Athgar looked across the deck to Captain Runell. The old sailor was using a peculiar, brass coloured instrument to look skyward, no doubt plotting their position. The Therengian, wondering what strange magic the object might possess, decided to wander over and make an enquiry.

"Are we close to Corassus?" Athgar asked.

The captain, his observations complete, lowered the instrument. "Indeed we are," he said. "At this rate, we'll be anchored in the bay in another two days. Have you been to Corassus before?"

"No," replied Athgar, "never. Why do you ask?"

"The city can be a tricky place to navigate," the captain explained. "The streets are convoluted and can be dangerous at night."

"Surely they have guards patrolling?"

In answer, Captain Runell barked out a laugh, "That would cost money, and the city council is far more concerned with generating profit."

"What happens when there's trouble?" asked Athgar.

"That's simple," the captain responded, "they rely on the Temple Knights to keep the peace, but they're usually only around during daylight hours when the merchants are open. Corassus is not a place to wander in the dark, I'm afraid."

"I'll keep that in mind," said the Therengian.

Captain Runell looked back towards the aft end of the ship, then took a finger, wet it in his mouth, held it before him, cursing.

"What's the matter?" asked Athgar.

"It's this damn wind, it's waning. We're about to have a dry spell."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning the wind will die to nothing," said Runell, "and the Swift will find itself becalmed."

"Surely it will pick up again?" said Athgar.

"Eventually," the captain assured him, "but we could be like this for quite a while, perhaps even till nightfall. This part of the world is notorious for its fickle winds."

"What can we do about it?" asked Athgar.

"You can go and fetch that Water Mage of yours," replied the captain. "With any luck, she'll be able to keep us moving."

"I didn't know Water Mages could call the wind," said the Therengian.

"They can't, but she should be able to manipulate the currents, at least that way we won't be sitting here, helpless."

"You're worried about pirates, aren't you?" said Athgar.

"I am," acknowledged the captain. "They're common in this area. They lair in the cliffs, you see."

Athgar looked at him in surprise. "How do they lair in the cliffs?"

"The shoreline actually consists of numerous inlets and caves," answered Runell. "They hide in them, moving out to attack unwary travellers."

"Like us?"

"Yes, if we stand still."

"I'll go and fetch Natalia," said Athgar, making his way to the hatch. He disappeared below decks, emerging sometime later with the Water Mage just behind him.

She walked to the port side of the ship, looking over the railing at the water below. Moments later, she repeated the action, this time on the starboard side.

"What are you doing?" asked Athgar. "Can't you just use your spell to move us?"