In the world of Fairytale Earth, circa The Year of Our Lord 1437, two separate bands of adventurers have begun quests that have come to crucial moments, and led their paths and fates to interwine.
The Crusaders of the Catacombs have tracked the Antichrist Nero to his secret subterranean sanctum under the Roman Catacombs, while in Morocco, the Desert Jackals have liberated a number of slaves from a despotic Arab slavelord, and are poised to assault his palace with the Crusaders' help!
If the combined might of the courageous Crusaders of the Catacombs and the daring Desert Jackals is sufficient to topple the tyrannical Emir of Marrakech, the combined champions of Good will then travel to Rome to finish the Antichrist, and go on to even more legendary adventures in the wild world of Fairytale Earth!
Map of Europe during the Late Middle Ages
Throughout most of Europe and the British Isles, it is a cold winter morning, a Sunday, the 21st of January, in The Year of Our Lord 1437...
In the far north, the lands of Scandinavia (Midgard) and the Holy Roman Empire, the Northmen whisper grim rumors of Fimbulwinter, the long winter preceding Ragnarok... Indeed, the winters have been longer and colder these past few years, and later sages would call this period the Little Ice Age, for snow covers much of northern Europe year-round for some time now... Even in the warmer southern kingdoms of the Mediterranean Sea, folk fear that Armageddon is nigh, for evil plagues the lands of men!
The Antichrist Nero, half-fiend son of Lucifer and lich necromancer of great power, has been the author of countless atrocities throughout the past centuries since his supposed suicide, using magic to disguise himself and pose as various tyrants and enemies of Christendom (such as Atilla the Hun and Genghis Kahn) and assault the churches and cities of mankind. Though recently struck down by the famed adventurers known as the Lucky Fools, Nero Antichrist has reformed because the heroes were tricked by the Archdevil Mephistopheles into destroying a false phylactery instead of Nero's real phylactery. Now, Nero hides in a secret underground sanctum below the Roman Catacombs, plotting terrible revenge upon all of the Earth!
From the fiery world of Mercury, Nero has called down the great red dragon Wormwood, to lair in Mount Vesuvius. This calamity is believed to be the Dragon of the Apocalypse foretold in the Revelation of John. It demands annual tribute in the form of treasure and maidens from every Prince and potentate throughout Europe and the British Isles, threatening holocaust upon any that might refuse to pay. Wormwood has already burnt the city of Naples during the terrible Halloween Holocaust of a few years ago, and has burnt the ships of obstinate nations to make examples of them, and a secret plot to burn Rome with dragonfire on the Feast of Saint Valentine of this year has been uncovered by the brave heroes known as the Crusaders of the Catacombs. The Pope and the citizens of Rome have been warned of the coming holocaust, and are making plans to defend the Eternal City...
In the candlelit sanctuary of Saint Peter's Church, redolent with frankincense, and echoing with lovely cantatas sung by a choir of boys led by visiting English Maestro John Dunstable, Pope Eugenius IV kneels in fervant prayer...
Oh, Lord God, creator of Heaven and Earth, of all that is seen and unseen... I humbly pray that thy will be done, as always... But if it be thy will, grant the Crusaders of the Catacombs and the Desert Jackals victory over the Emir Al'Haaq of Marrakech, and a safe return to Rome, that they might continue to fight against the Evil One. This, your humble servant prays for, in the name of God the Father, of Jesus Christ the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Informed by spies of the Desert Jackals' capture of the valued port of Safi, and their purging the monastery of vampires, the ambitious Prince of Portugal launches part of the Portuguese fleet to secure the port for Portugal, before this dangerous talk of a free state gathers too much wind...
Prince Henry leads the expedition himself, aboard his magical folding boat, a compact and elegant caravel dubbed the Arraia (the Stingray)...
Having seized the Principality of Wallachia following his half-brother's death the year before, Vlad II "the Dragon" wages war against the Ottoman Turks and other dark forces malignant to Christendom. His young son, Vlad III, is only eight years old... He has not yet grown into the sadistic, homicidal monster that later sages would name Vlad the Impaler, and Dracula, Son of the Dragon... His dark fate is yet to play out...
Indeed, the world seems perched on the verge of apocalypse...
In the undiscovered New World, terrible monsters known as kaiju to the people of Japan rampage and run amok, destroying everything in their path with atomic breath attacks!
The Native American tribes struggle to deal with this menace as other heroes vie against the cult of Lucifer, the Fallen Angel, in Europa, North Africa and Asia...
In Burgundy, Philip the Good has been anything but, handing over the Maid of Orleans to the English to be burnt at the stake as a witch some six years ago...arranging the assassinations of his political rivals...secretly fomenting antisemitism among the peasants and quelling the resulting revolts with brutal force...
Some suspect that Philip is a high ranking member of the Church of Lucifer, and that he was involved with a treasonous plot of witchcraft against young English King Henry VI which was uncovered a few years ago by the Lucky Fools... Though the king's uncle's, the dukes of Bedford and Gloucester, were also implicated in this plot, along with the Witch of Eye and Roger Bolingbroke, the powerful nobles were able to escape justice, while Marjorie Jourdamayne, the "Witch of Eye", was burnt at the stake...
In Paris, renowned alchemist and wizard Nicolas Flamel is a potent ally for the cause of civilization, peace, and goodwill among men, having been instrumental in the adventures of the Lucky Fools as they rescued King Charles VI from a secret prison in the Catacombs under Paris and restored the rightful monarch to the throne after dispatching the döppleganger the Church of Lucifer had placed on the French throne.
Flamel's house is attended by clockwork servants and homonculi, and has proven a rich source of new magical or alchemical upgrades to weapons, armor, and other gear of worthy and upcoming adventurers...
In his secret sanctum under the Roman Catacombs, Nero Antichrist does not quite grieve or mourn, but he broods over the loss of his favorite concubine, the Striga Lucrezia D'Sforza, executed by Cardinal Lucius D'Borja of the Crusaders of the Catacombs a few days ago.
My lovely Lucrezia...gone...gone forever...just like all the others...just like mother...I will destroy those wretched Crusaders of the Catacombs for all they have done, as soon as I've destroyed those insufferable Lucky Fools for THEIR insults and injuries!
In Bourges, the Dauphin Charles VII of House Valois contends with the supporters of Burgundy and England, and wages war for right to rule over contested territories in France, including Paris (the kingdom's most populous city) and Reims (traditional seat of the monarch and site of coronation)...
Only six years ago, Charles was secretly captured and held in a cell within the Catacombs under Paris by the Church of Lucifer (Philip the Good of Burgundy and the English Dukes Bedford and Gloucester being the perpetrators of this plot), and was replaced by a döppleganger pretender on the throne in Bourges. Discovered and rescued by the Lucky Fools, who went on to confront and slay the döppleganger in the throne room at Bourges, Charles was restored to the throne and the Lucky Fools gained a royal friend...
In its lair in the fiery heart of Mount Vesuvius, the great fire dragon Wormwood Conflagratius coils atop its massive trove of hoarded treasure, tribute and plunder from all the realms of men in Europe, the British Isles, and North Africa...
Still smarting from the sting of death at the hands of the Lucky Fools (the paladin Alphonse Veritas beheaded the dragon with the legendary sword Excalibur), and the loss of the Shroud of Christ (recovered from Wormwood's hoard and returned to its rightful resting place in the city of Turin by the Lucky Fools), Wormwood's rage and hatred for mankind festers and burns like the fires in its volcanic lair...
The Church of Lucifer plots a terrible revenge for the slain dragon, whose resurrection cost the Antichrist a fortune in diamonds. They have promised the dragon that it will be given free reign to vent its rage on the Eternal City of Rome on the Feast of Saint Valentine, less than a month away. This plot was fortuitously discovered by the brave shapeshifter Johann Kaltgeboren of the Crusaders of the Catacombs, and Rome is preparing for the fearful holocaust to come, but Wormwood is hellbent on revenge, and will not be denied!
The Sultan Murad II rules the mighty Ottoman Empire, fashioning himself after the noble Ghazi Kings of old. Championing the spread of Islam throughout the Known World, he would seem to be the model of piety and devotion to the Prophet of Islam... But things are not always what they appear to be on the surface, and one cannot judge a book by its cover, nor can one always believe one's eyes in a world of magic and deception...
Sigismund of Luxembourg, Holy Roman Emperor, King of Bohemia, Hungary, Germany, Italy, et cetera, struggles to hold onto the reigns of Empire, having united the patchwork of kingdoms that sprawl across the heartland of Europe at much cost, and having played a pivotal role in ending the papal schism, but also being a key figure in the Hussite Wars that followed...
Champion of the Roman Catholic Church, Sigismund founded the Order of the Dragon for the purpose of fighting the Ottoman Turks and other enemies of the Church...
Recently, he was captured and held for ransom by the infamous gnome wizard Rumplestilskin, and a clan of evil cloud giants, in their cloud castle over the Black Forest. The villainous gnome trickster threatened to have the giants toss the Holy Roman Emperor off the cloud castle unless the ransom was paid by Mayday of last year; fortunately, the heroic adventurers Prospero Blue (Bermudan pygmy catfolk wizard), Don Tunes D'Holliday (Venetian aasimar paladin), and Pamentet of Ra (Egyptian aasimar cleric) rescued Sigismund and dealt a punishing blow to Rumplestilskin (who barely escaped with his life) and the cloud giants (who weren't so lucky)...
The irascible catfolk swashbuckler, Signor Pusinboots, plays a chaotic game of cat and mouse with the Five Deadly Venoms of China--Sifu Centipede, Sifu Scorpion, Sifu Spider, Sifu Viper, and Sifu Toad--which are hunting the wily vigilante Ogon Fox for the bounty on his head.
Having briefly caroused with "Bear and Fox" of the Crusaders of the Catacombs in the taverns of Rome, the feline swashbuckler now has an affinity for those stalwart shapeshifters, and keeps the Asian assassins off of Fox's back by keeping them on their toes...
That Johann was a right good chum of the Fox, he was... He'll keep Foxy kicking 'til our next round of victuals...
Founder of a political dynasty that would serve as de facto rulers of Florence during much of the Italian Renaissance, banker and Duke of Florence Cosimo de'Medici spends his vast wealth as a patron of learning, the arts, and architecture, enriching the Duchy of Florence and aligning himself with the Church. However, the recent revelation of the Saint Valentine's Day Holocaust plot has been vaguely linked with House Medici through Filipo Brunelleschi, renowned Florentine architect and engineer, sent by Duke of Florence to Rome to assist the pope with preparing defenses for the city against dragonfire, but discovered by Johann Kaltgeboren to be an agent of the Church of Lucifer, plotting to sabotage the city's defenses.
This recent scandal has cast a dark shadow on House Medici, and rumors are beginning to spread throughout Italy that the Duke of Florence is secretly in league with the Church of Lucifer, and may be a high-ranking member of the cult...
"Woe to you, O Earth and Sea! For the Devil sends the Beast with wrath because he knows the time is short... Let him who hath understanding reckon the Number of the Beast for it is a human number! Its number is six hundred and sixty six!"
"Woe to you, O Earth and Sea! For the Devil sends the Beast with wrath because he knows the time is short... Let him who hath understanding reckon the Number of the Beast for it is a human number! Its number is six hundred and sixty six!"
"Woe to you, O Earth and Sea! For the Devil sends the Beast with wrath because he knows the time is short... Let him who hath understanding reckon the Number of the Beast for it is a human number! Its number is six hundred and sixty six!"
Saturday 20th January, The Year of Our Lord 1437, noon:
Having traveled on horse and camel across the Moroccan Desert from Marrakech to the port of Safi on the Atlantic Coast, the Crusaders of the Catacombs and their new allies, the Desert Jackals, the Wallachian Princess Ihrin Dracul, the fey bard Algoral of the Seelie Court, and the amnesiac samsaran psychic Habiba, together comprising the Champions of Humanity in this unfolding Game of Mortals, board the Alanqilis, the Desert Jackals' swift dhow, with plans to set sail over the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, to land at Naples and journey on to Rome...
Prince Henry of Portugal greets the band of heroes at the quay of Safi, accompanied by his own personal bodyguard of armed and armored knights.
In English: Hail to the conquering heroes, the Champions of Christendom! Bravo, mighty Crusaders of the Catacombs! Hurray for the cunning Desert Jackals! Huzzah, Princess of Wallachia, minstrel of the Seelie Court, and mysterious azure lady of the orient! Your brave deeds have paved the way for the missionaries of Our Savior to spread the Light of Truth in these savage lands! You shall ever have my thanks, and the thanks of all who love Christ and hate slavery!
Prince Henry makes a point of embracing or clasping hands with each of the assembled adventurers.
It would do me great honor to know each of your names, and to hear an account of your latest adventure in Marrakech. It would please me better if we had the time to break bread and drink wine together as you regaled us with your adventures, but pressing matters of state prevent me from giving you the audience you so rightly deserve. Not to mention the urgency of your own quest in Rome! So, I shall be content with brief introductions from each of you before you board this fine Arab vessel and depart...
The Navigator Prince smiles under the uplifted visor of his shining mithral full plate helmet.
Dot
The nearly 2' tall blue fairy flitters up to eye level for the Prince and makes an extravagant full bow.
In English: Prince Henry, thank you for the honor of your presence and gracious pronouncement.
While I undertook to aid the Desert Jackals at the request of your vassal, I don't think we ever had the chance to meet face to face. It is a pleasure to meet a personage of such prestige and whose desire to end the scourge of slavery matches my own.
I am your servant Algoral, a traveler of this World and great follower of the wonderful twists and turns of mortal history and politics. While I may come from the Seelie Court, I am afraid the only official greetings I bring are my own. I will leave it to the inestimable Lord Perpireen McGibel to convey the greetings of the court.
As far as my part in the recent struggles: I fear I only arrived just in time to add some musical accompaniment to the final act of the Evil Emir.
Algoral ends his speech with a complicated and spritely riff on his drum which hangs from a strap at his waist.
The nearly 2' tall blue fairy flitters up to eye level for the Prince and makes an extravagant full bow.
In English: Prince Henry, thank you for the honor of your presence and gracious pronouncement.
While I undertook to aid the Desert Jackals at the request of your vassal, I don't think we ever had the chance to meet face to face. It is a pleasure to meet a personage of such prestige and whose desire to end the scourge of slavery matches my own.
I am your servant Algoral, a traveler of this World and great follower of the wonderful twists and turns of mortal history and politics. While I may come from the Seelie Court, I am afraid the only official greetings I bring are my own. I will leave it to the inestimable Lord Perpireen McGibel to convey the greetings of the court.
As far as my part in the recent struggles: I fear I only arrived just in time to add some musical accompaniment to the final act of the Evil Emir.
Algoral ends his speech with a complicated and spritely riff on his drum which hangs from a strap at his waist.
Prince Henry beams proudly to be addressed by an eloquent ambassador of the Seelie Court.
Turning to Lord Perpireen, Prince Henry bows and grins at the little sprite.
Thank you, Lord Perpireen McGibel of the Seelie Court, for your brave service in the field with the wily Desert Jackals! I eagerly await a full account of your adventures, once time and circumstances permit, of course... Perhaps your musical kinsman Algoral can facilitate a concise telling of the tale for my court some day?
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Johann departs the ship and strides behind his compatriots. A tall man, broad in shoulder and with legs like tree trunks, he would be an imposing figure were he not standing next to his friend Zag. He wears a less than impressive suit of hide armor, looking like the wildman that he is, but also shows off several impressive magic items, like his snake amulet around his neck, indicating that while he is a wildman... he is a very rich wildman.
Johann bows to the Prince and scans the area, making sure it is safe. "MY NAME IS JOHANN KALTEBOREN, YOUR HIGHNESS."
Johann departs the ship and strides behind his compatriots. A tall man, broad in shoulder and with legs like tree trunks, he would be an imposing figure were he not standing next to his friend Zag. He wears a less than impressive suit of hide armor, looking like the wildman that he is, but also shows off several impressive magic items, like his snake amulet around his neck, indicating that while he is a wildman... he is a very rich wildman.
Johann bows to the Prince and scans the area, making sure it is safe. "MY NAME IS JOHANN KALTEBOREN, YOUR HIGHNESS."
[dice=perception]d20+15
Prince Henry appraises the big coldborn man with an impressed expression...
Why, you, sir, give the impression of great strength, wild strength... You look like Hercules himself in that lion's pelt you armor yourself with, and those brawny limbs, and shaggy beard!
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Johann bows again, and stammers out in a unusually quiet voice. "You do me honor, your highness. I merely seek to protect my friends, including Cardinal Lucius here, have you met him? If it is the will of the Lord, we shall yet have many mighty victories and I shall again have the chance to walk about the root beer waterfalls and lollypop forests of my beloved Black Forest."
Johann bows again, and stammers out in a unusually quiet voice. "You do me honor, your highness. I merely seek to protect my friends, including Cardinal Lucius here, have you met him? If it is the will of the Lord, we shall yet have many mighty victories and I shall again have the chance to walk about the root beer waterfalls and lollypop forests of my beloved Black Forest."
Well, I say! I should very much like to see these root beer falls and lollipop groves of the enchanting Black Forest! It sounds splendid!
Looking from the shapeshifter to the hulking orc beside him...
And if your friend be Hercules, here must be Ajax, or Achilles! declares the Prince as he oggles Zagathoth...
"Very nearly, your Highness," Alexei answers, poking his head out from behind the imposing orc.
Clad in bright yellow and red robes with an ocher yarmulke, he looks no older than his early twenties. At less than six feet tall, with a slight build, he is dwarfed by his green companion. He wears a long, thick, curly auburn beard with the hair on his head cropped short, and with his tan complexion and dark eyes he could nearly pass for a native of this land.
"A great deal has happened in the days since you charged me with coming here to aid the Desert Jackals... this 'Achilles' before you is, in fact, Francis Zagathoth Liberto, the dragonhearted, Emir of Marrakech."
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"Pleasure to meet you again Prince. We Jackals have been busy yes and plan to do more when we return, until then the cities of Safi and Marrakesh are Free from Arab rule and Strong leaders for a free and prosperous Africa have been put in place. A new day is coming, A Slave free Africa were all religions and people can work together" She says with a smile as she donned her sheer silken lavender dress. It's material leaving nothing to the imagination beneath as she stood spear in hand and Kiku resting on her shoulder.
"Also My people should arrive soon to help bolster the ranks. I hope that Portugal would be most welcome as Ally to the burgeon free State of Africa!"She said with a smile earnestly welcoming him to her dream of a free Africa for all.
The orc's massive chest and shoulders make him seem shorter than his actual six and a half foot height. His arms are the size of a normal man's legs and end with hard, meaty hands. He wears a newly tailored set of lightweight, puffy purple pants with a matching tunic. A long, heavy sword hangs on his back and upon his head sits a fancy silk turban decorated with several big gems.
"You can call me Zagathoth," he offers with a big toothy grin as he offers the prince his hand.
The orc's massive chest and shoulders make him seem shorter than his actual six and a half foot height. His arms are the size of a normal man's legs and end with hard, meaty hands. He wears a newly tailored set of lightweight, puffy purple pants with a matching tunic. A long, heavy sword hangs on his back and upon his head sits a fancy silk turban decorated with several big gems.
"You can call me Zagathoth," he offers with a big toothy grin as he offers the prince his hand.
Taking the orc's massive green hand in his gauntleted hand, Prince Henry of Portugal bows to the new Emir of Marrakech!
Splendid! Splendiferous! I couldn't have picked a more able chap to fill the Emir's throne! Emir Zagathoth, your exploits shall be the subject of bard songs for years to come!
Ihrin had during the trek taken upon herself to enjoy the sun. Her outfit was pants with a high-collared shirt. The woman forearms bludged with her gear and draped over her horse was her signature cane. The head of her cane was a dragon while the body was a deep rich black. As the day went on her blouse top began to reveal more of her ample cleavage until you could see the deep scar from a stab wound right below her sternum.
When the reached Safi she slid off her horse and limped over to the ship. She smiled and held out her hand for the Prince."Prince Henry, ever the pleasure to meet someone of your stature. Sorry, I couldn't meet you before I departed but as you have probably heard from Vlad I have my own way of infiltrating the enemy.Though next time, I would love to see your Castles Library, I bet it is full of some gems I have yet to gaze upon whilst I do the lords work" She says ever so charming her role as Princess clearly coming to the fore.
"Pleasure to meet you again Prince. We Jackals have been busy yes and plan to do more when we return, until then the cities of Safi and Marrakesh are Free from Arab rule and Strong leaders for a free and prosperous Africa have been put in place. A new day is coming, A Slave free Africa were all religions and people can work together" She says with a smile as she donned her sheer silken lavender dress. It's material leaving nothing to the imagination beneath as she stood spear in hand and Kiku resting on her shoulder.
"Also My people should arrive soon to help bolster the ranks. I hope that Portugal would be most welcome as Ally to the burgeon free State of Africa!"She said with a smile earnestly welcoming him to her dream of a free Africa for all.
Smiling at the beautiful black witch with a hint of desire in his eyes, Prince Henry bows before Mwikali...
It is a pleasure to see you alive and well, my lovely Flower of Africa!
Ihrin had during the trek taken upon herself to enjoy the sun. Her outfit was pants with a high-collared shirt. The woman forearms bludged with her gear and draped over her horse was her signature cane. The head of her cane was a dragon while the body was a deep rich black. As the day went on her blouse top began to reveal more of her ample cleavage until you could see the deep scar from a stab wound right below her sternum.
When the reached Safi she slid off her horse and limped over to the ship. She smiled and held out her hand for the Prince."Prince Henry, ever the pleasure to meet someone of your stature. Sorry, I couldn't meet you before I departed but as you have probably heard from Vlad I have my own way of infiltrating the enemy.Though next time, I would love to see your Castles Library, I bet it is full of some gems I have yet to gaze upon whilst I do the lords work" She says ever so charming her role as Princess clearly coming to the fore.
Bowing before the Princess of Wallachia, Henry the Navigator smiles, clearly charmed by the beautiful Romani woman...
It is an honor to meet the beloved and deadly daughter of the Dragon! I pray that our Lord grants your father victory over the Turks! He is the shield that defends the eastern border of Christendom... He holds the barbarians at bay! Long live Prince Vlad Dracul!
"I do apologize for the Attire, Had I known I would be meeting you at the docks I would have worn something more sensible. I wouldn't want to threaten your stalwart reputation as a man of God." She says seeing the desire and teasing him just a bit before she looks towards the ship and breaths in deeply. It would be a while before she would breath the air of her homeland again. So she savored it, as she would make the trek back across the Mediterranean once more.
"Very nearly, your Highness," Alexei answers, poking his head out from behind the imposing orc.
Clad in bright yellow and red robes with an ocher yarmulke, he looks no older than his early twenties. At less than six feet tall, with a slight build, he is dwarfed by his green companion. He wears a long, thick, curly auburn beard with the hair on his head cropped short, and with his tan complexion and dark eyes he could nearly pass for a native of this land.
"A great deal has happened in the days since you charged me with coming here to aid the Desert Jackals... this 'Achilles' before you is, in fact, Francis Zagathoth Liberto, the dragonhearted, Emir of Marrakech."
Fondly clapping Alexei on the shoulder with his gauntleted hand, Prince Henry smiles and nods at the kabbalist...
Please, take good care of these adventurers, Rabbi. I have seen the power of your kabbala, and I trust in your wisdom and judgement, to guide these brave heroes to victory in the name of the God of Abraham!
"You are too kind Prince Henry, Far too kind. I must admit my dear Father is quite the wily combatant. Even I have a hard time with his plans. Though I will tell you he is not the best with thrown weapons. He could not hit the broadside of a barn with a mere dagger. Still, he is my Father and I do owe him my life. What intrigues me My Lord is what brings you to Safi? Are you just stopping by on your way to purge more of Africa from the grasp of the Ottoman pigs?" She asks curiously her hand gripping the head of the dragon tightly as she stood favoring the one leg. If they only knew why her father brought her into his house all those years ago she doubted many in the group would wish to journey or cavort with one who has touched the grave not once but twice!
"I do apologize for the Attire, Had I known I would be meeting you at the docks I would have worn something more sensible. I wouldn't want to threaten your stalwart reputation as a man of God." She says seeing the desire and teasing him just a bit before she looks towards the ship and breaths in deeply. It would be a while before she would breath the air of her homeland again. So she savored it, as she would make the trek back across the Mediterranean once more.
Prince Henry blushes, momentarily speechless as he gazes upon the sleek, ebony beauty of Mwikali's body...
His bodyguards chuckle at his obvious fawning, which snaps the Prince back to his senses...
You are teasing me, my beauty... Have a safe voyage, and be ever victorious in your adventures, my darling! We shall meet again!
"You are too kind Prince Henry, Far too kind. I must admit my dear Father is quite the wily combatant. Even I have a hard time with his plans. Though I will tell you he is not the best with thrown weapons. He could not hit the broadside of a barn with a mere dagger. Still, he is my Father and I do owe him my life. What intrigues me My Lord is what brings you to Safi? Are you just stopping by on your way to purge more of Africa from the grasp of the Ottoman pigs?" She asks curiously her hand gripping the head of the dragon tightly as she stood favoring the one leg. If they only knew why her father brought her into his house all those years ago she doubted many in the group would wish to journey or cavort with one who has touched the grave not once but twice!
It has been my plan for some time now to conquer Morocco in the name of Jesus Christ, to end this deplorable slave trade which funds the Ottoman Empire... We captured Ceuta, but then we did nothing for several years... At last, I convinced my father, King John, and my brothers, that we must not lose momentum! We must keep going, for the sake of the Truth and the Light of Our Savior! So we are here, to take advantage of the destabilization you have caused in killing the Emir of Marrakech... And this vital port of Safi the Desert Jackals have captured for me!
After all of the heroes have met the Prince of Portugal, they board the Alanqilis, the trusty dhow captured from Arab slavers by the Desert Jackals, crewed by Spanish sailors from Cordova...
The crew of ten Spaniards are experienced at sailing the dhow, and after waiting at dock in Safi for several days, they are enthusiastic as they hoist the anchor and the main sail and set out to sea!
A NEW ODYSSEY BEGINS!
January 20th, Saturday: At an hour past noon, the Alanqilis sets sail from the port of Safi north into the Atlantic Ocean... The skies are gray and cloudy throughout the first day's sailing, and strong winds both aid and hinder the ship. The able crew tacks into the wind when it blows against them, but progress proves slow and difficult across the choppy blue swells...
As the bleak sun sets in the West, thunder roars and lightning flashes as a rain begins to fall! It is as if the Atlantic itself had grown malevolent and inimical to mankind...
Despite the uncooperative wind and sea, the crew keeps the Alanqilis on course...
January 21st, Sunday: The sea storm continues to blow into Sunday morning, making it an extremely wet and chilly experience to be topside. Those who stay belowdeck are sheltered from the storm, but gain no advantage against seasickness...
The frothy swells and chaotic, howling winds toss the Alanqilis this way and that, and the crew struggle mightily to keep her on course...
Though the winds and sea seem hellbent on casting the Alanqilis off course, the doughty crew keeps her steady!
Woe to the Earth and Sea... For the Devil sends the Beast with wrath because he knows the time is short... Let him who hath understanding reckon the number of the Beast, for it is a human number... Its number is Six Hundred and Sixty Six! My son, the Beast, my dear Nero, calls on me in his hour of weakness and need... Though I am sickened by his pathetic weakness, his dependency, yet I shall not forsake my spawn like the Almighty I Am has forsaken me! I shall do better! I shall aid him, and answer his prayers for blood and thunder! The mortals who vex me and defy my will shall be confounded on their sea voyage! A proper Odyssey they shall endure, to delay their return to Rome and their violence against mine son!
In the Ninth Canto of Hell, the deepest pit of perdition, Satan works evil magic to confound the sailors of the Alanqilis!