Quest: Ledger of Rituals Pt3

[Ekaterina]

"I don't know. I don't fish the seas, only rivers and lake shores, occasionally a pier. Though from what I'm told they are ghastly creatures. I would imagine it wouldn't bode well." ::He gave a soft shrug, making minor corrections on the wheel as he watched her go about her ghastly task. He couldn't help but shake his head.:: "I do pity their deaths, but it was needed. They wouldn't have let us go otherwise. I hope they find their way to Valhalla." ::He gave a soft sigh and a shake of his head as the wind picked up and they started to move more swiftly through the waters.:: "It would seem though that fortune favors us. No hard feelings about the cover story, rest assured I have no plans to cut you up. I only do that to the dead so I may better help the living."


Tending to the last body, she'd then turn and face towards him. "It's not like they weren't forewarned." Slight shrug of her shoulders. "They should have listened and they'd still be alive. I've no remorse for their lack of action." stated coolly. It would be heavenward she'd gaze again and glance at the sails before looking out into the darkness of the sea around them. "Sharks are predators, the scent of blood attacks them. Sometimes one, sometimes many. They have teeth as sharp as daggers, which will cleanly sever a man’s leg or arm. They shred what they eat, not always making sure it's dead before they do so." Looking back towards the Lich with a smirk. "In fact, they vivisect them." It was then she looked back out over the open waters.

"I don't think your using that term correctly, but point well taken none the less." ::He offered a smile of his own, finding a nearby plank and propping it against the wheel to lock it in place for the now so he could step away.:: "So, I'm sure you have a few questions, I only have one. Are you the one they call Ekaterina Von Drasek, or have I just given some lucky soul a second chance at life?"

He'd hear a light chuckle in response to is correction. Arms would rise to cross over her chest as she continued to gaze outward. "That's my given name, which means I'm not a lucky soul." Peering over at him with a slight smirk before looking heavenward again.

"Perhaps you are both, then?" ::He looked to the sky with her. With as much as she did it, he was expecting to see an elephant plummeting from space at them, or something. Maybe she just really liked the stars. He didn't question it though, but instead continued on.:: "Well, if you have any questions, I'll answer them as best I may, though if not, let’s hope this good wind keeps up so I can get you and the child back swiftly."

"I've never believed in luck." Stated quietly as she continued her study of the heavens. "I have many questions, though I doubt I'll ever truly get the answers I seek." A slight shrug of shoulders. "None of this makes sense, least of all my involvement in it." Glancing over at him. "I had planned on traveling to the Northern Territories to offer gifts to the King in order to gain his favor over my lands. There were others who were to travel with me, and to think I almost put others in such peril, now having met that man." Slow shake of her head as she looked back to the stars. "Here's a question you can try to answer. When will I meet a man that's worth his mantel and worthy enough to stand by my side?" This would have her looking directly at him. "I had thought a Norse such as he would be it, only to be disappointed on the greatest of levels." Again she'd slowly shake her head and offer a light sigh before looking out over the waters again.

"Those....are not questions I was expecting." ::He stated blatantly, clearly a bit stumped by her question.:: "Though I'm afraid I can't tell you such. I doubt I am that man, for I am not a Norsemen, as you can no doubt tell by my accent. I am no great warrior, but a scholar." ::He moved from the wheel to stand by her side, though he of course dared not to lay a hand upon her.:: "But what I can tell you, is that my name is Wulfram, I am from the far South, a city called Schiffstadt, capital of the Konigreich and I freed you on the whim of a Dwarven Noblemen who seeks aid in claiming independence for his people against Vintharr. The Child I found wondering the Dire Straits, said she was captured from Kiel and had escaped the clutches of the walking dead." ::He gazed to her then, with a bit of hesitation in his voice.:: "The dwarf told me that you are one of the Noble Houses in Kiel. Perhaps you could make use of her as a servant or cook or some such. I think she lost her parents in the attack." ::He gave a slight shrug and a look of pity.:: "Despite having just poisoned several men, I am not an unkind person, or so I would like to consider myself."

Looking back at him, she'd then slowly turn to face him more. "You're a man, Wulfram, surely you've been in love before. What was it that captivated your attention and your heart?" Head tilted slightly in a curious manner. "Dwarven Noble you say. Hmm. If such is true, then it seems I'm in his debt. I suppose it's only right I should meet with him and see what sort of aide he seeks from me." Once more she'd look out over the waters. "I'm sure I could fit her into a suitable position." A glance back over at him. "You're a man that has a vast amount of knowledge, which can be as deadly as any sword wielded by a great warrior."

"Love?" ::He blinked softly at the question, though put two and two together.:: "You mean stand by your side as a lover? Well..."::He shrugged softly.:: "I've known love twice. My first when I was a young man of seventeen winters, I was infatuated with a young woman who I studied medicine with, she and I flirted and talked but nothing really became of it...she was robbed and murdered on the way home from her schooling one day..." ::He gave a soft shake of his head, while muttering what a shame it was that it happened under his breath.:: "The second was several years later. I was a man then, twenty two and practicing medicine professionally. An accident in the market square left a man terribly wounded, run over by a horse and cart. I could do little for him and with his passing, I met his wife, a nobleman’s daughter. After the mourning of her late husband, we became close friends and...By the end of the year we had wed. Sadly, illness took her not a year later..." ::He paused then, as it was his turn to look across the water.:: "That was six years ago though." ::He gave a faint smile, one that showed he had dealt with the loss and was open to discussing it, though at her last bit, he gave a soft laugh.:: "Maybe so, but I suppose it won't do me much good if I come face to face with such a sword and such a warrior. I have little combat experience and I'm sure I'd panic in a real fight."

A brow to rise slightly. "I'm sorry for your loss twice over, but you actually didn't answer my question." Touch of a smirk to appear. "What was it about these women that captivated you so, that made you just have to have them?" It was as if she was shining a spotlight upon him, his answer expected to be something profound. Turning to look back over the waters. "Don't worry Wulfram, I'll protect you." Though it was said in a teasing tone.

"Oh...so I didn't!" ::He gave a warm laugh, finding that she was completely correct. He didn't answer it at all.:: "Well. The first woman, Bertha...I suppose what struck me was how young we both were, how well we got along...she was smart, and clever, full of life and energy. She was also very good at the schooling, and I turned to her for help when I struggled." ::He smirked, enjoying the ideas of the memories he was on the spot.:: "Athala on the other hand...She was a beautiful woman. She looked quite a lot like you actually, long, golden blonde hair, eyes like stars behind ice, a face sculpted as if from the image of Freya herself. Being the wife of a merchant she was also very good with money, which at the time I was not. She had such a sparkling personality, loving, caring, nurturing. She would have made a good mother, but when she took ill, she was with our child...whom I lost in her death as well." ::He gave a sigh and small shrug before he looked to her with a smirk.:: "I'll hold you to that."

Her question answered, but not quite as in-depth as expected, but acceptable all the same. A slow nodding of her head as she looked back up at the stars. "It'll be several hours before we reach the Port still. I'll be unable to sleep due to the anticipation of reaching the shores." Continuing to study the stars a few moments more, a glance to the sails and then to him. "Why don't you seek your rest. I'll awaken you when I spot the shoreline, if you don't awaken before." Stated with a gentle smile.

"I shall see if I can find sleep. If not, I may meditate. I look forwards to speaking with you upon the morn, on dry land. Never been one for boats." ::He gave a chuckle before a deep bow was offered.:: "Good night, Milady." ::He departed below deck to seek his time alone for the evening.::

She'd watch as he departed to head below deck, she'd once more glance up at the stars, then to the sails before moving to the helm. She'd guide it with subtle movements as she continued to gauge her course. Once she was content of the direction, she'd reset the plank and move to the back of the ship and look out over the rail. A moment taken in study, then back up to the stars she'd gaze. Leaning over she'd release one of the ballasts she had loosened through the course of the night and ease it into the water below. Utilizing a rope, she'd slowly ease over the edge and slip into the chilled waters below. Watching a moment as the ship sailed away, in a south westerly direction, before she'd use the ballast to aide her way through the waters. By time he'd wake up, at least surely an hour if he meditated, he'd be off his course. When he would study the stars, he'd find that she had duped him. They were closer to land than she admitted, giving her the advantage of distance before he'd even realize she was gone. If she calculated correctly, she had placed herself into a well-used shipping lane, and hopefully a ship would come along to rescue her before the Doctors ship turned around, or she’d make it to shore.

[Ekaterina]

She knew not how long she'd been adrift, taking care not to thrash too much as she swam along using the empty keg the ships used as a ballast to keep her afloat. The pendant about her throat had been well kept beneath the tunic during her captivity, but she worried that it's illumination might draw some unwanted company from the deep. She was getting tired, her limbs feeling thick and her body heavy, yet she strove to continue on.

What possessed her to jump from that ship and take her chances in the waters depths? Too many things didn't add up. First, who was this so called Dwarven Noble? She hadn't realized she met one who would know whom she was and figure her to be able to help. Secondly, how did this Dwarf and his Doctor friend know where she was being kept and by whom? Aux had taken her, and brought her to the Dracolich, who in turn handed her over to the Barbarian King. Things just didn't add up. So she spent her night playing her game with the Doctor, playing nice to remove any doubt of her scheme. He seemed sincere about returning her to Kiel, it was just that gut feeling that possessed her to do as she had.

Was this one of her more brilliant plans? Not exactly. It was well thought out, and she had taken the time to plan and set into motion the means of her escape. However, what she didn't account for was the slow travel of swimming and drifting. Though the occasional breeze would come along, and push that barrel across the water with her attached.

She could not yet see land, nor the coastline, but according to the stars she wasn't too far away. Two, three, ten miles? Her thoughts were becoming muddled from lack of sleep, food, and fresh water. It was then she realized she had to do something before she drifted off. With this in mind, she'd take her legs and slip them through the ropes that criss-crossed over the floating barrel that enacted as her life preserver. Positioning the pendant so it was sandwiched between she and the barrel, well hidden beneath the leather of her tunic, this being the only thing keeping her from actually freezing to death. It was then she slipped her arms through the ropes and ensnared herself to the floating object. The way she positioned herself, it would aide in keeping her head above water at least.

Arms and legs left to float off at her sides, adding a bit more to her buoyancy upon the rolling waves. As her head laid back, the lengths of flaxen braids would span out about her head. Icy shards of blue to fix upon that star filled sky. It was beginning to lighten on the distant horizon, but she'd never see the sun rise. Eye lids became heavy and after awhile she'd just give up her fight and allow the darkness to consume her mind as she floated into unconsciousness, much akin to the way she floated in the midst of the dark waters.

By time anyone found her, she would be lost within the depths of an unconscious state. Her body cold, but not as it should have been, more from its water logged condition of being in the salt water too long.

[Ekaterina]

The Rescue

The sun was rising upon the horizon, but that depth of chilled sleep had already claimed the Norse. The ballast the only reason she remained afloat, and the use of the ropes that entwined about the barrel and limbs. Face was above water as she bobbed along, though barely. Lack of motion of limbs was one of the reasons that the things that lurked beneath the rolling waves had not yet began to feast upon the unconscious form. The cold water caused flesh to turn a pale blue coloration, causing heat of body to be drawn inwards, although the hidden pendant did its part in keeping important internal organs alive and in turn she also.

Perhaps it was distant that first cry of warning, or maybe she was so far beneath the influence of both cold and hunger to even realize how close salvation had come. Whatever the case, Ekaterina was soon the focus of all onboard the Howling Harlot. It cut through the water as if a wave itself, flowing toward the lone figure balancing atop her tiny bit of flotsam. Several men stripped to their undergarments, diving into the frigid waters at behest of their captain who stood at the prow of his vessel, surveying the rescue effort as the trio of sailors secured ropes to the woman and began hauling her aboard. "Inform the Spider and the graybeard that we've found us the first catch of the day," Rin bade Myoc, who stood towering beside him, arms folded across his chest. "And tell Randell he might want to bring one of his healers..."

The half-orc grunted, but moved to follow his orders just as his men were coming up over the rail and cutting Ekaterina free of the barrel.

"This is too easy by half," the captain muttered, turning back toward the horizon before eyeing the heavens itself. "Far too easy."

Osiris knew something had gone amiss when the beating pulse of Ekaterina's stone had begun to waver in a much more troubling pattern. While he figured Randell had made all efforts to retrieve the blonde vixen there was a more dire focus on the Tsol Raa's part. Keeping her alive long enough to be found. The stone she wore provided a much easier channel for such to be performed. Where was he conducting such efforts? Upon the very ship that was now in the midst of rescuing her waterlogged form. Subtle whispers of his voice soothing the aches and pains. A push against time to prevent the reaper from showing his ugly visage at a time far too soon in his eyes. “Soon, Ekaterina.” He wasn't entire certain the progression of the Howling Harlot but if he trusted in the rumors echoed throughout port he knew she was in better hands. “Valhalla doesn't call you today.” Another reverberation of channeled heat to keep the thump in her heart and breath in her lungs.

Her skin was cold to the touch, no movement to be noticed; not even the taking of a breath. However, she did breath! Shallow to where there was barely movement, just enough to keep her sustained with life. Yet, to first look upon her, or touch, one might have declared her dead right there. In the darkness she presently dwelled, lost within the deep recesses of her mind. In that place where whispered were those words that which filtered through the murky depths that seemed to surround her and kept her buoyant in that fight for life.

"We found her tied to a barrel," Rin informed Randell as he climbed on to the deck followed by a figure shrouded in black and several other retainers.

His movements were swift, but measured, reaching Ekaterina's side just as one of his people

A woman in white robes went to her knees beside the still Norse. A mirror was placed beneath the still woman's nose, catching only the barest hint of fog before the healer stashed it away and began the healing process, her palms filling with a dim glow of power. "The chill is deep," the healer gasped, eyes closed against whatever strain she faced, trying to force that pulsing light closer to Ekaterina's form. "She might be too far"

"Khel..." Randell interrupted, speaking the name as if to summon the black cloaked figure forward.

The healer glanced up as Khel knelt down beside her, and scurried away as if scorched by the mere presence of the man.

Indeed, several of the onlookers were now sweating, and those who had dived into the sea moments before looked close to completely dry, no longer shivering. Stretching out a single finger one of flesh, scarred and calloused, Khel touched Ekaterina on the forehead. And that's when the woman felt the flame rise inside her breast, burning her to the very core as if the very fabric of her soul was on fire. The sensation was so intense, so blinding in its potency, it reached across the nether along that mystical bond to slide a tendril of molten heat right into Osiris himself. It would be agony, hot and inescapable, but nothing would mar the Norse's flesh, nor no lasting damage would be made... but the memory of such blinding pain would never be forgotten.

Osiris had heard the news and he had followed in line behind the dark cloaked figure. He knew not who was behind the veil but when the healer began to make her claim it was soon discovered. They looked terrified of the man. He could even feel the heat permeating from Khel. The intensity of what burned within him was definitely acknowledgeable and it triggered several thoughts within Osiris himself. Questionable. Focus optics upon the single digit Khel used to press upon Ekaterina's forehead. He could sense the sudden increase in the stones echo. What Khel was... it was uncommon. Such power was rarely seen or even felt across the nether. The fiery presence even pierced through Osiris's arctic armor and left a sting of its heat. This sudden realization that this was what Ekaterina must have been feeling and he watched intently for her reaction to it. No signs of marking or even the barest hint of scarring. If Osiris had not been as old as he was he'd have deemed such impossible. But, that word was practically nonexistent anymore. At this point Osiris could only compensate such ferocious heat with a refreshing cascade of coolness. While they were not tempering with metal... it was life and creation.

No response did the healer gain, but then there was nothing to create one. However, the touch of Khel would gain a response indeed. Although his touch was one of heat and invisible flame, the affect upon her cold, still form would almost seem electrifying in nature. Her body would lurch with an arch of her back, and the most awful sounding gasp to escape from between those blue lips. If not for the connection of Osiris, she may have been fried on the spot; like a well done steak. However, no scar did she bear, outwardly. Color began to slowly ebb as blood flow returned to outer flesh and limbs. Breaths remained somewhat shallow in nature, and once her form has stilled from the sudden impact of Khel's heat, it remained in much the same manner. Now it looked more like she was at rest, rather than a corpse upon the ship’s deck.

"She will live," whispered Khel. His voice was like the murmur of dancing flame, and the heat which surrounded him ebbed and flowed as it warred with the chilling influence of the older magic user. A far cry from the lithe, handsome swordsman which used to safeguard Randell's life, Khel had become so much more... and less... since being bathed in the half breed’s flame.

He stepped away as Randell dipped low, fingers finding the pulse at Ekaterina's neck. "Weak, but growing stronger." The spy master confirmed Khel's assessment, frowning thoughtfully.

"She needs rest and a change of clothing," Rin offered. "It isn't exactly the way I pictured getting her into my bed, but... I say this counts. I'll take her to my quarters and see to her"

Randell held up a hand which cut the captain short. "Melaine" he pointed to the healer in white robes "will take the lady to your chambers and watch over her until she is well. No one except myself, Osiris and Melaine will be able to enter until she has the ability..." the spy master paused, mulling over the words "...to fend off your advances appropriately."

Rin snorted at that. "I'm a rogue, Randell Daviun, but no rapist. But what of my things?"

Randell didn't answer, but gestured two of his other men to gently pick Ekaterina up and carry the woman towards the captain's quarters with Melaine leading the way.

"Do you not wish to accompany them, Osiris?" he asked the mage, brow arched as he turned to pit the older man with his formidable stare.

::As was most always the case on the seas, the ship was seen far before it would arrive. After all, hard to hide when there is nothing for miles to do so behind. The call would surely come from anyone who was looking, that of a ship approaching quite a distance out. They would also surely note that it flew strange colors of gold and brown and perhaps, most oddly of all, clouds spat from it and launched into the sky. Truly an odd ship indeed. Though it was clearly headed in their direction. At the distance it was hard to tell the size of the craft, though it moved at quite a fast pace.::

Osiris could sense the turmoil raging within Khel. While the effort was appreciated he couldn't help but maintain a lock onto the troubled spirit as Randell checked on Ekaterina's vitals. " No power comes without consequence. Nor, does destiny ever provide choices. " While Khel might not have paid him much to no mind there was a light nod of gratitude to fashion afterwards. Gaze fell onto Randell then as he revealed the status of her health. Finally, some news. Then, as Randell and Rin began to discuss her accommodations Osiris felt a tug. That feeling you get when you knew something awful was about to transpire soon. The question about following the group with Ekaterina into Rin's quarters had him looking toward the femme fatale. As he shot his attention back toward Randell he noticed the approach of odd vessel. It's variation of colors riddling. " I don't believe their friendly, Randell. I'll head down with Ekaterina for now. " A second look toward the ship inbound before he pulled his whiskey gaze from spymaster and proceeded behind the group going inside.

The pendant began to revitalize in its soft glow, a slow steady pulsation of the dim light that grew in strength when Osiris was near. It was almost as if it was connected to him in the same manner it had connected with her. Not a sound did she make as she was carted off to the Captains Quarters. Dead weight shared between the two men.

"He burned for his power, Osiris. I simply granted him the opportunity to focus it toward a more useful end." Khel hadn't answered Osiris, but the merchant was more than ready to answer for the man. It was close to a warning in the phrasing, but also polite.

"We got company, cap'n!" shouted Black Jay Roberts from the crow’s nest, hand shading his eyes as he peered toward the north.

Rin ran back to the prow of his vessel, taking out his own spyglass and
using it to spot his target.

"Is it the same one you reported on before?" Randell asked, joining the captain as the rest of the privateer's crew tensed.

"Possibly... I can't tell from this distance," the captain admitted.

"Very well. Get us back to Kiel, and lose that ship I don't care what you have to do. Khel, stay with him... see if you can't coax a little wind into these sails?"

There was a dip of a hooded head as Randell walked by the cloaked man, heading toward Rin's quarters.

The captain stared after the merchant, frowning with displeasure, but didn't argue. He turned toward Myoc as the half-orc approached. "Unfurl all sails, turn us about and keep us to the winds... you" he pointed at Khel. "Continue to act all creepy and ominous, might scare off our pursuers."

With that, Myoc's voice boomed over the deck, and sailors began scrambling about in the controlled chaos, working with the swift efficiency of a veteran crew.

::The ship still moved on at a staggering clip, it's sails already unfurled and filled with the clouds that the ship spat. If that were not enough, long oars pushed through the water to aid the ship along, as did a further unseen force. The craft cut through the water like a knife, its swift and functional design rose high above the water as the blade like prow grew closer and closer.::

The more Osiris heard the calls outside on the ship's deck the more he questioned his current directive. He'd ensure that Ekaterina was comfortable before giving a knowing look to Melaine. Wasn't like Osiris had to tell her anything with her being a healer and all. But, with the approach of the airship Osiris felt it was time to tap into the well and remind others why he has remained so reticent. As he came forth back onto the ship's deck he gave a surveying glance. The flying ship was moving faster than the Harlot's. At least for now. He was no one's captain or commander. At least not anymore but given the circumstances he was about to make a simple suggestion. " Khel..," Osiris said with a flat tone. There was a look toward the cloaked man. Even now he felt the man's burning presence. " Light 'em up. " As Osiris moved toward the end of the ship he stood still. Both hands rose causing the sleeves of his cloak to fall revealing the glacial runes and veins dotting the fabric of his flesh. " Glacies, " he whispered. Both hands went into series of quick gestures starting in triangular formation and ending with both hands clasped together with the index finger lifted near his mouth. A breath relinquished and no sooner did it touch the waves below ice began to coalesce. Drops and snowflakes quickly merging into a much larger mass. The waters behind the Harlot becoming froze in place in its wake of waves. It began to reach out like an arctic plague stretching for at least a mile left and right from their current position. Hastily, rushing toward the oncoming ship. Channeling while he observed the progression of the other vessel.

The men settled her upon the bed, and after Osiris left, Melaine chased them out too. Once all had left, the healer stripped the wet leathers from the Norse’s' form, then piled heavy blankets upon her. The healer kept an ear out for the happenings above on deck, and an eye upon the comatose figure of the Norse.

Khel had said nothing to Rin's jibe, and the captain simply past him on his way to the wheel. Slowly raising his hands, the former swordsman lowered his hood at last to reveal a face masked in smooth, onyx stone and silver metal. It revealed a singular eye, his mouth and the left portion of the lower jaw. Each hint of flesh was scarred, still an angry shade of red, yet lacking the shine of a healed burn. No, it seemed the skin itself was still aflame and no amount of magical healing was able to grant him any comfort. And so he channeled his pain inward, gathered it in a well of force he kept in reserve for moments such as these. The folds of his cloak was thrown wide, and while his chest was covered in a breastplate of blackened iron, his arms were a flowing mix of that same onyx stone and red flesh as if where the muscle and bone had been exposed during his injuries, it was bandaged by this strange, archaic substance. And along his arms, on those patches of inky black, crimson runes began to highlight, etched in living flame. He didn't need Osiris' words to commit, this battle was already being waged inside him. The cage of his teeth were revealed in his rictus snarl, a startling slash of white against a lipless mouth. All that was contained within his shattered body was agony... always aflame, always burning. It wasn't blood that flowed through his veins, but liquid fire, and with each beat of his traitorous heart, so it pulsed the fire within. Now it was time to share that agony with others. With a cry that echoed over the din in a booming explosion, reaching even the distant vessel that gave chase, Khel conjured forth a massive sphere of flame above his outstretched hand. The runes upon his stone appendages burned brighter as the sphere grew larger and larger until it was the size of a wagon's wheel. Pulling his arms back, as if hurling this boulder of flame, Khel tossed the sphere toward the approaching ship. It rocketed towards them like a comet, yet instead of stone and metal, this meteor was forged in the flames of malice.

::With the sheet of ice rocketing towards the vessel, the crew took quick action to lower the sales, and from what it looked like the mast as well, which seemed to slide back into the deck, ores doing the same as the prow smashed into the ice. Instead of the harsh crack of wood, it was the crack and rupture of ice that sounded out as the prow started to split the ices, traveling of course at a much slower pace. This was not moments before the great orb of fire impacted the ship, dashing against it and spreading flames all about the deck. From the distance, it was hard to see what was happening, though it did seem to help melt the nearby ice. Shouts came from the deck of the ship, deep guttural voices calling out in a strange tongue. After a moment’s pause to view the effects upon the shift, a bright light launched from it and into the air as a thunderous crack sounded out that was mirrored a sliver of second later upon the deck of their own vessel, the shimmering light quickly fading to leave in its place a small gathering of men's. They were short and squat, each and every one of them, not a single one stood above four and a half foot, though one just at it. They bore heavy armor of plate metals, encrusted with ruins and bore broad circled shields of metals. Within their grips they held swords, axes or maces. All this, however, was insignificant next to the majesty and might of their beards. Great, massive things heavily braided and laden with gold and silver, many of them so long they had to be tucked into their belts. It was one such figure, the tallest of them who bore a bright red beard and a jewel imbedded within the socket of his left eye that spoke up, hefting the weapon and pointing it around.:: "Who among you is in Command!?" ::He barked in a deep, flinty guttural tone.:: "Who wishes to wage war upon my Karak!?"

The primary goal of Osiris was to slow the progression of the other ship. It had been coming in strong and it had been coming in fast. With what recently transpired there wasn't any room for second guessing. It had been a fire and ask questions later sort ordeal. The flame from the ship echoed in the irises of Osiris before the flash of light had triggered his attention. The small gathering of midgets with fashionable beards had caught Osiris by brief surprise and he was all but ready to freeze them into place but halted upon the realization of their assumed leader. That very leader of the proud order of hairy pygmies soon had Osiris's focus. " If you do not throw down your arms I'll have no choice but give you a lesson in massacre for I can only regard you as hostile. " Logic. It won most wars and gave birth to headaches. " The choice is yours, sir. " There was a hand on his frost lit katana and a light smirk carved upon his lips. Osiris was no pirate by any means but he wouldn't hesitate to make these men smaller than what they already were.

"What the" at the appearance of these bearded invaders, most of the crew had stopped, hands going for their weapons. However, Rin's voice punctuated the air with a surge of indignity. "How in the bloody Abyss did you get on my ship?" he growled at the nearest dwarf, looking unperturbed at their strange assortment of weaponry. "I may call her the Howling Harlot, but she's still my lady, and none too fond of unexpected boarders..."

Khel had turned from his place, staring at these creatures with a single, baleful eye. His arms still glowing with the writ of runic promise, his fingers burning with flickers of tiny flames, Khel didn't see potential foes... no, he saw kindling. And something these creatures carried. It called out for a spark a flame to ignite its potency. He could sense it, and yearned to give that substance the release it cried out for. But for the moment, he held his ground. Randell was nowhere to be seen, yet Khel could almost sense the man's intent, and he knew to start a fight now might ruin whatever the Spider had in the works.

::One couldn't see the face of the speaker, but the indignation was clear in his voice, his form almost shaking with wrath.:: "You attack me and demand I drop my weapons?" ::He seethed through clenched teeth, turning to face the other who spoke up as his group of men watched his back, so to speak.:: "And I am not a fan of mages lobbing fire and ice at my Monitors unprovoked!" ::He huffed back, turning his attention back to the other two as he and his men formed a tight circle, bringing shields to bare in a highly defensive posture.:: "A lesson in Massacre that would end in the sinking of this ship. I am only here to figure out if there was some sort of mistake instead of letting loose with a battery of cannons that would bring down any of your sad excuses for Manling ships!" ::He growled deeply, nudging one of the men at his side with his elbow as he scratched a thin line in the deck with the tip of his sword, each person doing the same in turn until a circle around them was formed.:: "I have traveled far seeking Kiel’s aid. If this is what they offer you are as bad as the Barbarian Lord!"

" Yes, " Osiris simply replied to his question of being attacked and relinquishing his arms. Was he kidding? Not by a long shot. " Perhaps the only thing sinking is your pride, sir. It's about as tall as you are right now. " Yes, he went there. A subtle sigh as he gave a look to Khel and then off toward Rin. Maybe a little revenge for the old age statements. Otherwise, he dropped his hand from his weapon. " But yes. Ultimately, your ship resembles another we're not too keen with. " Osiris didn't say anything else to the dwarf at this time and even bypassed his men toward the cabin. There was another of importance to tend to as of right now. Unless hindered, and he was quite prepared to be stopped, he was heading toward Rin's quarters to check up on Ekaterina.

"Enough insults," Randell finally came on to the scene, opening the door to the captain's quarters and putting a hand on Osiris' shoulder, halting his progress inward. "It seems there's quite a few frayed nerves upon this vessel, and it's time to step away from pride to embrace the reason in all of us. You have not attacked, yet. A true foe would not take time to bandy words with his enemies when an easy slaughter could be had. The same can be said for us... if we were truly of the barbarian king's ilk, there wouldn't have been any hesitation in attacking you as soon as you came on board. This entire conversation is proof that we are their betters. Now, you must forgive us, for traveling in unfriendly seas... and seeing a ship upon the horizon flying unfamiliar colors in enemy territory... what conclusion would you, yourselves had drawn?" Sweeping past Osiris, he moved outward, hands folded at the small of his back. He paused just before the dwarf's leader, wielding no weapon, but appearing unafraid. "Now, why don't you tell us what it is you desire, and perhaps some resolution can be made instead of this continuous exchange of
threats?"

"I'll look a lot taller with my boot in your f" ::He was interrupted by the swift spoken and cool headed fellow who stepped out from the door the insolent fellow was about to head into. Glad was he that this happened, for things were quickly marching down a path that would lead to bloodshed. The man made good points, and he gave a slow nod, holstering the heavy weapon within a leather holster at the small of his back.:: "At long last, a man who speaks sense." ::He made a motion with his free hand, bringing it open, down and level. With this motion his men lowered their weapons, placing them into various holsters about their persons.:: "You are forgiven, as you must forgive me and my kin. I knew not this to be hostile waters, only very recently have we taken to the open seas. For the first time in our peoples history, we have looked about in every direction and not seen land." ::He reached upwards, hooking the fingers of his gauntlets into the eyes of the helm and pulling it free to release a cascade of bright red locks that fell like a waterfall of braids, tied with rune carved cuffs of silver and gold, embedded with gem stones of many shades. His face was stern and weathered, bearing a large scar above and below the eye that had been replaced with a masterfully cut and polished dark red jewel. Tucking the helm under his shield arm, he approached the most sensible fellow on the boat and offered a massive hand.:: "I am Magni Magnusson, Son of Magnus, King under the Mountain, Lord of Karak. I come seeking Aid and to offer it against the Barbarian Hordes of the North."

Yes, it was good that Randell had made his reappearance. Osiris knew his nerves were wrecked from the past few weeks and leaving the situation would be more beneficial than if he stayed and locked horns with the other. Randell had taken the floor and Osiris was good to take care of Ekaterina along with Melaine. Fortunately, she wore the stone but Melaine might of still felt the chill of Osiris's aura granted how close she got and if she was of mortal life. As for went on above Osiris was curious, indeed. However, the man's current cerebral contentment resided with the woman he was currently beside. Just his hand on hers with hardly any other movement. There was still a lot to be considered and he positive Rad was going to chew him out again. Old Viking had it in for him.


< ... To Be Continued ... >