Blarks

The tide and wind bringing us near a small and rocky island, we swam as best we could for the shore. A strong surf drove us in and exhausted and cut by the sharp rocks along the beach we staggered ashore on a narrow beach. We were bleeding and bruised but grateful for life. And thereupon, each of us drank deeply from a nearby creek and, having drunk our fill, collapsed where we stood and fell into a deep sleep. Since abandoning our ship, we had drifted for three days and were spent. When we awoke, we found we were not alone. There in the trees that grew amongst the island’s rocks and cliffs, we saw that there were Blarks. Black feathers. Beaks like daggers. Sitting, waiting, patient as ever, watching us. And, very hungry looking.

The Judges of Crimes

Those in custody, who despite the taxing of crushing pain, had not confessed and renounced their sin were brought before the judges for castigation, flaying and sentencing, after which was meted out the most horrendous punishments that could be arranged. The crimes here are of the worst sort: improper and irregular thoughts and dreams, failure to give due courtesy to the annointed and words that could be misconstrued. But, the most severe punishments of all were reserved for those who may have made plots, had read unseemly books or had commerce with those deemed after the fact as malevolent operatives. As these were the ones in greatest need of salvation, there could be no slacking off for torturers or for executioners. For, how else to make the guilt see the true way and turn aside from evil.

There Are Snaids!

How they came aboard is not know. Three days out of a tropical port, the larders seemed to go bare, bags of oats ripped open, meat ripped from ice chests and a thief was suspected. Five days out and the poultry in the mizzen post was gone. And, then the goats. Something was devouring our stock. But, when cook's dog disappeared, it was clear. Snaids were aboard. Voracious. Implacable. Vile. And, it was going to get much worse. Soon, we would wake in the night with small bites, bloody from sharp teeth and smeared with grease. Wounds that soon festered and smelled. Then, a midshipmen, favored for his ruddy complexion and eager smile, went missing. A search turned up nothing. And, finally, we knew what lay ahead for us all. In the end, we few survivors set our ship ablaze, shed our clothing and threw ourselves into the sea, the only escape.