"That is a deal I believe we can agree with. We have use for the ships, but none for the slavers, and it seems to me like you are in the opposite situation." Mihara smiles, looking to her companions for any potential objections.
Azri raised a hand. "I kind of promised that we'd be nicer to them and not kill them if they gave us information and helped free other slaves... but they'd still be punished if their information proved wrong." the lich said. "I intend to keep my promises, and not change them just because another group showed up. However, I'm fine with handing over any who don't want to talk. And who knows? Maybe the threat of Andoran justice will... ah... encourage them to talk."
Aibek, having been doubly securing slaver prisoners in holds, had spent the latter part of conversation with the Andorans in the shadow of doorway listening. Aibek chose to retake on human form, tightening the clothes and headwrap with quick fingers.
While Aibek would not deny being a witchwolf if the markings on the vest and neck guard were recognized - anyone who could recognize it as werewolf would likely have other ways and anyone who could recognize clan from it would likely know the Aibeks already if not specific ones, the witchwolf felt changing back was less of a risk than...well, there were stories of some government policies - spoken and unspoken - on skin walkers and werewolves and Aibek was not about to bet life and limb on what the Andoran policy was. Once done, Aibek quietly moved with rolling through towards the others with little thoughts or words to say until the words that they had specifically known about their ship reached Aibek's no longer pointed or fuzzy ears.
"Getting what information is available on who sent them after us could be very useful, if any of them have it, on other slavers may be useful to us or more useful to the Andorans who will likely be able to hold them better - if agreements can be made" Aibek said, mostly to the others, with a nod to Azri. "Getting this crew and the freed people safely to port among will be harder with the uncooperative slavers aboard and that and many other things will remain hard without more information on who is sending people after us..." Aibek said, glancing to the Andorans, hoping one of them had the information rather than having to go questioning slavers.
"Information? That I might have." The captain pursed her lips for a moment. "If you caught any of the captains or there loyaler minions, they might have some more. You may tell them that any of them who provide information will be granted a lighter sentence, especially those whose deeds warrant death."
She paused, "As for the information itself...we were hired in Okeno, by a proxy. We never met our employer directly. They simply explained that you were competition, and they'd prefer you eliminated. They had gold, and the others pretended that was all they cared for...but most of them aren't dumb. A trap with a down payment is still a trap. My own checks found they'd come from inland on Stonespine Island, which almost has to mean one of the Gnoll tribes there. The others might have found something else out, however."
"So we have a deal?" Urisal tilted her head slightly. "We take the prisoners, you the ship and any who willingly part with information get a lighter sentence?"
"I have no objections to this. I believe we do have an agreement." Azri said as she looked at the others. It was, after all, exactly in line with what she'd been hoping to have happen. She glanced up towards the sky a moment later. "Best to get underway, I think. Let's be about it. Captain, if you'd be so kind as to bring us back to the other ships so we can transfer any who are reluctant to talk?"
The captain nodded. Soon the small fleet now under your control is being organized by Whitebeard's over taxed crew. The Lady Wave herself is strangely empty feeling after the hustle and bustle of the voyage so far, but a good half of the crew now man other ships, with the assistance of some of the freed slaves with a bit of knowledge on sea going matters.
The interrogations go reasonably smoothly. Beaten, demoralized, terrified of several of your party members and only vaguely hoping to live most spill there guts as soon as given the chance. Most of them know reasonably little of value to you, although you do get plenty of information useful to the Eagle Knights - hidden coves, dark marks, contacts in various nations where slaver is illegal and other such pertinent information.
One of the slaver bodyguards, however, has something useful to tell you. He was sent to follow the negotiator, who reported back to a gnoll group some miles outside Okeno. The group was, oddly, led by an apparently non-gnoll leader, although he couldn't get close enough to see more than a white and red robe and smooth, pale skin.
Once the last of the prisoners is transferred, Captain Urisal sautes you, hand on heart. "I am impressed by your handling of this situation. You made short work of these creatures, and they will face justice. Most of them will live to regret there crimes. Now, unless there is anything more...?"
"Only that you give our regards to your commander, Dame Urisal, and let them know that Khalharum's port will always be open to vessels from Andoran." Azri said with her most winning smile. ...Hopefully it didn't look too weird with her mortal visage. They'd gained quite a bit of valuable information from this. Someone was manipulating the gnolls, was it...? To destabilize the area? ...Well, they could talk more about that later. She simply waved as Captain Urisal prepared to leave, then stepped back and turned her attention to the seas ahead. They weren't through with the trip yet, and doubtless the Captain wanted to return with her... cargo. A fitting turnabout for those who only saw people at things.
"Well, I dare say we've done our good deed for the day, haven't we?" Mihara says as the party resumes their travel to Khalharum. She looks their new fleet over for a moment. "I'd say we've obtained a pretty sizeable reward for it as well. We'll have to do something about the sails, though. That yellow is nota pleasing sight by any meaning of the term."
"Yup!" Selena nods enthusiastically at Mihara.
More than anything else, I'm glad we have some more leads on those bastards that poisoned grampa: one step closer to being able to smash their skulls-
"So, Stonespine Island, uh? Does anyone know if it's near Khalarum? In any case, I doubt its the last time we'll butt heads with those filthy slavers." the half-fiend comments. It was obvious that that was going to be the case, seeing how close they were to Okeno, but the ease with which they dispatched the slavers made her much more confident that they could handle the situation.
Nigrum waited until the andorans left before speaking with the others.
"We should not make promises or claims we can not keep. We have yet to land on Khalharum much less made it ready for anything or anyone. Who knows what we will find, it could be a pile of ruins that need to be rebuilt completely or if not infested with hostile inhabitants having found easy shelter."
He kept his word and did not break it with the ease that others did. Which was why he was slow to give it, after all what was ones word when it was freely given without thought or conviction. It became meaningless and that was not wise among merchants and warriors alike. Turning to Selena, not having his time in Katapesh.
"Stonespine island is the largest island claimed by Katapesh. Home to Okeno and if I recall the location of Khalharum as well according to Zhen. Which is why we may not wish to invite the Andorans, at least not just yet."
If he was a leader of Okeno and got wind of their greatest enemies gaining a foothold on their own island. He would seek to crush it with overwhelming force. A new settlement was another thing, that could be looked upon as a near by source of slaves or trade. A swordsman knew when and where to strike, Okeno was best left alone and unprovoked. At least until they have the ability to deal with the expected counter. Currently they were not and he would not underestimate them.
"Stonespine island is the largest island claimed by Katapesh. Home to Okeno and if I recall the location of Khalharum as well according to Zhen."
"Uh. That's...closer than I would have liked." the half-succubus mumbles. She knew that Khalarum was close to Okeno, but not that it was that close.
"Still...if there are bad guys in Khalarum, we'll just kick them out in the bat of an eye, right? We didn't even broke a sweat to do this!" Selena smiles as she gestures to the ships they took from the slavers.
As a half smile grew, nodding at Selena's enthusiasm, Aibek ran small fingers over once more mostly smooth brown skin on the witchwolf's face.
Small dark eyes still hesitantly looking around, eager to see port, "Would be good to do so, before we bring anyone else along..." remarked Aibek, thoughts darting about, not commenting on the difficulty, challenges, or other worries that played around at the witchwolf's thoughts in this moment of celebration.
"Beware of growing overconfident." Azri said quietly. "It can lead to... unexpected outcomes." Like her current condition, for example, which arguably hadn't been an improvement over her original self. At the very least, she hadn't had much of a choice in the change.
The slavers defeated, the Eagle Knights depart. An inventory of the captured ships proves interesting. Sleek and meant for capturing rather than trading, the hold of the three vessels stills holds much of the ill gotten gains from raiding ships over the years. Some of it will obviously be more useful in future trade, but some is on interest to you more personally.
Trade Goods worth 4 Trade Points.
Materials Worth 3 Build Points.
A ring with the inscription, I heed not the earth's call
A fancy patch adorned with a silver skull and crossbones.
A set of chainmail with a pattern of rolling clouds.
a Handy Haversack.
2095sp
4573gp
300pp
It takes an additional two days to reach Khalhaum, thanks to lack of trained sailors and no desire to press hard upon the rowers. With plenty of food and no concern over water you eventually reach Stonespine Island's northern coastline. It is a relatively rocky and desolate place, you can see from the coast, with the ghost of mountains only just visible further inland. But Khatapesh is not a hospital land, and there are still spots of great fertility and beauty there.
Soon you see the remains of the city of Khalharum rising from the coastline. It's easy to see where the city's name comes from - seven huge towers rise above. One has been broken off about half way up, and two others are pockmarked with holes from weapons or magics of truly terrifying power. Bridges that once spanned between them are now mostly broken stumps. But the remnants of glory in there size, the occasion path of still white painted stone and other details shows how Khalharum might once have been.
As you turn into the city's bay, you see it is not just a city of seven towers, but seven island. Each one large enough to hold a reasonable town in it's own right, the seen islands are surrounded by cliffs. Again bridges, high above the masts of even the tallest ships, connect the islands. Several have been crudely repaired, and a few seem whole, but many are broken, there stones lost to the depths.
Sailing around, you see a small dock - obviously a recent addition compared to the rest of the city, it's small but well maintained. And defended. Two dozen men and women stand behind cover on the docks, weapons raised and ready. Several man small seige engines - ballista, mostly, with a farily significant catapult on the top of the stairs.
"PEACE!" Whitebeard bellowed in a voice that could shake the very cliffs. "WE ARE NOT FROM OKENO! WE COME IN PEACE!"
There is a pause. A faint voice calls after a moment, "The clipper can approach. Any of the others come near and we fill them with holes." At Whitebeard's order the Lady Wave drifts closer. About fourty feet from the dock a voice calls out, "Alright, who are you and why do you have three slaver galleys? And please don't lie. I will not hesitate to set you and your friends out there on fire if I smell a lie."
"I'm not actually the best at Diplomacy. Anyone else want to try?" Azri inquired, looking at her companions. Mostly Selena, though - she could probably put anyone at ease if she really tried, but the point was getting into the city and getting the locals to accept their authority, and it didn't really matter who did it. A moment later, she added, "I like this place. Towers are fun."
"We are envoys of Zhen Halfblood, coming to Khalharum on his behalf!" Mihara calls back, moving to the front of the ship, dressed in her finest. "These ships attacked us at sea, and we saw them cleared of slavers, and claimed the ships for the purpose of future trade. On my honor, we mean no harm to Khalharum."
"... but don't take it from me alone, I am certain one of my friends would have words to add," Mihara stutters at the reactions, turning to Selena and Ayreth with a hesitant look.
Nigrum had mounted Alerdene in preparation of a fight. Not bothering to dismount he slowly came into view of the people on the dock.
"I am Nigrum Ensis Halfblood, friend of the honorable Zhen Halfblood and swordsman. As Mihara says, the slavers thought us prey. We took two ships on our own with the Captain and his crew's aid. We were given another by the Andoran's that pretended to be one of the two remaining yellow sails after they captured one of their own. You will be burning ships full of recently freed slaves and not a single slaver if you follow through with your threats. As such honestly, I would not hesitate to kill you if you made the attempt. Do you smell any lies in my words?"
The voice had been direct so was he in turn.
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For the two days of travel, Ayreth will ask Selena, or Nigrum if he is willing, to help her with transport between ships so that she and Emmitt might clean up the rowers' areas with Emmitt's prestidigitation. Also, she'll ask the name of the rower who spoke up originally, and use him as an ambassador between the group and the former slaves.
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"It is as my companions say. The slavers were defeated, and the former slaves have earned their freedom. The ships and their sails are spoils of battle.
We seek Khalharum's restoration, and wield the Mark of Authority." Ayreth holds up her palm with the slowly spinning galaxy mark.
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Selena stares mouth agape at the towers of Khalarum when they get near the city "We're supposed to get that back on its feet?".
I doubt that beating people up is going to help do that...still, it's what grampa wanted. I have to press on.
The half-succubus keeps staring at the city as they move closer to the small port, glaring at Nigrum when the man talks.
When you're attempting to build amiable relations, you're not supposed to issue death threats. We really need to work up on that, Ginger.
"Like my friends just said, we were tasked to get here to Khalarum and bring it back to its former glory. It...it was the last wish of a relative of our." Selena pauses for a moment, and then continues. "As they said, those galleys belonged to a bunch of slavers that attacked us. If you don't believe us, there's still a smear on the deck that a couple of days ago was one of the late slaver captains. We tried to scrub that, but there's still the stain." the half-fiend concludes merrily.
"If I may ask, who are you?"
There's some murmuring from the docks. Nigrum's words causes something of a row - threatening to attack people who are regularly targeted by slavers, and have there own siege engines, doesn't go down well - but after a few moments the voice calls, "OK, approach the docks. You first, then another of your friends every five minutes until you're all docked. It's not that we don't trust you, you understand. It's that we have friends and family here, making it really frickin' stupid to trust you."
The words come from a tall Half-Orc dressed in loose robes. They fail to hide the heavy and ornate breastplate of shining mithral she wears, or the gauntlets and grieves. Equally, the recurved longbow in her hand scimitar at her waist sit well, suggesting that she knows what she is doing.
"My name is Elie," she announced as the ship approached and plank slammed onto the wooden construction. "Welcome to Khalharum."
"Hi." Azri said as she approached once the noted time limit has passed. "Are you currently in charge around here, and if not, can you show us to who is? We're here to solve your problems, and we've brought some trade goods and ships that we're nationalizing to improve the general finances of the city. Also some actual slaves we freed, some of whom might have family here, and we'll be trying to reunite who we can." the mood whiplash these people would feel when the truth sunk in was going to be very entertaining. For now, she was actually trying to keep them a bit off-balance. She and her friends were here to rule this city, and while she had no intention of being rude, she also had no plan to allow anyone to claim authority or dominance over her. They would not be pushed around by anyone, no matter how well-meaning. Advice, though? Definitely listened to.
"Understandable..." Aibek replied to the instructions with a nod, eyes looking about the place. Aibek hadn't given much thought on what would be here, but the witchwolf thought it would be more ruins and emptiness rather than such a massive, fortified, populated place. Aibek was unsure how one could just be grated rulership over an area with peoples with which one had no connection to either they or the land. The idea was very confusing to the young witchwolf.
Once able, Aibek approaches, mindlessly rubbing the back of the right arm while trying to calm nerves. Nodding towards Elie, the witchwolf spoke, "Thank you, I am an Aibek of the Vakana clan. As they said, we've come on request and behalf of Zhen Halfblood. Were you expecting us?" hoping to get clearer idea of the situation from Elie and the people's perspectives.
Nigrum flies over on Alerdene once some of the others go over first. The hippogriff eyes those near by, causing a few to wisely back away. Dismounting Nigrum bows to Elie before speaking.
"Would you be so kind as to fill us in on the status of the city and it's people while your answering questions."
He had a guess of things but would prefer solid answers.
"I'm Selena Halfblood. Nice to meet you." she greets the half-orc after she walks down the plank when it's her turn.
"Sooo, I guess you get attacked a lot?" the half-fiend asks, looking around the siege engines on the dock.
"O...K..." The Half-Orc looked a little taken aback. "Alright, let's see. I'm sort of in charge of protection around here. We don't usually get too many attacks - once or twice a year, usually, when some Okeno ass hasn't met his quota - but we've had some other problems from the sea recently, so we're on guard."
She glanced as her people checked out the Lady Wave. "As for expecting you...sorta. I knew Zhen had sent someone. He didn't mention a small fleet of captured slaver vessels. I'm guessing he didn't know that one when you left, though."
Glancing at Nigurm, she added, "The city? It's half rubble with a few hundred people in the ruins, making do with what they can make and the trade we can get. Water's become a problem recently. And we have to deal with slavers, raider and undead. So...not great?"
"I am Mihara of the Yao clan of Tian; pleased to make your acquaintance. It is my hope that, with the help of your people, we will see the city returned to it's past majesty, and perhaps even peaks of greatness beyond it."
"We thought just sailing into the harbor would be boring, so we decided to bring a few presents along." Azri said cheerfully. "I want a list - as soon as you can get it made - of the most important things the city needs to return to basic functionality. There will be follow-on shipments of supplies - water and food I think we can do - and I'd like to get anything critical taken care of first." By this point she was almost rambling, and she coughed in embarrassment as she noticed. "Now, let's get the former slaves disembarked, shall we? Oh..." she paused. "And there are some slavers among our captives. They will be jailed for a long time in whatever passes for that here, but not mistreated, because they have agreed to provide information that can lead to help freeing other slaves. We don't like these people, but freeing others is more important than punishing captives, and I will be taking it as a personal insult if anyone here - for any reason - tries to make a liar out of me. Please ensure that everyone understands both what's going on and why we're doing it... and feel free to let them know that those who didn't cooperate earlier were handed over to Andoran and that future slavers who don't cooperate are likely to be executed on the spot. They may be a problem now, but by the time we're done, I don't think you'll have to worry about them anymore."
Although problems with the undead, huh... hmm... iiiiinteresting. Well, they'd find a way to deal with that sooner or later. Maybe she'd be able to get some minions...
Selena watches as Azri starts giving orders, a little perplexed.
I know that grampa said that we have to rebuild the city, but these people were here first, so it kind of sounds wrong if we barge in and take control of the place...maybe we should start by helping out?
"Oh, so you know grampa Zhen!" the half-fiend beams, a little relieved. "Can...can we help out in any way? I'm really good at hitting stuff, and at...uh, ah, yeah. Hitting stuff." the half-fiend continues, unsure of what she was supposed to do: from the brief introduction Elie gave, Selena really didn't know from what to start.
Elie nodded slowly. "We have plenty of space, for now. Water might be an issue - the pumps from the Tower seem to have stopped, so we're having to bring it in by hand. So long as your friends don't mind carrying buckets they shouldn't go thristy, but it might take a little time to get the place set up for them."
"You aren't the first to try and bring the city back, though," she added. "You all have a Mark of Authority? The you're about a third of the way there. I can tell you what else you might need to do, but the how is up to you. First, you need a Symbol of Authority. It's basically the shiny magic item of those tattoos. You need both. The other part is getting Nexus - the thing that ran the tower - to recognize you. I can't help too much with either, I'm afraid."
The Half-Orc nodded towards Ayreth. "We've got an issue with some undead off a wreck nearby. A slaver ship, one called the Word of Aroden," she grimaced, obviously unimpressed by the joke, "Got crippled last time it tried to strike us, and sank down the coast a ways. Problem is, the captain thought necromancy was another good joke. Every now and then undead walk out of the sea, or capture another ship and sail it in. Oh how we laugh."
She grinned over at Selena. "And yeah, I guess I can find you something to do. After all, we're apparently related. I'm your aunt." She snorted. "My full name is Eleivara Amarisa Halfblood, but it sounds pretentious as hell."
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More family? Can it be true? She is here where Zhen sent us. Outwardly, Ayreth's expression runs from hopeful to contemplative to crestfallen.
"We can help with fresh water, though, of course, we'll help to fix the pumps for a more permanent solution.
The undead are something else for which we can help find a permanent solution.
B-B-But...," Ayreth looks to Selena for comfort, "...unfortunately, G-grampa Zhen..." She makes a point of composing herself before continuing, "...your brother, Zhen, died just before we left for Khalharum. I'm very sorry."
Selena reacts in the exact same way as Ayreth, turning to her in the same moment she does. Nodding weakly as Ayreth gives their aunt the news of Zhen's death, the half-succubus stares at her feets.
"Undead smart enough to sail, huh?" Azri asked, clearly interested - though perhaps not for the reasons the local lady expected. She clapped her hands sharply a moment later, trying to provide a distraction so her new family wouldn't continue feeling too glum. "So, where's this shiny magic item? I found this fun ring I was going to use to create an official seal, but if there's some other item we need, I guess we could start with that..." she mused thoughtfully.
A look of grief flashed across her face for a moment Elie caught it, but she was obviously pained by the news. "I knew he was on the way out, but he always managed to find some way out of things before. For someone who carried more metal than a smithy the man was smart..." She took a breath and shook her head. She looked over at Selena and Ayreth. "I'm so sorry, girls."
"Alright," she said, trying to focus again and taking a breath. She looked over at Azri and shook her head. "The Symbols are speficic items that bond to the carrier of a mark. From what I was told they make a sorta magic circuit between the Mark, the Symbol and Nexus which makes the whole thing work. There were a few of them, though, so finding six shouldn't be impossible for you guys."
Selena nods to her aunt, trying her best, too, to focus on the matters at hand.
I...I have to be strong! This place isn't going to fix itself while we wallow in our grief.
"So...should we find this Symbols of authority to talk with this Nexus guy? Maybe he could help us get the place back up and running! Any idea where they could be? Aibek, Ginger, what do you think?" the half-fiend turns to the witchwolf and the swordsman, who had been really quiet since they arrived on the docks.
"Of course, if there is something else we could do first to help, just ask, aunt!" the half-succubus adds with a smile.
Aibek's dark eyes drifted over the surroundings, left hand resting on the upper arm of the right, while the others spoke, trying to fit together everything into an understandable picture.
Aibek turned towards Selena at the sound of the family name while dark eyes kept moving while thinking outloud unsurely "Finding the symbols for those that...that will likely take some time. Maybe we should find a better place to talk than out here and possibly arrange accommodations for everyone - and the mounts. Maybe, if it is okay, then we can focus on the immediate issues of water and things and while looking into those talk to the peoples here about themselves and their needs and search for the symbols while we go... possibly arrange for larger searches and maps and information sources and sending messages once we're more situated and such... Aibek paused, pushing swirl of thoughts into focus, unsure expressions dropping behind a firmer, neutral face as dark eyes turned from the surroundings to the group. Giving a small shrug, Aibek said, "I'm willing to help with whatever everyone thinks is most needed..."
"Aibek's plan seems wise to me. It would be best to get our bearings in Khalharum before we undertake anything else." Mihara replies.
"It seems that our main priorities should be ensuring everyone has water, finding out who potentially poses a threat to us, and acquiring some leads on these symbols."
"Indeed, we should have a safe and reliable source for our basic needs. Then a good defensible position and base. Afterwards we can deal with threats and searches with the knowledge and security that we have a fall back position."
"Sooner rather than later - I dunno how long some of the slaves've been there, but I bet they'd like to stand on solid ground again." Azri agreed, hoping to get the other people here to relax and let the ships arrive. Besides, she wanted to clear everyone off and get a better sense of the inventory the ships were carrying. Who knew what might be in those holds?
"They'll be brought in and checked, one at a time. See, the next one is on it's way." Elie pointed and, indeed, one of the plundered vessels was moving for the docks. "I'm sorry, but I need to be certain my people are safe. My wife is in this city. Your friends won't be any better served by rushing them all ashore, and my people are likely to get rushed. They can wait ten more minutes..."
Taking a breath, she added, "I can show you around the city. There are plenty of empty building you can make use of, although for now we're only on this island. We can't control or defend the others, and some have gotten a little...infested."
"So anything you want see first?" Elie asked.
Aibek firmly nods, with a glance at the approaching ship, "Completely understandable. Also, at some point, if it is okay, we'll probably want to reequip those slaver ships to...maybe something less slaver ship-like that we or the local people can better use." said with a shrug at the end with the loss of the train of thought.
"Arranging accommodations seems the priority, so if okay, that would be first thing to see. If we could discuss the infestations later at some point - both for our general awareness and maybe some of us can help with the issue - I would appreciate that." the witchwolf said, trying to pull the verbal thoughts back into clarity.
Regaining some of her usual cheerfulness, Selena nods vigorously to the other's proposal to first make sure the city's okay before searching the symbols.
They're so smart! I'm really glad we're together.
"Yeah, I'd like to have a look around to see how the place is holding up." the half-fiend starts, raising an eyebrow shortly after "Infested? Infested by what?"
I hope it's something with limbs. I really had my share of things with indiscernible anatomy in the last week.
"Depends on the island," Elie replied. "We don't like to venture too far. There's some unpleasantly large bugs, and Gnoll packs sometimes stop by for water and a chance at raiding. Otherwise it varies."
She nodded at Aibek. "Yeah, those ships are pretty useless as they stand. I'd gut them, myself - change the sails and rigging, loose the rower decks and make them merchantmen, but it makes them a lot less aggressive. As for accommodation..." She nodded with her head in a gesture to follow, heading up the stairs.
She leads you round the partially populated island. Many of the houses stand silent and empty, often stripped back to bare stone, but are in generally good condition. The desert heat preserves what it doesn't kill or destroy. Without rain or heavy wind the buildings are sound.
There are also two warehouses that are mostly intact, some intact guard towers near the bridge that leads to the mainland and a small temple, the icons of any god it was once dedicated to long removed. There are more buildings, ones that might have had a military use once, now pummeled into ruins. Most of the guard towers are in that state.
Elie also points out the now dry well, the various shops of the locals round the main square and the inn, the Dust Devil's Den.
Nigrum strokes Alerdene's white plumage as he listens. He speaks a few thoughts on the fate of the ships.
"I think we should convert one for purely combat purposes. Merchant ships are all well and good but they need a proper escort in these waters, the dock must be defended as well by more then land based weaponry. It's defenses have a number of weak points that could be lessened with a simple patrol ship. Something to consider I would think."
Looking at the surroundings for a moment he speaks again.
"I would like to check on the guard towers and military buildings if you do not mind."
He looked at Elie in case she had some opinion on his idea before he continued.
"Would anyone like to join me? Mind you as before Alerdene is limited in her ability to carry others."
It was good that the island only had one land entrance and a bridge at that. He would like to know the condition, it could prove a great defense for the people, keeping them safe and becoming a death trap for any enemies or hostile creatures that attempted to use it.
There are only three guard towers that are still remotely usable, and they have obviously been patched up and rebuilt. Two overlook the bridges onto the island, while the third overlooks the harbour. None would qualify as anything more than serviceable, but they are still four stories of solid, heavy stone work, designed to shrug off siege engines.
By now the various ships are tied up. The crew is busy making sure they're all secured, while the galley slaves are coming ashore, many looking a little overwhelmed. Several are crying at the sensation of dust beneath there feet again, while others are simply looking around for what they should do.
"If you're bored, come this way!" Azri hollered towards the uncertain-looking slaves. "We all want to live in the best home possible, so you might as well help out if you have nothing better to do! In particular, we'd like someone with engineering experience!" Fixing that pump was important.
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Ayreth moves through the crowd, offering reassurances. "We will see you settled here for now. Those of you who wish to return home, please be patient. If you have any concerns or questions, please come see me and I will answer what I can."
Ayreth unofficially claims the former temple, putting her own belongings in one of the rooms there. After that, she will join the group when they go to inspect the pump.