Island of Crows, Part I (2 Aug 2001) Our heroes venture forth to rescue Lady Ravena.

Sea of Pollux
The wind puffs out the sail of the Seahawk, a single-masted wooden ship carrying a crew of six hardy freebooters as well as its noble passengers, the Princess Angel escorted by the brave knight Lady Redmane and the bold adventurer Thomas of the Golden Hawks, along with Jester Simon to wait upon her needs, carrying the ship briskly across the white-furled sea to the distant island of Crow. The sky overhead seems clear enough, but gray clouds hover over the horizon, threatening rain and storm.

They sail on a risky mission today. Word has come to the court of Mirari that the oracle Lady Raven of the neighboring kingdom of Elinor was sent to Crow by her father in order to protect her from menacing monsters called the "Jruuh". Her powers of foreseeing might help guide them toward their missing King ... and what chivalric heart could resist the plight of a damsel all but imprisoned upon her stark island by a cruel father?

Ahead, the lookout cries, "Land ho!" and the hill-capped silhouette of Crow is just barely visible over the waves. The Captain calls out, "'Ware the rocks! Sing out if ye see any of the treacherous reefs of the island, or the terrible serpents that infest these waters, sailor!"

In a more normal tone, he adds to his respected passengers, "Begging yer pardon, miladies, milord, but best ye be armed, or go below decks, for these are dangerous waters."

Redmane peers ahead towards the island, and then nods to the Captain before turning to the Princess Angel. "We'd better prepare for landfall, Your Highness. We may need to move quickly if there are dangers awaiting us on the beach."

"Below? Me?" says Tom incredulously. He then waves a hand dramatically and proclaims, "I've traveled the world, braved the unknown dangers in the far flung jungles of the world, and basically seek out all forms of danger. Armed or not, I wish to stay right here and see this trip through journey's end."

Princess Angel of the Court of Mirari, heir to the throne and daughter to the King, lowers her elegant umbrella that had been shielding her from the rays of the sun and peers, considering, out across the waves to the island. "Very well," she says as she reviews the distant landscape, "I leave the defense of the ship to you, Knight Redmane. Captain, make ready for landing."

Jester Simon seems to welcome the decision as he hurries to the hatch to open it for the Princess. "I'll go with you, milady, and make sure that your needs are seen to. After all, when the storm makes the waters dark, who will make light of things otherwise?"

The Captain nods. "Aye aye, miladies, milords. We'll see to it." He shouts arcane commands to the crew to prepare the ship for the approach to the island.

The knight nods to the leader of the Golden Hawks, and follows the Princess, knowing that her duty is to protect Angel above all else. Besides, Tom will call on her if there is anything the crew cannot handle. "Be wary, Thomas. If we lose you then our voyage is for naught, as only you can lead us through the forests," she tells the man, giving him a clap on the shoulder.

The ship rocks treacherously as they near the island. The growing wind -- perhaps a sign of the storm to come -- must have made the waters unexpectedly turbulent.

The princess inclines her head to the Jester in polite appreciation. "See that my wand is made ready, and the books of the Lady Sorceress are opened. I will begin preparation to open the magical seal on the island," she tells him. Just before she disappears below decks the princess offers, "And the rest of you ... be careful. Knight Redmane, to me."

Thomas of the Golden Hawks nods to Redmane, saying, "I will be careful. I suppose I am simply more used to this form of danger." He then turns back and looks out over the water, eyes narrow and searching. "Let us make haste," he comments to the Captain, "The storm won't hold off much longer. Let us pray it be a natural storm, not one born from arcane magicks."

As the island of Crow looms larger over the horizon, the lookout reports on the coral reefs that surround it ... and then there is a spout of water in the distance, a plume of feathery white. "Serpent, ho!" the lookout cries. "It's coming our way!"

Indeed, smooth green hide plunges through the waters, writhing through them like a snake in tall grass, and then a vast head looking like an arrowhead, bristling with horns and whiskers and spikes, rises over the waves to sound its challenge to the intruders in its waters! It must be at least forty feet long, though gauzy fins on sides, top, bottom and tail give it a curiously delicate look. The cry of the serpent is a shiversome thing, high and wailing, even musical in its beauty were it not that the thing which utters it is a mighty beast that could easily capsize the boat with its thrashings.

Redmane draws her sword at the sound of the beast's challenge, but remains by the side of her Princess. "You'd best secure yourself, milady. There could be fighting on the deck if that thing reaches us."

Thomas moves rapidly, hopping up onto the side rail and gripping the rigging. He leans out, trying to get a better view. His eyes widen and he gasps, "Great lords, never in my travels have I seen such a beast. I've only heard of them in legends." Thomas then pulls himself back and hops off the railing and shouts, "Captain, what weapons do you carry? Are we equipped with harpoons at all?" He then glances back toward the creature and says grimly, "And try to steer away from the beast. Perhaps we can reach the isle before it reaches us."

Though the captain gamely tries to swing his vessel wide around the monster, the serpent draws closer, its fins waving threateningly. It seems determined to keep them from reaching the isle, its musical voice sounding again to warn them off.

"'Tis but a small ship, and we've no arbalests for fighting monsters," the Captain replies. "My crew'll arm themselves with sabers and we'll prepare to fight on deck, but that is all the help we can give!"

Meanwhile, Jester Simon tugs on the Princess's sleeve. "Princess, you'd better get below decks; it could get very ugly up here..."

Angel does not turn to see the beast, she but nods and proceeds below decks. "The spell must be wrought before we grow to near the island, lest we fight magic as well as beasts. I will begin the ritual below deck. Lady Redmane, you are free to assist in the ship's defense," she commands. And with that she vanishes below and begins towards the room specially arranged for the working of that which will open the seal.

Slowly, Thomas paces the deck, glowering. "Do we have any spare oars, then? We could cut off the paddles and sharpen the ends," Thomas says, as he thinks over several plans. "Or, perhaps some fishing nets we could use to distract and confuse the creature?"

"Thomas!" cries Redmane once the Princess is below decks, "would fire dissuade such a monster?"

The Captain argues, "We've no time for handicrafts! If we're to fight, it must be with what we have to hand. We've fishing nets on board, though -- you, get one for the Explorer!" A sailor runs off to fetch it.

Thomas turns, his black hair blowing wildly in the wind, partially obscuring his green eyes. His gaze locks on Redmane. "Aha, you might be right. A creature that lives in water may very well fear fire. Can you find something to rig up a spear with so we can perhaps wrap the tip in cloth and light it?" The black-haired explorer doesn't even pause to breathe, turning to argue with the Captain, voice low, "With all due respect, fighting that thing hand-to-hand is suicide. It could probably capsize this ship easily. We need to frighten it off or slay it at a distance."

The serpent nears while the crew and passengers debate their course of action --or perhaps it would be more accurate to say, the ship nears it, for the vessel is closing on the island the monster appears to guard. The motion of its serpentine length through the water causes parts of its body to appear briefly before submerging again. For a few moments, a great wound can be perceived on its side, a mass of scar tissue concealing the old injury.

Below deck the princess lights a few candles with help from the Jester. "T'would be the time for the Lady Sorcerer ... yet alas, she is not here to aid us. We must do this ourselves," she tells the man. Before her lies an arcane arrangement of circles, moons, and other less-discernable runes scribed in white chalk along the wooden floor. She stands in the center of the largest of circles -- the ritual circle -- and accepts a dusty tome from the Jester, which she opens and braces with her left arm. Her right hand lifts up the wand and she pauses to read the ancient script. "Light the candles of the East," she commands.

The sailor returns soon, bearing a net ... and a spear with a barbed head! He says to the Explorer Thomas and Lady Redmane, "Sirs, I've found this with our fishing supplies! It's a shark-spear. Will it help?"

Seeing how little time there is, Redmane grabs one of the deck lanterns and removes its oil reservoir, which she uses to soak a rag that she carries for cleaning her sword. "Hold the spear, Thomas, and I'll wrap this around the tip."

Simon gulps. "Me? Are you sure these candles will even stand up in these kinds of waves?" The boat rocks sharply, perhaps from the Captain's frantic attempts to maneuver the ship around the serpent, perhaps from the serpent's own actions.

Thomas smiles grimly, eyes narrow. "It just might," he responds, accepting the spear and net. He then nods to Redmane and says, "How are you at wielding a spear? It'll take both of us. I figure we can try to net the creature's head, then while it's distracted, the spear wielder can throw or drive the flaming spear into its eye."

The serpent studies the rocking vessel, as if sensing vulnerability in its wild pitching. It curls its injured side away from the ship, protectively, and waits with head aloft for the opportunity to strike.

"Magic ... does not always follow the proper rules of the mundane world -- or so I am told. The candles will stand, as the East has stood since the dawn of time." A page of the book it turned, and the princess nods approvingly. "Light the candle, Simon."

The jester nods, as realization dawns on him. "Oh! They're magic candles! Well, why didn't you say so before, Your Highness?" He chuckles nervously and starts lighting the three candles that on the east side of the circle, taking care to keep them from falling over while he does so ... and indeed, once lit, they seem to remain standing.

"It's not so different from a lance," Redmane says, looking over the spear. "I've never trained with a net though, but I can help pull it in."

"Or even better, aim for its side. I think it has been injured before," adds Thomas, eyes watching the serpent carefully.

Suddenly, from the water, the sea monster lunges for the ship! It moves like lightning through a wire, snatching a hapless sailor from the prow of the ship. The man screams, legs kicking and arms flailing as the beast rears back with him in its mouth.

The Captain cries out. "Full sails, men! We'll wind up like that poor devil if we don't put our backs to it!" He looks grim as he holds the wheel, trying to keep the ship in position for the more experienced warriors' actions.

"Then the spear is yours to wield, Redmane," Thomas says. He then looks over the net, inspecting the size when the creature strikes. His attention jolts back to the serpent and he grips the center of the net. "No more time, Redmane! Take the spear and follow!" shouts Thomas as he charges toward the prow.

"Curses but it's fast!" Redmane exclaims, and sets the rag-wrapped spearhead alight with a flint. "How can we net it?"

With the candles of the East lit, the princess begins gesturing with her wand. "In the name of the East, where dawn breaks before the coming of the light, by the will of Sol and That Which Begins, I do begin this ritual," recites the princess, her voice echoing off the walls of the ship. The room lightens ... and not, it would seem, from the candles alone. "Light the candles of the West."

Simon shelters the flame of the candle he's holding as he hurries over to the other side, his jester's bells jingling. "If you say so, Your Highness," he replies, kneeling down by the candles to hold each one in turn and touch the flame to it until it catches, then the next one. These candles hold firm too.

"I'm not as concerned with netting it as much as drawing its attention away from you long enough for you to strike," Thomas shouts back at Redmane. "If it gets me, you'll have to finish the journey without me. I have faith you can find your way." He skids to a halt near the prow and starts to whirl the net over his head, faster and faster.

The knight follows the Golden Hawk with the flaming spear held ready, hoping the creature can be entangled and held quickly.

The great serpent pauses in its attack on the ship to devour the unfortunate sailor. The man's cries are pitiful as it gnaws at him, breaking his spine before swallowing him whole. It turns its grisly head towards the vessel once more. Its tail lashes in the water as it swings towards the ship. For an instant, as it rears back its head to strike at the spot where Thomas and Redmane stand ready to oppose it, the old wound on its side is visible again.

"In the echo of the East which is the West, where the last light fades unto dusk and darkness and does swallow Sol, in the name of That Which Ends and the unknowable spirits of shadow I do see in to the dark that I might break this seal." The room darkens now, and the candles of the East are snuffed out as the shadow edges upon the circle. "Light the candles of the South."

Gritting her teeth, the knight leans out as far as she dares over the railing, holding on with one hand while the other prepares to launch the spear.

Simon shivers. "It's getting kind of dark in here. Are you sure you're doing this right? Er, Your Highness." He scurries to the candles and lights them.

Thomas's hair moves wildly in the wind created by the whirling net. As the creature's head rears back, he lets go of the net, shouting a battle cry! He watches the net billow open and sail toward the creature, shouting, "Prepare, Redmane, aim for that old wound!"

The net whirls out ... and the wind catches it, sending it flying off past the serpent, doing no more than to distract it slightly. It is soon lost to view in the frothing waves.

Redmane tries to strike in the monster's moment of distraction, hurling the spear towards the mass of scar tissue on its side and praying it will penetrate!

The princess does not respond, and the jester finds that she now stares into the blackness with unfocused and distant eyes. Her hand continues to gesture. "As West is the echo of the East, the South does reflect the fading shadow of the West. It is That Which Resides Below, as shadow turned to ill-intent, as light faded to darkness and ruin. I do seek succor to the North, and here do I pass beyond That Which Resides Below and pass beyond the shadow of the wicked," echoes the princess. The shadows of the room shift, and wind from no discernable source wails through the room and passes over the occupants like icy fingers. "Quickly, the candles of the North!"

The jester looks about to go through the circle, then realizes that might not be the best thing. He hurries around instead, wobbling as the boat rocks from the combat with the serpent, then bumping heavily against the wall of the cabin, holding onto the light sconce there. "Whoa! Someone stop this thing! I want to get off onto dry land!" It takes him a moment to catch his breath.

With its preternaturally quick reflexes, the serpents seems sure to dodge the spear, sensing it coming a moment before the launch. Yet the knight's aim holds true and finds its mark! The serpent screams and thrashes in the water, wild with anguish at the fire burning its way into its weakest spot. In its pain-maddened state, it tries to strike back at the one who has struck the mortal blow. The serpent's head crashes into the side of the boat, causing it to lurch sharply to the port side! Water spills over the railing, threatening to swamp it.

Below decks, Simon is about to get to his feet, when the boat lurches again, massively. He topples over instead, almost hitting the circle ... and his candle does fly from his fingers, landing on the table-- where it sets alight the tablecloth! "Ooof!" the jester cries, not realizing at first what's happened.

The Princess's spell, still attuned to That Which Resides Below, slowly engulfs the pitching boat in shadow. The water that swamped over the side turns dark, hissing and bubbling with the evil forces roaming free around the ship. It trickles like sentient slime down the steps to the deck below. Spirits whisper sinister, half-heard remarks, treacherous promises and hopes that freedom may soon be theirs, if the spell is not continued.

Below decks the princess staggers, and in her trance is unable to recover her wits enough to prevent herself from falling to the deck. The book slips from her arm to the floor and slides as the boat rocks.

Thomas stumbles as the boat lurches hard. He feels himself begin to lose balance. Desperately, he jumps toward Redmane, hoping he can catch her waist and keep her aboard. His arms wrap about her waist, unfortunately moments too late. The slippery and very wet deck offers no assistance as Redmane goes over the edge, dragging the hapless explorer gripping her waist with her. The two fall, landing in the water with a loud splash.

It takes the princess a moment to recover from her fall. She blinks, finding herself staring into darkness that surrounds the circle and plays before her vision, blinding her. The artificial darkness of the South has made it impossible for the would-be caster to see, even with the fire now raging on the table. She gropes for the old tome in an attempt to locate it in the darkness. "Simon! You must light the candles of the North!" she can be heard to call out.

"Man yer posts, men!" the captain cries out. He curses as he sees the two warriors fall overboard. "Throw a line to the explorer and the knight, and stand by in case the blasted water-snake comes back!"

Simon recovers from his fall, and then blinks at the flames leaping from the tablecloth. "Fire!" he yelps. Then looking at the princess, he staggers to his feet and hurries to the table, to fetch another candle, snatching it back with his sleeve alight. The jester looks worried as he tries to slap the flames out, momentarily distracted from his important mission. "Aiee, I'm on fire!"

The sinister waters sweep around the candles of the west, knocking them over, then a lurch of the boat causes them to swirl towards the northern candles -- as yet unlit. The whispering of the evil spirits grows louder, more insistently. They crow with expected triumph, should the waters knock over the North candles and prevent the power of the South from being overcome.

The serpent's thrashing dunk Thomas and Redmane below the surface, as its tail circles over them and knocks them under. Even without conscious thought to direct it, the monster still poses a danger.

The explorer thrashes in the water, holding his breath as he's forced under. He struggles against the currents, trying to orient himself and stabilize his position. He looks around in the water wildly, trying to locate Redmane.

By sheer chance alone does Princess Angel recover her ancient and magical tome. As she finds her feet and rises again to stand in the center of the circle she does resume the stance, and the gestures -- the words are found, but her focus on the book that she might read it shadowed as she is prevents her from seeing much beyond it and the dark powers that struggle within the room. "The candles!" she calls. "You must light the candles or all is lost!" Knowing Simon may not be able to do so, she uses a thumb to hold the page of the ritual and desperately tries to find a spell for lighting candles.

Redmane struggles to the surface, freeing herself from Thomas's momentary grasp, and the serpent's tail. She draws her sword, eyes searching for the serpent once again, while the waves toss her about.

The jester, startled from his self-extinguishing, hurries to the northern candles, and uses his burning sleeve to light them, hurriedly. "Forgive me, Princess! I don't know what I was thinking! It's all my fault I ruined your ritual," he babbles, trying to keep them upright as he does so.

Thomas catches a glimpse of Redmane as she swims toward the surface. Satisfied she's not unconscious, the explorer starts to swim upward and away from the serpent.

The dark waters eat at Simon's shoes, struggling to close on the now-lit candles, but something about the fire in them seems to keep them at bay. The spirits of the South wail in anguish and anger. They threaten and cajole Angel, alternately pleading and bullying her with their cries, hoping to overwhelm her before she can complete the spell.

The sea monster's dying thrashes have faded, subsiding to mere twitches, as its large body floats supine on the surface of the water.

"Oh no! The western candles have fallen," Simon cries, backing from the circle worriedly, eying the sinister-looking water that has toppled them over. "Should I upright them, Your Highness?"

Clutching the sword in her teeth, Redmane swims towards the buoyant corpse, hoping to find her bearings to the shore from there. She arrives in a few moments, latching on to her former enemy, now a savior of sorts. With her position now secure, she's able to look around, and notice that the shore isn't far off. It's almost closer than the boat, though there's an odd glow about the ship now...

The explorer breaks through the surface of the water and gasps for breath. He treads water a minute, taking in precious air and calming his heart. His gaze turns toward the ship and the serpent. From his location, he examines the dead serpent, trying to determine if he could climb onto the floating body and out of the cool water before his muscles tire.

Spotting Thomas, Redmane waves in the direction of the shore with her sword, and calls to him, "The shore is closer!" After a glance around him, the explorer can tell that she is correct.

The candles of the North are as a bright beacon in the darkness, casting aside the shadows as a star does pierce the dark. "As the East passes to West, light to shadow, and as shadow does mirror the wickedness of the Southern Kingdom, does the North reflect the light, and rule over all, as The Dominion Divine, which casts down the South, and its ally, the West. From the beginning of light did we proceed, seeing the darkness and knowing The Path, now do we find its end and do we petition the North to break this seal. In the name of The Dominion Divine, and by the blood royal, do We break this seal!" With a sharp gesture the princess points unerringly towards the Crow Isle.

Noting Redmane has had the same idea, Thomas of the Golden Hawks starts to swim toward the sea creature. He then halts when he hears her shout out about the shore. He waves to her, then points toward the shore, replying loudly, "I'll wait for you there, then." He turns and now swims in the direction of Crow Isle.

The sun flashes on the water between the island and the boat, and it shines like a beacon, bathing everything in warm, golden light. A haze shimmers all around Crow Island, and when it is gone, the land seems different, as if a veil had been lifted from all their eyes. The clouds on the horizon have dissipated, and the aura of the island, which had earlier repelled Thomas from approaching it, now seems innocuous, even inviting. A mild, pleasant breeze ruffles the hair of the adventurers.

Sheathing her sword before pushing away from the dead serpent, the knight swims to shore to meet up with the Royal Explorer, casting a look every so often towards the ship.

The Seahawk turns about in the water as the Captain cries out orders to the sailors. "We've men overboard!" he cries. The ship begins to move toward the adventurers, and a sailor calls to them, line in hand for them to climb back up onto it. The Captain sniffs. "Who's left something burning in the galley! You, see to it!" A sailor hurries down below, only to bump into Jester Simon, yelling about fire in the Princess's cabin, and needing a bucket -- the two hurry quickly to fetch water and put it out.

The princess lowers her wand slowly and finds that all the candles have gone out, and that the shadows have fled to dance against the far walls, silhouetted by some light source the princess does not know. She finds the room warm and pleasant compared to the icy chill of the spirits of the South. When she turns to tell Simon of her success she realizes the source of the light. "Fire!" she shrieks in surprise.

Hearing the commotion on the deck of the ship, and seeing it turn closer, Redmane changes course to swim towards it. She must make sure the Princess is safe!

"And I had thought I'd seen it all," gasps the explorer as he watches the veil part, revealing the island. He floats in the water, staring at the now inviting island, unsure if even more danger awaits him there. He then shrugs and continues swimming toward shore, which remains closer, prepared to face even greater dangers that may lie ahead.

Once she's climbed back onto the deck, the dripping knight rushes towards the smoking hatchway! "Princess!" she calls as she bursts into the cabin, her soaked clothing momentary proof against the flames. Finding Angel, she scoops up the Princess and carries her quickly to safety, ignoring all commands to rescue the spell books and other paraphernalia.

With the serpent no longer opposing its passage, and the shroud which wards away vessels opened for it, the Seahawk slips through the reef-hazarded waters and into safe harbor along the side of the island. "Begging your pardon, milords, miladies," the captain says. "We'll remain with the ship and keep it ready for when ye wish to set sail. Good luck!"

The island of Crow looks lopsided: on this side, the ground is flat, but it rises slowly toward the other side, 'til cliffs look out over the sea. Trees are abundant and full of summer green, and the crows after which the island has been named are everywhere, feasting on the succulent vegetation that clothes the ground. Tiny yellow flowers peek out of the grass here and there.

There is a small watch-tower built into the cliffs, that was long ago abandoned but now houses Lady Raven. It cannot be approached directly, due to the sheerness of the cliffs, so it lies across the island from the beach ... through woods filled with unknown perils and of course, the crows which give the island its name.

Tom, having swum onto the beach ahead of the ship, now stands with damp clothes, awaiting the arrival of the others. The woods nearby seem clear, though there's no telling what might be found deeper within, where the trees grow closer and the underbrush becomes more difficult to pass.

"Never have I done so poorly in a mission," grumbles Thomas, shaking his head slightly. "I've failed to keep the crew safe, and we've lost one man." His fist clenches and he glares at the dark wood ahead, whispering quietly to himself, "I swear I will do better from this moment on." He remains where he stands, the sun helping dry his damp clothes as the rest of the party arrive.

Carrying a blanket with the Golden Hawks crest on it, Redmane disembarks and hands it over to Thomas with a grin. "Everything secured here?"

The court's jester stands beside the Princess and holds her umbrella for her, an old parasol whose handle has been carved fancifully into the head of some large bird. "We must shelter your fair skin from the sun, Your Highness," Simon says mock-admonishingly. "Otherwise you'll blacken as dramatically as a Nubian, and then no one will recognize you as the lovely Princess Angel! And what will we do then?"

Thomas gratefully accepts the blanket and wraps it around his damp body. "Seems safe enough," he mutters, "But that means very little. Even the most beautiful rose has thorns." He tears his eyes away from the forest and looks at Redmane, "May I ask a favor of you? Can you fetch me one of the sabers from the ship's crew? We may need a few weapons."

Princess Angel of Mirari, slightly singed heir to the throne, daughter to the King, and would-be magic worker stands on deck with her departure preparations since handled. She carries the old tome in a velvet pouch strung by a silvered chain, and her royal wand is kept well in hand. The rest of her supplies are in the Jester's care -- a tent, her umbrella, a few books, food, and other supplies of royal importance. "Fare thee well Captain! We shall return as soon as fate would have it. The court commends you on keeping us safe." To Simon, whom she ignored until she was done speaking to the Captain, she says, "We shall be going, and you shall see to my things. Come Jester, Lady Raven awaits." And with that she departs the ship and joins the others on shore.

The knight nods to Thomas, and after a few moments, returns with a weapon, handed down from the deck of the ship.

The explorer takes the saber and finally smiles. "Thank you, Redmane. That was a remarkable shot with the spear. You are a remarkable knight, worthy of the title," he responds, looking back toward the ship. "What do you think is taking them so long? I hope the Princess doesn't intend to bring everything with her.

Simon looks at the pack holding the supplies, then heaves a sigh and sets the umbrella down briefly, shoulders the pack, then picks the umbrella up again. As he leans forward to counterbalance the pack, his jester's cap slips down a bit so a bell bounces off his nose. *ding* "As you will it, Your Highness."

With the party assembled on the beach, only the journey through the forest awaits them now. After the sea serpent, it seems like a mere walk in the woods would be simple. But even as the thought crosses the minds of the explorers, the shadows of the trees seem to darken.

The knight can only shrug. "Who knows what other magical challenges we might encounter? The Princess will need to be prepared for anything."

"There's a good man," says the princess approvingly. She takes a moment to survey the shore before looking to the explorer. "Well then. I trust you are fit to lead the way? We are counting on your skills here," she asks him.

"The only damage I have suffered is my pride, M'lady. I am well enough to lead," Thomas replies, eyes looking back toward the forest. He then adds, "Be wary, I feel we will face much more danger before we reach our goal."

A crow caws ominously, and in a moment, a half dozen of them echo its cry, then the entire murder rises into the air. Briefly, the sky is full of black wings, then they move over the island and settle, out of sight, somewhere in the forest.

Taking her position next to the Princess, Redmane says, "We have faith in you, Thomas."

Thomas of the Golden Hawks draws his saber and points toward the dark forest. "Onward," he says firmly, "I'll take the front. Redmane, can you take the back? I'd like the princess and jester between us. That should be safer."

The knight repositions herself behind Simon, and says, "Aye, Thomas." Now that she's behind the others, she feels free to stretch her back, which still aches from where the serpent's tail struck, but still hides just how tired she is from the battle and dealing with the fire.

After adjusting her velvet book pouch, the princess inclines her head to the explorer's words and shortly after falls in line between him and Knight Redmane. "'Tis a wonder, this Island of Crows, and yet it is fearsome by its quiet solitude. I pray Lady Raven is safe though now that the seal has been broken we must hurry to her lest the Jruuh find her before we are able," she tells the others.

The explorer seems to take a bit longer than would be expected to get moving, even after the Princess's pronouncement. Carefully, he heads first into the forest, using the saber like a machete, clearing away underbrush as needed to make a path for the party. His brow furrows, as if he feels strained as he uses the saber to clear the plant life.

The undergrowth tugs at their clothing as they pass down the path cleared by Explorer Thomas's saber, which seems remarkably sharp, especially given that a weapon of this sort cannot have been intended for such use.

Princess Angel's brow raises as she regards the explorer with politely subdued curiosity. "Are you well, lord explorer?" she inquires quietly.

Leery of the shadows, Redmane tries to keep alert for any movement, mindful of the stealthy nature of the Jruuh. This also makes the knight increasingly aware of her fatigue, however.

As Thomas clears a path, he pauses now and then. He checks the trees nearby, noting any growth of moss and which side of the tree it occurs on. In addition, he occasionally halts the party and just listens, straining to hear anything out of the ordinary. It is during one such stop that he is paused by the Princess's question.

Thomas looks back at the princess. He tries to hide the fatigue he feels, but is only semi-successful. "I'm a bit weary, is all, Princess Angel. Not enough to seriously hamper our progress, thankfully. Time isn't our ally or I'd have us stop for some hours to rest," he replies.

Redmane takes advantage of the pause to lean against a tree, wincing a bit and reaching behind to press at the small of her back. Surely the blow from the monster's tail alone couldn't account for such pain.

With a nod the blonde woman turns her head and addresses the Jester in whisper. "Fetch for me a drink from our supplies. The lord explorer is tired and must continue, though he need not continue unaided." She smiles faintly, adding, "And fetch one for yourself; you have done well."

"I find myself a bit parched as well," Redmane whispers to Simon, hoping a drink will refresh her as well.

Thomas catches Redmane's wince out of the corner of his eye. His gaze then focuses on her. "Knight Redmane, are you well?" he asks and walks toward her. "Is your back injured," he asks, concerned, "Shall I see if there are visible injuries?"

Simon sets the umbrella aside and kneels to set the pack down. "Of course, nothing but the King's own best vintages from his cellars, and won't he be annoyed when he comes back and finds them all gone," he says with a chuckle, searching through the pack and fetching out a wine bottle sealed with wax. He produces metal goblets from the pack as well, and begins pouring. The wine catches the light with a ruby gleam as it bubbles into each. "Your wine, milord Explorer, milady Knight. Your Highness, would you care for some as well?"

Her Highness once again inclines her head in polite thanks to Simon. Her wand is placed in her off-hand and she accepts one of the metal goblets. "I would, and your consideration of your princess is appreciated," answers Angel.

After taking a sip of wine to help dull the pain, Redmane nods to Thomas. "The serpent struck me harder than I originally thought; I would appreciate you checking for damage."

The explorer accepts the goblet and smiles slightly to the jester, saying, "My thanks, good sir." He then returns his attention to Redmane. "Most certainly, my good knight. We owe you our lives; 'tis the least I could do." He takes a sip from the goblet as he walks around Redmane and kneels down somewhat. Carefully, he eases her shirt up and looks over her back.

A long welt is ripening across Redmane's back, in a diagonal stripe. The skin is raised and flushed, already striating to purple.

The wine warming her stomach, the knight asks, "Do you see aught but bruises, Thomas?"

As her two guardians see to their wounds and refreshment, Princess Angel steps forward and bends slightly so that she can look at one of the bushes and attempts to place them. Rather to her surprise, the nearest one proves to be a wild rose bush, with flowers just beginning to bud.

"Oh," exclaims the princess in pleased surprise. "How beautiful." The wand is placed in the pouch, its tip sticking out from under the flap, and the blonde reaches over to pluck a rose for herself.

The explorer takes in a breath, feeling the warmth from the wine travel down his throat. He winces as he sees the bruise forming and replies to Redmane, "Aye, you're developing a severe bruise, Redmane. It spans your back." He lets her shirt fall back down and he stands. "I suggest sleeping on your stomach the next few days. You're pretty lucky. That bruise looks bad; it's fortunate you do not have anything broken. At least, I don't think you do," he says.

As she plucks a rose the princess says, "A bruise? You are hurt, Knight Redmane? Come, let me see to it ..."

"Ah, a bruise I can survive," Redmane says, and sits down on the ground. "I feared an infection was sapping my strength. How fare you from our battle?"

"Examining our poor Knight's back, what danger, what peril, milord Explorer," Simon says, teasing Thomas as he recaps the bottle and puts it away. "Beware, lest you're forced to put a healing poultice on as well!"

"You should not trouble yourself, Your Highness," the knight says, but nonetheless turns and bares her back for the Princess' examination.

"Nonsense," says the princess, not unkindly. She tucks the rose above an ear, careful to snap off thorns, and walks towards the knight. "Jester, see that my apothecary supplies are made ready; I would treat our knight's wound."

The explorer leans against the tree, grateful for the break. "Tired. Each step I take seems to be a struggle. Even clearing the brush is difficult. Odd, really. Perhaps something about this island saps the strength of those on it?" he says, then chuckles. "Or, perhaps it was all that swimming."

A few crows caw in sudden alarm, taking flight, as a shadow seems to pass over the island, deepening the shade beneath the trees to an ominous gloom. After the flapping of wings dies out, the forest becomes preternaturally calm and still, as if no living thing but themselves were near.

Redmane looks over her shoulder, and whispers into the silence, "This does not bode well. Are we under magical attack?"

Simon nods to the Princess. "Right away, your Highness-- ah, I think these are them... Forgive me if I have erred?" He picks out a pouch which smells faintly of aromatic herbs and salves.

Thomas blinks, the jester's comment finally registering. "Danger, peril? One sure way to encounter that is to tease your guide, don't you know," he comments, a small grin playing upon his lips. He then looks around the forest, smile fading quick. "You know, something has been bothering me. I really must be tired, I just realized what. It's too quiet. We should hear more wildlife here."

The princess accepts the pouch with a nod. "These are they," she tells Simon. After searching the pack for a moment she produces a healing salve, a roll of cloth bandages, and a length of padded material. She places the bag on the ground and moves to Knight Redmane's back and begins the process of applying the salve. "The salve will ease your discomfort and quicken your healing. The padding should be changed daily, or washed in boiling water," she instructs.

"Thank you, Princess," the knight responds, but holds onto the hilt of her sword while keeping an eye on Thomas, watching the Golden Hawk for any indication of impending danger.

Thomas looks about. "Wait here, please," he instructs as he picks up his saber again and sets the goblet down. "I'm only going a short distance ahead," he explains, "I want to see if anything awaits us. Redmane, I leave them in your capable hands." The explorer then heads off a bit further into the brush, trying to move as quietly as possible.

After a half dozen yards, the explorer comes to a rough-cut animal trail, recently trod. A glance in both directions leads him to conclude there's a clearing just up the path. The forest remains strangely quiet.

"As a defender of the realm you need not thank me. Your duty and service is thanks enough," says the princess. When she is done applying the salve, she carefully lays strips of padded material to the wound, then rolls the bandage around the knight several times before securing the bandage tightly. She steps back and begins putting her supplies away. "It ... is rather quiet, is it not? So silent ... "

Thomas kneels down on the animal path, looking over it carefully for tracks. He does not ignore his surroundings, however. He listens to the quiet forest around him, straining to hear any sounds at all. His breathing is slow and steady; he's calm and in his world, the forest of the unknown.

After readjusting her shirt and taking another swallow of wine, Redmane stands up and watches for Thomas' return. "At least we are more likely to hear anything approaching."

There are human footprints on the path, as well as animal ones, going in the direction of the clearing. As the explorer pauses, listening, he catches a faint sound ... a familiar growling, very low, almost inaudible as of yet. It's coming from somewhere up ahead, not far from the clearing visible from here.

"It worries me. I saw that shadow pass ... and at the time I thought nothing of it, but," Angel hands her apothecary supplies to Simon and shakes her head slightly, "I wonder if those shadows were something more. Maybe ... maybe the Jruuh are here."

Simon accepts them and teases the Princess, "You've gotten better, Your Highness! You didn't even use up half your bandages this time." He puts the supplies away.

Redmane tenses at the mention of the Jruuh, and tries to watch the shadows as well. How do you fight something that can turn invisible?

Thomas's expression doesn't change when he hears the sound. Carefully he gets up and heads back towards the party as quietly as he can. As they come into view, he waves to them to get up; apparently it's time to move. His expression changes now and becomes more serious, deadly serious.

By the time Thomas has returned to the group, the growling he heard so faintly has grown loud enough to be distinctly heard by everyone. From the sounds of it ... there's more than one animal making it.

The knight nods to the explorer, and takes up her position near Simon and Angel, drawing her sword in readiness.

The princess looks indignant for a moment, lifting her nose and making a "humph" sound. However the expression begins to fade, and she lowers her head to glances around again looking somewhat nervous. She catches Thomas's gesture and frowns at it. "Let ... let us be off," she whispers as she starts off after the explorer.

Jester Simon looks worried, as the most dangerous weapon he has handy is... Princess Angel's umbrella. He follows along however, clutching it as fervently as any shield.

"Jruuh," hisses the explorer as he rejoins the group, explaining the growling if they haven't realized the source yet. "Redmane, are you well enough to fight?" he says quickly, glancing at the knight, then to the jester. "And you, can you fight?" His gaze shifts again to the princess, "And if you have any offensive magic, prepare it. We'll probably need it."

Suddenly, a woman's scream pierces the air, cutting through all the low growling. It lasts for just a moment, followed by a sudden thump that cuts it off abruptly, leaving a silence all the more chilling.

"Well or not, I will fight, for I fear we have little choice now," Redmane replies upon hearing the scream.

Simon says weakly, holding onto the umbrella, "Uh-- do cutting remarks count? I'll stick by the Princess."

Tom whirls about, his black mane of hair whipping through the air as well. Several strands fall over his narrowed green eyes and he says cold and firm, "No time to discuss or chat. Lets move, now! We'll take the battle to them!" He takes in a deep breath and readies his saber for the battle he expects to come.

The princess lifts a hand and places it over her chest as the fingers of her other hand touch her lips in surprise as she gasps. A second later she looks ahead and declares, "I-in the name of the Kingdom of Mirari, we are coming! Hold on!"

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This site serves as a chronicle of sessions in an online roleplaying campaign moderated by Conrad "Lynx" Wong and May "Rowan" Wasserman. The contents of this site are (c) 2001, 2002 by Conrad Wong and May Wasserman except where stated otherwise. Despite the "children's fantasy" theme of this campaign, this site is not intended for young readership, due to mild language and violence.