Ryyan's Journal - Session 10
It has been a quite eventful voyage to the Isle of Catastrophe, but we have finally reached its shores. After driving the demon out of Iris and meeting our newest dragon guide, Coeller, we were transported on board the Bad Luck, the flagship of the three ships the Sentinals were sending to the Isle. The other ships of the line were the Misfortune and the Jinxed. I did not find the naming traditions of the Sentinals very humorous at all, but it was not like we really had any other choice.
The first day of sailing was pleasant, though Koal was still incapacitated by nausea (I wonder if he suffers from some sort of inner ear imbalance?). As the sun began to set, we sighted a hurricane brewing in the distance, and both Deneb and I could sense that this was no natural occurrence. In the distance we could see several ETE ships tormenting a Dragon Turtle, which was causing the creature to conjure up a mighty storm. There was no doubt in my mind that such a storm was aimed directly at the Flamewrought Duchy. I knew we would have to stop the ETE here, but I was filled with such paralyzing fear.
Koal was suffering too, as I saw him turn pale and begin to shake when the storm came into view. I realize now that, out of all of us, Koal has suffered the most from such devastating weather. I followed him below decks, where I found him carving something out of wood (a ring, perhaps, though I know not for what purpose). I have always been taught, that in times of peril, those of noble birth must rise as leaders and inspire those they fight alongside. Truth be told, the words of encouragement I shared with Koal were intended to bolster my own resolve as much as his. I knew that mere words would not be enough, so I put as much power as I could into a protective enchantment over him. He seemed to steady himself after that.
When Alice commanded the opening salvo, I could scarcely believe how loud the cannons were. And when we received the return fire, I could barely stay on my feet. Everything was shaking and burning around me. I saw Deneb prepare to leap onto the Dragon Turtle, to soothe and heal it, and I watched as she tripped over the railing and fall into the water. Without any hesitation, I grabbed the nearest line and dove in after her. In retrospect, I really should have tied the rope to something first, as well as remember the proper form for diving. Slamming face first into the surface of the water is in no way heroic or sensible.
Unfortunately, the Bad Luck was hit too many times by the opposing forces, and began to sink as I pulled up onto the debris Deneb was on. I ordered the Sentials to get on top of the Dragon Turtle, trusting that Deneb would be able to pacify it in time. Our only hope was to board one of the ETE ships and commandeer it, and it seems like Alice and Koal shared the same thought.
I felt… as if I had become untethered in that moment. I could barely make any sort of dent in the hull of one of the ships with my magic, and the enchantment I gave to Alice was nowhere near as powerful as Koal’s. It was the first time I ever reached the limit of my magical abilities. I am so thankful for my companions, for they were the ones who pulled us all out of a terrible situation and brought us victory. My memories go blank after boarding the captured ship, right after using the last of my reserves to heal Koal.
I can’t remember much of what I dreamed of, bits and pieces of incoherent sights and sounds. When I came to, I felt utterly awful, worse than any headache I could remember. Again, I have my companions to thank for successfully guiding our ships past the blockade and onto the shore. Agatha and the Sentinals sent their forces to Dacafe, in order to break the siege there, and our dragon guides flew off to scout ahead for us. For the first time in a month, we were by ourselves.
Deneb seemed to busy herself on the beach, though I did not see what she was looking for, or if she ever found it. Alice said she wanted to practice hunting, but considering the incredible haul she brought back, I would say she doesn’t need to practice anymore.
Koal told me about the island, his home. I never realized how different their traditions could be, but it makes perfect sense. Burying someone means nothing when the land floods on a regular basis. Koal spoke of how his family makes keepsakes and mementos, to honor those who have passed away. He showed me the bracelet he wore, that, should he perish, he wanted us to send back to his family.
Then he gave me an amulet, carved out of wood, bearing the seal of the Flamewrought Duchy. I had no words for how much such a gift meant to me, to honor the passing of my Aunt. I realized in that moment that I had yet to shed any tears for her, and began to on the spot. I don’t know how I can ever repay Koal for this kindness.
Coeller and Caper returned to us in the evening, and brought us news about what we would be facing tomorrow. It does not surprise me that Beatrice has made it here already, and knowing that there is a way for her to save Emerene gives me hope. We need to decide on a battle plan, but our ultimate goal remains unchanged: Break through the enemy lines and rescue Oh-Kae. Once we have accomplished that, we can focus on finding the dragon on this island and put an end to storms that have plagued it for so long.
I can only pray for our allies to succeed, and, should we fall in battle, I pray that our story is never forgotten.