Drache - Sailing to Crete<br/><br/>The next morning found Drache waiting on the crew. He was used to being up before dawn, being in a real bed wasn't going to change that. Once the crew members arrived there was a bit of a discussion that revolved around Drache.  He couldn't understand the language spoken but knew it was about the vulture. The damn bird still perched itself atop his axe, staring down at everyone as if waiting for them to die. He could tell that the crew considered it a bad omen and didn't want it, or Drache, along.<br/><br/>Not a superstitious man, the Captain knew not to force the issue. The crew would have to accept them or he could have a mutiny before setting sail. It was the old man that slept on the boat that made the difference. He had been listening to the debate from atop a crate. Hoping down he moved forward and looked at Drache and the bird. With a cackle he started to laugh as he turned about. Quickly he spoke to the others and Drache saw as first one then another of the crew slowly nodded. Turning back, the old man looked at Drache and said, "Come. Come." Without waiting for any other invite the bird flew off the axe, flapped his wings a few times and landed at the prow.<br/><br/>Part of the agreement for passage was that Drache would help with the rowing. The Captain had said it would only be until they made it passed the hills where the wind would fill the sails. At first, Drache could not get the proper timing and was struggling with the mechanics of the oar. Then, after a few tips from the same old man he started to work the oar like a sailor. Nobody else wanted to sit near him, however, with his strength, there was no need for a second man at the oar. Thirty minutes later the order to lift the oars was given and the sails unfurled. The trip to Crete would now be a the speed of the wind.<br/><br/>******************************************************<br/><br/>It was the second night on the ship that Drache was woken by the sound of the night watch. A few of the crew were moving to investigate and Drache decided to see what was the matter. When he made it onto the deck he saw those that woke staring ahead. Looking in the direction he could see the glow of the flames. It was a soft glow still far away but Drache knew, Crete was burning. Also looking straight ahead was the vulture. Still at the head of the ship as if guiding the direction. Now, it appeared as if it was sighting in on the meal it had been waiting for.<br/><br/>There was no more sleep that night.  Everyone except Drache was offering an opinion on whether to continue to turn back.  Some of the crew had family at Crete while other had no attachment at all. It was the Captain that stood to lose since he had cargo that he was trying to deliver. His decision was what settled the crew, or rather, ended the argument. The ship held its course and made it to Crete.<br/><br/>Before docking the Captain told the crew that they were to stay with the ship. Drache, as a passenger, had the option to stay or go. The blond warrior had been standing near the vulture as the ship approached. His blood stirring at what he saw before him. Drache had been a part of this type of thing. He had set a few torches and taken part in the looting that he could see going on.  Even before the ship came to a full stop he was jumping onto the dock. As he walked forward he felt the added weight of the vulture resting upon his axe. But Drache knew, this was not his battle. He shouldn't take part in the raid. Ares had given him another task and he could not endanger it.<br/><br/>Moving to the edge of the dock he stopped, pulled the hood of his cloak over his head, watched and waited.