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You rush across the wooden planks as quickly as the wobbling ship will allow, trying to reach the men standing across the boat. Both of them are on the move, their long legs taking big strides to get to you.

After what appears to be forever, you are finally within arm's reach. But just as Straasa holds out his hand to you, the barge shudders as if from some great impact, the crashing and splintering sound loud enough to be heard over the storm and the cries of men. You very nearly lose your footing but manage to hold on, you and your saviors at last meeting up with each other.

"What the hell is happening?!" Morkai tries to yell over the discord, and you look helplessly at them both. You can still feel the words of power over your skin, but there is nothing you can do about it. What could cause such a storm? And why?

You open your mouth to tell Morkai you don't know when the winds suddenly cease their assault, poofing out of existence as if they had never been there. The silence is deafening in their absence. You, Straasa, and Morkai stare at each other, dumbfounded.

This is but the lull before an even greater storm to come. You are certain of it. You hold your breath, waiting for it to come.

The captain of the barge is yelling orders at his men, demanding that they go belowdecks and check on the hull. The ship has stopped moving completely, almost as if a giant, invisible hand has taken hold of it and is not letting go.

The black clouds above are still roiling around languidly, covering all traces of the sun. It's almost pitch dark around you. The sailors have lit torches, but the lights aren't doing much.

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