Chapter One:The winds were changing and bands were playing during the winter of 2004. This being the case, not many would take notice of if we stowed away to the darkest corner of Moon Crater City in preparation of our voyage. No one was to know about our meetings for some time unless we were to spoil our treasure upon the masses to early. We were of course bearing a rich commodity of spirits and exotic spice for bribery, trade, and luxury upon such ominous conditions. I, the Scribe had already commenced with the scrolls to the log of our journey, and began conversing with the Constable to create the official documentation that we would eventually share with those upon our travels. This message would become our flagship. It was soon time to find crew, and a fine time it was when we learned that the Helmsman had returned to Moon Crater City from ventures we had yet only to hear of. Upon witness of our forming creation, he was enthralled and the first to join crew, as the Constable would not be with us for the actual journey. The Helmsman and I went into a nearly unstoppable creative fit, and progress became daily. However, two is not a crew and we had to adjourn in order of recruitment. Again, a very timely interruption occurred as we heard word that the Mariner had returned from the seas and his vessel had sailed to the Land Beyond Reason. The Mariner was of course also filled with joy after reviewing our work and did not require much convincing at all. While the crew was shaping up nicely at this point and accomplishments were great, we feared that disorder would come upon our voyage without someone to oversee the rhythm of the great seas we would inevitably sail. We knew that th Earl had been on hiatus for quite some time while tending to domestic terms. This made no difference as both the Helmsman and the Mariner were well acquainted with the Earl himself, and knew of his sea faring capabilities. It would not be long before the Earl heard word of his participation in our plans, and although bewildered, he would soon join us in a pub visit and ask no further questions. So our plans commenced, well organized and nearing departure time. We were elated as the scrolls grew thick and filled with the ideas that would lead us to each end of the oceans, to each dimension of the universe, and any place in time in which we wished to appear. Suddenly there was a problem. Why it was not realized early on, I have no idea. We had no Chief Mate. Yes the Earl would see to the order of our voyage, but who would tend to the details? The date of sail was already set, rations were being acquired, and gear was being stowed. At our realization, we became frightened out of our wits and nearly blew our cover on several occasions. The one man stood up out of a crowd that had assembled near the dock. One man stood there a moment later as the Chief Mate, and very few questions were asked.
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