Chapter 7: Jackson's Cove

It did not take long for the two to gather up their wayward allies. Garrick simply re-donned his guise of a worker, leaving the room to search the warehouse. He found Na'ish and Indira sat upon the quay looking out to the sea. Shaking his head at their apparent laziness, he tapped their shoulders, smirking at the brief fright similar to what Alistair had displayed. He then gestured to them to follow.

Alistair returned to the rafters, soon finding Rogon in his nook enjoying a cup of tea with some old stranger. He simply dropped down in front of him, shocking the two and making Rogon splash the remains of his tea on himself. After some swearing from Rogon and laughing from Alistair and the old man, the two left towards the storeroom, with the old man waving to them as they went.

Once back at the trapdoor, Alistair and Garrick shifted the box they had placed over it as a hasty disguise, revealing it to their companions for the first time. "So...you reckon this is wha' the X was referrin' to?" Rogon asked, looking to the hole created as Alistair lifted the door up once more. "It would make sense…" Na'ish said quietly "It was, after all, hidden. It is at least worth a look."

Garrick rummaged in his satchel, seemingly searching for something. He soon succeeded, pulling out a length of hempen rope wound in a loop. "I agree, however getting down there is the first task. How are people at rope climbing?" He asked the group as a whole. He got some nods from Alistair and Na'ish, a shrug from Rogon and a nervous look from Indira. This didn't exactly fill Garrick with confidence.

"Fine, I shall go first." Garrick then looked around, before affixing one end of the rope to a sturdy post that held up some nearby shelving. He tossed the other length down the hole, thankful to hear the soft thump as the end hit the floor. Sitting down to swing his legs in the hole, he grasped the rope before moving to descend.

"Wait, what if there is some manner of beast down there?" Indira asked, still eyeing the hole with unease. "I could not hear anything, but if that is the case, I would hope you would pull me back up." Garrick said, getting agreement from several of the group. Garrick then slipped off the edge, slowly lowering himself down the rope with the efficiency of someone who had clearly done such things before.

Reaching the bottom, he looked around to realise just how dark the place was. The lit wood he had dropped before had since extinguished, leaving the only light he could see being the shaft coming from the trapdoor above. He reached down to relight the wood, only to find it saturated from the damp rock beneath.

"See anything?" came a shout from Alistair above. Garrick called up to him "Not a lot, too little light down here." The light from the hole was interrupted as Alistair took a place by the rope. "Make space, I'm coming down. Garrick stepped to the side, still looking out to the inky blackness in case he spotted any movement. Alistair soon landed beside him.

Also looking around, Alistair's heritage allowed him to see clearer in the dark than Garrick could. "Hmm, seems like just a large empty cavern. No exi….no wait, there is a thin gap over there" Alistair then pointed, and Garrick squinted but was unable to make out said gap. "Hold on, I'm sure I've got a torch here somewhere…" Garrick said, and once more searched his satchel.

The rope behind them shuddered, before a scream from about halfway up the rope alerted them to the fact that Indira, who had started following Alistair, had lost her grip. Alistair had just enough time to look up and hold his arms out before she slammed into him, taking both to the floor in a groaning pile. "...Ow. You ok?" Alistair groaned. Indira stood up off of him, flushing in embarrassment. "Yes...sorry about that. First time and all...I mean, rope climbing…"

"Everthin' alright down there?" Called Rogon. Alistair also stood with Indira's help, before he stepped to the side "Yeah, it's clear, come on down." It was as Rogon touched down to the floor that light flared to their right, signifying that Garrick had been successful in his search for a torch. Finally, Na'ish climbed down with little trouble.

Garrick had moved towards the now visible gap in the wall. The crag appeared natural, but had clearly been widened in places by tools. This created a gap large enough for even Rogon to slip through. He gestured to it "Shall we?". Alistair walked past him, intent on taking point. When everyone had passed him, Garrick took up the rear, providing light for those who could not see in the dark.

The tunnel turned out to be surprisingly long. They walked along for nearly an hour, the tunnel widening as they progressed to the point that walking in single file was no longer necessary. "So...creepy cave tunnel thing under a warehouse. Still not seeing anything worth calling treasure though." Alistair huffed at the front of the group. "Well, we ain't got to the end yet, have we? Might be a whole stack o' coin for all we know!" Rogon said excitedly, now walking next to him.

"I hope so." Alistair said while focusing on the walls of the tunnel, as if expecting there to be a sudden glint of gold. "Still, would be nice if…wait, do you guys hear that?" The group paused in order to better hear what Alistair was referring to. As they did, a rushing noise reached their ears.

"Sounds like water...a river?" Garrick mused. "It's faint, but that's what I reckon. It's coming from ahead of us." Indira moved to the head of the group "Well," she said happily "Let's go find it!" She then started to skip ahead, the rest speeding up to keep pace. Soon, the sound became far louder, echoing off the walls of the tunnel. Eventually, they came to a much more open cavern.

In the middle of the cavern was a large canyon, the source of the sound coming from it's depths. On each side of the canyon was a pair of posts, vestiges of rotted rope signifying that a bridge had once crossed the gap. Unfortunately, it had long since fallen. Alistair approached the gap tentatively, looking down into the deep crag.

"It's definitely water, but I don't think it's a river. More, waves, perhaps?" Alistair mused. Garrick looked to the other side of the cavern. "Water or not, It doesn't change that fact that we need to find a way to cross." Rogon slipped his pack off his back. "Luckily, you ain't the only one to carry rope!" he then retrieved his own length from within his pack.

Garrick gave him a hesitant nod, then turned to Na'ish and handed out his torch. "Would you be so kind?" Na'ish took the torch without a word. Garrick then took the rope from Rogon, pulling out an arrow from his quiver in the process. Tying the rope to the arrow, he notched it and took aim across the gap.

"Er...I doubt you'll hit that, you can't see in the dark after…" Alistair started, only to be interrupted by the twang of the string as the arrow was released, shortly followed by the thud of it hitting the post on the other side. Garrick gave Alistair a smug smirk. "...Nevermind…" Alistair finished.

Garrick affixed the other end of the rope to the nearby post on their side, forming a taut line to the other side. "So, who's first, any takers?" Rogon, Na'ish and Indira all took a step back, leaving Alistair slightly ahead. He sighed and approached the rope "Fine, guess I will risk life and limb."

Alistair grabbed hold of the rope, his chosen method of crossing being to hold it with his hands, swing under the rope and raise his legs up to also hold it. He shimmied along, and while the rope swayed a fair amount the arrow held firm. Once to the other side, he waved to signal the next person to try.

Rogon had since approached the rope, giving it an experimental twang. "I er...gotta say, not sure if this will be 'nough to hold me…". Given his size, it was a valid concern. Indira looked to where the rope was attached to the post. "Well, there's still plenty of excess, why don't we double it up?" Indira reached down and followed the rope to its other end. Garrick started to pull a second arrow and gestured towards Indira, but she shook her head. "It's alright, we've got this."

Indira tied a loop into the end of the rope, before reaching into her robes. She withdrew Peanut once more, and prodded him slightly in order to wake him. "Sorry buddy, could you help me out?" The rodent yawned cutely, before standing and taking in the situation. It nodded, and took the proffered rope in its mouth. Indira then threw him up into the air and the sugar-glider lived up to its name.

Alistair watched Peanut's progress with narrowed eyes as it glided down to the other side and landed on the post by him. Peanut placed the loop over the post, which Indira pulled in order to tighten. "...You mean you could have just done that all along?" Alistair grumped at Peanut, who just nodded enthusiastically. "...I really hate you sometimes, you know that right?"

With the rope now two strong, it was not long before each of them had managed to cross the gap, even Rogon despite a brief moment of panic as the knot slipped slightly as he crossed. Once across, they were able to get a good look at the cavern here. Unlike the side they had come from, which had been mostly dry, this side was covered by moss and lichen. Water dripped from the ceiling, and the walls had dense vines and roots covering them due to the moist air. Despite this interest, there was a conspicuous lack of an exit, nor anything of value money wise.

"Great, so that was for nothing then?" Alistair huffed, kicking a rock in frustration. He instantly regretted it, and hopped a bit on the spot with a whispered "Shit!" before starting to hobble towards the wall. Garrick sighed "It does seem like it. I suppose we have no choice but to turn back. Perhaps the X was referring to something else?" As he finished, Alistair reached the wall of the cavern. As he went to lean against it in order to inspect the damage done to his foot, however, he instead fell through a curtain of vines.

As he landed with a thump and a "Crap!", the others swung round to see where he had fallen through. "Are you okay Alistair?" Indira called worriedly, and approached the wall. "Yeah, fine...you're gonna want to see this though…" Alistair called back. The remaining group looked to each other before they also approached and stepped through the sheet of vines.

They stepped into the largest cavern they had seen yet. Instantly noticeable was the amount of natural light in the place, streaming through the large open side of the cavern opposite them. The sounds of waves crashing and the deep blue vista that stretched outwards proof that this cavern looked out to sea.

All around the natural cavern, strewn in piles and forming struts and makeshift rooms, were various planks of wood. Closer inspection revealed that these wood parts had once belonged to a ship, and one of at least Galleon size according to the anchor leaning against the wall to the right. In the middle of the cavern was the old central mast, seemingly holding the ceiling of the cavern up. Affixed to the mast was a plaque that read Titan's Gale in fancy, carved font.

Alistair was standing nearby, reading said plaque. He then turned and started rubbing his hands together with glee "Now this is more like it! Finally getting some treasure vibes here people!" Garrick extinguished his torch, it's light no longer needed. "Indeed. Though do be careful. I'm getting an unsettling feeling from this place. Let's split up and look, but be careful."

The group nodded, Alistair quickly jogged to the nearest wood pile and started to shift it aside. Rogon swiftly followed to assist. Na'ish wandered over to the mouth of the cavern, and stared out to sea. Garrick followed the wall of the cavern, checking to see if the vines hid any other passages at all.

Indira decided to check out the one makeshift room that still had a door. Or four walls, for that matter. Upon reaching it, she took in the old wrought iron fittings, the wood itself chipped and worn from age. On a small placard on the door were the words "J. Grayben" in a similar font to the sign on the mast. "Guys, come here! I think I found something!" she called, gaining the attention of everyone in the room. Indira grasped the handle and, finding the door to be unlocked, entered the room swiftly. What she saw caused her to gasp.

"What, what is it? Danger?" Alistair asked, swiftly following her inside and starting to draw his daggers. Indira put her arms out to slow him down. "I am unsure, look." She nodded her head to the end of the room, as the others joined them.

The walls were adorned with makeshift shelves made of wood and rope, upon which stood several old books and scrolls. The opposite wall was still the stone of the cavern, with a large gap showing the outside once more and lighting the place. In the centre stood a massive desk, littered with scraps of parchment and ink pots.

What likely caused Indira's gasp, however, was the massive figure seated at the desk. The large, claw-footed seat was at an angle, allowing the hunched over humanoid shape to lean over the top of the desk. It was wearing an old rusted chestplate, covered by a fading cape. The head of the figure was obscured by a black tricorne hat, laying half on it's head and half on the desk.

The group all shared a glance, before Alistair slowly started to approach around the side of the room. Everyone else watched warily, with Garrick choosing to observe the exit lest their escape route be compromised. As Alistair got around half the desk, he got a better view.

"Breathe everyone, it's dead." he stated. This was apparent by the head of the figure being only a skull, any flesh long since rotted away. In the figure's back, an ornate dagger with gold trim was sticking out, the apparent cause of death.

Alistair, feeling more confident now he knew the figure was dead, approached the desk to get a good look. The others moved around, searching the room more thoroughly as well. As he searched, Alistair noticed that the figure appeared to have slumped over something. Coming beside it and looking over its shoulder, he saw that it appeared to be a piece of parchment, torn at the edges. reaching for it, he started to pull the parchment out from under the arm of the being in order to get a better look.

His breath hitched as the arm that laid across the parchment suddenly grabbed his wrist. He looked at the figure to see it's head had tilted to look up at him, a slight glow within it's dead eyes. "That does not belong to ye…" it spoke in a rough, rattling voice.

Everyone searching the room spun to face the new voice. Realising the source, they got into defensive positions. Na'ish drew his sword and took a stance behind his shield, Garrick and Indira aimed their ranged weapons, and Rogon clasped his hand axe.

Alistair simply tried to give a disarming smile, though given the situation it came through as more of a grimace. Rather than jerk his hand away from the bony grip, he instead slid the parchment back into its previous position. "I er….apologise. I did not realise it's owner was still...alive?" He tried, letting go of the sheet completely.

The skeleton remained silent, tense moments ticking by where nobody was quite sure what to do. Eventually, the figure let go of Alistair's wrist and started laughing loudly, sitting up into its large throne like chair. Alistair, not quite sure how to react, started to laugh nervously along with it. Everyone else exchanged uneasy looks, with most lowering their weapons gradually. Garrick very much remained on the defensive, keeping his weapon trained on the being.

The Skeleton slowed his laughter, turning his gaze to each of the individuals in the room in turn. "You aren't me traitorous crew...what brings you down here hmmm? Gold? Glory?" The group fidgeted under his gaze, not quite sure whether to answer. Alistair gained a determined expression, and walked around to the front of the desk opposite the figure.

"We're here for Grayben's treasure. I need it to find answers." He stated. Garrick shot Alistair a warning look, but it went completely unheeded. The skeleton looked directly at Alistair, pausing to consider him. "Ye've got nerve, I'll give ye that. But what if I'm not in the givin' mood?" Many eyes widened at that statement. "Wait….you're Grayben!?" Rogon exclaimed.

The skeleton laughed once more, standing from his seat as he did so. His enormous size became apparent here, as he towered over even Rogon. "Jackson Grayben, at your service! No item too large to smuggle, no ship so grand nor feared on the sea! At least...that was once the case…" Grayben turned and moved to stand by the crag, looking out to the sea. The sun had started to set, and the horizon had gained an orange glow.

"I used to have a fleet at my command, several ships strong! The problem with that many cutthroats in one place though, is loyalty. Too many want more than their share...want to be the leader and reap the benefits. Mutiny was only a matter of time…" Grayben turned to look at the group. Even Garrick had lowered his weapon, though he had yet to un-notch the arrow. "Several crews rose up, and betrayed us in the dead of night. Anyone loyal to me was killed, and I was left for dead...literally…" He gestured behind him at the dagger lodged in his back.

Grayben stomped back over to the large chair behind the desk, sitting down heavily. He opened a nearby drawer and pulled out an old fashioned green bottle. He then gestured around at the wooden walls and shelves. "What ye see around me is all that's left of me flagship, the once mighty Titan's Gale. All that I was able to salvage before she sunk beneath the waves.." He then paused, tugging the cork from within the bottle with his teeth, before spitting it out to the side and upending the bottle into his jaw.

The liquid within poured down his bones, visible as it dripped into his chest piece and onto the floor. After a few gulps, Grayben stopped and slammed his bottle to the desk. "So forgive me if I do not want to give me life's work to a bunch of half-assed adventurers!" Alistair gained an affronted look at this, and placed his hands on the desk in front of him. "Now look here, you overgrown bag of bones! That treasure is the only thing between me and finding the man that murdered my Mother! I am going to find it, and get my answers from Gaunt, one way or the other!"

Garrick and Na'ish exchanged a wary look at this exclamation, while Indira just looked down sadly. Rogon was preparing to back Alistair up if needed, seeming to understand his feelings, at least somewhat. Grayben remained silent, staring down at Alistair. "...Your Mother, you say? Not for the treasure itself...hmmm…" He let go of the bottle and reached down to pick up the torn parchment on his desk, lifting it to look at it carefully.

"Perhaps, we can assist each other. You want the fabled Grayben's treasure? Well, so do I! It was lost, and not even I know the location anymore." Alistair slumped "So, I have failed anyway, huh?" Grayben shook his head, and placed the parchment down on the table in front of him, revealing what appeared to be part of a nautical map. "Not necessarily. This map leads the way to the hiding place of the treasure. Problem is, the mutineers tore it up and scattered it during their attack all those years ago. Find the map pieces...and you may find the treasure…"

Alistair perked up, and went to take the map, but Grayben swept it from the table and into the drawer on his desk. "Not so fast, I'm not going to let ye take it only to claim the treasure all for yourself. You find the pieces, bring them here, then we search together. Deal?" Grayben then held out a bony hand. Alistair barely hesitated before taking it, shaking and sealing the deal.

"Excellent," Grayben spoke, releasing his hand, "Now, ye'd best be off, before I change me mind." Alistair nodded, turning to leave the room. The others slowly followed him out. Garrick remained by the door, "You do realise that, if these map pieces are as scattered as you say, it could take a while to find them?" Grayben looked up from his desk at him "Time is one of the few things I am unlikely to run out of." Garrick nodded in understanding, turning to leave the room. "One more thing," Grayben called, and Garrick looked over his shoulder to him. "...If you find any of me former crew...make them pay. Courtesy of Jackson Grayben." Garrick simply nodded and left, leaving Grayben to return to his bottle of drink.

It did not take long for the party to return to the trapdoor hatch, most of the journey conducted in awkward silence. Alistair was mostly silent, his face alternating between frustration, anger and sorrow. None of the group, even Indira, seemed to know quite how to start a conversation. Nor whether it would be wise to discuss what they had just found out. Once they were all below the trapdoor, they started to climb up the rope one at a time.

Soon, only Alistair and Garrick remained in the hole, as Indira was climbing the rope. Garrick looked to Alistair. "I realise we do not know each other well...but please. If you feel like you need to talk about your loss, I am likely someone who at least understands part of your pain. Do not let it eat away at you." Alistair looked at Garrick. "I appreciate that, but I am fine, really."

Garrick looked like he didn't truly believe that, but thankfully for Alistair, he did not press the issue. Instead, he started to climb up the rope in order to exit the cave. Alistair turned from the light, looking back into the depths of the cave towards where Grayben was.

"Besides, I plan to handle it my way…" Alistair muttered to himself, before also climbing the rope.


Character Profile:

Name: Na'ish

Race: Unknown

Class: Fighter

Subclass: Champion

Na'ish has no memory of his life from before a couple of years ago. He simply remembers waking up with Godfrey over him healing his wounds. Where he got said wounds, he does not know. Since then, he has followed Godfrey as a friend and guard on his journey. And perhaps on they way, he can find something that will help him remember his past. Perhaps Lud, who shares his golden skin, has the answers...