The journey to World's End had been pleasant and without incident. Upon her arrival, Robbi's first order of business was to lead her friends to the residence of the town's mayor, Vorgus Clawsnag.

Mayor Clawsnag had held his position for nearly two decades. He had been mayor during Khalis' reign and during the years of the Scarlet Brotherhood. Vorgus, a plump stoat, was a survivor and a talented politician, knowing whom to accommodate and whom to ignore.

His first meeting with Robbi during the Brotherhood crisis had not gone well, but he quickly changed his attitude once he realized she represented the Council of Wizards. Since that time he always treated her like a dear friend whenever she visited World's End.

Robbi realized that his affection wasn't completely genuine, but took full advantage of his hospitality whenever she was in town.
It was convenient for the little wizard to seek accommodations for herself and her friends at the governor's residence during her stay and Clawsnag was more than happy to be of service. He did enjoy her company and had actually come to like her over time, so her arrival was a welcome one.

For Robbi's part, having the mayor and his office available to her made preparing for the upcoming sea voyage all the easier. To illustrate this convenience, Mayor Clawsnag arranged for a formal dinner not only for Robbi and her fellow travelers, but for the officers of the Crimson Rose, the ship on which the friends would be sailing.

Since the dinner was formal, everyone attending wore the best clothing they had available and those, like Bobo, Egbert, and Herman, who had chosen to travel light, were supplied the appropriate dress by the mayor.
Chumley, at Belinda's suggestion, had taken a trunk of clothing containing a variety of uniforms the garrulous rat had designed for all of the numerous positions and ranks he had both collected and bestowed upon himself. He enjoyed dressing up and since he and Thoris were similar in size, he offered his friend the choice of any of the costumes not selected by Chumley.

Robbi, as a representative of the Council of Wizards and therefore always an ambassador of sorts had taken to traveling with her magus robes and hat whenever possible. She found that they served as an impressive badge of office, especially since her own appearance conveyed the impression of a dainty and pretty little rat, rather than one of the most powerful beings in the land.

Since Mayor Clawsnag had decided to give this dinner in honor of Magus Robbia Praxus Veritus, protocol required that she enter the dinning hall only after all the other guests were seated. Robbi waited in her room for word that she could join her friends. She found herself very hungry and not terribly concerned about protocol and began pacing back and forth while her stomach grumbled. As she passed in front of the full length mirror near her vanity, she paused to check her outfit and make sure all her ties were tied and buttons buttoned.

The small wizard was dressed in her finest robes, the same she donned for Council meetings. The magnificent spider-silk robe she wore had been woven by Arisha herself for the occasion of Robbi's induction into the Council of Wizards. It was of the purest white silk, embroidered with a pattern of golden spiders and silver cobwebs and reached down to the ground. Her hat for this occasion was not the tall cone-shaped one which she wore at Council, but a floppy silken beret woven in the same pattern and sitting at a jaunty angle so that the right side of her face was draped in the excess silk of the cap. A single white cabochon made from a chip of the Abitar decorated the center of the cap while a similar red one made from a chip of the Rubitar graced the front of her robe near her neck.

Finally a knock on her door indicated that it was time to join the others at dinner. Robbi made her way to the dining hall. When she entered, everyone present stood to greet her. She looked around the table and smiled. Familiar faces greeted her. Her smile grew into a full fledged grin at seeing her comrades in such an interesting variety of garments.

Herman and Egbert, whose evening dress was supplied by Mayor Clawsnag found themselves wearing cleric robes that had been taken from the Scarlet Brotherhood compound in the city and dyed in a dark blue to obscure the tell-tale red of the still cursed order. This dyeing process resulted in a subtle purple shade which both the mole and the hedgehog wore handsomely. Bobo was decked out in a city guard officer's uniform also supplied by the mayor. It was a nearly perfect fit.

The really ornate ensembles were reserved for Chumley and Thoris. Chumley loved uniforms and each time he received or gave himself a new position or rank, he would design an appropriate outfit. This night he chose to wear his 'Airbeast Extraordinaire' uniform which consisted of a dark brown tunic with gold epaulets, a silken cap topped with goggles, a pair of Khaki jonpur pants, and knee-high black boots. It looked quite dashing, if not entirely appropriate for a formal dinner.

Thoris, forced to choose one of Chumley's remaining uniforms, picked a deep blue tunic with gold piping over a pair of forest green pants and topped off with, of all things, a brilliant ruby colored turban which had taken the combined forces of Thoris and Chumley to properly construct and wind. This outfit was apparently designed for Chumley's capacity as 'Ambassador to the Lokian Tribes'.

The only other beast whose accoutrements in any way approached the grandeur of the Bilgespike designed ones were those worn by Orange Willum Crookfang, a rough-looking orange cat of considerable girth, the former 'Terror of the Seas' and probably the most well known pirate ever to have sailed the seas around Arishamal. He was now reformed, with a full pardon, and was a very successful merchant and trader. The fact that he was a legitimate sea-beast did not prevent him from continuing to dress as a flamboyant privateer.

This night he was almost painfully colorful. He was clothed in a bright red silk blouse with a canary yellow vest, all covered by a brilliant orange frock coat which collided with a pair of chartreuse ballooning pants tucked into a pair of folded sea-boots. On his shoulder, Max almost disappeared into the spectrum of Willum's garb.

After some quick introductions among those beasts who had never met, dinner was served. It was an extravagant feast of seafood, shellfish, seaweeds, and vegetables followed by a glorious chocolate cake made using the finest cocoa from the hills of Michilmakinak.

When everyone was sated and after dinner cordials served, conversation began. Willum expressed his pleasure at being reunited with his friends.
"'Tis fine to be seein' ya all again. I reckon I ain't seen any of ya 'ceptin' Chumley there since a year or so," he laughed loudly, "I gots ta visit Chum 'cause I'm the uncle to his little scoundrels and that pretty wife o' his made me promise ta visit at least twice a year," he turned toward Robbi, "As fer you my dear, I've tried ta visit, but yer always on the move. I feel right lucky that I gets ta see you on this 'ere trip, though I gots to admit I ain't exactly sure where ya wants me to take ya."

Robbi smiled.
"You're not the only one. The truth is I doubt we'll find the beast I'm seeking. He left Arishamal ten years ago to who knows where. The only thing we have in our favor is that he is distinctive and I'm pretty sure that anyone who has seen him will remember him," she saw the concern on her friend's face, "don't worry Willum, I'm looking at this trip as a vacation with my friends. If we find Euras, that would be wonderful, but if we don't...just seeing all you guys together again makes this all worthwhile."

Willum nodded.
"We'll see about findin' this feller fer ya, no mistake...and have a fine time doin' it," he scanned the table, "what exactly do we know about this Euras cove...how'd 'e leave 'ere? Any clue where ' was headin'?"

Chumley spoke up.
"Ah can't say for sure, mind ya, but ah do know that 'e left from World's End on a forty foot, two man catboat. Ah know 'e wasn't real skilled as a sailor and that 'e was plannin' on 'eadin' north...and that's all ah know, ain't it?"

"What time 'o year, Blacky?" Willum asked.

Chumley thought for a second.
"Early spring as ah recall."

Willum smiled and addressed Robbi.
"Ya might be in luck, darlin'. If he weren't a good sailor it figgers that he'd just go where the sea took 'im. That time 'o year...from here...more likely... assumin' 'e didn't sink...'e'd end up in the Borogovian Isles and most probably on the biggest of 'em, Tinnus...and if'n ya land on Tinnus, you're gonna end up on the only town worth a squat on that lump 'o land...Freeshur, so that's where we'll start."

Herman ventured a question.
"Mister Willum, sir, I'm a-wonderin' how long a trip it is to that there island. I ain't never been ta sea, though I been on boats before...but only in bays and such. I'm a bit feared that I'm gonna be real sick and be a burden on you fine beasts."

Willum laughed loudly.
"Well bless yer heart Mister Corkspike, you'll get yer sea-legs in no time. It ain't a real long voyage...ten days with a follerin' wind...the Borogoves ain't particularly far and trust me when I say that I'm expectin' at least a coupla more beasts than yourself ta be a bit queasy fer a day or two, but it'll pass and you'll be right excited, what with sailin' the seas and all. It's a wonderful thing...bein' at sea... and ya kin take me oath on that."

"I imagine it is Mister Willum and I'm a-lookin' forward to it...once I'm over bein' sick and all," Herman said with determination.

Robbi smiled at the large hedgehog.
"Don't worry, Hermie, everyone here has been through it to some extent and we all made it intact," she chuckled, "though if I recall correctly...the time we hit that storm off of Xenoth had everyone in pretty bad shape," she looked toward Willum, "please tell me we aren't expecting any storms."

"None what I knows about. We're expectin' calm seas and smooth sailin'."

"When do we leave, captain?" Bobo asked.

"I figger we'll make sail the day after tomorra at first light. I ain't expectin' any of you landlubbers ta help with the riggin', sailin', or navigatin', so ya won't need ta be fully awake," the cat chuckled, "just be there afore we cast off and ya kin continue snoozin' once yer settled in."

Smiles spread across the table and everyone went silent as second helpings of the delicious cake made their rounds to the various beasts whose only comments were moans of pleasure and a variety of happy noises.

When it became time to finally board the Crimson Rose, Herman was still a bit nervous, but reassurances from all his friends settled most doubts as he boarded one of three skiffs which would take the crew across the World's End Bay past the shallow rim which protected it and into the Northern Sea where the Rose was anchored.

The bay was a flooded extinct volcano, teeming with small fish swarming within its crystal clear blue waters. It was considered bottomless and there was no reason for any of the local beasts to think otherwise. The distance from the harbor to the outer rim was considerable, but soft warm winds made the voyage pleasurable.

The rim itself was only eight feet at its deepest point, forcing all larger vessels like the Rose to berth past its perimeter. This made for a very profitable transport business for countless small barge owners who were needed to carry goods from the many merchant vessels to the harbor itself. The shallow-bottomed barges were unique to World's End and moved in long rows across the bay like a line of seaborne ants.

When Herman finally spotted the Crimson Rose, a broad smile spread across his face. She was one of the most beautiful ships he had ever seen. The first thing that stood out, even from afar was her color. Below the deck rails she was a brilliant orange from stem to stern, the only exception being her name, which stood out in deep blue script across her bow and again on her stern. Above deck everything was freshly painted in a deep shade of crimson from the tip of her masts to her rails, bulwarks, capstans, and cabins. Her sails were still furled, but it was quite apparent that they were a solid shade of deep maroon.

Upon approaching the ship, Herman could make out more details. She was a style of ship known as a Xebec. A narrow-hulled sleek vessel with three masts, the foremast raking slightly forward and the main and mizzen slightly back. Oar ports graced both sides just above the waterline if the seas became becalmed. She looked fast even when standing still.

As the skiffs approached, the crew already onboard began to make her ready to sail. Lines were pulled and beasts climbed high into the rigging to loose the triangular lateen sails in preparation for departure.

Herman climbed aboard carefully and stood in the center of the deck as beasts scurried about all around him in a naval ballet. He and the remainder of the passengers were led to the helm by Willum who acted as guide and explained everything that was going on. The crew manned the capstan and slowly winched the anchor up to the Rose's side and began to raise her sails on all masts.

Willum took the helm and shouted out orders as the ship began surging forward. He turned her northward and swept past the other docked ships into the great Northern Sea. Once the Rose was clear of the other vessels with nothing but open sea ahead of her, Willum turned the helm over to one of his officers, an otter named Greypaw.

"Make a course for the Borogoves, Mister Greypaw...full sail and with all haste. The watches have been set. I will be with our guests in my cabin if'n ya need me."

"Aye-aye cap'n...the Borogoves it is." The otter barked smartly.

The first day out of port was a pleasant one, with calm seas, steady breezes and a strong sense of camaraderie among the passengers and crew. Herman was slightly queasy at first, but the feeling passed quickly and he found himself enthralled by the sheer vastness of the ocean. It was larger than anything he had ever imagined.

Chumley walked up and seated himself next to the large hedgehog.

"So 'ow's it goin' 'Ermie, is it what you expected?" the loquacious rat asked.

Herman shook his head.
"I never seen nuthin' like it...kinda makes a feller seem insignificant."

Chumley smiled.
"Ah think yer lookin' at it the wrong way, ah do. We're a part of all this, we are and it's a part of us, ain't it?"

"I guess you're right. The world sure is sumpthin'. I wish Winnie coulda been here."

"Well me spiky friend, there ain't no rule what says ya can't go sailin' again, is there? You'll be experienced now ya will...know what to expect and all."

Herman slapped Chumley on the back.
"Yer right about that...we got all sorts of pals that got boats and such. We'll take us a sea trip we will."

"That's great 'Ermie. The reason ah came here was that Cookie, our chef...'is real name is Burgle Tootspin, ah believe.. 'as 'eard that you're sumthin' of a cook yourself, aren't ya? Anyway, 'e was wonderin' if'n ya maght find it in yer 'eart ta give 'im a hand with the meals."

Herman smiled broadly.
"I'd like that...it would make me feel useful. I like ta cook, I been doin' it fer me and Winnie since he weren't more'n a little flea," he turned, "I'll go right now and see what I kin help 'im with. Nice talkin' to ya Chum."

"Yeah, it was, wasn't it? Ah'm gonna 'ang 'ere for a while...say hi to the cook for me and tell 'im ah'm real 'ungry."

"I'll do that."

Herman walked back towards the galley and Chumley leaned on the rail staring out across the deep. He scanned the horizon several times and sighed. He suddenly jerked upright as a paw touched his shoulder. He turned to see Willum and Robbi behind him.

They joined him at the rail and Willum addressed him.
"I knows what yer doin' matey."

"And what might that be?"

"Yer lookin' fer that dragon of yourn, Ymiresh or the Asherouboros or whatever we're a callin' 'im these days."

Chumley smiled.
"Ya got me cap'n," he looked into Willum's eyes, "'Ave ya 'eard anything about 'im? 'As anybody seen 'im since we were at Xenoth?"

Robbi chimed in.
"I'm curious too...have you heard anything about him?"

Willum stared into the distance as he answered.
"I've heard tell that the Lokian fisherbeasts see the Ice Dragon from time to time and I could swear that 'e's been watchin' the Rose when we sail these sea, though I ain't never seen 'im personal-like. We've had some lookout beasts what swear they saw 'im and I got no reason ta disbelieve 'em. All in all, I reckon old Ashy's doin' fine."

A melancholy smile passed Chumley's lips.
"That's great ta know, it is. Ah really miss that old monster, ah do. It would be a dream of mine realized if ah could see 'im this trip...just ta know for sure 'e was alright."

Robbi perked up.
"You know who might have seen him? Gladis...she spends all her time searching the seas," she turned towards Willum, "we should be passing her home island on the way. Is there any chance we can stop and visit?"

Chumley broke into a broad grin.
"Gladis! Ah would love ta see that gal, wouldn't ah? What da ya say Willum, 'ow about a short stop ta see our favorite albatross?"

The former pirate laughed loudly.
"I don't see why not, it ain't like we're in any kinda hurry. I'd be a pleased to see her as well. I'll see ta settin' a new course fer Pisis...it ain't far."