The bustling activity at the port of Coaston painted a vivid picture of urgency and preparedness. Under the watchful eye of King Arthur, the crew and assistants scrambled to load the ships, securing supplies, weaponry, and other essential provisions for the challenging voyage to Teutonia.
Amidst the organized chaos, Erlan and Astrid worked diligently alongside the crew. They hauled crates, examined the rigging, and ensured that everything was properly stowed away. Astrid exchanged a few words with one of the ship's seasoned sailors, learning about the intricacies of navigating treacherous waters.
Erlan, on the other hand, conversed with the ship's captain, Captain Hargrave, a grizzled mariner who had sailed through countless storms and explored distant lands. Erlan sought to gain insight into the specifics of their journey and understand the quirks of the ship.
"So, Captain, how long do you reckon this journey to Teutonia will take?" Erlan inquired, trying to gauge the scope of their adventure.
Captain Hargrave, his eyes weathered from years at sea, squinted thoughtfully. "A voyage to Teutonia, lad, is not for the faint of heart. It'll take us a fortnight if Neptune favors us. The seas can be unpredictable, and there's talk of some restless spirits around those waters."
Erlan nodded, contemplating the challenges ahead. "Restless spirits, you say?"
"Aye," the captain replied, leaning in closer as if sharing a secret. "They say Teutonia's waters are haunted, haunted by the spirits of long-forgotten sailors lost to the sea. Some believe they guard the waters, and it's not wise to cross their paths."
Astrid joined the conversation, her curiosity piqued. "What can we do to appease these spirits or avoid their ire?"
Captain Hargrave scratched his chin, deep in thought. "Well, it's said that paying respects to the sea and offering a toast to the lost souls can't hurt. Some captains keep a special grog brewed for such occasions."
Erlan and Astrid nodded, determined to respect the traditions and superstitions of the sea. As they continued to help with the preparations, they couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension about the journey that lay ahead, sailing through uncharted waters towards the mysteries of Teutonia.
Erlan's question about pirates sailing the waters of Teutonia seemed to strike a chord with Captain Hargrave. The weathered mariner paused, his eyes distant, as if reflecting on past encounters.
"Aye, lad, there be stories of pirates in those waters," Captain Hargrave began, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial tone. "But there are two names that send shivers down the spine of any sailor brave enough to sail these parts."
The crew around them had fallen silent, their work momentarily forgotten as they leaned in to hear the captain's tale. Erlan and Astrid exchanged intrigued glances.
"Captain Alfranso," Captain Hargrave continued, "is a notorious iberian pirate, known for his cunning and ruthlessness. They say he's a master of disguise and espionage, striking fear into the hearts of those he encounters. He's been chasing riches and plundering ships for years."
Erlan furrowed his brow, concerned about the possibility of encountering such a formidable adversary. "And the other one?"
Captain Hargrave nodded solemnly. "Aye, Captain Dredd is the stuff of legends. Some believe he's no man at all but a restless spirit, cursed to roam the seas for all eternity. His ship, the Phantom's Revenge, is said to be as black as night, and its crew, nothing but phantoms. They appear in the darkest of storms and strike terror into the hearts of any unfortunate enough to cross their path."
Astrid couldn't help but shiver at the eerie description. "Is there any way to avoid these pirates or spirits, Captain?"
Captain Hargrave leaned in closer, his eyes filled with caution. "Avoiding them, lass, is no easy feat. Some say it's all down to luck, but others believe that appeasing the spirits of the sea can keep them at bay. A fair offering and a few words of respect can go a long way."
YOU ARE READING
Swords Will
AvventuraErlan, a traitor during his time in the Albion Army, is hiding out in a small town in Gallia when he is dragged into a search for an ancient artefact from his past by an old friend. Along the way he makes enemies, friends and redeems himself from hi...
