{"id":314,"date":"2024-11-22T17:35:12","date_gmt":"2024-11-22T17:35:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/?p=314"},"modified":"2024-11-22T18:41:38","modified_gmt":"2024-11-22T18:41:38","slug":"elrin-daun-and-the-grumbsy-gang-chapter-21-the-joharys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/?p=314","title":{"rendered":"Elrin Daun and the Grumbsy Gang – Chapter 21: The Joharys"},"content":{"rendered":"

Previous Chapter<\/a> : Next Chapter<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cKEGS HERE!\u201d The large dwarf shouted carrying the barrel over his shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKEGS ON KEGS,\u201d An even larger dwarf holding two was walking right behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Vergusson happened to also be carrying a keg and multiple people were confused where he found it. But nobody complained. How could anybody be upset with nearly a dozen kegs about.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yet we weren\u2019t sure if that was hardly enough to care for the guests of Grumbsy.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hopping on stage with a guitar in my hand I blasted off.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nary a pair of feet weren\u2019t tipping and tapping. Over a thousand people had gathered. Perhaps more than two thousand. Trant had finally reached his goal of 200 homes before the end of the year. And not only that, but we knew of nearly a hundred other new houses built in the forests nearby.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And so, \u201cFrontier Days\u201d had begun.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We laughed. We cried.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

We poured a toast for those who\u2019ve died.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I managed to stay rather sober for the most part. Realizing I was truly the heart of the party, it was my responsibility not to puke and pass out as I had done so many times before. Not that folks around here didn\u2019t love that shit. Particularly the ones who want to throw the tomatoes.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was an old man with a monocle, who was walking around selling squash to people in the crowd. I had a feeling he was some sort of assassin, and I told Trant who informed Zorthos who was trying to be cool in front of Glish and Verg.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the end of the late part of the evening, after most of the crowd had departed, I found myself at the tavern. Trying to catch the ever living fuck up with the party. Trant had a smile as wide as the River Stoan. I wondered if he\u2019d take a little break from expanding the town to get his bearings in. Knowing him, he\u2019ll be going for 400 homes in 3 months.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan was bickering at the barkeep about something or other. After some of the crowd moved out I heard him yell, \u201cIf you figured out how to open it, bring that shit out?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBar look empty yet?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVerg,\u201d Roan shouted, \u201cGet them farts going.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Trant pointed a furious finger at the half-orc \u201cYou ruin tonight\u2019s business and you will buy every round of Troll you ever drink here for the rest of your life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Never had I seen Verg this horrified. \u201cI have to go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span> As he got up and dashed out Glish explained, \u201cYeah once he\u2019s in the zone there\u2019s only so much he can do\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nobody responded for a bit.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo anyways,\u201d Roan shouted, \u201cBring out the box.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Trant was irritated, but after examining the empty bar he declared, \u201cFine, the rest of the staff can handle the place for a little bit.\u201d Not able to hold back his own smile, the barkeep and town leader walked into the back of his shop.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After rummaging around for a bit, he came back out dragging the large treasure chest we took from the Dharrk Heimr caves a few weeks before. Most people saw him do so and got up from their seats to leave. \u201cSee, Roan this is why I didn\u2019t want to do this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen why did you?\u201d The sailor mocked as if he didn\u2019t just beg for it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you told me to,\u201d Trant argued.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking around the room Roan declared, \u201cSo I have authority here. It\u2019s official. You all heard it.\u201d Nobody challenged his claim. Trant just grumbled.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle walked next to the box with curiosity. \u201cIf you two are done flirting would you\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Trant pulled the green blade knife we saw him use to cut through a completely different locked treasure chest. Once again he carved a massive hole out of one entire side. A massive pile of emeralds and gems of all colors poured out, along with several books, small mirrors, and a variety of jewelry.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Knowing my friends would see the value in the rest, I first reached for the books. For the most part they were simply old historical documents that I would be fascinated to read later if I wasn\u2019t meeting the boys for drinks tomorrow and next week. But I will try to make time soon.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Though, much like the collection of books we found before in the crypt, there was yet another book with instructions to the dark mystical arts. Before I grabbed it, Roan scooped it up, \u201cWe should probably make sure you don\u2019t lose your soul reading this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo Trant,\u201d I waved the books around, \u201cReady to start that library?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s with you and the library?\u201d He whined.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a writer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As I continued to pick up the books I heard Zorthos shout, \u201cGLISH DON\u2019T!\u201d The helkin ripped one of the mirrors out of the hafflin\u2019s hand. The devilman was perfectly fine holding the trinket, whereas Glish appeared almost paralyzed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan was at the hafflin’s side in a moment pulling his left glove off asking for a knife. A moment later it was in his hand, and I don\u2019t know who tossed it to him, so I\u2019m guessing Yarrick was there. Roan quickly cut the cross on his hand then shoved his hand on Glish\u2019s head. Golden light glowed as the hafflin shook out his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDamn I\u2019m pretty\u2026 Huh\u2026\u201d He looked around confused. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Trant took a few steps back, \u201cNobody touch anything else.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can touch things,\u201d Zorthos raised his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay Zorthos touch everything,\u201d Trant commanded. \u201cAnd get it the hell out of here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The hellkin nodded, but also just stood there. When Trant continued to stare at Zorthos, the devilman asked, \u201cWell I have no idea where to put it. Like do you want it on the street or something?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a moment\u2019s thought Trant said, \u201cTry to put it all back in the box, and take it out back. We\u2019ll figure out where\u2019s the best place to both sell and dump what we can and need tomorrow\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf people wanna buy it why do we wanna sell it. Obviously it\u2019s cool,\u201d Glish said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI say we hold it for ransom,\u201d Verg suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Trant ignored the two and continued. \u201cI know of a city down south. Has a Triarchy. It\u2019s ruled by 3 men. Governing together. And they do quite well. They may have some folk that buy things of this nature for a much heftier price than you\u2019d find anywhere else in Kayos.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think Triarchies are a thing,\u201d Roan challenged.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that?\u201d Trant appeared offended by the seaman\u2019s words.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said I don\u2019t think Triarchies are a thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d The Titan\u2019s Trap owner was very upset about being challenged.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan waved his hands about as if he was a teacher, \u201cWell there\u2019s like a patriarchy, a monarchy, but I don\u2019t think a Triarchy is a thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Trant shook his head frustrated. \u201cGo read a book.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell he could if there was a library,\u201d I crossed my arms at Trant with a pout.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen he\u2019s right he\u2019s right,\u201d Roan pointed at me proudly while looking at the barkeep. Then he continued to argue, \u201cArchy implies royalty,\u201d It does not for the record. It just means the government. I looked it up later. But at the time I didn\u2019t correct Roan and let him ramble. \u201cWhich implies this is ruled by 3 families. 3 queens. 3 princesses. 3 kings.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d Trant was confused by the confusion. \u201cIn a counsel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The wizard shook his head in disbelief. \u201cI wanna go to this country, where 3 kings rule peacefully together.\u201d He slammed down his troll. \u201cThat\u2019s what I wanna do today. Forget whatever anybody else\u2019s plans are, that\u2019s what I wanna do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds like a fairytale,\u201d Verg added. \u201cDoesn\u2019t sound real.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell why don\u2019t you see for yourselves?\u201d Trant taunted. \u201cI got a boat going there soon. You can hop on. Sell all this crap. And check the place yourselves.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was no reason not to do whatever he was suggesting so we agreed. The boat was leaving in two days. I spent much of the time training my ass off, though there\u2019s only so much improvement one can make in that amount of time.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The morning of our departure we were all on time. Trant arrived at the port, with a large wooden crate. 4 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 3 feet tall, tied on ropes and nails keeping it shut. It was the package he had hired us to deliver; he also paid off a captain at the port to allow us to come aboard. All expenses paid but we did have to agree to perform basic tasks to keep the boat afloat.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Of course we understood that as adventurers, if any sort of sea combat scenario were to come about, we were likely going to take over. Trant also handed Syrielle an envelope requesting she specifically deliver it to his old friend Monty at the Arcane Spire.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When we asked where to find the Spire he insisted we couldn\u2019t miss it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The boat was about 40 feet long, with twin masts. And as you could probably guess there was some fancy decoration about. The captain, A man named Alonzo, was yelling out pointless instructions to his crew who were all already doing what he was telling them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been waiting to be on a boat…\u201d Roan grinned. \u201cFor so long.\u201d He proudly walked forward, <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGonna show these boys how to sail.\u201d He turned around, \u201cWhat\u2019s the name of this ship?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe Joharys,\u201d Alonzo replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA fine name for a ship like this,\u201d Roan shook the captain’s hand. \u201cLet me know if there\u2019s anything you need from me or my crew.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glish was quick to whine, \u201cOh so we\u2019re your crew now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we\u2019re on a boat we\u2019re my crew,\u201d Roan snapped and I kinda agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We looked forward to the figurehead on the front of the boat. None of us could tell what the horrible sculpture was. We asked, and he pulled out his own equally horrible drawing, for which the figurehead sculpture was based on, \u201cIf anyone asks, that is a badger on the front of the ship. It looks nothing like a badger, but that\u2019s what it is. We\u2019re using our imaginations here.\u201d Alonzo declared proudly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood because I will forget what that is,\u201d I explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After respecting the badger, we settled in, and The Joharys set sail. There were 9 crew members aboard the Joharys. Ian, Bobby, Joey, Matty, Garfunkle, W, Plups, Mort, and Crummy Don. There was also a monkey, named Wilton Chamberpots, who often sat on Captain Alonzo\u2019s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The alcohol they had on board was called Grog. It was water just rummed up enough that it could be drunk and stored. Low alcohol content, not a great taste.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGonna figure out how to spice this up a notch,\u201d Roan announced in disapproval. He quickly began inquiring around the squad who was packing extra ingredients.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Everyone searched their belongings. Yarrick was already standing next to Roan. With a bottle and several large jugs in his hand. \u201cI got harder rum. To mix it with the water rum.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019ll do\u2026\u201d Roan smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I looked the little man up and down trying to figure out, \u201cWhere the fuck did those even come from?” The robes he wore were actually pretty tight against his body yet he always had weird objects for no reason.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At the helm of the Joharys, the captain steered his ship, with a stubborn intoxicated tattooed scoundrel standing directly to his left, backseat boating.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After eating a poor meal, we mopped the deck, and began to sing sailory songs. Of course I wanted to lead, but Roan insisted he be the one to take control, and I allowed it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t know any songs though. So I continued to lead.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Row row row your boat<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Gently down the streaaammmmm<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Merrily Merrily Merrily<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I was interrupted by Captain Alonzo who said nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shortly after that I passed out. Then I woke up the next day drinking again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan kept insisting we were going the wrong way. He was very confident, but Alonzo insisted we were fine. Through the expert use of his tools, Roan drunksplained to the man his incorrect decisions and the captain corrected his course. My fellow human was the most competent sailor I had ever seen.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Alonzo offered him the position as a helmsman right then and there, a position that was only held by Crummy Don. \u201cSure,\u201d Roan shrugged, taking the helm giving Alonzo the opportunity to go to sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yarrick climbed up to the top of the nest of the masts, and set up camp up there to keep watch. The rest of my compatriots tied hammocks to the bottom deck of the ship. After some light conversation, and watching Wilton Chamberpots doing some basic dancing, we went to bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan, Glish and Verg, began puking. Some seaman Roan was. Had so much respect for him before that moment. Of course he did drink a lot. Still, he took great pride in that as a sailor.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

During a time of very calm seas, our wonderful water craft began to rock a little too hard. Followed by the sound of a loud knock, I don\u2019t think the current had anything to do with either event. And Yarrick from way above loudly declared his feelings on the situation. \u201cNhhooooo, Ohh mannn noooooo.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Trying to sound more bard like than usual I shouted, \u201cWhat danger awaits us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGuys,\u201d Syrielle yelled, as Vergusson moaned loudly, I believe he was pretending to be a fish. She slapped him on the shoulder and pointed towards the back of the ship. \u201cGuys\u2026 Guys\u2026 Guys.\u201d Finally we all looked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Out of the sea, gripping onto the back of the boat, was a large tentacle wrapping itself around the Joharys. \u201cA KRAKEN!\u201d Alonzo screamed. Weapons were drawn, and a few seaman shit themselves. For The Grumbsy Gang, on the other hand, this was just another day.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The samurai and the barbarian dashed forward without any hesitation. I assumed we were about to be fighting a beast with six arms. But it was quicker than we thought. The tentacles the two warriors targeted whipped out of the way while another came swiping across the deck knocking both of the mightiest warriors on the ship out to sea with one move.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh I\u2019m gonna turn him into Calamari,\u201d Nydorri screeched then did nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

More of the creature emerged from the sea, surrounding the boat. A large gaping maw, perched itself at the front of the vessel near the so-called badger. Yarrick was firing arrows from above but was the only person armed with a ranged weapon at the moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Still not doing anything Nydorri asked, \u201cWait, where should I strike?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s its head,\u201d Alonzo screamed pointing his sword at the creature that was climbing on the front of the ship. The captain roared at the sea creature, \u201cYou leave the badger alone!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah,\u201d The elf maiden oddly giggled realizing it was obvious where she should strike, \u201cI\u2019m gonna make him into calamari,\u201d she said again almost in a whisper.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d The Captain asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s gonna turn him into calamari.\u201d I told him. \u201cShe said it twice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nydorri leapt off the side of the boat, transforming into a shark before she fell out of view. That might have been the dumbest thing she could have done, but it was probably the coolest.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I was at the far end of the boat, but when I looked off to the side, I could see Syrielle and Vergusson keeping their heads above water trying to swim after us. \u201cWhat are you looking for?\u201d Roan shouted. \u201cThere aren\u2019t any weapons out there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The tentacles began to wrap even tighter around the ship. The wood holding us above water creaked and cracked, as The Joharys began to compress under the immense strength of this beast. One of the arms had reached through the door to the lower deck resulting in screams. A moment later, smoke appeared. Candles from below must have spilled.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Zorthos appeared and began slashing through the tentacle attacking people below. Another arm of the sea creature wrapped around him. But a moment later he became smoke again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWake the men, Get the harpoons,\u201d Roan cried out as if there were men still asleep. To be fair he concentrated pretty hard on steering the ship straight, insisting it was the wise decision. \u201cSomeone get me rocks and some fire.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The men had already made their way up the stairs on the back side with harpoons and spears. Glish had emerged as well with his crossbow firing at the face of the large eight armed killer.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A youthful shipmate named Ian dashed towards one of the arms squeezing the sides and slashed it with his sword. When he looked around to see which arm would come for him, the one he just cut wrapped around him.. The young man screamed and flailed about hopelessly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGoodbye Ian,\u201d Yarrick casually announced.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Ian No,\u201d I cried out.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan complained, \u201cHe owed me money.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ian was flung about 400 meters out into the ocean, disappearing.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I almost broke into tears, \u201cThat\u2019s how strong this thing is?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Zorthos had torn up and burned several arms, keeping the creature mostly occupied on him. Though he was clearly growing exhausted from being forced to constantly transform into smoke. And, the creature\u2019s head was crawling closer to the middle of the boat, giving the arms the reach to attack those of us that kept our range.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As all its arms were occupied, and most of my ranged attacks being fairly useless at the moment, I took a second to utilize one of my greatest weapons. My mind. Through my years of researching the arcane arts, I figured I had to have heard of something regarding this large beast.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was about ten times too small to be a Kraken, and it also has not asked any questions or casted any spells. Both are things that Krakens do. Clearly this was just a regular large octopus or squid.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Not like it really mattered because the edge of one of its arms began whipping towards the mast, and I didn\u2019t like that at all. So I jumped out and started dueling with that specific arm for a second, until Yarrick dropped down and sliced straight through it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another leg snapped around to grab him, whipping his body fast and hard out towards the sea. I couldn\u2019t see his body at all. \u201cI still don\u2019t know who he is.\u201d A second later I was fighting another arm and Yarrick was by my side assisting me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I have absolutely no idea what trick he pulled to survive that.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t you use your spear?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He shook his head, \u201cI alread told you. I can\u2019t use it too much in one day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking around at the empty sea I screamed, \u201cWHEN THE FUCK DID YOU USE IT DOAY??<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A loud banging noise from behind me coincided with a small hole bursting in one of the arms. Then another one. Roan\u2019s right glove was off and his thumb was aflame. Crummy Don was next to him holding a torch. He appeared to have something in his other hand, but I let them live their life as I dodged a tentacle.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The not-Kraken\u2019s attack was far from finished. Shipmates began stabbing at the arms wrapped around the ship hoping to destabilize it, but the massive squid had a good enough grip with its mouth. Freeing its arms to attack back with everything.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thankfully, Zorthos disabled several arms with the help of everyone else.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blood poured from multiple orifices of the creature. I\u2019ve never been more confident that we, as a group, may die. But the creature the gods decided to drag us into hades may just be going down with us.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Alonzo, furious over the attack on his ship, dashed forward with his cutlass to attack the head. The creature pulled itself forward again, and with one swift bite Alonzo disappeared in a spray of blood. He was there and then he wasn\u2019t. He was just gone. End of Alonzo\u2019s story.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGuys we lost Alonzo,\u201d I announced.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYup,\u201d Yarrick acknowledged.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>Guess who got an upgrade on the ship\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Like I said before, Roan was honorable, he just didn\u2019t like to be.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Furious at what happened to Alonzo, Crummy Don dashed across the ship and drove his feet square into the beast’s face just above the mouth. Then he scooped up the cutlass on the ground and stabbed in the face.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat boy is fighting for the position of captain,\u201d I yelled out.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s captain material,\u201d Glish agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou’ve got a challenge here,\u201d I taunted Roan.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot even,\u201d He whined.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s crummy, and he\u2019s kickin a squid!\u201d I cheered.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Zorthos was at the far end of the ship, breathing heavily and showing no signs of continuing to fight. Glish was standing just outside of range of a tentacle dueling with the tip, while Yarrick was on the head stabbing it with his dagger. Roan was still blasting away.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A different squid arm snatched Glish. Just as it prepared to whip him out, a katana sliced straight through it releasing the hafflin to the deck. Syrielle then sprinted at the head. Vergusson already was ripping into it with his ax.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It squealed horrendously. Then the deck was covered in blank muck.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEwwww, it’s inking,\u201d Yarrick whined.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As an educated man, I understood what that meant. \u201cIt\u2019s fleeing!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s just gonna bring friends back,\u201d Syrielle argued. \u201cIt has to die now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not how that works,\u201d Roan shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I would not allow this monster to run. This day, it was our bitch. \u201cDie you vile beast,\u201d my rapier stabbed straight through the nearest tentacle that was still that was harassing Plups.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan continued blasting it in the face with stone bullets. Vergusson swung his ax, cutting through one of the tentacles at the base. Blood poured out all over the deck as the creature released all of its grips. The wounds from the battle were just too much as the giant creature went lifeless, slipping off the boat into the sea.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis tentacle must have been the source of its power,\u201d The barbarian prince exclaimed, leaping off the not-kraken\u2019s head, returning to the boat.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sea splashed red waves over us, we raised our arms, bathed in the blood of friend and foe. It seemed to be a frequent thing for us and the gore was no longer a bother. Nothing can stop us, and onward we went.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUh guys,\u201d Roan exclaimed immediately. \u201cThis boat could be in better condition.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A loud cracking noise came from the back of the ship. The rear mast began to fall over, snapping us into realizing our boat was sinking.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright,\u201d The half orc smiled, accepting the challenge of skill presented to us.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We are adventurers after all, not just sell swords.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan sprinted forward, with the vast seaman experience he has had throughout his life. I could tell he thought it best we act quickly, lest we end up in Poseidon’s Keep.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A portion of the mast hung off the side of the ship, so Yarrick delivered an incredibly powerful strike with his dagger, to the weakest, part severing it allowing the part that hung off to sink into the ocean. The less weight the better and it was doing us no good. Syrielle dashed over to flip over lifeboats for the same purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGreat shipmates of the Joharys.\u201d I yelled loudly throughout the ship. \u201cUse your skills to save us this day. We did not slay a Kraken-wanna-be just to die to the sea!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The dumbstruck sailors whipped into shape immediately. A couple of them ran downstairs yelling, \u201cBilge pump! Bilge pump!\u201d Another one ran over to harvest ropes for us to use. 2 more also ran downstairs to help unload unnecessary cargo.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nydori ran down after them and didn\u2019t know how to help.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Vergusson held his ax out intimidatingly. \u201cDon\u2019t sink!\u201d He roared at the boat. I don\u2019t know what he was expecting, but the sailors were terrified of his rage and began working faster. \u201cThat\u2019ll do too,\u201d He shrugged.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Crummy Don, being the majestically heroic sailor that he is, grabbed hold of a rope and jumped off the side, presumably attempting to tie the rope through one of the holes on the side to pull part of the front mast back up to raise the sail that\u2019s left.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEhh, that was gonna be my next move,\u201d I whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yarrick, attempted to swiftly pick up all the pieces of wood on the ground he could, but tripped over something and fell on his face. It\u2019s just something that happened and I watched it happen. Nobody ever believed me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle turned to the crewmen who appeared hopeless. \u201cDon\u2019t worry it’s fine,\u201d She spoke with the heart of a leader. \u201cWe\u2019ve been through much worse, this will soon be just another war story now let\u2019s keep going.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They were greatly inspired by her words. Which upset me because that\u2019s my thing.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Copying Crummy Don\u2019s move, despite claiming it was mine, I grabbed hold of a rope and dove off the side of the ship. \u201cNot today Poseidon!\u201d With the perfect curve I swung out towards the sea, and back into one of the open holes pulling the rope along with me. I did not have the strength to pull it up yet, but with assistance, we have the positioning on the rope.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026\u201d Vergusson noted. \u201cI would not be mocking the god of the sea right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFor real,\u201d Roan agreed. \u201cI\u2019m about to pray to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The half orc nodded and ran downstairs to look for materials to block up the hole with.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan dashed over, to where Alonzo\u2019s corpse would have been, and picked up his super distinct, large purple hat with a yellow feather on it, that literally nobody noticed he was wearing. He charismatically announced, \u201cPoseidon you took my Jesebelle, you can\u2019t have my crew too.\u201d <\/span>Who is this Jesebelle?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s your prayer?\u201d I mocked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah that\u2019s my prayer,\u201d He smiled with pride.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I shook my head at the hypocrisy. \u201cThat\u2019s worse than what I said to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re both just shit talking a god,\u201d Vergusson Agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sun came through the clouds just slightly, and there was a warm breeze on all of our faces. Whether his prayer taunted the god or not, he brought the grace of Poseidon with it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yarrick flipped to his feet, tumbling over the lifeboat in front of him, and began to drag it down the stairs, to use its wood to patch up the holes.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle and I ran around patching up the little holes in the ship that we could find.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s a hole, here\u2019s a hole, here\u2019s a hole, here\u2019s a hole,\u201d I exclaimed, finding tons of openings. During my inspection I found a small bucket of tar, and began to brush it over the holes I found and the water stopped pouring in.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The druid used her great natural skills to charm the monkey into assisting us. Her masterful ability did the trick and Wilton Chamberpots began running around fixing holes in cracks with scraps of wood ignoring the waste deep water.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll pray too,\u201d Vergusson announced as he began to mumble in orcish.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Plups and Ricky were arguing and swearing at each other, discontinuing their work.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho did you pray to?\u201d Roan asked the half orc.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, did you pray to Hades?\u201d I was most frustrated. \u201c<\/span>\u2018Hey bud see ya soon.<\/span><\/i>\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The half orc shrugged and shook his head. \u201cI guess so.\u201d That\u2019s actually what he said, he wasn\u2019t sure who he was praying to or what he was saying.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Crummy Don and a couple other members of the crew, patched up one of the largest holes, and water stopped flowing in. We were no longer sinking but there was still a lot of work before we could relax.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yarrick ran over to inspect the bilge pump, but claimed it to be unfixable.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle, in frustration, punched Plups in the face, breaking his nose, and the other crewman raised his arms terrified and backed away from the scary samurai.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My comrades’ methods were wrong, inspiration through the art of persuasion is so much more useful than fear and intimidation. They simply couldn\u2019t find the words that an artist could \u201cMighty seaman, get the barrels and get the water out of the boat.\u201d Nodding their heads Plups and the rest of the men created an assembly line and began passing buckets of water out to the top deck and of course out to sea.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know the captain has to go down with the ship,\u201d Vergusson explained to Roan. As the man steering the ship puckered his lips and looked at Crummy Don, the half orc patted him on the back, \u201cYou may have to give him the hat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A large tree magically sprouted from where the back mast once was.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Crummy Don wanted to help but he did not know what to do. \u201cHey hey hey,\u201d He announced, mostly speaking to his men. \u201cAlright guys, we just need to probably do like one more thing, but we can only afford a couple more fucks ups.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We spent the next 4 days, pretty much not sleeping, using buckets to constantly keep water out of the bottom of the boat. Roan and Crummy Don, worked together to try to keep this boat as straight as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I bonded with Plups.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On a very cloudy day, to our excitement, we spotted land up ahead. The closer we got, the more we realized it was a massive city behind a large open storm wall for us to sail through. There were hundreds of buildings, but three towers much larger than the rest.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We had finally arrived at Koph Mana. The Metropolis of Kayos.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Previous Chapter<\/a> : Next Chapter<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Previous Chapter : Next Chapter \u201cKEGS HERE!\u201d The large dwarf shouted carrying the barrel over his shoulder.   \u201cKEGS ON KEGS,\u201d An even larger dwarf holding two was walking right behind him.   Vergusson happened to also be carrying a keg and multiple people were confused where he found it. But nobody complained. How could […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-314","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/314","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=314"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/314\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":322,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/314\/revisions\/322"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=314"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=314"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=314"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}