[Closed to JDD] The building in Serenti and it's secrets.

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

( Takes place after: ~Fargon's~ (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?30320-Solo-Quest-A-Night-at-Fargon-s-Warehouse) and is a progression thread. Also part of an ongoing series. )

December 21st, CP 1825 (Standard Althanas Time)

The docks were busy.

As far as port towns were concerned, Serenti was one of the biggest and baddest of them all.

The township had a vibe about it, a constant stream of commerce. Trade came in from the other known nations of the world, some legal and others not so much. Where there were port towns, there was industry and technological advancements. Ships broke down and needed repair, so did the many machines that were active at the port at any one time. Ships pulled into the harbor and dock areas at all times of the day, and even well into the night. Many of the more consistent ships were marked and belonged to nations other than Corone herself.

Under the belly of the beast was the core group of engineers that were tied to Fargon's Estate. Sometimes this group of highly skilled individuals traveled all over Corone and other parts of the world as needed. That December, they were were at Serenti, working the various machines of the dock.

Engineers were specialized craftsmen that dealt with a more complicated aspect of technology.

Both low-tech and high-tech.

The high-tech stuff usually came from Alerar and that nation's natives; The Drow.

Usually.

There was another, lesser known source of advanced technology. It came from a young man who currently lead the engineer corps. One of the most advanced Engineers of his time, the fellow named Sabatykos Maelstrom lead the engineers from Fargon's Estate. He understood the nature of trade and commerce, and the importance of staying ahead of the times. And so, he used his people's knowledge of advanced technology to provide an edge. The man himself currently sat in the Serenti shop that was where Engineers congregated. It was conveniently located by the dock area, The shop had an old and rickety wooden sign, blasted by the sea spray from the nearby ocean. It rocked back and forth, chains creaking loudly.

It was an old shop, owned by The Fargon Estate for many generations.

As far as shops went, it had a simple Serenti style decor. The sign on the front window was emblazoned as "Fargon's" and had no other markings. The Fargon Estate was an independent and wealthy guild that catered to engineers and other highly skilled professionals. There was a young man working in the front of the shop, manning the clerk area. Various gadgets, and technological doo-dads were present in the front portion of the shop. These were immediately for public sale. The shop also could handle private requests of varying natures. The back portion of the shop was the engineer's work space, and a large yard for much bigger projects. Several engineers were present, including Sabatykos with his arms folded across his chest.

He was currently overseeing one of the many projects that came through the shop.

He was a fair minded individual and lead his team with a strong leadership talent.

The workers were busily piecing together a machine for their current order, it was due in a few days.

Sabatykos had laid out the blueprints for the machine and taught his crew how to put it together.

The research and development was beyond cutting edge.

Sabatykos observed with a discerning eye, carefully studying every detail of the project from the ground up.

His eyes were narrowed, very serious.

Those days, he wore a serious expression on his face almost constantly. He also wore a well kept beard that was stylized in a very elegant fashion. His hair was black, but was graying. Though Saenorakym Prime were gifted and aged differently than native Althanas born people.

Sabatykos noticed it first.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "Jillian!" The man reacted before anybody else could. He cared sincerely for each of the workers under his care. Sabatykos leaped into the air, and kicked a large piece of metal that had gotten loose from the piece of machinery. The piece of metal flew off towards the side, harmlessly away from Jillian's person who would have been crushed underneath the metal. Sabatykos felt his heart beating rapidly in his chest, it had taken a considerable effort for Sabatykos to kick the falling machinery out of the way. He landed nearby to Jillian who stared wide-eyed.

By that point the entire crew was staring at Sabatykos.

He landed carefully and attempted to catch his breath.

Jillian was staring at him with a wide-eyed look on her face. She stood up and walked towards Sabatykos.

Jillian Cruz: "That...that was fucking amazing." She said carefully, looking at her boss. "N-nobody has ever done anything like that for me."

Sabatykos Maelstrom: Was still catching his breath. "I...I require a moment. It took a lot out of me."

Jillian Cruz: "Don't just stand there gawking fellas, help me with the boss!" Jillian said carefully there were nine other crew members all staring shocked.

The workers immediately gathered around Sabatykos, and guided him to a chair.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "Thank you. Didn't mean to shock any of you guys. But I had to do something."

Crewman: "How did you do it?" The man asked.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: He shook his head. "You can all take the rest of the day off. I will clean up the lot myself." Sabatykos never slept anyway. Jillian Cruz was staring at him the whole time.

Jillian Cruz: She shook his head. "The thing would have killed me, how did you manage to do that?!"

Sabatykos Maelstrom: He blinked and looked up at the girl and his crew. They were all waiting for answers, and Sabatykos could not provide the answers they wanted and needed. "You know water? Sometimes you have to be like water. Formless, able to adapt to any circumstance. I adapted and was able to do what I just did. There's nothing more to it, no need for logical explanation. I hope that's enough of a reason for you guys." Sabatykos finally caught his breath. "I meant what I said earlier guys, you can take the rest of the day off today. I just need to catch my breath."

Jillian Cruz: "Are you kiddin' me, after what you just did? I'll never leave your side!" She said calmly. She turned to look towards the wreckage of machinery that was on the ground. "It would have crushed me for sure..." She said out loud.

After the initial shock was done, the rest of the crew left and Jillian found herself alone with Sabatykos.

Jillian Cruz: "I once heard of some Heroes capable of using their own life energy to perform...miracles."

Sabatykos Maelstrom: He looked up at her calmly. "I'm not a miracle worker. I just did what had to be done at the time...but the power costs more than I could ever explain in words."

Jillian Cruz: "You used some of your life energy for me?" She asked.

He simply nodded...

[jdd2035]

"Luff the sails and furl them we'll pull her in by jolly boat." Cain ordered as his ship began to enter the harbor. The jolly boats began to get hauled into the water and one by one each boat was positioned forward of the the ship and their sterns married to the Peregrines bow. Once the boats were lowered and into position the crews began to row the ship through the harbor. There were two reasons Cain had ordered this first off was it was much safer than sailing into a harbor the other reason was that the amount of effort to tow a one hundred fifty ton ship any distance created muscle and that meant that his sailors would be in that much better shape to fight off boarders or if they did board another ship. It also fostered teamwork all things that were needed to run a good and happy ship.

The Peregrine herself had seen better days all she had for masts was here bowsprit, foremast and about two thirds of her main mast. Her spars were in even worse shape having only her cruise, and upper top for her fore mast and just the cruise for his mizzen. But she had all of her forward stay sails so that was something. The rigging was up but it was rigged with wormed rope. The crack in the hull had been repaired inside and out but there was an ugly scar of boards and bolts along her starboard forward hull causing the Peregrine to pull to the starboard and her stern to list to the port. The rudder which had been damaged somewhat by the Might of Corone's own hull when the rigging pulling the Peregrine under was cut. Not to mention all of the cosmetic damage.

On deck Cain was giving a few final orders to his Boatswain "Keep the crew busy with repairs and maintenance which should be easy right now. But we don't need a liberty crew going around blabbing that we sunk an Imperial ship in an Imperial controlled port." Granted there were plenty of sympathizers around especially in the harbor but Cain didn't want to take any chances and his Boatswain understood well. "Lets see about getting a proper repair on our hull and I want you and the Carpenter to make sure we get good spar's and lines for the refit. Nothing fancy but make sure we don't get any rotten wood or spliced and wormed rope." Cain gave a set of papers all of which were swindle sheets giving the ships home port of Jadet the manifest did show the whale oil in the hold it just neglected to say where it came from. If all went well an unscrupulous buyer would ignore the mistake and buy it at a discount.

The Peregrine was towed to the dock yards where she would finally be refitted. Cain was going to leave the Boatswain in charge in fact he would let most people on shore think he was the captain of the ship. After his last few quiet orders Cain went into his grand cabin and changed out of his working cloths. He came out with a polished set of boots, denim trousers, a light grey shirt with wine colored waist coat with brass buttons and topped every thing off with a charcoal grey and burgundy tricorn hat.

As soon as the accommodation ladder was lowered Cain left the ship and began to look around. He went here and there just kind of exploring and keeping his head down as he didn't want to attract attention from any one loyal to the Imperials. Activity tended to catch his eye and the largest amount of activity seemed to be at a simple looking shop labeled "Fargon's" especially when the project a crew was working on decided to smash into the ground with a decidedly loud smash. He didn't see much more than that though he decided to investigate.

Entering the front door he asked "Every one okay? Did a line get fouled?" rather any one was in the shop or not he didn't notice.

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

A small group of crew engineers was standing at the front of Fargon's shop.

They were relaying to the clerk what had actually happened, and were not aware that the event had drawn attention to them.

As soon as the question was asked by the newcomer, one of the engineers looked at Cain and nodded politely.

Engineer: "Aye, sir. There was an incident with falling machinery. Quite common 'round here." The engineer explained. He looked back in the general direction of where his boss and Jillian Cruz currently rested. "Somehow, nobody was hurt in the incident. By the by, never seen ya 'round these parts. You looking to talk shop?" The engineer asked of the captain. "Bloke you want to talk to is there by the register area." Then the engineer looked at his companions. "All right fellas, you heard the boss, let's go have a drink at the at the pub or something."

With that, the Engineers politely nodded to the captain and left the shop for the time being until their services were needed anew.

Meanwhile, there was a single clerk looking at the captain with an inquisitive stare.

Clerk: "Like the lad said, you want to talk shop, I'm your guy. We got engineers for hire, big crew here. Very skilled and some of the best in Corone." The clerk said carefully. "No job is too small for our crew to handle. If you have a bigger job in mind, we can hire outside help though that takes time." The clerk said. "So what fancies you today, sir?"

***

Meanwhile-

Sabatykos and Jillian were cleaning up the work area in silence.

After he'd regained his strength, Sabatykos had not said a word.

The two busily cleaned up the mess that the fallen piece of machinery had made. There were loose gears and parts that fell with the machinery portion even after Sabatykos had kicked the larger portion out of harm's way. Sabatykos would never say what actually happened, but he'd used a considerable amount of chi and focused it in his foot to powerfully kick the large piece of machinery. He could have handled it many other ways, but chi manipulation was his skill, he wasn't gifted in super strength like some of his people were. Sabatykos was cleaning the area around the machine and Jillian worked alongside him doing similar tasks and jobs. Sabatykos found himself standing in front of the fallen machinery looking down at it. He wore a deep scowl on his face.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: I can't believe that happened. I double checked that part of machine myself several times over. How could it have gotten loose in such a way?! Sabatykos fancied himself a thinking, logical man. He hated when things happened that were beyond his control. It did not fit a logical, carefully planned out schematic. He looked at the machinery on the ground an sighed. That's when he noticed that Jillian Cruz was staring at him. "I'm sorry that this happened, Jillian." Sabatykos said. "I will be more careful with inspections from now on to ensure crew safety at all times." Sabatykos was blaming himself for the harsh accident that nearly cost one of his friends their lives.

Jillian Cruz: She was looking at Sabatykos, with her hands placed on her own hips for a moment, tools in hand. "Things happen. For what it's worth I am thankful you were present. I don't think anybody else in the crew would have had the necessary skill to save me; except for you." She said. "I am glad that you did whatever it was you did."

Sabatykos Maelstrom: He nodded in silence. "I am also glad I was there. You're a gifted engineer, and I want to see your success." Sabatykos turned to look at Jillian at that point. "Either way. We just have to clean this mess up here, then you are free to go home for the night." Sabatykos said.

Jillian Cruz: "All right." And they continued to work whilst other forces were already moving against them.

[jdd2035]

That just would not do on the Peregrine nope not at all not one bit. If that happened on his ship a boatswain would be put upon the grating and given forty. Not because of the accident, accidents happen after all but when the linemen walked off with out seeing to their lines or the mess then that's when he would have gotten mad and rightly so. But this was a shop and not his ship so he just gave the exiting hands a side long glance before looking towards where the "boss" was , pinched his pointer and thumb fingers together and gave him a salute as he stepped in further.

When at sea Cain was confident he knew which way he was going he knew what things were called. On land on the other hand he was a bit goofy social parlance was off and well he didn't know what a lot of things were what was worse he didn't even know how to ride a horse. But at least at the moment he was able to make the land stand still. "Um hello...Mr. Quartermaster" Cain said before snapping his fingers "shop keeper" he corrected. Cain smiled a bit bashfully yeah he hadn't been this far from the dock in a long while even though it was not that far from the docks it was far enough for the language to change or more specifically definitions of things.

"Would this shop sell glass panes? The ship I am from had her gallery windows and a part of her transom destroyed" Cain wouldn't go into too much more detail at the moment. There was plenty of things that could go wrong at this juncture depending on which side of the Civil War this part of Serenti was on.

To Cain this shop looked like a place that might sell glass panes there was no reason it wouldn't to his eyes. As he waited for his answer e kind of started looking around. There were a few things that he knew what they were or at least thought he knew what they were until he took a closer look at them. Gadgets, gizmos and doo-dads was a right description of the things that were sold there. Eventually he found a few things that he actually understood he began examining a sight glass...a telescope. He stepped over to a window a minute and began to look through it. The clarity was exceptional and the and the focus was smooth those were good traits and he wondered if he could swing it on his latest share of money. Even though he was the captain of the Peregrine and had access to all of the ships money it would not do at all to spend the ships money much less the crews money on something so frivolous.

He was drifting he got do drift a little while on shore and his Boatswain was taking care of things but presently he kind of snapped out of it and placed the telescope where he found it and awaited an answer.

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

The clerk listened intently as Cain spoke.

Clerk: "We get large orders for ship repairs here at points." That all depends on the season. The clerk looked up towards Cain for a long moment and listened intently. "Glass panes are pretty expensive, as glass is usually imported from Fallien." The clerk began. "However, the owner of this shop likes to maintain good relations with several nations, including Fallien so we just so happen to have glass panes in stock. We also have the materials necessary, from a previous order mind you, to manufacture more." The clerk paused for a moment. He took a look back to the general direction of Sabatykos and Jillian Cruz, they'd just about finished their cleaning duties.

Sabatykos and Jillian Cruz stepped into the front of the shop at that point.

Jillian Cruz: "I can't thank you enough for saving me back there. I owe you big." Jillian said to her boss. Then she left the shop, nodding towards Cain quickly on her way out.

Sabatykos Maelstrom looked at Cain and the clerk.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "I apologize if the loud noise if that is what drew you over here." Sabatykos assumed it was the distinctly loud falling machinery sound that drew Cain to the shop initially. The clerk got Sabatykos's attention.

Clerk: "He's a customer, judging from what he wanted...he has a sizable order planned for us."

Sabatykos blinked at that point and looked from the clerk towards Cain.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "Oh. My apologies, I didn't even consider that you could be a client." Sabatykos said calmly. He frowned deeply at that point, the day had already been very eventful. Saba was only recently recovering from the massive amounts of Chi he'd burned for saving Jillian Cruz. He shook his head and looked at both of the gathered gentlemen. "So what is the nature of the order?" Saba asked both of the gathered.

The clerk spoke first.

Clerk: "Said he wants glass panes for his ship." The clerk had a sly stare on his face. "And possibly a much larger order in mind for us as well."

Saba nodded at that point.

Then he looked towards Cain effectively.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "My name's Sabatykos Maelstrom. Folks 'round these parts call me Saba. If you would kindly step into my office, back there, we can more appropriately discuss business." Saba just remembered something at that moment. "I'm the leader of this team of engineers in case you're hung up on credentials and that sort of stuff." Saba explained. He proceeded to walk towards the back of the building where the large yard was. It was also filled with various projects, including the machine that was being worked on earlier. Saba stepped out towards the backyard area, and noticed how empty it seemed at that point without crew members working. I did give them the rest of the day off... Saba folded his arms across his chest and waited for Cain to approach him with the details of the job.

[jdd2035]

Cain scratched his chin as he listened to the clerk. There were other things, a few must haves like lumber and the like but he was more or less window shopping and the window panes did make the great cabin much more livable keeping out wind, insects, rain and it kept in the heat in the colder parts of the world...and the warmer parts too.

Heh window shopping and asking about window panes the pun was not lost on his mind. Presently how ever the matter at had was business.

"Right the widow panes. Don't worry too much about the expensiveness of them my ship had saved enough and if not well we can work a trade." Cain said in all confidence as he took a piece of paper and a pen in hand and began a quick sketch of the windows.

"Four windows on her stern one on either side of her transom." He continued to draw a set of six windows the four in the middle were trapezoidal alternating up and down and the two on either side were rectangular

"Half a fathom to the narrow, half a fathom and 1 foot six at the wide and two feet three tall for the stern. The port and starboard are half a fathom by two." Cain explained adding notes here and there and showing the grid that would support the windows "we can either do individual pieces or one solid pane for each though I prefer individual pieces. I'd like them to be led crystal rather than pure glass so they don't shatter in a storm." He mentioned and nodded.

Cain was about to go when Sabatykos stepped out with...an acquaintance? After the subsequent introductions and apologies Cain smiled and replied to Saba "Cain Jodin of the Peregrine it is very nice to meet you." Cain gathered his 'blueprints' and followed the engineer to the back. Taking a look at the back of the building in the work area he looked over it as he passed. Picking up a piece of rope about a foot long he began examining it and asked "Excuse me was your crew using this line to haul up...what ever that is?" Cain indicated the smashed bits of machine or what ever it was laying about the yard. Pulling a marlinespike from his pocket he began worming a strand out from the center of it to confirm his suspicion.

Yeah he was recognizing the tale tail signs of a twice laid rope. For a sailor it was as big as the nose on ones face the frays and splicing under the hawser. "Forgive me if I'm acting like a lee shore." Cain mentioned as he looked over the rope a bit more he nodded he felt in his element somewhat at least with a rope in his hand he had an anchor of familiarity to work with "it's just if I had the choice I would have used a single cable laid rope." He smiled sheepishly and shrugged.

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

Sabatykos listened intently when the client spoke.

The machinery itself, was quite advanced looking from a technical perspective. Having a clockwork nature of otherworldly tech, the larger portion of the machine was a vehicle of some sort. A land transport, the whole thing was completely experimental. The systems and drives on the land device had not yet been fully tested on the field. Sabatykos looked at the incomplete machine. There were several other pieces of machinery attached to the land transport. These pieces had things like chains and pulleys involved that were hastily set up for the project. One of the pulley devices current sat on the ground, in need of serious repair.

Saba listened to the man as he spoke and offered a suggestion on the pulley system.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "Probably would work on a more simple system. The devices we're using here weigh a lot and are experimental in nature." Saba turned to face Cain and only then seriously inspected the sea-faring fellow. "The chain pulleys were hastily built, I admit." Saba would take blame for any on the site incidents that ever occurred. He was leader by nature as well. He considered the situation at hand. "You need a bunch of windows you said right?" Saba's mind was already working calculations and things of that nature. "We keep a number in stock and can readily make more." Saba said very calmly, he was only then starting to get his vast energy reserves back. Saba considered the man's order. "How long do you need the windows by and what is the current status of the rest of your ship? The team here is used to doing ship overhauls and repairs of large caliber as well." Saba said very carefully.

Something about the fellow before him agreed with Saba quite well.

Saba waited for the man to speak again and considering the large nature of his order, was content with being patient. The fellow probably had a considerable amount of access to money. Further, he had resources, presumably, that he could trade as well. Saba would talk about payment options...the chance to work on a ship of large scale was too good to pass up.

[jdd2035]

Cain sat down and continued to fiddle with the rope unwinding its outer layer he found the splice that was well hidden and chuckled to him self as he worked the line. "My crew has experience in such things. If you would like to maybe make a deal I could lend you the services of my crew." Cain smiled still tinkering with the rope a tad...Idle hands and all "give us something that size and we can haul it up sixty, seventy, eighty hell a hundred feet high and move it any where in your yard and lay her off with in an eighth of an inch of where you would like light as the kiss on a ladies hand." he was talking about what ever piece of equipment that Saba had just recently smashed and yes he may have been bragging a little bit but it was worth bragging about and the offer was genuine.

Cain nodded as Saba talked of chain pulley's and scratched his chin...he'd need the shave with in the next day or so "my ship could also lend some blocks and tackles if you agreed." Cain understood that he hadn't made too much of requests right at the moment so a deal might be premature but he was getting around to it presently.

Cain smiled and nodded "windows are a start; my ship was hammered in an action out on my way to Gisela. We were very nearly boarded and if it weren't for a stroke of horrible luck we most likely would have been. Quite the harrowing tale. Our capstan was obliterated luckily the anchor fouled rather than tearing out our side as it caught the sea floor yeah it could have gotten ugly. One of our guns took a twelve pounder at pistol shot, we have a lot of carpentry and boatswain work to do but we can take care of the work but mostly we need supplies. As for the time frame we will be at least a week in the yard not to mention the fine adjustments when all of our spars and canvas is all set and ready to be sheeted"

As Cain talked he fashioned the piece of rope in his hand into several types of knots ending in a monkey's fist and let it pendulum in his hand for a few moments before un-tieing it and splicing it together in a nice little loop. "Though I would like to ask have you ever devised a sail plan? What we're planning to do is to set a main mast fitted for a fifth rate onto my ship followed by a set of main and fore stay sails. What I am trying to accomplish is to gain a point into the wind and to keep her from being pressed down when at full sail. Right now my only solution is to set our heaviest cargo as far aft as I can which causes other problems when we're not at full sail."

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

Saba carefully observed the man's handiwork.

Studying the way the man folded the rope, and in effect made it sturdier, Saba nodded.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "You're good with your hands there, friend. May even make a fine engineer someday." Sabatykos complimented the man very casually. "The devices here are fairly new. I engineered several of the contraptions of my own design. Insofar as your request goes...I think I can compile a plan for you in a few hours. I have done similar plans on much smaller scale, but not as large as you are asking for. However, I am up for the challenge." Sabatykos rubbed his chin, he was deep in thought. The other portion of the man's request involved man power.

That was always something that was welcome.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "I am willing to work with your team. Keep in mind, we do things a certain way here. If your crew has good discipline and is willing to learn a few tricks, I can work with them and you as well." He said. He was trying to be as flexible with the new client as he possibly could be. Sea faring folks were oft a rough lot, that was a side effect of many months and sometimes years at sea. Sabatykos was willing to train anybody who hungered for knowledge. He kept rubbing his chin as he listened to what the fellow had to say. He then kept eyeing the man's rope. "We used chains for some of the pulleys, but the design is still very new. We have to adapt on the fly, you know? And work with what is available. Some of the ropes were put together quickly." Sabatykos explained.

With his mind already planning out things, the young engineer looked at Cain very carefully.

Then, the engineer spoke again.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "If your ship's overhaul needs are very extensive we can work out a long term plan for it." Saba wanted to make sure that the man knew he was a very flexible business person. "I can have my team ready for your inspection on the morrow, I gave them the rest of the night off due to an earlier incident." Saba sighed at that point as he thought about Jillian Cruz. Then, at that point, he decided to focus. He looked over at Cain once more. "If you can show me your ship, where it's currently docked, we can work things out from there. And I can begin coming up with some plans and other errata of that nature." It was all technical jargon speak, but the man was eager to get started.

He wanted to be certain that Cain and himself would develop a good partnership.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "By the way. Have you had dinner yet?" Saba wondered out loud. He was a very polite individual and Cain was an agreeable fellow as well. He could see them becoming close friends very quickly. "I ate hours ago, but I'm hungry now, anyway. Perhaps I could treat you to some ale, or whatever drink you fancy there?" Saba asked. He took a look at the land vehicle they were working on to make sure that none of the strange device got any surface damage. Once the quick visual inspection was completed, he could go ahead and take the rest of the night of the off. He'd moved the debris from the earlier incident off to one side where it would no longer be a threat. Then Saba walked back towards Cain. "It's all up to you though, Cain." Saba said calmly, and waited for the man's response.

[jdd2035]

Cain smiled and then it turned into a grin "I know my profession sir. When it comes to marlin-spiking, navigation, sea going tactics and I can harness the wind with my ships sails as easily as a veteran warrior can wield a sword. But as for engineering I'll leave that to you learned scholars."

He nodded and his grin turned back into a smile "My men can move it to where ever you need. So long as you don't expect them to be building or rebuilding that thing you will be pleased."

Cains stomach growled at the mere mention of food he liked to eat he was always a healthy eater "I am starting to get hungry. But would you like to see what you're up against first? It'll be a short walk down to the dock yards and there is a fine inn close by as well that makes a delightful soused hogs face."

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

Sabatykos listened very carefully to everything that his new business associate, or client, was saying.

The inventor rubbed his chin thoughtfully and considered everything that Cain said.

Sabatykos came to a quick decision and took a look around the streets outside of the house in Serenti. Fargon's Shop was located on a particularly busy Serenti street. People were walking to and from their various business ventures, and other dealings, making their way towards even more dealings. Some personal matters and others were not. People were dressed in the populare attire of the time period, reminiscent of an age. It was the end era of the long fought Civil War in Corone. The survivors of the war, and its ill proceedings, merely were attempting to make ends meet. On a day to day basis. Sabatykos was one of those folks who were simply trying to rebuild the very heart and soul of a nation torn asunder by war.

Sabatykos thought about that for a long moment and wondered about his place in the larger scheme of things.

He then took a moment to look at the man before him.

A full five minutes passed and then that was when the middle aged inventor gathered himself. He nodded towards the fellow, Cain, and agreed. The nod was an accepting one. All though, truth be told, Sabatykos was quite hungry and would have preferred to wait to see the client's present challenge. At that point, he decided to walk towards the dock area of Serenti knowing that Cain would be close by. Always a serious man, Sabatykos spoke very little and only attempted to say what mattered. This was a personal business dealing. His crew would also likely be affected in accordance to the scale of the job.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: He carefully looked at his client as they walked down towards the peer. "How far have you made it in your adventures out on the oceans? Folks here sometimes speak of an ancient land called Kebiras. I wonder if you've ever been there yourself? I was raised in Corone." Sabatykos had a love of adventure, and he wanted to know more about the captain before him. He hoped the fellow would indulge his questions as well.

[jdd2035]

Cain lead the way down to the Peregrine donning his tricorn hat on the way out of the door. The way was down hill in an easy slope. "You're going to see what you're in for."

As the Peregrine came into a clean view the fact that she was in the dock yard would probably be the only indication that she was the winner of a huge battle. Entire masts were missing let alone sails which were jury rigged to make her voyage to this particular port there was also the fact that a large part of the ships starboard bow looked like something even bigger sat on it. There were also several other hulls both above and below the water line or would be except for the fact that she was tipped nearly forty five degrees.

Presently the ship would remind a person of a giant ant hill with the Peregrines crew, the dock workers and what seemed to be a small army of landsmen crawling all over the ship. Carpenters mates were working steadily at repairing the holes below the water line and the chug chug sound of chain pumps were gushing water out from her scuppers someone with in the bowels of the ship shouting depths every few minutes happily the depths were getting shallower.

On the dock there were several groups of boatswain mates and able seamen working near miles of cordage of every size and classification. Shrouds, stays and ratlines all being coordinated by the Boatswain. A bigger man that seemed to have some orc lineage down the line past around his grand parents or farther. On the opposite side of the ship being pulled by jolly boats was the main mast fit for a ship with twice the guns of the Peregrine and followed by the main top and royal all ready to be sat as soon as the Peregrine was upright again.

Nodding toward the incoming spar's Cain stated "It'll be early tomorrow before the main mast is set and our crews could start working in earnest."

Also on the dock was something that could either elate or bother Saba the cook an elf with a strange accent. He had a quarter of beef that had been smoked and spit roasted and he was cutting thin slices from it. Cain offered "you look a little peckish. Might I offer a snack?" And what Cain thought of a snack was more or less a two course meal with bread, meat and cheese being the first and the second was bowls of a thick pudding made of hard tack, rum, various fruits and more rum. and of course it was topped off with a mug of grog which was one quarter quart of rum, fresh water and lime juice.

Finally Cain turned his attention to the question asked "before I purchased the Peregrine I was a harpooner on a whaling boat. A Balener it was a middle sized whaling ship it could hold nearly a thousand barrels of oil in her hold. But to get the oil we had to hunt whales and that took us deep into the Raiaeran Sea and skirting along the migration paths of the whales in the Kebiras ocean." Cain showed off three long off white pins on his waist coat. "But I've never been as far as Kebiras itself.

(OOC: not sure what the ocean between Kebiras and Raiaera is called.)

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

Saba immediately spotted the seemingly lone Elf amidst the various crew members working on the Peregrine.

He noticed the features were actually more from the Raiaeran variety of Elves, and not from the other portions of the world where Elves resided. The features of the man's face were even more slender and beautiful than what he'd seen from his Mother's side of the family. As a hybrid, Saba had the blood of two parent races. The Prime as they affectionately called themselves, and the Elves of Ruild. One of many scattered tribes of Ruild. Saba's eyes immediately lit up as he saw the Elven man, and nodded carefully to both Cain and the Elf. Saba bowed his head gently towards the Elf as a sign of respect to the gentle being.

Saba then looked towards Cain and responded to both of the present.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "The Peregine is an amazing vessel. The fact that you've made it so close to Kebiras itself, is quite an adventure in itself." Saba rubbed his chin thoughtfully. He looked at Cain and then the Elf for a long moment. "Yes I can have my crew out here on the morrow as well working alongside your crafters." Sabatykos leaned forward towards the Elf for a long moment, he was a creature that radiated true beauty. Saba's eyes were sincerely kind, since his own Mother was an Elf as well. Which meant that Saba himself was half-Elf. Saba's ears were partially pointy in the mannerisms of most Elves. As he reached forward for a bit of the Raiaeran cheeses, he was offered. He grabbed a plate from the simple stand that was set up for serving the various crew workers.

Saba immediately noticed that the Peregrine's crew mates were a skilled lot.

That pleased the young Inventor.

He was someone who favored ingenuity and proficiency of skill.

Saba gathered his plate of food and hungrily tasted the various cheeses and other snacks that the good Elven chef was providing for the crew. As expected, the Raiaeran delicacies were a treat to his already starving stomach. He ate two plate fulls of food as him and Cain spoke. Finally, as he finished eating he looked at Cain once again, and then the Elf.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "I thank you both for your good hospitality. You are very kind. From the various measurements and studies I've mentally done of the Peregrine so far from the initial moments of inspection, I suggest an overhaul of the hull is in order on top of the various other fixes my team can provide." He was chewing on a large piece of Raiaeran fine cheddar. As he spoke to Cain. "The current hull is insufficient for battle against more modern sea craft of military caliber." Saba was saying and stepped down the dock towards the mighty and proud vessel itself. "I suggest going back over the hull's many surface imperfections from the recent battle the ship underwent." Saba found himself saying. He was rubbing his chin the entire time thoughtfully, his mind carefully coming with various ideas and schematics he would draw up himself.

[jdd2035]

The Elf cook Mr. Aravi nodded and cut out the top of a small loaf of bread a little bigger than a roll making a bowl and in it he placed a large chunk of tender beef and a hard yellow piece of cheese inside it. The drippings from the beefs fat soaked into the bread and the cheese melted into both the beef and bread. Taking a bite and swallowing Cain started his reply "Be very careful my friend, to speak ill of a sailors boat is tantamount to speaking ill of his mother or wife and my crew is quite proud of her and her performance. Not that you were but it could be an easy misunderstanding."

Cain smiled to alleviate any of his companions worry "As to an over hall of the hull I might give the go ahead on that depending on what you are planning exactly. If you are planning on reshaping the hull at all beyond what a draw knife and holy stone can do than that would be a bad idea as then you would have to start gutting the ship inside and but changing the knees. If you get my meaning. But as to the other repairs your crew can assist we don't mind the extra hands and like I said a more efficient sail plan is what we're really looking for."

A quick thought passed through Cains head and he smiled before speaking "While we are on the subject of ship repair and building." He paused and in a voice loud enough to carry over an entire broadside of cannons going off "Mr. Agon! Will you please fetch me my red map case!"

As the young midshipman fetched the mystery case Cain turned back to Sabatykos and said "by the way should you like a tour of the ships innards we can manage one directly." Several moments later a short tifling popped up and in a cockney accent spouted "Your map case sir! Should the Captain have any further need for me?" Cain looked at the crafty, sly, underhanded midshipman and shook his head "That'll be all Mr. Agon return to your station."

Cain returned to his original thought "I have over the last few years been working on ideas of a another ship. Something bigger and quicker than this one." He tapped on his map case and smiled.

The present situation within the Peregrine and outside was still of constant activity with the carpenters already taking measurements of the main mast and began cutting through the deck where the giant piece of fir would find its final resting place and the ship it self was starting to creek and groan as she began to right her self. Cain looked over to Sabatykos and stated "in another hour the starboard watch will be replacing the port watch with a few exceptions so there will be no delay in the progress. I'll be sending Mr. Grimand and Mr. Agon as part of the work party when you need them."

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

Sabatykos carefully absorbed everything that Cain said to him.

As he was lead around, the prospect of a tour of the ship seemed imminent. Sabatykos thanked the Elf chef, and nodded towards him before they began to walk away. Towards the ship herself. In his mind, Saba noted the reaction that Cain had towards his initial thoughts on the project at hand. Saba raised an eyebrow, but there were no more reactions in regards to Cain's words. He merely took a mental note of it. These sea faring folks seem like a sensitive lot. I''ll be more careful from here on in. Saba did not encroach on the matter any further.

As Saba walked, he listened intently to everything that Cain said.

He learned the names of Cain's crew members as they came up, making mental notes of the various faces and what appeared to be different duties each one held.

Saba saw the case that was handed to Cain, and the individual that did the transaction. Saba's eyes remained studious and had a bit of a serious flare to them. But they were not unfriendly. The food helped him recover his lost Chi energy rather quickly, and he was still munching on some of the bread and cheese. A man did his best thinking on a full stomach... Saba thought to himself.

As Cain brought up the idea of touring the Peregrine directly, Saba nodded casually.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "A tour would be a fine idea. I don't sleep most nights anyway." Saba said calmly. He wanted to make the Captain of the Peregrine feel as welcome as possible. Saba's sharp eyes turned back towards the ship before them. His eyes narrowed as they took on an even more intense physical composure. He was studying the overall shape, and structing of the ship. He was also studying the basic materials used in engineering the vessel herself. As Saba walked he noticed the intense sea-salt smell as they walked closer towards the ocean. He always admired nature. Part of his heritage included the Elven bloodline in his body. He had a unique understanding and perspective of Nature. The sea salt smell, particularly intense this far into the dock itself, calmed Saba almost immediately. His eyes narrowed as he looked at the ship, The Peregrine, and then softened visibly. His expression also softened as he listened to the waves lapping against the dock beneath them. It was almost surreal for the engineer. Saba turned his attention back towards Cain. "The Peregrine is in good hands." Saba meant that. "I will insure my team does the job in it's entirety." Saba was thinking at that moment. Not of measurements, or mathematical forumlaes involved with the measurements, but of actually having a good time.

Saba had always been the type of man that was ready to roll up his sleeves and do the hard work others could or would not do.

[jdd2035]

"Than let us begin." Cain mentioned pointing towards a gangway "From stem to stern the Peregrine is eighty feet long not including the bowsprit." The gangway was somewhere near the main mast and more or less equidistant from bow to stern. The Peregrine was still tilted at an odd angel but not so extreme that it made walking along her deck too uncomfortable to walk on. "Our bowsprit adds an extra forty two feet to her length. Her gammoning, that is to say the large ropes tying the mast to the ship, are currently being re-wrapped and securing the bowsprit to the ship."

Cain guided the tour around the gun deck heading forward he explained "the mast directly behind the bowsprit is the foremast. The bottom is called the lower foremast or just the foremast and that is forty nine feet tall, it is stepped on the kelson and is supported on either side by shrouds on either side three pair on a side and it is stayed forward by the forestay running down to the bowsprit, and the other rope running parallel with the forestay is the preventer stay in-case the forestay breaks. Then about a third of the way up you see a collar of the mainstay which goes from just under the lubbers hole. The stays keep the masts from moving forward or backwards while the shrouds keep the masts from moving from side to side." The ropes Cain was mentioning were ten inches thick and taut as a bow string.

Cain went on and on giving precise measurements of ever yard arm, mast, stay, shroud and sail. Rounding the quarterdeck he continued "A little history lesson, this ship was built in the Alerar ship yards fifteen years ago. You can tell it's elvish by her architecture and by her speed compared to ships of similar size."

Cain continued the tour taking Saba down into the gun deck "This is as far deep as I'd like to take you currently so we don't get in the way of the crew repairing the ship." He said as he eased through the next deck down "This is where the vast majority of the crew sleeps in hammocks hung from the rafters here..." Cain pointed to a few sets of eye bolts drilled into the rafters "when we get ready for a battle the hammocks are taken down folded up and placed in nets on the outside of the ship so they're out of the way of the guns and the men and the also slow down enemy shot." Finally Cain stopped at what seemed to be an enormous cannon with the name "Hammer" lovingly etched in her truck "This is a four pounder, she weighs eleven hundred weight and fires a four pound ball of cast iron a half a mile at a thousand feet per second."

Cain handed a round of shot to Saba "there's twelve four pounders six to a side on the Peregrine so her proper name would be the Peregrine twelve. I would like to add a pair of long sixes on the quarterdeck should I ever get the chance. I might even have my carpenters make the frame work and eye bolts for a pair. It's a thought at-least."

Of course there was plenty of damage to be seen and all the rhythms as heard before from the chain pumps to the hammers working on repairs. By the end of it Cain finally said "Well if you don't mind I am feeling a touch peckish shall we be off to eat?"

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

Saba kept a very close distance behind Cain as they maneuvered through The Peregrine. She was a fine ship, build sturdy and strong. The one comment bothered Sabatykos, about the brief history lesson behind the ship. He did notice a bit of Elven architectural motif but it was not Raiaeran in nature. The motif was definitely a bit more like Drow design. The ship had it's origins in Alerar and it was likely built by Drow dockhands. The reality bothered Saba instinctively, but he did not voice his concern. He was a businessman through and through. I can push aside my differences with the Drow here for now. As long as it does not come back to harm me down the road.

Sabatykos frowned a moment once he realized that the ship came from Alerar.

There was an age-old rivalry between his people, The Elves, and the Dark Elves of Alerar. Though it was true that Saba was only half-Elf, he was still an Elf of some sort. He sighed for a moment but kept his displeasure to himself. At that juncture of history the Drow were still hated enemies of the Elven kind, especially those from Raiaera who have suffered so much. Saba thought about a lot of matters at that moment. He wondered if Cain had any allegiance at all to the Alerar flag, and that begged to question the man's origin. However, Saba was not the type to ask questions or delve too much into a man's past. The fact of the matter was; Cain seemed like a good lad. I'll keep my opinions about Alerar in check for now. I'll be diplomatic and hold my tongue for the sakes of the shop I work for. Coin is more important than political standing... Saba thought to himself as he stood there.

The ship was an interesting vessel.

Saba noticed that Cain intended not to allow him past a certain point. Why does he hesitate...? Saba wondered but kept that to himself. He already did not feel comfortable being inside of a ship from Alerar. Saba considered the position he was in at that moment. Then, Cain asked about food at that point. Saba was only partially sated from the food that the kind Elf they met earlier prepared. I wonder what he must think about being in a ship from Alerar. It cannot sit well with him either on some level. Unless...they don't know. However, the ship's architecture is clearly Alerar in nature...this deserves further investigation. Saba thought to himself as he absorbed every word that Cain spoke. Saba noticed that Cain was also a fiercely intellectual person, and well learned. He knows his trade well. He will be a good partner. Saba listened when Cain spoke about the material composition of the hull and the masts themselves.

Hemp is quite popular these days for many things, not just ropes... Saba thought to himself. Then he looked at Cain, he studied the man's mannerisms and posture quite intensely for a long moment. He let Cain's request hand in the air ever so briefly. Perhaps a minute or two passed as Saba pondered everything he'd learned thus. Deciding to take the man's invitation...Saba made a mental catalog of the information he'd just acquired. Someday...it would be useful in his dealings with the man named Cain. For the present moment, however, he needed to think and spend some time forging his own opinions. I wonder where this all will lead... Saba thought to himself.

Then he nodded at last.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "I know a lively place to eat near here. Lot's of good food and drink. And the locales are not terribly jumpy you know? Friendly crowd." Saba and the fellow had a lot to talk about. "We should head there now along with which ever of your 'mates are ready for their dinners as well. Should be a good time." Saba said and meant that. He was speaking from the heart. He studied each of the crew members that were present the moments that he and Cain encountered them. They were a diverse crowd. Saba kept a standard poker face after he considered his initial thoughts. "My team comes back into the shop tomorrow early. We can definitely start up the preparations then." Saba said calmly. The feeling of discomfort settled in Saba's chest and he couldn't shake it. A part of him wanted to leave this weapon of the enemy behind. Cain is the ship's owner. I must trust that he is going to do some good with The Peregrine. Saba thought to himself.

With that, Saba took point and lead Cain out of the Peregrine.

They went to the particular eatery in question.

Saba was deep in thought...

[jdd2035]

Cain called for Mr. Agon once again "Mr. Agon, as soon as as starboard watch comes to relieve you, you and Mr. Grimand are to join us for dinner." MR. Agon a grey skinned tifling grinned and nodded "Aye sir, we'll be there in brushed waste coats and out finest tricorns."

Cain nodded "Very well Mr. Agon, I'll send a boy to show you the way."

Turning to his host/ guest Cain replied "Excellent my crew will have the Peregrine in really good shape for you to help us begin to set the rigging and working on the sail plan. You'll won't have walk on a sideways deck if nothing else." It shouldn't take Cains crew more than another twelve hours to sway up the new masts and with any luck the engineering crew can help the Peregrines and really hopefully the two crews didn't bicker with one another at least too much.

As the pair walked Cain began talking about the ideas he had "So the Peregrine is a beautiful ship and a for her size is both fast and surprisingly powerful. But she's more suited for being a consort or sticking close to the coast... and the occasional blockade run." Cain gave a bit of a shifty but good nurtured grin. "Not to mention the fact that I am getting a little tired of being tired constantly out gunned..." Being out gunned against pirates, Imperial frigates and most every other opportunist out there on a constant basis does get tiresome but it had made him that good of tactician.

Cain continued with his thought "So, I am working my way through a ship of my own design." Cain tapped on his map case and smiled.

Once they showed up to where ever they were going to eat Cain grinned he could always eat again and this time it was on his new found friend. Cain would start off with toasted cheese a nice Stilton, he followed this up by ordering a ~witch it's soused hogs face~, followed by a saddle of venison, figgy doudy, and then to keep things on the lighter side a nice floating island for desert. All topped off with a bottle or three of a red wine a sweet red wine. Working on a ship was hard work and it worked up a powerful appetite. Not to mention the fact he was a robust man.

At his seat he said to his friend as they waited for the meal "My crew will come along shortly. Would you mind taking a look at some ideas I have had?" Cain knew he had asked for a sail plan but it shouldn't be much more than a math problem. Cain had plenty of ideas he just did not have the skill to put them to paper in any cogent manner. Cain reached into his map case and presented on of what seamed to be several pieces of paper, some white, some yellow and were annotated with red, blue, and black ink, charcoal, pencil and what ever he could get his hands on. "It would be a twenty four. She'd be heavy but I think I've got it figured to where she might make two hundred forty miles from noon to noon."

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

The pub's night crowd was a rowdy, but, civilized bunch.

Saba saw some of the regulars there and greeted them as he entered the establishment. Out the corner of his eyes, he noticed a couple of his mates from the engineer crew that worked under him. I gave them the night off, so it's probably okay that they are here. He waved towards them and they respectfully waved back. Jillian Cruz was not present. I wonder if she is feeling better from the earlier incident. The pub was a typical sea-side restaurant. The specialty was imported goods and sea foods from all around Althanas herself. Saba decided to order his regular dish, along with regular drink. He'd never been a heavy drinker. So he would keep the ale drinking to Cain and his crew.

Saba considered the situation at hand.

The Peregrine had Alerar origins. That in itself, did not sit well with Saba. Despite his initial hesitation, he decided that Cain was a good man, and would at least pay an honest gold coin for the services that were going to be provided. As soon as they sat down, Saba was deep in thought and considering the situation very, very carefully. The Peregrine has a diversified crew. I'm amazed he's managed to keep the peace within his crew as he apparently has. There are people from all walks of life working in the ship, that in itself is a positive thing to work towards. Though Saba was no fool.

He knew oft times, things in the port town of Serenti got hostile when people of opposing races came across one another. It was inevitable that violence oft resulted as a result of age-old hatreds and rivalries. Some racially motivated, others were politically motivated. Regardless, Saba was somewhere in the middle. Though he was not a true Elf by any means, he was still a hybrid of sorts. His Mother, a member of the Elven race, did have those notable racial tendencies against The Drow. Saba didn't agree with it all, but he would rather play it safe than sorry. He knew members and factions within Alerar's society would see the genocide of all non-Drow Elves.

The thought made Saba shiver.

He ate calmly as he considered the situation at hand, and then Cain spoke of his ideas. That, got Saba's attention in more positive light. Then, Cain's crew showed up and two were Drow. For a moment, Saba's eyes twitched. He knew that there were Drow present in the pub besides Cain's crew, but their very presence made the young inventor uncomfortable. Saba avoided engaging direct eye contact with the Drow and only looked at Cain. He had some familiarity with Cain, and considered that he could trust the man should violence occur. Worse comes to worse, I'm leaving. Saba thought to himself as the fellows in Cain's crew sat down at the large table.

Saba's left eye twitched ever so subtly but he showed remarkable restraint.

Gotta keep the peace despite what I might feel would be the best course of action here. Then, someone patted Saba on the shoulder, one of the many waitresses of the establishment. Saba nodded and turned towards her, momentarily ignoring Cain's words and missing a few of the man's spoken words.

Waitress: "The gentlemen at the other table requests your presence for a moment a three, monsieur Sabatykos." She said calmly and moved to attend Cain and his associates, with whatever other orders they might require.

The crowd was lively.

Saba could hear the noise of lively conversation and it helped to calm his nerves. He looked towards Cain for a moment after receiving the message.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "Cain, hold that thought. I shall return shortly, I am being requested elsewhere." Saba said truthfully and moved his chair subtly so he could stand and walk towards the other table.

Saba noticed three of his crew mates were present at the table that requested him.

Alongside several other folks he'd never seen before.

Engineer: "This is the lad, I was telling you about." One of the senior engineers was telling the rest of the folks seated at the table. "Hey Saba,how's that work order coming so far? We got a contract yet?" The Engineer asked.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "Yes. The work order he requested starts for tomorrow and will likely take at least a week or two to fully complete. He's asked for quite a large work order and we're going to assemble a huge team of engineers and workers for the order at hand." Saba said truthfully. "Should be one of our team's finest hours."

One of the fellows at the table observed Saba very carefully.

Stranger: "Your crew does ship repairs yes?" A thick, and heavy accent from Fallien asked.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "Among other jobs, yes. No job is too big, or, small." Saba said carefully. "If you've got a job to offer see me after this current job is completed. Depending on the size of it, I can allocate crew to your ship and get repairs done." Saba explained very carefully.

He knew the docks often had many ships constantly in need of repairs, there were several shops capable of repairing the varying sized vessels that inhabited the docks.

Sabatykos looked at his present crew.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "I expect you all at the shop bright and early tomorrow. We got a massive order to fill." Saba had a serious expression on his face, but that was normal when he had to get his game-face on. "We'll have to put our other project on hold for now." Saba explained.

The engineers nodded casually.

The stranger had an amused expression on his face.

Stranger: "That's Cain Jodin over there, is it not?" The stranger suddenly asked.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "Depends on who is asking." Saba said calmly, a slight edge on his face.

Stranger: "What the hell would an engineer know about this shit anyway?" The stranger said suddenly. He stood up. "Lad's our ol' pal, Cain is right there." The Stranger got up, and his crew mates that sat with Saba's engineers also got up.

Saba sighed, that was his cue to leave. He looked at the Stranger and his companions.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "This town hosts Serenti. It has a fully armed military host here. Starting trouble out in the open, especially with so many military guards present...would not be wise." Saba suddenly said. It is not that he held any particular loyalty to Cain...it was that he really wanted the night to go off without a hitch.

And suddenly...

Engineer: "Saba!" There were several folks gathered around Sabatykos's fallen body.

The stranger had stabbed him in the stomach with a sharp dagger...he meant business.

[jdd2035]

The two dark elves were some of Cains best topmast men they could reef a sail and set stunsails faster than any body but Cain himself and maybe Mr. Agon and that when his men would be showing up to his shop to hold up Cains end of the bargain they would be part of the work crew. Cain would have explained all of this except his present companion had found it sensible at this very moment to have himself stabbed.

A quick look between the four crew members and they set to action. Mr. Agon picked up Cains plans and tucked them into his jacket immediately after Cain and MR. Grimand rolled the table over with both lamenting about the drinks and food that was now scattered on the floor and running the table in-between the assailants and Sabatykos while at the same time the two dark elves moved to the sides drawing parrying knives engaging the other table.

"Move!" Said one dark elf, "Get out of the way!" shouted the other pushing the engineers out of the way as they pushed farther into the melee. Soon as the Tifling had the chance he vaulted over the table a short cutlass and main gauche dividing the opposing group with Cain and Mr. Grimand following suit.

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

Almost immediately, it was chaos.

Sabatykos hadn't seen much violence in that pub before, it was why he'd picked it. And there he lay, on the ground injured and bleeding. Two of his fellow engineers were immediately upon him.

One of them called out for help and the other protected Saba whilst the fighting started.

A moment later, it happened.

There was a massive amount of screaming outside as spell bolts were launched in various directions slaying all they could find. A group of about twenty or so ruffians armed with sorcery and other implements of disaster stormed the previously calm Serenti docks area. Then, a leader arrived for the group of brigands. He was a very powerful sorcerer, and floated down from some previously hidden location. The leader looked at his cohorts. They understood what their plan was.

There was still a war raging in Corone and people had to pick sides.

You were Imperial or not, but you had to pick a side.

The leader didn't bare any markings from the Empire, but clearly meant business.

The instigator in the pub was not acting alone.

Minion: One of the leader's minions moved towards the leader when the fighting started. "Are you sure it's here?"

Leader: "Our source claims it moved through the usual cargo load. They didn't know what it was." The leader said confidently. "I am certain it's here and my contractors have paid a lot of money to secure it."

Minion: "I can't believe it was under their noses the whole time." The cohort said calmly as the violence began in earnest.

Leader: "How could they? The Demon War happened thousands of years ago, only learned scholars even remember it anymore."

Minion: "Did you really see him? That Prophet of Apocalypse?" The minion asked, his job was to protect the leader.

Leader: "The Prophet, Nenkulor Shima." The mysterious leader appeared to be more well informed that most of the time period. "He manipulates things behind the scenes...quite a crafty fellow if you ask me. But none the less we are here for the shard." The leader wore a mask, and his outfit did not reveal anything of what race he might belong to, or what faction. He merely spoke to his minions as they attacked Serenti.

The Serenti guards moved towards the leader and his cohorts.

Leader: "This is where the test begins. Gentlemen. Locate the Shard and burn everything you see."

***
The dock area's Guard Captain readied his fellow to the last man.

Soldier: "Captain! We got a serious problem tonight. People are getting killed left and right, and there are several squads of the invaders." A soldier told his leader.

Captain Lukas Durant looked at his gathered men as they prepared the counter defensive.

Lukas Durant: "Do they wear any Imperial colours?"

Soldier: "None, but that doesn't mean they aren't with the Empire."

Lukas Durant: "For them to attack out of the blue like this...they must be after something very important." Captain Lukas considered the various shipments that had made their way through here. One in particular concerned him greatly.

Soldier: "Captain! You don't mean that shard thing?" The soldier asked.

Lukas Durant: "'Tis a relic of the Thayne Codex." Lukas Durant was versed in the Thayne Codex, and he had used it's knowledge on many missions. To his knowledge, the relic was a shard constructed by the very hands of Hromagh The Strong. One of the Greater Thayne that walked Althanas to that very day. "We have to protect it at all costs. You three, follow me to it's current location. We must insure that the enemy does not get their hands on it."

Another soldier looked at the Captain with a confused expression on his face.

Soldier: "Captain, what about the civilians?" The soldier asked.

Lukas Durant: He suddenly got a cold expression on his face. "Fuck them." The Captain said. "The relic is what is important, the rest of you are to return to the rest of the guard outposts here in Serenti and rally as many of our soldiers as you can. You will make a stand against the enemy at the central location of the dock. Do not spare any resources to protect civi's. Do you hear me? We got a greater crisis on our hands." Captain Lukas Durant gathered his men and they moved to the relic's current location.

***

Some time had passed and the fighting had intensified.

A couple of healers who happened to be present when Sabatykos Maelstrom was stabbed, worked them healing arts on his injury. Though still recovering, Saba felt a lot better. The fighting inside the pub had settled down and had become a sort of place of sanctuary where people gathered. Sabatykos had become aware of the situation at hand. The dock was sieged by a large and previously unknown force. Anybody who got in their way was killed. Saba was sitting up and could hear the distant fighting in the city.

Healer: "Rest easy Sabatykos. The injury was not serious, and we got to you in time. But many more are suffering right now outside."

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "Where are the soldiers that were supposed to protect us?" Saba had never sided with a political body before that night...but it seemed the choices were being made for him.

Civilian: "They've not responded to the attack. It seems they have moved elsewhere in the city..." A learned aristocrat said.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "We've been abandoned." Sabatykos was a clever individual, who thought beyond the scope of what most were capable of. He turned to look at Cain, they'd subdued the ruffians there in the pubs hours earlier.

Healer: "It's too early to assume that." The healer said quietly. The fighting was getting intense outside of the pub, but it was also moving further away from them.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "They are after something. I have a hunch about that." Saba had not seen outside yet, but he could imagine how bad it currently was. He looked at his friend, Cain. "We need to gather what folks we can and move them to a safer location."

Healer: "What about the injured...?" She asked.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "We got to help who we can." Saba stood up and looked at the gathered, they needed leadership. Saba reminded himself why he hated politics in general...war...violence...suffering...he hated them all.

Civilian: "They are heading over towards where precious cargo are stored." Someone came said, that just entered the pub. "Anybody who approaches them is immediately killed. It's madness outside!"

Sabatykos felt fire in his stomach, and his face became extremely serious.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "Those of you who can't fight...stay here. I will need a group of volunteers to come with me and search for any survivors, we'll bring them here. Let the military deal with it's own problems. If we are left alone...it's probably for the best. Cain...you up for hazard pay my friend? We got to pull extra duty tonight." Saba was looked at Cain for a long moment and waiting for the man's response.

[jdd2035]

Cain was presently busy as Mr. Agon his Tifling midshipman was slipping back into the tavern from a darkened window. "Sir, report on the situation. The invading force is presently searching for something not sure what at this time. The guards how ever are leading the invading force right to what ever they're looking for as they abandon their post and reconnoiter at this wear house..." Mr. Agon took a piece of charcoal and drew a quick map of the dock and harbor area.

"The invading force has searched passed where we're at but have left a few guards patrolling the area." Mr Agon continued drawing where the tavern was.

Cain nodded and asked "What's the status of the Peregrine?"

Mr. Agon replied "She's set to rights and here main mast is swayed up, shrouded and stayed but not her top or royal nor her spars and sails."

Again Cain nodded and thought a moment and the strategy came to him. "Mr. Agon return to the Peregrine and have her towed by jolly boats to the the harbor. Have her luffed up and her broadside pointed toward landward and her cannons loaded with grape shot. Hoist our colors on top of the Republic Ensign letting every one know who's side we're on. When the invaders cross this line..." Cain marked a spot where the Peregrine could get several shots off from the harbor in between the tavern and warehouse. "Let them have all the grape you can give them."

Mr. Agon nodded and was off to the Peregrine. Cain then turned to Mr. Grimand "Find our vanguard, and start pressing against the rear of the invaders line and catching them between two fires."

Mr. Grimand nodded and was out of the door while Cain tied a red bandanna to his left arm he turned to the two dark elves who were doing the same thing with red bandanna's "Mr. Raigari, Mr. Rizland, Find who you can of the Peregrines on liberty and start taking up the stragglers and leading the wounded here. Kill any enemy patrols you encounter."

Finally turning to other remaining captains with in the tavern ""I suggest you have your ships and crews do the same." One of the other captains began to protest "Why should we list...."

Cain snapped back "there's not time for a committee either do it or don't."

If Cain did have time to discuss the matter he would have explained that helping the city win this fight was a good thing. The citizens, government and military would all appreciate it meaning better contracts for cargo hauling, better taxes and cheaper weaponry and supplies. Not to mention that protecting the docks and the harbor was essential to their trade.

Finally he returned to his friend "In approximately fifteen minutes the fighting will start in earnest." Can handed Sabatykos a red bandanna "Tie that to your left arm so my men don't confuse you with the enemy." Taking a moment Cain nodded "Hazard pay, yes I will appreciate the extra pay. If you will please have any of your people tie a bandanna to their arms too it'll save a lot of confusion." Cain was positively glowing having a large grin on his face and in fact it seamed in a certain light to have grown in size.

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

Sabatykos took care of the deed and made certain that the survivors all had their red bandannas visible.

It was a start of a very bad situation...there was no telling what was the target of the invaders at all.

Can't really involve myself in military problems when there are people's lives in danger... Sabatykos frowned and nodded towards Cain.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "Make sure you lot have the red bandannas around your arm to discern us from the enemy." Sabatykos felt nervous. He wasn't sure entirely why he did, only that he did. Something about the event didn't sit well with him at all...They are after something, that's what my gut tells me. Maybe something important... He shook his head, he lacked the skill to really involve himself in any concrete way. Sabatykos continued to look at Cain. "Either way, let's get going."

Several of the volunteers joined Sabatykos and Cain.

Saba stepped outside, and was appalled at what he saw. There was chaos everywhere, the enemy invaders were already gone from the area, having moved further ahead on the docks. But Saba could still hear the fighting up and ahead and the sounds of death. His eyes narrowed as he saw arcane energies rippling through the air. There were thunder bolts, and other types of spells being launched at something further ahead. Sabatykos had to squint to be able to see exactly what was going on. He could hear screams everywhere, and there were bodies mutilated. Mostly militia folks and civilians. Sabatykos carefully made his way across the street and saw that there were minor fires all over the place. In the confusion, Serenti had been caught entirely off guard by the superior force. His eyes were narrowed at that point.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "What could be so valuable that they have done this...to us...?" Saba felt an ice-cold sensation in his stomach. He wanted to throw up, but fought the urge to do so. Saba saw the store front owners up ahead, they were dying from serious injuries. There were bodies everywhere, of the fallen. Sabatykos knelt down towards the male owner of the store that was already looted. He sighed. The man had serious injuries and was not going to make it. Saba wrapped his arms around the man, Jacob had been a friend. Saba felt a dread in his heart. "Why have they done this?"

Jacob: "Saba...it's hard to see." Jacob was coughing up blood already. "Don't know what they are after...you and your friends should seek out Vendryth. He is in charged of the payloads and cargo that come through these docks. If anybody could tell you why this is happening...and make some sense of this...its him." Jacob said. "They did...horrible things to us...never even asked us questions. This is not military related..." Jacob couldn't finish what he was saying and coughed up a massive amount of blood, sputtered, then died in Saba's arms.

Saba closed the man's eyes.

Sabaytkos Maelstrom: "This will not go unanswered...I swear to The All Thayne." Saba wanted to cry. But...he felt too much rage in his heart...then a thought occurred to him. Jillian...! Saba turned to his companions, Cain, the engineers who'd joined them, and the members of Cain's crew. "I have to take care of something...will you all accompany me? I do not wish to do this alone. Especially if the worse comes to pass." Saba asked of Cain and the rest of the gathered.

One of the Engineers saw the expression on Saba's face.

Engineer: "You're gonna go get Jillian aren't you?" The Engineer asked.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: He nodded at the question, they deserved to know why. "There are things I have to tell her and her family. They live in this area, nearby. Plus, I have to make sure if there are survivors there. They will need our help." Saba knew his reasoning was just a little bit selfish, but he didn't care. He was sick of the smell of blood and death in the air already and needed to help...somebody. So what if it's her? It's not like... Saba shook his head.

Like it or not, his fate was tied to that of Jillian Cruz.

The woman he'd saved...

[jdd2035]

~BOOM~ The sound came from the harbor an instant later the docks adjacent to the harbor ripped apart as grape shot tore through crates and opposing forces. A few moments later ~BOOM, BOOM~ "That's my girl!" Cain exclaimed as the Peregrine slowly moved through the harbor. The first gun had went off again followed by the forth in an erratic rhythm. "Even for a skeleton crew, she's in fine shape. No where near the two shots in a minute forty five they can do but for a skeleton crew not bad." Cain was smiling from ear to ear, his cavalry saber was bloody and still sharp enough to split a hair into four and he was just about to charge into the fray when Sabatykos spoke.

Cain nodded "Mr. Grimand you get to lead the vanguard." Turning back to Sabatykos "Where ever you need to go." At this point some sort of shimmering barrier was erected between the attacking group and the harbor and it flickered blue, yellow, and red and all the colors in between. The shots from the Peregrine were either slowed down, disintegrated or deflected by what ever barrier was being erected by the mages. Cain respected magic it was a neutral thing not good nor bad but it frustrated the hell out of him when ever it was used against him. "Bloody hell, if nothing else the Peregrine will keep them distracted long enough for my men and the city guard to pinch them. It'll be a hell of an action" Cain mentioned following the action.

There was a distinct change to the rate of fire as the boat crews were hauled in and they took their places at the great guns. Cain smiled even more as he began to follow Sabatykos along with a small group of engineers and crew men. As enemy combatants closed in Cain and his crew were the first to act charging into what little vignettes that might appear.

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

It was pure chaos outside.

With his friends dead and dying...Sabatykos had very few things to cling to.

He was trying really hard not to fall apart for the people that needed him.

Other men would have cried for vengeance...would have sang revenge songs left and right. Spilling endless seas of blood...and for what? I will have none of it! Sabatykos immediately knew what sort of man he wanted to become. One day, Sabatykos would raise a family. One day he would train them in the ways of both of his people. But first...he had to be certain he could save those that mattered. War begot violence and more war. Sabatykos knew, he wasn't a push over...but he was tired of constant fighting and constant violence. The Civil War in Corone had taken it's toll on all their lives. It had broken a once noble folks. Sabatykos turned his attention towards Cain as they moved. He nodded, then the explosions happened. The ships! No! Sabatykos understood just what happened, friend and foe would be bombarded by the sea. It was getting more and more hopeless.

The scene was looking much darker with every passing moments. Screams pierced the night as Sabatykos ran through the streets, knowing the others would do their best to keep up. At that point, Saba snapped. Tears flowed freely for the lives lost that night. Tears. And a broken heart...Corone's broken heart. Saba tried to ignore the dead and dying as he ran past them, only one person on his mind. Well two...Jacob's dying face...and the face of Jillian Cruz. The woman he'd saved. The woman whose destiny he'd irrevocably altered. Saba could hear his own breathing as he came to the block where they lived at. Jillian, and so many others. The people Corone had built her entire society on. The people whose backs were broken to lay brick and mortar on the pavement. Sabatykos saw it up ahead. Could I be already too late?! He clenched his teeth tightly. Then called out to his friends.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: He saw the two robed figures, similar to the ones that initially invaded Serenti. They were killing freely anybody who stood in their way. The previously injured...Saba could not save. But there were survivors calling out for help, and one voice was the only voice that currently mattered to him. "Get away from here!" And Saba acted with all his might.

***

Saba saw the first sorcerer attack turn slowly towards him.

Robed Figure Number One: The stranger began to call forth arcane energy. "What's this...looks like we have an outside element here."

Robed Figure Number Two: The second figure, stopped what he was doing and turned slowly as Saba arrived. "He...does not smell natural."

Robed Figure Number One: The stranger called his power, but did not release it just yet. "Who are you to interfere in our great work? What is the name of the would-be Hero to interfere in this grand play?"

Robed Figure Number Two: They were both looking at Saba at that point, but they were hesitating. "His aura...it is strange. It reads of a secret yet revealed."

Robed Figure Number One: "So what are you here to do, Hero? You think you can stop what is already in play?" The stranger asked. "Do you even know what brought this event to your footstep?"

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "I...I want you to stop what you're doing. I'm not here to prevent anything or fight anybody. I just have come to save my friends. I don't want to see anymore bloodshed tonight." Sabatykos said. He was standing a few paces away from the pair.

Robed Figure Number One: "The Relic has been acquired." The robed figure looked off in the distance and saw that there was a glowing light, a signal, further off in Serenti. "My people have already won this night. But there is the question of...you." The first robed figure said.

Saba could feel the man's power fading off into the ether.

The second man spoke.

Robed Figure Number Two: "The Great Prophet...Nenkulor has foreseen this." The man was looking right at Sabatykos, as if searching deep into his soul. "We are Heralds of the Apocalypse. Nenkulor is our...leader if you could all it that. This though...was not foreseen. You do not wish to interfere with us...but you are changing things." The second figure walked closer towards Sabatykos...uncomfortably close.

Robed Figure Number One: "Do you know of The Thayne Codex, Hero?" The first man asked.

Sounds of fighting were slowly fading off into the distant parts of Serenti.

Sabatykos could only shake his head in the negative. He was a student of science...not religion.

Robed Figure Number Two: "He will become an enemy." The second figure said. "But not right this night. Eventually...his heroism will cross us again."

Robed Figure Number One: The first stranger was looking at his companion then at Saba. "We shall leave you with a parting gift, Hero. We hope someday you will repay the favour to us." The fist strange walked over towards Sabatykos and suddenly placed his hand on Saba's forehead, it happened so suddenly that...

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "Arrrrgh!!!" He yelled as a suddenly swelling of memories and visions came to his surface of his brain, the memories were violently pulled from his mind, and transferred to the first stranger.

Robed Figure Number One: He felt tremendous pain as he peered deep into Sabatykos's mind. "The Prophet would be pleased." The man suddenly said. He released Saba from the painful grip. "You are not a native of Althanas...but you have the power to change things. Remember that. We will meet again...young Hero. And the next time...circumstances will be different." The man bowed towards Sabatykos and his friends and the remainder of the people who had survived the horrid event. The two suddenly summoned their power, and slowly walked away from Saba, Cain, and his friends. The two faded into the ether, and went off to another, unknown location.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: Tears flowed freely as he sat against the grounds. He somehow...knew what had happened. Followers of The Thayne Codex had stolen an object of great importance from Serenti. That's when Saba, shaken with fear and stress from the pain of being mind raped...heard her voice. She'd survived! "Jillian..." Saba managed. That was all that he could manage. He somehow managed not to pass out as the small group survivors from the attack exited their houses to walk towards Sabatykos and his friends.

Ma Cruz: Jillian's Mother ran towards Saba and hugged him. "Jillian! Your friend is hurt!"

She walked slowly toward Saba, her eyes swelled from the tears.

Jillian Cruz: "They horribly tortured several of us before you arrived. They did things to them..." Jillian also knelt down and put her hand on Saba's shoulder. "Why is this happening to us?"

Sabatykos Maelstrom: "I...saw into his mind. Learned things. Things I didn't want to see...what they are here for. It's...it's a relic from Hromagh The Strong. They are hunting relics from The Thaynehood..."

Ma Cruz: "Saba...who are they?"

Sabatykos Maelstrom: His face became very serious. "I saw what he wanted me to see. They are Sons of the Apocalypse. Their leader...Nenkulor Shima...has done this sort of thing before. But not here in Corone...shit my head hurts like hell." Saba said as Jillian and her mother held him close.

It was at that point that the others arrived. It was quite a distance that Saba had run, forgetting his own natural speed.

Survivor: "Saba...oh man. You're a wreck." The survivor walked over towards Saba and everybody else who was present. "What did they do to him?" He was looking at Jillian and her Mother. He wanted answers.

Jillian Cruz: "This man is a Hero. This is the second time he has saved me...the second time..."

And Saba merely held himself, sitting on the ground, rocking from side to side. He kept mutter...the name of the enemy over and over.

Nenkulor Shima.

Fate was indeed a cruel mistress...

[jdd2035]

The roar of the Peregrines canons had ceased and the general clamor of the area had dwindled. What Sabatykos may have seen the situation as chaotic but there was an order and even a rhythm that Cain could feel. From the docks Cain could hear the cheering of his vanguards men and the men of the other ships that had followed suit. Cain took a moment to clean his cavalry saber and sheath it and also to look around there was most certainly carnage with in the streets but the opposing force seemed to have vanished.

While Sabatykos was tending to his friend Mr. Grimand showed up and saluted Cain "Sir, the opposition is in retreat, while there was some cloateral damage to the buildings most of the merchants and other civilians look to have survived all be it with injuries."

Cain nodded and asked "can you give me the details? "

Mr. Grimand nodded "As soon as the enemy crossed into the Peregrines line of fire she opened up on the just as pretty as you please. Our first broadside hammered them something fierce. Then all of a sudden the fancier looking ones among 'em stepped forwarded waved their hands and this...wall came up blocking the Peregrines fire. I aint seen any thing like that before. Any way eve with all their hand waving and chanting the Peregrine looked to be giving them fits. And that's when the city guards made their move. They charged into the enemy. Well as soon as every one was well distracted that's when I lead the vanguard and the rest of the Peregrines into the fight. Well I tell you what they didn't know what to do having it coming from both ends. We gave them what fore and then they I mean the enemy began something of a retreat. The guards and vanguard both gave chase but they disappeared in a haze. I believe the city guard is happy with us."

Cain nodded and replied "Very good, very warm bit of action. Who did we lose?"

Mr. Grimand cantered his head one way or the other "We lost a hand full of landsmen is all though I may say one or two looked promising. But I am sue the Peregrine will gain what ever was lost."

Cain nodded once again "I suppose so. I will see to writing their families and packaging their belongings. For now let us see about setting the Peregrine to rights completely this time."

Mr. Grimand nodded and made his way back towards the docks.

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

Thoughts flowed in his mind.

Thoughts that were not his own, it was if something was transferred back into his head just as it was taken out...

The wizard wanted me to see something...but why... Sabatykos tried to stand. It was a slow process, remembering how to do something so basic after such a traumatic event. His head felt like it was going to explode. All he'd wanted was to save Jillian Cruz and his friends. His eyes darted around as he searched for something in the dark. Memories were swirling in his head, memories that were not his own. Sabatykos growled with agony as he clutched the sides of his head. He'd never felt so much pain...all at once...in his life. He noticed several people around him, figures in the dark. Only one of them had a familiar air about them. A woman...the woman named Jillian Cruz. I risked everything to save you...twice... Sabaytkos did not understand what was happening. Only that he felt an instinctive compulsion to save that woman.

His eyes narrowed as he looked at her.

And then it dawned on him.

He remembered something his Father told him. I am a Hybrid. One half of my family comes from beyond the star ocean. The canopy of heavens...they hail from a distant world...distant stars. Is this why I am feeling this way towards her? Sabaytkos looked up towards Jillian Cruz. I risked everything for her...why...I don't understand...

Jillian suddenly hugged Sabatykos closely, and held him close.

Jillian Cruz: "Sabatykos. What you've done for us tonight...it was more than Heroic...you...saved us. Nobody has stuck their neck out for us like that before..." She continued. "Is there anything I can do for you to repay you and your friends?"

Why...? Sabaytkos thought it over and over.

And finally...after about ten minutes it dawned on him...the single truth of the matter at hand.

It was clear as day to him and made sense for the first time in his life.

Why did I never see it before...?

Sabatykos began to cry openly and freely as he looked at Jillian. I may never get another chance at this... He said the single thing that would change his life forever.

Sabatykos Maelstrom: With tears flowing freely he reached out gently towards Jillian Cruz. He leaned against her to catch his balance. And he spoke what needed to be said in front of all of his gathered friends. It was the single bravest thing he'd ever done in his life. "Jillian...I love you. I always have." He said confidently despite the pain and torment in his mind. He smiled at her, and then...he passed out where he stood. The pressure on his brain having been too much for him to handle...

[jdd2035]

This was not Cain's place, not now at any rate and thus after all the fighting he and his crew departed back to the ship or their liberty. Cain himself made his way back to the docks tavern where he made an even larger order than before and his crew joined in. Bottles of wine, food of every kind spread on the table.

Mr. Agon taking charge of the Peregrine had it returned to the dockyard where its repairs began once again; the rhythmic sounds of hammers, chain pumps, and holy stones all working at the ship in the familiar cadence. Each of the ships masts began to be stayed and shrouded with the railing and decks finally taking shape with little accents of brass and silver here and there with a new silver watch bell for the watch glass.

As the lower masts were shrouded and stayed the subsequent top masts and royals were swayed up and the process was began all over again with shrouds and ratlines were weaved together and stay lines began to take shape. It would not be too terribly long before provisions and the rest of the cannons would have to be loaded and the yards swayed up to their cross tee's.

[Sabatykos Maelstrom]

The manual labor was indeed under way.

After the object was stolen from Serenti, a palpable calm hunt in the air.

There was also a tension between the military elements of Serenti and the civilian population who'd been virtually abandoned.

Repairs on The Peregrine went on as planned, with Sabaytkos, his crew of engineers and The Peregrine's own workers moving in tandem with one another.

Sabatykos spoke very little.

His mind had been torn asunder by the power of Nenkulor's followers.

There was very little to say...there was a job that needed doing.

Sabatykos himself oversaw his engineers from the shop.

A capable team was working on the ship that Cain and his crew called home.

Sabatykos himself got his hands dirty and worked alongside Jillian Cruz and several others of the shop's survivors.

Many people had died in Serenti the night of the raid.

Sabatykos's mind was scorched from the fires of wars, and he did not know what to do.

The dead were buried at sea as was the tradition of Serenti during times of warfare.

Something that Sabatykos saw in the mind of Nenkulor's follower did not sit well with him.

They are planning more attacks...around Althanas. I cannot ignore this threat. Sabatykos had long decided to become an educated craftster folk. A hard working man of great ingenuity. He knew he had to talk to someone about the things that troubled his tortured mind. When the shift was over, Sabatykos went over towards Cain and thanked him for the opportunity to work. Cain was a good man. He has a great destiny ahead of him...mine, however... What was Hero worth those days anyway? Sabatykos and his companions went back to Fargon's Shop and began to discuss the future. Sabatykos, however, could only look on ahead.

Something did not sit well with the young Hero, and there was a monster in the darkness that needed to be confronted.

A monster named Nenkulor...

~Fin~

[Rayleigh]

Thread: The building in Serenti and it's secrets. (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?30342-Closed-to-JDD-The-building-in-Serenti-and-it-s-secrets)
Participants: jdd2035 & Sabatykos Maelstrom
Type: No Judgment

Congratulations!

jdd2035 (http://www.althanas.com/world/member.php?18477-jdd2035) receives:
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175 GP

[Rayleigh]

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