Treachery on the Seas
So you want to hear another tale about Captain Dread do you? How about Captain Dreads journey north to supply weapons to the armies of the great Fire Axe?
Captain Dread was just finishing his studies for the day at Cardinal Thorns manor when he was called to the study. When he got to the study Cardinal Thorn was sitting behind his desk and standing to one side was the imposing figure of a Dread Knight of Asmodeus. Dread had to look twice because it was hard to believe that such an imposing figure could actually be the same Squire Timeon who he found snivelling in a cupboard.
Captain Dread I have an important task for you, I have an army amassing in the north. They are in need of weapons and expertise that only someone such as yourself can bring. I have a ship that will take you north to meet the Fire Axe and give him all the supplies he needs to wreck havoc on the north. Once you have supplied the Fire Axe I would like you to infiltrate the keep of Aldencross and sabotage the defences, to make it easy for the Fire Axe to destroy the armies defending the north. To ensure your success you will need to tie any lose ends up with the crew of the Frosthammer once they are of no more use. As you can see, Timeon is also ready to join your crew, he is a fine swordsman but is still young and could learn a lot from a man of your legendary abilities.
Captain Dread looked at Timeon, I agree that he still has much to learn but I am confident that with my instruction he can become a formidable weapon in the service of Asmodeus.
That evening Dread and his crew made their way to the docks to board the Frosthammer and set sail under the cover of darkness. Captain Odenkirk seemed like a seasoned sailor and his crew seemed quite loyal to him. Dread spent as much time with Odenkirk as he could for two reasons, to make sure the ship made good time but more importantly to get Odenkirk comfortable with Dread being close to him for when he was of no more use.
The journey began quite peacefully with the Frosthammer making good time and the first few days went uneventful. Around midday on the fourth day, Chaka spotted a ship on the horizon. Once the ship came close enough to make out, it turned out to be a patrol ship. Dread knew immediately that the Frosthammer was too slow to outrun the patrol ship and it was clear it was heading their way. If they got to see the cargo it wouldn't take long for them to realise, they were smuggling weapons. With a smile on his face Dread thought to himself this calls for some deception and I have the perfect disguise.
The patrol boat pulled alongside the Frosthammer there was a shout of halt in the name of the king. In addition to the crew of the patrol ship there were a dozen heavily armoured soldiers on board.
The Frosthammer came to a halt and the Captain and a group of soldiers boarded. The Captain asked who is in charge here?
Dread stepped forward I am.
The Captain replied Sir Balin, why are you heading north?
I am returning to Aldencross with some much-needed supplies.
What sort of supplies?
Mostly food stuffs, we had a poor harvest and it will be winter soon. Feel free to inspect the cargo if you think it's necessary.
Sir Balin, I would not dishonour a man of your reputation by inspecting your cargo. Have a safe journey, it is getting cold to the north and the seas are starting to get rough.
Thank you for letting us depart expeditiously, we are hoping to get on to the rivers before the sea gets too bad.
The patrol ship departed, and Dread dropped his disguise.
A couple of days later the ship came under attack by Triton warriors. They appeared out of nowhere and before anyone could react, they had summoned Water Elements on to the ship. Dread shouted to Timeon keep the deck clear so that those with ranged weapons could pick the warriors off.
Dread and Timeon both highly capable swordsmen managed to cut down the majority of the Water elements in no time. But before they could get the last couple one of the Water Elements grabbed Santiago and jumped overboard. Dread shouted for Grumble Jack to throw a rope overboard and pull Santiago back.
Dread dealt with the last Water Element on board while Grumble Jack with the aid of Timeon pulled Santiago back on board. Chaka and some of the crew had dealt with most of the Tritons but one of them began summoning more Water Elements, he was clearly the one in charge. Dread shouted for Timeon to deal with what was summoned as he picked a bow up from the supplies.
As Dread notched an arrow, he felt a strange sensation come over him as he looked at the leader of the Tritons. There was clearly some sort of wizardry going on as Dread had to have a duel of wills with the Triton to shoot it. The arrow flew true and hit the Triton between the eyes. Dread then felt a huge mental weight lift of him. Upon seeing their leader was dead, the rest of the Tritons retreated.
That night the air became a lot cooler, signalling they were on the northern seas now. Everyone happy the journey would soon be over settled down for the night. While Phillipe was on watch he noticed something moving at the top of the mast. As he alerts the rest, they get attacked from all sides by Ice Elementals.
The Ice Elementals are quickly dealt with, however the creature at the top of the mast is another story. It is difficult to hit and when Chaka and Santiago do hit it does not take long for the wounds to heal. The creature seems to take great enjoyment in the failures to stop it and is slowly whittling Chaka and Santiago down with its Ice attacks.
Dread realising that Chaka and Santiago, who unlike the creature can't heal won't be able to stand too much more of this. Chaka tried to dive at the creature as it flew in low for an attack but missed and fell overboard.
An idea formed in Dreads mind and he ties a noose in a rope and as the creature flew low for another attack, he threw the noose catching the creature as it went passed. The creature unable to fly came crashing to the deck.
Dread quickly tied the creature up while it was stunned meanwhile Grumble Jack rescued Chaka who was cold and wet. Once the creature was secure Dread held a torch to its feet and asked, who are you and what do you want?
The creature hesitated clearly afraid but replied I am Kiliketz the Ice Mephit and please don't kill me.
If you can be of use to me, I will untie you.
Kiliketz with fear still in his eyes replied I am Stealthy and can scout.
I am interested but you will have to agree to a blood pact and work for me for 6 months.
Kiliketz took a moment to think before replying I will agree if you promise to keep fire away from me.
Dread untied Kiliketz and then they agreed a blood pact. Kiliketz seemed happy when Dread suggested for him to stay at the top of the mast away from the fire of the torches on deck the crew used to see.
The next morning, they arrived at the mouth of the River Taiga and after a few difficult hours navigating the river, Lake Tarik came into view. On the north shore a large army of Bugbears had assembled.
The Frosthammer docked at a small pier at the edge of the Bugbear camp. Dread with Grumble Jack at his side began walking down the pier. A group of Bugbears clearly looking to cause a bit of trouble headed their way. Dread said to Grumble Jack we need to make a statement not to mess with us so don't hold back.
The Bugbears drew weapons and shouted get out our way your cargo belongs to us.
Dread drew his sword and dropped a Bugbear with a deft move, meanwhile Grumble Jack had cleaved one in two, Santiago and Chaka had opened fire on another pair. The fight was over before it had even begun.
A large Bugbear made his way down to the shore and he was clearly impressed with the display and shouted I am the Fire Axe, who are you and what do you want?
I am Captain Dread and I bring gifts from Cardinal Thorn.
A couple of crates were brought down from the ship and the Bugbear opened one and pulled an axe out, he then turns to face the Bugbears on the shore. These humans are my guests, anyone who harms them will have to deal with me. They have brought us steel.
He tosses the axe towards a nearby Bugbear. There is a large cheer from the Bugbears. The rest of the cargo is unloaded, and a large celebration is held to honour Captain Dread and the weapons he brought the Bugbears. Later that evening the Fire Axe asked Dread for a private chat.
Dread made his way to the Fire Axes tent, upon entering the Fire Axe said you are a traitor to your kind may I ask why, as I will bring nothing but death and destruction to Talingarde.
Dread looked straight into the Fire Axes eyes I have my reasons and I am happy for destruction to be brought upon those who worship Mitra for they are no friends of mine.
Captain Dread and the Fire Axe then sat down and had an evening talking about their various achievements. The Fire Axe finished the evening by saying you will need to leave in the morning, my forces will continue to grow over the next couple of weeks before we head south. You have a month to infiltrate and destroy Balentyne. Can you do this?
I will bring the walls down within the month so you forces can enter unimpeded.
The Fire Axe seemed impressed with Dread and passes him a signal rocket. You are Thorns best or he would not have sent you, I have faith you can do this. Launch this rocket when you are ready for my assault to begin.
The next morning the Frosthammer departs and heads to the south shore. The crew seemed to be relived that they had departed the Bugbears camp, little did they know they were about to be of no further use to Captain Dread and their relief would be short lived.
Dread spent the journey south in his usual place by Captain Odenkirk's side. As the Frosthammer docked on the south shore Dread turned to Odenkirk, your service has been most admirable but…..
Before Dread could finish his sentence, Santiago launched an Ice Ball at Odenkirk. At this point all hell broke loose. Odenkirk went into a rage and his crew began to draw weapons, luckily the crew were caught off guard so some of them never managed to attack before they went down.
Dread cursed out loud Santiago you impatient fool.
Dread and Odenkirk then clashed swords both with the complete opposite of fighting style. Odenkirk had large powerful swings, where Dread had small finesseful stabs. Both were skilled fighters and Odenkirk seemed to not notice when Dread gave him several deep cuts, but Odenkirks strikes were slow and easy for Dread to dodge so it was clear from the start that Dread had the upperhand.
Dread realising that only the most lethal of blows would bring Odenkirk down took his time to aim a blow deep into his guts. The blow did not kill Odenkirk but he did fall to his knees, Dread followed up by drawing his dagger slitting Odenkirks throat from ear to ear before he could get back up.
Dread looked at Odenkirks dead body stating there can only be one Captain on a ship.
The rest of the crew were easily dispatched and once they were all dead the Frosthammer was set on fire and Captain Dread and his crew headed towards Aldencross to bring its walls down.