The Travels of a Hairy Hermit

The signed prize agreement dries beneath a weighted cup as Wolf Wind clears the harbor. Above the uncovered name, the Dragon Flag snaps hard in the northern wind.

Tomas checks the tools and lashings near the mast. Edda studies the rigging for strain, Teren watches the sea ahead, and Harl holds the helm as the shoreline recedes.

Ahead, the Northern Trade Cities gather along the coast, their merchant traffic promising lawful cargo and opportunities hidden behind respectable seals. No target is yet chosen.

The crew waits for Nilsar’s command. Wolf Wind answers the helm, the harbor dwindles behind them, and the first decision of his new venture lies open on the sea.

Nilsar orders Wolf Wind to strike her colors and approach under plain canvas. The vessel closes steadily, her familiar hull answering every small correction of the helm.

Steady Under Fire keeps the deck calm as the merchant ship’s crew watches from her rails. Edda holds the rigging ready, while Teren maintains their measured approach.

Wolf Wind draws alongside without threatening the merchant hull. A broad-shouldered middle-aged man in a weather-darkened green coat steps to the rail, his copper beard bound with twine.

The painted heron, the ship’s name, and Arven’s declared charter settle the identification. Nilsar now knows the vessel belongs to Veyra Pell’s mercantile house, not a royal or military service.

Commands Earned Trust makes the offer sound like settled captain’s business, while Identifies Authority distinguishes Arven’s charter from hostile allegiance. Wolf Wind holds station without threatening Dawn Bell, giving the bargain visible weight.

Arven signals his navigator and names three routes used by independent northern merchants: the shoals west of Greyhook, the inlet beneath Saint Orra’s cliffs, and the winter roadstead beyond Vask Point.

The route knowledge exceeds Nilsar’s demand: Arven adds warnings about armed captains and difficult approaches. Edda lowers the rigging’s readiness, and Dawn Bell turns safely away under Wolf Wind’s guaranteed passage.

Wolf Wind follows Arven’s marked route beyond Vask Point, then cuts across the winter roadstead toward a lone merchant vessel. Nilsar keeps the approach quiet until the ships nearly touch.

Steady Under Fire keeps Nilsar’s timing exact as Wolf Wind grapples the merchant rail. His Gilded Round Shield turns a swinging oar aside, its donkey boss absorbing the impact.

Nilsar crosses first in plate armour, the weight steadying his advance. He draws the Damascus Longsword and drives the merchant defenders back without losing his footing, while the shield guards his bound wrists.

The seizure succeeds, but a cudgel catches Nilsar across the upper arm before the surrender spreads. Plate armour prevents a serious wound, though the blow leaves his arm bruised and stiff.

Edda secures the rigging, Teren takes the captured helm, and Wolf Wind’s crew controls both decks. The merchant vessel is seized, its crew disarmed and gathered under watch while Nilsar keeps his shield raised despite the ache.

Nilsar directs the surrendered merchant crew below watch while Wolf Wind's sailors move the vessel's goods across. His plate armour bears the bruised arm, and the Gilded Round Shield keeps his bound wrists protected as he supervises.

Nilsar accepts the counsel. The Damascus Longsword remains sheathed while his commands secure the transfer, and the plate protects his stiff arm as the last goods cross aboard Wolf Wind.