Expedition to the Pani Islands 2
Word spreads along the docks of Selnar like sparks on dry parchment – the Southern Trade Alliance vessel, Lysander, has slipped into port under a bright Imperial sun and now rests at anchor in the harbor.
No official announcement preceded it.
No courier rode ahead.
No herald arrived to prepare the city.
The Lysander simply appeared at dawn’s first light – its sails furled in disciplined lines, its sail marked with the familiar sigil of the Southern Trade Alliance.
Merchants gradually arrived and unloaded crates and barrels destined for the Lysander at the docks.
The Lysander is so huge that it doesn’t fit into the harbor of the Ubarate of Cos and therefore had to anchor in the outer harbor where the water is deep enough. On the second day, several merchants arrived by boat to inspect the ship.
On the evening of the second day, another ship arrived, the Mjollnir, belonging to the White Tarn Mines Company. The passengers and slaves soon rowed to the Lysander, as they too wanted to travel to the Pani Islands.
The mooring fee for the ship and the fee for stacking the crates and barrels at the docks was quite high. One had to pay two silver Tarsks – as much as a warrior’s monthly wage.
Meanwhile, the ship filled with passengers who spread out over the two decks below the main deck, in the cabins and in the hammocks. A member of the black caste appeared and spread fear, but fortunately it turned out that the man had been hired to protect the HoY Company, i.e., he was under contract.
In the evening, members of the white caste, including the Initiate from Isfahan and an Initiate from Selnar, bestowed blessings for the journey and wished the expedition good luck and success.
Shortly before dusk, the passengers gathered on deck and discussed what to do, as the captain had not yet arrived. Some knew how to sail a ship, but they were unsure of the exact direction.
It was decided to hoist the sails, weigh anchor, and slowly sail towards the Pani Islands, hoping that the missing captain would be able to find a fast sailing vessel in the port of Selnar to join the expedition.
As the last rays of the sun faded, the sails unfurled, displaying the proud symbol of the Southern Trade Alliance. They sailed out past the bustling port of Selnar, hoping the weather would be favorable for the expedition.
Soon night fell and the stars shone above the Lysander. A sailor’s voice could be heard singing a song and others joined in during the chorus.
Upon the Thassa, dark and wide,
where roaring winds take hold,
we cast our fate to wave and tide,
to waters deep and cold.
The timbers groan, the sail-cloth strains,
yet still we onward steer;
for every man of Gor remains
too proud to bow to fear.
Oh Thassa blue, oh Thassa gray,
your song is fierce and free.
We brave your wrath, we dare your might,
great ancient, endless sea!
A shadow circles round our keel,
a hunter of the deep.
The deck is slick with salt and steel,
and no man dares to sleep.
The storm above begins to roar,
it tears the sky apart;
but Gorean men endure far more –
with fire in every heart.
Oh Thassa blue, oh Thassa gray,
your song is fierce and free.
We brave your wrath, we dare your might,
great ancient, endless sea!
Through shattered clouds a pale star gleams,
a guide for those who roam.
It leads us past the Thassa’s schemes
and whispers, “Sail for home.”
Yet should her call return once more,
we’ll answer without shame;
for men who voyage out from Gor
are bound to sea and flame.
Oh Thassa blue, oh Thassa gray,
we heed your timeless plea.
When next you call, we sail again –
proud sons of Gor on sea!
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