<div style="text-indent:1em;">Alford Zander stood at the bow of the ship, looking out upon the endless sea as the sun rose upon the boards of The Damned King.  This, was his most treasured moment, that first ray of sun.  He'd give up anything, just to see one more sunrise.  He had given up nearly everything once.  After a long breath of the sea air, he turned about to face the ship, his smile replaced by his perpetual glare.</div><br/><div style="text-indent:1em;">The crew of The Damned King was rising from their sleep, enjoying the full night's rest.  They usually had to sleep in shifts to keep the ship moving, but a lonely island had served as anchor for the night, so only a few sailors were needed to watch the horizons.  Alford walked the length of the boat, kicking the stay sailor who had lingered in sleep a little longer than he would have liked.  They had places to be, and loot to take.  Descending the stairs, Alford walked into the lair of the ship cook, pausing as the heat of his magic stove washed over him.  He didn't like the thing, having a fire on a ship was never a good idea.  But the merman swore that the flames the rock produced could never burn the boat, and the fish had long since proven his loyalty.</div><br/><div style="text-indent:1em;">"What's for breakfast, Keel?"  Alford said called into the cook area, knowing the chef hated when others entered his kitchen uninvited.  Poking his head up from a pot, the red scaled merman grinned from ear to ear.  "I caught us a small shark last night, figured the boys would be in the mood for a unique taste this morning."  Alford stroked his beard, nodding in agreement.  The merman was probably right, if anything the crew would like the fresh food instead of preserved goods.</div><br/><div style="text-indent:1em;">"How much longer till its prepared?"  Alford said, turning to leave the kitchen.</div><br/><div style="text-indent:1em;">"Quarter hour."  Keel called back, before returning to his craft with a smile.  Alford first climbed down to the crew deck, lowering his head in and shouting the good news.  Ascending the stairs to crew's cheers, he then made his way to the Captain's cabin.  Knocking on the door firmly, he entered and closed the door behind him.  He snapped to attention, left hand behind his back and right hand salute.  He knew the Captain disliked it, but old habits died hard.</div><br/><div style="text-indent:1em;">"Ma'am, the crew is up and Keel is nearly prepared for serving.  Have you any orders for the men before they eat?"</div>