CH. 04 - Prince Hluuwee, Fabulous He

[Daos]

"Are we to depart back to Si'ahl then?" asks Pisces.  "And if so, when?"

[HorizonsDream]

"Yes, and I would say the sooner the better," Kalinda says. "I think we made a clean escape, but I wouldn't want to take chances."

[MaltholLoth]

"Yes, I can't imagine it will take them too long to figure it out. Though... The only other idea of hanging around for a long time before escaping or even re-attempting seems so crazy I don't know why I'm even saying it." Terani laughs.

[Daos]

"Well, sailing at night can be dangerous," Pisces says, "but it would make it easier to slip past Ravenite patrols, too, if you feel that risk is worth it."

[HorizonsDream]

"Let's get as far as we can," Kalinda says.

[MaltholLoth]

His decisions haven't been the best so remains silent in agreeing with either party.

[Daos]

"Understood," Pisces says.  "Alright, you all heard them," he calls to the crew.  "We're departing immediately.  I want that anchor raised and those sails unfurled, on the double."  The crew jumps into action, preparing the ship for departure.  Turning back to the group, he says, "You can rest down below, if you need to.  We can take care of the rest."

[MaltholLoth]

"Thank you captain, though I think I'll stay on deck for some fresh air." Terani says before walking to the bow to be out of the way of the crew.

[Daos]

"Very well," Pisces says.  "But please stay out of the way so my men can work."

It doesn't take long to get the ship ready, and it sails out of the cave and under the night sky, star and moon light leading the way as it turns southward, toward Si'ahl.

[HorizonsDream]

Kalinda decides to stay on deck as well to keep a look out for possible danger.

[Daos]

The next few days pass at sea, before the Tideway docks in Si'ahl safely, finding it easier to slip out of Ravenite waters than to enter them.  It is Vacuumvoid 21st when they make landfall and head up to the Coral Palace to report.  The Supervisor calls the council together for a meeting quickly.  As the party enters, the council are discussing the wars to the south against Rain Mountain and Smoke Mountain, as well as something about a raid on Noisy Waters.  The council quickly turns their attention to the party, however.

"You have returned much sooner than expected, and with no prince in hand, I see," Saltyx observes.  "Did something go wrong?  Were you discovered?" she asks, a bit anxiously.

[MaltholLoth]

"Alas so. And that blame lies mostly with me." Terassi says before relating the details of the guards arrival in the tavern and his idiocy with his actions, but trying to emphasise the work of the others in rectifying the situation.

[Daos]

Listening to the tale, the council looks concerned.  Olivia's mouth flattens into a straight line.  Dusksun, however, appears anxious.  "Then at least, the Ravenites never discovered you were from Salt Whale?  At least that means they can't retaliate against us directly."

"Yes," says Saltyx, subdued.  "While nothing was gained from this venture, at least nothing was lost, either.  Perhaps this had been too ambitious of me.  I am sorry for risking your lives over what must have been an impossible task to begin with."

[HorizonsDream]

"I don't think it was an impossible task, but I think we were ill equipped to get the job done," Kalinda says. "Kidnapping a prince, even with less soldiers around, is no easy feat."

[Daos]

"Yes, perhaps we should refocus on more domestic issues," Duskun agrees.  "Like the growing war in the south.  Refugees are already beginning to spill in.  The Ravenites may have to wait awhile."