Rydar grunted in frustration, "Now is not the time for..." he was cut off as his grip on the ship's cabin faltered and sent him back into the icy waters of the sea.
Going back to the Maiden was foolish. He didn't have the energy anymore and his fingers were going numb from the cold, his body already shivering. Without so much as a thought Rydar swam under the, now listing, Maiden, aiming for the side of the pirate's ship. He swam as fast as he could, looking more like serpent than Argonian. He rocketed from the water and whipped out his small blade, jamming it into the wooden flank of the ship.
The blade dug into the wood and caught, providing a makeshift hand-hold. Rydar's feet scrambled for purchase on the side of the ship, but found none, leaving the shivering Argonian hanging from a single hand, his grip already faltering.
"Hey! Khajiit! Look, you've beaten us! You've killed three warriors already! You killed our crew capsized the ship, and left us helpless! Why kill us when you can leave us on Solsthiem and let us spread word of your cunning and strength! Help us and we will spread fear of your name where ever we may go!"
Rydar knew he was scrambling, bluffing, and begging. He tried to sweeten the deal with what little he had. He shook his head, he had nothing but the blood in his...
His blood. With fear crossing the Argonian's face he made the only deal he could,
"I'll let you taste my blood! Taste my blood an turn me into a creature of the night! I only ask you spare us! Please! I beg you!