to mainmast cap. Her hull was painted black and her bulwarks white. Her two masts were square rigged as was the style, but from there on, she deviated well away from the ordinary. More than craftmanship had gone into the building of this ship. At some point between the man who'd first drawn her on paper, and the final moment of launch, magic
had been wrought, and Rowan could sense the silent running rythm of it as a throb within her veins.
As the third bell rang out the forenoon watch she gave up the wheel, calling for the first and second mates.
"Mister Burke..take the wheel. Mister Levy, come with me".
Crossing the quaterdeck she entered her spacious cabin and tilted the shade of a overhead crusie to reflect against the myriad charts that blanketed a built in desk as her First Mate entered the door behind her.
"Mister Levy...what think you of our present heading?"
They had been three weeks at sea on maneuvers. Captain and crew...long time seperated had needed time to reacquaint. There had been little enough of that, but Rowan was satisfied that they had covered the basics, and the three new members were well about their duties. They now sailed for their first assignment, to cover the uprising in Warsal.
"The winds are steady Captain, and if they hold..according to these mariners markings", stabbing at the notation with a finger, "we should make landfall within two days .But these charts are ancient..and who's to say if they are even accurate?"
"Aye Mister Levy..that very thought has crossed my mind many times since we changed course. I paid a pretty price for these parchments. They were all that was available without waiting for newer ones from St Dominicus. Alas..as we have often heard the complaint in the past, we had not the luxury of time."
Connecting points by compass Rowan estimated the distance and bearing, then nodded with a bright smile." Ah well..tis only three days passage to Three Roads Crossing, and we have provisions for a month. What matters if we settle into adventure in the meantime? "
"Adventure captain?" Levy eyed her in half wary amusement. "I thought you said our orders were to cover a possible war in Warsal."
" And so it is Mister Levy..and so it is." she replied with a slightly roguish wink. "Much as were our orders were at Portree, Slaggamore, ... Dakartu? Tell me John....have ye e'er seen a gathering of 1500 dwarves..all poised and in full battle gear..just imagine the seriousness of such a cause...and the scope of the undertaking. Would ye really wish ta miss such a thing"?
" Pardon my recollection Captain..but you were hardly an unbiased observer in those other conflicts..as I recall..in Dakartu...," John began.
Cutting him off in mid sentence she smiled acknowlegement. "Ye are quite right a chara..and so it will nae be so here. But I can still be the eyes of Eusebius and attend my own agenda as well. You,..this crew.."..waving an inclusive hand.. "were hand picked for your wits and daring bravado. Now tell me honest and I'll respect your wishes. If ye wish to turn around just say so...and we shall be on our way."
Turning her back to her First mate, Rowan pretended to be absorbed by measurements. John stood staring..lost in thought, mere seconds before asking tentatively.
"You said 1500 dwarves Captain? "
Without looking back, Rowan nodded slowly, as a smile played capriciously about lips given to that pasttime. She felt his quick salute before hearing the echo of his boots, clicking breifly before pivoting and taking him back out the doorway. They were in accordance.
****************
By the time the fourth bell sounded, Rowan was clinging to the top gallant spar. Poised, and with eyes shaded eastward, the wind toyed and teased dark tendrils of ebon hair from her signature braid to dance freely in the wind. With the royal yard billowing above her head, she yelled down to the Second Mate....
"Mister Burke..take a sounding ."
Billy threw the line wide and pulled up a plug of red sand. Upon tasting it, he annouced to a cheering crew. "If the wind holds Captain we should see see land within 24 hours."
"Good man Mister Burke. Mister Levy, hold steady to this heading." Satisfaction reflected by the silvery lift in her voice she continued steadily. " ....And prepare the crew for possible assault by sea. We enter a war zone, and only the Gods know what we shall encounter. "
Date: 24 Sep 1998 23:53:47 EDT
~Running free under a steady northwest, the SeaRaven flew with the grace of a racing hull. The wake faintly creaming behind her was as true as a mans...or in this case womans hand on the helm could make it. Standing at the wheel, Rowan lifted eyes limned with silver to the taut canvas with a pride in her heart few ever knew. The Ravens standard rigging, tarred black for protection against the salt spray, rose above the deck like a dark line of
ladders approaching a perfect sky and Rowan contemplated her ship against the vastness.
The ship was a small two-masted schooner some six years old, and one hundred sixty eight feet from deck to mainmast cap. Her hull was painted black and her bulwarks white. Her two masts were square rigged as was the style, but from there on, she deviated well away from the ordinary. More than craftmanship had gone into the building of this ship. At some point between the man who'd first drawn her on paper, and the final moment of launch, magic
had been wrought, and Rowan could sense the silent running rythm of it as a throb within her veins.
As the third bell rang out the forenoon watch she gave up the wheel, calling for the first and second mates.
"Mister Burke..take the wheel. Mister Levy, come with me".
Crossing the quaterdeck she entered her spacious cabin and tilted the shade of a overhead crusie to reflect against the myriad charts that blanketed a built in desk as her First Mate entered the door behind her.
"Mister Levy...what think you of our present heading?"
They had been three weeks at sea on maneuvers. Captain and crew...long time seperated had needed time to reacquaint. There had been little enough of that, but Rowan was satisfied that they had covered the basics, and the three new members were well about their duties. They now sailed for their first assignment, to cover the uprising in Warsal.
"The winds are steady Captain, and if they hold..according to these mariners markings", stabbing at the notation with a finger, "we should make landfall within two days .But these charts are ancient..and who's to say if they are even accurate?"
"Aye Mister Levy..that very thought has crossed my mind many times since we changed course. I paid a pretty price for these parchments. They were all that was available without waiting for newer ones from St Dominicus. Alas..as we have often heard the complaint in the past, we had not the luxury of time."
Connecting points by compass Rowan estimated the distance and bearing, then nodded with a bright smile." Ah well..tis only three days passage to Three Roads Crossing, and we have provisions for a month. What matters if we settle into adventure in the meantime? "
"Adventure captain?" Levy eyed her in half wary amusement. "I thought you said our orders were to cover a possible war in Warsal."
" And so it is Mister Levy..and so it is." she replied with a slightly roguish wink. "Much as were our orders were at Portree, Slaggamore, ... Dakartu? Tell me John....have ye e'er seen a gathering of 1500 dwarves..all poised and in full battle gear..just imagine the seriousness of such a cause...and the scope of the undertaking. Would ye really wish ta miss such a thing"?
" Pardon my recollection Captain..but you were hardly an unbiased observer in those other conflicts..as I recall..in Dakartu...," John began.
Cutting him off in mid sentence she smiled acknowlegement. "Ye are quite right a chara..and so it will nae be so here. But I can still be the eyes of Eusebius and attend my own agenda as well. You,..this crew.."..waving an inclusive hand.. "were hand picked for your wits and daring bravado. Now tell me honest and I'll respect your wishes. If ye wish to turn around just say so...and we shall be on our way."
Turning her back to her First mate, Rowan pretended to be absorbed by measurements. John stood staring..lost in thought, mere seconds before asking tentatively.
"You said 1500 dwarves Captain? "
Without looking back, Rowan nodded slowly, as a smile played capriciously about lips given to that pasttime. She felt his quick salute before hearing the echo of his boots, clicking breifly before pivoting and taking him back out the doorway. They were in accordance.
****************
By the time the fourth bell sounded, Rowan was clinging to the top gallant spar. Poised, and with eyes shaded eastward, the wind toyed and teased dark tendrils of ebon hair from her signature braid to dance freely in the wind. With the royal yard billowing above her head, she yelled down to the Second Mate....
"Mister Burke..take a sounding ."
Billy threw the line wide and pulled up a plug of red sand. Upon tasting it, he annouced to a cheering crew. "If the wind holds Captain we should see see land within 24 hours."
"Good man Mister Burke. Mister Levy, hold steady to this heading." Satisfaction reflected by the silvery lift in her voice she continued steadily. " ....And prepare the crew for possible assault by sea. We enter a war zone, and only the Gods know what we shall encounter. "