The Secret Oaths

Astra started to descend slowly. Jan asked to be allowed to speak to the sailors on the ship below. He said that he might be able to get the sailors below to help, as he could speak the language of the brotherhood of mariners, and might be able to vouch for them.

He put the golden ladder over the side, and descended. He waved, and shouted, "Ahoy, there! I am Jan of Coperton, late a seaman aboard the Marsh Hen, which was ambushed and burnt by the so-called Lords of the Sea. Four good souls control this dragon! They are from the lands of the West! They rescued me. We need to land! Please repay their kindness to me."

A man from the crow's nest shouted back, "Gimme a proof, man, that ya are of the brotherhood of true mariners, and are not acting under force. Repeat the oaths of the brotherhood."

Now, the oaths of the brotherhood are a closely guarded secret. In order to show proper respect for this ancient and noble profession, Jan's response has been modified somewhat, to ensure that the secrets remain guarded.

Jan shouted back, "You [clucking] fools! The Astra could have put a flame up your [backsides] if she wanted to hurt you. I am [an annoyed] Jan of Coperton in the Black Capes, and I am [gosh-darned] tired. Let them land the Astra, you sorry sacks of [rich fertilizer]."

The man in the crow's nest replied, "Good enough for me! We shouldna'had doubted ya, but ya canna be too careful, y'know. Clear the decks for landing!"

Checkers landed first, flying down into the crow's nest. Jan, Fred, Solbert, and Sartoma then climbed down the golden ladder and onto the deck of the ship. The crew then helped remove the gondola, and saw the treasure in Astra's hoard.

Astra now prepared to land.

But from where was the ship?

1. The ship was from the Black Capes. The crew were very friendly.
2. The ship was owned by "the Lords of the Sea." Astra's companions have been ambushed.
3. The ship came from somewhere else.

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