At Last, At Last, The 7th Sea Writeup!
Feb. 21st, 2010 08:48 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
realsorienTook me a while, but here's #11. I'll get #12 done soonish, and as we're gaming today I'll have the notes for #13 to work with. Whee?
In our last episode, the heroes had planned on leaving town aboard the ship of Erik’s Vestin kin in search of adventure; instead, they ended up following the many mysterious leads concerning the dracheneisen door that had been discovered in the cellar of the manor. One of the keys has been found, located on the corpse of a long dead priest in the catacombs beneath the cathedral. The other is still missing, but may be in an estate to the south.
With this mystery remaining the option of travel remains open; however, the threat that the manor could be seized for the inherited debts from the previous owners remains. Illyana found a few leads that could help there.
The morning dawns as usual for an Eisen day, damp and clouded. Armand serves breakfast to the gathered friends, whereupon Erik asks, “How far to Helgrund, Armand?”
The senchal pauses a moment. “About five days overland, sir.”
“I have a need to return to my home; I think this can wait.”
Illyana raises an eyebrow. “We have other difficulties; what of debtors?”
“What of them?”
“They may attempt seizure of manor.”
Erik gets a small grin. “And THAT, is why my cousins are here!”
“Ah. True. I have had other thoughts of the debtors as well. Mayhap there is way to dispute some of them, if original holders of the loans have passed without heirs. After all, there is no true law here.”
“When we get back.”
Illyana nods. “When do we leave?”
“As soon as possible.”
“I wish to check on something; I will meet you at ship?”
“We leave in three hours.”
She nods, then goes to pack what little she has for the journey. While the conversation played out first Zora then Djiel fetched their possessions; Erik had already packed. Illyana makes her way into the city, scouting towards the now-former location of the Eisen mercenary army. They’ve left! While she doesn’t try to investigate whether the buried payroll was recovered, she does a little verbal poking about and learns that they left in some haste, their grand plans for a celebratory parade having failed due to lack of funds... Only the stragglers of the great camp are still visible as they bravely flee the outskirts of Freiburg. With this satisfactory discovery she heads to the dock and her companions.
While Illyana did her reconnissance, the others went down to the dock and prepared for their journey. The vessel they’re to board is not the seagoing vessel that will take them to Vestin; that ship is too deep of draft to navigate the rivercourse. Instead, its a smaller craft, also of Vestin construction. Zora arrived first, and set to preparing the vessel to cast off; however, this is not the kind of ship she’s used to- square-sailed rather than triangular and smaller. She has a fair amount of difficulty until Erik and Djiel arrive. Seeing the situation, Erik grins and provides assistance, coming up from behind her and guiding. This is rather more than assistance, but Zora doesn’t object.
The trip along the river is a quiet one. Erik is curious of the poverty-ridden dwellers of the city outskirts- on his arrival he’d tossed gold and extolled them to ‘be strong!’, which had led to horrible fights over the money; now the shore stays quiet, though there is one response of ‘be strong!’ when he calls.
Finally, the coast is reached. The vessel in which their actual sea-journey will take place aboard is unusual- almost a blending of Vestin and more modern design. It bears four masts (two main, bowsprit and trailing), and unlike most Vestin raiding vessels boasts formidable cannon as armament!
Erik hails the vessel. “Hoy there! Why are you still here?”
The answer comes back immediately. “We were waiting for you!”
Erik smiles broadly. “Excellent.”
Once all are aboard and the decisions as to what crew will be staying are made, they prepare head to sea. Illyana approaches Erik.
“So. This is your boat?”
“Ship. It is my people’s ship.”
“Ah. Family or what?”
“It belongs to my clan.”
“Extended family then.”
Erik looks to his crew. “When do we leave?” The grin has yet to fully leave his face.
“When you say!” Is the reply of his First.
“Lets get the hell out of here.” And with that, the vessel is underway on its voyage home.
A very few hours pass for the vessel until the first interruption of the journey is spotted. From the crow’s nest the call comes- “Ship ahead!” Everyone not occupied with the operation of the ship scramble to get a look, not the least include Erik and company. Erik himself can only make out that its a ship. Illyana can see that it is small than their own, but it takes Zora’s experienced seagoing eyes to identify it. A pirate!
The news renews Erik’s mood. “Man the cannons and full sail!” With this almost-howled shout the crew sets to and soon is gaining on the smaller ship, which has at least the wisdom to try and run from the much larger attacker.
Knowing what comes, Illyana comments more to herself than to anyone else. “I... Do not like this. I have never been in battle at sea.” She steels herself and waits the first blows.
Rapidly closing on their quarry, they are soon in position for a broadside; the cannons are unleashed, with the result that the pirates lose a cannon. They return the fire, but miss clean.
More shots are exchanged. A Vestin shot skips across the deck of the pirate, then another wrecks another cannon. With the thrill of the fight in him, Erik orders his ship to ram; the maneuver is performed but perhaps too well- the smaller ship is torn open to the waterline and rapidly starts to take on water! Erik orders the boarding action, Djiel leaping across before any others.
He spots the captain, bearing a rapier and main gauche- He charges the man, who manages to parry the vicious strike; but Djiel pirouettes, driving his spear into the man’s side! So much for the captain. However, the men who’d been with the captain turn to try to kill Djiel for his deed. He’s swarmed and hurt, but in silence he spins, throwing three of the men over the rail!
Zora is now able to join the fray- she leaps across to the rigging of the slowly sinking enemy vessel, diving down upon the men surrounding djiel- four more fall to her flashing blades. Djiel looks vaguely nonplussed, shrugs and looks for more foes.
Erik, seeing that there are now only four men left orders his crew to just loot the vessel. They begin swarming over to strip the ship. Djiel then strikes again, leaving one man for Zora- Djiel guts the first with a strike through the belly, the second’s neck is broken by a strike from Djiel’s spear-haft, and the third dies being ripped open as Djiel viciously slashes upon removing his spear from the unfortunate pirate’s comrade.
The crew mostly search the lower deck while Illyana, having watched the fight end before she could even decide to join in, explores the captain’s cabin. She finds something disturbing...
This isn’t a pirate vessel. Its a flagged privateer of Montaigne! She lets Erik know of this, but he really could care less. The law and function of the world outside of Vestin seems to not concern him at all. The ship is rapidly searched, Illyana making sure that all the captains papers, logs, charts and instruments are gathered up. With this, the remaining surviving crew are killed, then the ship is blown apart utilizing its own powder kegs. With lightning summoned by Erik, the pyre for its crew lights the sky.
Aside from the captain’s possessions there were 20 guilder aboard, and a true prize- a solid gold cross, literally encrusted with precious stones. Zora recognizes is as being from the great cathedral in Castille. Of course, Etik wants o melt it down, and Zora agrees. Illyana is more than a little disturbed; The nation of Montaigne is the enemy of her homeland. Melting the cross to her seems a waste, when returning it to Castille and the Church would certainly help her people’s cause by humiliating the Montaigne responsible for its removal. She’ll have to convince Erik somehow.
She makes her attempt some time later, with the smoke from the burning wreck no longer visible behind them. She fails utterly; Erik’s attitude is that of wealth gained from battle, and can’t or won’t see the political possibilities of returning the cross. Mostly she succeeds in irritating the Vestin Prince, who can’t see why they should give away such lucre.
In the end, she fails to convince him, but offers to somehow buy the cross from him if possible. Erik doesn’t comment either way on this possibility.
Days go by and the weather gets a touch rougher and the air a LOT colder. For Erik and Illyana this is hardly a problem; they both hail from harsh, cold climates. For Zora and to a far greater extent Djiel its miserable. Zora does have (almost) suitable clothing, but due to the lack of easy communication Djiel never did get properly outfitted for the more northerly lands. Fortunately for him, Erik had thought of this and obtained a heavy fur cloak from one of his cousins before they put out. With this on Djiel is at least able to function, though he’s still cold. Adding to his misery is his continued seasickness.
Djiel is finally able to come on deck once again, though he spends too much time leaning over the rail. It’s due to this unfortunate position that he notices something very strange- the sea is DARK below them. Also, the flow of the water seems to be opposite to what it naturally should be. His seasickness forgotten, he calls Erik over and points.
Erik looks at the strangeness, and with the wisdom of any sailor in the face of the strange orders the ship clear of the shadow-water. Once they’re clear, the strangeness increases- the sky darkens above the circular area, and with a vast blast of spray a massive warship rips out of the waves!
The Montaigne flag is quickly sighted, but knowing their pursuers is only half of the problem. The approaching vessel is definitely a warship, larger and faster than their own. Given how it arrived it also has terrifying magical support as well. They turn to run as best they can, knowing that a fight is likely unavoidable. In their previous fight they’d lost a cannon; now, with the first volley from their new foe they lose another! Erik orders the remaining guns readied and loaded with chain shot- their best bet is to disable the warship and run. With a roar their cannons blast the chainshot at the foe; one mast is heavily damaged, but the enemy continues to draw closer. But they’ve gained some distance. With that, both Erik and Illyana aim to improve the odds.
Erik gets as far astern as he can, gazing back at the rapidly approaching vessel. He draws a knife, and with an ancient chant once again carves a Rune, this time on the stern rail of his vessel; with this act the winds driving their foe forward simply... Stop. At the same time, Illyana has taken a pitched rag and wrapped it about one of her arrows. She takes careful aim and looses. For a moment it seems that she’s missed, but then her shot crosses into the region of dead air around the Montaigne vessel- her shot hits a sail, which quickly starts to burn quite merrily, or so it seems to the Vestin crew! With this they easily pull away, escaping their possible fate.
Roughly a day later finds them entering the fjord which is Erik’s home port. The clan colors are raised and they soon put into port. They’re greeted by some of Eriks kinsman and the harbormaster. Erik manages to convey that this is where he came to Djiel; the man goes wide-eyed at this, and quickly starts splashing on cologne! Far too much, of course.
Leaving the crew to deal with berthing and general repairs Erik and his unusual entourage head into town. The goal initially is to get the cross de-jeweled and melted down... Illyana is resigned to this, but quite unhappy with it. Before they reach the smith, however, a large group of men in fine dress (for Vestin) coming from the direction of the Carl’s hall- it’s Erik’s younger brother Bjorn! The two men embrace in greeting, and introductions are made. Much is made of the unusual appearance of Djiel, Erik commenting that he’s the best fighter he’s ever seen.
Erik leads the way into the smithy, and with payment arranged the smith starts disassembling the finely-wrought cross. He does express a touch of confusions as to why such a work was to be broken down, but when payment is arranged he sets to it with a will. Outside, the comments have increased the number of appraising looks from Bjorn’s men, and soon one of them is peeling clothes down to his waist- there’s gonna be a fight! As if that was ever doubted...
The two men square off, Bjorn’s man offering a handshake. Djiel takes it and promptly sucker-punches his opponent! It gets ugly from there, the two men going back and forth in their conflict. Illyana asks if Erik would bet on Djiel. “I wouldn’t.” Is the reply, knowing that the man Djiel fights is a far more experienced fighter. As the punching and tusseling continues, Erik manages to slip off- he has something to arrange for the end of the fight.
By the time he gets back, things are getting out of hand- Djiel won’t yield, and Zora, who had been hiding inside the smithy to stay warm, has come out to defend Djiel! She draws steel, and this is NOT a good time to have done so. The fight was a ‘friendly’ one, and no deaths were in the expected agenda. Fortunately, Erik gets back just as this starts to unfold. He has Djiel stop, and with Erik’s word he yields. As a reward for the fight, Djiel is carried off by five blond-haired beauties who will be ‘tending to his injuries’.
WIth the aftermath sorted out, Erik takes Zora to get warmer clothing while Illyana decides to wander through the town alone. They get to the old women who do the weaving and sewing, Erik introducing them to Zora. One of the women, named Yolanda, glances up.
“Prince Erik? Ah, its good that you’re back. Too bad about your father...”
Erik is obviously stunned at this. “My father?”
“You didn’t know? O dear...”
Erik charges back out onto the street, leaving Zora to be clothed. He full-out runs to relocate his brother, passing Illyana as he does. She follows, seeing the concern on his face. It isn’t long until he finds Bjorn.
“What about father?”
Bjorn blinks. “What of him?”
“What happened to him? One of the weaver-women said something happened to him!”
“... Was it Yolanda?”
There is a pause while the pair stare at each other, working it out. Then they turn as one and bolt for the Clan hall, Illyana in their wake!
Erik gets there first and bolts through the door... And nearly to his doom! There is a yawning black pit before him, his father hanging onto the far edge, barely! Bjorn stops cold at the sight as well, as does Illyana. “Damn. Porte`!” She says.
Erik steels himself only a moment, then leaps the gaping hole to the other side, catching his father’s hand as he does; but while he got his father’s hand, his own grip is slipping and they start to fall into the pit! Illyana then acts- she shifts to wolf, easily leaping the gap and gets a solid grip on Erik with her teeth. In turn SHE starts to slip, but her act has given Erik enough time to brace himself, and with a great effort he gets them all safe.
After everyone catches their breath Erik’s father says, “What the HELL was that?”
“That,” replies Erik, “was Porte`. Montaigne magic.” The last of the portal is fading out at this, leaving a dish-shaped depression where it had opened. Illyana changes back to human and Erik makes introductions. He leaves Illyana with his father and brother, and returns to the weaver-women to retrieve Zora. “Nice to hear about your father,” comments Yolanda. Erik nods to this. Zora now has a warmer outfit, so they return to the clan hall where Erik further introduces Zora.
While they wait for Erik’s return, Bjorn once again shows interest in Illyana, as he had just before Djiel’s fight. She has NO interest in settling down with him or anyone else, and says so. “What would it take for me to win your hand?” Illyana laughs, and makes what might be one of the worst mistakes of her life. “If you kill entire ruling body of Montaigne, THEN I might.” Bjorn gets an odd look in his eye. “Then it shall be done. I leave at once!” And he leaves just as Erik and Zora arrive.
“He could not be serious, could he?”
Erik looks serious. “He may be. What did you say?”
Illyana explains, and Erik decides to make it worse for her, though his reply is accurate. “If that was your condition, he may. Don’t worry about it.” Naturally, that makes her worry about it more. Worse, Erik’s father announces Erik and Zora’s joining, and refers to the future joining of Illyana and Bjorn!
That evening a grand feast is to be held, for the celebration of Erik’s return and the potential weddings in the air. Illyana is even more disturbed as she’s found out that Bjorn has put to sea, likely to carry out the mad attempt to strike Montaigne down. People file in and take their seats, the hall being noisy and boisterous as platters of food and tuns of mead are brought out. However, everything goes quiet and respectful as a VERY old man, bent of back and leaning on a staff, makes his way into the room.
Erik whispers an aside to Zora. “That is the Skald. My teacher!”
The oldster looks over the assembled, making his way to his place at table. As he passes Djiel, who looks almost petrified that the witch doctor of Erik’s people is present, he seems to bless the ebony-skinned giant as he passes. He welcomes Erik home, then sits. “Right. Where’s the beef?” And the feast begins.
With the end of the first course, the Skald stands and the hall becomes hushed and respectful once again.
“Gunnef the Raven Haired!” He begins. His apprentice, a much younger man, goes over to Djiel with a bowl filled with water. He takes Djiel’s finger and swirls the water with it. To Djiel’s amazement, pictures form within the bowl, following the words of the Skald.
“Gunnef the Raven Haired. Chosen of Grumfather, First King of the Vestinmannavnjar. She led us and taught us to live, that all to the west are our enemies. She led us after the Living Runes departed from the sight of mortal men, and gave us our name: One people, West edge.
“But she is long gone, and the Vestinmannavnjar are split, we who still follow the Good Ways andthe Vendel, who have corrupted themselves. The Living Runes are not pleased with us, with blood of other lands within our lines. But today is a happy time, of the joining of Erik and Zora together.”
This and more he says, but his speech leaves people questioning what he meant; usually his speeches get everyone all fired up; this time it has created confusion and questions. Erik’s father comes to him and comments on just that. But there is a wedding feast to plan- that wipes away much worry.
Later, when the festivities have begun to die down to more informal clusterings Illyana pulls Erik aside.
“I am worried. I do not want your brother to be killed.”
“Then why did you set that quest upon him?”
“I did not think he would think it serious!”
“Illy. In Vestin, to set a quest like that is not lightly done.”
“I did not know. How could I?”
“If it is any consequence Bjorn is a terrible sailor, and his ship is a boat. A harbor toy. He would never be able to make the journey.” He turns to shout to his father. “Father! Has Bjorn improved in his sailing?”
His father laughs. “Your brother? No, he is not a sailor. But then his friend Thorvald IS. The pair are always together these days. Why?”
Illana suddenly gets a powerful sinking feeling.
While the festivities continue to wind down, she makes her way to the coast with her spyglass. She scans the horizon for Bjorn’s vessel, managing to spot what might be it just on the horizon. She changes into a seal to make her way out to him, with the hope that she can dissuade the young man.
Things are never that simple. As she dives into the water and begins to swim, a hellish glow appears within the volcanic mountain that rises behind the village; smoke and fire billow into the air, all unseen by Illyana...
And there we leave off until next time!
In our last episode, the heroes had planned on leaving town aboard the ship of Erik’s Vestin kin in search of adventure; instead, they ended up following the many mysterious leads concerning the dracheneisen door that had been discovered in the cellar of the manor. One of the keys has been found, located on the corpse of a long dead priest in the catacombs beneath the cathedral. The other is still missing, but may be in an estate to the south.
With this mystery remaining the option of travel remains open; however, the threat that the manor could be seized for the inherited debts from the previous owners remains. Illyana found a few leads that could help there.
The morning dawns as usual for an Eisen day, damp and clouded. Armand serves breakfast to the gathered friends, whereupon Erik asks, “How far to Helgrund, Armand?”
The senchal pauses a moment. “About five days overland, sir.”
“I have a need to return to my home; I think this can wait.”
Illyana raises an eyebrow. “We have other difficulties; what of debtors?”
“What of them?”
“They may attempt seizure of manor.”
Erik gets a small grin. “And THAT, is why my cousins are here!”
“Ah. True. I have had other thoughts of the debtors as well. Mayhap there is way to dispute some of them, if original holders of the loans have passed without heirs. After all, there is no true law here.”
“When we get back.”
Illyana nods. “When do we leave?”
“As soon as possible.”
“I wish to check on something; I will meet you at ship?”
“We leave in three hours.”
She nods, then goes to pack what little she has for the journey. While the conversation played out first Zora then Djiel fetched their possessions; Erik had already packed. Illyana makes her way into the city, scouting towards the now-former location of the Eisen mercenary army. They’ve left! While she doesn’t try to investigate whether the buried payroll was recovered, she does a little verbal poking about and learns that they left in some haste, their grand plans for a celebratory parade having failed due to lack of funds... Only the stragglers of the great camp are still visible as they bravely flee the outskirts of Freiburg. With this satisfactory discovery she heads to the dock and her companions.
While Illyana did her reconnissance, the others went down to the dock and prepared for their journey. The vessel they’re to board is not the seagoing vessel that will take them to Vestin; that ship is too deep of draft to navigate the rivercourse. Instead, its a smaller craft, also of Vestin construction. Zora arrived first, and set to preparing the vessel to cast off; however, this is not the kind of ship she’s used to- square-sailed rather than triangular and smaller. She has a fair amount of difficulty until Erik and Djiel arrive. Seeing the situation, Erik grins and provides assistance, coming up from behind her and guiding. This is rather more than assistance, but Zora doesn’t object.
The trip along the river is a quiet one. Erik is curious of the poverty-ridden dwellers of the city outskirts- on his arrival he’d tossed gold and extolled them to ‘be strong!’, which had led to horrible fights over the money; now the shore stays quiet, though there is one response of ‘be strong!’ when he calls.
Finally, the coast is reached. The vessel in which their actual sea-journey will take place aboard is unusual- almost a blending of Vestin and more modern design. It bears four masts (two main, bowsprit and trailing), and unlike most Vestin raiding vessels boasts formidable cannon as armament!
Erik hails the vessel. “Hoy there! Why are you still here?”
The answer comes back immediately. “We were waiting for you!”
Erik smiles broadly. “Excellent.”
Once all are aboard and the decisions as to what crew will be staying are made, they prepare head to sea. Illyana approaches Erik.
“So. This is your boat?”
“Ship. It is my people’s ship.”
“Ah. Family or what?”
“It belongs to my clan.”
“Extended family then.”
Erik looks to his crew. “When do we leave?” The grin has yet to fully leave his face.
“When you say!” Is the reply of his First.
“Lets get the hell out of here.” And with that, the vessel is underway on its voyage home.
A very few hours pass for the vessel until the first interruption of the journey is spotted. From the crow’s nest the call comes- “Ship ahead!” Everyone not occupied with the operation of the ship scramble to get a look, not the least include Erik and company. Erik himself can only make out that its a ship. Illyana can see that it is small than their own, but it takes Zora’s experienced seagoing eyes to identify it. A pirate!
The news renews Erik’s mood. “Man the cannons and full sail!” With this almost-howled shout the crew sets to and soon is gaining on the smaller ship, which has at least the wisdom to try and run from the much larger attacker.
Knowing what comes, Illyana comments more to herself than to anyone else. “I... Do not like this. I have never been in battle at sea.” She steels herself and waits the first blows.
Rapidly closing on their quarry, they are soon in position for a broadside; the cannons are unleashed, with the result that the pirates lose a cannon. They return the fire, but miss clean.
More shots are exchanged. A Vestin shot skips across the deck of the pirate, then another wrecks another cannon. With the thrill of the fight in him, Erik orders his ship to ram; the maneuver is performed but perhaps too well- the smaller ship is torn open to the waterline and rapidly starts to take on water! Erik orders the boarding action, Djiel leaping across before any others.
He spots the captain, bearing a rapier and main gauche- He charges the man, who manages to parry the vicious strike; but Djiel pirouettes, driving his spear into the man’s side! So much for the captain. However, the men who’d been with the captain turn to try to kill Djiel for his deed. He’s swarmed and hurt, but in silence he spins, throwing three of the men over the rail!
Zora is now able to join the fray- she leaps across to the rigging of the slowly sinking enemy vessel, diving down upon the men surrounding djiel- four more fall to her flashing blades. Djiel looks vaguely nonplussed, shrugs and looks for more foes.
Erik, seeing that there are now only four men left orders his crew to just loot the vessel. They begin swarming over to strip the ship. Djiel then strikes again, leaving one man for Zora- Djiel guts the first with a strike through the belly, the second’s neck is broken by a strike from Djiel’s spear-haft, and the third dies being ripped open as Djiel viciously slashes upon removing his spear from the unfortunate pirate’s comrade.
The crew mostly search the lower deck while Illyana, having watched the fight end before she could even decide to join in, explores the captain’s cabin. She finds something disturbing...
This isn’t a pirate vessel. Its a flagged privateer of Montaigne! She lets Erik know of this, but he really could care less. The law and function of the world outside of Vestin seems to not concern him at all. The ship is rapidly searched, Illyana making sure that all the captains papers, logs, charts and instruments are gathered up. With this, the remaining surviving crew are killed, then the ship is blown apart utilizing its own powder kegs. With lightning summoned by Erik, the pyre for its crew lights the sky.
Aside from the captain’s possessions there were 20 guilder aboard, and a true prize- a solid gold cross, literally encrusted with precious stones. Zora recognizes is as being from the great cathedral in Castille. Of course, Etik wants o melt it down, and Zora agrees. Illyana is more than a little disturbed; The nation of Montaigne is the enemy of her homeland. Melting the cross to her seems a waste, when returning it to Castille and the Church would certainly help her people’s cause by humiliating the Montaigne responsible for its removal. She’ll have to convince Erik somehow.
She makes her attempt some time later, with the smoke from the burning wreck no longer visible behind them. She fails utterly; Erik’s attitude is that of wealth gained from battle, and can’t or won’t see the political possibilities of returning the cross. Mostly she succeeds in irritating the Vestin Prince, who can’t see why they should give away such lucre.
In the end, she fails to convince him, but offers to somehow buy the cross from him if possible. Erik doesn’t comment either way on this possibility.
Days go by and the weather gets a touch rougher and the air a LOT colder. For Erik and Illyana this is hardly a problem; they both hail from harsh, cold climates. For Zora and to a far greater extent Djiel its miserable. Zora does have (almost) suitable clothing, but due to the lack of easy communication Djiel never did get properly outfitted for the more northerly lands. Fortunately for him, Erik had thought of this and obtained a heavy fur cloak from one of his cousins before they put out. With this on Djiel is at least able to function, though he’s still cold. Adding to his misery is his continued seasickness.
Djiel is finally able to come on deck once again, though he spends too much time leaning over the rail. It’s due to this unfortunate position that he notices something very strange- the sea is DARK below them. Also, the flow of the water seems to be opposite to what it naturally should be. His seasickness forgotten, he calls Erik over and points.
Erik looks at the strangeness, and with the wisdom of any sailor in the face of the strange orders the ship clear of the shadow-water. Once they’re clear, the strangeness increases- the sky darkens above the circular area, and with a vast blast of spray a massive warship rips out of the waves!
The Montaigne flag is quickly sighted, but knowing their pursuers is only half of the problem. The approaching vessel is definitely a warship, larger and faster than their own. Given how it arrived it also has terrifying magical support as well. They turn to run as best they can, knowing that a fight is likely unavoidable. In their previous fight they’d lost a cannon; now, with the first volley from their new foe they lose another! Erik orders the remaining guns readied and loaded with chain shot- their best bet is to disable the warship and run. With a roar their cannons blast the chainshot at the foe; one mast is heavily damaged, but the enemy continues to draw closer. But they’ve gained some distance. With that, both Erik and Illyana aim to improve the odds.
Erik gets as far astern as he can, gazing back at the rapidly approaching vessel. He draws a knife, and with an ancient chant once again carves a Rune, this time on the stern rail of his vessel; with this act the winds driving their foe forward simply... Stop. At the same time, Illyana has taken a pitched rag and wrapped it about one of her arrows. She takes careful aim and looses. For a moment it seems that she’s missed, but then her shot crosses into the region of dead air around the Montaigne vessel- her shot hits a sail, which quickly starts to burn quite merrily, or so it seems to the Vestin crew! With this they easily pull away, escaping their possible fate.
Roughly a day later finds them entering the fjord which is Erik’s home port. The clan colors are raised and they soon put into port. They’re greeted by some of Eriks kinsman and the harbormaster. Erik manages to convey that this is where he came to Djiel; the man goes wide-eyed at this, and quickly starts splashing on cologne! Far too much, of course.
Leaving the crew to deal with berthing and general repairs Erik and his unusual entourage head into town. The goal initially is to get the cross de-jeweled and melted down... Illyana is resigned to this, but quite unhappy with it. Before they reach the smith, however, a large group of men in fine dress (for Vestin) coming from the direction of the Carl’s hall- it’s Erik’s younger brother Bjorn! The two men embrace in greeting, and introductions are made. Much is made of the unusual appearance of Djiel, Erik commenting that he’s the best fighter he’s ever seen.
Erik leads the way into the smithy, and with payment arranged the smith starts disassembling the finely-wrought cross. He does express a touch of confusions as to why such a work was to be broken down, but when payment is arranged he sets to it with a will. Outside, the comments have increased the number of appraising looks from Bjorn’s men, and soon one of them is peeling clothes down to his waist- there’s gonna be a fight! As if that was ever doubted...
The two men square off, Bjorn’s man offering a handshake. Djiel takes it and promptly sucker-punches his opponent! It gets ugly from there, the two men going back and forth in their conflict. Illyana asks if Erik would bet on Djiel. “I wouldn’t.” Is the reply, knowing that the man Djiel fights is a far more experienced fighter. As the punching and tusseling continues, Erik manages to slip off- he has something to arrange for the end of the fight.
By the time he gets back, things are getting out of hand- Djiel won’t yield, and Zora, who had been hiding inside the smithy to stay warm, has come out to defend Djiel! She draws steel, and this is NOT a good time to have done so. The fight was a ‘friendly’ one, and no deaths were in the expected agenda. Fortunately, Erik gets back just as this starts to unfold. He has Djiel stop, and with Erik’s word he yields. As a reward for the fight, Djiel is carried off by five blond-haired beauties who will be ‘tending to his injuries’.
WIth the aftermath sorted out, Erik takes Zora to get warmer clothing while Illyana decides to wander through the town alone. They get to the old women who do the weaving and sewing, Erik introducing them to Zora. One of the women, named Yolanda, glances up.
“Prince Erik? Ah, its good that you’re back. Too bad about your father...”
Erik is obviously stunned at this. “My father?”
“You didn’t know? O dear...”
Erik charges back out onto the street, leaving Zora to be clothed. He full-out runs to relocate his brother, passing Illyana as he does. She follows, seeing the concern on his face. It isn’t long until he finds Bjorn.
“What about father?”
Bjorn blinks. “What of him?”
“What happened to him? One of the weaver-women said something happened to him!”
“... Was it Yolanda?”
There is a pause while the pair stare at each other, working it out. Then they turn as one and bolt for the Clan hall, Illyana in their wake!
Erik gets there first and bolts through the door... And nearly to his doom! There is a yawning black pit before him, his father hanging onto the far edge, barely! Bjorn stops cold at the sight as well, as does Illyana. “Damn. Porte`!” She says.
Erik steels himself only a moment, then leaps the gaping hole to the other side, catching his father’s hand as he does; but while he got his father’s hand, his own grip is slipping and they start to fall into the pit! Illyana then acts- she shifts to wolf, easily leaping the gap and gets a solid grip on Erik with her teeth. In turn SHE starts to slip, but her act has given Erik enough time to brace himself, and with a great effort he gets them all safe.
After everyone catches their breath Erik’s father says, “What the HELL was that?”
“That,” replies Erik, “was Porte`. Montaigne magic.” The last of the portal is fading out at this, leaving a dish-shaped depression where it had opened. Illyana changes back to human and Erik makes introductions. He leaves Illyana with his father and brother, and returns to the weaver-women to retrieve Zora. “Nice to hear about your father,” comments Yolanda. Erik nods to this. Zora now has a warmer outfit, so they return to the clan hall where Erik further introduces Zora.
While they wait for Erik’s return, Bjorn once again shows interest in Illyana, as he had just before Djiel’s fight. She has NO interest in settling down with him or anyone else, and says so. “What would it take for me to win your hand?” Illyana laughs, and makes what might be one of the worst mistakes of her life. “If you kill entire ruling body of Montaigne, THEN I might.” Bjorn gets an odd look in his eye. “Then it shall be done. I leave at once!” And he leaves just as Erik and Zora arrive.
“He could not be serious, could he?”
Erik looks serious. “He may be. What did you say?”
Illyana explains, and Erik decides to make it worse for her, though his reply is accurate. “If that was your condition, he may. Don’t worry about it.” Naturally, that makes her worry about it more. Worse, Erik’s father announces Erik and Zora’s joining, and refers to the future joining of Illyana and Bjorn!
That evening a grand feast is to be held, for the celebration of Erik’s return and the potential weddings in the air. Illyana is even more disturbed as she’s found out that Bjorn has put to sea, likely to carry out the mad attempt to strike Montaigne down. People file in and take their seats, the hall being noisy and boisterous as platters of food and tuns of mead are brought out. However, everything goes quiet and respectful as a VERY old man, bent of back and leaning on a staff, makes his way into the room.
Erik whispers an aside to Zora. “That is the Skald. My teacher!”
The oldster looks over the assembled, making his way to his place at table. As he passes Djiel, who looks almost petrified that the witch doctor of Erik’s people is present, he seems to bless the ebony-skinned giant as he passes. He welcomes Erik home, then sits. “Right. Where’s the beef?” And the feast begins.
With the end of the first course, the Skald stands and the hall becomes hushed and respectful once again.
“Gunnef the Raven Haired!” He begins. His apprentice, a much younger man, goes over to Djiel with a bowl filled with water. He takes Djiel’s finger and swirls the water with it. To Djiel’s amazement, pictures form within the bowl, following the words of the Skald.
“Gunnef the Raven Haired. Chosen of Grumfather, First King of the Vestinmannavnjar. She led us and taught us to live, that all to the west are our enemies. She led us after the Living Runes departed from the sight of mortal men, and gave us our name: One people, West edge.
“But she is long gone, and the Vestinmannavnjar are split, we who still follow the Good Ways andthe Vendel, who have corrupted themselves. The Living Runes are not pleased with us, with blood of other lands within our lines. But today is a happy time, of the joining of Erik and Zora together.”
This and more he says, but his speech leaves people questioning what he meant; usually his speeches get everyone all fired up; this time it has created confusion and questions. Erik’s father comes to him and comments on just that. But there is a wedding feast to plan- that wipes away much worry.
Later, when the festivities have begun to die down to more informal clusterings Illyana pulls Erik aside.
“I am worried. I do not want your brother to be killed.”
“Then why did you set that quest upon him?”
“I did not think he would think it serious!”
“Illy. In Vestin, to set a quest like that is not lightly done.”
“I did not know. How could I?”
“If it is any consequence Bjorn is a terrible sailor, and his ship is a boat. A harbor toy. He would never be able to make the journey.” He turns to shout to his father. “Father! Has Bjorn improved in his sailing?”
His father laughs. “Your brother? No, he is not a sailor. But then his friend Thorvald IS. The pair are always together these days. Why?”
Illana suddenly gets a powerful sinking feeling.
While the festivities continue to wind down, she makes her way to the coast with her spyglass. She scans the horizon for Bjorn’s vessel, managing to spot what might be it just on the horizon. She changes into a seal to make her way out to him, with the hope that she can dissuade the young man.
Things are never that simple. As she dives into the water and begins to swim, a hellish glow appears within the volcanic mountain that rises behind the village; smoke and fire billow into the air, all unseen by Illyana...
And there we leave off until next time!
