The Sailing of the Ships

[Admiral8Q]

<i>I wrote this years ago for a `role-playing` game. It's based on my character "Magellan" (Yes, named after the explorer) All the names, places events are fictional. It could be modified for a more piratey theme. In fact I think I may modify it based on the PotC world. Also it contains magic, but that could easilly be replaced with technology, (Pistols, cannons, etc) For now I'll post the original story, and modify it later when I have time.

Enjoy!</i>


The Sailing of the Ships


"All ship's company aboard! All ship's company aboard!" The Montaguese `master-at` -arms, black cape whipping in the night wind, was striding along Seaharrow's stone quay ringing his sailing bell vigorously. The low hush of voices increased in tempo. `Last-minute` farewells were being interspersed with lingering kisses for the departing sailors, many of whom would never see their homes again. People wept. Hearts beat faster. Sailors with duffel bags and gifts from loved ones hurried up the rude gangplanks.

Overhead, the stars gleamed brilliantly beyond the `mast-tops` of `Captain-General` Avan's great fleet of `twenty-two` ships. It was March of the year 596, and the equinoctial gales carried a nip in the air. But the sailing of the ships, already delayed several times, was now a certainty. There was a brisk impatience among the captains.

In one shadowy group beside a `candle-lantern`, several men and women clustered around a youth of less than nineteen years. He wore a green tunic over his slim figure; he had dark brown hair and gleaming black eyes. Particularly noticeable was his long red cape. Memory of the cape settling around him gave the brief impression of wings being folded back, even after one turned away from him. His name was Magellan, and he was destined to become a great adventurer and world explorer. This was his first `deep-water` voyage.

"Hey there, young feller! All ship's company aboard." A heavy hand shoved his shoulder.

The young man, armed with a longsword and a `spell-book`, hurried up the gangway to his ship. Then slowly, under the quiet skies, could be heard the cracking of the blocks as the sails strained the masts and, through the dark, the talking of the crew hauling away the lines. Gradually, the masts of the `twenty-two` vessels glided gently out into the open sea.

Far to the West they were destined to go. There the fleet would split up into smaller groups and head off with their trade goods destined for areas on different parts of the continent. Magellan's ship was headed for a small area called Darkenwald.

Manning the fleet of `twenty-two` ships were fifteen hundred crew. Magellan was only a supernumerary; a youth without even the rating of able sailor. He was just one of the extras who pitched in to pull on the lines, scrub the deck, or to fight on shore or on shipboard as a common soldier. But he was expected, too, to give up his life for his country in a time of need.

Here, at last, was his `dreamed-of` opportunity. Great adventures lay before him. He breathes the damp sea air in long, brisk, delighted pulls. In its wet tang he found the lusty food for his soul that he hungered for. The rise and fall of the ship, and the whine of the gale through the rigging were happy stimulants to his whole being.

Since leaving his quiet little town of Sahugeon, where he was born, he had been fortunate in having entrance to the royal palace of his king and queen, for his family possessed a `coat-of`-arms and was of noble blood. In the palace he studied mathematics and Celestial magic diligently. When he wasn't studying, he spent his time along the harbor, where he learned everything he could from the interesting people he met. He practiced often with his sword and his spellcasting so that he would have experience which would make him valuable for foreign expeditions, should an opportunity arise to join one. He knew spell learning was necessary, but most of all he wished to be ale to participate in actual adventures.

Magellan was not content to stay quietly at home and obtain his excitement secondhand from the mouths of other adventurers. Everywhere people were setting foot where no other humans had been, and looking upon strange lands and incredible new races for the first time. Although he loved the sleepy hills around his home at Sahugeon in Montugal, and cherished his family deeply, his innermost burning flame was for adventure.

He even dreamed of possessing a ship of his own one day, and becoming an explorer himself.

There was one person who believed in Magellan. This was his friend, Roland, who was accompanying him on this voyage to the west. Together, they would pace the deck at night. While Roland, who was a born romanticist, extolled the beauties of the heavens or the picturesque pattern of some constellation, the scholar, Magellan, would instruct his friend on the changing angle of one of the stars and its effect on summoning its power.


<b><i>To be continued...</i></b>

 

[Admiral8Q]

<b>The Way of a Ship</b>


After a perilous voyage of one month during which one of the ships leaked so badly that it had to be abandoned, the fleet reached the stony heights of the Cape of Anticipation, the place where the fleet would split up. Once it had arrived at these foreboding cliffs, however, raging storms lashed, and scattered the ships for nearly one and a half weeks. After the storms subsided, it was discovered that four people had been washed overboard.

Relatively mild weather now set in. (This is about the time that Darkenwald defeated Father Winter) Northwestward lay a landlocked bay, and here the `Captain-general` rested his crews, traded with the locals, and gathered fresh supplies. Preparations were made for leaving. Final farewells were exchanged on shore for the crews of the splitting fleet.

`Captain-General` Avan outfitted Commander Dio with fine ships, crews, and provisions and instructed him to set up a trading post in Malawyrm (a barbarian city!) and then Darkenwald. Magellan and Roland were among the crew of the smallest ship of the five.

The fleet departed. For several days they sailed southwestward along the coast. At dawn on the fifth day, a beautiful emerald coastline that faded off into limitless distance far north and far south was found. Commander Dio sailed southward with his fleet all the remainder of the afternoon.

The Barbarian city of Malawyrm was spotted. Then the coastline opened before them between two capes, revealing a fine `land-locked` harbor. The ships sailed in.

It was totally different from anything Magellan had ever expected. Queer, twin boats, with slanting lateen sails of woven fiber, darted swiftly under the sterns, while friendly, barbaric faces looked up at the sailors, fascinated. Beyond, in the harbor, were lumbering ships from Niape (Enemies of the Montaguese). And there were other strangely designed hulls, sleek, large, and heavily laden, making frothy wakes as they plied their courses.

Every sailor wanted to get ashore as quickly as possible in order to view with his own eyes this colorful city. The decision for granting leave rested with the flagship. But Commander Dio, although an expert mariner and a daring explorer, did not always analyze the situation realistically. For example, he presumed that because most people everywhere were friendly to the Montaguese, the people in Malawyrm would be friendly too. He believed this in spite of the fact that he knew nothing of the Barbarians.

Having brought his armada into the city without any trouble, Commander Dio had no fear of the shore, nor of any adventure awaiting him there. His loyal crew deserved leave, and he was not a man to deprive his `hard-working` crew of their pleasure. He immediately granted liberty to the entire fleet. He also permitted all barbarians free access to his ships. So far he had no reason to believe that his squadron was not among friends.

But the Chief Malugart, who was ruler of this city, had heard alarming tales of the grasping powers of the Montaguese. He was filled with anxiety as he looked at the ugly snouts of the Montaguese balista pointing at his splendid city. here was a dangerous threat to his sovereignty. Such a menace, he felt, should be "nip'd in t' bud."

Meanwhile, Magellan, true to his impetuous nature, was one of the first to set foot on this foreign coast. Accompanied by Roland, (who followed him in the shadows) he strolled up the main street, finding himself charmed by the tall, well built people, the exotic weapons sold by the shops, and the throngs of drums playing for entertainment.

However, after but a brief time on shore peering into winding alleys and exotic shops, and the occasional good looking female barbarian... Roland’s shrewd eyes detected that he and his shipmates were being surreptitiously trailed by some heavily armed Barbarians. Trying not to show their suspicions, he and Magellan slipped away and sped back to their ship. There could be a danger here, they felt, for the entire fleet.

Magellan went directly to the captain of his ship and, endeavoring to show as little concern as possible, whispered his fears to the captain. The captain looked around him thoughtfully. As he stroked his chin whiskers Magellan could see that there was real concern in his expression.

The captain was quick to perceive their danger. The fleet was vastly outnumbered by the Barbarians now swarming over the ships, and with the larger portion of their sailors and soldiers ashore, the Montaguese might easily be overpowered, captured, and even `man-jack` murdered. The sweat started to break out on the captain's brow. He realized their plight might be a desperate one.

Placing complete trust in Magellan, the captain whispered several orders to him. First, a sentry was to be posted in the `mizzen-top` to report any unusual activity seen on the shore, or any armed parties approaching.

Next, Magellan was to row with all possible speed to the flagship to warn Commander Dio. Finally, he was to continue on to shore. Roland was to instantly return to shore and get word quietly to every sailor and soldier to return to their ships immediately.

Roland was already heading for shore and Magellan quickly alerted the sentry, who hastened at once to his lookout station in the mizzen crosstrees. Then he quietly set off in a swift little gig, rowing furiously for the flagship.

Barely had he shoved off from the side of his own ship however, when he heard the sentry's astonished outcry. This was the first warning of impending danger. Magellan rowed even more desperately. Would he be in time to avert disaster?

<b><i>To be continued...</i></b>

 

[CapitainDams]

<img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/onya.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="onya.gif" />

 

[SirChristopherMings]

More! More! <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/bookish.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":mm" border="0" alt="bookish.gif" />

 

[CatalinaThePirate]

<img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/w00t.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="w00t.gif" /> Very nice! <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/onya.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="onya.gif" />

 

[Meigger]

Nicely done. <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/onya.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="onya.gif" />

 

[Admiral8Q]

<i>Thanks everyone! <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile2.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=")" border="0" alt="smile2.gif" /> Here's chapter three...</i>

<b>On a far foreign shore</b>


Barely soon enough Magellan made fast his gig to Commander Dio’s gangway. Barefooted, he raced noiselessly to the deck. In grave fear, he saw six huge barbarians standing around his leader who was seated, chatting with several of the `shore-side` officials. All, Magellan noted, were heavily armed.

Reaching Dio’s side, he leaned over and whispered the warning. At first the commander seemed reluctant to believe the astounding report. Then as his eyes strayed over the armed barbarians scattered around the decks and the several `well-armed` natives beside him, the muscles of his bronzed face tightened. His dark eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Suddenly a huge puff of smoke arose from the upper walls of the fortress. It was the signal to commence the attack for the capture of the Montaguese fleet! The big barbarian standing behind Dio raised his kris over the commander’s head. Dio, though, was to swift. He dropped forward to the deck and, as he leaped away to safety, he drew his sword and ran two of the barbarians through the chests. They dropped to the deck, dead.

Magellan, now standing back to back with his commander, assisted in his desperate defense. Fortunately the flagship had a sufficient number of crew on board to handle the situation. In a few minutes the bloody attempt was quelled. At this point all the barbarians were either screaming for mercy or leaping overboard in a last frantic attempt to save their lives. Even so , the Montaguese killed many with their celestial magic and swords, either as they leaped or after they were in the water, struggling to swim away. Obtaining additional crew members, Magellan again dropped into his gig and, with Dio’s blessing, raced for the shore to lend assistance to the crew trapped there by the enemy. Already the screams of the Montaguese could be heard as they dashed for the beach to their waiting boats. It was apparent to Magellan that a flight was in progress. But his shipmates on the beach were so out numbered that he held little hope for their escape. As Magellan drew nearer to shore, an icy chill swept over him. He could see Roland and several other crew members surrounded by many times their number of barbarian fighters. The Montaguese were putting up a desperate `hand-to`-hand fight, but losing every inch of the way. The situation looked hopeless.

In angry resentment, Magellan beached his boat and rushed to Roland’s side. He fought like a mad beast, slashing and stabbing at the barbarians around them. In a few minutes, through a desperate `rear-guard` defense, and at great personal risk, he managed to rescue his friend. The remaining Montaguese in the party were murderously cut down. Thus, Magellan proved his courage as well as his loyalty.

Amid the booming explosions of the Montaguese celestial spells, and especially the lightening storm and dragons breath spells crashing through the city, the barbarians finally dispersed and ran for cover. None had seen celestial spells before. And, of course, none had heard their terrible explosions, nor seen the results of their frightening destruction. In terror, they quickly gave up the fight. Almost at once the streets had become completely empty and deserted.

On shore the Barbarians gathered here and there in groups to blame one another for the treachery against the Montaguese who had done them no harm. They were remorseful for their attack against the peaceful explorers. The chief, too, began to realize his grave blunder. He knew that the Montaguese would eventually exact reprisal. He had seen that they could fight like mad. In fact, he was quite sure that they would be an irresistible enemy.

Chief Malugart’s mistake was that he didn’t think of all this soon enough. Now he sat on his luxurious throne in complete anxiety and confusion.

Commander Dio gathered his captains around him for a council. A truce messenger was dispatched to shore in the hope of ransoming some of the shore party. But the barbarians failed to reply to the offer. Dio believed that the reason was that none of the Montaguese remained alive, although he possessed no proof.

The next day, after the fleet had sailed, Magellan’s ship was attacked by Niapish pirates. It was at this moment that Magellan made himself the singular man of the hour. His chances to prove himself useful in a crisis had arrived, and he grasped it well. Leading the Montaguese in a furious counterattack, he slashed at the Niaps so effectively that they abandoned their ship with its cargo of valuable plunder. The captured ship, with a prize crew aboard, was towed alongside Dio’s vessel.

All would have gone well if it had not been for a sudden storm that hurled the captured ship dangerously against the side of the flagship. Fearful of disaster, Dio gave orders to cut the towline. And once again Magellan proved himself the man of the hour. Denouncing such an act, which would have meant certain death for the men aboard the captured ship, he argued so vigorously that Dio was dissuaded from carrying out his decision.

After port had finally been made at a friendly native village of elves, Dio sailed back across the ocean to Seaharrow. The rest of the fleet set sail for Captain - General Avan’s main fleet, to receive new orders.

The great Malawyrm adventure brought Magellan extraordinary honors. His name was on the tongues of all the crew in the fleet. Promotion would be his. He had drawn a step closer to his dream. The glowing flattery he received from Roland encouraged him. He could see bright days ahead.

The return voyage to the Captain - General’s position was made without further incident. Brought before Avan by his captain, Magellan was cited for his outstanding achievements and promoted to the rank of captain. He was then ordered to join the Montaguese naval expeditionary forces to Icewyrm and Darkenwald. Though he could not have known it then, disappointments were in store that were to cause him more pain than any physical wound he suffered.

<b><i>To be continued...</i></b>

 

[Admiral8Q]

<b>The risks of exploration</b>


Absent from his native land for nearly six months, Magellan received the sad news that his mother and father had died, and that his brothers and sisters had scattered to unknown parts. News by ship traveled slowly, and how long his kin had been dead and missing, he did not know. This was a blow to Magellan. But he realized that in his adventurous life it was almost impossible to keep in touch with his people. At this point Magellan took stock of his status. He was now an experienced navigator, fighter, spellcaster, and expert sailor. He was twenty years of age. He treasured in his heart a deep love for the new continent. But more than this, he nurtured a wondrous dream of an exploration for his king and his country.

His dreams and highest hopes however, were destined for a delay. His Icewyrm bound ship, heavily laden with trade goods, struck a stretch of rocky sand bars extending for miles south of the point of Malawyrm. Almost immediately she broke up. The situation of the shipwrecked crew was desperate. The officers declared their right to take the lifeboats and return to Captain - General Avan’s fleet, leaving the crew behind. Then an angry dispute broke out between the officers and crew.

To save the situation, and to uphold the dignity of the ship’s officers, Magellan agreed to forgo his own right as an officer, and stay on with the crew, if the departing officers would promise to send aid quickly. This they promised to do, and Magellan, now a popular officer because of his many heroic acts, was able to pacify the injured feelings of the crew quickly.

<b><i>More to come...</i></b>

 

[CapitainDams]

Excellent! <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/william.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":will" border="0" alt="william.gif" />

 

[Meigger]

Very nicely done. <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/onya.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="onya.gif" /> <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/onya.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="onya.gif" />

 

[Admiral8Q]

<i>Meh, just some fun <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/icon_wink.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="icon_wink.gif" /> I'm glad you all enjoy it, keep in mind I wrote this years ago... cheers! <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/par-ty.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="par-ty.gif" /> </i>


<b><span style='`font-size`:30pt;`line-height`:100%'>The Attack</span></b> <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/icon_eek.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":" border="0" alt="icon_eek.gif" />


The screams were sudden and terrible. They cut through the stillness of the night. The reflection of the moon off the smooth surface of the sea surrounding the island seemed too real, not even a tinny breeze ruffled it. Magellan and Roland spun around simultaneously, and Magellan's sword sang free of its scabbard. The crew in the camp immediately behind them woke up and without hesitation slipped into their armor and grabbed their weapons, prepared to meet anything. Their battle seasoned instincts served them well, thought Magellan, as soon became frighteningly apparent within moments.

In the moonlit darkness, Magellan could not see what was happening further down the camp, but he could see the torches and light spells there bobbing wildly and erratically, some falling to the ground as the crew dropped them to engage whatever was attacking...

Roland was right behind him as they set off towards the battle. And it was then that Magellan heard a sound that made his blood run cold. An unearthly, utilating keening sound that was half moan, half cry. He had heard it before, on an expedition through his homeland, and that time over a hundred people had died. It was the cry of the undead.

"Magellan! Watch it!" Roland called out from behind him as they ran headlong towards the battle. Magellan glanced to his left, since the rest of the ship wrecked crew and the ocean were on his right, and he saw the walking corpses coming out through the island's twisted trees like drunken specters.

Some of them were wearing battle dress... or what remained of it. Rustling armor that squeaked and scraped as they moved; battered helms, some of which were cut almost clean through where a sword had split the skull; rotting tunics beneath chain mail encrusted with rust and covered with spiderwebs; greaves covered with dirt and mud; buckled shields with faded crests on them; tattered remnants of leather shoes and flapping breaches that were little more than rags. Others wore the rotting garb of peasants, through which decayed flesh and age browned bones were clearly visible. Decomposing faces stared with eyeless sockets in which worms and maggots writhed. And as if the sight of them alone were not bad enough, every one of the horrific things was armed. Those that did not bear swords or spears carried pitchforks, axes, or makeshift clubs.

They had flanked the camp, perhaps even surrounded it on three sides with the ocean pressing on the fourth. One of them came out of the woods in front of Magellan, brandishing a spear. Without slowing, Magellan raised his sword and brought it down as he passed, cutting the shambling corpse's arm off at the shoulder. It fell writhing to the ground, but still the creature clutched at his cape as he went by. Magellan dragged it along for several yards before he managed to kick the damned thing loose.

The marooned crew didn't panic. That would have cost them their lives, and they all knew it. Tiered as they were, they kept their formation and fought the undead like mad. The wretched creatures moved slowly, but what they lacked in speed they made up for in relentlessness and numbers. And they could not be killed, for they were already dead. The only way to fight them was to dismember them completely, and even then they kept on coming, dragging themselves along the ground like snails. Blades rose and fell repeatedly, lightning bolts and flame bolts smashed into the undead, and tiered as they were, they realized they could not pause in their grim work even for an instant. They had faced undead before, though not this many, and allot of them had not survived to tell the tale.

Magellan saw the Necromancer. He was at the rear of the formation of undead, where the first attack occurred, and he was controlling his minions, whose formation had been scattered by the initial attack.

As the crew came running up behind Magellan and Roland, Magellan raised his sword above his head and cried out, "To the Necromancer!"

Without hesitation, they followed him, cutting their way through the staggering, animated corpses. However foolhardy his heroics may have been, thought Magellan, he had galvanized the crew. Magellan noticed that among the people following was Seutress, a Montaguese girl that had proved to be quite a fighter in past battles. She had dark flowing brown hair, blue eyes; she wore shiny silver chainmail armor that followed the curves of her slender body; hung low around her hip was a belt with several pouches, and a sheath for her short sword; she had chain mail leggings which jingled as she ran. Magellan had always wanted to get to know her better, but never had an opportunity yet. He forced his thoughts on the matter at hand.

Those still alive but too injured to move screamed as the undead went for the killing blow. Magellan saw many bodies lying on the ground, and among the dismembered and still writhing corpses of the undead were many of the troops. Some were badly wounded, others had been slain, and dismembered corpses gnawed at many of them. The formation of the crew broke into a wild melee. The undead kept pressing forward, and the soldiers of the navy of Montagal hacked away at them like men possessed.

Finally Magellan fought his way to the Necromancer, with Roland, Seutress, and the others close behind him. Startled, the Necromancer muttered something and fired a bolt of crackling black energy at Magellan. Just in time Magellan ducked, and the bolt hit the unfortunate guy behind him. Crying in extreme pain and agony, the poor man's flesh ripped open causing mortal wounds to appear. Magellan didn't even see the man fall. Speaking the first spell that he could think of, Magellan released a spell that pinned the Necromancer where he stood.

The Necromancer mumbled something and fired a death spell at Magellan. The Necromancer saw him as simply an irritating interruption to his plans. Planning to end it quickly, the Necromancer confident that nothing could kill him, called upon his death magic. Not fast enough, Magellan caught the death spell in the leg. A flash of light erupted as his spell shield was used up. Thank the stars he had that casted on him earlier.

At first supprised by the unexpectedness of the death spell, Magellan's thoughts focused in on his enemy. Stretching out his hand, Magellan pronounced the words that would send a bolt of blue lightning sizzling into his enemy. He felt the celestial energy coiling and gathering within his body, felt the ecstasy course through him with sensual pleasure as he summoned it. The Necromancer screamed with intense pain as the lightning bolt's electrical energy burned a hole in his chest. Clutching at his wound with one hand, he grabbed a staff that was leaning against a large oak tree with his other hand. Then he raised it high and cried out, "Now you will die!"

"I don't think so!" replied Magellan, swinging his longsword down hard on his enemy.

But before Magellan hit, the Necromancer swiftly parried the sword with a quick movement of his staff. Then the Necromancer struck a blow that tore a piece out of Magellan's chainmail armor, and Magellan loss his balance from the impact. He swayed where he stood, and the Necromancer raised his staff to finish him. But in that moment, Roland leaped out of the shadows behind the Necromancer and lunged sharply, driving his short sword blade point fist through the Necromancer's back.

The momentum of his lunge carried Roland right over the Necromancer as he fell, into Magellan, who slammed into Seutress, bringing every one with him, over the dead sailor and to the ground. At once, the other crew moved in to protect them. Roland stood up, Magellan and Seutress slowly helped each other up. The Necromancer never would get up again.

<i><b>To be continued...</b></i>

 

[Meigger]

Excellent, its keeping my interest. <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/yes.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="yes.gif" />

 

[Admiral8Q]

<!--`QuoteBegin-Meigger`+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Meigger)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Excellent, its keeping my interest.    [/quote]
<i>Thanks. Well I don't like to write boring stuff... <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/icon_wink.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="icon_wink.gif" /> </i>
<img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sailr.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="sailr.gif" />


<b>The Blistering Barrage of Revenge</b>


With the death of the Necromancer, the undead army quickly lost formation and broke apart. The remaining crew charged into the uncommanded legion of animated corpses, and dismembered every last one before dawn.

For weeks the shipwrecked crew waited, carefully rationing the food supplies salvaged from the debris of their lost vessel. Everyone unanimously agreed to appropriately name the island "Lonely Island". After thorough exploration, it was discovered that there was no other living creature found anywhere. The remains of what may have been a village was the only proof that anyone had ever lived there at all.

When the rescue ship finally did arrive at Lonely Island , Magellan, Roland, Seutress, and the other remaining castaways were picked up. They then returned to the friendly native village of elves, safely. The Montaguese had set up an embassy there. And there, for his latest gallantry to his shipmates, and for splendid military example he set for the naval services as an officer, Magellan was cited for his highly honorable and humane acts.

Time passed. Then Magellan participated in a most memorable voyage of reprisal to Malawyrm. This expedition was under the command of the ruthless and `hot-headed` Governor Querque. He was doubtless chosen by King Diniz to teach the Barbarians a hard lesson in Montaguese strength.

The great fleet, consisting of nineteen strong ships armed with heavy ballista, sailed into the Malawyrm harbor at dawn and laid siege to Chief Malugart's stronghold. The revenging fleet pounded the city mercilessly, taking a terrible toll. Governor Querque would send ashore a blistering barrage of celestial casters; then he would sail out. In a day, or perhaps two, he would return. No one knew whether it would be by day, or in the middle of the night.

Again he would hurl his awful instruments of death against the Barbarians. He maintained this suspenseful murder for three agonizing weeks, each attack timed with diabolic shrewdness to catch the terrified Barbarians off guard.

This frightening attack was exactly what the miserable Chief Malugart had long feared. The Montaguese had exacted a `ten-for`-one reprisal for their previous grievous losses. In the end, of course, Malawyrm was forced to surrender, and fell to the Montaguese. As the ferocious Montaguese closed their ranks during the last of the great battle and stormed the palace, the Chief managed to elude his pursuers and fled the city.

On searching the town, the Montaguese located some of their former shipmates from Commander Dio's voyage. They were still imprisoned, but alive. Great was the joy of the released prisoners when they met their comrades again. The prisoners stated that they had been treated well while on shore. They came away with much valuable knowledge of life in this strange and distant world.

As soon as the wounded Montaguese were attended and comforted, the fleet was organized and set sail. When it finally arrived in Icewyrm, Magellan received orders to leave the fleet, and explore the area around Darkenwald.

<i><b>Stay tuned...</i></b>

 

[CatalinaThePirate]

This most definitely would make a nice quest for PotC! <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/onya.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="onya.gif" /> <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/yes.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="yes.gif" /> <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/par-ty.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="par-ty.gif" />

 

[Meigger]

I second Catalina's comment. Great work. <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/par-ty.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="par-ty.gif" />

 

[Admiral8Q]

<!--`QuoteBegin-CatalinaThePirate`+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(CatalinaThePirate)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteEBegin-->This most definitely would make a nice quest for PotC!      [/quote]
<i>If only I had time to learn all the code and to program <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/ib012.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":cry" border="0" alt="ib012.gif" />
Ok, here's the final writen chapter. I may continue the story from after here. <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/icon_wink.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="icon_wink.gif" /> </i>

<b>Port Icewyrm</b>


A strange feeling swept over Magellan as his ship plowed slowly into Port Icewyrm's harbor. He had crossed the Ocean of Storms, Survived a massive attack of undead, helped to capture the Barbarian city of Malawyrm, and had finally arrived to his destination on a far away continent. He knew this was a great achievement, and that he had already carved his name deeply on Montagal's historical tablets.

In a way he was content. Yet he was impatient to go forward with greater plans. As his ship slipped slowly towards a dock, he looked upon a new world. The quays were clustered with hulls and sails, spars, and small boats. Docks and warehouses were piled high with cargoes.

From many sections of the waterfront, could be heard the hammering of caulking irons and the building of ships. Magellan leaped off his ship as it creaked to a stop against the dock. Other crew members jumped off the small ship to secure it to the docking pier with heavy ropes.

The port was plentiful with the `multi-colored` banners of many lands. Hundreds of workers thronged Icewyrm's narrow streets. There was an air of magnificence everywhere. Great ladies in rich finery rode past in colorfully plumed carriages. Everywhere success and splendor were apparent.

On shore there was talk everywhere about the current arrival of the Montaguese. Magellan's attention was attracted by a conversation going on further down the wharf, only a few yards away by a carriage. A carriage driver, dressed in a blue tabard, a dwarf, was engaged in a difference of opinion with an attractive young female of Magellan's own species.

The dwarf was waving his two arms in the air. "But the carriage is reserved, human! Can you not read the 'reserved' banner that so designates it?"

The human appeared to be about the same age as Magellan. She had straight black hair that fell just bellow her nape. Her skin was a rich tan, her eyes nearly black, indicating that she came from a land that received a good deal of sunlight. She stood, hands gracefully on hips, and stared at the dwarf, unconvinced.

Then she contorted her face in a very close imitation of the driver's , waving her arms and shrugging her shoulders in precisely the way he had. Magellan found himself laughing aloud. She heard him, caught his eye and gave him a conspirational smile. Then she went back to her dispute.

"But it's been reserved ever since I arrived here three days ago, hasn't it? And nobody's claimed it, have they? There're no other carriages available and I'm tired of waiting in Icewyrm; I want to go to Meridian right now. Or should I wait around some more, and take my business elsewhere? It doesn't look like you're making much money off this carriage right now, does it?"

She had hit him in a vital spot. Lost revenue was something a good merchant never permitted. The `blue-clad` driver looked around worriedly to make sure the party or parties for whom the carriage was reserved wouldn't materialize out of thin air and object. With an eloquent shrug, he pulled the 'reserved' banner off the side of the carriage. The woman took her place within with a look of satisfaction.

"Hold on!" yelled Magellan, running towards the carriage, "Could either of you tell me exactly how I can get to Darkenwald? I am from Montagal, and have a mission there... I mean I have a mission in Darkenwald, and I come from Montagal."

The dwarf grumbled as he grabbed the reins to the two chestnut brown creatures in front of the carriage.

The girl caught Magellan's dark eyes with hers, "I'm heading to Meridian, it's quite close to Darkenwald! Perhaps you may wish to travel with us, would you?"

At that moment, Roland stepped out of the shadows of a near by crate and ran towards Magellan at the `two-horse` carriage. Roland thrusted an evil looking dagger into Magellan's hands. Roland's face was pale as he warned:

"Be on your guard tonight, Magellan. There is a vicious plot by the Niaps to assassinate us, and any other Montaguese."

Magellan thought for a moment. "Good old Roland!" he exclaimed warmly. "Always looking after the safety of his friend. But you worry too much. I can take care of myself."

"You seem distracted by other things. I `over-heard` two Niap men speaking about our deaths." Roland cautioned. "Someone had to warn you, and this I can do."

"What's the problem?" the woman asked, "If you two want to travel with me I'd be glad to have you along."

Magellan answered. "I don't know, I only have three silver and..."

"I'll pay for the carriage," the woman said, "but let's leave before it gets to dark, shall we?"

In a few moments the two good friends, the woman, and the dwarf, were speeding off into the coming night, engaged in pleasant conversation. It was getting late, and the waterfront streets were shrouded in a dismal falling mist that blanketed them in heavy darkness.

Suddenly the brown creatures gave snorts of panic. The carriage careened to a screeching, swerving halt. Muffled voices filled the air. Out of the night a band of ruffians appeared and grabbed the bridles of the creatures. The heavy footfalls of the brigands could be heard all around, but the darkness obscured any sight of them.

The carriage was overturned. Magellan, Roland, the girl, and the dwarf were pitched across the wet cobbles. Magellan felt a cruel blade tearing at his clothes and searching for his throat. Since he couldn't unsheathe his longsword, he lashed out with the dagger. There were moans and cries of pain. Blood was flowing. Shouts of anger filled the night.

"Mato o Montaguese! Kill the Montaguese!" came the savage growl. "Guards! Someone! Help!" the dwarf's voice pierced the darkness. Out of the `side-streets` lanterns moved dimly. The guards arrived. And as mysteriously as they had appeared, the assassins melted into the night. Magellan had taken note of the fact that the oaths he heard were in Niapish. The incident was a shocking one, and a violent physical struggle as well.

"Magellan! Are you all right?" It was Roland, shouting in anxiety.

"Yes. Thanks only to your foresight, and the dagger you gave me," replied Magellan. "That was a close call though, Roland!"

It was so easy to kill someone in those quiet, lonely streets, Magellan now realized. As the `cold-blooded` designs of his enemies smote him, he became conscious of the danger he was in. Moreover, he recognized the need to make haste to leave Icewyrm before some greater disaster fell. He would have to continue on foot since the carriage was damaged.

The dwarf checked the girl and discovered her life signs to be very faint. She only had minutes to live before she would bleed to death. Magellan had never felt more helpless in his life. He promised himself that he would learn `first-aid` in the future.

The shock of the attack and a severe wound proved tragic for Roland. He needed several weeks of rest before he would be fit to travel. As it was, he could barely move. Magellan carried him to a healers, and was certain he would never see his friend again. It was a sad and agonizing blow to Magellan to leave without him, but Roland insisted him that in made sense for Magellan to leave before the Niap assassins attacked again. Bitterness for the Niaps and their assassins surged up within Magellan. He wondered what move of desperation his vicious enemies might attempt next.

The following morning a riot was fomented on the docks by the Niaps. On the dock, next to the ship the Montaguese had arrived on, crowds of Niaps surged towards the `out-numbered` crew.

Magellan watched the hysterical horde surge forward and start up the Montaguese ship's gangway. The commanding officer of the Montaguese ordered them to stop at once or their would be unnecessary bloodshed. But they rushed towards him and cut him down with a barrage of knife stabbings.

After a scrambling battle, all the Montaguese were dead or captured. The flag of Montagal had been hauled down, trampled upon, and torn to shreds.

A little sickened by the defeat of the Montaguese at Icewyrm, Magellan fled inland towards Darkenwald. He knew that he now stood alone. But the tougher the going, the stronger his determination seemed to grow.

There was one enormous obstacle, however, that he always faced. He could never be sure whom he could trust. Nevertheless, in spite of continued interference, in a few days he had reached the village of Darkenwald.

 

[CapitainDams]

Great!! <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/onya.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="onya.gif" />

 

[Meigger]

Really good. Hope you complete the story. <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/par-ty.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="par-ty.gif" />

 

[Admiral8Q]

Oh. Here's the tune that goes alond with this story.
<a href="http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/1267/Episod0.mid" target="_blank">Admiral8Q's Old Theme Song</a>
Back in the day of midi

 

[Meigger]

Nice tune. I really liked the drums. <img src="http://www.piratesahoy.com/forum/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/par-ty.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="par-ty.gif" />