Entry 13
The supply lines are heavily armed. Still, we liberate enough to make some repairs to the ships, as well as keep ourselves in good standing. I have acquired a few maps, though all seem to mark the set of islands Beatrix is interested in as uncharted, or poorly charted. There appears to be volcanic activity.
As we approach, it appears to be enshrined in fog. Still no sign of our ships. If I were in Raven's place, I would consider the islands as a base; easy enough to stay within them and strike when need arises.
Entry 14
Beatrix suggests the fog is not natural, now that we are close. Still no sign of the ships. We travel just within the islands, careful of the enveloping fog. We were not long ago nearly espied by other ships in our reconnaissance of the area. The fog makes it difficult to move quickly, as we must take soundings as we travel.
I have sent Brama and the novices inward with Beatrix - she desires to find more about what lies within the islands. Her "fox" goes with her, and Brama is to teach the novices about soundings, as well as keep an eye for the other ships.
Beatrix expresses frustration at the attitude of the ninja-pirates toward her. I shall need to watch XX and XX especially, as they were none too pleased with her attacks against them in Palleron. They did not see the Ki Lin's healing, and therefore do not realize as much her use for us. I am certain that this will change, though Beatrix hints that she will no longer summon that particular entity for its help.
Entry 15
The weather worsened substantially while the airship was gone. Afterward, Brama returned unexpectedly with two novices from the other ships. They claim supernatural things - Mandrake and Spider are dead - and that they believed the Captain was cursing them. Such superstition has gripped them that they can barely move abovedecks. Whirlwind suggests they may be useless.
Entry 16
Frustration grows as we still have no sightings of the ships. Perhaps they are no longer here? Still... there is something odd. I have spoken with the two novices, and Beatrix tested them for corruption or control by other creatures such as that which afflicted Mardun. Nothing.
I remind them that they must control their fear. Fear itself is not shameful, but one must not let it control one's actions.
They say that they have seen things, canoes, following, but that Whirlwind does not believe them. They are sincere in their belief. Whether or not it is true remains to be seen. We will watch.
Entry 17
Down one airship. I did spot the canoes. When spotted, they attacked; Spire countered. They appear to fight with obsidian weapons; odd for the Meridians - and that is who they appeared to be - do have technology. No metal. Indeed, the first action of one of them was to smash the airship engine into useless pieces. One canoe disappeared into the fog - we must be wary of others.
Perhaps now the novices will see that it is not the Captain's curse, but a foe we can see and fight.
Entry 18
We travel southward and westward toward the mainland. This is the direction that I believe Raven and Razorback last were. I hope that we might find them soon, this weather is, as Beatrix would say, abominable. Three ships - you would think we could find them soon enough. If only the weather would clear. Alas, it appears to worsen even more. Beatrix is certain that this is caused by a weather mage.
Entry 19
They attacked in a close channel. We've lost two: Couger and XX. Tomorrow we give them a proper burial at sea. We also lost a second airship. However, they will trouble us no loner. Beatrix freed the Ki Lin's sister as well as several other creatures held by the shaman. She also managed to kill the kraken. Perhaps now her usefulness will be obvious.
To these pages only I will admit my fear as I saw the airship downed. My attention divided as it plummeted, one thought in my head: Spire. I am fortunate my opponents were no match for me. I must control this. Damn him for drawing my attention earlier. Curse me for letting it get to me.
How can a Captain keep control, if she cannot even control herself? How can I expect Spire to remain undistracted...?
Entry 20
Following the difficulties with the Meridians, the weather cleared. We sailed on toward the southwest, in hopes of finding the others more easily now.
We did find the flagship.
A technomage has stolen it. Beatrix says that they are usually killed outright early, as they are a tremendous danger. They do not recognize humans as useful or sentient, and treasure only machines. It was for this that the Meridian shaman was controlling the creatures, and keeping the storms around the island. We caught a glimpse of it, around an island... and then on the other side it had disappeared.
Damn.