"Many have tried," said Captain Howe, "but the coastline is full of cliffs and small inlets, providing the perfect cover for sea bandits."

"Surely ships can just outrun them," suggested Athgar.

"You would think that would be so, but the fact is the pirate coast is notorious for winds that die down with little warning, leaving a ship becalmed."

"I imagine that would leave you ripe for the plucking?" said Athgar.

"It would," agreed the captain, "and it's one of the reasons I stay on the river. Besides, the Marianne isn't built for the sea, she's a shallow draft vessel, she'd wallow in any large waves."

"If there's no wind," asked Athgar, "how do the pirates attack?"

"They use galleys. They can be swift in calm seas and surprisingly agile when needed. The last thing a captain wants to see is a swarm of those vessels coming after him." He saw a look of confusion on Athgar's face. "Galleys are rowed ships," he explained.

Athgar nodded in understanding.

"We'll keep your information in mind," said Natalia. "What will you do now?"

"We'll unload the Marianne and then buy up some timber to ship back north."

"Timber?" said Athgar. "They have lots of trees in Holstead."

"Yes, but not shadowbark," he offered.

"Never heard of it," said the Therengian.

"I have," said Natalia. "It's a very hard wood. Ideal for siege engines, I've heard."

"Yes," agreed the captain, "though it's far more commonly used in furniture, especially amongst the rich. It fetches a hefty profit. I'll likely make more from that than I did on the trip down here."

"What about the rygaurs?" asked Natalia.

"I doubt they'll attack again," the captain responded. "We've sailed this river for years, and that was the first time we've seen them. Besides, you two gave them quite a drubbing, I doubt they'll be eager to try again."

"I hope you're right," said Athgar, "but you still might want to invest in some bows."

"I will, don't you worry."

"Good luck, Captain," said Natalia, "or should I say smooth sailing?"

"Either will do," the captain replied, "and good luck to the two of you. I hope you find what you're looking for. Now, I must get back to work, there's a lot of iron ore in my hold, and it won't unload itself."

He wandered off, bellowing orders to his men.

"Where to now?" asked Athgar.

"I don't know about you," said Natalia, "but I could use a bath."

"What about Corassus?"

"It will still be there in the morning," she replied, then noticed the look of distaste on his face. "What's the matter, don't you like the idea of bathing?"

"I understand the concept of washing," he said, "but immersing yourself in water to get clean? Wouldn't a simple bowl suffice?"

"I'm a Water Mage, remember?" she replied. "Bathing was a regular ritual for us. You might say it's the core of our being. Didn't you have any rituals?"