Chapter Two - The Storm
It has been nearly 25 years since the Lord Admiral, now in
his early 60’s, had stepped foot on Notchcliff Isles. As he sat on his balcony
overlooking the port, which had become a hub for the trade routes from the old
world to the new, he watched as his new ship the “Sea Venture” was brought out
of dry dock from the ship works and placed on the ramps for the christening
ceremony. He began to reflect on the discovery of this land and how quickly the
town grew, the selection of Captain William Forsythe to become the new captain
of the “Sea Witch”, and the trips he made with him to the new lands of
Moonlight Falls. He began to think about
his meetings with Ayden and “pappy” every trip he made to Moonlight Falls and
the constant bickering between them about who had originally founded the town.
To Francis it was almost comical the way these two would argue over such a mute
point.
As Francis prepared to head over to the port for the
ceremony, a messenger arrived with yet another invitation from Ayden to visit
him in Moonlight Falls. Francis decided that before he would continue his world
travels he would make one last stop and sent the messenger away with a letter
to Ayden accepting his invitation. He headed down to the port for the
ceremonies where he was greeted by Captain Forsythe and the crew of both the
“Witch” and the “Venture”. With a crash of the bottle of spirits the “Venture”
slid into the waters of the port, ready for her maiden voyage. And her first
stop would be moonlight Falls.
After the ceremony Francis took the time to speak with
Captain William Forsythe. William was the first mate of the Sea Witch when the
Isles were discovered and was appointed to become the Captain shortly after the
settlement was established. He was a strapping young lad with experience beyond
his years which is why Francis had no hesitation in making the appointment.
Francis saw firsthand that this choice was a good one during his trips with
William to Moonlight Falls. William was strong willed, a quick decision maker
and able to handle the ship during any number of trying situations. The two
talked for a short while and decided that the two ships would sail together to
Moonlight Falls.
Before the two headed to their respective ship to begin
preparations for the voyage north, William decided to give Francis his letter
of resignation. He explained to Francis about Evalynn, a beautiful young lady
he had met in Moonlight Falls and his plans to bring her back to the Isles
settle down, and raise a family. He Told Francis that this would be his last
trade mission, and when he returned from China he planned to turn the ship over
to his First Mate and leave the sea life behind with his new bride to be.
Francis knowing this day would come accepted the letter with no regrets.
The trip to Moonlight Falls was uneventful, with the
exception of having to slow the “Venture” down so the “Witch” could keep up.
When they arrived at the docks Francis made sure that William heard about his
old slow ship and talked about when they would depart. Francis planned to sail
from the port together with William then part ways shortly after just for one
last look at the “Witch” before he continued his journey. As the two left the
docks Ayden arrived with “Pappy” in tow along with another whom Francis did not
recognize. Ayden greeted Francis and invited him for dinner.
During Dinner Francis was more formally introduced to the
person who had accompanied Ayden to the port. Abigail Duler was the original
creator of the “widow’s Island” lighthouse and had been commissioned by Ayden
to design a similar lighthouse for Notchcliff Isles. Francis knew that a
lighthouse was needed for the isles and already had prepared to commission it’s
construction with someone local to Notchcliff. Francis found it amazing that a
woman could design such a structure and wanted to hear more of its history.
After dinner the three sat and talked more about Widow’s
Island and its original construction. Abby, as she was referred to by Ayden,
told Francis that shortly after Ayden and Pappy’s arrival to Moonlight Falls
she approached Ayden with the design for the lighthouse. Ayden loved the
concept and had it immediately commissioned on a small island just outside of
the harbor entrance. It was completed swiftly but, it came with a price, a
price that would doom the shipping industry in Moonlight Falls for many years
to come.
Once Abby had received the ok to build the lighthouse she
called upon a craftsman by the name of Fricorith Tricou to complete the
construction. Abby became more and more demanding during the construction and
told Tricou to speed the process up as quickly as he could which infuriated
Fricorith to the point of cursing the entire project by claiming that by
speeding up the construction the shipping industry will cease within two years
after the completion of the project. The lighthouse was completed, Tricou
vanished shortly after that and, as Tricou predicted, within two years a very
large portion of the trading ships stopped arriving to Moonlight Falls.
Growing up Francis had heard tales of those who had the
power to curse others with misfortune, sickness and even death but never did
believe any of those old tales but this one, after looking into Abby’s eyes,
made him think otherwise. Francis could see the pain that Abby has gone through
since the completion of the lighthouse and the decline of the trade ships into
the harbor. He could also sense that she felt totally responsible for what has
happened and the reason the lighthouse went neglected for so many years.
Looking at the clock Francis realized he needed to get back to the docks to
meet with William and prepare to leave Moonlight Falls. He thanked Abby for
sharing her story, said his farewells and headed for the docks.
Walking back to the docks Francis decided that he would
first return to Notchcliff send for Abby and have her begin construction of a
new lighthouse for the isles. Francis saw in Abby a want to make amends for her
mistakes in Moonlight Falls and this new project just might be what she needed.
William was cursing Francis as he arrived at the dock being almost an hour
late, but after explaining his evening with Abby William calmed down and
understood the reason for his tardiness. With a hardy hand shake and a quick
farewell, the two men returned to their ships and prepared to sail.
Once again the “Venture” had to slow to allow the “Witch” to
gain ground. Francis ordered the port cannons loaded for a farewell salute to
the “Witch” and as if William knew what Francis was thinking ordered his
starboard cannons loaded for the same send off. Just as the final volley was
completed the skies turned black and the storm hit from out of nowhere not
giving either crew a chance to brace for it. It was a violent raging storm and
both ships were being tossed violently, Francis being the more experienced
seaman was able to gain control of his ship and steer it out of danger. As he
looked toward the “witch” he watched in horror as the ship was struck by a
lightning bolt, broke apart and was swallowed by the sea, and with that the
storm disappeared as fast as it came upon them.
Francis quickly turned the “Venture” to where his old ship
was, yelling to the crew to look for and prepare to receive any survivors.
Sailing through the debris there were no signs that any of the crew was to be
found, and all that remained of the “Sea Witch” were a few planks and some torn pieces of sail floating on the
surface. Francis tried to hide his emotions by focusing on how far they were
blown off course, and ensuring that his crew was safe and accounted for, even
though all the crew standing around the Lord Admiral could see in his tears
that his heart was broke into thousands of pieces. After receiving the word
that all the crew was accounted for Francis could begin to get back on course.
It was not long after this that the weather once again
affected the voyage. The sky turned grey and overcast and a fog had begun to
build around the ship. Just before the fog became to heavy, a cry from the
crow’s nest rang out “Land port bow”. Knowing that they could not sail under
these conditions Francis carefully guided the ship towards the land and found a
small cove in which to anchor. As the crew dropped anchor and lowered the sails
a voice was heard yelling from the distant shore in a language that was not
immediately recognized. Francis had no choice but to remain where he was as to
not endanger the crew trying to sail in these conditions. Once again the voice
was heard yelling from the shore this time more understandable and not as
threatening.
Francis gathered and armed a small landing party and went
ashore. He was met by a wall of a man, towering over him and much stockier than
anyone he has ever seen. Francis began to tell the man what had happened and
that they only planned on staying until the fog lifted and with that the man
let out a huge laugh. “If you wait for the fog to lift, you will wait a very
long time” the man said explaining that the fog has been a part of his 40 years
on this earth. The man lead the party to his village and they were greeted
warmly as the town has always welcomed outsiders who visit this place. “Welcome to
Berwyn Heights” the man said, “my name is Bresian, the appointed leader of this
town”. Francis introduced himself and again explained the events that brought
him here. Bresian listened intently and when Francis had finished , told him
that the storm was not a natural occurrence, but one of wizardry driven by
anger and meant to destroy everything in its path.
Bresian called for others to come and help prepare quarters
for the crew of the “Venture”. Francis thanked Bresian for his hospitality and
began to ask about this strange land. Bresian was happy to tell the story…
“ Berwyn Heights has
been here since the beginning of time itself, or so the legends say. A
prosperous place, and after the
discoveries of other lands, became a stopping port for trade ships and
explorers from all around. We did not always live in this never ending fog, my
father would tell stories of how death himself came to collect several souls
here and looked upon this land and made it his own. Once he took residence here
upon the mountain, the fog soon followed and the sun would shine no longer. It
was as if hell moved to our world. We have had only one other visitor to this
place, he now resides in his manor near the eastern shores. As you were exposed
to the wizard’s spells of the storm, I suspect that he is the one responsible
for what took place out there on the sea. Be careful if you face him as he is
known as the most powerful wizard you will ever cross. You are known to us Lord
Admiral and your travels and discoveries have also been told throughout our
lands. You are welcome to stay for as
long as you need and I will continue my story when you have the more time but
now go take care of your crew”
Francis again thanked Bresian for his hospitality and vowed
to return to hear more of the history of Berwyn Heights. Gathering the landing
party and walking back to the ship a slight break in the fog revealed a large
manor sitting high on the mountain. As Francis gazed upon the Manor he
remembered the words of Bresian and the story of death taking residence upon
the mountain, was this in fact the home of the reaper himself? It did not take
long for Francis to decide that he needed to leave this place a fast as possible.
Being a man of his word, he will stay long enough to hear the rest of the
Berwyn Heights history before leaving.
Back on the ship a small team was selected to remain onboard
to prepare the ship for departure and the rest of the crew split into groups to
rotate on and off the ship with supplies and assist in preparations. Once the
assignments were given and the crew moving about, Francis returned to Bresian
to hear more of the history of Berwyn Heights.
“I fear it is not the history of this place you are
interested in but to hear more of the wizard which cause the storm you
encountered. Fricorith Tricou who resides in his manor located on the eastern
shores of this land is the one you seek. He is known for his sorcery and has
powers to bend the elements of nature at his will. face him with due caution he
is not one who accepts visitors and is known to have a quick temper."
Francis asked Bresian to accompany him to this see this
wizard, Bresian agreed and the two men left to the east. It was not a long
journey to arrive at Tricou Manor and when they arrived the gates opened as if
they were expected. Francis wallked up knocked on the door and waited, Bresian
was still standing outside of the gates. The doors opened and revealed a
skeleton of an elderly man, pale and looked as if death was to be upon him
quickly.
"I will take you to the master" he said. "And
he already knows why you are here Lord Admiral". Francis was taken aback
from these words as no introductions were made. They arrived in the great room
and were met by the wizard himself, an older man but fit and well dressed.
Before Francis could introduce himself, Tricou raised his hand and said "I
know why you are here Francis and it was not me who called for the storm which
destroyed your ship."
" Long ago I had taken on two young apprentices, their
family could no longer control them and became deathly afraid of them and
brought them to me. Mara and Moira Dredd would remain here at my manor learning
everything I could teach them, and they both were excellent students and
learned the arts very quickly. Unfortunately they both became even more
powerful than I could imagine and I decided it was time to send them off into
the world to begin teaching others the arts."
"Yes I built Widows Island." he continues, "I
built it for Mara and Moira so they could continue their work and study of the arts. This is why the
island was cursed, to ensure that no one would take residence until these two
were ready. It would seem that one of them sent the storm to destroy your
ships, I do not know why but if you truly need answers speak with them. You
have your answers, now leave."
Francis wasted no time in departing Tricou Manor, Bresian
was still waiting by the gate and the two headed back to the village. during
the short trip Francis recounted what had happened inside the manor and told
Bresian he would be sailing as soon as they returned. They arrived back to the
village, Bresian quickly ran to the market to ensure that the ship had all the
supplies necessary for the return to Moonlight Falls. Bresian and several
others from the village escorted Francis back to the "Venture" wished
them a safe voyage and began chanting in a language Francis did not recognize,
but as the chanting grew louder and stronger, it gave Francis a calm and
peaceful feeling as he left the shore.
With a map Bresian had given him, Francis would be able to
navigate his way through the fog and begin his return to Moonlight Falls. The
ship's anchor was lifted and as the "venture" began to move a slight
breeze picked up and directed the ship safely out of the cove and stayed with
them until they cleared the fog. Francis knew that is was the chants of the
people of Berwyn Heights that provided this guiding wind.
Francis was now out in the sea and heading back to Moonlight
Falls, but Fate would have something else in store for the good Lord
Admiral............... "To Be Continued".........
