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[[OOC: I don't remember anybody telling you about the amulet, Verll, this is supposed to be between me and Erunion...]]

[OOC: my friend Darius over heard you guys talking the first time, and I've had him keep tabs on you, because I'm not sure what you guys would do with an amulet that powerful, especially the elf! X) But, I guess now protecton is the main thing, hmmm)

{OOC, that makes sense, but you wouldn't know anything else. After the first conversation, we always talk under a shield, to prevent people from overhearing. So both of you could know about the first Convo, but not about this one.}

[ Congradulations about the new titles, lads.]::[ This amulet business is getting out of hand. If only Jonny and Erunion know about its power, then they decided about its fate, and I guess Septim as well. So there's a new interesting addition to the story. Please, don't make it so that the fate of the world depends on it - its just a powerful source of magic power or something, you decide, however I don't want the "world cliche" thing - I hope you agree with me. ]

Once again they were amongst the roaring waves of the raging sea. Ragnarr was once again feeling fine for the first time after the bloody fight with the dark elves, bent on merciless slaughter of attacking all travellers - that seemed to him the only logical explanation to their aggresiveness.
He was clutching the rudder oars, holding a steady course north-east, towards a small port town, called Highrock. It was the last farely populated port between the large treterous patch of sea between Selenia (the continent we set sail from in the begining of the game) and the lands of eternal sands. Not only was the area further east unmapped, but no one seemed to return from there.
That was were Ragnarr will search for Aeron Silverwind after he passed by the coast of the hot sand lands.
As he was looking forwards towards the high waves ahead, letting the wind play with his long blond hair, Ragnarr noticed a small figure, carried by the waves. He steadily steered the longship further north to pass by it, for it seemed quite unnatural - he could swear it was not a sea rock.
As they got closer, Verll suddenly shouted out from the front.
"Man in the sea!" his voice was heard along with the slight creeking of roaps and planks.
"We're going for him,..." said Ragnarr loudly so all could hear him.
As the figure got closer and closer, they started to see the thing clearer - it was a thin man with brownish hair, clutching a piece of a mast, still dragging the ropes behind. He seemed to exhausted to shout, although he would have if he could. He still had a spark of life in his eyes, obviously lit by the hope for salvation.
As the man got close, the northmen stopped rowing.
"Lord Bacardi, get some men to help the man aboard. Verll and Jens, go get warm fur clothes. Olaf and Prince Septim, bring mead. Erunion, tell your elf friends they might have some business...."

[ I'll describe the man a few posts later. I would have done it now but it would be too much writing...]  

*Seloc kept the 'Blue Ray' off at a distance, as these waters could easily lead them to crash into each other. There was no way of knowing what was happening because of the distance Seloc was forced to anchor and brave the waves until Lord Ragnarr moved of again or messaged him.*

[OOC]Ok this is what i know right...there is a amulet out there and something about saving the world

[OOC] Oh....I know much!

"Well Ragnarr, looks like we have our first clue eh? Lets go find your boy."

Everyone except for Ragnarr, Jonny and Septim left the room, having other business to attend too. Erunion stayed behind as well, still curious about the newcomer, obviously using some sort of spell to see into his mind, or something magical like that.

After a bit longer, Jonny and Septim too, took their leave from their new addition. He seemed to be doing much better.

As the two men got back on deck, they had to start giving out orders agian, it seemed that, with all the excitment, most of the men had forgotten they where sailing a ship.

IX. Highrock




The two ships travelled east throught the whole week, passing by storms, going through the raging waves, untill they finally got to their destination.
Highrock was a sea port, located in a small bay on the Trebian Peninsula. It was remarkable for its richly made buildings, all made from stone to withstand the storms. The city became rich with its trade with the eastern people of the sand lands, who were very keen on trading.
From where Ragnarr was standing, he could sea the rising sun send light rays towards him, passing through the high towers among the city. It was truely impressive and had always astonished him. The buildings were made from white stone, with knotted carvings on it for decoration. The greyish roof-tops shined slightly, reflecting the dim morning light. At the port, at least five or seven other ships were visable.
As the Stormborn and the Blue Ray entered the small bay, Ragnarr started thinking about Lord Phyttius, the commander of the prospering town - he was independant from any other kingdoms, yet lived a rich sinful life. He was arrogant and would stab his own son to death to get more gold in his pockets.
"Olaf, Jens, Ricmorn and Thirkir, raise the sail. Kormac, get men at the bow. In-port speed at the oars!" Ragnarr said loudly....

[ That's were I got the name from, I confess, ((: it was my favourite game, damn it. Only the names of that Highrock and this town are the same, though. ]

Ragnarr took the chain. He looked at it with almost unseen disgust. With out more thoughts he tied it to his belt so it hanged freely on his side, by his sword.
"Lord Bacardi and Sir Verll, you two shall come with me. At shore we'll meet up with Seloc and see what we'll do. Prince Septim, you're in charge of the Stormborn while I'm gone. As for the others - you can go ashore and do what ever you want, however I want you all here tomorow morning."
The longship anchored in the southern part of the docks, which were less overcrowded with ships. The Blue Ray docked close behind. Kormac jumped on the wooden old dock and tied a thick rope from the ship to the nearest pole. The northmen pulled the oars inside and threw a sturdy plank over the patch of sea between the deck and the dock. Joyful that they were once again on solid ground, most of them headed towards the nearest tavern of brothel.
Ragnarr's boots sounded heavily on the planks along with those of Lord Bacardi and Sir Verll as they headed towards the Blue Ray...

[OOC: Can't we go anywhere without something strange happening.]

*Seloc steps off his ship aching and stiff, from his injury. His hands were also numb for some yet to be discovered reason. Putting such thoughts aside Seloc scanned the surrounding, the white washed building were truely a marvale. Like a set of mirrors they lit up the wide streets of Highrock and filled them with sun light.
Noticing Ragnarr, Verll and Jonny approching Seloc hailed them.*

"A fine day wouldn't you say?"

As the group of three moved into the city, I stared in wonder at the buildings, all made of stone. I had seen stone buildings before, but, not so many at once. It was a little frightneing, being used to only the scraggly shacks back home.

As they entered, the street they walked down seemed a bit deserted. It was wierd. A tumble weed rold past. I didn't like it, and despite the front Ragnarr put up, he could tell that his captain felt a bit uneasy as well.

Then, a noise. A whisper, a whine really, a thwang. A shout, I could not remember much else, just a burning sensation creep steadily up my leg. A warmth. I crumpled into a ball, pain now siering up his arm.

The ring as swords where drawn, seeing a vague verll draw two daggers, then only hold one. A thunk. A body hits the ground.

Then, footsteps, lots of them. They surrounded the group. Still can't move, pain.

Talking, it seems to be going very fast. A loud mumbling, incomprehesible. Then unfamiliar hands pick me up. I try to struggle, but this sends a fresh wave of hurt flowing from my leg up to my brain. I pass out.

Hours later, I wake with a start. I'm lieing in a bed, my leg bandaged up, blood soaked, but, it no longer hurts. As i slowly try to stand, I feel dizzy, and fall back. Verll walks into the room, sees I'm awake, and calls for Ragnarr.

"Glad to see your awake. We didn't think you'd make it. That was one hell of a hit you took," says Ragnarr as he walks into the room.

"You got hit by a poison tipped arrow, right in the shin. It shattered your bone. There was blood every where. I got the little bugger though. Then they more or less got us. But hey, at least we figured out whats going on." Verll looks quit proud of himself. I smile a bit.

"What?" is all I can manage to croak through parched lips.

Verll looks at Ragnarr who takes up the story agian.

"Its like a gang war. The city has been divided into factions almost. If a member of one faction walks into a territory that isn't theres, they get shot at. They didn't know who we where, but, Ragnarr managed to convince them we where friends. These guys seem pretty eager to leave here. They said they'd be more then willing to join us. We got lucky though. So, once your all healed up, we'll move back to the ship, with these new recruits, and get back under way."

"Well, then lets get going." I stand shakily. I grab some make shift crutches conviently placed near my bed, and begin to hobble out towards the door.

[OOC: wait what? What'd you sort out and all that?]

"Lord Bacardi, your health is quite fragile for now. We'll be staying here for another day, and this inn will have a room for you for the night." Ragnarr stood up from the wooden chair he was sitting on. "I suggest you rest now. There are a few herb potions an elf left,..." he looked towards the door. "I have to be going now. Verll, you're free to do what ever you want, but by morning be on board the longship." He left the room.
The inn was the most expensive one they found in the city, for they wanted Bacardi to heal in good condition. It was probably the cleanest inn he had seen in a long time - white walls with eastern goblins, pale timber floor and knotted carvers on the cieling. Large windows with excelent views to the sea, airy rooms and halls. Highrock was defenaitly a prosperous place.
He left through the high doors and ended up on the clean silent street. The short green trees were casting evening shadows upon the cobblestone road on which he walked. Passing under arches and going up pathway stairs, he reached a small square near the old part of the town. A dark figure was waiting in a narrow shady street which lead to the square. He headed towards it.
"Storms and honour, Eyjolf." said Ragnarr.
"It's been a while, Stormguard..." said a silent, yet firm and northernly sounding voice.
The two figures slowly went further inside the shady street until they became unseen in the darkness...

Verll had decided to check the city they were inn, now that they first was at land.  After checking out the inns and taverns, and taking all the poor villagers money with some well placed dices, he decided to go back to check on Jonny.  He decided to walk through the old part of the city, because he felt more home there than anywhere else. When he passed a narrowed street he could hear some whispers, he turned and saw Ragnarr leaving with an unknown man. Before he could stop himself he suddenly moved, sneaking after them, it was if something made him walk after them.

They turned left in another narrow dark street, when Eyjolf suddenly whispered:
"Someone is walking after us,..."
Ragnarr didn't turn. Instead he hid behind a column, Eyjolf doing the same on one opposite of Ragnarr. They waited silently.
A shade appeared from the other street. It stopped for a moment, looked around and headed their way. It was moving silently, almost unseen, yet they knew it was there.
As soon as it reached the columns the two northmen jumped on the persuer, Eyjolf grabbing his arms behind back and Ragnarr holding his sword on the man's neck.
Something was wrong.
He didn't slit his throat open in the instant. That gave the man a chance to speak.
"It's me, damn it!" said Verll.
Ragnarr drew his sword back, nodding at Eyjolf to back off. He put his sword back in his sheath.
"What the hell are you doing here?..." asked Ragnarr coldly...

Ragnarr kept silent for a moment.
"Eyjolf." said Ragnarr. "A close friend." He looked at his commrade. "This is Verll, a couragous lad from my crew. I suppose,...I suppose no harm will be done if you come along." Ragnarr turned towards the end of the street and started walking, Eyjolf and Verll behind.
They walked in the darkness, then turned right, then left, then a long walk forward through shadows, then suddenly inside a small door to the right.
Inside was dimly lit by a few torches. Instead of the usual white walls and colourful rugs, the building was made from crude stone and oak timber, with northern carvings and knotts as decorations on the columns. They were in a small hall, with a shield hanging opposite of them. It was battle marked - pale from the long fightings in the sun, red from the blood, with gashes and holes from enemy steel. Yet Odinn's black raven depicted on it was still visable.
A man was standing in front of them, waiting. He had long red hair in braids, large mustaches, hanging down and blue lively eyes.
"Ragnarr, it has been a long time. Come, she is waiting for you,..."
He headed after the man inside a larger hall, not caring if the others followed - it really did not matter.
The hall was much larger, with more incredibly beautiful decorations and carvings, yet empty, except for the white figure, sitting on a stone chair, covered in furs.
"Come closer." a light, delicate female voice called softly. Ragnarr approached her.
She was tall and beautiful, with pale skin and long, white-golden hair to her waist. She had a pretty face with enchanting icey-blue eyes and warm lips, forming a welcoming smile. She had a white robe with golden edges and was holding a Bloodwood Staff in her thin hand.
"What is it you need?" she asked.
Ragnarr kneeled. "Your devine wisdom, my lady Arnora."
She smiled. It was as if she had some sort of enchanting aura, glowing around her. "I'm listening."
"I am searching for an old friend from childhood, Aeron Silverwind. He was lost at sea a year ago and I have sat sail to find him, and bring him back in the home north. Yet I need some aid from the Old Gods, my lady."
She closed her eyes and nodded calmly. "I see." she said. Arnora kept silent for a while, after which she started singing with a soft, enchanting voice. She sang mythical songs in the old norse tongue, which sounded nothing like the common one. Ragnarr waited patiently on one knee before Lady Arnora.
She opened her eyes. "All I can say is that you shall find him east from here, on the Islands west from the lands of sand, yet your journey will be a perillous one. The Old Gods have smiled upon us today." She stood up.
Ragnarr also stood up and kissed her thin white hand. "Thank you, my Lady Arnora." He turned and left the hall slowly, followed by Verll and Eyjolf...

As they walked outside to the street again, Ragnarr was talking to Verll.
"She can free her soul and question the Old Gods. However, very few posses this power. Mostly women. Druids have other methods and skills - enscribing or carving magical runes, burning them, enchanting weapons, and so on,..."
They were on the street again. Ragnarr shaked Eyjolfs hand firmly. "Thank you, friend. Untill the next time."
"Storms and honour, brother." said the dark figure before dissapearing inside.
Verll and Ragnarr walked back towards the Stormborn, where some men had gathered, obviously to become part of the crew. Blue Ray was being repaired by the dock men and its own crew, while Lord Seloc was angryly watching the slow but sure progress...

*Septim sat inside the inn with a large bottle in his hands, he took a long gulp and threw it away.

"This beer sucks..."

*Seloc having no lucky enspiring the workmen to work faster, trugged away from the buisy work sence, and wandered the Stormborn to find Ragnarr.*

"Has any of you seen Lord Ragnarr recently?"
sailor: "Aye he'll probably be in the store room, you know, inspecting the drink."

*Taking the sailors advice he headed for the store-room.*

"Lord Ragnarr? Ragnarr?.......Ah there you are..Well the work oboard the 'Blue Ray' won't be finished until around midnight if the workers stay on until then."

                                         
By midnight the repairs were done on both ships and they were ready to set sail once again. All provisions were on board and all men were ready on their posts. The new sailers were shown their posts and given the needed weapons and equipment.
They were about to set sail when Ragnarr saw someone running down the dock towards him.
The dark figure took its fur hood off and the worried face of Eyjolf appeared from the shade.
"Ragnarr, we need to get on the Stormborn,... we were attacked by the palace guards and barely made it out,..." he said quickly.
"Seven hells, how? Why?..." Ragnarr could not understand.
"I have no bloody idea, but they killed Sigurd. I lead Lady Arnora to safety,...she is here actually,..."
A second shadow appeared from the dark. Ragnarr nodded at it.
"An honour, my Lady. We certainly have room for two more,... hurry aboard,... Kormac, empty my cabin and see to it that the Lady settles there. Eyjolf, you're used to this kind of journies,..." Ragnarr helped lady Arnora get up on board the deck. Yet soon after Thoren roughly pulled him for the hand.
"Lord, the palace guards are heading down the deck,...towards us,..."
"Grab the bloody oars! Setting off speed! Jens, Olaf, Ricmorn, ajust the damn sail,...Kormac, get some arhcers and if they attack reply with arrows,..."
Obviously the Blue Ray had heard what was going on. It too rushed with setting off.
The longship departed from the dock, along with the other one. The slowly gained a steady speed towards the exit of the port, while the well armored warriors stood were the ships used to be, looking helpessly at them. A few crossbowmen tried their luck, yet the arrows only splashed behind them in the water.
The Stormborn and Blue Ray entered the wide Sea of Sorrow once again,...

Walking forward, Erunion bowed to Lady Arnora.
"Good even m'lady Arnora. Tis a sad day when the palace guards chase the likes of you out of the city. What brought on this barbaric behavior?"

"A change of course?"
sailor: "Aye sir message just arrived from Lord Ragnarr."
"Very well, follow the 'Stormborn'."

*The 'Blue Ray' turned, leaving it's side facing the approching storm, they hoped to miss. Some of the newer sailor turned to watch, the tundering beast tear up the water, with a silent awe.*

Septim stood at the edge of the Stormborn, looking out at sea. He suddenly saw a crimson bird swoop down at him. The bird landed in front of him and Septim recognised it as a phoenix.

"This is very rare, how are you?", asked Septim.

The bird cooed and raised its talon to reveal an egg, the bird dropped it in Septim's hand and flew off. Septim looked at the egg in wonder and decided to once again ask Erunion, he approached the elf.

"I was wondering...what type of egg is this?", asked Septim as he lifted the egg into Erunion's view.