Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="PieAndDragon" data-source="post: 3841089" data-attributes="member: 18108">The Welcoming ShoreKrengsak shivered as water splashed over him, sizzling against skin as droplets met the intense heat of his body. Although the warrior was unused to oars, his charge insisted he row alongside the human, Soriyati, moving one of their two small boats toward the welcoming shore. At least they were leaving the ship and the Sea of Ghanis behind. The last few days had been a miserable existence, spent alongside Praxian and Kwanjai enduring the sea noises and the continuous rocking of the boat. Kumiko Sadaharu had laughed when Praxian requested a cabin, as the two on board were already occupied by the captain and the Ambassador’s aide. The White Dolphin was built for speed, not for comfort.Sadaharu was accompanied by his surly bodyguard Surtak, and a reaver female, Kaveri, representing the Cult of the Immortals in the Embassy. There were twelve of them in total, thirteen if you included the on-edge tiger, fifteen with Artur’s donkey and Kaveri’s horse. He took care not to slither into the water as they beached, feeling stronger when he felt shifting shingle beneath his tail, and keeping alert for predators waiting to meet them. The two salamanders with him also looked relieved to have escaped from so much water, turning to look inland as naiads from the ship swam the two rowing-boats away.With no dangers immediately around them, the desert warrior happily followed Sadaharu’s instructions to make camp, as their leader would scout before nightfall. Krengsak was only mildly surprised when the human’s form shifted into that of a vulture, having seen shaman of his tribe perform similar feats. But when a second vulture joined him, leaving no tiger in sight, he knew extra vigilance would be needed around all of these companions.Most of those with him now went armed and armoured, in leathers, light chain or scale mail. The human Morisaki carried a nasty-looking chain-weapon as well as the swords, bows, daggers and spears favoured by others. Krengsak had heard tales that most were spellcasters, with the possible exceptions of the siv Murgunstrumn, the human Soriyati and the Bukonnish guard.The two vultures returned shortly before dusk, circling down to revert to human and tiger forms. Sadaharu spoke of a ruin to the east, where they might be able to locate siv. Tomorrow would see them into the Deepswamp, home of naiads, leeches and things far more dangerous.</blockquote>

Verification