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<blockquote data-quote="Lazybones" data-source="post: 7530963" data-attributes="member: 143"><p>And we're back!</p><p></p><p>* * *</p><p></p><p>Chapter 227</p><p></p><p>The Arreshian caravel <em>Wavefarer</em> carved through modest seas, its sails filled with a strong following breeze. Ahead of the ship was a green island, its features taking on definition as the vessel drew nearer. A solitary peak rose up from the center of the island, and two juts of land extended from around an enclosed harbor as if to welcome the new arrivals. A city of considerable size rose from the inner edge of that harbor, its clean while buildings ascending onto the sides and summits of the hills that surrounded the bay.</p><p></p><p>Xeeta stood alone on the raised foredeck of the <em>Wavefarer</em>, staring at that slowly-approaching cityscape. She was resolved, and did not feel any doubts about her decision as the familiar landmarks became visible, but that did not ease the roiling uncertainty in her gut or the grim scenarios that constantly played out in the back of her mind.</p><p></p><p>A creak of wood alerted her to the presence of others behind her. She didn’t need to look back; she could already distinguish the feel of her friends from others, either the disinterested ambivalence of the crew or the wary deference from Kalasien and his men. Their presence felt like a balm that eased some of the turmoil she felt. That alone was enough of a confirmation of her decision to return.</p><p></p><p>She didn’t turn around until they came to stand at the rail beside her. Bredan remained back a step, twining his arm around one of the lines that supported the foremast. Glori, on the other hand, fearlessly joined Xeeta at the very front of the ship, leaning out so that the spray that the bow tore from the waves flashed over her features. “I know a few individuals who will be quite happy to see this part of the voyage come to an end,” she said. “Are you okay?”</p><p></p><p>Xeeta nodded. “I never thought I’d be back here again,” she said.</p><p></p><p>“We’ll only be here long enough to make contact with Kalasien’s friends, and find a Syvalian ship and crew willing to take us to Weltarin.”</p><p></p><p>“I wish we could stay with the <em>Wavefarer</em>,” Bredan said. “No offense, Xeeta…”</p><p></p><p>“Arienne,” Glori interjected.</p><p></p><p>“Right. Anyway, after all you’ve told us about Syvalian society, and its sailors in particular, it seems like a long shot to find a captain we can trust.”</p><p></p><p>“Your caution is wise,” Xeeta said. “Most Syvalian captains aren’t far off from pirates. In some cases, literally; many do a bit of piracy on the side. In Li Syval it’s seen as a patriotic duty, to help ensure Syvalian dominance of the seas.”</p><p></p><p>Bredan frowned. “That proves my point, then…”</p><p></p><p>“That’s all true, but they know the Deep, Bredan. No non-Syvalian ship has ever made the Weltarin crossing, as far as I am aware. Though few captains are willing to attempt the journey these days.”</p><p></p><p>“They gave up most of their colonies on the other continent, didn’t they?” Glori asked.</p><p></p><p>Xeeta nodded. “Yes. During the initial decades of exploration and discovery, there was a lot of talk of riches and new lands, even some who talked about a new Syvalian Empire to rival the Mai’i. But that ran up against the hard reality. Weltarin is halfway around the world, and even Syvalian ships make the journey only with great difficulty. The islands where they initially landed were sparsely populated and had few resources. The mainland had more riches, but also harsh terrain, dense jungles and arid deserts that were both hostile to colonists. That’s not even considering the creatures that lived there, monsters worse than anything we have back home.”</p><p></p><p>“And there were intelligent races there as well, yes?” Glori prodded.</p><p></p><p>“Yes. Strange beings, creatures that we would consider a mixture of animal and man. All barbarians by our standards, but no less dangerous for it.”</p><p></p><p>“I take it the initial contacts were not friendly,” Glori said.</p><p></p><p>“How would you feel, if armed strangers came to your land and started carving out its resources to ship halfway around the world?” Bredan asked.</p><p></p><p>“I’ve read histories that said there was plenty of blame to go around,” Xeeta said. “But you’re not wrong. Most of the Syvalian colonists ended up returning home, but they left behind a lot of blood in their wake.”</p><p></p><p>Another creak, this one significantly louder, drew their attention to another pair of new arrivals. This time it was Quellan and Kosk. The half-orc looked relaxed in a loose shirt. No amount of preparedness was enough to justify wearing heavy armor at sea, so he’d taken the captain’s suggestion and left it in his quarters. Kosk wore simple traveler’s clothes, but he looked a little green, and he remained close to the foremast, well back from the ship’s rails.</p><p></p><p>“Ah, Kosk!” Glori said. “Finally decided to come up and take in the fine salt air?”</p><p></p><p>The dwarf muttered something that was probably better left unheard.</p><p></p><p>“Sea sickness is a common affliction, and plays no favorites by race or gender,” Quellan said. The half-orc had also had some difficulties adjusting to sea travel, but his innate hardiness had ultimately won out. Now he looked almost hale as he stepped up to the forward rail to catch his first glimpse of Li Syval. “Impressive,” he said.</p><p></p><p>“It’s called the Gem of the Deep,” Xeeta said. “Lady of the Seas.”</p><p></p><p>“It looks almost as large as Severon,” Bredan said.</p><p></p><p>“It’s only about half as large, just going by population,” Quellan said. At Xeeta’s look he added, “I sought out a few books before we left.”</p><p></p><p>“Of course you did,” Kosk said.</p><p></p><p>“The only question is whether we’ll find what we’re looking for there,” Bredan said.</p><p></p><p>“If a ship heading to Weltarin can be found anywhere, it will be there,” Xeeta said.</p><p></p><p>“Assuming that Kalasien’s contacts play out,” Kosk said.</p><p></p><p>“We have no reason to believe they won’t,” Glori said.</p><p></p><p>“We’ll want to keep a low profile, either way,” Xeeta said. “You don’t want to attract the attention of the Ruling Council.”</p><p></p><p>“The city’s set up like the dwarves of Ironcrest, isn’t it?” Bredan asked. “Merchant guilds in charge of things.”</p><p></p><p>“Sort of,” Xeeta said. “The Council consists of the fifty leading families of the city. The number is set, but the exact participants frequently shift. As a result, there’s a constant game of houses going on, with plenty of plotting, backstabbing, and the occasional murder. About half of the population is caught up in it in one way or another, and the rest mostly just try to stay out of their way.”</p><p></p><p>“We’ll only be here a few days, hopefully,” Quellan said. “Not enough time to get into trouble with the locals.”</p><p></p><p>Kosk snorted at that. “You disagree?” Glori asked.</p><p></p><p>“When has it ever taken us any time at all to find trouble?” the dwarf asked.</p><p></p><p>“Well, maybe this time we can avoid it,” Glori said. She tapped Quellan’s chest, and the sigil there. “You know, you’ll have to play covert as well.” Her tone was teasing, but there was a warmth in her eyes when they met his.</p><p></p><p>“I know,” Quellan said with a sigh. “I have already prepared a canvas wrap for my shield.</p><p></p><p>“I have never gone to a place where any of the Triad gods were not worshipped,” Kosk said.</p><p></p><p>“Laesil is venerated, and worship of Sorevas is tolerated,” Xeeta said. “But the Syvalians have viewed the church of Hosrenu as a foreign import, ever since an incident related to some missionaries almost a millennium ago.”</p><p></p><p>“Long memories,” Glori noted.</p><p></p><p>“You said there aren’t many dwarves here,” Kosk said. “I’m not wearing a bloody canvas cover.”</p><p></p><p>“There aren’t many,” Xeeta said, “but Kalasien’s cover should hold, at least for a few days. As long as we all play our assigned roles.”</p><p></p><p>“I said I’d wear the bloody clothes,” Kosk said. “I just hope that bloody fop knows what he’s about.”</p><p></p><p>“We have no choice but to trust him,” Bredan said. “Other than… Arienne, he’s the only one of us who has spent time in Li Syval. And she needs to stay out of sight.”</p><p></p><p>“But surely no one will recognize her, wearing the amulet,” Glori said.</p><p></p><p>“No, he’s right,” Xeeta said, reaching up to touch the gemstone at her throat. “While I can appear as almost anyone using this, it’s an active spell, and radiates magic. While spellcasting is not forbidden in Li Syval, spellcasters must register with the city authorities. The law was put into effect after the cult that created me was exposed. I don’t know if the edict is still in effect, but it would be a needless risk for me to travel in the city. Don’t worry, I’ve seen enough of Li Syval for a lifetime; I have no desire to go sightseeing.”</p><p></p><p>“None of us are here to sightsee,” Bredan said. “Let’s just find Kalasien’s ship and get out of here.”</p><p></p><p>“Speak of the devil,” Kosk said. “Here comes one of his dogs now.”</p><p></p><p>Another man ascended the stairs to the now-crowded foredeck. He too was clad in simple sailor’s garb, a billowing shirt over loose trousers, but there was no disguising what he was. Like all of Kalasien’s men, he was a soldier through and through, and growing out their hair and changing their clothes would not conceal that.</p><p></p><p>“Ho, Haverd,” Quellan said in greeting. “Come to get a view of our destination? We’re coming up on the harbor fast.”</p><p></p><p>The soldier’s expression remained as blank as if it had been chiseled from stone. “Kalasien says you should all get below before the harbor pilot arrives,” he said. “We’re to avoid notice by the local authorities when possible.”</p><p></p><p>Bredan looked out and saw the small vessel that was approaching from one of the towers that flanked the harbor mouth. He’d missed it earlier, but Kalasien struck him as the sort of man who missed very little. He lingered for a moment while the others descended from the forward deck. He gave the approaching city one more look. He hoped that Kosk was wrong, and that this time they would avoid trouble, and their visit to Li Syval would be uneventful and brief.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Lazybones, post: 7530963, member: 143"] And we're back! * * * Chapter 227 The Arreshian caravel [i]Wavefarer[/i] carved through modest seas, its sails filled with a strong following breeze. Ahead of the ship was a green island, its features taking on definition as the vessel drew nearer. A solitary peak rose up from the center of the island, and two juts of land extended from around an enclosed harbor as if to welcome the new arrivals. A city of considerable size rose from the inner edge of that harbor, its clean while buildings ascending onto the sides and summits of the hills that surrounded the bay. Xeeta stood alone on the raised foredeck of the [i]Wavefarer[/i], staring at that slowly-approaching cityscape. She was resolved, and did not feel any doubts about her decision as the familiar landmarks became visible, but that did not ease the roiling uncertainty in her gut or the grim scenarios that constantly played out in the back of her mind. A creak of wood alerted her to the presence of others behind her. She didn’t need to look back; she could already distinguish the feel of her friends from others, either the disinterested ambivalence of the crew or the wary deference from Kalasien and his men. Their presence felt like a balm that eased some of the turmoil she felt. That alone was enough of a confirmation of her decision to return. She didn’t turn around until they came to stand at the rail beside her. Bredan remained back a step, twining his arm around one of the lines that supported the foremast. Glori, on the other hand, fearlessly joined Xeeta at the very front of the ship, leaning out so that the spray that the bow tore from the waves flashed over her features. “I know a few individuals who will be quite happy to see this part of the voyage come to an end,” she said. “Are you okay?” Xeeta nodded. “I never thought I’d be back here again,” she said. “We’ll only be here long enough to make contact with Kalasien’s friends, and find a Syvalian ship and crew willing to take us to Weltarin.” “I wish we could stay with the [i]Wavefarer[/i],” Bredan said. “No offense, Xeeta…” “Arienne,” Glori interjected. “Right. Anyway, after all you’ve told us about Syvalian society, and its sailors in particular, it seems like a long shot to find a captain we can trust.” “Your caution is wise,” Xeeta said. “Most Syvalian captains aren’t far off from pirates. In some cases, literally; many do a bit of piracy on the side. In Li Syval it’s seen as a patriotic duty, to help ensure Syvalian dominance of the seas.” Bredan frowned. “That proves my point, then…” “That’s all true, but they know the Deep, Bredan. No non-Syvalian ship has ever made the Weltarin crossing, as far as I am aware. Though few captains are willing to attempt the journey these days.” “They gave up most of their colonies on the other continent, didn’t they?” Glori asked. Xeeta nodded. “Yes. During the initial decades of exploration and discovery, there was a lot of talk of riches and new lands, even some who talked about a new Syvalian Empire to rival the Mai’i. But that ran up against the hard reality. Weltarin is halfway around the world, and even Syvalian ships make the journey only with great difficulty. The islands where they initially landed were sparsely populated and had few resources. The mainland had more riches, but also harsh terrain, dense jungles and arid deserts that were both hostile to colonists. That’s not even considering the creatures that lived there, monsters worse than anything we have back home.” “And there were intelligent races there as well, yes?” Glori prodded. “Yes. Strange beings, creatures that we would consider a mixture of animal and man. All barbarians by our standards, but no less dangerous for it.” “I take it the initial contacts were not friendly,” Glori said. “How would you feel, if armed strangers came to your land and started carving out its resources to ship halfway around the world?” Bredan asked. “I’ve read histories that said there was plenty of blame to go around,” Xeeta said. “But you’re not wrong. Most of the Syvalian colonists ended up returning home, but they left behind a lot of blood in their wake.” Another creak, this one significantly louder, drew their attention to another pair of new arrivals. This time it was Quellan and Kosk. The half-orc looked relaxed in a loose shirt. No amount of preparedness was enough to justify wearing heavy armor at sea, so he’d taken the captain’s suggestion and left it in his quarters. Kosk wore simple traveler’s clothes, but he looked a little green, and he remained close to the foremast, well back from the ship’s rails. “Ah, Kosk!” Glori said. “Finally decided to come up and take in the fine salt air?” The dwarf muttered something that was probably better left unheard. “Sea sickness is a common affliction, and plays no favorites by race or gender,” Quellan said. The half-orc had also had some difficulties adjusting to sea travel, but his innate hardiness had ultimately won out. Now he looked almost hale as he stepped up to the forward rail to catch his first glimpse of Li Syval. “Impressive,” he said. “It’s called the Gem of the Deep,” Xeeta said. “Lady of the Seas.” “It looks almost as large as Severon,” Bredan said. “It’s only about half as large, just going by population,” Quellan said. At Xeeta’s look he added, “I sought out a few books before we left.” “Of course you did,” Kosk said. “The only question is whether we’ll find what we’re looking for there,” Bredan said. “If a ship heading to Weltarin can be found anywhere, it will be there,” Xeeta said. “Assuming that Kalasien’s contacts play out,” Kosk said. “We have no reason to believe they won’t,” Glori said. “We’ll want to keep a low profile, either way,” Xeeta said. “You don’t want to attract the attention of the Ruling Council.” “The city’s set up like the dwarves of Ironcrest, isn’t it?” Bredan asked. “Merchant guilds in charge of things.” “Sort of,” Xeeta said. “The Council consists of the fifty leading families of the city. The number is set, but the exact participants frequently shift. As a result, there’s a constant game of houses going on, with plenty of plotting, backstabbing, and the occasional murder. About half of the population is caught up in it in one way or another, and the rest mostly just try to stay out of their way.” “We’ll only be here a few days, hopefully,” Quellan said. “Not enough time to get into trouble with the locals.” Kosk snorted at that. “You disagree?” Glori asked. “When has it ever taken us any time at all to find trouble?” the dwarf asked. “Well, maybe this time we can avoid it,” Glori said. She tapped Quellan’s chest, and the sigil there. “You know, you’ll have to play covert as well.” Her tone was teasing, but there was a warmth in her eyes when they met his. “I know,” Quellan said with a sigh. “I have already prepared a canvas wrap for my shield. “I have never gone to a place where any of the Triad gods were not worshipped,” Kosk said. “Laesil is venerated, and worship of Sorevas is tolerated,” Xeeta said. “But the Syvalians have viewed the church of Hosrenu as a foreign import, ever since an incident related to some missionaries almost a millennium ago.” “Long memories,” Glori noted. “You said there aren’t many dwarves here,” Kosk said. “I’m not wearing a bloody canvas cover.” “There aren’t many,” Xeeta said, “but Kalasien’s cover should hold, at least for a few days. As long as we all play our assigned roles.” “I said I’d wear the bloody clothes,” Kosk said. “I just hope that bloody fop knows what he’s about.” “We have no choice but to trust him,” Bredan said. “Other than… Arienne, he’s the only one of us who has spent time in Li Syval. And she needs to stay out of sight.” “But surely no one will recognize her, wearing the amulet,” Glori said. “No, he’s right,” Xeeta said, reaching up to touch the gemstone at her throat. “While I can appear as almost anyone using this, it’s an active spell, and radiates magic. While spellcasting is not forbidden in Li Syval, spellcasters must register with the city authorities. The law was put into effect after the cult that created me was exposed. I don’t know if the edict is still in effect, but it would be a needless risk for me to travel in the city. Don’t worry, I’ve seen enough of Li Syval for a lifetime; I have no desire to go sightseeing.” “None of us are here to sightsee,” Bredan said. “Let’s just find Kalasien’s ship and get out of here.” “Speak of the devil,” Kosk said. “Here comes one of his dogs now.” Another man ascended the stairs to the now-crowded foredeck. He too was clad in simple sailor’s garb, a billowing shirt over loose trousers, but there was no disguising what he was. Like all of Kalasien’s men, he was a soldier through and through, and growing out their hair and changing their clothes would not conceal that. “Ho, Haverd,” Quellan said in greeting. “Come to get a view of our destination? We’re coming up on the harbor fast.” The soldier’s expression remained as blank as if it had been chiseled from stone. “Kalasien says you should all get below before the harbor pilot arrives,” he said. “We’re to avoid notice by the local authorities when possible.” Bredan looked out and saw the small vessel that was approaching from one of the towers that flanked the harbor mouth. He’d missed it earlier, but Kalasien struck him as the sort of man who missed very little. He lingered for a moment while the others descended from the forward deck. He gave the approaching city one more look. He hoped that Kosk was wrong, and that this time they would avoid trouble, and their visit to Li Syval would be uneventful and brief. [/QUOTE]
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