Sor-Arhan sat at his Captain's table and spread preserves on bread. He was not enjoying his breakfast. "Where did this damned fog come from. We are too far out to sea!" he complained.
His first officer nodded his agreement. "Never saw anything like it, sir. Just before dawn it came rolling in with the wind. Can't see ten feet in this mess."
Sor-Arhan sighed. "Well, can't have us running into another ship. Have the fog watch keep an eye out. Ring the bell and beat the war drum as required so we don't run afoul of the others. Damn inconvenient."
At that moment, Bar-Melath was holding on to the rail of his warship and cursing. He had also ordered the fog bell and drums. Where is that damn ship I sent after the spies. Sunk? Chasing them? For all his questions the fog would give him no answers. Damnedest thing this fog. Bar-Melath was an experienced seaman and had sailed in these waters his whole life. This is no natural fog.
With that thought, Bar-Melath called out for his first officer. "Listen up. Pass this along to all the men. Other than the fog watch, silence on the ship. Tell them to listen carefully."
"What are we listening for, sir?"
"A ship. A silent ship with no fog watch. Put extra men at the bow and have the decks cleared for action but otherwise no noise. Understand?" The mate nodded.
Not natural. I don't know what kind of evil would craft this fog deep at sea but I would wager my life that the spies will use it to sneak past us. Bar-Melath felt a stirring deep inside. He knew he was right but how in the name of all the Gods did you catch a ghost?
There was only one way. Damn it was risky but he had no choice. Making his way back to the stern he ordered the steersman to gently begin to steer a zigzag pattern. "In this fog, sir?"
"Don't question my orders! Just do it." Bar-Melath was adamant. The steersman slowly steered the ship port then, after a time, starboard. With the wind coming from the south west, that meant the sails made noise every time they adjusted tack but that couldn't be helped.
On board the trader, Thugard was standing at the bow, his had resting on the rigging. Like the men with him, he was peering intensely into the fog hoping against hope that they would slip through. Then he heard it. "Anyone else hear that?" he asked.
"Fog watch. Bells and drums." whispered one of his men. "Faint, but it's out there."
"We are upon them. Where away?" asked Thugard.
"Can't tell. Fog is too thick, Captain. It's distorting the sounds."
"No help for it then. Maintain course and hope for the best. Meanwhile," Thugard said softly to one of the men, "tell Barik to clear for battle."
The ship was near silent as it glided through the ocean. The waters were almost flat and with the wind behind them the sails were full and noiseless. Thugard could hear the ocean splitting across his bow as the ship pierced the water but knew that even a few yards away there would be only silence. For an old tub she moves well, he thought.
Is it my imagination or is that ship closer than before? Thugard could hear the bell and drums of the fog watch and now he was certain. It was closer. Then came a noise that made Thugard break the silence. He heard the wind snap into sails as a ship changed tack. They are changing course! And they are upon us!
