David and Kol already planned where to take June. A general store for Adventurers that has garnered popularity over the years is called 'The Ebon Siren'. Though the store is a bit expensive, they knew it was no problem for June.

A bell rings as the shop door opens, almost as if being transported to a different dimension. The shop looks clean and tidy, and the air smells like pine trees, a single floating light in the center room of magical origin illuminates the room making it look cozier and homier.

Other patrons inside the shop aside from the group tend to mind their own business.

A lady speaking to one of the patrons, turned and saw the group coming in. She dismissed the guy and walked towards the group. She was around her mid-20s, and her black hair bounced up to her neck, adorned with beads and stones around her neck, waist, and hands. Her horns protrude inwards like a ram's and her skin a pale blue with dark patches of blue. She was a tiefling.

"Hi, welcome to the Ebon Siren. My name is Shaphi," She approaches June. "You're in luck today we have half off on caps and hats."

She directs the group to a wall where the capes are displayed. None of the group was interested in the capes. Kol wasn't paying attention. Looking around the room Kol could swear he saw the same person walk by.

"Hey. Where are you going?" David asked.

"I'll be looking around." Kold turned to see Shaphi showing June a leader backpack. "Stay with her. I'll be back."

Everything in the shop was labeled and segregated properly. A shelf full of necklaces, rings, coats, shows, and other apparel. Barrels of long staffs of different designs, brooms, and swords. Then, Shaphi is in the corner talking to another customer. Kol turned to the group and saw Shaphi endorsing a small canister.

'that's something you don't see every day.' Kol thought to himself.

Waiting for the customer to leave, Kol approached the second Shaphi.

"Hi, young man. My name is…"

"Shaphi, I know." Kol interrupted.

"Well. What can I do for you?"

"I'd like to know why there are two of you?" Kol gestured to the other Shaphi.

"4. The other 2 are doing the office work." She corrected.

'4? How?'

Looking closer at the Shaphi in front of him.

(Investigation D20 + D4 roll) – 16

"You're Illusions," Kol concluded.

Looking at her more clearly, Kol squints as to see clearly. Occasionally her form emits dust that floats and then fades.

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"Excuse me?" Shaphi says covering her chest.

Kol goes red as the realization sets in.

"Forgive me. I was just interested in the spell that's all." Kol said avoiding her gaze.

"I doubt you'd be able to cast it. It's a 2nd level spell." Shaphi said.

'2nd level? Damn.' Kol thinks

"Alright. Thank you. Sorry again for the.." Kol walked away not finishing his sentence.

Another glance on the shelves then Kol left. The shop was too expensive for him.

Kol went to a local bakery, a place he was familiar with. This was a place Bea would normally frequent.

After a while, Kol left with a basket of bread, cookies, and a blueberry pie. Kol spent most of the money Bea gave him, leaving him a few coppers for himself.

Heading back Kol sees David and June by the docks next to a ship swaying from the growing waves. The sky is darker than he last saw it and the winds carry a chill in the air.

"Hey, you left so I bought you a backpack as well," David said showing the brown leather backpack.

"Thanks," Kol said. "If June is right. At least we won't be camping empty-handed."

"I know," David said. "All this talk about losing an advantage over us are lies, am I right June? You gave us clues so we can also be prepared. You didn't want us to fail."

"Please, why would I give you clues?"

"Cause we're your." David paused with a grin on his face. "Friends!"

Kol laughed along with David's playful teasing.

Suddenly their attentions were taken by the sound of a bell ringing across the ocean.

A ship approaching the dock in full haste can be seen by all passersby. Behind it was the storm, strong and bellowing approaching the docks matching the speed of the ship.

The guards, now gathering in the area where they expect the ship would land.

"what's going on?" David asked.

(Nature D20 + D4 roll) – 19

"That's not a normal storm," Kol said

"What?" Junes asked.

"The storm is chasing the ship." Kol looked into the sky. "The wind is pointing opposite to the ship. The ship's sail is enchanted, yes. That's why it can go against the wind without being pushed back, but the storm should be going in the opposite direction. Away from the ship."

"But it's not." David continued.

"Yes, something is wrong with that storm."

The concerned look on their faces quickly disappears as horror sets in.

Nearing the docks the ship's bell falls silent. Muffled voices screamed louder and louder as the ship grew closer. The sound of water splashing as if someone fell overboard. Soon the screams were discernable.

The ship's men jump off the ship screaming in fear, screaming as they swim ashore. Those who stayed remained on the edges screaming for help, begging to be noticed. The storm meters away behind them.

Kol looked around, the guards sheathing their swords to help the swimmers, some stayed vigilant their sweat visible with clear fear and confusion enveloping them.

'What's going on?'

Taking a quick count, there were 11 guards in total at the edge of the dock. Turning to June, who probably has more experience with these things, Kol only saw a reflection of his expression. Confusion.

At the edge of the dock, a stray swimmer could be seen struggling to pull himself up.

'Should I help him?' Kol thought.

(Dexterity D20 roll) – 12

'Why wouldn't I? It's the right thing to do.'

Kol took a step, and then David ran past him towards the swimmer. More alert and faster than Kol.

Helping the guy up the dock, Kol saw several more swimmers being helped by the guards.

Setting the basket beside the man, Kol could see the man was struggling to breathe. Probably out of exhaustion. But no physical injuries.

'What got them all rattled?' Kol asked himself.

"What happened?" David finally asked.

The man shook and grabbed David by the shoulder.

"I knew it was a bad idea; I knew it, but I couldn't tell them fast enough." He then turned to face the storm. "They took it. And now they have come for it."

Their ship rammed the docks causing most of the people to fall. The sound of men screaming, asking for help, for forgiveness, for mercy, to be released, to be spared. Then, the screaming stops. Darkness covered the area, the cold wind accompanied by rain felt like being sprayed by shards of glass. Streaks of light part the clouds, then a thunderous roar.

The storm is here.