All is ready

You make your way around the deck, ensuring everyone is ready for the plan, and reminding them to avoid killing anyone if possible. With any luck, you and Ferra can take out the mage-captain quickly, and avoid too much bloodshed. Everyone seems eager to begin, and with the speed of the Horizon, you know that you’ll catch the other ship soon.

Watching from the bow, you notice immediately how much bigger your target is than the last ship you met. Three masted, but lacking the telltale steam the smaller ship had. From the chatter among the crew, you gather that this might be an older ship, larger but lacking in magical enhancements.

Melora joins you and Ferra at the front of the ship. “I will go to the cabin until the battle ends, Nicholas, but before I go I want to warn you. There are three mages on that ship. They are all loyal Order nobles, and dangerous.”

You nod. “Larger ship, more wardens. Makes sense. Thank you, Melora. Please stay safe.”

She places a hand on yours. “You as well. Good luck.”

She kisses your cheek and heads back to hide herself away. Ferra looks up at you. “This will not be as easy, Nicholas. They likely outnumber us, and have more magical support.”

You nod. “That’s why we have to work fast. Take down the mages and it’s likely over. And with the element of surprise, it should end quickly.”

Ferra simply nods, going back to watching the ship you’re approaching. It looms closer, and now you can see the flurry of activity on the deck as they realize your intentions. On a raised platform in the center, you see a man in rich purple robes, calmly watching the approach of your ship. Clearly, this is your first target, though you wonder where the others are.

You turn away from the rail, looking over your crew. All jokes and pirate banter has stopped, and you see a mixture of nervousness and anticipation as they ready ropes and hooks for boarding. To the rear, Captain Ben guides the ship with a steady hand, eyes locked on the approaching ship. You notice Alex finally making her way over to you, a grin on her face.

“Time for some fun? I got Melora safely tucked away! I offered to keep her company, but she said you could probably use the help.”

You chuckle. “You really want to get in her pants, don’t you.”

Alex giggles. “Yup! She’s hot! Plus, sex is great! Way better than fighting. Just ask Ferra!”

You glance at the golem girl, who gives to a small smile. “She is right. But sometimes fighting is necessary.”

Alex pouts. “Ugh, so serious all the time! Fine, let’s take care of these slaver assholes…”

You smile, leaning over to kiss her cheek. “That’s the spirit, Alex.”

The efreet gives you a cheesy grin as you turn back to watch the approach. You can see the grim faces of the opposing crew, armed and ready. The mage on his platform seems content to wait for the battle, simply watching like you are. He seems to notice you for the first time, and his eyes narrow in consideration as he looks at you, Ferra, and Alex. He stares for quite a while, until the ships are nearly alongside one another. You draw Caliburn and roll your shoulders in preparation, as a similar cry goes up from both ships.