//------------------------------// // No rest for the Wicked // Story: High Tide, Low Company // by MacDragon //------------------------------// Pip came to, sunlight and a strong breeze waking him. Immediately he could feel a throbbing pain in his head. He began to prop himself up on his elbows but stopped when his vision began to swim. There was a voice to his side. He recognized it as the doctor, Quix. "Careful Captain. Your pretty banged up. Take it slowly. Here, try drinking some water." Quix insisted, proffering a bowl of clear water. Pip took the proffered water and drank slowly at first, then in great gulps as his thirst came up in power. He finished off the water in a few great gulps. His vision shortly after stopped swimming as badly and he was soon able to sit up. The ache in his head was still strong though. "Do you recall any of what happened?" Quix asked. Pip thought for a moment, he quickly remembered what had happened, he was relieved at least that his memory was still good. "Yes, I was attacked by somepony on board. Radko, he killed whoever it was didn't he?" Pip asked the doctor. "Yes, he did indeed, very fortunate that he was so quick to intervene. Otherwise I dare say we'd be captain-less." Quix said in a dark tone. "I'm glad to hear so. And I must thank you too doc. I remember hearing your voice just before I passed out, I would naturally assume you fixed me up." Pip said in confidant tones. "Yes sir indeed it was me, with some help of course. Dinky barely left your side while you were out. She was hell bent on watching over you. Should have seen the way she questioned the deck hand I sent in to bring water. Scared the wits out of the young sailor." Quix replied with a chuckle, "She will be pleased to see you awake when she returns. "Returns? Is she not aboard?" Pip asked curiously. "No, but she is ok. I was able to convince her to join Radko and Stormwing to try finding some new rigging and spare sail cloth." Quix said in a calm tone. "Oh, are we near a merchant fleet then?" He asked. "No, not quite. You see, the storm, after you were out, it got much worse. We got tossed about pretty good. Luckily the cargo did not loose, they tied it well. But the same cannot be said of your rigging and sails, that all got bashed up pretty badly, we essentially limped into port." Quix replied. "Port, where at? How long have we been here?" Pip asked in a slightly alert tone. "Stableside. We've been here for three days." Quix answered. "Three days? I've been out that long?" Pip said in alarm. "Not out entirely, you've just not been as coherent as you are now." Quix said kindly. "I see. Well at least everything is being handled by the sound of it. Have the crew been set at liberty while here I hope?" Pip asked. "Of course. Some of them were very eager to be off ship." Quix replied with concern. "Not unexpected. I doubt many of them will return either. Normally I would see to it this was dealt with, but seeing as what we have been through in just the time we've been out I cannot justly condemn them. See to it that letters are sent to the Admiralty board here for those who do not return explaining of their approval of ship transfer requests. That should keep them from trouble, hopefully get them aboard a new vessel in time." Pip replied. Normally this duty would fall to Radko, but Pip trusted the surgeon would see to it just as effectively. "I will sir. And now seeing that your thinking clearly once more and don't seem to be having any trouble I'll leave you be. I believe Nixx would like to speak with you, if you would like me to I will send for him." Quix replied. gathering his things. "Very well, thanks again Quix, for everything." Pip replied kindly as the surgeon made his way out. He sat in silence for a moment. All at once he grew restless and immediately climbed off the bed. Once up he took some time walking about his cabin. His legs were weak and prone to shakiness he noticed as he paced. A few minutes passed and soon he felt stable enough that he wouldn't fall. Pip made his way to the door slowly, stopping along the way to grab up his hat. He looked in the mirror, noticing the tight bandages for the first time, he made sure his hat was secure before he stepped outside. The bright sunlight stung his eyes for a moment as they adjusted from the long time spent in his quarters. Pip promptly set about pacing the ship to and fro until he had fully regained the strength in his legs. He was at the moment standing just behind the helm looking out behind the ship. Beyond the open mouth of the harbor he was greeted with a tremendous view. Sailing into the clouds above, it's size and splendor proving to be something of legend and myth at once, stood the ruins of one end of the Eternity Bridge. The structure, even in it's decayed state, towered over everything Pip had ever seen. The horizon beyond was mostly hidden by the colossal giant in front of him. He remembered back to his schooling as a colt, they had briefly covered the significance of the bridge. He did however remember that the bridge had once ferried ponies and cervids alike from Equestria to Cervidas in chariots drawn by elementals. He remembered as well there had once been a whole city in the center of the bridge. All that had come to a crashing halt after the Long Night, when Nightmare Moon had been banished. Other than that bit of knowledge the sight before him was entirely new and incredible. It dwarfed everything he could ever imagine as large, it's top was hidden somewhere above the clouds of the sky. In his awestruck stupor at the sight before him he failed to hear Nixx approach him and startled when he cleared his throat. "Incredible isn't it. To think that we once had a means to cross the entire ocean, storm or sun, in less than an hour. It's said that when it fell for the final time the earth could be felt shaking all the way in the Griffin Kingdoms, and the waves produced by the fall soared higher than Tramplevanian Alps. Some claim that on the longest night of every year if you listen, the screams from the city that fell with it can be heard on the wind." Nixx said, joining Pip at the ships railing to take in the incredible sight. They stood looking out to the colossal structure for a few moments before Nixx spoke again, "I was hoping I could speak with you on out current matter at hoof. That being the medallion you retrieved a few nights back. I will warn you before I start, you are not going to like it." Nixx said. "I've not been liking anything we've encountered since we left Bridle Shores. I don't think your going to surprise me with much, but go on please, I'm listening." Pip sighed. Nixx walked over to the chart table where he produced the three medallions they had collected throughout their voyage and set them on the map. "So first off you know that with each medallion we've found we have also been pointed to another point and without fail each time we have encountered more of the Draquus, or their dealings at least. I've spent that last few days looking at them closely, mostly the one we just acquired. Like the others it has a hint as to another location. But this time it's more of a warning than anything, the point on the map matches up perfectly with Abbadon's Fury. A storm I would surly advise against tempting. I cant imagine that anything would be there. It also points to an area on the map far from Equestrian waters, past even the Scorched Lands to a chain of islands that we at least have no name for, somewhere past the cloud Empire of Vaporia. But that is the least of my interest." Nixx said. "The least? How could you top that? It looks like you've managed to track this incursion clear to the edge of the world. What else could possibly be of more interest." Pip asked in shock. "Well, I found something else. Something they seem to want hidden. Something close-by. A place. The other night in the storm, after you were already out. I was in my cabin mulling over these medallions, trying to keep them from sliding of my desk in the pitch, it was then I noticed the very faint etchings in the corners of each one. I've spent the last few days here trying to fit them together, I'm still working on it but I'm certain the are meant to show another, more important destination. It's just a matter of if I can get any of the lines to match up with a place on the map. I've been through so many different combinations already that I can see them in my sleep." Nix continued in an exasperated tone. Pip chuckled at this added bit of self pity Nixx threw out. It was unlike the Tech to get upset with himself, but it was more unlike him to find difficulty in solving problems. “Well I imagine we’ll be in port here for some time, whether I like it or not, perhaps you’ll be able to make some progress by the time we leave?” Pip said, challenging but friendly. “Yes, yes. I do hope so. I dislike missing details.” Nixx said. Pip nodded his head in understanding. Nixx began putting the medallions back in his satchel, careful to keep them in the same side; he also rolled up a spare piece of parchment he’d been using to scratch ideas in. The tech presently nodded to Pip and without another word trotted back down to his hold to further study the artifacts. Pip returned to the view of the ruins of the once mighty bridge, contemplating what lay in wait for them when they left the safety of the port. After everything they had already been through in their short voyage Pip was sincerely concerned for the safety of his crew and ship. But even with that he knew that he would have to continue on with his mission. His ship was currently the only vessel in Equestrian seas with any knowledge of what lay out there, what was currently lying in wait, mustering its strength before inevitably coming to overthrow the royal crown once it was strong enough. And he had no doubt in his mind that it would come. This simple understanding of tactics was enough to add vigor and determination to his mind. He knew he had to get to the bottom of the threat and quell it before it was too late. As he watched the shrouded ruins in the distance he was calmed in the knowledge that he had a willing and more than able crew that would stick with him even in the most dire of situations to come. They had already proven that time and again throughout their chase. Their chase, another reminder of the strange and mysterious enemy that they now pursued; Pip wondered just how it was that a ship as large as the one they were after managed to slip away so effectively and quickly. The crew of the other vessel was either driven by some powerful mindset, or more likely Pip hoped, by some technology. Technology after all could fail, could be broken. As stood there with the thoughts pouring through his mind like a heavy rain he was wholly oblivious to the tapping of hooves approaching him slowly. It wasn’t until their owner was standing closely next to him that he was finally broken from his contemplative stupor. “Magnificent isn’t it. Both amazing and terribly tragic.” Dinky said quietly. “Yes, tragic indeed. But still an incredible sight to behold.” Pip replied just as quietly. “I’m very happy to see you awake and ok. I was so worried.” Dinky said quietly, audibly choking back tears. “So I heard. Although I must admit that I’m still in some pain. Whatever it was they hit me with must have been heavy. Never thought I’d say I was glad to be in a storm at sea but for once I think it actually saved my life, well, that is, along with help from Quixx and yourself.” Pip replied in a gentle tone. He heard a sniffle and was about to look over but he suddenly found himself off balance as he was wrapped in the warm embrace Dinky now had him in. She was sobbing, but not in sadness as between each sob he could hear choked laughter. The suddenness of the embrace jarred him enough to cause him pain; after all, he was still sore. But just the simple feeling of Dinky holding him was enough that he could ignore the pain. He did his best to repress his own tears of happiness but a few determined ones made their way down his cheeks against his will. He was happy. A moment passed as they held each other, just enjoying the presence of the other. Finally Dinky pulled away and wiped her face dry, a happy smile on her face, Pip standing there with a similar grin on his own face. “So Quix filled me in on what happened while I was out. Told me you had gone out to find some new rigging and sails. Did you all manage to find anything of worth?” Pip asked. “Yes, more than enough. The other ships here are all very warm; they gave us more than we could possibly need to be underway. We even managed to get our hands on some spare rations that we can use while we are doing repairs rather than drawing upon our own reserves. As well as that we have had word from Canterlot, our friends that we met the other day at sea high tailed it home and passed word on about Gallopfrey. A detachment of the Royal Fleet was sent there to aid the locals...” She paused, a darker shadow casting over her face as she quietly continued, “If there is anyone left to help.” Pip reached over and lifted her chin, looking her in the eyes he replied, “They will be there, I suspect it’ll take more than that to be rid of your friends on that island.” He said this with all the comfort and sincerity he could muster, but even he doubted that as powerful as they were, the Guardians could have hoped to hold out against such numbers. This truth was strong in his mind, enough to make his kind words sound hollow. But it still had the desired effect upon Dinky that he had hoped. She brightened up at once and went back to looking out over the bay they resided in at the moment. Pip went to join her once again but was interrupted by a rustle of wings as Stormwing and another, unidentified Pegasus landed upon the deck. The stranger bore the sigil of the mail carriers that were in charge of official mail throughout the realm of Equestria. “Message for you Captain Pip.” Said the Pegasus in a husky voice. He at once produced a letter, sealed with red ink and the seal of the Royal Naval Admiralty. Pip took the letter and thanked the Pegasus who gave a little bow and launched off the deck and into the air with astounding speed, the wind of his takeoff blew their manes in a rough breeze. Pip watched for a moment as the Pegasus rapidly vanished into the distance. Only the fastest pegasai were offered to carry mail for the crown and military, as quite often it was delicate information. Pip at once went to the chart table and opened the crisp, sealed scroll. The wax pulled apart a bit, still warm, this message was fresh as could be. He read over it quickly, as it was short and to the point. Nopony could question the ‘snap to’ attitude of the admiralty. “Captain Pip of the Bonnie Lass, Your presence is requested at the behest of the local Naval Board. Come as you are able. Sincerely, Admiral Tenant” This was a summons Pip could not ignore. To do so would surely strike him of his commission to the Equestrian Empire. He rolled the message back up at once and stuffed it in the satchel beside the table. “Radko.” He summoned his second. “Yes Captain?” Said the Hooviet Stallion. “I’ve been summoned to meet with the local board of Admirals this eve. I trust in my absence that you will care for our ship in my absence?” Pip said firmly, yet not unkindly. “Of course Captain. You need not worry. I’ll see to it everything is in once piece when you return.” Radko replied in a lightly humored tone. “Very good, carry on.” Pip said with a chuckle. He may be the captain of his ship and crew, but he earned their respect through a steady and calm demeanor rather than an iron hoof. Ω That night as he readied himself in his cabin his thoughts galloped to and fro, he had expected the admiralty board to contact him but not so quickly, or with such precise knowledge of his location. But then again, it was their job to know. And so he was dressing in his best attire to at least present a halfway decent appearance to the board. First impression was everything, especially when those he needed to impress were all that stood between him being a paid employee of the crown, and being named a brigand. Finally he deemed himself fit for presentation adding the final touch, his sword, before making his way out of the cabin. All around him the crew was at work, not rushed though, but in the steady flow that seemed to run while in any port. A good pace Pip figured as he worked his way to the gangplank that led down to the docks. Dinky trotted beside him as they made their way down the walkway. As they reached the end Pip turned, “Take care of yourself, I’ll be back in a couple hours, do be sure Radko takes care of the ship.” He said with a wink. “Don’t you worry about me, you take care of yourself, it would seem every time I let you out of my sight you find some kind of trouble to get into.” She said with an equal air of humor. She gave a warm nuzzle before trotting back up to the ship to resume her own work. Pip was near the end of the docks, entering the town when he heard the hoof beats of a running crewman behind him. He looked back to see Nixx pull up just behind him. The tech had his own manner of formal attire on as well, which he quickly neatened up with magic before addressing Pip. “Captain, if I may, I feel that if you are to address the board of our recent exploits perhaps it would be best if I came along.” He said in what seemed a practiced speech. “Very well, I hope you brought the medallions and anything else you think we might need.” Pip replied in good humor. “Yes, yes, I have them all. Plus a mapped out course of our recent travels with each incident documented at their respective timeframes. I do hope it’s enough.” Nixx said. “I imagine it will be more than enough. Let’s go.” Pip replied. The two worked their way through the crowded streets of the town. It was a bustling little city, full of every kind of pony one could think of. All seemed to be going about their business as usual and showed no signs that they knew of what lurked just beyond their port in the open seas. It was a bit surprising to Pip but it was nothing out of the ordinary. Soon they were near the Royal Naval Offices, it was hard to miss, the building wasn’t particularly large compared to the other buildings in the surrounding city but it was astonishingly well designed. The building shined in the lamp lit night, the marble of its stairs and columns shone white and polished. Their hooves clicked as they made their way up the staircase. Two guards at the top pushed open the large wooden doors and allowed them admittance. They were immediately immersed into the world of everything nautical. There were model ships of every type of vessel the Royal Navy had used from past to present in showcases all around the front foray. They had the bones of a whale hanging from the ceiling, cannons and rifles of old and new on display. It was more like a museum than an office for Admirals and Naval Maretime Business. Pip and Nixx made their way through the building; everywhere they went they had to dodge secretaries that were busily galloping from office to office with memos, letters, and any manner of things. There were officers and crewmembers from other ships all about as well. Pip recognized more than a few of them as they trotted past on their own business, some followed by secretaries of their own. Shortly the two reached their destination, before them was a simple door with a small decorative glass pane in it and the bronze letters ‘Board’ pinned to its heavy frame. They took a moment to straighten themselves up before he knocked. There was a moments silence after Pip rapped on the door. Then the handle turned and the door opened almost of its own accord. They entered and the door closed behind them, the faint glow of blue magic highlighting the latch. Pip was at once surprised, not by the number of ponies in the board room but rather the lack-there-of. Seated before them was a single, stout old admiral. His bluish coat was the same color as the shallow beach waters and his hair matched the white of wave caps. Pip had been expecting a full board room; he’d expected a large number of the brass to be sitting all around him, waiting to pass judgment of his recent exploits, question him, and all number of things that were required from a board meeting. But instead there sat the single, solitary, stallion who quietly looked at the two with a studious and steady gaze. Unsure of how to begin Pip cleared his throat, he was interrupted before he even began. “Sit.” He said in a heavy yet friendly voice. Pip and Nixx quickly settled on two of the provided cushions. There they sat in silence as the statue like admiral looked them in the eyes. First Nixx, then to Pip, staring hard as if he could discern every bit of their trials by simply looking straight through their minds; Pip surely felt like the he was glaring straight into his brain. He shifted uncomfortably under the scrutinizing gaze which he did his best not to break even though he wanted too. Just as the thought crossed his mind though the stallion broke his steely gaze and addressed them in a calm and unexpectedly friendly voice. “So, I’ve read the reports that were sent with the ship you met up with. Quite the tales they are indeed. I must wonder how much of it is true and how much of it is sea tales of a weary crew. Such as the creatures you mentioned.” He said. Pip stopped him there, “With all due respect sir, the creatures you speak of are all too real. I can promise you that. That which was mentioned in our report was no tall tale.” He said pointedly. “Well, you’ll excuse me if I don’t believe you at once. I’ve nothing but a report, from a hard sailing crew. A crew who, mind you, is not technically part of our military but rather a band of employed sell swords lucky enough to eke out a living under the merciful wings of our princesses. Why should I believe your tall tales, I’ve heard many before yours in my time.” Said the Admiral. All previous notions of friendliness had all but dried up. It was clear that this long time sailor was not prone to the stories of the young. Pip couldn’t blame him entirely, as he’d heard many tales even in his relatively short time as captain, but it was vastly insulting to him to be doubted so harshly, and furthermore to be labeled as brigands under pay. An insult itself more plainly there was not. “I find your lack of concern and base insinuations downright insulting to my crew and myself. Ever have we been helpful to the crown and strict followers of the laws of the nation. Calling us sell swords is a repulsive and infuriating insult to the Navy itself. Now perhaps we don’t have much to show of our endeavors’ but our word, true, but if I were in your position I at least would have the sense to properly greet the captain responsible for such tales. At least ask if there was more to show.” Pip said in a heated voice. Before the Admiral could respond with more negligence Nixx added his own two sense. Not words, but rather he proceeded to upend the contents of his satchel upon the table. The sketches from the night of the fire, and Pip noticed, more sketches of almost every encounter they’d had since that first night. Following them closely the medallions clattered upon the desk, some of them left nicks in the polished wood as if to punctuate their reality. He said nothing and mentioned nothing as he simply let the items and drawings speak for themselves. The Admiral looked them over for a short time before resuming his unconvinced stance. “It’s not enough. You show me all these items, drawings and trinkets, tell me gruesome tales of unfortunate ships. It’s still not substantial enough to hold in a full hearing. And before you get any more heated at me than you are, know this. Where you now sit is where any other Captain would sit for a full hearing. Indeed this was meant to be such. But as you can see, only I have come. The others were less convinced. Even in my highly skeptic view I decided to at least hear you out a bit. Regardless of my not believing you.” Said the Stallion in a matter-of-fact tone. The knowledge that he had been the only one who had bothered to grant them audience was remarkable. But Pip was bent on winning him over. He had too, the safety of Equestria was at stake he did not doubt. He began to speak up, he had the words ready and the tale on the tip of his tongue but he was interrupted once more by a series of dull thumps which immediately drew his attention. He lifted his ears to better hear as he looked sidelong to the ceiling. The thumps sounded again. Cannons. He looked at the Admiral who just sat there with a quizzical look on his face. “What was that?” Pip asked. The Admiral smirked as he responded, “It is the late night cannon firing from the fortress. It happens every night. I would expect a Captain to know that as it is customary across the empire is it not.” He said. The cannons sounded again. Pip was not entirely convinced; there was something to familiar about it. All at once the meeting was cut short and his suspicions were confirmed. Another volley could be heard, this time from much bigger guns. There was a deafening thunder in the distance shortly after. Pip looked to the Admiral who now was up and listening as well, “I suspect that is not normal after all. After all, an Admiral of the Navy would know that wouldn’t he?” Pip shot back. No response was able to be heard though as the roof above them suddenly exploded in glass, wood, and masonry as a cannon ball blasted its way through. Nixx and Pip were already on the move, thoughts of the admiral were only now in the sense of his following them outside. Once the three of them managed to push their way into the street they were greeted with chaos. Fire was blazing from a dozen places all through the coastal town; the fortress was itself an inferno in many places, but it still held strong, its massive cannons returning fire in regular intervals. Again the sound of another familiar volley, Pip at once recognized the sound of his own ships guns. There was no doubt the town was under attack. Pip wondered who would do such a thing and at once looked skyward as if to confirm his suspicions. In just a moment his fears were indeed revealed. The Draquus were there. “Tell me of tales and stories now Admiral.” Pip shouted over the din of the cannons. Just then a large dark form swooped from on high and drove sidelong into the Admiral who was battered to the ground under the heavy aerial strike. A large Draquus was boring down on him. The old stallion was not prepared for the sudden attack. In just a matter of seconds the creature had the ponies neck firmly gripped in its powerful jaws, another second would pass and then the fangs would finish the job. Before they did though a shot rang out from down the street, blood spewed forth from the creatures head and it collapsed in a heap on the brick road. Pip looked up in time to see another pony, clad in the Royal Armies regalia, load a fresh round into his rifle before galloping down the road to continue the fight elsewhere, stopping only long enough to check on the Admiral before continuing down to the docks where the fighting was heaviest. “Must I convince you of anything further before you take heed our warnings?” Pip shouted at the Admiral who was now racing toward the docks alongside Pip and Nixx. “No, no you have been proven truthful to the point of your tales. Go now, Get to your vessel and get out of here. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to continue the hunt of these creatures, find out where they are coming from, what their purpose of coming here is and why they are making war with the crown. You will have help from the Armada as soon as I can order it. Where is your next idea for where you may encounter them?” The Admiral shouted over the din of the fires raging about them. Nixx responded first, “Based on my findings from the medallions we’ve collected along with our previous heading chasing the ship we were following we’ve decided to sail to Bad Wolf Bay.” He shouted back. The Admirals face became stony with recognition of the area. Pip knew why too. “Be careful there sailor, there may be more there than just these creatures. Now Go. I shall direct the fort to draw fire from the ship so that you can escape.” He galloped off without further word. Pip and Nixx looked at one another and then made a mad dash for the dock below where their ship was still waiting for them. As the galloped town the gangway Draquss swooped all about them. More than once Pip was forced to duck to prevent being barreled into the water. Nixx was almost too the ship ahead of him when one of the creatures landed heavily in front of him. Nixx halted mid run and did his best to back up as quickly as his forward momentum would allow. Pip was there just as the creature reared up for a kick at the tech. Pip ran below the brute, closing the distance in a moment and drove his saber up into the monsters stomach. Nixx had quickly recovered and now joined the fight, kicking hard at the monsters head. It connected with a crunch and the creature fell over into the sea. They made their way up the plank of the Bonnie Lass which Pip immediately ordered to be cut loose and sail made. But as he looked around he could see the sails were already ready and the plank being drawn on board. The mooring lines were unceremoniously pulled back on the ship as well and before he could give another order they were moving out of their dock. Radko stood at the helm, taking orders from Dinky who was galloping to and fro making sure nothing was amiss. Once satisfied all was well she made her way to Pip and made sure he was ok, no amount of fuss was held back, he almost had to push her back. “I’m fine. We need to get out of here fast. In a couple moments the fortress is going to draw the ships fire and give us a chance to get out. I don’t intend for us to leave them hanging though. Once were in a position where we can get by without too much damage I want to return the favor and see if we can draw her out into open waters. Get the crew ready on the Blaze Cannons.” He said in a calm yet stern tone. Barely a moment passed as the others readied the guns when the fortress opened fire on the Draquus ship. All at once it seemed like thunder had decided to get involved. The noise from the guns firing at once shook every bone in Pips body, even setting his teeth to rattle. They fired again and again as only a strictly trained gun crew could do. The amount of shot impacting the Draquus ship was incredible. But even under the massive amount of cannon fire the ship held its own. The timbers were strong on that vessel. Pip was able to look at it finally as they sailed past it slowly. It was massive compared to the Bonnies Lass. The shadows cast by the burning town covered over half of Pips own ship as they passed behind the warship. Finally as they were passing into the open Pip gave the order to open fire. Their own cannons roared, pelting the ship’s hull with almost point blank fire, at that range the cannon balls punched through the thick timber bet even so the damage was minimal. The goal was not for holes though. In the next instant the crews stationed on the blaze guns took careful aim and they opened fire. The angry roar of fire drown out the sound of guns as great hungry flames raced out across the water and hit the vessels side; at once flames licked up the side of the ship billowing around the points of impact, the steady streams of burning liquids doused the ships side, and more importantly as Pip watched, the crew managed to spray the inferno into the many holes that the cannons had punched in the ships armor. Fire would surely be spreading below decks after that. The flames from the guns continued to roar angry red and white, the heat given off from them made steam rise in torrents from both the sea below and the wet hull. Clouds of smoke and the salty steam rose into the air about them. The crackling of wood could be heard above the angry din of the fire as they sailed past. The Bonnie Lass lurched in the water as more sail was added, they sped out of the bay and into open waters they Draquus ship in full pursuit and still being battered by the fortress guns. Pip now looked behind him at the city and the fortress. Fire spread everywhere, houses and buildings were falling, ships sinking and burning. It was fortunate they had acted when they had, for if the ship had managed to stay in the bay the town would surely had been leveled, Pip was certain of that. The sky was full of smoke and steam, the fortress batteries still fired flack into the sky at the continually flying creatures still in range, some of which caught the rounds full on only to be shredded like one does a paper. The ship was pursuing them fast, the fires still burning its sides as the crew did their best to put the flames out. The Bonnie Lass was fast but this warship was still gaining on them. Pip looked about for his best options of escape. But out in open water he had very few chances. Then to his relief, and bitter realization he saw his only way of escape. Pip grabbed the wheel and pulled hard to the right the Bonnie Lass heaved to and turned toward the thick grey fog that surrounded the sea below the ruins of the Eternity Bridge. Pip watched in mixed feelings of fear and hope as the prow vanished into the thick fog, followed closely by the rest of the deck. He looked back once more upon the burning city and their pursuer just long enough to see them vanish as the dense clouds swallowed all from view.