After a sojourn of a few months in Dar E Lan, it was almost time to begin the real voyage. The news came that a peace treaty had been signed and the Straits were safe for merchants. So it was a fortuitous time to set out over the waves. Hyamsam the young magician, intrigued by the prospect of living on a ship in search of places that might not exist, asked the join the expedition.
There was a final port of call before advancing into the uncharted ocean. Some of the slaves that Bangqiu had rescued came from an island nominally claimed by Zhou Song, but populated by an independent people with their own culture-- Akari.
The week-long journey to Akari passed without incident and the surprise return of the youths who were kidnapped by slavers over a year ago earned Bangqiu and his friends a heroes' welcome. They were provided rooms in the best house in the island's, small, but beautiful capital. The return of those who had given up as lost was only increased by Bangqiu's description of how he had punished and destroyed the slavers, ensuring that they would never return. Every comfort was provided, and some members of the party joked that they might never want to leave.
And then the party. The noise of hammers woke them up early in the morning. The people of Akari were building a a series of colorful tents to host a celebration. Throughout the day, Bangqiu and his friends were feted with food, drink, gifts, songs, and every manner of attention. As day passed into evening, the great feast was laid out for them. Though the day had been clear and sunny, cooled by the mildest breezes, halfway through the feast, a storm broke. Thunder boomed in the sky and the wind shook the hanging lanterns.
The ghostly figure of a blue-green man had appeared above the town. Lightning crackled from the swords he swung above his head. His breath was a fierce gale, rising in intensity. Three flying creatures flew about him. They had bat-like wings and the heads of monkey, with tusks as long as their bodies.
As the people of Akari ran for cover, the heroes rushed to their defense. Bayan fired an arrow at the giant air-spirit. Her bow was strong and her aim was good. Hyansan shot a magic arrow that hit the spirit in the face. It howled with anger disappearing into the clouds as the winds increased to hurricane strength. The flying monkeys descended, one flying at Bayan and another at Hyamsam. Bayan was struck by a tusk, but managed to grab hold of the monkey and throw it to the ground. Shoji blessed Bo-Jing's sword as he sprang into action, and struck the grounded monkey with great force. Bangqiu released a cloud of steam at monkey diving at Hyamsam. As it neared the ground, Kafka stood in front of Hyamsam, ready with his frost brand. Kafka was struck by both tusks, but nearly killed the monkey. The third monkey, meanwhile had noticed that Bangqiu posed the greatest threat and dived at him. Damai shot it with several arrows.
Flying monkeys are horrific. Eight-foot monkeys on the ground, slashing you with their tusks are terrifying. Shoji began to chant, sustaining his companions' courage. The storm tore the tents away from their moorings, sending huge sheets of canvas careening into the sky. The lanterns were extinguished, the only illumination now being, bursts of magic missiles from Bangqiu and Hyamsam and from the glowing swords of Bo-Jing and Bayan. Bayan stood her ground, taking more damage from her assailant and slashing. Seizing a pefect opportunity, Bo-Jing baited the monkey into turning on him, only to receive a pair of fatal cuts. Kafka backed away from the monster attacking him, and then surprised it with mighty thrust of his sword. A magic missile from Hyamsam feleld the feast. Bangqiu stayed quick on his feet, diving behind tables as the monkey pursued him and blasting it with magic whenever it got too close. Finally he lured it into a place where the warriors could attack it from all sides and destroy it. Shoji healed the wounded. Bo-Jing claimed a pair of tusks as a trophy.
The next morning, the people of Akari bid the heroes farewell.
