Mareks Tale

I would love to say that from that point we made it to the reef safely, but that would be a lie. My luck had never been that good before. And it wasn't now. My danger sense was screaming long before the crewman in the Dragon's nest made the cry. "Banner 'orizion."

I called for my dragon-scale glass. It was better than any crystal or glass that the Empire could make. Ten times more powerful than the best Empire craftsman could make and half the size. I took a moment to admire its beauty before I held it to my eye. Even the smallest speck on the horizon was as big as day and I could see the ship clearly.

And now I understood the danger sense, it was a large ship, two spans at least bigger than the Wynd, and Empire by her lines and sails. I did the math silently, there was a good chance I was outnumbered, even if she was alone. But the Empire was rarely stupid enough to face a Pirate with only one ship.

I scanned the ship again trying to read her flags and pannents, but the wind had died enough that I could not see the emblem she flew. I doubted she hung anything but Dragon though with the way she moved and the type of rigging she bore.

I cursed bitterly realizing that I could not overhaul her, as much as I might want to. A freehold was only safe as long as she raised no arms against Empire. I wasn't yet flying bones so taking her was not an option.