Battle of the Whale Bones

A surprise clash between the party, the pirates, and the Ruathym Navy.  The royal warship and pirate ship worked together, whether on purpose or on accident, to sink at least 2 Ruathym Longships, leave 2 dead in the water, and another badly damaged.  The flagship of the Ruathym Navy was also heavily damaged and taking on water when last seen.  A sixth Longship was last seen being rammed by the royal warship, helmed by only its captain.  The party escaped aboard the pirate ship, which took to their air by means of some strange magic.
Highlights of the Battle

• This was a disaster for the Ruathym Navy.  The full force of the Ruathym Navy is considered to be around 12-13 Longships.  Thus, half of the Navy was present for this Battle, including the flagship.  They faced but one enemy vessel, flagged from Neverwinter.  With the element of surprise, and a surrounded enemy, the Ruathym still managed to lose at least 2 and up to 6 Longships in the Battle.  The number of Northmen killed are impossible to know, but the party can estimate at least 50-75 died in the conflict, as well as 4 spellcasters of some kind.
• Much of the crew of the royal warship were killed, along with many of the slaves.  The captain remained with the ship, and, as he is alone, is likely dead.
• The flagship was heavily damaged in the initial attack by the pirates, but was notably absent from the fighting.
• Somehow the Ruathym and the pirates knew where to find you, and were waiting as you came through the magical portal.
• The Ruathym and the pirates were presumably working together.
• A slave made a move for the Blue Orb, and managed to steal it, racing to a nearby Longship.
• The pirates have a "pet" black dragon.