The ship weighed anchor the next morning. Arya and Enox prepared their spells.
No problems arose as the ship continued toward Mitrik. About 10 am, the ship docked at the town of Hadrian (population about 1000). Captain Elwood and the surviving crew took the body of the dead crewman ashore for burial detail. Thurl also went ashore, looking to hire a replacement crewman. The adventurers were given shore leave until Thurl and Elwood were ready to resume the voyage.
Arya, together with Enox, sought out a good tavern, and was directed to an establishment called The Stately Bow, run by a female tiefling named Sinya. In the common room, they noticed some elves, along with a young couple at their own table. Arya spoke to the barkeep, a fellow half-elf named Xavhand Swordhand, a retired ranger.
“Aye, there’s been a bit of excitement of late,” said Xavhand. “Some smuggling activity in the area. Not that I have a care about how a man makes a living,” he added. Arya smiled. “Also heard of some orc raiding bands on the north bank of the river.”
“We met one of them on the way here,” Arya confirmed. “They won’t be bothering anyone else.” “Well, that’s good to hear!” replied the barkeep. “Here, have a drink on the house!” Arya graciously accepted the free beverage.
Meanwhile, Enox chatted up the elves (speaking in their own language, at that). The elves had heard of a rat attack on a traveling merchant, who had barely escaped with his life. The attack had occurred downstream, heading toward Mitrik.
The wizard then asked where good elven wares, at good prices, could be obtained. “Little is to be found in this region,” answered one of the elves. “Some local merchants may perhaps have some at hand, but it’s doubtful.”
In due course, the adventurers returned to the ship. Elwood and Thurl returned with a new crewman. Soon, the ship headed on its way.
Down the river they sailed, without seeing much river traffic. Arya found it unusual; traffic had been light for some time now. As dusk drew near, and darkness fell, Enox heard sounds from ahead of the ship. He spotted what appeared to be a ship approaching, and alerted the captain and crew.
“To your posts, men,” Elwood ordered. “And lady,” he said to Arya. The crew and the adventurers took their positions on deck.
Approaching the ship, and hugging the river bank, was a small ship, with a small crew. Elwood called out, “Hail the ship! What news from downriver?”
“Eh, who wants to know?” answered a thin voice from the approaching vessel.
“I’m Captain Elwood, of the good ship Desperate Venture,” replied Elwood. “If you have any news, I’ll gladly pay for it!”
“Now yer talkin’, cap’n,” replied the thin voice. “Ten gold and we’ll tell ya all we know!”
Captain Elwood asked for advice on paying the other ship. “Well, I’ve already sent my little bird to observe things, see if they look trustworthy,” advised Enox. The captain also consulted with Thurl.
Enox’s raven, meanwhile, was circling above the other ship. “A quick ten gold, maybe,” the raven heard. “Not a bad haul!” Others on the ship mumbled agreement. The bird returned to Enox and reported.
The Desperate Venture approached near enough to see the crew of other ship: two male humans, one male half-elf, and one female halfling. Tobi perked up at the sight of the female halfling!
Thurl diplomatically conversed with the crew of the other ship. He made a positive impression, and they decided they liked Thurl. Accepting the payment, they informed him of what they knew.
“We’ve heard that there’s an angry druid in the woods somewhere along this part of the river,” said the male half-elf. “We made sure not to anchor anywhere in the area. Also,” he whispered, “there’s lots of merchandise in Mitrick looking for the right kind of mover!”
“Well, hmm, yes,” said Thurl, “perhaps we may be that kind of mover. I appreciate the information.” Thurl wished the other ship luck in their endeavors, and then returned to his own vessel.
Nothing of interest happened that night, and the ship continued on course for Mitrik.
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