1.6

Heavy knocking jarred Sûlmain from his introspective trance.

“Did you hear me? The captain demands your presence.” The pounding continued.

“I am coming!” yelled the sorcerer. Sûlmain strode toward the door and opened it forcibly. Before him stood a sailor sporting a braided beard and clad in a heavy tunic. He pushed his way past the sailor and up the stairs. The bitter wind cut through his robes as he emerged. He reached the captain at the ships bow.

“See there.” The burly captain pointed into the fog. The silhouette of a ship could be discerned in the distance. Sûlmain raised his loadstone. It shone brighter than ever and lurched toward the strange ship.

“That is our destination,” said the sorcerer.

“We do not know that ship. It could be dangerous.”

“Captain,” said Sûlmain, “we are in the middle of an unknown sea covered in wind and a fog that does not disperse despite it. Does an unknown ship really bother you?”

The captain let a sly grin cross his face. “No, not really. You are very perceptive. But just in case, we will spend some time shadowing the craft. You might as well go prepare yourself for whatever you do. I will have a boarding party do the same.”

“Very well, captain.” Sûlmain offered a slight bow of his head and went below deck.