Graring coughed up heaves of salt water for the second time in under a week; after being transfered to the Younder Bound for guard duty, the ship had hit a bad gale and was sunk. Now, he had been washed up on a sandy beach while rivers of foul-tasting ocean brine virtually shot from his lungs and stomach. It took nearly a half hour for the corsair to recover himself, and then the realization began to sink in:
He was stranded!
Alone on a deserted island, with no one looking for him. Most who knew him would believe he died in the Diy, and now two other boats had been sunk... he could be considered dead on three different vessels. A poor chance, if he hoped for a search party!
The corsair walked along the shore for several hours. It was morning, maybe nine o'clock; a beautiful sunrise had nearly finished its journey. Looking inland, Graring saw a variety of trees and schrubery. There was no sign of human life; only birds, lizards and the occasional snail on the beach.
But then, coming over the next dune, the corsair saw a group of men, coughing up water as he had done previously. Gondorians! Probably the prisoners from his last boat; although they were not in captivity any longer. They would kill him if he was found... the corsair thought so, at least. He hid himself in some tall grass and watched them, seeing what their next reaction would be.
Then a thought occured to him. Maybe, since his prize had disappeared, Doran would come looking. If he followed them, Graring might be rewarded handsomely for information. He would just stay around and behind them, stealing food weapons and other items he needed. Without getting caught, of course!
|