The young man wavered onto the deck, his stomach queasy from the ship that no longer rocked in the open seas. Grabbing at the railings where he could, he stepped down the gangplank to the New Thalos docks. The air was thick with salt and the fresh catches of fish of the lesser vessels, mingled with the exotic herbs, spices, and tobaccos of the larger trade ships.
At the end of the long dock, he could see the bald-headed Captain Drogol of the ship he was disembarking, The Maiden of Light. The captain finished his quick talk with the dockmaster, tipped his large-brimmed hat, turned on a heel, and walked towards the first inn in sight, an open door into a dark room with a worn and unreadable sign hanging over it.
Approaching the dockmaster, the young man held tightly at the sling pack over his shoulder, but was greeted by a wide smile.
"Good day! I am dockmaster Elbrim, what business brings you to New Thalos?"
"My name is Wrack.." the young man replied, his hands easing into calm, loosening his grip, "and I come seeking knowledge.."
The dockmaster scribbled words into a small notebook, paused, and peered up, "Knowledge, you say? What sort of knowledge?"
"I seek knowledge against the enemies of good in the realms."
Looking at Wrack's face, the dockmaster paused before writing, "That is a noble deed, young man. Where, might I ask, do you hail from?"
"A small village called Beregost, near to Candlekeep," his blue eyes glazed over lightly with a sheen of distant thought.
"Near Candlekeep.. my, you are far from home. I hope you find what you seek.. We could all do with more peace in these realms."
A few more words entered the dockmaster's book, he beamed another smile and turned, walking to meet the captain of another ship just arriving.
Turning to face the city, Wrack began his trek west..
