Cal Endria's Journal: 6th November, 4169

Went ashore this morning with some of the lads to procure provisions. As we rode ashore in the longboat, I surveyed the approaching beach. It seems a fine place to build a wharf.

Beyond the beach, the jungle rose up, and a range of mountains towered over us, looming ever larger as we made our approach. The closer we came to this paradise, the more excited we became.

I had made sure that the landing party was made up entirely of those sympathetic to our cause. We were anxious for the chance to explore this new land. Sharky nearly ruined our plans by making rumblings that perhaps he should come along and stretch his legs.

I was able to put him off by pointing out that it was best we go ahead to scout things out first before risking the our leader's safety. He saw the reason in this and decided to wait until after our stores had been replenished to go explore.

When the longboats touched sand, we splashed ashore and went in search of provisions. We made our way through the jungle, the land sloping gently upwards as we went. 

When we crested the ridge, an open plateau stretched out before us. The lads were very excited by this feature of the landscape, for it seemed to be the perfect place for a fair sized village. It seemed the hand of providence was at work, for little work would be needed to prepare the spot for the building of houses, farms and businesses.

Beyond the plateau, the forest resumed, rising up to meet the mountains. A gigantic waterfall descended from the mountains, into a river that flowed down to the harbor.

Not wanting to take much more time, for fear that Sharky would become restless waiting for us, we concluded our exploration and went about the task of gathering supplies. This was not difficult as both fresh water and game were plentiful. The land yielded abundant fruit as well. Odds fish, if this is not a paradise, then I truly do not know what is!

Once we had filled our water casks and loaded the longboats, we returned to the Deathwind and Sharky. This I was loath to do, so in love with this bit of ground have I become.

We are all in agreement. We have found the site for our new village, and our new hope. Now, it falls on me to approach Sharky and bargain for our release from his crew. I shall have to bargain well and shrewdly for Sharky to let us live, much less agree, but I think I know just what will appeal to his black heart.

I must end here as Sharky has just returned from his explorations. I fervently hope my next entry is a happy one.