Tharbak's return: Part 1

Arnor makes his way to the lakeshore in order to acquire a ship. As he has been in Daggerdale several months he knows some of the sailors. Salty, is one he knows particularly well. He is an older looking gruff sea-worn sailor, partially deaf but with a good humour. “Hello Arnor, you want to hire my boat eh? You know she is my life! Where are you going then, my people will need to know, you aren’t going to that fairy tale island, are you? Hmm, you must bring her back without a scratch in 10 days. Promise me you will have no wizards aboard yes? They bring bad luck when on ships. Shall we go to the Dragon’s Pew to discuss the price over a few pints?” Arnor and he make their way to the tavern.

…

Back in the Moody Boar with the rest of the group, a member of the city guard rushes into the tavern saying to Regius that there is an issue at the gates of the city. The group all think the same thing – Thraback! The group make their way to the gate and vouch for him and Sir Edgar. Although the guards don’t seem too keen to let a half-orc and rather large pig into the city, Vandal is able to convince them. As the guards are conversing they ask Thraback about his gladiatorial scars, telling him of a fighting pit in the city where he could let of some steam if he so wished. The guards continue, “We are all on edge tonight, the moons are in alignment you can hear the Berovians singing no? It seems to be an enchantment or a sog of protection.” Vandal warns them to keep their best men on guard.

All the while the singing from the camp of Berovians gets ever louder and full of force. …

In the Dragon’ Pew, Arnor and Salty are discussing the terms. “I will give you my boat Arnor but you must return it safely. I have heard stories of your maiden voyage… Well, how say you to 1000 gold? I hope your friends pay you well. The boat will be ready for tomorrow my friend, it is being used tonight to eh… transport some vintage brand.” He and Arnor laugh, the deal is made and Arnor makes his way back to the Moody Boar.

…

Back in the inn Regius is very interested in Sir Edgar, “He may turn on you, you know? He isn’t an ordinary pig. I could find someone to train him if you like. I could make some enquiries…”

Arnor enters the inn, “I have found us a ship which will be ready for us tomorrow, the price for its hire is 1000 gold pieces, as well as 500 for my time and expertise…” The group agree and Thraback shakes on it to seal the deal. While the rest of the group turn in for the night, Thraback lights his pipe and takes a seat next to the dying embers of the fire staring at them.

… Aggrippiana is in a fitful sleep, seemingly in the middle of a nightmare. She sees 12 Trees, his tribe and all the people she has killed, or that have died because of her. She hears a rasping female voice echoing from all around her, but can't place where the source is. “Do you know your soul wanders when you sleep, in the Ethereal Plane. Don’t worry about your friends, they can’t hear us. Your mind was easy to pick through, 12 Trees weighed so heavily on your thoughts. I was able to toy with his mind, torture him as he slept. This is my realm, you should not mess with things you do not understand… He asked for a deal to save you, he sacrificed himself for you… I know something, I can tell you… No? Well then you go unprepared, you walk into the unknown. Who of your friends will I move on to next? We may never meet again.”

Agrippiana wakes up in a cold sweat, shaken and afraid.

…

Part 1