End of the (Ship-)Line

The rest of our journey did indeed go well. I told the captain and the rest of the crew about my intention to depart alongside the company, in part due to the significant risk to life for my unit posed by the prince's antics, and in part due to the fact that I can not justify a long-term presence of the White Sentinel Free Company on the Swift Mermaid. In the end, we are mercenaries. That life cannot be sustained on the sea as an uncontracted company alongside sailors and adventurers. I have promised them my full support in Ponvarus, and I intend to try and broker a deal with maralictor Hostilian and the captain, as well as finding my sister and pointing her in the direction of this crew. Differences aside, they are for the most part respectable, and very much capable.
 
However, the Headsmasher made a number of unwarranted comments about Francine. After that, he allowed me to retaliate in kind because he wanted to spar. He believed that the life of a Hellknight could be for him, and wanted to demonstrate his ability, or lack of it. He was able to stand for ten seconds - training recommended, by a patient instructor. I regret not knocking him senseless. Though, the appearance of a friendly dragon compensated for this. It took the form of a dwarf, and the Headsmasher was the only one not to witness this. Of course, when the dwarf dragon then wanted a brawl, the large man obliged. The dragon eventually knocked him off the ship, and surprised him by picking him up from the sea in his dragon form. Hopefully, he has learned to be better. But I know this to be false.
 
I can only hope that these companions I once thought of as strange travellers find good luck and fortune in the journeys ahead. The powers that be know that they need it. And I can only wish that captain Dormaruk never has to face the ultimate test of an officer, like I once did. Hopefully, it is not the last time I see them.