Chapter 5: The Pirates of Lac Dinneshere
Once everyone is aboard, Ryev, Captain of the Lilting Tern, sets to sail, guiding the fleet vessel eastward out of Knucklehead Harbor and into Lac Dinneshere. Gliding across the waters, the ship cuts through banks of tendril-like fog, a light patter of snow descending gracefully from the grey veil that extends from one horizon to the next.
Ryev is a sure pilot and effortlessly guides the vessel, soon veering northward in what he comments is a route that runs parallel to the lake's western shore, though none can see it through the icy gloom. No ships are seen on the water for some time, but after an hour or so the group spots a few fishing vessels bearing the flag of Caer-Konig in the distance. Ryev steers well clear of these ships and hurriedly hoists another flag up the mast, this banner declaring the ship is not fishing these contested waters, rather just passing through. For their part, the rival fishing vessels take no outwardly hostile action against the Litlting Tern and carry on about their business. After a few tense, uncertain moments, the adventurers lose sight of the other ships and continue their journey northward toward Icewyrm Maw.
A few hours later, the party spots a chain of icebergs and rocky isles ahead and picks up the distinct scent of smoke. No smoke trails are seen in the distance, due to the ever-present fog, but it is quite evident wood is burning somewhere within the chain known as Icewyrm Maw. Ryev drops anchor about 100 yards from the chain and comments, "Too dangerous to get much closer yet, with the fog and all."
He further suggests he can get close enough to an outlying island and offer the party a rowboat to reach shore, in the event the group wishes to explore the islands.