[Regin Hardhammer]

Marreth’s excitement rose as the Corsairs raced towards the wounded Elven ship. The other Palantiri was bound to be somewhere nearby. Marreth called in the Lossoth trainers and told them to send out their seals. “And they better find the Stone or there will be a new item on the menu tonight,” he snarled. He would not stand to lose the Palantiri again, especially with such a prime opportunity. The trainers called their seals and instructed them to search the vicinity where the other had been found. After watching the seals glide downwards through the icy waters, Marreth look once more at the Elveh ship. He saw them working frantically to try and rig up a sail, and laughed giddily at the sight. Fools, thought Marreth, no one can save them now. Soon after the other Palantiri was in his grasp, Marreth would spring his attack and capture the one the Elves held. He would take no prisoners, and especially relished the thought of watching that fool Luindal walk the plank.

“Get ready mates,” he ordered. “After those seals find the Palantiri, we’ll have to use the winch and pull it up with the net. Make sure that both are working.” Several crewmembers ran towards the devices to examine them. Minutes crawled by as he waited for the seals to arrive and Marreth felt as if he were stranded in the middle of the sea waiting for the wind to pick up. Infernal beasts, he thought, never did us any good. It will be a miracle if they come back at all.

Then, just as he was about to vent his frustration on the seal trainers, he heard a distinct barking sound in the distance. He ordered the crew to follow the noise and, after arriving at its source, Marreth smiled warmly as he saw a circle of seals.

“Lower the net slowly,” cried Marreth, “Give the seals a minute to push the Stone into the net, and when you pull it up be careful. We don’t want to break or lose it.”

One of the seals again surfaced as four members of the Corsair crew began turning the crank at a steady pace, eagerly awaiting the prize. After a few moments, a black opaque stone, smooth as a pearl, appeared caught in the net. Marreth rushed towards the net as it was pulled on board, pushing the others out of the way. Trembling with excitement, he lifted the stone in his hands. It was heavy, but not burdensome for Marreth, who was strengthened by years of battle.

Stroking the Stone repeatedly with his palm, Marreth gloated: I have one of the legendary weapons of power. Let Lord Castamir take heed!

“Onward,” barked Marreth, “Set a course straight for the Elven ship. We will approach her while she is still dead in the water and slaughter all on board. Spare only the Captain. I have special plans for him.”

With that Corsair ship set a course right for the stranded vessel.