Entry 1
I said goodbye to the others today. Diego seems to have fallen for Isobel, Beatrix's sister. Beatrix washes her hands of the situation in frustration it seems. She instead is off to her home to report back, as well as to replace contents of her pouch at her school. Jim and his fiancee, once again reunited, return to the West in hopes of picking up their lives where they left off. I wish them all luck in their future lives; I suppose it is unlikely our paths will cross again. I must admit I grew to enjoy their company. Still, I must turn my attention to other matters.
First and foremost we must make reparations where due. We go now to recover what we can from the safe haven, and move to another location. Then, we shall reimburse Malcolm for his shop as I promised, for it is not good to let debts lie. Another debt which I must pay - though how can I repay it in full? - is the debt I owe to Ma and Pa Thurl for their kindness. Nonetheless I will bring them enough that they can retire comfortably if they so desire, and more. This I will of course do in person; the surprise of the fleet would perhaps not be good for Ma Thurl's heart. The fleet can stand off a little distance. Besides... I think it best not to give their location out while I still wonder about the loyalty of those in the crew.
It is clear that we must begin training. The crew needs to step up; I am left with several officers but not enough returned to the life of the ninja-pirates. It serves me to begin training, both with the newer recruits and of the higher officers. We must also find the others -- there was much confusion on the airship. We must bring them all back to the ways of the ninja-pirate; we cannot let them think that we have abandoned them. We must therefore find them as quickly as possible.
To this end, I plan to scout out House Ardem again; to see what he has been doing since my message. It will be interesting to see how he rules Palleron; if he has chosen wisely perhaps we can move on.
Entry 2
Reparations to Malcolm are done; Ma and Pa Thurl need wait until we can do some raiding. Training is beginning well. I believe in a short time I can send some of the newer recruits out on a raid, it will keep them occupied and provide good training lessons. We now move the supply caches as best we can to new places.
I have received several letters from Beatrix of late. It seems as though things are not as well with her as one might hope.
Entry 3
Captaining is ... not what I wanted. I find myself tied to the mundane aspects of rebuilding the fleet, caring for the crew and devising tests and training. Finding safe places heretofore unused or known, so that we may not be attacked should the remaining traitors regain their strength. I feel time slipping away from me, unable to move yet while they likely spread lies about me amongst the others...
I long for the days before this whole incident, when it was a carefree life as a ninja-pirate.
Beatrix and I have been in correspondence. She seeks to go to the island of Culperno. I wish I could go with her, for I have yet questions regarding... Varn... Five Claw... I wonder why he did not take my sash; why he did not take the Captain's (though this I can understand more). Yet he defeated me, albeit underhandedly. Why did he not take my coins? Have I misunderstood what was my fault?
There is little word from Culperno. Ardem has likely tried to take control there, yet I wonder that his ships do not return. Perhaps, one wonders... what may be the case with Mardun? Does he now control the island? Has the stronger seal worked against him? I worry that perhaps the Children of Flame, Gharkin in particular, may have influenced him even more now that they are all sealed. Something is amiss.
Beatrix sends that she has booked passage to the island, yet this seems out of sorts with what I hear. As we are in the area already I will stop and have a word with her.
Entry 4
After lengthy discussion, Beatrix accompanies me back to the Fleet. I will send a ship to drop her off where she might begin a journey to collect some components for her summoning. She asks about books during a raid; I laugh. Books are heavy, my dear. That ship will join up with us to infiltrate House Ardem to bring the ninja-pirates back, once we have moved any remaining caches.
Entry 5
Ma and Pa Thurl welcomed me back with open arms, and tried to refuse my gifts for their kindness. They are above all good people. In the end, I begged them to take my gifts as a point of honor for me. I impressed upon them that it is not safe for me to visit often and that I would not see them for some time. I am pleased that they are cared for now, and may retire if they so choose to enjoy life.
Shark has joined my forces; with her and Whirlwind I have the semblance of a Fleet again. Twenty two fight under me. Shark informs me that Raven and Razorback were sent North to raid the supply lines. Apparently Five Claw desired those loyal to me away from him. He forgets to keep one's enemies close. Those beneath me now, I believe largely to follow me truly. A few, though, I am not entirely certain of. We shall see.
I gather that Ardem has retained many of the ninja-pirates - indeed, most of Varn's forces. In the confusion, they likely did not receive the message. We must find them. I cannot have them abandoned within that House. I will pardon those new recruits who renounce the ninja-pirate way and take the uniform of Ardem. Those who wish to remain ninja-pirates of course will be welcome. There will be no mercy for those from before who refuse to join me, however. Ardem should have known this was folly, to pretend control over the remaining ninja-pirates.
We will need to acquire more ships.
Entry 6
Spire caught me in my thoughts today. I managed to mask them quickly, but I suspect he knows something troubles me. Much weighs upon my mind still: those who will not follow me; those who yet believe I lie about what happened upon Varn's ship. Those who... doubt. And that there are still gaps that I cannot remember. It worries me. I am grateful for those who do place their trust in me. I am glad at the least that Spire believes I speak the truth. I wish I could be so certain of the rest.
What was my fault? Can I truly believe it was merely my defense of the Captain, and trusting Five Claw to be honorable as well?
Entry 7
It is time to begin study toward promotions. I will call the officers together and ask for their recommendations. I have my own list, of course. The Tests will begin soon.
Entry 8
Fool. Keeping watch all night. I need Spire alert and competent.
Spire. That kiss.
I am Captain. I have duties, responsibilities. I have no time for this ... this ridiculous nonsense. I need his - and my - judgement to be focused and not clouded by lack of sleep or notions of romance. This is no time for such things.
Entry 9
Spire. Has he learned nothing? He allowed Talon to be injured. Allowed his emotions to distract him. And then attempted to resign. He will put this behind him. I need him as First. I cannot have this distraction.
I will send him to pick up Beatrix. She is ready; I have received her letter. Perhaps we can use this to our advantage - to show her usefulness to the others, that they not question her presence. She can, I hope, heal Talon's wounds.
Entry 10
Beatrix called what she named a "Ki Lin". Impressive. I thanked it respectfully for its services. Beatrix hints now that she also needs to journey North. This suits me, as I desire to find Raven and Razorback. First, however, to Palleron.
Entry 11
In full force we return to Palleron tonight. We are now ready to infiltrate the house. It will not be easy; my memory of the House is limited to what I saw there. We shall see what transpires, for it is this which will be the greatest test of the ninja-pirates. I expect some resistance from the traitors, and must keep an eye on my own - here is where they will prove their loyalty to me, for it is their greatest chance to mutiny.
Entry 12
Only nine join me. Seven remain of the traitors; plus their novices. Still, my fleet grows. Those who retreated from our battles to fight another day are weak. They have renounced honor and cling to the false creed of Five Claw. I will deal with them later. They even left their wounded behind. We take them, heal them. I am not certain if their loyalties will lie with me, but surely they begin to see the dishonor of the others. I will keep my eye upon them.
Beatrix intervened in Shark's battle. She is not pleased. Yet, Beatrix saved her life, and I am grateful.
We honor those who died in our memories, though we cannot perform the proper burial at sea. May their souls make haste on to the next incarnation.
Ardem will regret his decisions. Perhaps Beshm would be a wiser ruler.
I am pleased at the military vessel I have commandeered; it needs repair but is serviceable. Naturally, Shark retains her vessel. Three airships and two sailing vesels. A good start, though not the strength of the Fleet. Adding my own former ship and the flagship will put us near our original strength. We will, of course, need to recover a larger airship. In time. Whirlwind will be promoted, then, to lead the airships.
Training continues. I see vast improvements in the crew as we work on raids. I am pleased with the way the new recruits apply themselves. Several of them show good promise, and I look toward promoting them to higher levels to take up some of the burden on my officers.
And the land and title promised by Ardem and desired at least by the recruits? Perhaps. We shall see what Beshm has to say.
First, though, we travel North.