Antonio Ricardo Valera, at the time boatswain of the Damned Promise, had a chance to prove himself during a foray into the Far East, in the mysterious and closed off island of Nippon. Fleeing from the authority of various European crowns, six members of the crew, including the Captain and the Boatswain, became separated from the Damned Promise. The Boatswain put his language and diplomacy skills to use, and, though they were clearly strangers in the area, the locals quickly appreciated the crew’s acceptance of the local customs and courtesies. While enjoying the exotic sights, sounds, and delicacies of Nippon, the crew heard rumors of a ship matching the description of The Damned Promise being sighted in the waters to the southwest of the island. The Captain and Boatswain then resolved to follow the rumors of the mysterious vessel and rendezvous with it, wherever it may be.

After promising to return with the ship, the Captain and Boatswain stowed away aboard a series of transports and narrowly evaded the transit guards. For the next few days, the Captain and Boatswain alternated between making merry by day, and stowing away aboard cramped transports by night. One of the transports was so cramped, the Boatswain was forced to relieve his bowels not 15 feet from their hammocks.

After evading more transit authorities, the Captain and Boatswain chartered a vessel to take them to an island near where they’d heard The Damned Promise was sighted. After three days of consuming nothing but rum and ale, the Captain and Boatswain spotted a vessel sporting a familiar set of sails and flying a distinctive banner. The Damned Promise was finally in view.

Written by Tony