Malakar happy to be of help (and to see miss Swain again) is about to rush to the Captains quarters before he remembers that Marrik was requested as well. He rushes to look for the fishman until he hears Brannart talking to him about the Captain's request and turn back to his eager deed.
As he approaches the door to the Captain's quarters he 'neatens' his seaweed like hair and stands up straight, before knocking on the door.
"It is Malakar Druid and friend to Sharks as you requested." Malakar felt clever giving himself a title as humans often do.
The alchemist strokes his chin as he raptly listens to the explanation finally he remarks, ”Interesting, a simple chemical process. You would just have to do it on a larger scale to provide enough water for the entire colony.” Caught up in the idea he continues, tripping over his words as speaks rapidly jumping from idea to idea, ”One giant apparatus working all day would need to produce a gallon of water per person per day so you would need a tank of about ..... wait better yet each household could have their own apparatus .... unless you plan on selling the salt then you would want one apparatus. How much salt does a gallon of seawater produce? It might be more feasible to just sell the smaller apparatus directly to households... but then...” He trails off as he continues to watch the process muttering from time to time.
Vexas and Kalcora make their rounds during dinner time listening in on conversations. They find out one colonist ran for some political office in Andoran and was soundly defeated. They could toy with him a little bit. Another colonist is weary about ghosts on board ever since the child got hurt and considers that possibility.
Then Vexas’s ears perk up when he hears the words ’Treasure Map’. It appears a young lad on the ship named Tesswyn believes Peregrine used to be a pirate ship, that there is treasure hidden on board, and that he has a map to find it.
Malakar and Merrek find themselves in the Captain’s quarters. Captain Markosi and Navigator Swain are with them. The Captain thanks them for coming so soon and nods his head toward the seductive Navigator.
”Gentlemen,” she announces. ”I need your discretion with what I am about to tell you. I fear I am being obstructed from communing with The Sky Father. We know he can be fickle, but I do not believe his is ignoring me. There are navigational issues with the ship, but there is also something … how can I explain it … unnatural blocking my powers to the waves. Since you are both followers of The Wind and the Waves, I ask you to join with me in prayer. I believe our powers combined will be sufficient to open my mind to the waters once again. Will you help?”
Alba smirks as she watches Nymbleth's mind work out minute details. "And, I believe there is a glassblower onboard to make all these apparatus that you speak of. We should speak with her when we're settled on the colony."
Vexas quickly puts his index finger up to get Kalcora's attention, and when he has it points his thumb back towards a specific conversation he's just caught onto. He does not turn his head any further to telegraph listening.
He loudly emits faux conversation to mask his listening.
So the real reason that dirty politician lost his election was that they found him in his office with that poor woman who couldn't pay her taxes...
He then tries to stealthily take stock of the young lad, and if there is a map present at his table.
"I will gladly help you reach out to the waves and the wind an commune with the spirits of the ocean. However what force but gravely strong magics could prevent the divine from granting their miracles? I haven't had cause to use my gifts should I test them to see that I am not also affected? Either way whatever the problem I am sure you are not to blame miss Swain. You are a wonderous conduit of the wind and waves and you shall not be stopped if I have a say in it."
”You fish like a hunter,” a voice proclaims behind Sho just as she casts a heavy line in the water. She lets the line fall using a metal sinker, dropping it in the depths. The woman with the crescent moon tattoo on the side of her head approaches. ”Well met, I am Anya Sandstrider. Think you’ll catch something?” she nods with her chin toward the pole. Her tongue glides like a wave along her bottom lip, ”I would welcome something fresh. This stew they keep feeding us is getting stale and, I’m getting antsy. I need the anticipation of the hunt. I have a feeling you know what I mean.”
Vexas, picking up on the derision, surreptitiously glances toward the object of the conversation. A young man in tattered, patchwork clothing sits with a half-eaten bowl of stew in from of him. His elbows are on the table as his eyes and mouth frown at a piece of rolled paper he holds up in his hands.
Hearing Falcon's Hollow excites Fenna so much she barely even hears the rest of what Frel says. She grabs him by the shoulders.
"Falcon's Hollow! I lived there for a while when I was a kid! Went back again for a while a couple of years ago, but not for long. Outstanding! We have to talk! C'mon!"
Fenna hooks arm through Frel's and leads him along to some place where they can sit for a while.
"I know exactly what you mean about the Lumber Consortium. They have it in for me you know..."
Merrek suddenly becomes very grave when Gozreh's silence is mentioned, "Are you sure something is blocking you? Perhaps you have offended She who guides the Wind and Waves? The Skyfather can be fickle. If so I might be able intercede on you behalf."
As he talks Merrek bares his right forearm, showing Gozreh's holy symbol as it shows in the pattern of his scales. It clearly stands out as green and blue among the reds and oranges of the rest of his skin.
Malakar marvels at the scale pattern on Merriks arm.
"I have never see such a sure visible gift from the gods. The wind and Waves grant me power over their realm and the charge of its protection but such a mark is truly unique among us servernts of nature surely."
Vexas whispers across the table. Have a look and scope out key locations on that map while I continue faux conversatin.
He continues talking, out loud, "at" Kalcora about mundane nothings to give her time to sneak a peak over his shoulder at the map. As he is turned the other way. He makes faces at her while never breaking his simple tone and unassuming manner of speech.
Merrek nods at Malakar's comment, [b]"It has been like that almost since the day I devoted myself to Gozreh. My elders said it was a blessing but my closeness to Gozreh was the same before it appeared. I did and still do sometimes feel like I am an extension of She who guides the Winds and Waves, but that's just sentiment on my part, I'm sure of it."[b]
Sho and Anya make small talk regarding the voyage and their expectations when they reach the colony until Sho feels a tug on her line. She pulls the rod back, creating slack, then turns the reel. She repeats this action time and again. Finally, she sees the rewards of her efforts emerge from the depths. A large sea bass flops across the waves. Then the line gives and Sho takes a step back to keep her balance. She begins anew reeling in her line only to bring in the head of the bass; its remaining entrails dripping fish slime on the deck. Her catch was stolen, Sho realizes. Looking down into the ocean, Sho sees a familiar shark fin leaving a small pool of blood and disappearing into the Arcadian.
Anya sighs behind a smirk, ”All that effort. I am sure the shark thanks you. I guess it is more stew for us tonight, unless your going to try again. Maybe get that Undine to call off his shark first.” she laughs.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Kalcora returns to Vexas with a confused look on her face. She whispers into his ear, ”Its’s not a map, but a riddle. This is what is written …”
To
All great puzzles begin with a how; all great journeys start with a bow.
Frel stumbles to keep up with the excited Fenna, ”Hey, slow down. What do you mean the Consortium ‘Has it in for You’? Are you running or something?”
The Navigator joins hands with Malakar and Merrek and chants a repeating prayer to Gozreh. Both Malakar and Merrek feel divine energy flow through them circulating through their bodies as all three become one entity. A vision of a wave perpetually crashing against a stone wall enters their mind. Again and again the wave crashes only to be pushed back to sea. Deep in their minds, they can hear Tyra Swain chanting the prayer, her voice rising and falling with the wave. Eventually, her voice sounds deeper as a crack shows in the wall when the latest wave retreats. The crack gets larger with the next wave, paralleled by the deepening of her voice. Finally, the wall breaks and the wave pushes forth and does not retreat back into the sea.
All three pairs of eyes flare open in a sudden rush of energy, ”I cannot explain what just happened, but I thank you. I can see the waves once again, and I can feel The Sky Father in my heart. Now that this is over and you have helped me, I must ask one more thing. I fear not only have I been attacked, but so has Peregrine. I fear our rudder below the waves will need some attention. Are you both willing to assist once again? It appears something does not want us to reach the colony. Now I fear for the expedition and we must make haste.”
Vexas nods at Kalcora's correction and then listens intently to the riddle. He traces some of the key words on the table in front of him with his finger, in a simple exercise of mental emphasis.
After thinking a moment he whispers back to his friend. It's unclear to me the significance of the emphasized words in the first lines, but I think heading to the bow above deck is likely a good start. Let's give it only one minute more to casually finish our plates and then head there...
Vexas and Kalcora make their way to the bow of the main deck, and notice, for the first time, the figure head. A sculpted peregrine, a mighty falcon and raptor, projects out from the bow. While its tail is missing, its great bluish-hued wings extend out as part of the railing, and its powerful talons grip the front of the ship. Its angular head and hooked beak extend out over the waters making you feel like your flying. The carving artistry is masterful right down to the details of the fine dark lines speckling its white belly.
Upon closer inspection, Vexas notices, hidden from plain sight, a secret panel that can be slid open.
Only two chances a night; to get it right
Look to the three; that move us in sea
A number on each; puts you in reach
Order from bow to stern; allows you to learn
The number you want; to continue the hunt
"I am not sure I know much about boat rutters, however I swim like a shark and have the strength of 2 men so with your instructions and the aid of our blessed friend Merrik I am sure we can fix the problem. Malakar says with excitement in his voice and with tightened fists which show off his considerable muscle.
Vexas lights up and nudges his friend when he spots the panel. Before approaching it he turns and looks around and who else might be on the bow, or have plain sight of it.
If he can conceal his approach of the panel...
Kalcora, follow me to the figurehead, and cover me so that my accessing the panel is not in plain sight. Most of all, signal to me if those kids arrive.
After she obliges Vexas nonchalantly approaches the figurehead, and once covered slides open the panel.
He quickly slides the panel shut and looks for a number around the deck of the bow...
Merrek can't help but laugh at Malakar's enthusiasm, "Let's say I agree, how do you expect us to keep up with the ship and get back on board? Swimming is no issue for me but I can't keep up with a moving vessel like this. Nor do I have the upper body strength to climb back on board."
Vexas searches the bow in earnest but finds no numbers.
Captain Markosi nods to Malakar in gratitude, then turns to Merrek, ”A sensible question my friend. Upon your agreement, we would drop the sails having only the current to contend with. If we continue this direction too much longer, we will be off course anyway. Also, have no fear, we have the means to get you back on board. We can drop a ladder or lift you up with our pully system.” He pauses for a moment and paces slightly before turning his bright blue eyes back toward Malakar and Merrek. ”This effort, of course, would not be a thankless job. We are able to offer payment for these services. I already spoke with Ramona Avandth, and she is willing to provide you with your pick of available parcels when we reach the colony. Also, if you think additional aid is needed, I believe your Tiefling friend has an alchemical concoction that allows him some liberty in the waves. Is this correct? Now, can we count on you? And for additional support, my crew will be rail side with crossbows ready just incase you need additional support.”
Both the Captain and Navigator Swain look upon their audience hopefully. When Tyra Swains’ gaze reaches Malakar, she gives him a wink and a smile.
Vexas, not finding any specific serial or part numbers on the bow looks up at the sails on the masts.
Vexas moves from bow to stern inspecting each mast. He notices a number four feet above the deck carved into each mast. The numbers, in order from bow to stern, are 7 - 3 - 5.
Vexas leans towards Kalcora again.
Ah! Look at that. Each of the masts has a number. Clearly this is the code. Cover me again, but this time face me so that if somebody comes along they think they need to leave us alone...
He rattles this off, not thinking very hard about any of the implications or how she feels about that.
Once in place he again slides open the panel and sets the wheels to 7-3-5.
As he opens it he whispers back to her. We have to assume at all times that somebody is playing us too with these clues. Never-the-less, we proceed for now, carefully.
Merrek nods, "I'll see what I can do down there, though maybe getting Nymbleth to come along would be a good idea. The extra pair of hands would surely be useful."
Kalcora looks at Vexas, rolls her eyes and smiles playfully, ”You’ll have to be showin’ me how good you are with that rapier at your hip before you getting’ any of this,” she whispers as she does a slight curving dance with her arms and body.
Vexas sets the wheels to 7 – 3 - 5 and presses the button. A secret compartment opens where the riddle was engraved. Inside the compartment is another carved inscription.
’There is an aft man named Baluster
He is shaped somewhat phalluster
He leads you on high and holds the key
Turn him left and unbound he will be’
The Captain nods at Merrek and Malakar, "Well then, let's move and find the good Nymbleth and see if he can be of assistance."
With his aquatic envoy behind him, he ventures forward to look for Nymbleth and explain the situation.
Vexas chuckles at her response. Hehe. Yes, I'm quite sure you can do better than this scoundrel, but the ruse is complete and we were left alone to get this open.
He reads the clue, pondering it out loud.
A baluster at the stern (aft) end of the ship. Shaped "phalluster"? Surely just to complete the rhyme, but I know what that means. But what is the significance of a particular baluster? There must be so many along the deck railings. Perhaps the one that holds the wheel. Let us head to the aft and look for one that sounds out...
He re-secures the compartment, turns the wheels to all-zeroes, and slides the panel shut.
He mentions to Kalcora as they move away from the figurehead, I suspect the aft will be somewhat more populated, so our act may come in handy again. He gives a knowing wink as they walk along.
Vexas is correct when he reaches the aft of the the ship. Many colonists are out enjoying the sunshine and views. His smaller frame allows him to maneuver around people as he ducks and spins to examine each baluster along the deck railing. He comes up empty leaving him to ponder what he may have missed.
Vexas nudges Kalcora and points to a stairwell up. There we go, let's try the "sights" up there for our next "moment."
They head up, first scanning the upper deck for how crowded it is and then searching for another panel or similar concealed spot.
He looks out over the farther decks of the ship from their high spot, to see if the kids have made it to the figurehead yet.
I hope the next clue is on paper and not affixed to this spot permanently. This hidden treasure or storage spot must date back to when this ship was build.
Vexas and Kalcora make their way up the stairs. Half-way up Vexas pauses as asymmetry catches his attention in the balusters. He notices one has the face of a man chiseled on it.
Remembering the riddle, the rogue twists it to the left and it unscrews from the railing. The inside is hollow with something inside. Tapping the opening against his palm, a rolled note holding a small octagonal rod about an inch in length comes out.
’You made it this far and destined for glory
Head to the room that tells you a story’
After taking the note and rod and replacing the baluster, Vexas and Kalcora make their way to the next deck and look forward toward the figurehead. The bow is empty and the kid with the unfurled note, that started this quest, is nowhere to be seen.
Fenna guides Frel along until she finds some place they can sit that isn't thick with people. Privacy is probably out of the question but at least some place where people aren't tripping over them.
"On the run? Nah, not any more. I spent a year in the navy so they've had time to forget about me. But I sure did piss them off."
Fenna tells Frel about her first stint in Falcon's Hollow, when her mother worked there for the Lumber Consortium, and how terribly unfair she found the treatment of the locals. She tells him how the Consortium's unchecked power and greed was something she never forgot. It was later, during her education in Almas, that she found the political and religious ideologies which allowed to to articulate her objections to it.
She also tells him about her return to Falcon's Hollow with her boyfriend Alwin. She wanted to organize the people in Darkmoon Vale to resist the Lumber Consortium and press for better wages. Ultimately she had hoped the Consortium could be brought to heel and forced to abide by Andoran law.
She describes the lack of enthusiasm people had for her message, in retrospect she thinks due to fear. After all it only took a few weeks for the Consortium's goons to snatch and murder Alwin.
"I figure people there saw something like that coming and didn't want to get caught in it when it did. There must have been some mix mix up when the thugs got their orders. Alwin was only there because I was. I was the one making all the noise. When he was killed it was clear to me I should get going before they straightened things out and had a another chance to get it right."
"I came back to Almas quick as I could. But the Lumber Consortium has people everywhere. They, and others like them run Andoran from the very top on down. I'm sure they were having me followed and watched. It made the navy seem like a good bet you know. But yeah, I figure by now they've moved on to other legs to break and throats to cut."
”Wow, you’re that girl,” Frel says in astonishment, ”I thought they got to you just like your friend and sent you down theFoam. I was there. I remember you. I am so glad you’re still alive. It was because of you, I had to leave.” Frel holds up his hands in assurance that Fenna did nothing wrong by him. ”See, I remember you singing in the tavern. You had that beautiful voice, and to be honest,”, Frel lets out a smile and an embarrassed chuckle, ”I was quite smitten.”
He pauses a moment and looks away while bringing a hand up to the scar covering his missing eye. Frel looks back and gently puts his hands on Fenna’s shoulders. ”When you went missing, and I thought they got to you too … I spoke up in an uproar. I wanted justice. Well, “ he touches the scar again, ”They came after me. They got me in me’ cabin, but I was waitin’ and not goin’ down without a fight. I set some good snares and when they were trapped, I grabbed my bow. BOOM, BOOM, BOOM they fell. Then I snuck out the back window as they raided my cabin. AND BOOM!” he exclaimed as he brought his hands and fingertips together, then thrust his arms outward in emphasis. ”I got them good before I left. Just one piece of me’ cabin got me right here, he points at the scar, ”And took me’ eye.”
Frel, then looks down seemingly ashamed. ”Look, I wanted to do right, but I didn’t at first. I know who got to your boy. I saw it happen, but I couldn’t do anything. If you ever get back to the mainland. You go look up Tarl Gooster, Gad Hadley, and Zeek Miker. They got to your boy and weren’t at the cabin. I thought they got to you too. Fenna, I am so sorry.” Frel states as he looks at her with watery eyes.
Nymbleth spends some time on deck lost in his thoughts when he sees Vexas at the bow of the ship. He approaches the halfling and asks, ”What are you up to Master Vexas?
After taking the note and rod and replacing the baluster, Vexas and Kalcora make their way to the next deck and look forward toward the figurehead. The bow is empty and the kid with the unfurled note, that started this quest, is nowhere to be seen.
Nymbleth spends some time on deck lost in his thoughts when he sees Vexas at the bow of the ship. He approaches the halfling and asks, ”What are you up to Master Vexas?
Vexas gets a suddenly stunned looked, but then recovers very quickly.
Oh... hello Mister Nymbleth. We're just out for a nice stroll on the decks of this fine ship! We're trying the views from different points to see which is best for a moment.
He winks, hoping this makes Nymbleth go away thinking he needs privacy for the wrong reason.
Lead him to think what he wants. You only have to leave the breadcrumbs anybody wants to presume...
Just as Vexas is winking at Nymbleth, Captain Markosi and his entourage of Tyra Swain, Malakar, and Merrek come walking toward them.
”Master Nymbleth,” the Captain announces, ”I need a word with you. I must ask for your assistance.” The Captain walks Nymbleth to a secluded alcove and explains the situation and awaits Nymbleth’s answer if he is willing and able to assist Malakar and Merrek in fixing the ship's rudders.
Vexas bows and gives a slight flick of his hand as a faux-salute signaling that he understands Nymbleth must take his leave.
Or, that happens. Easy.
He turns back to Kalcora guides her to an unoccupied spot along the railing of the ship where they can review the note in privacy.
What room tells a story? The galley is about food, and I suppose if it's bad they'll have a story. The saloon, or main cabin also fosters a lot of story swapping. Those two guess are too obtuse though, they don't make a fine riddle. Now... it's often that the Head is the part that tells the stories.
He chuckles at this. The actual head is the worst place for stories, but let's go ahead and see if that's it. You try the one for the ladies, and I'll inspect that of the gents.
Just as Vexas is winking at Nymbleth, Captain Markosi and his entourage of Tyra Swain, Malakar, and Merrek come walking toward them.
”Master Nymbleth,” the Captain announces, ”I need a word with you. I must ask for your assistance.” The Captain walks Nymbleth to a secluded alcove and explains the situation and awaits Nymbleth’s answer if he is willing and able to assist Malakar and Merrek in fixing the ship's rudders.
The tiefling considers for a moment, [b]”Why yes of course I could lend a hand. Let me grab a few items and I’ll be right along and meet back up at the stern.[/ b] Nymbleth
After they come out of the Head, Vexas never hears the end of it from Kalcora. Did you intend to get me into that fart-box for NO GOOD REASON?!?
The rogue laughs sheepishly. Perhaps this ship as a library.
And, while I'm at it...
Vexas stops off along the way to ask the crew for a run-down of the various locations on this boat, as it seems this one has many more than a typical ship!
Captain Markosi nods to Nymbleth, Malakar, and Merrek in gratitude, ”Go get the supplies you all need. Ms. Swain,” he nudges a chin towards his Navigator, ”will meet in the aft of the lower deck when you are all ready. I will go order the sails to be lowered. May Gozreh bless this mission and our brave divers.” With this, he takes his leave. Within moments, the sails are being lowered, and Peregrine slows considerably.