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He paced the deck of the ship for a good ten minutes. The fox was lost in thought. He was searching for the right way to put his idea on the table, but also for the courage to do so. Finally, he decided improvising was the best way forward. A flawless plan.
With a purpose in mind, he entered the cabine with a firm step and joined the vixen and the birdfolk as they stood around the table, talking.
Was it a treasure you wanted, Teige? Well, I've got a treasure for you!
In the slight confusion caused by the fox's unusual interruption, the two stopped talking to look at the newcomer.
Really? Where did you find it? In another spa?
He said in a neutral, perplexed tone.
Do you know the Last Light?
Hmm... It sounds familiar. Wasn't that a merchant ship lost at sea or something?
The fox smiled, seeing that at least one of his interlocutors knew what he was talking about.
Yes, that's right! A merchant ship from Utherfor, full of precious metals, on its way to Userpi. It disappeared a little over a year ago.
I see... and?
What if we were to go in search of that ship? We could salvage the cargo. We could sell the whole thing and make a lot of gold... And pay for my time on this raft... er, nice ship.
The vixen sighed
You're an optimist or a fool. Do you know how big and deep the sea is? How do you expect to find a ship that has been lost for more than a year and could be anywhere between Userpi and Utherfor?
He smiled, pleased his plan was going as he'd hoped.
Well, I know a way to find it easily, and before you mention it. No, I'm not thinking of going back and forth across the sea looking for a trace of the ship. I've got something better than that Something magical.
The two look at each other, unsure.
As long as it doesn’t come with a crystall ball... How are you going to find the Last Light?
The fox pulls the birdfolk map towards him, then puts his finger on the island of the Ruined Tower.
There!
What's there?
You don't know this island?
Not really, no. Do you think the ship is there?
It would be nice, but I don't think so. What's there, however, is a very old lighthouse from the Old World! This...
From the old world? How is that going to help us find it?
Let me finish! ... Well, this old lighthouse is unique. Others use a light stone or glow stone to shed some light , but this one don’t. It ran on a magic fuel. When turned on, it did what any good lighthouse does. Light, but it also have a second ability. The mechanism inside the lighthouse can also point out the location of any ship! All you have to do is put the name of the ship into the flame and poof! it will point to the ship, even if it's sunk!
The vixen chuckles slightly, showing a small smile
Where did you get that?
Old tomes from that time. I have read many of them over the years. I had a lot of free time back then.
But still, it's from the old world. This thing must be very old, what makes you think it is still in working order?
I could repair it. With the right ritual and the right tools, I'm sure I could make it work, at least a little. It won't be pretty, but it will work.
And you're counting on finding those tools where?
Magic items don't age like ordinary objects. Most of them should still be in good condition. So directly on the island
The birdfolk sight
So if I understand you correctly, you want us to make a detour to this island. In the hope of finding an old lighthouse from the Old World that we can repair and use to possibly find a ship that's been lost at the bottom of the ocean for more than a year?
Yep, that's about it
Then you really are an idiot. Even if we find the Last Light. It must be miles deep. How are we supposed to find the treasure? Swim for it?
I have to give you everything.. Rho, well listen. When we find it, we will use the ship's dredge to scrape the bottom. We pick up everything we find. Ingots, jewels, gold coins. The ship must have been full of them! Imagine the wealth now lying at the bottom of the water. Practically at your fingertips! All you have to do is reach out and grab it!
Use the dredge to recover old ingots and rusty coins with a bit of luck? That's the stupidest idea I've ever heard. No thanks, we'll go on as planned.
The vixen puts her hand on the birdfolk's arm to get his attention.
Wait, Teige, I think it might be worth it. The gold bars alone must be worth ten times the value of your ship. Even if we get just a fraction of that, you could be rich enough to do whatever you want. Like buying your house in Junco.
Yes. That's true, but only if we reach the ship. I'm sorry, but no. The chances are too slim, and with the whirlpool on our way. I don't want to take that chance.
It was followed by a moment of silence, but the fox add a idea to convince him.
Well, you know. If we don't make it to the ship. We still have the island. With all the magic items they used to run the lighthouse, we'll have a good opportunity. No matter what.
And what kind of magic item do you think we will find?
The fox shrugs.
I'd say enchanted mirrors, probably several litres of magic fuel. Or, at worst, glowing stones. That sort of thing, but the mechanism alone must be worth a fortune, even in pieces. It's an Old World artifact, after all. Many academies will want to study it and will be willing to pay good money for it.
Well, why hasn't anyone looked for it if it's so valuable?
You said it yourself, it's dangerous.
He sighed and looked at the vixen, who nodded in agreement. Finally, he leaned forward and took a long look at the map. After calculating the distance in his head, he straightened up and looked at the fox.
All right, then. Let's go. I'll prepare the road for the journey. You go with Cynvia and prepare the ship.
The vixen smiled and moved away from the desk. She walked over to the fox, who was smiling as well. She then put her hand on his shoulder to get his attention.
Let's go, Vix. You'll have to do your part if you really want us to go to that island.
Yes, ma'am!
Said the vix with energy as the two of them left the cabin to get to work.
I have to admit, for once I don't mind working. I feel pretty good now that this is behind me. We can explore this island! A golden opportunity for me, and probably for the others too... if the writings about this island are correct, of course... If not, I'll find a solution somewhere.
The first day went well, nothing to report. I have to admit that I'm getting more and more impatient to get to the island... I wonder what it's like. It's so far away. Their culture must have been different from ours. And who knows, maybe they're still alive, isolated from us for hundreds of years. That would be great! New things to discover, new exotic species that we don't have on the continent. They would have had many years to evolve on their own! I could see a kind of fish man, like a shark. With all that water around them, they'll eventually learn to swim... It'll be really extraordinary, but I doubt it. I don't think there's anything like that. The inhabitants must have left long ago, but still... A new species would be great so I can still hope!
We've been sailing towards the island for two days now. I'm still excited, but my anticipation is beginning to turn to impatience, and my impatience to worry. I may be used to long journeys, but it's not the same on a ship. Here I have the impression that there is nothing to do. Waiting and changing the sails here and there, hauling up the fishing lines or looking at the nets for trawling. I get the impression that we're not getting anywhere. That we're stuck in an endless sea... For Cynv and Teige, of course, it's routine. It's mechanical for them. They know where we're going and aren't worried about getting lost. I do a bit of fishing with a rod and a bit of writing to pass the time. I can't wait for us to arrive... Speaking of arriving. Teige and Cynv think we should probably arrive tomorrow.l
Another day sailing and still no island. It doesn't help that the fog is starting to lift. Cynv says not to worry. It happens at sea when the water gets colder, with the currents and all. I do remember that it happened before, when I went fishing with my father in the morning. There was fog on the lake. It was scary when I was young...now it's scary for another reason. Talking about fishing. I caught a very sick red snapper today. At first I was so unsure of what I was seeing so I showed it to others to get their opinion on what kind of fish it was, but none of them had ever seen anything like it.
As soon as I pulled it out of the water, its flesh and scales began to fall apart. You could tear off a pile of scales and soft flesh just by running your hand over it, oh and the blood. How could I forget the blood. It was bleeding so much, and practically non-stop I have no idea how such a small creature could have so much blood in it... I spent a good hour scrubbing the deck to remove the long line of blood it had left from the back of the boat where I was fishing to the cabin. All without dying! Throughout his adventure on the ship he remained alive and well. He continued to breathe slowly. No panic in those bulging eyes. Even when I removed the hook he had swallowed that had pierced his flesh, he didn't even try to struggle... And even after all that when I threw him back in the water, Teige's good advice so we don't get sick, he swam away as if nothing had happened. Like if it was just another day for him... I prefer dry land, there's less weird stuff there... Besides, I'd better get myself cleaned up, I must have a bar of soap in my backpack somewhere...
The fog is getting worse and worse as time go on. It got to the point where we can’t tell the time! It is daytime? Night? Impossible to say, we'd lost sight of the sun and the light that came with it. It looks like night, but it happened far too quickly. There must have been three or four hours of sunlight left when it quickly disappeared behind the fog. Leaving an empty dark sky... We managed to lose the sun behind a stupid fog!
We could see so little that we had to light the lanterns to avoid falling into the water. At least now, we can see something other than silhouettes moving in the distance... I hate the sea... If we were on land, it wouldn't matter. We set up camp, build a fire, go to bed and pouf. The problem is gone! Now we can hit things, things that could sink us... or even fall in the whirlpool! We haven't seen it yet! So I have to stand guard while Cynv looks at the charts to try and find us and Teige takes care of the helm... Hope we don't hit anything...
Finally! The island! Far on the horizon you can see those old structures! We have finally found it! I thought we were going to be stuck in this stupid fog forever! But now our ordeal is coming to an end! Teige says we'll drop anchor just off the island, have a bit of a rest and then dock tomorrow to explore the island in full sunlight. He hopes the fog will have cleared by tomorrow and we'll have better visibility to dock without hitting anything. So, off to bed. Last night before exploring the island!
With a purpose in mind, he entered the cabine with a firm step and joined the vixen and the birdfolk as they stood around the table, talking.
Was it a treasure you wanted, Teige? Well, I've got a treasure for you!
In the slight confusion caused by the fox's unusual interruption, the two stopped talking to look at the newcomer.
Really? Where did you find it? In another spa?
He said in a neutral, perplexed tone.
Do you know the Last Light?
Hmm... It sounds familiar. Wasn't that a merchant ship lost at sea or something?
The fox smiled, seeing that at least one of his interlocutors knew what he was talking about.
Yes, that's right! A merchant ship from Utherfor, full of precious metals, on its way to Userpi. It disappeared a little over a year ago.
I see... and?
What if we were to go in search of that ship? We could salvage the cargo. We could sell the whole thing and make a lot of gold... And pay for my time on this raft... er, nice ship.
The vixen sighed
You're an optimist or a fool. Do you know how big and deep the sea is? How do you expect to find a ship that has been lost for more than a year and could be anywhere between Userpi and Utherfor?
He smiled, pleased his plan was going as he'd hoped.
Well, I know a way to find it easily, and before you mention it. No, I'm not thinking of going back and forth across the sea looking for a trace of the ship. I've got something better than that Something magical.
The two look at each other, unsure.
As long as it doesn’t come with a crystall ball... How are you going to find the Last Light?
The fox pulls the birdfolk map towards him, then puts his finger on the island of the Ruined Tower.
There!
What's there?
You don't know this island?
Not really, no. Do you think the ship is there?
It would be nice, but I don't think so. What's there, however, is a very old lighthouse from the Old World! This...
From the old world? How is that going to help us find it?
Let me finish! ... Well, this old lighthouse is unique. Others use a light stone or glow stone to shed some light , but this one don’t. It ran on a magic fuel. When turned on, it did what any good lighthouse does. Light, but it also have a second ability. The mechanism inside the lighthouse can also point out the location of any ship! All you have to do is put the name of the ship into the flame and poof! it will point to the ship, even if it's sunk!
The vixen chuckles slightly, showing a small smile
Where did you get that?
Old tomes from that time. I have read many of them over the years. I had a lot of free time back then.
But still, it's from the old world. This thing must be very old, what makes you think it is still in working order?
I could repair it. With the right ritual and the right tools, I'm sure I could make it work, at least a little. It won't be pretty, but it will work.
And you're counting on finding those tools where?
Magic items don't age like ordinary objects. Most of them should still be in good condition. So directly on the island
The birdfolk sight
So if I understand you correctly, you want us to make a detour to this island. In the hope of finding an old lighthouse from the Old World that we can repair and use to possibly find a ship that's been lost at the bottom of the ocean for more than a year?
Yep, that's about it
Then you really are an idiot. Even if we find the Last Light. It must be miles deep. How are we supposed to find the treasure? Swim for it?
I have to give you everything.. Rho, well listen. When we find it, we will use the ship's dredge to scrape the bottom. We pick up everything we find. Ingots, jewels, gold coins. The ship must have been full of them! Imagine the wealth now lying at the bottom of the water. Practically at your fingertips! All you have to do is reach out and grab it!
Use the dredge to recover old ingots and rusty coins with a bit of luck? That's the stupidest idea I've ever heard. No thanks, we'll go on as planned.
The vixen puts her hand on the birdfolk's arm to get his attention.
Wait, Teige, I think it might be worth it. The gold bars alone must be worth ten times the value of your ship. Even if we get just a fraction of that, you could be rich enough to do whatever you want. Like buying your house in Junco.
Yes. That's true, but only if we reach the ship. I'm sorry, but no. The chances are too slim, and with the whirlpool on our way. I don't want to take that chance.
It was followed by a moment of silence, but the fox add a idea to convince him.
Well, you know. If we don't make it to the ship. We still have the island. With all the magic items they used to run the lighthouse, we'll have a good opportunity. No matter what.
And what kind of magic item do you think we will find?
The fox shrugs.
I'd say enchanted mirrors, probably several litres of magic fuel. Or, at worst, glowing stones. That sort of thing, but the mechanism alone must be worth a fortune, even in pieces. It's an Old World artifact, after all. Many academies will want to study it and will be willing to pay good money for it.
Well, why hasn't anyone looked for it if it's so valuable?
You said it yourself, it's dangerous.
He sighed and looked at the vixen, who nodded in agreement. Finally, he leaned forward and took a long look at the map. After calculating the distance in his head, he straightened up and looked at the fox.
All right, then. Let's go. I'll prepare the road for the journey. You go with Cynvia and prepare the ship.
The vixen smiled and moved away from the desk. She walked over to the fox, who was smiling as well. She then put her hand on his shoulder to get his attention.
Let's go, Vix. You'll have to do your part if you really want us to go to that island.
Yes, ma'am!
Said the vix with energy as the two of them left the cabin to get to work.
I have to admit, for once I don't mind working. I feel pretty good now that this is behind me. We can explore this island! A golden opportunity for me, and probably for the others too... if the writings about this island are correct, of course... If not, I'll find a solution somewhere.
The first day went well, nothing to report. I have to admit that I'm getting more and more impatient to get to the island... I wonder what it's like. It's so far away. Their culture must have been different from ours. And who knows, maybe they're still alive, isolated from us for hundreds of years. That would be great! New things to discover, new exotic species that we don't have on the continent. They would have had many years to evolve on their own! I could see a kind of fish man, like a shark. With all that water around them, they'll eventually learn to swim... It'll be really extraordinary, but I doubt it. I don't think there's anything like that. The inhabitants must have left long ago, but still... A new species would be great so I can still hope!
We've been sailing towards the island for two days now. I'm still excited, but my anticipation is beginning to turn to impatience, and my impatience to worry. I may be used to long journeys, but it's not the same on a ship. Here I have the impression that there is nothing to do. Waiting and changing the sails here and there, hauling up the fishing lines or looking at the nets for trawling. I get the impression that we're not getting anywhere. That we're stuck in an endless sea... For Cynv and Teige, of course, it's routine. It's mechanical for them. They know where we're going and aren't worried about getting lost. I do a bit of fishing with a rod and a bit of writing to pass the time. I can't wait for us to arrive... Speaking of arriving. Teige and Cynv think we should probably arrive tomorrow.l
Another day sailing and still no island. It doesn't help that the fog is starting to lift. Cynv says not to worry. It happens at sea when the water gets colder, with the currents and all. I do remember that it happened before, when I went fishing with my father in the morning. There was fog on the lake. It was scary when I was young...now it's scary for another reason. Talking about fishing. I caught a very sick red snapper today. At first I was so unsure of what I was seeing so I showed it to others to get their opinion on what kind of fish it was, but none of them had ever seen anything like it.
As soon as I pulled it out of the water, its flesh and scales began to fall apart. You could tear off a pile of scales and soft flesh just by running your hand over it, oh and the blood. How could I forget the blood. It was bleeding so much, and practically non-stop I have no idea how such a small creature could have so much blood in it... I spent a good hour scrubbing the deck to remove the long line of blood it had left from the back of the boat where I was fishing to the cabin. All without dying! Throughout his adventure on the ship he remained alive and well. He continued to breathe slowly. No panic in those bulging eyes. Even when I removed the hook he had swallowed that had pierced his flesh, he didn't even try to struggle... And even after all that when I threw him back in the water, Teige's good advice so we don't get sick, he swam away as if nothing had happened. Like if it was just another day for him... I prefer dry land, there's less weird stuff there... Besides, I'd better get myself cleaned up, I must have a bar of soap in my backpack somewhere...
The fog is getting worse and worse as time go on. It got to the point where we can’t tell the time! It is daytime? Night? Impossible to say, we'd lost sight of the sun and the light that came with it. It looks like night, but it happened far too quickly. There must have been three or four hours of sunlight left when it quickly disappeared behind the fog. Leaving an empty dark sky... We managed to lose the sun behind a stupid fog!
We could see so little that we had to light the lanterns to avoid falling into the water. At least now, we can see something other than silhouettes moving in the distance... I hate the sea... If we were on land, it wouldn't matter. We set up camp, build a fire, go to bed and pouf. The problem is gone! Now we can hit things, things that could sink us... or even fall in the whirlpool! We haven't seen it yet! So I have to stand guard while Cynv looks at the charts to try and find us and Teige takes care of the helm... Hope we don't hit anything...
Finally! The island! Far on the horizon you can see those old structures! We have finally found it! I thought we were going to be stuck in this stupid fog forever! But now our ordeal is coming to an end! Teige says we'll drop anchor just off the island, have a bit of a rest and then dock tomorrow to explore the island in full sunlight. He hopes the fog will have cleared by tomorrow and we'll have better visibility to dock without hitting anything. So, off to bed. Last night before exploring the island!
Category Artwork (Digital) / Fantasy
Species Fox (Other)
Size 1980 x 1080px
File Size 8.98 MB
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