Arrival at the Isle of Youth

[Franco Clarke]

Rising high over the crashing waves beneath them, a towering cliff marked the north facing edge of the Isle of Youth, where the Fountain of youth was recorded to be held. The Vif plunged through the waves and past jagged rocks jutting from the seas. Erwin sat in the bow feeling miserable whilst Private Collins guided the ship, using Tholeau's book for directions.

'Sir we are approaching the island, where should we land?'

Erwin looked up, wearily stood up and stumbled to the stern of the ship. After inspecting the rough map for a while, he pointed at a secluded cove.

'There should do nicely, follow the coast a long, we might not be the only one who has made it this far'

Collins nodded and directed the ship closer to the shore, past beaches of white sand, with not a soul in sight.

'Perhaps we are the first to arrive; that would improve Erwin's mood' Collins muttered beneath his breath.

As they approached the headland which sheltered the cove, Collins noticed a mast sticking out from above the tree line, with a Corrington flag at the top!

'Ship spotted, prepare the gun for action, Captain you should probably take over now!' shouted Collins.

Erwin ran to stern, grabbing the tiller. 'Get ready to fire the cannon on the starboard side if they want to fight'

The Vif rounded the headland and it was clear to see that the Corries were not going to be fighting. The ship was one of the merchant hunters, however it posed no threat since it was high and dry, having obviously been sailed straight into the beach. The bowsprit had cracked and splintered on a rock and she was surrounded by a mess of planks and timbers. The Vif dropped anchor further out, and the crew began to prepare to go ashore. Erwin and Collins moved out ahead to inspect the Merchant raider. Her hull had been gouged and was obviously not going to sail again. Her crew were nowhere to be seen and had left the hull stocked with supplies and the two cannon.

'Well I guess the Corries must really want this Fountain, we better get going otherwise we'll be beaten too it.' Erwin said to Collins. 'Also have the men land the cannon, it might be handy in case we run into any other explorers'

This is the first thing that came to mind when the challenge was announced and although it wouldn't really do in any of the categories, I still wanted to make it. Not much to see really except an Imperial flagship stuck on a beach!

[SilentWolf]

I like the beach and particularly the sand piled around the bow where it ran aground. Though I am not sure Corries would be so careless...

[TitusV]

That first image is very Nice, and I like (as SilentWolf said) the sand around the bow!

[Franco Clarke]

Thanks I'm glad you liked the sand around the bow!

I like the beach and particularly the sand piled around the bow where it ran aground. Though I am not sure Corries would be so careless...

Well I guess if something as valuable as eternal youth is on the line, it would be careless to land your ship slowly

[blackdeathgr]

Your closeup photos look great as always!