Captain's Log - July 24 - 1 week before departure

One month of preparation before sailing around the world will seem completely insane to my people.  Touched by the human curse they'll say.  But I had no choice: the seasons change at the pace of men, not elves.  The summer is slipping away.

The Carthy crew is ready. And I mean to reward them for their efforts.  Tomorrow over lunch I'll give them the news.  When our mission is complete, I will take the first two picks in the division of spoils.  Hannibal shall have the third.  the fouth shall go to the "most valuable crewman" and any picks I have left will be distributed by lot.  The entire Carthy crew will split 1/2 of my share of the nonmagical wealth evenly.  If they didn't have enough incentive to be loyal before, they certainly will now.

The Aelfbane is the most seaworthy vessel I've ever encountered, Squatter and sturdier than the much ballyhooed longship.  She is in her element in a stiff breeze and remarkably sound in deep sea and high waves.  I have no qualms with her Norse craftsmanship.  My wish to see their race entirely vanquished in no way competes with my respect for their seacraft.  Besides ... we captured this ship in battle - the spoils of war come with their own rules of heritage.  

We are on schedule.  I shall take an inventory tomorrow morning.  No chickens.