27 -28 Saraju 720

The days since Bjarni's return are filled with preparations for the trip to Tarnbro. Jabor, Gelda and Shella spend their time busily packing belongings together ready to travel.

It seems as if these preparations are taking place all over Ygesdram. Everywhere you go their are clansmen from the Daas clan preparing to travel.

On the morning of the 28th Jabor believes his preparations concluded and with a nod and handshake bids each of you a safe travel and looks forward to seeing you again in Tarnbro.

During your movements about the thran you also hear a story of a battle taking place several days ago on the Imua River, several vessels of the Stahler fleet were engaged by vessels from Trond. It would seem from the tale being told that the battle was indecisive, but it highlights the fact that it would seem Trond is ready to join the war and not on your side.

Late in the afternoon of the 28th with Jabor and the girls now gone, you are visited by Cunate Daas, Thaldirs Daas and Tersi Trilsten. Cunate asks your warband if you would on your arrival in Tarnbro, be part of the crew of his vessel the "Wave Kestrel". None of your warband are familiar with ship which initially seems to indicate that this vessel is a major ship nor is it part of the Daas' main fleet.

"The waters we are about to sail are treacherous and I would have eyes out spying what dangers lurk about my fleet"

Barak responds "That is a generious offer my Jarl, and one that I would gladly accept. We have not discussed what we would do after leaving Ygesdram, but crewing a vessel and acting as scouts is something we've all said we'd be interested in. Can we have a few moment to discuss this amongst ourselves?"

Post by GM Cunate smiles and nods his head, Thaldirs also flashes a quick smile at you. Cunate leads the other two away from your table but they quickly loose themselves in a conversation amongst themsevles which is hard for you to overhear

Borygg will indicate his support of the idea.

"Aye Lord, about time we got some water under our keel"

"Aye, too long have I been on land. The sea should be a welcoming embrace at this point."

Bryndis indicates her willingness to act as eyes and ears for Cunate on the "Wave Kestrel".

[To finish this off before the Christmas post freeze]

Barak approaches Cunate "When you are free my Jarl." he says before withdrawing to allow them to complete their conversation.

When Cunate is ready, Barak continues "We are honoured by your offer to allow us to crew the Wave Kestrel and are delighted to accept. We hope that we will be of good service to you. Thank you. Where is she berthed and what are your first orders for us?" after a slight pause to consider he also asks "Is the Wave Kestrel ready for sea, and provisioned, or do we need to do that? Lastly, I am not sure of the size or type of craft she is; will we need additional crew to sail her well and if we do have you any you recommend that can join us on this venture? I know we are short of a good navigator and if we are to sail dangerous waters someone with more experience of boat repairs could be useful too."

Algared nods and says "Indeed we would be honored.." Algared adds. As Cunate withdraws to discuss matters with Thaldirs and Tersi, Algared grins and says to his friends "Well I guess we have a berth."

Cunate stops his conversation immediately the warband indicated they have made their decision.

"The Wave Kestral is Tarnbro, she is boat of 36 oars and her crew has suffered from losses during this war and so needs to take on new watchman and for this purpose I have selected you to keep her safe. She is special to me that boat" he adds.

"The boats pilot and most of her crew are waiting aboard. I would ask you to make best speed to Tarnbro look her over and make her ready for sea!"

"Her lines are sleek and she flies like her namesake across the water!" Cunate says. Nodding his head towards Borygg he says "I would like you to be her cargomaster (Supercargo) you have skills at accounting for cargo and doing business. Your skill will give you legitmacy if you are questioned on your business"

Then turning to Bryndis he says "I would like you to take over as First Mate and Svadkell I would see you as the Bosun!"

Turning to face Bjarni he says "and to you I grant the greatest responsibility, I want you to Captain my boat! Are you up to it?" Cunate asks.

"I have left my kinsman as oarsmen or sailing crew depending on your Captains decision" Cunate says with a hint of a smile "because if you are questioned it is easy to down play the importance of the boat if my kinsman are naught but crew!"

"I will see you in Tarnbro before we sail to set you your tasks!"

Barak just briefly nods in response.

Bjarni thanks Cunate and turns to the others. "Algared was right. We do have a berth."

Algared smiles as his companions are given their roles on the lWave Kestrel, and nods as both he and Barak are allocated their positions. He then speaks asking.

"My Jarl, We will endeavur to provide both eyes and ears, and with our supercargo turn a tidy profit for you....The Wave Kestral is 36 oars and you indicated her Pilot and most of her crew are still aboardi. Are we the only additional crew required or will more crew also need to be signed on by her new captain. Since you desire us to also keep her safe do you have any concerns about the loyalty of crew or merely the wish to ensure she can defend herself from an attack by our foes."

Post by GM "As to her crew am do not know, I wanted people I can trust aboard her for the task I have in mind, as for turning a profit, that is the last thing I want you to do. That is merely a cover should you be questioned about your purpose asail!" Cunate shakes his head "the Wave Kestrel has provided me good service and I have no reason to doubt that will continue, especially with your warband aboard" he says with a hint of a smile. If the boat needs more crew to make her fit for sea then you have my permission to take any aboard that meet her captains choosing!"

"Thirty six oars. She sounds like a warboat. What do you lads know of her?"

Cunate says "Indeed she is a warboat and a finer vessel you will never want to see!" then with a quick glance to his companions Cunate asks "If you have no more questions, I shall see you in Tarnbro in a day or two where we shall talk further"

"No my Jarl, I have no more questions at this time." Algared pauses looking at his companions to see if they have any questions.

"We shall see you be in Tranbro where we shall learn more of the task." Algared says finally,

"This is more like it. When are we leaving, and more importantly, where exactly in Tarnbro?"

"Are those not for you to decide, captain?"

"True. The morning sounds good to me."

Summoning up all his local knowledge, Barak states "If you take the road due west from here, the one that follows the river, the first thran you come to is Tarnbro. It is on the confluence of the river Imua and the river Leim. From their you can go up the river Imua, past Trond, to Lake Imua which has huge stocks of fish, particularly excellent sturgeon; or you can go down the river Leim to Voldfjord, and hence in to Leimenfjord and to the Sea of Ivae for the shoals of herring and cod. Unless, of course, our destination is Pelwyn, Altenhus, Hilm or one of the smaller thrans within the fjord."

Over the preceeding few days the clans living in the thran of Ygesdram are leaving. Families of clan Daas are moving towards Tarnbro, other smaller clans are seeking refuge with their kinsman. Several branches seem determined to stay, among them Skorri Daas and despite protests from his Valhakar Madrim Trilsten.

Other minor clans also remain behind.

Barak packs up his remaining things and says his goodbyes to the remaining folk ready to leave for Tarnbro in the morning. He is sorry to have to abandon his sea chest but he knows he can't carry it that far.

With the comings and goings of each of the warband throughout the day, Borygg returns to the meadhall just as Barak has removed the contents of his seachest when Borygg announces that he has secured transport for everyones seachest.

They will be collected later today and make their way to Tarnbro, it will cost us 2 silver for the privelidge, however, Borygg adds.

Later in the day a group of men arrive at the meadhall, entering the hall they seek out Borygg and make the final arrangements for the delivery of your seachests.

GM wrote:Over the preceeding few days the clans living in the thran of Ygesdram are leaving. Families of clan Daas are moving towards Tarnbro, other smaller clans are seeking refuge with their kinsman. Several branches seem determined to stay, among them Skorri Daas and despite protests from his Valhakar Madrim Trilsten.

Other minor clans also remain behind.

Algared also spends time with his family prior to leaving for Tambro. It troubles him that they intend to remain, he had vowed to do all in his power to ensure their safety. He will leave in the morning with his friends in the morning.

Despite the troubled relationship with his father, Algared regrets having to leave them. Algared knws his father is proud and hates to loose anything and so feels he understands his father's desire to stay. Yet, if his mother or sister indicate at all they wish to leave he will take them with him to Tambro.

Bjarni will seek out Algared and ask him if he can tell him about the book that Cunate gave him (he gave it to Algared to have a look at some time ago).

Post by GM Algared returns the book to Bjarni telling him the book is titled "The Pilot's Guide to the Waterways of Western Menglana"

Svardkell will prepare his equipment and make ready for the journey.