Loukas shrugs and looks out toward the shoreline before responding, "Phasis is River-God of Kolkhis. If he has this key it may come down to battling him, but given that his power is likely to be no less than the Baba Yaga's, I think we ought to tread carefully. By which I mean, we treat him respectfully and we ask for that which we seek. From the little I have heard of him he does not seem unfair...

"But let us be careful, Miroslav, if Phasis is only a spirit, rather than a God, he is the spirit of the river that bounds the West and East... He has been called King of the rivers for good reason and as such he may make things more or less difficult on us if he wishes."

"Ware dealing with spirits," counsels A'kos, his dark eyes also taking in the shore as they approach.  "At best they are rascals, at worst they are wicked and arrogant, especially when faced within their own demesne!  We must tread with care, and much as it irks me, with respect as well."

Miroslav nods, acknowledging the wise words spoken by both Loukas and A'Kos as the shore grows ever closer.

Soon the Heart of Oak is right at the mouth of the the River Phasis. Miroslav orders that the anchor be employed and the ship sits at the mouth of the river with it's captain unsure of his next move.

Loukas joins Miroslav and with a song in his voice, "Well, Captain, my Captain it seems as if it is time disembark, no? We shall not find our legendary destination from this Heart-y deck, shall we? We are of the Oak's Heart, but we are still by our nature beings of water and seek the Spirit of the River. Come!"

A'kos makes his way aft where Jean has kept the horses, and spends time looking over Storm's Wind; he has little doubt of the knight's efficacy with caring for horses, but his propietary nature forces him to give his mount a thorough once over...satisfied, he grunts at the Frank and nods his approval, before making his way back to Jaleh.

The day before we reached our destination, Balthazar tries to scry on Phasis.

Dyanna watches the others for a moment then looks to the mouth of the Phasis herself.

"Perhaps we should consider a sacrifice to the river god? Maybe  a cow or bull can be purchased nearby? Many of the ancient Greek tales speak of sacrifice, this Phasis seems to fall in line with what I know about the other gods and spirits, selfish and needy. Perhaps that is just the male gods?"

She smiles as she speaks and give Jaleh a quick wink.

"Hmph," replies A'kos from where he sits next to Jaleh.  "The winds are male.  Capricious yes, but neither selfish nor needy!"

Loukas smiles, "Quite right, A'kos. They are not selfish or needy... It is more like they are insensitive and uncaring."

"As it should be," shrugs the Falcon.  "Why should they worry over us when they've their own errands to run?"

He thinks for a moment then adds, "Better that way; I'd rather worry for my own fate than await others interference in my life.  Let the Winds blow, and the gods do what they may...just leave me alone!"

"Selfish and greedy or insensitive and uncaring...I do think a sacrifice would be in order. A gift of cattle may well do it but is there something more specific to please a river god or even spirit? I spotted a village off the coast just a bit north of here, so getting a cow should be possible with enough gold...I just want to make sure we make the correct offering"

Backpost

When Balthazar looks into the mirror while focusing on Phasis, he does indeed see something but it seems to be under murky water...most likely the silty mouth of the river. Something large moves through the murk but it does not seem to have a definite shape.

"I am afraid that from what I know, that human sacrifices has been a common form for ages. I am not sure we are ready for that though. Let's talk more and try to find another way to appease this Phasis." Dyanna bites her lip as she finishes talking.

"Perhaps some mongrels can be found in the countryside," suggests A'kos.  "I've no truck with them, nor will my conscience be burdened by their deaths."

Miroslav raises an eyebrow at A'Kos...neither in approval or condemnation. "I tend to feel the same way as you my friend but I think such a sacrifice might rub some of our group the wrong way...we keep that as an option for now though."

"It seems to me that a power such as Phasis would not be so sensitive. Whether we sacrifice a bull or a maiden the entire point is that we are making an offering and this ought to get attention. Let us see if we can not acquire a bull and if that does not work..."

"...run like the Wind!" laughs A'kos in continuation of Loukas' thought.

The big Rus throws his head back an laughs at the Magyar's comment..."Too true!"

Composing himself he says..."Let us go back to the village and try to by ourselves a bull. I think Loukas is correct, it is perhaps more in the gesture of sacrifice than the actual sacrifice...as long as what is offered has value or else how is it a sacrifice?"

After a bit more discussion in which Ciuvi also voices his support of the bull sacrifice, the captain has Oleg pilot the ship back a few miles then north where thy find a good natural harbor.

After a fair bit of haggling, the arrange for a bull to be delivered to the mouth of the Phasis at daybreak tomorrow.

Just about 30 minutes late, the Heart of Oak is run ashore near the mouth of the river and camp is set up. A few of the locals enter the camp with gifts of food and drink.

Loukas feels confident that Phasis will respond positively to their sacrifice and is pleasantly surprised by the visiting locals. When they arrive he is among the first to welcome them. "Greetings. You are kind to visit us and your hospitality honors us. Please, join us."

Years of raiding on the plains, mixed with their current lot has made A'kos suspicious, and he whispers to Miroslav, "Have a care for some sort of ploy or ambush.  Let not your guard be slackened by folk with doubtful intent."

Miroslav replies to A'kos's comment with a knowing nod.

A matronly woman who leads the small party of 10 natives, (7 women, 3 older men.) replies to Loukas in near perfect Greek..."We bring you gifts of the land to welcome you...we greatly appreciate that you open your camp to us. Int he amphora you will find the best wine we have to offer and the women carry loaves of fresh wheaten bread."

THe older men each carry an amphora of wine while the women carry the bread. They are dressed in simple peasant clothes.

Dyanna smiles as she accepts a loaf of bread from one of the women. She turns to the woman who had just spoken and says "Such a nice gesture." her empty hand wave in an intricate pattern before her. "I wonder if you would tell us  why you are being so cordial to a group of stranger such as us?"

Cast suggest, hopefully not too obvious.

It had not occurred to Loukas to be as suspicious as everyone else, which for a moment surprised him. Not long ago he would have certainly been a bit more cynical... Has he really changed so much in the past year? Is it possible?

When Dyanna spoke his revelry was broken. Perhaps he can help distract her from the sorceresses spell casting? Nodding in response to Dyanna's query he smiles at the old woman, "Yes, your kindness is unexpected. We thank you for it."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:46, Mon 25 July 2011.