Chapter 3: Silver Isle, Floating Market

The Village
Nela immediately notices that the people here do not share the same ethnicity with Magda and the baby Lena. The villagers are not warlike, but there are conspicuous watchtowers and defenses facing both sea and inland. The reason is obvious: there's silver everywhere. From simple trinkets worn by even the smallest children, to gilded house ornaments, and silver thread woven into simple clothing. Some (but not all) of the weapons appear to be silvered as well, suggesting that the village has in the past had to fight weresharks.

The Reef
The crew attempts to navigate the maze of reefs but even with experienced seamen among them, and Zale in the water trying his best to guide them, this natural barrier proves too much of a challenge. The boats are soon hopelessly trapped. There were some bumps and scrapes along the way, but nothing too serious. Magda sits sullenly, shaking her head and muttering "I told you so."

The Reef
The day wears on with no progress made. Zale has a tense encounter with a reef shark, but nothing comes of it.

Magda rolls her eyes. "You can keep trying til' you're old and gray like me, or we can go back to the ship and sail her to my cove like you should've done in the first place!"

What do you do?

The Village
Catching Nela's glance at the silver and at the village's defenses, her escort explains, "We lead a simple life here, but there is much wealth on the island. As you can imagine, many have tried to take it from us. Pirates and monsters come by sea. And from the other side of the island come those who call themselves the Hillfolk. Witches and dark sorcerers, they steal livestock and children, and use them in unspeakable rituals."

Nela is led to the center of the village, where the Elder holds court. Like all the other villagers, this man's face is covered in tattoos. A magnificent silver pendant hangs about his neck. Silver also tips his ornate but clearly functional spear and war club.



"Ah, here is our guest. I've been told you've come to trade for supplies and repairs. Hmmm. What do you need, and what are you offering?" The Elder pauses as an attendant whispers in his ear, then he continues, "I've been told you have two boats trapped in the maze reef. Oh dear, that's not a good place to be! Not a good place at all! It looks to me like your people could use a guide hmmm?" The Elder chuckles. "It won't be cheap, I'll tell you that!"