[Nerindel]

On his return to the Fire Spray, Ghurdan had locked himself in his cabin and poured over maps and crew lists, he wished to be well prepared. If this mission involved the red flame he would have to be cautious. He dipped a large black quill into the ink well that sat on his desk and taking a fresh parchment he began to write the names of the men he would be ordering to accompany him on this mission, he eventually had a list of fifteen of his most loyal crew.

A curt knock came from his door, "come" he called without looking up from the list. "you wished to see me, Captain" the young man who was Ghurdan's First mate asked as he entered the room. "Yes" Ghurdan growled, He rose from his seat and handed Zasfal the scroll he had received from the high priest. He watched the young mans dark green eyes widen with a mixture of fear and excitement. He then took the scroll from him and handed him the crew list he had just prepared and in a commanding tone he ordered Zasfal to assemble the men on the list at once. Zasfal turned and left at once to carry out his orders.

As Zasfal walked among the crew gathering together the men on Ghurdan's list he noted that his name was not among then. His face screwed up with anger, He defiantly wanted to be included in this mission,.He knew how much his reputation would increase on his return if they were successful and he did not doubt that they would return. After all they would be travelling with the most notorious and feared Corsair in all of Harad along with fifteen of his strongest and most loyal men.

Once he had gather together all the men on the list he went back to Ghurdan's cabin. He knocked hard on the strong black wooden door "come" was the harsh reply from the other side, stepping inside Zasfal informed Ghurdan that the men were assembled. As Ghurdan got up to leave he saw that Zasfal still stood before him. "What is it" he growled impatiently "Sir, I wish to be included in this mission" he replied gritting his teeth waiting for the mans sneering refusal, but it never came. "Granted" was the captains curt reply, as he walk calmly passed the first mate and exited the cabin to address the gathered men.

A satisfied evil grin was on Ghurdan's face as he left his cabin, he had hope that his ambitious first mate would insist on coming along and he also knew that leaving the young mans name from the list would have annoyed him greatly.

Ghurdan walked up and down the line of men that stood to attention before him, he nodded his head pleased with his choices, then he stood before them and in a loud and commanding voice he began.... "As you are all aware the war has begun and so we are once again being called into the service of our Dark Lord! We are to escort the Priestess Sevora and a few other noted priests, as they spread the word of our lord to the infidel nomadic tribes of the outlands, converting the faithful and eliminating those who dare to resist." at the last words a flash of lust cross his dark eyes. He watched as his men exchanged excited glances Then he continued "You have one hour to make ready and be back here, Dismissed!"

Ghurdan then returned to his cabin to Finnish packing his own gear. Before the hour was up Zasfal had come and reported that the crew where ready to leave. Ghurdan put on his red head scarf and lifted his spear then went out to again inspect his men.

The fifteen well muscled dark skinned men were all clad in black breeches, red opened waistcoats and wore red head scarves. Every man also carried a long black shafted spear much like the one Ghurdan himself carried, they also each carried a sword of their own choosing and a black handled belt knife. As Ghurdan approached, they put their packs on their backs and quickly lined up into five lines of three and awaited their captains order to move out.

Ghurdan took his place at the head of his men beside his already waiting first mate, "Well, Zasfal are you ready to die for your god" he teased, the young man just grunted. Ghurdan then raised his hand in the air and shouted "To the citadel". As he marched his small army through the city he sneered at the people rushing to get out of they're path, and he could hear doors slamming closed as people hid behind them. Zasfal on the other hand was laughing feeding on the fear enjoying the intense feeling of power. Ghurdan noted the young mans lust and made a mental note to keep a close eye on his first mate to make sure he did not try to get over ambitious.

As they marched through the citadels gates to the court yard he was pleased to note that he was the first to arrive the other warriors that the message had mentioned were nowhere to be seen. He then reminded his men to remember were they where and that if they valued their life's they should do what ever the priests and priestesses ask of them. He kept them standing to attention as they waited for the others to arrive.