Arrrr my pirate brothers and sisters thanks for joining us again on the deck of the Silver Wing and another thrilling installment of the tales of Captain K and his amazing crew!! Slak-Tor the Dragon Master is again with us to gives us a little more insight as the crew creeps ever closer to Devil Horns Island!! Pull up a barrel and lets listen to the this weeks amazing chapter!
In case you have missed any chapters:
The Foundry Part 1
The Foundry Part 2
The Foundry Part 3
The Foundry Part 4
The Foundry Part 5
The Foundry Part 6
The Foundry Part 7
The Foundry Part 8
The Foundry Part 9
The Foundry Part 10
Unable to sleep, Captain K stepped out onto the deck. Night had fallen across the sea, the air cold and still. Slowly he made his way toward the bow and felt a shiver down his back. The ship was perfectly still. It was as if he walked on dry land.
(Captain K thanks to @dixiesilverminer)
The calm before the storm. He thought with a sigh.
Moving forward, he skirted the huge form of the sleeping dragon, but paused to warm himself in the jets of hot air escaping Tarakona's nostrils.
He had ordered the ship to anchor not far from shore to allow the crew a rare full nights rest to prepare for the morning. The moon was full and he could see Devil Horns Island looming above them in the gloom.
(Devil Horns Island)
Moving closer to the bow he could see the two warships berthed on either side of The Dragon Fire, the side portholes glowing a soft orange through their armored hulls.
He leaned forward on his arms against the railing as he stared at the hellish dark mass ahead contemplating the battle in the morning.
Suddenly there was a sound of movement as Tarakona lay his head next to him as the dragon sighed in a loud rush of breath.
K reached out and patted his muzzle. "It will be ok my old friend. My nephew..." He lovingly stoked the hard scales along the beasts snout. "I just need to think a while, but this is the best crew I have ever known. It will all work out."
(Tarakona)
A large blue eye fixed opened and on him and he heard a long understanding growl. K knew Tarakona was there to listen and comfort him during the eve of war.
Key Wee stared up at the wooden planks of her stateroom. Her bed had became unbearably hot and she kicked off the covers only to feel the bite of the deep cold seeping though the hull of the ship.
She snatched at the thin sheet and pulled it over her, but she couldn't find any comfort and sighed. She had listened to the battle plans, the dangers of the undead and her mind swam in tactics with what spells to use in certain situations. She had been instructed on who to protect, or who to let die. She shivered at the thought.
She growled to herself and bolted upright in frustration. "I need sleep!" She hissed against the darkness, but knew that she wouldn't be able to calm her mind.
Moving to a small desk she took out her spell book and took it back to her bed. She opened the ancient tomb and began to study any spell dealing with fire or source of heat. Pouring through each page, she made note of any spell that may be of benefit until she could stay awake no longer.
(Key-Wee)
Slak Tor lay on his back, his eyes now blue with slits for pupils. He could see the dark island, feel the stillness and cold of the night and hear Captain K's voice in his head.
(Slak Tor the Dragon Master)
As anyone in command, K retraced his steps, went over the battle plan and expressed his lack of knowledge of the undead as he unburdened himself to Tarakona.
He could feel Tarakona's interest in the human's words and his desire to comfort who he considered his Uncle, but the dragon dared not speak lest he wake the entire ship in doing so.
He could almost feel himself nuzzle K with his own nose as Tarakona expressed his concern and heart felt support.
Suddenly, another feeling crept into his consciousness, one of great sadness and fear. He could feel deep despair and doubt growing in his heart as if ice threatened to freeze him from the inside out.
He knew Tarakona had no such fears, but could this be from the Captain?
He closed his eyes and concentrated.
Corndogg oiled the joints in his arm and leg while making explosives like he used on ships earlier in the quest. Bear simply slept, but gave a new definition to the phrase Silent Running. First Mate D and Sir Bentley sat at a small table playing cards unable to sleep. They went over the battle plans over and over again discussing the horrifying abilities of the undead. They spoke of may scenarios where things could go deadly wrong and thought of ideas to prepare for each. One by one, unable to find the captain, crew members knocked softly on D's door and joined them to turn the night into a late poker game where they also expressed their concerns and learn of answers before returning to bed.
(Sir Bentley)
Tessaria stared at the ceiling tightly pulling the covers around her. Tears steamed down her cheeks and ears as she remembered the past encounters between the elves and the undead. It had been a dark time for her people and many had joined the ranks she would face in the morning.
She had insisted on accompanying Captian K and his crew on this mission, but deep down she was terrified.
(Tessaria thanks to Slacker Stacker)
A few of the abominations was not a problem, even the wraiths and ghosts could be defeated if in small numbers, but they were going to a place where the dead ruled.
(ghost)
She sniffed with a small whimper at the thought of her newfound friends dying before reaching their goal. But, what disturbed her most were the mental images of Captain K and his crew becoming one with their killers and forever roaming the island as undead themselves.
Tessa, your vision will not pass. I will not let this happen, nor will the Captain. A gentle voice called in her mind.
She sat bolt upright in her bed, eyes wide against the darkness and heart racing. "What?" She asked the empty cabin.
There was no reply and she slowly lay back down but now she was nervous and alert.
MyLady... You are strong, your race wise... You are the key... The voice was calm, warm and somewhat familiar.
She furrowed her brow in confusion. This was no dream, but she knew she hadn't fallen into madness either. However, she was a priestess and the voice was kind, reassuring and she could feel it meant her no harm. Me? She thought, hoping to address the phantom directly.
You are the only one in this quest that knows the weaknesses of those we fight, your power will prevail.
She sat up again. "We?" She said aloud to the room. "Just who is we?" She asked curiously, no longer afraid of the voice contacting her mind, but there was no reply.
She took a deep breath calming her mind and once again lay down and closed her eyes, listening for the voice with her mind.
We are those set upon finding the silver skull to protect our world from evil. We are those set apart from others by our past....
She smiled as the voice returned and took great comfort its is kind and warm tone. It sounded so familiar, as if she had heard it before. Then her eyes snapped open in shock. Slak Tor? She asked silently.
I am sorry if I startled you MyLady, but I could feel that you were unsettled. Please forgive me...
She shook her head against her pillow and nearly laughed. But how? How do you speak to me with your mind? Is this one of your great powers?
No, but it is one of Tarakona's...
She sighed in relief and relaxed. So, we speak through him? He hears us even now? She asked in amazement.
Yes... He hears our thoughts and allows our connection. There was a pause and she held her breath waiting on his next words. I do not know how, but you have touched Tarakona in way I do not understand. He allows this link between us. I just wanted to know that we will be with you during the battle tomorrow, even if we are not physically by your side. You will never be alone...
She beamed and nodded against her pillow. Thank you Slak Tor, I feel much better now. I think I can now sleep knowing you will be near even when far.
As can I, Tessa. Get your rest. Tomorrow will not be easy, but we will be successful...
She cold feel the smile in his voice and blinked away tears of joy rather than despair. Goodnight MyLord...
Goodnight MyLady....
She sighed again feeling all the weight of her fears suddenly lifted and turned on her side to finally find sleep, but then she grinned. Goodnight Tarakona... She thought warmly.
A deep beast like voice boomed in her head, but held no malice Goodnight Lady Tessaria...
The battle looming and of course it is a very large weight upon all the members of the crew; Captain K included. Join us next #piratesunday to see more insights and more acts from our amazing crew!!
Please make sure to check out the @stokjockey as his support of #piratesunday is unwavering and always of the highest calibur!!
Please check out @dixiesilverminer and the post that brought this this pirate-verse to life right HERE
Also make sure to check out their amazing website right HERE
Make sure to check out the crafter of this tale on YouTube Slacker Stacker and make sure to check out his amazing Tarakona Bars by clicking right HERE