Devils and Dragon Turtles
Turns out we spent more time in the past than we thought, and it's now the end of June! As we leave Le Chateau des Fausses Flammes the ground shakes ominously. It's probably nothing important. We rest then return to the pirate fleet, which is now passing the Zange on its way to Madagascar. Af-Af identifies our lightning scemitar and the Pelazgus rock for us. The scemitar belonged to Telepanu it gives extra lightning damage for each hit. We consult our astronomer-in-a-hole, they tell us the the 9 Unknown Men's mission is on *AUGUST 12*, some time in the evening, more details to follow.. We also discover that Phillip IV has started to re-form, he tells us he can guide us to Quaf, near Baku.
Lila and Harald return Saiiq to Egypt where they say many fond farewells. The Caliph is dealing with lots of civil unrest, particularly concerning the exploding Cabbah, and wishes he had a real governor for Jeruselem. H&H probably have the rock, and the Caliph would love for us to go fetch it for him next time we have a free moment.
As we are sailing along the boat suddenly runs into an enormous sheet of ice, which we are pretty sure wasn't there before. We are hailed by two well-dressed Abassids, one fat and one thin. They are representatives of the Council of 9, and seem rather put out when we have no idea who they are. They leave in a huff.
Moments later, an enormous turtle surfaces under the Ayeesha. We spread out the fleet and prepare to attack, only to discover that some jerk has gouged both of the poor turtle's eyes out. On his back someone has painted "call us when you want a deal". Our toughest guys sail out on the Ayesha to capture the turtle, which we do with some difficulty. Akim surprises a devil of some sort hiding halfway down the turtle's throat, and beats him up. Having subdued the turtle, we cast speak with monster and make friends. Really, he's just a big sweetheart and those jerks who gouged out his eyes had better watch out. Quiteria kindly re-grows the turtles eyes, we gouge one out again and she re-grows it again and everyone is happy. We raise some fog for cover and rest.
