Leaving the city, they headed westward across the river to travel to their destination. Fortunately, Garul's note was quite detailed, enabling them to find the Zephyr without much difficulty. They walked along the beach, past what appeared to be a small fishing village, the local denizens watching them like hawks. Soon, they discovered the Zephyr, pulled up on the sand in amongst a grouping of ramshackle buildings.

It was easy enough to spot, for it looked more like a longship than a fishing vessel, having no deck to speak of. Instead, wooden seats were affixed directly to the hull, with the oars stacked neatly inside. Athgar walked right up to it, examining the copper plate that bore the ship's name and peering inside, curious of what lay there.

Natalia noticed a group of women watching them and made her way over, her feet digging into the soft sand as she walked, making it all the more difficult.

"Good afternoon," she said in greeting. "I wonder if you might be able to tell me about the Zephyr?"

"What of it?" asked a woman.

"We're looking for its master."

"That would be Zafir," the woman replied. "This time of day, he'd be drinking."

"And where would he drink?" asked the mage.

The woman pointed at a hut some distance down the beach. "Over there," she said, "along with any other man that isn't out fishing."

"Thank you," Natalia said, returning to Athgar.

"You have news of our elusive master?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied, "apparently he likes his drink. He's down the beach a little way."

"Well then," said Athgar, "let's go and pay him a visit, shall we?"

As they approached the door, they could hear words drifting out from within.

"I tell you, she was gorgeous," a voice was saying, "the prettiest thing you ever beheld."

"You're full of stories," said a deeper voice, "I bet you've never seen any of these women you speak of."

"You insult me," said the first. "I've travelled quite extensively and never had a problem acquiring companions."

When Natalia pushed open the door, the conversation abruptly ceased. She saw an older man, with a gaunt-looking face and thin beard, sitting on a small chair while his companion, significantly larger, sat on the floor, nursing a tankard.

"Can we help you?" said the gaunt man.

"We're looking for the captain of the Zephyr," she said.

"Then you've found him," he replied. "Captain Zafir Kopruli, at your service." He stood, a little unsteadily and bowed clumsily. "What, may I ask, is it you want me for?" he said, moving towards her as his eyes roamed over her body. He smiled as she blushed. She stepped to the side, allowing Athgar entry.

"We were told the Zephyr is a pirate hunter," said Natalia.

Captain Kopruli stepped back slightly at the sight of the Therengian. "It was," he said, "though she hasn't sailed in some time."

"Why's that?" she persisted.