Finding the Caribs

With no small difficulty, you are able to gather together a small flotilla of canoes. Fortunately, the natives are expert sailors, which makes up for your decidedly lacking experience in such matters. From what you've heard, the systems of currents around the islands can be surprisingly dangerous to a novice sailor, capable of dragging a boat out to sea, never to make it back to land.

The other Taino tribes are no strangers to Carib raids, though they have not dared a reprisal like yours. Still, they are eager to help, giving supplies and information freely. Judging by the direction the Caribs were heading and local knowledge of their usual raiding routes, you believe your party has been able to deduce their home base. With great enthusiasm, your men and native charges push the boats out to sea, energetically paddling in the light blue-green waters of the shallows.

A clear sky seems to be a good omen for your expedition. You take a swig from your flask, taking in the scenery as your boat bobs up and down on the gentle waves, sending up small sprays of water and foam. In the distance are the variously green and dark shapes of the many islands, large and small. From this distance, each looks as virginal and uninhabited as the day the earth was created, though who knows what savages actually may live on them. A light breeze of salty sea air helps to cool the rowing crews, baking under the bright sun, though undaunted by their exertions. The Taino, normally so mild, seem completely changed by the thought of ****. They apply themselves like men possessed, while your mercenaries put in a rather more moderate effort. If successful, this could solidify your reputation with them for a long time to come.

By sunset, you start to think that maybe you were wrong until smoke is spotted on the horizon by Diego, looking through his spyglass. The tired rowers are greatly heartened by the news and push on with the knowledge that they will soon be finished. Carefully, you land your ships a ways away from the Carib settlement and resolve to make a plan before moving. Looking through Diego's spyglass, you reconnoiter the enemy. It is somewhat difficult, as both the men and women wear little clothing and long hair, but from your best estimation, the enemy was well bloodied by your defense in the initial raid. Their numbers are not strong, and if you catch them by surprise the advantage may be very much in your favor. Watching them, they seem to be having a feast or some other sort of celebration, cooking on many large fires in the center of the village. You can't see much more from your hideaway; it is time to make a decision.