Onward to Sparta
Greetings most revered matriarch, the one to whom I owe all that I am.
We finished up trading with the Smithsong clan. They were truly an impressive bunch. They had a shipwright on board, and we were able to purchase some hull reinforcements for this new vessel I find myself on. They were able to do it at anchor, it was the most amazing thing I’ve ever witnessed. What is more impressive is despite the added timber and iron plates, the ship pilots wonderfully. The day after we unmoored with the Smithsongs, I put her through her paces, and she behaved wonderfully. I’ll have to see about trying to acquire some coin. The wright had some enchanted sails that were always full irrespective of the wind’s direction. That would be a huge boon. It was very expensive, as much as a new vessel itself. I might have some opportunities in the future that might afford that sort of recompense perhaps. Don’t think I’ve forgotten about sending you some of the largess either my mother, it shall be done.
The large taciturn Ouroboros came aboard with two arm full of gear from the smiths on board: given his arms that’s a lot. He clearly has stumbled onto to some coin, which speaks well of future opportunities with these new companions. I think this mountain of a man must have a close relationship with the noble Thalia. While I was testing the ship out, they spent a long time in quiet conversation up on deck. After which, Thalia suggested a companion’s dinner before we arrived at the port for Sparta. It was a good meal so far as conversation was concerned, the food was passable. We need to invest in a ship’s cook for the mess.
Ouroboros’s story is interesting, what’s been told of it. He apparently was from Sparta but left as a young age. He eventually ended up in some mad king’s frozen realm of ice and snow. He also apparently spent some time aboard ship, but not in a good way. I suspect given his size; he was chained to an oar for some time. Appalling and nasty business that, and it sets my teeth on edge, it’s not right, but it happens. That’s another reason I really want those enchanted sails. He had some questions for me, about dad, you, and what I could do. I gave a brief demonstration which seemed to satisfy him. They wondered if you had litters of children like the temple cats. I told them, just one at a time like normal folks. I told them I was trouble enough without having 4 or 5 siblings to contend with as well.
Shortly after dinner, we all turned in, knowing the following day would be busy. In the middle of the night, I was startled by yelling, thumping and general mayhem coming from lady Alex’s berth next to mine. The door was locked, but it was banging around so much I couldn’t get it open. Fortunately, Nicolos’s boot worked quite well. Inside we found Alex ranting and raving, her room was filled with a pungent smoke and oily vapor of some sort. I ran to let lady Thalia know; while Nicolos tended to and tried to calm Alex. He eventually got her up to the deck for clear air.
Thalia and Nicolos spent quite some time kneeling and tending to Alex who eventually came around. It seems she and the oracle of Delphi had swapped spirits for a time, with Alex inhabiting the oracles body and vice versa. There are some bad folks holding that poor young woman in a cage. These dark hued elves are in league with the titans and some goddess of spiders. I really didn’t follow much of that, but I could follow a young woman being kept in a cage against her will, stolen from her people, all for the information she possessed. Much like the rowers chained to the oars, its not acceptable.
Nicolos, Thalia, and Alex talked to each other for a long while, I offered what I could as is right. Mid-morning, we arrived at the port for Sparta. The vale stretches inland for a good long way. We were looking at the options to travel up the valley; boat, chariot, etc. Alex and Thalia are approached by a friend of their brothers, Palamos. He gave us a ride up the valley. We arrived and got some rooms at a hostile from the owner Philon. After we get settled, I think I’ll go out to see if I can find where they keep their prisoners. I’ll write again soon, I love you.
Gyasi