In case this needs to be clarified: Ondrj, the remoras, and a larger body of pirates have stayed behind in the cove. 12 pirates are heading to the portal room with you. 6 will travel to Castle Gargantua, and 6 will return to report to Ondrj.
The boat is carried through the corridor, where there is another delay fitting it through the right-angle turn. And then you come to the door that leads to the large room with the glowing pink gem.
Three figures are rushing down the ascending stairs. They are tall—taller than any of you—and almost impossibly slender. They have pale-whitish skin, long backward-sloping skulls, and delicate, tapering fingers. Each is dressed in enameled armor of a different brilliant hue: cerulean, magenta, and viridian. They carry elaborately-flourished pole-arms that gleam like silver.
There is burst of alarm from the pirates, and you distinctly hear the word "Eld." The pirates carrying the longboat move to set it down on its side and use it for cover.
The 3 Eld will reach you next round, at charging speed.
Actions!
More on Friday!