043

"How are things above?" Malina asked the still dripping Itzi as he sat down with a steel cup of wine.

"Well Malin, besides the current storm I think we are doing well."

Malin hid a smile with a shake of her head. Nothing on a ship could ever be more than well.

"We have received word that the advanced parties are making progress.

"Oh?" Malina stood a little straighter in her seat, this was news. Word from the advanced parties should have reached then a week ago. The generals had started to voice there concerns, while Malina remained relaxed. It hadn't been an act until the meeting yesterday when the concerns of the generals had begun to weigh on her as well. "So Itzi, what is this news?" She stood to refill her own cup of wine. She watched as Itzi flinched slightly at the sight of her walking, and refilling her own drink.

"Well, things appear to be going well. The Eagles have captured all fortifications that they were sent against. Nothing specific was in the message, but losses appear to be small. The Jaguars have made contact and promise that we will have no issues when we reach land."

"We are still held in favour then?"

"Some it seems remember."

"Interesting, please continue." Malin said as she took a sip of her wine. More good news, this was proving to a be a very good meeting. The Demon raiding party has been silent thus far."

"Not surprising."

"No, not surprising, but still we have word from the Eagles, that rumours of the dead come back to life have begun to circulate amongst the natives."

"So those silly masks do serve a purpose then."

"It would seem."

"And the Shorn Ones?"

Itzi sighed before continuing. "They will make landfall tomorrow."

"You look sad." Malin commented.

"I feel for the natives. They no not what they now face."