by C S Boyack
"Really, why? He seems kind of new for all that."
"Turns out he cast mortars just like ours. He's also done a bunch of test firing, so he might have more experience than I do. And I'll put him on the aft one, so you can shoot him if he screws up."
"Yeah, thanks for that, mate."
"Just don't shoot him right away. First battles are rough on everyone."
"And when does this promotion happen?"
"Just as soon as we come within sight of that fort."
"Who's going to man the bell then?"
"Figured on Stuttering Lewis. He's pretty reliable."
"Really?"
"No, mate. Just kidding. One of the original coastal pirates is standing by. He's a good gunner, but I want someone I can trust on the bell."
Chapter Thirty-One
Fishneck came into view, along with its fort. A Prelonian sloop moved into position to defend the approach. Fala handed James a white flag, as per the arrangement.
He ran the flag up the mizenmast, and the fort responded in kind.
Stowaway looked up from the mortar. "Might as well get us in close if they're going to blow us to hell."
"Dismal thoughts, sir," James said. "Being a pirate is all about taking chances. At least we're taking chances with a lot of guns at our disposal. Shouldn't you be focused on that fort?"
"I'm all set up one click away from that frigate on our starboard side. If things get hairy, I aim to give him one round first. I can reload and reset before you can move the masts out of my way. The forward mortar is trained on the fort."
"And the sloop? What's your take on it?"
"Not much we can do about it. They have us in a perfect triangle. Since it's the smallest, we've been ignoring it. As you pull into the dock, it will come under the rear guns if you bring us around that way."
"No, but it's a reasonable idea. The fort might see us as moving into position for a fight. I'm going to dock us on our starboard side. That will give the sloop a broadside option, and our other broadside will be aimed at the fort. That leaves the frigate for the mortars until we finish with her."
James moved Lanternfish toward the dock. Don Velasco reduced sail as needed and the Prelonians rowed out with lines. They secured the ship, then the Prelonians pulled them in snug.
James found Trouble on the forecastle, his usual hangout. "Your group is still confined to the ship. We don't need any of your shenanigans while we're here. Understood?"
"I I I I."
Serang and the musketeers came aboard. She carried one of the root monsters with her. The creature was missing his entire lower torso and legs.
"What happened?" James asked.
The monster looked embarrassed, and lowered his eyes. "Ode Hogar."
"So you found him?"
Serang said, "He found us. I'll fill you in later. You have duties to attend to."
"Indeed I do. Take him to Mal. See if he can help somehow."
Serang knocked on the door to the surgery. Mal fed his plant a cockroach, then opened the door.
"The captain said you might be able to fix him." She held the monster out at arms length.
"Just a root."
"I think he wants you to try."
"Dirt is tired. Need better."
"What about the manure? We have chickens, pigs, and goats aboard."
"I have grown them in horse dung. Which will be strongest?"
"Back in Cheng Shi Hua, the old men say chicken is the strongest for gardens."
"Find bucket of chicken, and I bring up plant box."
Mal carefully stirred the manure into the soil at a fifty-fifty mixture. He made a small hole then buried the half root monster. The monster tried to fight back when his face was buried, but Mal piled on the dirt.
The rest of the monsters gathered around and watched the process.
"Easier to grow new one," Mal said.
"Ya ya," Boss said. "New one too."
Mal poked two more seeds into the soil, then watered the box. He placed the box where it would receive sun then returned to the surgery. "Rain is better. No promises."
"I'm sure all he wanted you to do is try," Serang said. "He was very brave, and deserves a chance."
Mal put a hand on her shoulder, nodded, then went back to his quarters.
Serang paced back and forth along the dock in a self-imposed guard duty beside the gangplank. She wanted to be in a position to defend the captain if he were to come running back, and still be able to sever the lines to the ship.
Biscuit Bill placed a hand on her shoulder. "Have you et, miss?"
"Yes. The Prelonians were very kind to us."
"Shouldn't worry your pretty head. Miss Fala will get us a good price, and Captain'll get us some news. Then we can head for open water once more."
Serang nodded. "I should be there to protect him."
"Captain's a good man. He can take care of hisself." Bill pointed down the dock. "Lookit all them bay frogs haulin out. If I had a dozen of them, I could roast em tonight for the whole crew. I know they're one of your favorites."
"They are, but I'm not up to it right now."
"Alright, miss. Just tryin to take your mind orf'n it."
Bill returned to the galley, and Serang kept up her vigil. Clouds moved in from the sea, and a misty rain returned.
Fala came down the dock unescorted. Serang moved to intercept and cover her. "What is happening?" Serang asked.
"They're going to pay us in gold. A lot of gold. James is talking to the fort commander. I'm to organize the offloading, and they will assign an officer to a staging area just on shore. Both crews will help with offloading. Officers are allowed weapons, but nobody else."
"A fair solution. I wouldn't want them carrying pistols aboard our ship, and I'm sure they do not want us to do the same in the staging area."
Fala started the offloading with the leather. She wanted to watch how everything went in case she wanted to move more men into secure positions. Everything went off without a hitch, so she lightened up.
She even allowed Stowaway to carry spools of rope to the staging area. "Here's your chance, if you're going to jump ship."
"No, ma'am. I'm content right where I am," Stowaway said.
James returned mid-afternoon. He checked on the process and watched the Prelonians carry cannon down the dock like so many pallbearers would carry caskets. He organized a guard, including all the swivel guns and some riflemen to await the gold.
The Prelonians delivered a wagon loaded with chests of gold and silver. Fala had them place everything topside for the cashiering. McCormack placed his folding table beside the loot then took stock.
"Why so much silver?" McCormack asked.
"We're a long way out here, and they don't have enough gold. Silver spends too, so we'll deal with it. Figure we can cashier in pure silver, then pure gold. When we have to mix it together, that becomes the ship's portion."
"Sounds fair. So you're thinking multiple cups then?"
"Obviously. Look at that haul."
James stepped forward. "Sorry to interrupt. I'm going to rest for a few hours. I'm having supper with the captain of the fort, and I'm allowed to bring two officers. Would you and Dan like to join me?"
"Of course," Fala said. "We'll be ready when you are."
The anvil bird landed on McCormack's table. "Dirty Bugger."
"Best leave him home tonight," James said.
"Aye aye, Captain."
James retired to his quarters.
Fala and McCormack cashiered the crew. Stowaway watched as the first cups were filled. After everyone got a mug of silver, and one of gold, he was allowed to participate in the second turn.
Some of the men grumbled about being confined to the ship, but the small town didn't have much to offer as entertainment anyway.
Dan woke James up by lighting a lantern. "Bout time to get started. Fala's getting dressed."
"Alright. Any news?"
"Not in the last few hours, no. S
erang wants to see you."
"Let me pull some pants on, then show her in."
Serang wanted to explain about the trip overland. The entire contingent of root monsters pushed past her. Flattop stepped out in front of them all. He placed the partial skin of a rat on his head, with both ears attached.
"Agggghh!" the monsters yelled. "Ode Hogar!"
"That's a rat scalp," Dan said.
"Ode Hogar!" they yelled back in unison.
James held up a hand. "It's okay. Give your report."
Flattop squatted down. "Ode Hogar comes. Dark. Luno non flyin. No star." He lifted his face and sniffed multiple times. "Smellin. Checkin. Say, hmmm, manses sleep. Eat maybe horse..." He turned dramatically toward James. "Maybe manses.
"Modders watch Ode Hogar. Maybe Ode Hogar go way.
"Hogar no go way. Come down camp.
"Modder blow horn. Make fight.
"One modder spring on spear. Catch Ode Hogar. Stab!" He mimicked stabbing with one of the tiny glaives.
The monsters all cheered. "Yay!"
"Ode Hogar, lotsa hair. Not stab deep. Ode Hogar, up." Flattop raised himself upright. "Raaaghhhh!"
The root monsters backed away from him. "Aggghhh!"
"Odder modders spring. Make stab." He mimicked the movements.
"One modder poke belly. Ode Hogar mad. Make bite." He chomped his mouth shut. The other monsters were aghast.
"Modder jump. Ode Hogar bite more. Modder jump. Ode Hogar BITE!... Modder no jump."
The crowd of monsters all allowed their jaws to open at once.
"Lots modders make stab. Ode Hogar yell. Owwww! Run way. Boss say, 'Monchala.' Modders make chase. Ode Hogar too fast."
"What happened to the other half of our monster?" James asked.
Flattop turned then rubbed his own belly. "Ode Hogar."
"We're going to see if Mal can fix him. Sounds like a brave fellow."
Serang said, "Old Hogar is no monster. He is a bear. Our men all fired, but they left that part out. I followed when the sun came up, but didn't see any blood from a musketball."
"How big is he? Did you see him?" James held out a palm, sash high.
"I saw him run away. He is considerably larger than that."
"How big?"
"The top of his back is as tall as you are... if you were sitting atop a horse."
"Good God. Sounds like the smugglers were right to fear him. Are you sure?"
Serang removed her hat then turned the inside toward James. "This does not cover his track. I may be able to find him."
"He isn't our problem," James said.
"He eats people."
"So has our surgeon. So do your dogs." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "We'll let the Prelonians deal with their own wildlife problems."
"As you wish, my Captain."
James tied his hair back, then put on his eye patch.
Dan said, "I really like their stories, but I don't get where a rat scalp becomes a bear, or a spoon becomes Don Velasco."
"They aren't like us. I don't believe they're telling stories like we understand. I think they're collectively reliving the event somehow. They pass it on to others so they can live it too. The fish head isn't just a prop to them. For a brief time, in their minds, it actually is the moving reef."
"Sounds like bullshit to me."
"Probably is, but look how serious they get. They actually scream at the scary parts, and jump when the reef bites the Hollish Captain.
Fala met them on the quarterdeck. She wore her good corset dress, and some button up boots.
"You look wonderful," Dan said.
"Figure I ought to get some use out of it," Fala said. "Remember it, before I spill the soup course on it."
The Hollish Captain sent an open topped carriage for them. Dan helped Fala in first.
They looped through town before turning toward the fortress. Simple shacks made up most of the homes. Moss grew across the roofs from all the rains. Pine needles blanketed most of the yards.
A small stone bridge crossed a raging little stream before the mouth of the fort. The captain in command waited for them in the courtyard.
James stepped down to help the others. "Captain Frieze, you've met my quartermaster, may I present my first officer, Mr. Philson."
Captain Frieze paused and looked Dan up and down, before offering his hand.
"I take it you've seen the black assassins before," James said.
"They went throughout the land. One came here and drew pictures of the harbor. I had him followed, but he left peacefully enough. We received a communique from Airstony to keep an eye on any who showed up, but it was weeks after he left. I'm afraid we don't get news very rapidly out here." He gestured toward the main building. "Shall we?"
They entered a great hall arranged with stacks of cannonballs, small field guns, and stands of muskets. Captain Frieze took them up to the third floor where a formal dining table and chairs awaited.
"Not too many men around your fort," Dan said.
"Very observant," Frieze said. "As I said, news always seems to get here last. Hollish invaded Saphelon three weeks ago. We didn't find out until just before your people arrived proposing a transaction. Prelonia answered the call and sent troops to our own border with Saphelon. I've been ordered to fill those ships with every man and weapon I could and defend the harbor." He pointed out the window for emphasis. "Everyone I could spare was ordered to march to Airstony to receive orders."
Frieze continued. "Before you get any ideas though, you should know that we mined the dock. There are a number of rowboats bolted up underneath it, and they are filled with powder. I dare say it would reduce your ship to so much floating wood pulp if there were a need."
"Ingenious," James said.
"Shall we?" Frieze moved toward the table, then pulled out a chair for Fala.
A young lieutenant poured them wine then stood awaiting further orders. The kitchen delivered bread and a soup course.
"Prelonia is grateful for your assistance. Those guns might make a huge difference in our ability to defend ourselves," Frieze said.
"Any idea what you'll do with them?" James asked.
"I had to hire teamsters to take them to Airstony. The Admiralty will decide what to do with them. They'll fit them out for land or sea then deploy them somewhere."
They worked their way through different food courses. Nearly everything seemed to be seafood, likely from this very harbor. The meat course consisted of pork, though.
James said, "For what it's worth to you, Hollish stripped her merchant fleet and some of her naval ships of guns. I assume those guns went to the fighting in Saphelon. They've been buying guns all over the world, so they'll refit soon. You might have an early advantage over them before they refit."
"I'll send the information to Airstony, thank you." Frieze scratched his head and paused. "We could use a ship like yours in this fight. I'm prepared to offer you a commission in the Prelonian Navy, then send you to defend Airstony."
"Are you authorized to do that?" Fala asked.
"No, but they won't refuse once they see Lanternfish."
"Very generous of you, but we have our own dispute with Hollish, specifically the Earl of Grandelor," James said.
"Ah, Grandelor. Davis LeForge. Even out here we know of him. He's the puppet master behind King Reynard."
"We need to operate as we see fit. Being sent to Saphelon, or anchored at Airstony, would defeat our purpose," James said. "I'm sure you understand."
"I assumed you'd say that," Frieze said. He motioned for the lieutenant to approach. The young officer handed him a leather bundle. Frieze untied it and opened some papers. "This isn't an option. I've commissioned you as privateers operating on behalf of Her Majesty, Queen Muireann of Prelonia." He slapped the papers in front of James.
"We have to refuse that too. Our plunder is our own, and we'll spend it as we see fit."
"Don't be dense, man. I'm trying to do you a favor. Sail where you want,
do as you please. Any action you undertake against Hollish is a benefit to us. These papers will gain you supplies and munitions as a captain in Her Majesty's service. They also might save you from the Hollish gallows if something goes wrong." He whispered something to his lieutenant who nodded then left. "I've sent Perkins for a Prelonian flag. Use it when it serves you to act on our behalf."
"No offense, but we already have one," Dan said.
"Ah, of course, pirates. At any rate, it's a generous offer, and I'm grateful you chose to sell your guns to Prelonia."
James bundled up the documents then tied them. He handed them to his first officer, like any naval commander would. "We'll take them, but I can't promise we'll use them. One more bit that might help you. LeForge's men mentioned your south coast would make a good naval base for them. That could be years down the road, but they have designs here. I don't think this place will stay quiet for long."
"All good information. I'll pass it along to the Admiralty."
"Lanternfish will set sail in the morning. You've been a gracious host, and a prudent businessman," James said.
"Is there anything else we can do for you?" Frieze asked.
"You wouldn't happen to have a chart of the Northern Passage, would you?"
"Hmph. That's a fable. Men have been searching for it for centuries."
"Then we'll bid you good night, and good fortune."
Once outside the fort, Dan told Fala, "You look great. And the soup went off without a splash."
She held up her ruffled sleeve to reveal a creamy yellow stain. "Yup, but the fish sauce was another matter."
"I didn't even notice," Dan said.
"Years of practice at being a slob."
Chapter Thirty-Two
Lanternfish left the harbor at dawn. James set Don Velasco to sail south amid the daily drizzle.
Dan said, "Thought we were heading for Hollish to beat down the gates of Grandelor."
"We are, but I want to gather one more bit of helpful information first. We're going to that damned island Uncle Guang talked about to see if there's still one cartomancer left on the planet."
"How's that going to help Bonnie, or my dad for that matter?"