Chapter I
A Broken Stranger
Lightning streaked the night sky. Tumultuous waves tossed the splintered ship as though it were a mere toy. Foaming water crashed onto the deck drenching any unfortunate enough to be on it. More lightning flashed followed by roars of thunder. The ship lurched violently as humungous waves attacked it relentlessly forcing it to dip below the water before shooting back up to the surface once more.
In the cargo hold pounding water thundered against the hull causing the ship to crack and creak with ominous terror. Below deck sat three men chained to the water soaked floor. They paid little heed to the storm. Hinges squeaked as the door opened. Heavy feet stomped down the steps to the men below warning them of trouble.
“That one,” snarled a voice. His words were barely audible over the roaring ocean.
Two orcs undid the man’s chains. He groaned slightly. They hefted him up callously as he continued to moan from the pain of his injuries. His bare and bruised feet bumped each step as they hauled him through the opening. The bang of the slamming door echoed through the wood only to be drowned by the wrath of the raging storm.
They dragged the man across the slippery deck barely able to keep their balance as the vessel bounced on the agitated water. The man’s feet left trails on the soaked wood. One orc stumbled and lost its balance as the ship reeled again.
“Hurry up with that scum,” yelled another orc.
BOOM!
More thunder broke the night.
The unusual sound of flapping wings caught the man’s attention. He craned his head upward straining his stiff muscles to look. A strange bird rested upon the bow of the ship, staring at him. Its feathers glowed brilliantly despite the harshness of the night. Red and gold.
More giant waves crashed over the ship as the wind howled around it with its pent up fury. Distracted, the man looked away only to find that when he turned back the bird had gone.
An orc screamed and flailed its arms as water swept it overboard into the sea. Crack! The mast snapped as the gale twisted it about its base. Slowly, it tipped over gaining momentum until it slammed onto the deck of the ship snapping lines and tearing the sails.
The man seized his chance and flung the other orc off of him. Summoning what strength he had, he snatched a broken board and bashed it into another’s skull.
The ship free-fell as the sea continued to toss it about. Taking a quick sweep of the vessel, the man dove overboard taking his chances with the open ocean. He plunged into the black sea and sank quickly. Kicking with his remaining strength the man burst through the surface of the water inhaling deeply. Seawater trickling down his throat made him cough violently.
He watched as another wave plowed into the ship and overturned it. Fire broke out as the treacherous ocean pulled the ship under and disposed of its horrors. Good riddance, thought the man. A piece of floating debris brushed him. Hastily, he latched onto it not caring if he died or lived. At least the nightmare had finally ended.