Just as promised Khorsun is visible by morning. In just three hours the city itself can be seen. It has a large natural bay that looks to be closed off by a large chain roughly 50 yards long. The city is walled except for the docks around the bay area. There are large well fortified guard towers on each end of the chain.

Already there is clamor and signal fires from the city itself. Sviatoslav's fleet has been spotted.

As the fleet nears it's destination, Miroslav orders the oars up and the sails lowered. He is clearly waiting for some signal from the Knyaz.

It looks as if two of the ships have been ordered to launch an attack on the left guard tower near the chain. As the ships get closer it looks like something is happening atop the tower..a moment later a thick stream of liquid fires spouts from the top of the tower catching one of the ships square in the center. A second later the entire ship is in flames. Some of the men are able to dive into the ocean but well over half are killed by the deadly fire. The second ship retreats, picking up what survivors they can along the way.

Watching from their safe distance further back, Conn narrows his eyes, his expression dark.

"There is vile sorcery at work here."

Shaking his head, "Nah, it is not sorcery they are using, Conn, but Liquid Fire. It is alchemical... I am surprised you have not hear of it. We Byzantines have been using it for a long time. Hopefully they do not have much of it, because it is nasty stuff. I have seen it burn in water. My uncle told me that sand worked to douse Liquid Fire as water works on normal fire."

Barmak adds "I too, have heard of this roman fire - to us there has ever been an empire to the west, greek, roman, now greek again.  Surely, though, they must have a limited supply?"

"Whichever," shouts Jaleh, as she climbs the mast and settles among the rigging to find the best position to shoot her bow.  "Time to make ready to fight - Falcon, have your sword at ready, there's foemen to slay!"

        After having put his oar to rest as ordered, Gultunga grabs his weapons,
readies his bow, and notches an arrow.  The Stridesmans icey blue orbs scan the
vicinity for any possible adversaries that may prove themselves an obvious tar-
get.

Zmija watches the Greek fire with interest as it spreads across the affected ship and spills over into the water..."I feared they would have this. I warned the Knyaz about this so he knew it was a possibility." he mumbles as he continues to watch.

No flying arrows or further Greek fire belch from the towers a the Rus fleet. While soldiers and what looks to be local militia can clearly be seen on the docks, it does not look like the inhabitants of the city have any interest in sending the smaller fleet out to meet the Rus. They seem content to let the chain and Greek fire guard them for now on their open side and the mountains and high walls guard their backs.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:47, Fri 04 Dec 2009.

And so goes the first day that the fleet is waiting outside of the bay of Khorsun. A few more times of belching Greek fire keeps the Rus at bay and for the most part, the Rus and Byzantines are in a stand off. They Byzantines know that launching their own smaller fleet would be a disaster and the Rus know that they cannot get into the open bay passed the two towers.

If the people of Khorsun have a limited supply of Greek fire, they are not showing it.

It looks like a waiting game but from all accounts Sviatoslav is not one for such games. On the second morning messages are sent by boat courier from Sviatoslav to several of the ships, including the Heart of Oak.

Tired of the waiting A'kos shouts, "What news!" as the message arrives.

Come the morning, Conn finds himself standing at the rail with A'kos as a message arrives from the Knyaz. He too, is impatient to know more.

Loukas listened with curiosity and a bit of dread to hear the message from the Knyaz.

As they await the message A'kos says, "Perhaps a stealthy night attack on the cliffs - any climbers aboard?  If so, we can string together a small raiding party and fire arrows from the heights down to where the fire belcher's are sitting."

OOC: Obviously A'kos sees what he sees - if my mind's eye is off, feel free to correct it, Nestor.  But Gultunga's plan is sound if there are heights to shoot down from.

       Gultunga gives a toothy grin to his companions as he realizes that his
idea may have some merit.  The Stridesman replies . . .

       "Climber I am not, yet Gultunga will go if there be a climbers kit
avaialble, along with rope and whatever else thats needed to climb; tis my
idea, and beings that other companions mayst go at risk of their own life
and limb, Gultunaga cannot remain behind.  However if we are not equipped
for such a task, it wouldst be foolish to embark upon such a challenge
. . . almost as foolish as Gultunga attempting to walk the gunwhale of
a vessel whilst drunk!"

       The Stridesman begins to look about to note if there is any climbing
gear available.

"Victory favors the bold, Northman!" grins A'kos, scanning the heights for a likely place to climb.  "And I've a spot of rope and a grapnel to donate to the cause...and an idea of sorts forming!  Let us see how much rope we can gather, and quick!"

       Gultunga shakes his head doubtfully as he continues . . .

       "Rope and grappling hook aren't enough.  What of pitons and
proper harness so that we can tie ourselves off, thus assuring that
we wont't fall to our death needlessly.  Tis far more worthy to die
in battle!"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:50, Sat 05 Dec 2009.

"Perhaps the others have these...py-tons...you speak of," shrugs A'kos.  "I do not.  But as I said, I have a plan forming which may work..."

Loukas listens to the conversation, "I need no rope to climb... What is your plan A'kos? Or perhaps we should wait to hear what the King is asking for from us. What does he say, Miroslav?"

"If you can shimmy the wall with enough rope, than that is perhaps better than my plan," says A'kos, looking at the young man thoughtfully.

When the message arrived, Miroslav to it and gave it to Zmija. Apparently, Miroslav cannot read. The two men have a brief conversation about what the message says.

Miroslav turns to the crew and says..."The Knyaz has a mission for us. He knows we have horsemen and horse so he asks us to send a party to scout around the walls of the city. We are to set sail to the northwest and I am to drop off a number of you, then I am to sail to the opposite side of the city and wait for you there. From there we will report back to the Knyaz.

I will request a few extra mounts for one of the Princes knarrs. Once we have enough mounts we will leave at once. Anyone who wishes to remain with me on the ship is welcome to. Zmija will be heading ashore with you as the representative of the Knyaz.

Zmija steps forward and says..."I know I am new to you but rest assured the Knyaz chose me to accompany you for a reason. I have certain abilities that should prove useful if we run into trouble."

He smiles and continues..."I have heard many of you speaking of climbing the walls or towers, by all means bring your climbing gear since we may find a spot of the north wall that is unguarded. We are to travel far enough to the north that it will take us at least a day, possibly to through the mountain trails to reach the north wall of the city. We are not out to take on the whole city but to find information but looking at the crew here, I have no doubt that if we encounter resistance that we will be able to handle it swiftly. Now as Miroslav requests, we need to decide on who is going and who is staying. i think asking for volunteers is the best way...and do not worry if you do not decide to go. Some of you will still be needed on the ship."

Ulfr shifts his great bulk uncomfortably on the bench and says "I will stay on the ship. i have no skill or place on the back of a horse, even provided you find one stout enough to carry me. I will be of more use manning an oar I think."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:44, Sun 06 Dec 2009.

Loukas nods in response to Miroslave and the priest, "I'll come along if you can get me a mount." He goes to his bench grabs his shield, and pulls out the chest from beneath it grabbing rope and grapple.

"I am with the big northman. I have no place on the back of a horse! Lead on Miroslav, I will follow whatever orders you give!"

A bit about Khorsun...it is a large city by the standards of the time, build largely on trade with the east. The walled area is roughly 4 square miles. Estimated population is 10,000. The wall around the city is 40' high and there are guard towers every 100 feet. The population is mostly of Greek descent but have been there for generations. There are also a good number of Turkish Pechenegs living in the city.

The Pechenegs are found in larger number throughout the entire Crimean peninsula. The vie with the Byzantines for control of the area. There is no active conflict at this time. The Pechenegs themselves are allied with some of the Orcish tribes to the east of the Azov sea.