The Atlark Incident

From Lost Realm

Foreword

Please, bear in mind that the Atlark have not completely been developed. As our forums are down at the time of writing, I can't really say for sure on their behaviour. So, for the purpose of this story, the Atlark will have limited free-will, but will ultimately be controlled by the Queen. Also note that everything will be linked to its related page.

The Story

Tiko fiddled with his quill idly while lightly resting his head on his fist. The charts before him were starting to bore him, but he was sure that within a few days they'd be out of the southern islands and around the tip of Ajyendar. Then it'd be smooth sailing to Ladrao to deliver his goods, do some exploring, and maybe do a little antagonizing of the Red Hand.

Footsteps rang in his ears and he looked up to see his first mate, and best friend, Nevan grinning at him. "We've just rounded the point, Tiko, and it'll be smooth sailing onwards to Ladrao."

"Heh...that was strange. As if you read my mind."

Pulling his experimental "gun" (as they were calling them) out of his pocket, he inclined his head towards Nevan. "Little target practice with the crew? It'll pass some time and give them a bit of a break. Plus, there's this perfect little oasis island a few leagues ahead."

Nevan grinned and then nodded, throwing a mock salute. "Aye aye, Mr. Captain!"

Five days later, the Galleon "Southern Sea" smoothly glided into port at Ladrao and the crew began unloading the finely crafted Orecrestian furniture the navy privateer had been hired to deliver. Tiko finished signing the confimation papers and gave the crew three days leave to spend some free time in the Ajyendari port.

Throwing a parting mock salute to Nevan, Tiko slowly wandered down the streets and began to contemplate his REAL reason for being there. He was actually being tasked by the Navy (for Orecrest) to capture a high-ranking Red Hand member that had taken credit for stealing and burning a wagon train of Orecrestian goods. It wasn't a task he particularily enjoyed, but being no longer being in the Navy and being employed as a reserve Privateer, he had to obey.

The Red Hand in Ajyendar were a known terrorist faction, loyal to the nation (but not sponsored by it) focusing on disrupting what they called "The Orcrestian and Torrential Capitalist Ajenda". They'd use advanced forms of the Power to destroy government buildings, hijack supplies, and kill high ranking members of countries allied with the two.