by Kelne » Fri Jul 15, 2005 3:21 am
As the meeting wore on, it became apparent that there was little more to be covered. After a bit of discussion about supplies, the group was about ready to break up.
It was at this point that the lookout spotted a dragon flying out for a look at the ship. Despite some initial concern among certain crew members, it seemed content to circle the ship a couple of times before continuing further out to sea. It seemed its curiosity wasn't strong enough to prompt a closer look.
The coastline of Hastel was sighted the following morning, and the ship safely anchored by noon. After all the ferrying of gear and last minute arrangements, it was decided to spend one last night on Starling and get an early start in the morning. Needless to say, there was a bit of a send-off.
As threatened, the intrepid explorers were on their way early in the morning, trekking westwards across the ice in search of the stone circle marked on the map. There were no major incidents, though it did take a while for some to get used to the conditions.
Spirits remained high, with the initial novelty of the trip not having worn off, and the antics of seals to watch while they remained close to the coast.
It was a strange feeling making camp while there was still plenty of light, but as they'd seen, the days grew long this far north.
Late the following afternoon, the group spotted something that might be what they were looking for. There had been the occasional rock sticking up above the snow here and there, but this time there was a regular formation visible in the distance. As they drew closer, their suspicions were confirmed. Six carved stones standing a good five feet above the snow and arrayed in a precise circle.
"Right," Oswald said, unharnessing himself from his sled and rubbing his hands together, "Let's take a look."