BountyOfTheSeas/Session15

BEGIN CHAPTER 15
The light of a new day breaks over the horizon, a delicate blend of gold and saffron that turns the seas into a beautiful reflection of Heaven's glories... Pyhrra stands on the deck of the Brilliance, having just awakened. With a shout, one of the sailors nearby points over the starboard side, uncomprehending.
Pyhrra rests agains the railings at the bow of the Brilliance, basking in the morning sunlight. This was her time, and the golden dawn castemark glittered on her brow, resonating with the state of the Unconquored Sun. Startled out of her basking, Pyhrra jogs to the starboard side and looks in the direction of the sailor's gesture. There, streaking through the rosy waters at high speeds, twin plumes of water trailing behind them...
Zeleny and Verdant Waves stand, beaming, on the back of a submerged... whale?
Pyhrra says, "Quite an entrance." Pyhrra muses, watching the pair with a look of amusement.
Verdant appears slightly apprehensive, as if he is not quite sure of his footing.
Zeleny is having a good time. Salty Dog Method ensures him steady ground, and he wasn't rowing. He lifts his hand in greeting.
Pyhrra straightens her tunic and waves back, she prefered not to condescend the crew by telling them to throw ropes over the side - they were already doing it.
Although inaudible beneath the roar of the water, Callidora is laughing at the sight of the baffled crewmembers. Shouts of amazement bring more sailors to the top deck. Soon, every hand that remains on the Brilliance is staring in disbelief at Zeleny and Verdant's improbable chariot.
Verdant appears to be bracing himself, holding on to one of the fins.
Zeleny grabs hold of one of the ropes, and pulls him up onto the deck. "Need any help?" he calls down to Verdant, who was, after all, less accustomed to ships, and the entrances/exits thereof.
After the two Solars are safely aboard the ship, the crowd gasps as a massive, inhuman figure raises itself from the water. The sea runs down in rivulets, across a brilliant silver exterior, stylized to resemble some beautiful, horrible fish.
Pyhrra takes an involuntary step back. "What-!?"
Fully half of the massive figure - 10 or more feet - remains submerged, disappearing into the waters as if completely translucent.
Zeleny says, "His name is Ruler of the Cerulean Waves. He's a new member of the crew."
Verdant appears much more comfortable once on deck. "One way to put it, captain."
The visible portion is the torso of a massive man, but decorated with fins everywhere the human form could benefit from hydrodynamic stabilization...and aesthetic enhancement.
Pyhrra says, "Right" Pyhrra says, clearly this does not explain everything as Zeleny may have hoped. "What pray tell, IS Ruler of Cerulean Waves?" Pyhrra keeps one ocean blue eye on the silver colossus at all times.
Zeleny glances at Verdant. He wasn't very sure of the answer.
Ruler's head/helmet is a fearsomely beautiful hybrid of man, shark, and crustacean. The eyes glow with an inner light, and seem to stare directly at Pyhrra.
Pyhrra gulps.
Verdant says, "Oh? It's a very impressive, and exceptional form of a First Age device known as a warstrider, which amounts to a suit of armor that is about the size of...well, you can see for yourself."
Pyhrra says, "Uh huh..." Only the captain's reassurances have kept Pyhrra on deck.
Verdant says, "In addition to protective qualities, a warstrider boosts the strength of its wearer or pilot, with certain drawbacks that Ruler here does not seem to suffer from."
Ruler slides backwards through the water, lowering itself down until only the head remains visible above the waves.
Pyhrra says, "So who's..." Pyhrra nods her head in the Warstrider's direction.
Verdant says, "Ruler as at least semi-intelligent...it's difficult to tell how aware it is, since it can't speak..."
Zeleny says, "He's intelligent, as well." Zeleny adds. He hesitates. Pyhrra was already nervous. But adds finally, "...Callidora is piloting at the moment."
That does little to put the Dawn at ease.
Zeleny smiles down at the massive machine, and the expression can only be described as...gleeful.
The massive automaton floats on its back, nearly its entire length visible sporadically poking above the water's surface.
With a silent motion of metal, the construct's chest opens, and Callidora pops up and out, arms extended as if awaiting an ovation.
Pyhrra says, "Well... gargauntan First Age fish-suits aside, when will we reach the next port?" Pyhrra asks.
...when none is forthcoming, Callidora sulkily grabs the ropes and hauls herself aboard.
Zeleny says, "These islands are isolated. Not for some time." His eyes narrow in thought. "And we have some business in the shipping lanes to take care of before we need to return for supplies."
Pyhrra sighs. "Business?"
Zeleny grins. "Guild ships have been left unmolested for a few weeks. That circumstance needs changing."
Ruler gently floats alongside the Brilliance. Most of the mortals ignore the Solars, instead staring at the tranquil ponderousness of the warstrider.
Verdant chuckles at Zeleny's statement.
Pyhrra says, "So in other words, you're starting a war here."
Zeleny says, "I wouldn't say that." His expression hardens. "The war has already begun."
Pyhrra sighs. Great. Stuck on a ship with the Bullshark of the West.
Verdant says, "If Lao's palace was any example of the Guild's business practices..."
He smiles. "But it should go smoothly enough, with our new allies." The large golden slashfists are heavy on his hands, and no one needs reminding the of the massive shape the swum by the ship. He calls to his crew, setting them about preparing the sails for a long voyage, and, reluctantly, they move from the rails to go about their assigned duties.
Pyhrra sulks at the railings.
Verdant glances at Pyhrra. "What's gotten you all disappointed?"
Zeleny says, "Dell, get the men in from the shore, and tell Monk I'd like him to run a headcount before we leave...." He drifts off, still giving orders.
Dell looks around, confusedly. He tugs at Callidora's sleeve and asks if he can take Ruler to go to the island.
Blue eyes shift quickly in Verdant's direction, then just as quickly back to sea. "Don't be daft."
Callidora leaps at the opportunity, literally hurling herself bodily over the banister and into Ruler's empty heart-seat. The warstrider closes up, sinks beneath the waves, and rockets towards the barbarian island.
Verdant sees Callidora getting back into Ruler and sighs, then turns back to Pyhrra. "Daft? I'm clearly missing a piece of the puzzle. What is it?"
On the beach, Ruler can be seen surging up from the surf and stomping inland.
Pyhrra says, "I'm not on this ship for the Captain's little crusade. All I wanted was passage to lord can only remember where... but I ended up here. Again."
Verdant sighs. "Are you still after Parn?"
Pyhrra returns the sigh but it's a more exasperated one. "Of course I am!"
Verdant nods, slowly. "Pyhrra, I think there's something you need to know..."
Pyhrra says, "Eh?" She turns.
Verdant says, "Parn...isn't one of us. He is not a Solar."
Pyhrra narrows her eyes. "What do you mean. How do you know this? He couldnt NOT be a Solar."
Pyhrra says, "He cant be a dragonblood, he wouldnt have fled. How do you know. How!"
Verdant says, "I have it on very good authority that all the Solars in this region save one are on this boat...well, associated with it, anyhow, and that the remaining one is not Parn."
Pyhrra leans on the rail once more, arms folded on it and looks out to sea. "You're lying. You can't know that."
Verdant says, "I'm not lying. As I said, very good authority. Pyhrra, any being capable of imitating us...could be dangerous."
<Pyhrra> Her hands ball into tight fists. "No."
Verdant says, "Pyhrra, what would I have to gain by lying?"
Pyhrra says, "I dont care." Pyhrra says, her voice wavering a little. "You're lying, Parn is never dangerous and never could be. I'm going to find him and there's nothing you can do to stop me."
Verdant says, "You didn't answer my question. Pyhrra, if you're going to follow this path, don't follow it blindly."
Pyhrra says, "I dont know! I have as little reason to trust you as I do anyone else."
Verdant says, "As little reason!? Pyhrra, are you denying that we've helped you? All but saved you when you were shipwrecked and hurt?"
Pyhrra looks at him hard, eye-to-eye.
Pyhrra says, "Whoever you are. Wherever you are. I will always trust my brother's heart and soul more than yours put together."
Ashore, Ruler of Cerulean Seas comes crashing into view. With a mighty dive, it slips beneath the waves.
Verdant says, "Pyhrra. Let me give you another view...and another option. What if Parn has become something dangerous...and is aware of it? And is trying to stay away from you so you won't be hurt?"
Pyhrra says, "I just... I just need to know."
Verdant says, "The same source who told me this...could be very helpful in locating Parn."
Pyhrra says, "Wha-?!"
Pyhrra grabs Verdant by the tunic, not hard, but very insistant. "Who!? Who can help?"
Verdant says, "If we-" Verdant is caught off guard by Pyhrra for a moment, then looks her hard in the eyes. "A friend. Tell me what Parn looks like, I'll relay the description, and see what we can do...if we locate Parn, we can go find him together..."
Pyhrra says, "I want to go myself."
Verdant says, "If he's as you say he is, and no threat, what have you lost? And on the off chance he is dangerous..."
Pyhrra says, "Verdant..." Pyhrra growls.
Verdant says, "Please, Pyhrra. What does he look like?" He seems almost indifferent to the implied threat.
Pyhrra glares...
And glares.
Verdant raises one eyebrow. "It'd be easier with a description..."
Pyhrra says, "About... er... this tall." Pyhrra moves her hand up and down. "Looks a little like me... but er.. male. Darker hair."
Pyhrra says, "Um... thinner..."
Pyhrra grumbles. There wasn't a dainty way to say it.
Verdant looks a bit surprised. "Eye color?"
Pyhrra says, "Green. Blue-green."
Pyhrra says, "But I'm going, you hear me Verdant?"
Verdant looks confused. "Going where?"
Pyhrra says, "As soon as you get information back, I'm leaving. And if you dont get it soon, I'm leaving too."
Verdant says, "Pyhrra, please, calm down and be reasonable. You know I'm perfectly capable of high-speed transportation."
Pyhrra says, "Great. You can take me back to port before the captain takes over the world then."
Verdant blinks. "Why do I get the feeling that I'm only hearing part of the conversation?"
Pyhrra says, "Verdant. I'll say it clearly. I dont want to be here! I've been sitting with a piece of fishing boat in my side on an island swarming with angry crab men! I've been eating superbread out of a metal ball, I've been talking to creepy dead women and now Callidora is swimming around with a big silver fish suit! I am so far behind my brother that it's not funny. I dont have this peculiar desire to be amongst my 'own kind' the way you do!"
Verdant blinks. "Oh...kay... Well, I am offering a solution that is perhaps better than running amok and getting shipwrecked on islands with angry crab men."
Pyhrra says, "So, instead I get to help you and Zeleny take down the guild when I could be on the trail. No thanks."
Verdant says, "No, I'm saying you can have food and sleep in a cabin as opposed to living on an island full of angry crab men."
On the other side of the ship, Verdant and Pyhrra hear the sound of Ruler surfacing, and Callidora clambering up the side of the ship.
Pyhrra says, "And raid Guild ships between Breakfast and Brunch."
Verdant goes for broke. "Works up a good appetite? Seriously, where else would you go?"
Pyhrra says, "Work." Pyhrra says blandly. "For money."
Verdant says, "And Guild ships suddenly don't carry any?"
Pyhrra says, "I didn't expect that the captain would allow me a cut of loot since he has a large crew and I am technically a woman travelling for free on his ship."
Verdant says, "What you 'technically' are, is an Exalt. I doubt the captain would be so stingy when it comes to loot to stiff you. Have you asked him?"
Zeleny appears around a corner, rubbing his head. He appears to be looking for Monk.
Pyhrra says, "I have not found the moment to be so tactless. I feel a distinct unwelcome sensation on this ship."
Pyhrra clears her throat uneasily and returns to her admiration of the horizon.
Verdant blinks at Pyhrra's sudden silence, then turns to see Zeleny. "Ah, captain, perhaps you could resolve a minor disagreement here."
Zeleny says, "Hm?" he asks. He seems slightly distracted.
Verdant says, "Short version: Pyhrra doesn't think she's welcome here."
<ST2> Callidora grasps Pyhrra in a bear-hug from behind. "Of course you are, Pyhrra!"
Verdant says, "And that reminds me, when you get a chance, I'd like to talk to you about the events of..."
Verdant shrugs.
Zeleny says, "Really. And why does she think that?" The Zenith doesn't seem to be in a particularly reassuring mood.
Callidora says, "Now that you're back, and Irisa's back, we can have Girls' Night every day!"
Pyhrra says, "Ouch!" Pyhrra resists the urge to toss the night over the side.
Zeleny says, "Events of..?"
Verdant says, "Events of the previous night...despite our victories, there are some...troubling things.
Pyhrra says, "If it's all the same to you Callidora, you may keep girls night to yourselves."
Callidora says, "Suit yourself! I bet you'll want in once you see how much fun it'll be!"
Verdant turns back to Pyhrra. "So who's being unwelcoming to who, again?"
"Woman? Ship?" Pyhrra says. "Admittedly I've never fit in with the crew anyway - not that I've attempted to. I didn't intend my stay to be as long as this."
Zeleny says, "Pyhrra. I assure you, as long as you contribute to the safety and well-being of the crew, you are always welcome aboard the Brilliance." Zeleny is chill and austere. He adds after a moment, "I am glad we were able to rescue your from your marooned state."
Callidora says, "Shore still likes you, Pyhrra." She gives the thumbs-up sign.
Verdant says, "Exalt. Welcome. Seriously, what you've said is you've deliberately pushed us away, then gotten miffed that we're not 'welcoming' you."
Pyhrra says, "I don't want you to welcome me. That was merely in regards to whether I was allowed a portion of looted money from ships. Should I even stay for that. Hopefully, I'll be able to get out of your way for good."
Zeleny looks at her narrow-eyed. "You are welcome to remain among these islands, if you wish. As for a portion of the looted money...something can no doubt be arranged."
Pyhrra looks into his narrowed eyes. Unwelcome feeling? You bet. "Very well. I'll stay on board for as long as I have to. But no longer."
She looks over to Verdant. "Please contact your source please."
Verdant says, "Well, you can work out those arrangements." Verdant looks at Pyhrra. "Meanwhile, I intend to take care of *my* end of the bargain. Leave, and you might have given up your shot at the proceeds."
Pyhrra says, "Jade is worth little to me if you find information I seek."
Verdant turns and goes below decks.
Pyhrra says, "Verdant." Pyhrra calls after him, but not looking in his direction.
Verdant pauses, glancing back at Pyhrra. "What?"
Pyhrra says, "How long have you known about this source?"
The boats from the landing party scrape against the Brilliance's hull. The last of the crew has returned, among them - presumably - Niehan and Monk.
Verdant turns away, speaking flatly. "I knew about Parn the night before Irisa was kidnapped. I did not have a chance to tell you before you ran off."
Men already aboard begin to lash the small boats to their proper moorings.
Her back also towards him, Pyhrra just nods and walks to the bow of the ship. She drags Memoir from its scabbard and attacks the chipped, pitted edge with the now-pittifully worn grindstone.
Ceaseless Journey gleams in the early-morning sunlight, as flawless as the day it was forged.
Niehan appears over the edge of the ship, hauls himself aboard. Monk follows closely behind, although less gracefully.
Zeleny nods to them. "Grab something to eat, and then meet me in the stateroom. We need to discuss the voyage..."
Niehan salutes in response, a strange look in his eyes.
Zeleny is closeted with his henchmen for a solid two hours, discussing plans and logistics, before he sends for his fellow Solars.
A few messengers later, the five Solars are gathered together with Monk, Salas Toad, and Niehan. Zeleny's stateroom is feeling a bit crowded.
Pyhrra stands near the door, not sure if she should be there.
Zeleny stands next to his chair, leaning over the chart spread across the table. His clenched fists rest on the solid oak tabletop. His fingers trace the contours of the shipping lanes.
Verdant gestures for Pyhrra to sit.
Zeleny says, "I have been considering our approach. A slow and cautious assault- it won't suceed. We need to be daring, and we need to be brilliant...we need to hit the Guild like it's never been hit before. The Guild has spread a tale that it is invincible, unassailable...neccessary. I plan to prove their legend false. And the way to begin is to make slave ships fear to travel the shipping lanes. To that end, I propose a series of raids all along the shipping lanes, more aggressively than before. Word will spread. Slavery prospers by the idea of it. We need prove to the people of the West that it is not inevitable." He looks up at the others, grey eyes curiously clear in the faint sunlight that illuminates the room through the narrow round portholes. "What say you?
Verdant says, "I presume you intend to have both ships travel together? Where's our first target?"
Pyhrra says, "Uh...?" Pyhrra shrugs. Naval warfare was never her strong suit.
Zeleny drops his fingers on a line on map. "Here. The route between these two archiprelagos is relatively narrow; the Wyld and unnaturally rough seas hem ships. The route is only lightly guarded; most ships travelling through it are carrying human cargo; precious little else to take them to those isles. Slaves are difficult to pawn, and so slaveships are generally left unmolested by pirates."
Zeleny says, "A few weeks intimidating them here, and I expect they will send divert some of their standard convoys to send reinforcements. At which point, we will strike here- a far fatter shipping lane, and a place they are accustomed to thinking of as home seas."
Irisa wears a small smile as she surveys the attack plans. "How much do we stand to profit from these operations, Captain?"
Pyhrra looks at the map. It was all chinese to her. She played gateway once with the senior librarian. The librarian whooped her ass and Pyhrra never tried it again.
Zeleny says, "From the initial operations...relatively little. Those ships don't usually carry much coin. Once we hit the general lanes, however, profit in jade skyrockets...." He names Monk's estimated figure.
He looks seriously at Irisa. "There's a particular venture I want to invest that captured jade in. I wondered if you might oversee it for me."
Pyhrra says, "How do we transport all the liberated slaves?" Pyhrra asks.
Irisa's eyebrows raise appreciatively at the stated figures, and nods to acknowledge Zeleny's request.
Verdant says, "A question, captain, are we looking to take the ships as well as the cargo?"
Zeleny smiles. "In the very ships that captured them. The ships will still be rather uncomfortably overcrowded- but they'll also be relatively near to their homes, most of them. It's how we've managed the business in the past."
Verdant nods.
Zeleny says, "We'll capture as many ships as we can, subject to transporation needs. And depending on how many of the freedmen wish to join us."
Pyhrra says, "What if the guild attack them in retaliation - reconquor their ships when we leave?"
Verdant says, "That requires fast communication, awareness of the attack having happened, and ability to get a combat ship in the area fast enough. And without running into us in their haste."
Pyhrra says, "And what if the guild harbour exalted?"
Zeleny says, "In that unlikely circumstance, we kill, capture, or convert them."
Pyhrra says, "Of course."
Verdant says, "The Guild does not usually field such beings as guards, the costs are too high. With us in the equation, though, it may only be a matter of time before we run into Dragon-Blooded."
Irisa says, "And there is the matter of the Wyld Hunt..."
Zeleny shrugs. "Let them come."
Pyhrra says, "While we're taking on the world.."
Zeleny says, "Hm?"
Pyhrra says, "It was rhetorical."
Irisa says, "I don't believe you are using 'rhetorical' correctly."
Zeleny says, "Very well then. Any other questions?" Zeleny looks into the faces of his men, of his brother and sisters.
Pyhrra says, "Yes. Who is going to the other ship?"
Zeleny says, "An excellent question. Would you like to volunteer?"
Callidora says, "I want to stay here. All my stuff's here already."
Irisa says, "I too wish to stay with the Brilliance, Captain."
Zeleny says, "Verdant, Pyhrra?"
Zeleny turns to Salas. "Who do you want?" he asks simply.
Verdant sighs. "Captain, you know I am no hand to hand fighter...I am a sorcerer, an artillery piece."
Salas rubs his stubbly chin thoughtfully.
Pyhrra says, "I guess we go then."
Verdant glances at Pyhrra, surprised. "So it would seem."
Salas smacks his meaty palms together. "Excellent! We do be welcomin' you to the 'Emancipation,' Master Verdant, Mistress Pyhrra."
Verdant stands and offers Salas his hand. "Glad to be aboard, captain."
Zeleny says, "You aren't aboard yet," Zeleny notes drily.
Callidora says, "Yuk yuk, Cap'n. You just made a funny!"
Verdant chuckles at Zeleny. "Fair enough."
Zeleny shoots Callidora a look. "Irisa- I wanted to discuss the matter of the captured jade with you..."
Verdant says, "Captain, would you mind if I sat in on that discussion?"
Irisa nods demurely to Zeleny.
Zeleny says, "Of course not."
Salas says, "Master Verdant, we'll need to be making ready to depart..."
Callidora has already decided the meeting is adjourned, and quietly slipped out.
Zeleny says, "This won't take long. The problem Irisa, is the Guild. It has managed to insinuate itself into the lifeblood of so many cities on so many levels that many are all but dependent on its munificence. In much of the West, trade would not exist without it."
Salas says, "Aye, sir. We'll be waiting in the boat."
He leans towards her. "We need to create an alternative."
Pyhrra follows Salas outside.
Verdant says, "Captain Toad, don't bother waiting for me, I'll get to the Emancipation myself."
Irisa's eyes widen. "Are you asking me to mastermind a replacement for the largest economic power in Creation?"
Niehan excuses himself. Monk quietly gestures for the Captain's attention: -should I stick around, or may I go?-
Zeleny indicates to Monk that he should stay put. The man can probably guess who is likely to be tagged as Irisa's assistant.
The ex-Immaculate dutifully takes his post beside the captain's desk.
Zeleny says, "Only in the West," he assures Irisa. "To begin with." He steeples his fingers. "There are many independent traders resentful of the Guild's influence. Many empires and kings, likewise. Many of the freed slaveships will become merchants, eventually; they, and the captured jade, can be the kernal of a better alternative. The Guild have to struggle to cope with our assaults; the new association will grow to fill the gaps."
He spreads his hands, palms up. "Or at least, that is the idea. I am no businessman."
Irisa says, "I... I'm a little daunted by the scope of what you propose, good sir." She grins slyly. "Although it does sound like quite a fitting challenge."
Verdant says, "Don't be daunted. Take it one step at a time, one ship, one trade route, one whatever. I'm sure you'll be able to keep up."
Zeleny says, "You are one of the Unconquered Sun's chosen emissaries. If it can be done, you are the one to do it."
She looks from Zeleny to Verdant and back again. She rises from her seat, joins the hands of all three Solars together in a oath-gesture. "With the provision of your assistance, Captain Zeleny, Verdant Waves, I accept. With your help, we will supplant the Guild."
Verdant has a wan smile as the two shake on it.
Zeleny grips her hand. "Justice be done," he agrees.
"Agreed," Verdant says, half-chuckling.
Irisa smiles. "Excellent. If you'll excuse me, I shall retire to my chambers in preparation for our departure."
As she disappears through the door, Zeleny says with a slight smile, "I'll miss having you aboard, Verdant."
Verdant nods. "It's been a pleasure...oh, a couple last things..."
Zeleny says, "Hm?"
Verdant says, "One, I wanted to mention something about those...death creatures...we fought last night."
Zeleny says, "What about them?" Zeleny has already half-forgotten the matter.
Verdant says, "We made a grievous error. We assumed they were mere zombies or ghosts. They weren't. Those were Exalts, of a type I don't recognize."
Zeleny frowns. "...where did this new information come from?"
Verdant says, "Remember as they left, and I tried to cast a spell at them? The one called 'Grave' countered my spell. The pain and the confusing aftermath made it slip my mind at the time...but in order to do that, he'd have to be a sorcerer himself. The other thing that tells me they were Exalts, is the fact that when he countered my spell using Emerald Countermagic...his anima banner flared. Exalts are the only beings I know of with anima banners. And he had a mark on his forehead."
Zeleny 's eyes widen. "I see." He falls silent a moment. "What did the mark look like?"
A moment's pause, and Verdant's Caste Mark glows upon his brow. "This, only black."
Zeleny hesitates. "Dragonblooded don't have castemarks...that look like that. Do you know much of the other Celestial Exalts?"
Verdant shakes his head. "Not much, but enough to know theirs can't be mistaken for ours. And I don't mean it was any mark, I mean his mark was shaped exactly like mine. A black circle, the top half filled in, the bottom half empty."
Zeleny says, "You think they might be like us?"
Verdant says, "My suspicion is that they are...something new. Newly made. Using our kind as a template. No telling what their capabilities are."
Zeleny frowns. "And what was the other things?"
Verdant says, "Item number two is far less weighty. Given Shore's affection for Pyhrra, and my tutelage of her, you might want to consider tranferring her to the Emancipation."
Zeleny nods. "It is done. Though she will miss Dell." He smiles slightly. "I've wondered if there's something going on between them."
Verdant says, "Any reason not to send Dell over as well?"
Zeleny says, "I can't spare him."
Verdant nods.
Verdant says, "I suspect they'll have their time if there is something going on. In any case, item number three is the fact that Ruler cannot fight on its own. At best it can continue in a given direction without a pilot."
Zeleny says, "Callidora can swim with him into battle. She fond of him. As for ordinary transportation...he can follow the ships, can he not?"
Verdant says, "Following something's too complicated. He'll need to be steered any time the ships change direction."
Zeleny says, "Huh."
Zeleny says, "Callidora likes swimming, doesn't she?"
Verdant says, "True. I can also make the changes if she's unavailable. Though when it comes to a fight, I can't use my spells from within Ruler."
Zeleny nods. "Then perhaps Callidora should be the battle-pilot. If that's all, you should see if Shore wants to make the transfer to the Emancipation; Salas is anxious to get underway."
Verdant says, "Well, given that I asked Salas to go on ahead, that'd be the last boat out. You might as well ask her yourself if you think that'd be better. In any case, I'd better pack up my belongings and get myself to the Emancipation."
Zeleny nods, and tracks down Shore.
Shore is in the 'women's quarters.' She and Irisa look up in surprise as Zeleny curtly brushes the curtain aside.
Irisa says, "Yes, Captain?"
Verdant goes to his cabin, packs his few belongings into the crate, and hauls it onto the deck. A few moments' chanting later, Verdant and the crate are flying off to the Emancipation.
The two girls had apparently been getting reacquainted, seated on their respective hammocks.
Zeleny is blunt. "Pyhrra and Verdant are being transferred to the Emancipation. You have studied under them both. Do you wish to be transferred as well?"
Irisa's expression is a little stony. Shore seems taken aback. "Uh... but, June and Rooma and Callidora are all here... and Dell..."
Zeleny nods, face neutral. "As you wish then." He bows slightly to Irisa, and disappears back behind the curtain again.
The Captain can hear the two conferring in quiet voices as he departs. Shortly thereafter, the Emancipation has wheeled about, turning south to return to civilization. The Brilliance is close behind, and Callidora steers Ruler of Cerulean Seas in-between (And around. And under. And in a maneuver guaranteed to make everyone else nervous, in arcing leaps over) the two lumbering ships in a playful manner.
Pyhrra looks out onto the horizon. What does the seas beyond the next wave have in store for her?
Verdant is unpacking his belongings in his cabin aboard the Emancipation, blissfully (deliberately?) unaware of Callidora's antics.
The barbarians and beastmen of this quiet trio of islands send their prayers with the five departing Solars. Though far-removed from the rest of the humanity, the actions of the Brilliance and the Emancipation have made this tiny corner of the world a better place to live. The midday sun watches with pride as the twin ships ply their way southward, back to the glories and the horrors of humankind in the Second Age of Man.
END CHAPTER 15