“Let’s go catch ourselves a monster.”
My-re stood holding a torch on the shore of Willow Beach on the Isle of the Eye. The scent of seaweed and algae was in the breeze of the nighttime air. The tuxedo colored were-cat Ssskah stood next to her. The crunching of rocks proceeded the voice of Lady Sheila Greywand emanating from the nighttime gloom.
“For a beach, this is rather rocky,” Sheila commented emerging from the darkness to join them. Across her chest she wore a dark-brown, harden leather breastplate, which was probably boiled a dozen or more times. It has a sheen to it and likely even the sharpest of spears would have difficulty penetrating it. Strategically placed leather sections also protected her shoulders and forearms. Her black boots were of the same material with an additional protective portion extending past her knees to the middle of her thighs, but the back of her legs remained exposed to allow free movement. Underneath the armor was a garment of the finest black silk that wouldn’t tear easily. A simple wand was housed in a case off her belt, which she periodically touched, as if to ensure it was still there.
“Lady Greywand, the dinghy is ready to take us to the Nightie. The contingent of Lord Protectors have already aboarded,” Ssskah purred and pointed to the lighted trireme in the distance on the lake. Sheila looked to the rowboat with its faded paint and fraying boards. A little water had accumulated in the bottom. Her brow crinkled in aversion and surprise. Ssskah continued. “Apologies, as the tide won’t come in for a few hours. We’ll have to meet the Nightie on the lake.”
My-re waived her torch back and forth as an indication to the crew that Sheila had arrived. She caught a flash of fire coming from the Nightie and a moment later a plume of smoke burst a short distance away. Tim the Enchanter of the Knights of Ni stable emerged from the cloud about waist deep in the water.
Tim looked around in surprise, snorted loudly, and slushed through the lake to the shore. Composing himself, he announced with great fanfare, “Lady of the Ice Garden, Witch of the Northern Waste, High Sorceress of Glacks Island, Lady of the Fire, the Enchantress of--”
“Thank you Tim,” Sheila said raising her hand and cutting off the litany.
“There is no need for you to travel in this most ridiculous manner,” Tim scoffed, gesturing to the rowboat. I shall bring you to your craft immediately my Lady with a simple incantation.”
My-re looked at the half-soaked mage and cringed inwardly at the prospect of Tim the Enchanter teleporting Lady Greywand safely and dry to the Nightie.
A few heartbeats of silence passed before Sheila said, “Yes, you offer is most generous, but let us save your energy for battle with the lake beast. Besides, it has been sometime since I traveled by ferry and I am now looking forward to the experience.”
“As my Lady wishes,” Tim said bowing. He then nudged in front of My-re and Ssskah and lent his hand to help Sheila board the boat.
My-re rolled her eyes and lit two sconces on either side of the craft for light. She and Ssskah then pushed the laden craft into the water and hopped in. Tim talked in hushed whispers to Sheila. He noticed My-re watching him and motioned for the two women to start rowing. He did not give any indication he was going to help.
Using two oars, they began to row toward the Nightie. As they approached the waiting craft Sheila said, “Let Captain Phetmolge know I want to set sail as soon as he is ready.”
Ssskah asked, “Of course, is everyone aboard?”
My-re added, “I noticed Spymaster Timshard wasn’t on the Nightie. He seems very concerned about your well-being? Should we wait for him? Did you tell him you were leaving?”
“I am Lady Sheila Greywand. I do not have to tell ‘him’ anything.”