Chapter the Twelfth: A Lengthy Search

[Rooter]

Spoiler:

Yes you're right. Let's try distracting the sentry so the rest of you can get past. If he doesn't take the bait then there might still be a chance to knock him out.

Seeking to divert the pacing sentry's attention in order that her companions can board, Lila seizes a spare belaying pin lying among a pile of loose rigging from the ship repairs and throws it across to the far opposite side of the deck from where the others hide, hoping its noise will draw the man away to investigate, thus leaving the coast clear.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

This ploy has the effect of drawing the attention of both the sentry and the fellow standing outside the entrance to the Captain's quarters. They rush to investigate. In a little while they will discover the belaying pin, attribute the sound to happenstance, and return to their posts; but for the moment the coast, as they say, is clear.

[SunlessNick]

Ines boards the ship as quickly and quietly as she can. Being the lightest of the four, she hopes the gangplank will make the least noise beneath her.

[Mr. Handy]

Henry and Ivan also stealthily approach the ship following Ines.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Having distracted the two men on guard, the bold adventurers are able to make their way near Miss Davenport. It only remains for them to make their way into the Captain's quarters. Guilliaume follows the others. Despite warning, he carries his pistols close at hand.

[Rooter]

With speed of the essence, Lila waves for the others to head on into the Captain's quarters. "I will stand watch here to warn if the guard returns." She seizes Guillaume by the arm. "Perhaps you should wait here with me, sir."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Seemingly entranced by the Demon Hunter's courage and beauty, the powerful Frenchman nods his head, pistols cocked and ready.

[Mr. Handy]

"You're stealthier than the rest of us," Henry whispers to Lila. "We do not want to risk awakening the captain. Perhaps you should go in to ensure he remains asleep."

[Rooter]

With no time to argue, Lila nods and heads inside as carefully but swiftly as possible.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Spoiler:

DEX = 18[dice]0[/dice]

This is done with great care, Miss Davenport opening the door very slowly so that no squeak emerges.

Beyond is a small -- but no doubt luxurious, for such a vessel -- suite of two rooms. From the inner emerges the sound of soft breathing. The outer contains the usual array of nautical equipment, as well as a large trunk as described by the Crab. Examination reveals that it is secured with an iron padlock. The key is not evident.

[Rooter]

If she could remove the chest as a whole, Lila thinks, then perhaps one with the strength of Ivan could carry it away across the island. But does she have the strength to lift it? It is likely very heavy.

Spoiler:

If appropriate she will use her Feat of Strength in the attempt to lift the chest and carry it out to Ivan.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Spoiler:

Feat of Strength usage increases STR to 12[dice]0[/dice]

Desperation temporarily granting her the might of a Hippolyta, Miss Davenport is able to convey the trunk outside the Captain's quarters.

"Have your servant break open the lock," Guillaume says with a whisper that somehow sounds like a shout, "or I shall shoot it off!"

[SunlessNick]

"Not here," hisses Ines. "Do you want to bring the whole crew down on us?"

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

"As you wish," he replies, "but I must have the talisman! Hurry!"

[Mr. Handy]

"Ivan can carry the chest," whispers Henry. "We need to be off the ship before the pirates return, and then we can open the chest and look through it at our leisure. In addition to your talisman, we'll also have the rest of the pirates' treasure. With the cabin door shut, they may not notice anything amiss until morning. Let's go."

OOC,If there's any chance he can fail to carry it, [b]Ivan[/b] will use his Feat of Strength. [b]Gullaume[/b] could also help, he's strong too.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

The two mighty men are able to carry the trunk to shore. Slowly and carefully the party retreats to a secluded area where it can be examined. There is still the problem of opening it.

[Rooter]

"I believe the best place for this chest and its dangerous contents is the bottom of the sea," Lila declares. "I think we ought to row out and throw it overboard."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

With that statement, the enraged Guillaume aims his pistols at the adventurers.

"I have only two bullets, but as Heaven is my witness, I shall use them rather than let you destroy what belongs to me! Now open that trunk, or I will. That will still leave me with one bullet, and I can shoot with either hand."

[SunlessNick]

"Heaven will have little regard for a man who would kill for a magical trinket," says Ines. "And as one who has set foot in a precinct of Hell, I tell you do not be so eager to earn a place there."

[Mr. Handy]

"If you fire that pistol, we'll all end up in one place or the other," says Henry. "Something like a score of angry pirates will hear it and come after us, and we can't fight that many. Fortunately, there's no need to make so much noise to open the chest. Ivan should be able to break that lock open. Should his strength prove insufficient, which I have never seen happen, I also possess a substance that can dissolve the lock's metal silently."