As Inexorable Fate fled north pursued by two Linowan warships, Cadence and Dark Side did their best to prevent a disaster. While Fate mocked his pursuers, Cadence chopped down a tree and reveled in a good Caber Toss.
Using the log as a makeshift raft, Cadence climbed through the enemies oars and gained a foothold on the deck. Dark Side used a grappling arrow to pull himself to the ship. Following the defeat of a dragonblooded circle and the death of the captain, the commander of the marines sought terms. As Cadence and Dark Side took control of the vessel, Inexorable Fate showed up in a skiff, and proceeded to have some difficulty boarding the Linowan warship.
Dark Side appropriated a pirate hat and sang ribald nautical songs as he took control of the ship's rudder and turned it south. The tables turned on their pursuers, a spirited battle with the other vessel's marines delivered it into the party's hands. Both crews were set free on the condition that they remove themselves from the conflict and march north.
While the naval battles raged, Zen Becomes Oblivion and Innocence infiltrated the Linowan camp as confused citizens. After enjoying some very delicious tea, produced by an experienced Tea-Master of the Linowan Army, they bided their time until an opportunity presented itself.
The trireme chase presented just such an opportunity. Zen and Innocence approached the commanding general and demanded his surrender. After some confusion over who the Linowans were surrendering to, he of course refused. This resulted in several dead bodies (including a pair of demons). Innocence returned the pristine corpse of the commanding general to a semblance of life, and then absconded with her new friend.
With the morale of the expeditionary force shattered, a mid-ranking officer approached and asked for terms. Again, there was some confusion as to who the town was being surrendered to, but it was eventually sorted out. The Linowan army and their remaining ships withdrew to the north about five miles and set up a defensive line buttressed by the river.
The Midnight on the Waves was returned to the party's growing navy on Valga's Lake.