Episode 1: A Helping Hand

Golwen's question is momentarily lost in the chaos as the jolly boat frees itself, at the same time the anchor to the Red Cutter plunges into the water. Meanwhile, Rhevia the owl flies silently through the night sky towards the rock spires, seemingly unaffected by the siren song.

The first mate, perhaps seeing Golwen's hesitation, moves over and shouts, "Quit lollygagging and move!" in drill sergeant fashion. He gives his fellow elf a shove and pushes Golwen into the jolly boat.

Rhodrick, Jandral, Parallel, and the sailor from the water all take up an oar and begin rowing towards the men swimming away. Golwen finds himself amidst a tangle of rope and netting, but is otherwise unhindered and unharmed. As the boat slips across the water, it comes up easily to another crewman.

Tordek finds himself face-to-face with one of those swimming sailors, and sees that the man appears willing to try and swim right on through the dwarf to get to his destination.

Two of the charmed sailors stop immediately before the mermaid in the water, apparently believing it to be their destination. However, the third sailor doesn't seem to notice the image and continues to swim towards the spires.

Tordek manages to get a hold of the sailor before him, and wrestles him underwater. When finally let up for air, the sailor coughs and sputters, looking about confused.

The sailor struggles, trying to wriggle free, but is unable to escape Rhodrick's grasp and is pulled into the boat. "Let me go!" he cries.

As the Red Cutter slows, pivoting slightly on the dropped anchor, Haesh sees nothing else out of the ordinary.

Parallel connects solidly against the sailor, but everyone in the boat can tell the enchantment has a strong hold on this person's mind.

The jolly boat continues forward, catching up to the two men who are currently treading water in front of an illusory mermaid.

The third sailor continues swimming with as much haste as possible, heading for the rocky spires. He is currently 30 feet ahead of everyone else.

The crewman dunked by Tordek still appears confused, but upon seeing the Red Cutter nearby, begins to swim back to the ship.

Parallel propels himself off the jolly boat, leaping high with a cry and cannonballing directly onto the sailor's back. Both plunge underwater, the chill nearly stealing their breath. However, as Parallel surfaces, he sees that the sailor he landed on has his attention firmly upon the mermaid.

The sailor in Rhodrick's grasp struggles to break free.

The sailor struggles, but cannot escape the warrior's hold.