[Regin Hardhammer]

Marreth grinned broadly as he walked back down the road from the place of his meeting with the mysterious Lossoth. Once again, their meeting had been a very enlightening one. Marreth had learned that the Elves aimed to search in an area of the bay about a day’s journey further to the north. He had even been presented with a hand drawn map that had the exact location circled. Apparently, some wreckage had been found there bearing Elvish script. Marreth had been extremely disappointed when the Elves were able to escape the cave, but he realized that they must be gotten rid of if the Corsairs were to find the Stones.

He reflected on his good fortune in having such a useful informant. We will get the better of these Elves yet! And this time I will not be so easy on them.

Returning to the ship, Marreth immediately summoned his men together for another meeting. He even sent a special messenger out bearing messages for those Lossoth who were presently off the ship, having chosen to return to their own families and kin for the night.

At first, the crew looked sour, but were soon brought around by promises that their next expedition would prove far more enjoyable than the one they'd had that afternoon. Marreth leapt onto the top of a barrel, waving his sword in the air, and loudly proclaimed, “Two days from now the Elves will be searching an area of the bay one day north of here. Tomorrow, we will rise and depart, getting there long before them and drilling holes in the ice. We will cover the holes over with snow, and the nightime flurries will also help hide any indication of our presence. Then we sit back, waiting for the fools to arrive and fall through. After a few have taken a bath in the freezing current, we attack. Do not stop until the snow is soaked with the blood of them all. Then we may return to looking for the Stones uninterrupted and even line our pockets a bit with any gold or magical implements they have brought along in their packs and pockets.”

Cheers and howls of jubilation rang through the night air. The men chanted Marreth’s name as praises to the dear Captain echoed through the crowd. Marreth put up a hand for silence and then continued, “We leave at dawn tomorrow. Dress for cold weather, bring picks and axes plus plenty of weapons. We shall teach those Elves respect for the fine crew of Captain Marreth!”