"This is my fault. I'm sorry I'm not a boatwright. ", apologized Petrus .

"You did the best you could, with the resources available to you. None of us could have assembled a vessel out of thin , that was both sea worthy and capable of holding 50 captives.", responded Halvor . The rescue attempt had gone better then expected at first, they rescued the bulk of the prisoners, suffered only a few scrapes in the process , and had a substantial head start from their foes. Sadly, the fates seem to slowly conspire against them. The vessel that Petrus had constructed was built mainly for sturdiness but it moved like a log in the water. Also the giants that they thought they had evaded somehow were able to track them through the mists. Although they had bloodied their noses earlier, the group knew that they were no match for a full long ship of giants. Add to the fact the vessel could only last half a day at most forced them to pause to switch to newly created ones. Despite the obvious design flaws of the vessels, Petrus did not have the knowledge or expertise to correct their flaws. Even with Kania's dolphins and their makeshift oars the group knew that it was only a matter of time before the war band caught up to them.

"I still don't understand how they found us so fast. ", pondered Sarin while shaking his head.

"Sea ...Ranger...", shouted Kirgi from the back of the vessel of shivering captives.

"Like ...we're in the water. In the mists. There's no trail for them to follow. ", added Halvor.

"Sea...Ranger...", rumbled the dwarf again.

"There's no rational explanation for this. They might have employed magic, but that's unreliable at best in this area. The mists drift from the Isle of Dawn , which as you know is an area similar to Amarath and the Great Plateau. ", noted Nymk.

"SEA...RANGER...! ",roared the dwarf at the top of his lungs.

Lady Kania swam next to the vessel and listened to the conversation. "Amongst my people, there are tales of trackers who specialize in finding their prey over bodies of water. They do not actually follow traditional trails, but instead rely on currents, the wind, known reefs and ports to pursue their targets. One could say they are using an advanced form of intuition to guess where their prey is. ", explained the lamia.

"S..E..A...R...A..N...G...E...R !", yelled Kirgi hysterically as he gesticulated wildly.

"The whole concept seems unlikely, but if what you say is true, then are they employing some specialized form of psionics or telpathy then? If they are reading our minds to divine our direction should we concern ourselves with other forms of telepathic attacks. ", cautioned Petrus.

"They are rangers! They use bows and crossbows you fools! ", screamed the dwarf .

Kania shook her head at the concerned summoner. "I do not think so. The only other application of their power is their ability to mentally summon sea creatures, and request aid and advice. I think the term they use is "The congress of the ocean". "

"Its called the Parliament of fishes! Why isn't anyone listening to me? Now's not the time to play jokes! That's right, haha...ignore the dwarf , get a good laugh before the giants crush us. You know what, you guys are dicks! Screw you ! ", shouted the dwarf angrily.

Halvor pondered Kania's words, "Hmm...sounds like a ranger of some type. Maybe Kirgi can shed some light on this. Hey Kirgi, have you ever heard of a ranger that specializes in water tracking?", shouted the big knight.

Kirgi threw his hands up in the air and made a rude gesture at Halvor .

"Hey ,what's his problem?", sniffed the big knight.

"Don't blame him, I don't think he can hear us. I placed a silence spell on the boat to lower the chances of the giant's find us by sound. Despite the roaring waves, it is a wise precaution. However , as you know , enchantments and sea vessels are not my area of expertise. Considering my skill at magical crafting, and the for mentioned mists, it would not suprise me if the spell is flawed in some way. The spell might possibly not be working, or the sounds might be distorted .", explained Petrus.

"Or it could be like your fire walls, they only work one way. ", added Adria.


"For a guy staying in the best cabin in the vessel, you don't like too happy. Sea sickness or something a little more personal? ", taunted Isula to the orange tiefling.

Zax was surprised that the miniature albino girl commented on his distress. Partially because he was trying to hide his discomfort, but mostly because the pair seldom talked to each other. Disregarding the previous night, Zax always conversed with Darwen and often to Sharliss. He seldom talked to the mysterious giant though. Their only close contact was when they first met , when she chased him around in circles before collapsing.

"All the cabins on the Acheron are quite nice. This is a remarkable vessel, unlike any I've ever seen. Who would have thought a ship made of iron and bronze could travel through the ocean. The fact it can also go underwater makes it even more amazing.", replied the tiefling , attempting to evade the question. Darwen had slept in a different cabin last night, much to the tiefling's distress. He saw no reason to confide in the weird giant though.

"Indeed it is. It is definitely built with a master's touch, heavily fortified with magic , and I see wards against astral and ethereal intruders. It is similar to the skyships the Grom Empire employs , but obviously from a different manufacturer. I have not encountered anything of similar construction like this before. From Sharliss's and Darwen's reaction I guess it was not built by any of the modern empires. This narrows my suspicions that the Acheron was built on one of the outer planes . Considering its dark and grim motifs, I would guess one of the lower ones, most likely the one it was named after. It might have been used to navigate the river Styx or Lethe , or some other hazardous outer planar water way. ", commented the giant.

Zax stared at Isula dumbfounded. He was still use to her muttering in her gobbledygook giant babble , or more recently her comical cave man talk. "Hey when did you start speaking in sentences? ", commented the tiefling , disregarding the miniature giantess's detailed explanation.

Isula ignored the frivolous question and concentrated back on her original query. Not because she cared about Zax, but more for her comrade in arms Darwen. " I think you should worry about your own problems, rather then my ability to articulate my self in your language.", the giantess said icily.

"What are you talking about? ", asked Zax, truly perplexed.

Isula's eyes narrowed and she considered smashing his clueless face in. That was the most common form of conflict resolution amongst her people and she thought it was an appropriate response to the tiefling's plainly stupid question. Instead of striking him though, she breathed deeply and released the tension from her fists. "Look Zax. Darwen is a bit wound up right now. She's nervous because she's going to her homeland. That means a lot to her. She is probably seeing things that aren't there right now , you know the way you've been acting around the capt...", began the giant but was suddenly interrupted.

"Sir Zax. Was your cabin prepared in a manner you are suited to? ", commented a smiling and sauntering Captain Blaze. The elven swashbuckler was dressed in tight black leather trousers, and sported a loose white unbuttoned doublet. She flashed Zax a bright smile that seemed to brighten the dark corridors of the dreary Acheron.

"Yes my lady. Even my refined tastes are satisfied with the accommodations here. ", smiled the tiefling at the flirty captain.

"Would you do me the honor of accepting a tour of my humble vessel. We seldom have passengers of your rank and station grace my ship. ", purred Blaze.

Zax nodded, "Yes I would like that. Seldom do I have the opportunity to explore such an unique ship , with such a beautiful guide. If I were to hazard a guess , I would say the Acheron was built on one of the outer planes . Considering its dark and grim motifs, I would guess one of the lower ones, most likely the one it was named after. It might have been used to navigate the river Styx or Lethe , or some other hazardous outer planar water way. Whatever it's origins, it is definitely unique and I would like to see more of it. Please...lead on ! ", commanded the tiefling as he was escorted by the smiling Blaze.

Isula shook her head. She should have smashed the tiefling's face when she had the chance.


Nymk tested the draw on her new bow, a simple weapon she picked up in Lower Lueders at a weapon merchant. Her infamous black bow was the sword woman's favored weapon of choice. The deadly weapon was crafted from rare horn, bone and woods from her homeland , and enchanted by the wizard Delsenora, the most competent of the daughter's of Boryis. She had killed dragons, giants, and all manner of tundra beasts with it . Sadly it was not in her possession any more, and as she looked at the distant long ship pursuing them, she wish it was.

"This won't go down well. ", noted the swords woman to Sarin.

Sarin nodded grimly. "When they get with in range they can smash our vessel. We can give them the slip once or twice with Kania's manipulation of fogs and misdirection, but even a single stray boulder can sink us. "

Nymk agreed. "The vessel the summoner created is sturdy, but not sturdy enough against a giant's rocks. "

Sarin stared helplessly at their pursuers. "Do you think we can distract them? You know split up and distract our pursuers."

Nymk turned to Sarin and smiled . "You mean sacrifice a pawn to delay the game. Someone to sacrifice themselves to give the rest a chance to escape?".

Sarin nodded and returned the smile back, "Yeah . Something like that. ", she said while inadvertently locking gazes with the paladin.

The pair stopped , seemingly forgetting the danger that they were in. The giants and hostages seemed a distant thought as the paladin and swords woman simply enjoyed the view of each others eyes. It was a little known fact, but Nymk was a Knight of Winter and therefore was an old comrade of Sarin's grandmother , and noted his eyes were the same sky blue as hers. They seemed cold and distant, but possessed their own tranquil beauty. She knew her own eyes were a deeper blue then his and wondered what he saw in hers.

As the swords woman contemplated the paladin's thoughts, a distant war horn sounded from their pursuers. Nymk recognized the sound, it signaled an increase in speed. It meant the leader of the long ship knew they were almost upon their prey .

"I know what you're thinking, but it isn't feasible. If we attacked them directly , they would just roll over whoever we send against them and continue their pursuit. They won't be distracted by a screening force either, they would head directly for the raft. The ogre head hasn't returned so we must assume it was slain. We could surrender, but giant's are known for their legendary wrath , not their forgiveness. I would suspect they would execute every tenth person or something similar to teach us a lesson. Our best option is putting a few people on the dolphins and hope they get away , the bulk of us will have to remain aboard this vessel of course. Its not a good option, but having some survivors is better then none.", relented Nymk as her attention was refocused on their attackers.

Sarin considered her evaluation and frowned . He pondered the situation and then suddenly grasped and fluffed Nymk's hair. Unless the swords woman was in a guise, she would have normally killed a person for that action but she found her self smiling at his touch.

"I don't suppose I could convince you to get on one of the dolphins to get away? I would run myself, but I think my dolphin has suffered enough with me riding on it. It probably needs to rest its back.", joked the half elf.

Nymk simply took a step next to the paladin and leaned against him. She enjoyed his warmth and found some solace in his proximity. She didn't want it to end like this, but could think of no better companion to make her last stand with.


"What are those two doing?", asked Petrus as he readied his armor and weapons for war. Although he mostly relied on Adria and his spells in a fight, the summoner was trained in light armor and weaponry.

"1000 gold says that those two will be sucking face soon. ", commented Kirgi as he readied his crossbow bolts for the approaching battle.

"1000 gold ? Agreed. My...aren't we rich today?", scoffed the summoner.

"Hey ...you don't actually expect either of us to spend this cash do you? ", smirked the dwarf. This his expression turned serious, "You aren't planning to have Adria sprout wings and fly you outta here are you? "

Petrus cackled at the suggestion. "You saw what they did to those Griffons. I don't think that would be a good idea. Perhaps if we fled during the middle of battle, or under guise of an illusion we could escape, but I think our chances are better with the rest of the group. "

The dwarf observed the summoner's explanation suspiciously, "You thought about running ..haven't you?".

The ebony skinned Adria turned her head and stared at Petrus after the comment. Even though she was engaged in dragging the vessel and about 40 feet away from the summoner in the raging sea , she still reacted to the curious question as if she was standing next to the dwarf.

The summoner acknowledged his eidilon and sighed, "I have gave it a passing thought. ", relented Petra , but then added ," There was a point, not that long ago actually, that I would have seriously considered it. After all we've been through my views have changed. Right now, I , no make that Adria and I , consider you our comrades . You don't abandon your comrades. Unless a tactical advantage is to be had, running in not an option. We will stand and fight. "

Kirgi nodded then pointed to the back of the vessel at the enamored maid and half elf , "Oh hey..look at that . 1000 gold for me."

Petrus shrugged , waving the dwarf's request for another time and continued inspections of his gear.

"Wait...you were wondering if there was room on Adria for you to escape. Weren't you?", noted the summoner with amusement.

Kirgi scoffed at the suggestion and continued readying his crossbow's ammunition.

"If you do change your mind about that comrade crap, do you think you can squeeze a dwarf onto Adria's back?", whispered the dwarf.


"Is that another vessel ?", noted Halvor to Lady Kania. She was in the form of a woman again, but she seemed tired and distracted.

She had recently climbed on board of the vessel. Mainly to rest for the coming battle. She was told to escape with several prisoners. Intially she scoffed at the idea, claiming to have not . Besides Sarin, she had no attachment to the rest of the group. Even though she had her reputation as a cold blooded killer to uphold, she had no desire to see him killed or captured. She knew that their small group was no match for a long ship full of giants. She hoped to wait for an opportunity in the heat of the battle and escape with the "Chosen " one. She was sure she could over power him with either her magic or immense strength. He would most likely resent or hate her for saving his life, but in the grand scheme of things that was acceptable.

"Is that another vessel ?", asked Halvor again. "I can't see from this far. Maybe your beast sight or something can identify them."

Kania was busy observinging Sarin and the small barbarian woman , and ignored the big knight's question again.

"Are you ok? Did you need a moment?", asked the knight politely.

Kania was tired of the interruptions and decided to indulge Halvor. She turned her attention to the distant object and narrowed her feline eyes.

"Yes, that is a boat. It appears to be a small merchant vessel or perhaps fishing craft. ", observed the lamia through the mists that still surrounded them.

"Is it flying any colors? Any symbols?", asked Halvor concerned.

"Its not a Grom vessel if that is what you are asking? It's not flying the colors and symbols of Narwhal of Thunwark..I mean Barkwark either. I am not an expert, but I suspect its one of the minor northern orders. ", Kania noted.

The lamia saw the knight was thinking about this development and quickly interrupted him. "It would not be feasible to transfer our passengers to their ship. Not only do they seem unable to hold them all but the vessel does not seem that fast as well. You would just be dooming them as well if you get them involved.

"We should warn them. The giant's won't stop with just us. ", noted the knight quickly.

Kania nodded her head in agreement. She was not dedicated enough to die by their side, but she also wasn't cold hearted enough to let another ship full of prisoners fall into the giant's clutches.

"I reason that the mists still obscure our foes vision as well, regardless if they have a sea ranger or whatever we concluded was guiding them. If we tried a direct signal the giants would be aware or at the very least alerted of their presence. We need to signal them indirectly. ", responded Kania.

"Any suggestions ?", asked Halvor.


"I will return as soon as I warn them.", sighed the lamia as she slipped into the water and changed back into mer creature.

"She's not bad for a cold blood killer. ", commented Halvor as Lady Kania swam away.

A few of the women and children were loaded aboard the few dolphins , given magical weather protection and sent quickly away. There was not room for all of them, but Halvor noted that no one complained about the one's he chose to save. His brother Joakim was still in no condition to fight, but a few of the captives took up clubs and daggers and were prepared to do battle . They were captured once and tasted the lash of giant slavery, they would not be taken so easily again.

As the giant vessel neared them, Halvor noted that they refrained from barraging the boat with boulders, but instead were firing their arbalests at the escaped prisoners. It was a sign they wanted the bulk of them as captives or perhaps they wanted to inflict a painful lesson . Nymk and Kirgi sniped at them as they approached but the massive shields and battlements of the giant ship , along with the giant's own heavy armor made them hard targets. Despite their small target profile, Nymk did manage to strike a few with her arrows, and Kirgi did hit one in the eye. Whether it was a fluke shot or not, the dwarf did shout out his strike and bolstered the spirits of the defenders.

War horns sounded from the giant's longship as they approached within a hundred yards. Petrus attempted to blanket their enemy with a wall of fire, but the giant shaman's were ready and easily dispelled his magic. Their tricks were all used up and the inevitablity of battle was on them.

"Petrus! Keep trying your spells! Nymk ! Kirgi! Try to snipe their shamans if they reveal themselves ! Rest of you , form on Sarin ! ADRIA NOW! ", shouted Halvor in a commanding voice.

Adria grew to over 12 feet tall and used her almost supernatural strength to twist the rudder. The raft lurched to the side , almost capsizing . The dangerous manuever seemed to shock both giant and allies as it leaned impossibly out of the water. Finally the ebon skin eidolon released the pressure on the rudder, causing the raft to flop heavily in the water. The quick reversal placed their vessel alongside the longship. Halvor winced as he heard the sounds of the raft's main supports cracking under the strain, there would be no escape now. They evaded the barrage of giant boulders, but now would have to face the axes of their foes. He knew whatever chance they had to defeat their foes laid in melee. It sounded ridiculous, but at range they were at the mercy of the giant's superior missile power. Up close though they could at least take a few down with them.

The giants were surprised , but happily obliged their foe. As a race, they preferred melee over range and gave thanks to their god Thryme for the deliverance of a worthy but stupid foe. The giants gave a deafening roar signalling their attack was about to begin. The sound shook Halvor's bones and he was sure people on the coast could probably hear them. Undaunted, the big knight scrambled behind Sarin as the first wave of giants crashed into their vessel.