by C S Boyack
There were boats all around them. Flattop met him on the quarterdeck. He pointed toward Johnny above them. "Man say. Say no wake Captain. These ship not fight."
"Thank you," James said. He climbed up to check with Johnny.
"Just a bunch of fishermen and sponge divers," Johnny said. "Smooth sailin all the way. Figure we're gettin close with all these boats."
"I don't feel the need to measure a coordinate. Your theory looks sound to me. Supper in a real tavern tonight."
"Sounds great."
Tall cliffs flanked them as Lanternfish pulled through the narrows. Shore batteries became obvious as they entered the wide harbor area.
"Looks like they painted the batteries and guns to make sure we see them," Dan said.
"Appears to be the case," James answered. He guided the ship to the docks while Don Velasco reduced sail. "At least there's no call to man the yardarms."
"Probably because they aren't afraid of us," Dan said. "Look at all them guns."
"Never mind that, look at that ship." James pointed.
A Hollish naval frigate stood at anchor next to a blue buoy about two hundred feet beyond the docks. She had two gun decks, and appeared to have thirty guns per broadside.
A man with a scroll approached the ship as they tied up. He boarded then unrolled the scroll. "Welcome to Tusconi. You and your commerce are all welcome here as long as you follow the rules.
"While you are here, you will keep your gun ports closed at all times. The entire world transacts business in Tusconi, and you may well find your enemies here. Any hostilities will be dealt with using extreme force.
"May I draw your attention to the gun placements around the harbor. They are painted in various colors, reflected by the appropriate buoys. As an example, seventeen fifty-pound siege guns are covering the Hollish ship alongside the blue buoy.
"You are welcome to bear small arms in town for the purpose of self defense only.
"The docks are for loading and unloading. You may disembark from here, then you are assigned to the red buoy for anchorage. Rest assured every gun in the red batteries has been tested until it can hit the red buoy. A ship your size will sink in one shot, evaporate in three." The welcoming committee pulled a flag from his kit. It was a small blue square with a white X across it. "This will signal for the water taxi. Run it up your forward mast and they will deliver you anywhere around the harbor. They expect payment upon delivery. Are there any questions?"
"Can you direct me to the foundry?" James asked.
"No, but there is an information booth just beyond the harbor area. Directions are free, and guides are available for a price. Feel free to send your crew ashore, then anchor your ship as indicated."
"Wait, are animals and creatures welcome here too?" James asked.
"Of course, if they behave. Bring an ogre for all I care, but the rules apply to him too." The strange man rolled up his scroll then marched back off the ship.
"Ain't shooting our way out of here," Dan said.
"Nope. We'll have to be on our best behavior. I only hope the crew will do the same."
"It's them Hollish I'm worried about."
"Me too, mate. Me too."
James led his officer contingency into town, while Don Velasco and a skeleton crew took the ship to anchor. He promised to find them later.
The information booth turned out to be nothing more than a teenage girl in a shanty. James hired her to show them the finest tavern, then take him to the foundry.
Fala's bird, and a cluster of root monsters barely caused a sideways glance from the guide. An eye patch and peg leg, never even registered on her meter.
"I promise you the creatures will pose you no harm," James said.
"I'm not worried. They have to follow the rules, and you have some liability for them too." She led them to the first street. "We're going to skip this one, because The Felicità is on up the hill. Great food and reasonable drinks."
James gestured to indicate, after you, and they followed her into town.
City guards were everywhere. They wore odd uniforms with large soft caps that flopped down to their ears. Colored feathers seemed to indicate rank somehow. Their balloon pants gave them a clownish look, but would not restrict their motion in any way. The clownish look ended at the sight of swords, pistols, and rifles for every man. The rare sighting of one with a red feather revealed him carrying a blunderbuss. Likely these were their commanders.
This place differed from other coastal cities in its cleanliness. Street keepers shoveled up after the animals, and swept up any debris immediately.
Women gazed at them from behind large personal fans. McCormack seemed taken with the eyes that looked his way, but concealed whoever the woman was.
Serang stopped at a street cart to examine the fans. She opened them then placed them back on the cart.
"Not your style?" Fala asked.
"They are just frivolities. There isn't a single concealed blade among them."
The guide led them to The Felicità, where they pulled tables together to accommodate the group.
James dropped some coins on the table. "First round's on me. I'll place our order at the foundry then come back."
Fala grabbed his arm and stopped him. She handed him a folded paper. "This is what we need. Don't want you to forget something."
James nodded then followed the guide toward the street. Serang followed him.
"You don't need to come with me," James said. "You should enjoy yourself tonight."
"I was going to ask permission to go exploring," she said.
"By all means. Where is your weapon?"
"This seems like a very secure city, and I brought my flute." She turned so he could see it behind her shoulder.
"Wouldn't you like to eat first?"
"There is food everywhere. I noticed some octopus on a cart on the way here. It is one of my favorites."
"Alright. Be careful, and have a good time."
"I shall, my Captain." She held up a crock of huangjiu.
They left, and the pirates settled into their corner of the tavern. The barmaid brought a pitcher of grog, and Dan poured the first round.
"What I want to know is about Don Velasco," McCormack said. "Is Don his first name, or is it a title?"
Don Velasco placed a hand on his shoulder and startled him. "I will tell you, my friend. The ship is secure at anchor, and it's time for drinking and stories.
"It is a title, my father's title. I am proud of my heritage, but restricted by it as well. Where I am from, the first son inherits everything. I am the forth son. There is nothing for me."
"What about the girls?" Fala asked.
"Ah, my sisters are for arranged marriages. This helps the family forge bonds with other powerful families."
"Figures," Fala said. "Women get no respect in this world."
"They are content with the arrangements. My father procured a military commission for his second son. This also forges powerful bonds for his estate. Any son after that is simply insurance for an accidental death."
"Sounds like a pretty happy life," Johnny said. "Live in a big old house. Drill the maid every afternoon. Smooth sailin'."
Fala rolled her eyes and downed her drink.
"I have done this, but it gets boring after a time. A man wants to be a man, not kept like a happy dog. One day, I threw some gear in a bag, then walked thirty miles to the city to find work.
"I knew nothing valuable as a workman. We had people to shoe the horses, and harvest the grapes. My father owns quarries, so I tried to become a teamster. They would not let me in, because they thought my father was trying to infiltrate their guild.
"I took a position on a treasure ship. I knew nothing of sailing, but they were willing to teach me. We were supposed to deliver trade goods to Nuevo Sur, and trade them for gold.
"The fools in Nuevo Sur have much gold, but only value it for its ease to work with. They make cups and vases from it. Our cheap beads could be traded
for golden platters and ingots.
"It turns out the natives were not as stupid as advertised. We used the beads and blankets to find out where the gold was. Then our capitan ordered us to march upon them and slaughter them for their gold.
"This did not settle well with me, and when we stopped for provisions on the way back, I never returned to the ship."
"I'd like to come across one of those treasure ships, just once," Johnny said.
"They still sail, but are very secretive about them now. Perhaps one day we will find one together," Don Velasco said.
"Drill the maid," the anvil bird said.
The root monsters pointed from the bench they occupied. "Ha ha ha."
"Ha ha ha," the bird responded.
Fala slammed her hat on their bench. "Stop! This is a nice place, and I'll not have you lot screwing it up."
Boss stood up. "Headman say. Say modders welcome."
"Yes, but he also said you have to behave."
"What modders can do?"
Dan weighed in. "Tonight we're eating, drinking, and telling stories. Can I order you something?"
Trouble looked up. "Trubba want sugar."
"The rest of you?"
"Ya ya, modders want sugar."
Dan held up his fingers for the barmaid. "Then I expect a story from you lot."
"Ugh," Fala groaned. "Why'd you go and do that?"
"I like their stories."
Flattop crawled up on the table then grabbed a butter knife. "Oman see fight. Take stone." He rapped the knife on the table. "Call dogs. Big dog like cannon. Uder big dog. Like hair." He made a roaring sound.
"No no no," Boss said. He belched loudly. Other patrons turned to look.
"Ha ha ha, ya ya," Flattop said. He belched to indicate the lionine roar.
The anvil bird belched too.
Fala tried to sink out of sight.
"This place has really gone to hell," a voice said. "Look at the scum they've allowed in now."
The pirates looked up at the Hollish Navy coming through the door.
"Make fight now?" Boss asked.
"No," Mal said. "Captain said behave."
Don Velasco asked, "Did you bring the Hollish Lieutenant's head tonight?"
"Yes," Mal said. "Tsantsa make protection from Hollish." He placed the shrunken head on the table.
Don Velasco picked it up. "It seems to have not shrunken much. Most Hollishmen have small minds and brains to match."
The Hollish captain sent a runner into the street. The man returned with one of the local commanders and a pair of city watchmen in tow.
The Hollish first officer approached Mal then pulled his glove off. He reared back to strike, when Don Velasco stepped in his way. He struck the sailing master instead.
"I meant to strike this bloody wog."
"But you did not," Don Velasco said. He snatched the glove from the officer's hand. "I accept your challenge."
"Gentlemen," the watch commander said. "We will be taking this outside. No sense in breaking things at The Felicità."
The groups filed outside. The watch commander said, "We will be settling this by the rules. One man fights against one man. No outside assistance. Swords only, if you would please hand your pistols to someone from your country."
The Hollish captain accepted his officer's pistol. He raised his voice toward Don Velasco. "You should be honored that you're about to be killed by the former fencing master at the Hollish Academy."
"Very interesting," Don Velasco said. "My father owns the finest fencing school in Buena Fortaleza. I have been training since I was out of diapers." He drew his old cutlass and stepped into the street.
The Hollishman assumed a formal stance, and Don Velasco matched him. The clash began with a series of attacks by the Hollishman. Don Velasco deflected them all.
They broke and stepped back. "You seem to have a rudimentary understanding of the forms," the Hollishman said.
Don Velasco simply nodded, then began his own attack. The Hollishman did not defend and lashed forward. They ended up in a clench.
Don Velasco swept off his helmet and smashed his opponent over the head with it.
The Hollishman fell to his knees. Don Velasco stepped on his blade before backhanding him across the face with the helmet. The fin atop his helmet laid the man's face open before he collapsed into a heap. "You prancing buffoon. There are no rules when fighting for your life."
The Hollish officers all drew swords. "He cheated," their captain cried.
A hammer cocking stopped everyone. The City Commander pressed his blunderbuss to the side of the Hollish Captain's head. "That would be most foolish." The other guards moved in to disarm the navy men.
The Commander continued. "Technically, you are allowed to kill him if you wish, but whether you do or not, this is over."
Don Velasco placed his cutlass against the unconscious man's chest. He flicked his coat open, and snagged the man's purse with the tip of his sword. "I will not kill this man today. But I claim his purse as compensation for interrupting our meal."
"That's common theft. I want him arrested," the opposing captain said.
"It is a bit unusual, normally they claim the opponent's sword, but it does fall within the rules. I think you should consider this a favorable outcome," the city commander said.
"Bueno." Don Velasco nodded to the commander and flicked the purse through the air to Johnny Jump Up. He turned to his friends then gestured toward the tavern, "Compadres."
The barmaid approached their table once more. "The City Watch will ban them from The Felicità. You won't have to worry about them in here."
Don Velasco clasped her hands. "I am so sorry. Please take this purse as compensation for the money they would have spent in here. I hope you can forgive me."
The barmaid tossed the purse in her hand to check the weight. She smiled at Don Velasco. "Thank you so much. Let me refill your drinks."
"Another conquest tonight?" Fala asked.
"Perhaps," Don Velasco said. "We will see how the evening unfolds."
James returned with his guide, then sat down. "What did I miss?"
Dan gestured toward the monsters. "Tell him."
Trouble climbed atop the table. "Man come to Mal. Make hit." He placed a spoon over his head. "Don Velasco stand. Block hit. Big talk, big fight...
Chapter Twenty-Eight
James awoke, then sat at his table. Biscuit Bill placed out some fruit, eggs and ham to go with his biscuits and tea. The sound of distant flute music crossed the harbor.
Dan came in, then helped himself to tea and one of the biscuits. "Fala's pissed you bought extra ordinance. Says we don't have enough storage room."
"She's the one who said we needed a lot. I'm tired of being under supplied. They'll have to find room, even if they have to use the extra shot for ballast temporarily. The foundry will make our shells too, but need a week to meet our order."
"I talked to the foundry man afore you got up. He came on the taxi. They got a special dock we can use for our order, but we can't pull up until it's ready to load."
"Sounds reasonable. Any other casualties from last night?"
"Haven't heard anything, but most of the crew stayed in town."
"They'll trickle back when their purses are empty or their hangovers get too bad. What will we do with ourselves for a week?"
"Don Velasco wants to drive into the country. Fala and I are going to go. Wanna come with us?"
"Are you offloading the caravan?"
"No. We can rent a horse and buggy. A wagon even, we get enough takers."
"Everything's calm then?"
"Good enough. I mean, Johnny's trying to figure out if he can swim under the Hollish ship and put a hole in it with a brace and bit."
"It's a foolish thought. Order him to stand down. He couldn't hold his breath that long anyway. Besides, they'd patch it before it mattered." He buttered the remaining half of his biscuit. "I'll go with you, but someone needs to mind the ship
."
"Well, old Chappy's here. Said he spent everything on them teeth."
"That's only part of a crew, and not an officer."
"McCormack is frittering around trying to find out where he can stash cannonballs."
"He'll do. Ask for volunteers first. If you don't get enough, assign men to the post." James shoved the rest of his food in his mouth. "Let's raise that flag for the taxi and get started."
James joined Dan, Fala, Don Velasco, and Mal for the ride into the country. The wagon was fitted with seats that ran from front to back along the sides.
They left behind the beautiful coastal city then drove down a lane bordered by grape vines on both sides. Workers attended the vineyards and inspected the clusters as the sun bore down upon them.
Flute music grew in volume as they approached an old fallen wall. Serang sat cross-legged beside an artesian spring while some of the root monsters practiced throws on each other.
Don Velasco eased to a stop. James said, "Looks like you've found a pretty spot."
"Yes, my Captain. Cool clean water and shade," Serang said.
"And them?" He gestured toward Trouble and the other monsters. "They certainly aren't going to throw a man if they get in a fight."
"No, but it keeps them focused and out of mischief while I play."
"We're going for a drive. Would you like to come along?"
"Yes, my Captain." She stood and affixed the strap around her flute before taking a seat next to Mal. The monsters climbed into the floor of the wagon.
Don Velasco clicked to the horse and they started moving. Colorful birds flitted among the grapevines, and twittered as they passed.
They came to a row of woven skeps on short stone tables. "This?" Mal asked.
"Those are beehives," Serang said. "They help the crops grow."
"On Malatook. Find bee tree, add smoke, chop inside with axe. Take honey."
"It's almost the same, only they put the bees out and don't have to hunt for them."
"Honey?" Trouble asked.
"Bees make it. It is sweet, like sugar," Serang said.
"Trubba want sugar."
Serang vaulted out of the wagon, so Don Velasco stopped then set the brake. She started gathering grass from the side of the road.