Crew Logs: Finally Finality
Alberecht's Journal
Dearest,
We are become a crew! I have at times despaired of us ever working
in concert until we meet some unpleasant end. But this day we have
been flung upon the forge and emerged unscathed – nay, tempered!
Upon arrival at Foulstone, our captain gave chance to a scoundrel
which fled from us behind Foulstone 3. On rounding the rock, we were
set upon by it and a companion in ambush.
The scene, for your dead eyes, were two fearsome Onslaught class
raiders: Much lesser in stature than our Frieze, yet comparably
armed. Each had two batteries in their prow, and another dorsal. But
their guns were likely the least to be feared; Those vast gleaming
prows painted in gruesome reds and blacks and fashioned like great
sets of teeth - hinting of a terrible strength which could rip our
Frize wide to a horde of merciless demons; and yet more hideous
demons seeking to assault us in boarding craft.
Against the pair, it would have been folly to stand toe-to-toe and
let our broadsides alone speak for us. We engaged in a long drawn
battle of maneuver. Keeping clear of their prows and giving their
guns and craft only fleeting target. Meanwhile our chief gunner and
Draconis himself manned our batteries. The distance and maneuver
gave our shots small chance of scoring as well, but in time they
gained fearful purchase on first one foe then the other.
At one crucial moment, it seemed to me that we might snatch defeat
from the jaws of victory…
We had greatly crippled one of the raiders, and were wearing away at
the other, when Draconis flung us between them and directly into the
path of the cripple. Those teeth grew suddenly vast, and my knuckles
white, but our stern cleared their prow by what seemed inches,
leaving those teeth gnashing.
Draconis certainly does not lack courage.
A few more sharp turns, with our guns raking the cripple, rendered
it a flaming hulk.
The remaining foe continued to resist, but our guns soon found its
vitals. And by stroke of luck, her treasury was left intact.
Throughout all, the crew of the Frieze acquitted themselves with
distinction. Against two creditable enemies, only the merest damage
reached her worthy hull; just enough scar to signal her victory.
And now, she calls me back to duty … though I remains yours first,
forever,
Alberecht