Toki watches Beordt reach futilely for the arrow for a moment, laughing at his friend in a jovial manner before helping the ursine warrior, cutting the wicked barbed head free, before bandaging his friend up.
He then starts singing a old nordic sailing song, prompting his childhood friend to begin singing along!
”Just an arrow in the back. Your song is soothing.” The gearforged intoned as he watched the dangerous shoreline recede into the distance.
As Beordt starts to feel better his drumming along with Toki gets more on beat and probably more annoying.
"Well that wasn't much fun. I can't help but wonder what new threats await us".
She tries to find a sunny spot to dry out her clothing and fur, and rests letting the experienced sailors do their jobs... and hoping that she isn't in another shipwreck.
HD to heal
Dacknar plots a course to stay with the boat hauling the horse.
The winds hold steady and sailing the craft is a joy. Light, maneuverable, and quick. The twin hulled ship dances across the water. Picking up speed, it heels enough that Dacknar has to direct Rilkus and Beordt to shift their weight in order to keep the boat from capsizing. But soon enough the two sailors are a smoothly operating team. Able to tack and jibe efficiently to keep the little boat on course and quickly catching up to the slower moving craft towing the barge.
With water spraying over the bow and the boat leaps across the low waves of the river, the opposite shore grows closer and clearer. Great dunes of sand and tall waving grasses mark a start contrast to the dense jungle of the northern banks. Following the example of the other craft, Dacknar eases into the wind a little, dropping speed. The reason is soon clear as Toki warns of a sandbar just ahead. The shallow draft of the boat is able to skim across, but another appears soon after. This one breaching the surface and forcing a change in course.
The next hour, as the sun starts to set is spent carefully navigating the shallow waters on this side of the channel until finally you spot a small building set on high stilts and set of docks. The others make for the landing, avoiding the docks for the most part and instead deftly sliding the boat onto the sandy shore as they drop the sails.
Another minotaur with graying hair and gnarled hands steps out onto the walkway that leads down to the beach where you and the others are busy stowing gear and the girl guides the horse off the barge.
"Mayantep's blessing upon you all. A successful foray, Vatar? Navigator?" The graybeard asks, wiping his hands on a soft cloth. The smell of a spicy seafood stew drifts on the air from the open door.
The big minotaur, Vatar, shakes his head. "We lost the outpost." His says, striding up the walkway to clasp hands with the other. "Blasted ghosts are all stirred up. Pushed us right to the shore and in numbers." He adds, staring back across to the north, worry clear upon his weathered face.
"But the Navigator's Sight was true. We did find folk in need and arrived in time to get them out."
"That's something. Best secure those boats. There'll be a bit of a blow coming in tonight. When you're done, come in and get some decent food."
"Haha! A bit of your cooking will be a welcome change from young Ishtal's." Vatar says to agreeing nods from several of the other soldiers.
Turning to the strangers, the old bull offers a smile. "Welcome strangers to Sandy Shoals. I'm Keeper Turgan. I've ale, beds, and a food enough for all. Sounds like you've had a rough go, so come up and rest your souls upon the safe ground of the Shoals for a spell."
Finally! Toki exclaims, slapping Beordt on the shoulder, See? I told you that our trip would pay off! Ahh, ale...
The young Northman helps stow the sails and finish unloading the ships before heading in with the old bull...
Beordt lets out a happy sound. "We have need of all those things."
After securing the boat, Dacknar jumps down hearing what is offered.
"Aye, many thanks to ye Keeper Turgan."
Lily stands open mouthed for a moment gawking at all the seemingly happy minotaurs' around her. She then shakes off her feelings, and goes to work helping in any way she can, and shyly smiling at any who make eye contact with her. She takes a moment to wipe and polish her horns her vanity and need to fit in true.
At the offer of lodging and food she moans out loud, and runs to hug the man before catching herself.
"Thank you. You don't know how good that sounds".
Rilkus remained silent. The promise of food, ale and a bed meant nothing to him, personally. From the most meager accommodations of the poorest inn to wealthiest palace, such comforts were useless to him. But the relief on his companions faces warmed his mechanical heart. That, and it would be nice to stand vigil in a place that was safe from threats. That alone was a welcome change.
"There's little worry of the Ghosts crossing tonight." Vatar says listening to the howling wind and rain beating upon the sturdy wooden walls of the Sandy Shoals. The building creaks as the rising surf roils below among the tall stilts that hold it aloft and above the churning chaos of the river below.
"Little worry of them crossing at all Vatar." Turgon says pouring another mug and handing it to Beordt. "Been here sixty years and my father seventy five before that, his father as many before that. Not once have those pale brutes crossed the Tears."
"Aye, but they've never been so stirred up before." Vatar says sipping his own ale. "That was more than a simple raiding party back there. Must've been a whole tribe. Judging from the number of drums, maybe more." He tilts his head toward the girl who sits quietly near the fire, staring into the flames. "If not for the Navigator, we likely would've run right into their ambush and all of us would've been feeding the jungle."
The soldier's statement seems to give the old keeper a moments pause. His brows furrow in thought as he shifts his gaze northward. "Hmmm....disturbing news for certain." He says. "Makes me worry a bit more for young Telos. He went upriver a little over a month ago. Should have returned at the full moon. I thought he'd just maybe stayed on a bit longer. Maybe found a new trove among the ruins. But now I can't help but worry..."
"Telos is a good lad. Smart and knows the jungle better than most of us." Vatar counters. "Ghosts avoid the ruins, so if they are on the move, he may just be holed up until they move on."
The Keeper nods with a bit of relief mixed with uncertainty. "You're likely right, still if he isn't back by midmoon, I'll need to close up and go looking."
At the thought of the old minotaur venturing off into the jungle Vatar frowns and shakes his head. "Wouldn't be good to have the Shoal go dark for a week or more. If he doesn't come back send word to Harbour and I'll get some of the lads to go scout the reefs and see what might be brushing up against our shores."
The elder nods, seeming to accept the big minotaur's offer. A bit of silence ensues until the old Keeper turns to those who aren't descendants of the Exodus. "Change must be afoot in the greater world." He says to Toki, Beordt, Lilly, Dacknar and Rilkus. "For over all my time here at the end of the Tears, I've only had a handful of outsiders ever come through. Now I've had two groups in less than so many months. What brings you to our little corner of the world?" He asks with the genuine curiosity and love of tale telling inherent to so many innkeepers throughout all the realms of Midgard.
Toki clears his throat, We could go upriver and look for him, if you give us a good description of Telos, that is. It is the least we can do to repay your hospitality. We are a bit aimless at present...
EDIT:
"Our ship was lost in a great storm. By luck or blessing made it to the shores. On our arrival we dealt with frogmen who attempted to take us slave. Many of them were themselves slave to an overlord. The overlord is no more. Since we have trekked south in hopes of a safe settlement. We passed I think one of the ruins you speak of. We found a small settlement that had seen an attack. That's when the trollkin showed up and your rescue."
Toki gives Beordt a look, What the hel, man?
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EDIT:
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All eyes turn toward Toki when Turgon asks his question. Wetting his vocal cords with a final swig of ale, the bard open his mouth to relay the epic saga he'd been crafting. The words, rhymes and notes filling his head as a distraction to the constant labor of hacking through the jungle or facing death at every corner. An epic tale crafted with blood, sweat, and more blood. From the first blustering winds of the storm that sank the Delightful Rose to Verrick's final fall to the travails and hardships of weeks of travel in the dangerous jungle. An heroic epic to rival Falku's Wanderers of the Western Wastes, a poetic masterpiece more inspiring than Tindel's Heroic Tales, musical wonder to make Chuuk's The Ice Maiden and the Seven Stormriders of Thunder Mountain pale in comparison.
But alas, the debut of the bardic masterpiece is unceremoniously shunted aside when Beordt sums it all up in nine quick sentences. Nary a rhyme or melody among the lot. Not even long enough for a proper swill of ale. And yet, the gathered soldiers listen, nod, and look on with surprise and a growing amount of respect.
"Sounds like quite a journey." Vatar says plunking his mug back down to the table. "Only frog folk I've ever seen are carved on the ruins Turgon mentioned. Didn't realize any of their kind still lived."
He raises his mug and swings in out in that universal gesture of respect and toasting another. "Here's to your welcome survival and arrival I what I can only hope is more restful ground." He says and takes another long drink, draining the mug of its dark brew.
Still reeling from the sudden stealing of his thunder, Toki says first thing to come to mind. An offer to seek out the missing Telos. Vatar nods in support of the idea while Turgon breaks into a smile and more than a little relief.
"A welcome offer my friends. One I would gladly accept with the knowledge of what you've already done is this land of ours." He starts to pour another round of ale. "I'm sure Vatar will let you use the craft you brought across the river for the journey. And I'll make you out a rough map of where the lad was planning to go. But planning is for tomorrow. Tonight we celebrate, rest, and fill our bellies with the bounty of river and sea."
Turgon walks Toki over to a small room that resembles more of a large closet than the typical outfitters supply showroom. Upon the numerous shelves are dried ration kits, bottles of lamp oil, coils of rope, boxes of candles, a barrel of torches, and numerous other bits and bobs typically used by those who might venture forth across or up the river.
"As I said not much. But you're welcome to take a look at what's here." Turgon says.
A pair of sturdy looking wooden shields hang on the back wall. One painted with an artistic long tailed bird in crimson, sunflower, and ocean blue colors upon a jungle green background. The second is simpler. Crossed lightning arcs over a reptilian head and a black background.
There are no metal shields. In fact, as Toki explores the goods there are no weapons, armor, or other items with primarily iron or other metal components at all. A suit of sturdy leather armor sits on a shelf covering several coils of silk rope, but no chain, plate or even studded leather armor.
He does have a selection of elegant longbows, sturdy looking shortbows, and an array of well crafted arrows most are stone tipped, but a few have actual iron or even steel tips.
Toki looks through their armory, replacing his beaten shield with the one with the lightning motif. Wooden shields were more comfortable for him, they reminded him of home...
Dacknar grabs a longbow and some more arrows with 3 more jars of lamp oil. He also re-supplies his rations for 10 days.
"Might need a little more range than my short bow can deliver."
And he unstrings his bow and straps it to his pack.
"Metal must be hard to come by, Turgon does this village have a forge to work metal?"
Lil makes friendly small talk with the people of the settlement, and looks for an opportunity to speak privately with the Navigator.
Lil & Navigator
"Excuse me. I'd like to thank you for your rescue in person... but something else occupies my thoughts. Shortly after the shipwreck I detected someone on the shore far down the coast. I had a feeling of good from that individual, but the sea was too treacherous for us to head in that direction. Looking back on things it would have probably been no more dangerous than the path we took... but that is a discussion for another time".
"Though we've never met... somehow I feel that we have. I don't know, sometimes I get these well... visions in my head and things and places I've never seen become familiar. I thought I was going crazy with delusions, but then many of the things I saw were rooted in truth. I got that feeling when I first saw you. Were we destined to end up here"?
Rummaging through some of the open topped barrels, Turgon does find a stone warhammer. The gray granite head is mounted in a hard black wood carved with a decorative maze pattern. The weapons handle is made of the same dark wood and the minotaur claims it will withstand the heaviest of sword blows. The leather wrapping is worn and hardened from disuse, but Turgon has plenty to replace it.
He nods to Dacknar. "Aye. We've a few forges and smiths back in Landing. But metal are rarer than a virgin during...." His eyes flick toward the young woman speaking with Lilly and his face grows a bit red. "Errr...it's hard to come by for certain."
"Most of surrounding iron mines were tapped out long ago by those who lived and ruled these parts in ages past. So we make do with what little we have, can trade for, or scavenge. That's why young Telos went up river. Mining the ruins for metals. Almost no ships sail into into Landing, so searching the ruins is the primary source for nearly everything we use."
He leans in a whispers to both Dacknar and Toki. "I doubt any of these lads would do anything." He says indicating Vatar and his soldiers. "Especially since both the Navigator and Vatar have taken a liking to you. But if you end up back in Landing, well, that metal man you're traveling with would be worth more than a whole mountain of gems to some folk. Best keep a close eye on him."
"The Sight is a heavy burden. I too have seen you, and your companions, in my own visions. The most recent of which warned me of the danger you had come up at the outpost." She says quietly. "I recall another the evening of the hurricane. A ship sinking. Choices made. I wasn't sure I'd see you again, for there are always so many unknowns surrounding each vision the goddess grants me."
[b]"Destiny? One might think so. After all, we are here, giving the vision substance. Making it seem inevitable. But I do not think destiny is reality. The gods are not so powerful as to know every future. No, the visions show us mere possibilities. Glimpses of potential. It is our own actions, decisions, and chance that turns that potential into actual truth and reality.
Toki marvels at the warhammer, hefting its weight, tossing it from hand to hand, he finally nods in approval.
At the warning, Toki smiles, Understood. If we can, we will bring you any metals that we can find. That should stave off any thoughts of betrayal...
"Aye Toki, and to show some good faith and a small token of thanks for saving us. Here is a bag of 1,000 steal ball bearings. I know it's not much but you might be able to make a dagger or two, or perhaps some arrow heads, or some tools." Dacknar offers Turgon.
Turgon gratefully accepts the unexpected trade offered by Dacknar. "I'll see they're put to good use." He says carefully storing the sack in a locked chest.
To Toki he smiles. "I'll be happy if you bring Telos back safe, but aye, a good cache of metals will certainly gain you further allies and friends among us exiles."
Toki nods, filing the term 'exiles' in the back of his mind...
@ The Navigator
"Thank you. I can't tell you what a relief it is to know there are others with the sight like myself. We shall have to speak more of it. For now I'd better see what my companions are up to".
Lil joins the others and agrees on their mission when it is explained. She grabs a couple more sturdy spears to carry, and prepares to rest for the evening.
"This place called the Landing, where is it? Is it a large town or just a small fishing village?" Dacknar asks.
"It is a comfort for me as well." She says, an exhaustion in her eyes that is usually unheard of in one so young. "Mayentep's blessing can be a heavy burden and as you say, it is a rare thing."
Her eyes roam over the others gathered in the inn's warm common room as the storm blows and rumbles outside. As her gaze returns to the fire, her voice grows soft and quiet.
"There are reason the goddess has brought us together. I do not know what they are, but I fear the recent aggression by the wild tribes may be part of it. Beware on your journey." She warns. "I must check the Logs but in all the time our people have sheltered in this land, never have the pale ones come in such numbers or shown such ferocity. Something has changed and I do not know what." The last is filled with both frustration and self recrimination.
Turgon points south when Dacknar asks about Landing. "A day's sail south is where Landing sits. A fine little harbor. Sheltered from harsh seas and trees loaded with fruits, nuts, and enough fish for a lifetime of full nets. A good place for those who escaped the fall to call home. Far from the dragon's and their vile empire." His jovial face turns harsh and dour speaking of the Mharoti.
"But not a great city like those that lie buried under the jungle or our own people's glorious homeland. But a place of culture, art, debate, and security nonetheless. It is the heart of our land and I'm certain you will see it upon your return from the inland wilds."
"But up river you'll find no such luxury or civilization."
The old minotaur pulls out a scrap of paper and draws out a rough map, explaining as he sketches in the rough lines. "We're here at the mouth of the river. It's a four day jaunt up river to Tiger Tail rock." He draws an 'S' shaped formation and adds a bend in the river. "You can't miss the Tail. Sticks up out of the river fifty feet, striped in orange and black. Just beyond is Prospector's Cove. That's nothing more than a dock, a few storage shacks, campsites, and junk left from past expeditions. No one lives there full time. Too dangerous. Even more so if the ghosts are kicking up waves."
He marks a trail leaving the river and running north, northwest. "The initial ruins are only a days walk from the cove. Some kind of outskirt of the bigger city. But Telos wouldn't be digging there. They've been tapped for years. He'll be further in. Said he'd a hunch about a place deep in the central district." He taps the charcoal marking another spot further along the general trail. Punctuating the place with a worried snort. "Told the fool not to go so far in. Too dangerous. You folk beware. The jungles has its dangers for certain, but those ruins are dark and deadly. Prospecting is no easy task. Many don't make it back. Or worse, come back broken of body, mind, or spirit."
"It's a brave and honored thing you're doing and I'll be in your debt if you bring the lad back safe and whole."
Toki watches quietly, making note of possible hazards along the journey. At the comment about the hazards of the jungle, he grimaces, A different kind of danger may be welcomed after the jungle's attempt to kill us on numerous occasions... We will leave at first light and bring your boy home. May the gods keep him alive long enough for us to find him...
"do you know of any hazards in the water, such as creatures and such?"
The day begins with a glorious display of color. From the initial twilight blues and purples subtly shifting to soft peach, pinks, and scarlet which in turn become brilliant, coppers, golds, and sunflower yellow. All reflected in the rolling waves where river meets ocean with a rising tide.
A few lingering clouds, a steady westerly breeze, and the usual mounds of kelp, driftwood and other debris scattered along the beaches are all that remain of the previous night's storm.
Your boat appears unharmed, still bobbing at the dock, rolling with the ever present churn of the rivers surface. You gear is safely stowed in the twin hulls, while the mast is set and the sails ready to raise their tops and catch the wind to begin the journey inland.
Turgon catches Dacknar's question and he hands a basket of sandwiches made with fresh baked bread, spiced fish paste, lettuce and cucumber.
"Aye...the Tears is not a river to trifle with." He says with the knowledge of one who has faced the river many times. "The big lizards are what most folk fear, and some of them rightly so for they can rip apart minotaur or craft as quick as you please. But others are gentle and easy enough to pass by. If you survived weeks in the jungle, the river will be passable enough."
"It is the ghosts you'll have to worry about most if they truly are raiding in numbers. Them and some of the other kin who lurk deeper within the jungle. As for the ruins themselves..." He shrugs. "Spirits, traps, beast that have taken up residence in the cool hidden places. What you might expect in such places and why I'm grateful for your aide."
"Oh! And you'll need to portage around the Emerald Falls. Shouldn't be tough. Our craft are built to be light weight for just such situations. But it is a place that some have run into trouble before, so best to be on your guard."
And with that, he steps back on the dock ready to release the lines once everyone is onboard and ready to set sail.
With all aboard, Dacknar and Toki give the signal. Turgon releases the lines. A quick shove from Beordt and Rilkus and the little sailing craft drifts out into the current. With a better understanding of the craft and a lack of incoming arrows, the two sailors easily get the sails raised and soon enough the boat is clipping across the water as Dacknar tacks his way upriver using the favorable westerly breeze.
Occasional puffy white clouds drift overhead while the bright sun shines down sparkling across the slow moving waters of the massive river. A herd of seals swim past. Their brown heads bobbing in the water until the tell tale fins of some kind of fresh water shark send them scattering.
Fortunately, the seals offer more sport and potential sustenance than the sail boat so the predators do not follow when Dacknar adjusts course to take the boat further away from the circling fins.
Gazing out watching the water he see a large dark shape. Squinting his eyes he peers at it. "What in nine hells. Hold on, hard turn to port!" He pushes hard on the tiller, making the boat veer to the port to avoid the sand bar.
"We might need a spotter to watch for snags and such. That was too close."
Toki works furiously at the sails to make that swerve right, he spares only the slightest of moments to catch a glimpse of the threat...
Seeing the sandbar as they barely pass, the Northman lets out a breath... Close one, there, Dack! Lil, can you keep a sharp eye out at the fore? Maybe Beordt or Rilkus can help!
Beordt nods, "If that's where I am needed." He moves to a better vantage, "Though I think I am mostly Ballast." As he says this the boat rocks slightly with his moving.
Lily simply nods her head, takes a push pole, and moves to the front of the boat to keep an eye out for trouble ahead.
Perception
Perception (Advantage from Beordt).
Quick action and good eyes prevent you from running aground on the sandbar. Together Lilly and Beordt spot two more sandy hazards in plenty of time for Dacknar and Toki to shift course and reset the sails.
Later, as the sun starts to drift toward the western horizon, Lilly calls out another warning. Dacknar pushes the tiller forward to take the ship around the shallow patch. Another routine pass, until Lilly's keen eyes notice the sandbar 'shifting' with the boats course change. It takes just a few moments for the connection to click. Her shouted warning is punctuated by a large reptilian head upon a long craning neck bursting forth from the depths. It's massive body at least thirty feet long is still hidden beneath the waves. Roaring a challenge exposes the matching rows of sharp, piercing teeth several inches long as gleaming yellow and black eyes focus upon its next meal.
"Perhaps we could avoid it?"
Raising both hads he cast a spell. bright colors leap from his fingers.
"Stay out of our way ye lizard."
Toki quickly shifts the sails for evasive maneuvering!