I am happy to announce I finished stage one of the Dragons vs. Pirates CD. That means all of MY parts are now recorded! That's HUGE because I wasn't hoping to do that  in August so I could release the album to my Kickstarters in October. Obviously, that's not happening. Right now, I hope to send out the final album in December with an official release in February or March next year. Here's hoping. Now on with the story!

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Day 31: Now that I know the pirates are supplementing their hard tack with dragon meat, I’ve lost fifteen pounds. All I eat is bread, cheese, and apples. Thank goodness it not the 15th century, I'd rather mead over grog any day! The mead has made for some interesting lyrics, and I have made progress on a couple of Murphy's songs.

I’ve also been writing a few “Save the Dragons” songs in secret. Knowing Murphy, I can probably sneak them on to the album. Though most of his followers are going to be treasure-hunting pirates, if even a few listen to the other side, maybe we can stop the slaughter of this beautiful creature.

I have to be careful though. If Murphy does suspect that I am on the side of the dragon, he'll have me keelhauled. Probably bounce me off a mountain or two for good measure.

I need to find a way to get my “Save the Dragon” songs off this boat. We are to stop and pick up supplies this afternoon. Maybe I can find a way then…

***

It was just a tiny hamlet. Barely more than a supply drop. There was no one to give my songs to. Even worse, Gus stayed behind to try and recruit a few new crew. He was my one ally against Murphy. Now I am on my own entirely.

It is still beautiful up in the clouds. They are constantly changing. Sometimes it is a sea of flat white, as far as the eye can see. Sometimes, brilliant oranges and reds as the sun begins to set. Other times, it is billowy castles rising up on all sides of us.

Sailing through them is plunging into a fine mist that soaks your clothes in seconds. And the whistling wind cuts like a knife made of ice some days. Having a hearty constitution is a must up here. You are always wet, or cold, or simply exhausted. At least I can sometimes get away with retreating to my bunk to “work on the album.”

Maybe if I finish this album, he'll let me off this damn boat.