by James Dale
Now, where was Tarsus? He needed to tell him Jack Braydaon had agreed to join them.
Chapter Seven
A Free Brother of the Sea
Jack Braedan had been having the strangest dream. The nightmare that had driven him insane had become real and was killing people. He’d flown from Maine to Tennessee to stop the madness and stepped through some…portal…to another world and landed in the midst a medieval battle. Jack slowly opened his eyes and saw Dorad Ellgereth sitting on the bunk across from him. As impossible as it was to believe, this was no dream. He was on the Mara Maedha, the Seawolf, sailing on a sea that was not his world. Befriended by Tarsus Aernin and Dorad because he had saved their lives in the first brief, violent moments after stepping through some…interdimensional gateway. And because he had no real desire to return, he’d allowed Dorad to talk him into fighting a…duel…to join them as an officer on their ship. The same Dorad who held an M67 fragmentation grenade in his hand, turning it over curiously like it was a bright red apple and he couldn’t decide where to take the first bite.
“Uh, be careful with that please,” Jack said quietly.
“De tha’ann?” Dorad asked, examining the grenade interest. He fingered the pull ring and Jack hissed in warning.
“Please,” he said, “Can I have it?” He held out his hand.
“De atha deamah?” Dorad asked, but handed it across to Jack.
“Thanks,” Jack sighed. Accepting the grenade, he slipped it safely back into a pouch on his kit. “I’ll explain to you what it does when we can understand each other better. For now…don’t touch. Morde.”
“Morde?” Dorad asked.
“Oh yeah,” Jack replied. “Very dangerous. So Dorad, is it time to fight yet? Sabaid?”
“Sabaid,” Dorad nodded.
“So what are the rules?” he asked, not expecting his new companion to understand. “Sword? Chaidaem?”
“Chaidaem,” Dorad nodded. “Agus do sgain.” He pointed at the knife on Jack’s kit. “Sgain.”
“Sgain?” asked Jack, removing the Gerber from its sheath. The six-inch blade was so sharp you could shave with it, but it would never be his weapon of choice.
“Chaidaem agus sgain,” Dorad nodded.
“I hope the knife is just backup,” Jack sighed. Slipping the Gerber back into its sheath, he unclipped it from his kit and attached it to the waistband of his trousers. “No one ever really wins a knife fight.” He picked up his katana and slid the belt over his shoulder so that it rested across his back. “That’s it? I’m good?”
“Bidh e ceart, Jack Braydaon,” Dorad replied, and clapped him on his shoulder.
“If you say so, brother,” Jack nodded, and motioned for Dorad to lead the way.
Emerging onto the deck of the Seawolf, Jack saw that it was early evening. He must had taken a good nap. A bright, blazing sun was just about to kiss the horizon to the west, turning the sea into a sparkling white and blue. To the east, land had disappeared. Rising slowly above the water line was an almost full moon. Last night, Braedan had suffered from momentary vertigo at seeing such a familiar sight, same size and color, but with a landscape he'd know all his life replaced by an unrecognizable pattern of mountain ranges, craters and valleys. For a second time he felt the displacement of being far, far from home."
"Definitely not in Kansas anymore," Jack whispered. "Not even close."
"D’thuirt rudeigin? Dorad asked.
"Never mind," Jack sighed. "Let's get this over with."
Braedan followed his new companion across the main deck of the Seawolf, through a crowd of at least fifty to sixty sailors. They parted as Dorad led him toward the quarter-deck, where Tarsus waited. His other companion was dressed in a white silk shirt with wide, flaring sleeves, purple silk trousers, and a pair of freshly polished, black leather jackboots. His broadsword hung at his side on a wide leather belt, clasped with a gold buckle studded with rubies and emeralds. Around his neck was the huge diamond he had taken from the dead man after the battle the day before. He smiled down at them as the pair stopped at the bottom on the stairs. Dorad motioned for Jack to go on up, and he followed after him. When they reached the top, Dorad guided him to stand a pace or two behind Tarsus.
Jack surveyed the crowd gathered below, and once again he thought he’d never look upon a more dangerous, menacing crew. Whatever the Seawolf’s purpose, it obviously wasn’t some harm-less merchant vessel. His growing suspicion was revealed when Tarsus barked an order and a banner was run up the rigging of the main mast to flutter in the breeze. It was black square banner was a white skeleton holding a cutlass.
The Seawolf was a pirate ship.
“You are Judas Bloody pirates?” he asked, turning to Dorad.
Dorad shrugged apologetically as if to say, “I would have told you if I could.”
Did it really change anything? If he refused to fight for his place among them now, that place just might be in some dark hole, in the belly of the ship. If he was lucky. Perhaps simply tossed over the side if he was not? Did pirates really make you walk the plank? Jack thought it over for only a moment. He had agreed to be an oifigaer on the Seawolf. He’d agreed to fight to be an officer. On some sub-conscious level, Jack had never really believed Dorad was John Carter of Mars, offering him a place in the Barsoonian Royal Navy. A pirate. John Michael Braedan of the Massachusetts Braedans was going to be a Judas Bloody pirate. The men of his old team in Group would be pissing themselves laughing!
“Bhiel thu ceart, Jack Braydaon?” Dorad asked, worry plain to hear in his voice.
“It’s okay, Dorad,” he laughed, wryly. “I probably should have known. I mean, look at them?” Jack said, his hand sweeping to take in the crew gathered below. “No one would ever mistake this bunch for the Vienna Boys’ choir.”
Tarsus turned to look at him. “Jack Braydaon? Bheil thu air aontachadh?”
“It’s a little late to say no,” Jack shrugged. “Siobaer Tarsus. I will be an oifigaer of the Mara Maedha. As long as there is rum involved. And no taxes. There is rum, right?”
The huge man slapped him on his shoulder approvingly, as if he’d understood every word, then turned to address the crew. It would be many, many days before Jack Braedan would learn what had been said.
"Light the lamps lads!” He called down to the crew. “This may take a while."
The interim captain of the Seawolf waited until all of the ship's lanterns were lighted before beginning the proceedings that were required by the laws of the Free Brothers of the Sea to elect new officers. While he waited, the crew talked among themselves. By now, each of them knew what was coming. Tarsus would be nominated by someone to take his place as their captain. There would be some theater involved, but the vote was already decided. No one among them would dare challenge the Amarian for the position in protest of the vote. His fighting skill was without question. Most of them had been on the Seawolf when Tarsus had fought Dag Yria for the position of first mate. It had lasted all of thirty seconds. By evening’s end, Tarsus Aernin would be Captain of the Seawolf. Dorad Ellgereth would be elevated to First Mate. None among them would be foolish enough to cross swords with the former Doridanian prince. His skill was equal to the Amarian’s.
The only unknown event of the evening’s proceedings would be who would take Dorad’s place as Second Mate. It was obvious for all to see Tarsus meant to nominate the man who had boarded with them as they fled the shores of Ailsantain. Rhonn had so much as admitted it after delivering their food. Danos had spent the afternoon in a fit of rage because of it, coveting the position for himself. That would mean a fight! The odds were currently three to one, Danos would gut the newcomer like a fish. Jorah Kaen claimed the newcomer was some sort of Ailfar assassin. It had been the subject of furious debate all afternoon. As to the truth of his claim, no one among the crew believed it, or that the newcomer could defeat Danos.
It was going to be a glorious evening!
"All right lads! Let's have some quiet!" Tars
us shouted down at the crew, and the muttering ceased instantly. "By now you know we did not go ashore seeking provisions. We were instead sent into that accursed forest on a fool's quest for treasure. The Law of the Brotherhood requires the captain to make full report on missions not involving the entire crew. Since Cullibranos saw fit to get himself killed on his doomed mission, it falls to me as the highest-ranking officer to give you an account of how we’ve arrived at this state of affairs. I'm not going to go into detail and retell how many times we had to stop and let someone relieve himself. Suffice it to say, on the second day out we found the temple Cullibranos was seeking. When we attempted to enter, three of your brothers were killed by magic Dorad says was placed there by the Lords of the Staffclave. Shortly thereafter we were attacked by a Forlegion patrol from Norgarth. All hands were lost save for Dorad, myself and this man, Jack Braydaon,” He said, turning to point at Jack. “But not a single Norgarthan dog escaped the fight."
"What was this temple?" asked a pirate from the back of the throng. "Was there a treasure?"
"Who can say what lay inside?" Tarsus shrugged. "Three of your brothers were killed attempting to enter. After the battle we left the temple straight away. It was a fool's adventure from the start and the Seawolf paid dearly for it. Now if there are no more questions," the Amarian continued, making his way down the deck, "I wish to bring other business before this meeting of the crew."
“You all know me,” he said, standing before them. “I am Tarsus Aernin of Amar! I have been a member of this crew for almost three years.” Tarsus removed his shirt and dropped it at his feet, “This scar,” he said, pointing a long, white mark across his chest, “I received when I defeated the Captain of the Annothian frigate, Morning Star. Do you remember the ransom we got for their crew?”
“Aye!” Several members of the crew replied.
“We drank on that gold for a month in Brimcohn!” Tarsus shouted. “This one,” he pointed to a scar on his right arm, “came from the flaming tiger that Zslonadarian merchant let loose on us when we boarded his ship! It killed three of us before I slit the cat’s throat! Its pelt still hangs in the Shark’s Tooth. That bought you drinks as well!”
“Aye, it did,” agreed Lars Haelsonn.
“Belizet! Where did I get this one?” He asked, pointing to a scar on his cheek.
“Dag Yris gave you that one,” answered a wiry black, sailor with golden hoops in his right ear. “For stealing the wench he’d already paid for at winter’s Solstice festival last year.”
“And what did I do to Dag Yris for sucker punching me?” Tarsus grinned. “Even though I was so drunk I could barely stand?”
“You challenged him on the spot for First Mate, and killed him with his own dagger,” Belizet replied.
“And what did I do after that?” Tarsus grinned.
“Bedded his wench,” Belizet laughed.
“Aye,” Tarsus nodded. “I bedded her so well and thoroughly I can’t go back to the War Goat to this day, because the poor lass is so in love with me, she tries to kill any woman who dares speak to me.”
The crew roared with laughter.
“Shall I continue?” Tarsus asked. “There are many more if you’d like to hear each story of the blood I’ve shed for the ship.”
“I’ve heerd enough,” Rhonn said, stepping forward. “I’ve been on the Seawolf longer’n any of ye! I nominate Tarsus Aernin for cap’n! Ye’ll find none better to serve her!”
“I second,” added Belizet.
“Vote then,” said Dorad stepping to the quarter-deck rail. “As Second Mate, I call a vote. All in favor of Tarsus Aernin assuming command say aye!”
“Aye!” the crew of the Seawolf roared in replied. Perhaps not every sailor, but enough of the majority to satisfy Brotherhood law.
“Does anyone challenge this vote?” Tarsus asked. Not a single voice was raised in protest. “Then by blood and sea and sail, I will serve as your captain until one of you gutless squids kills me in my sleep or the Council in Brimcohn relieves me of command. And as your new captain…As your new flaming captain,” he shouted, drowning out the cheers, “I nominate Dorad Ellgereth as your new first mate! Dorad step forward!”
“Shall I name my scars as well?” the young man asked, removing his shirt as he made his way down to the deck. “I don’t have as many as our captain, but then…I’m a better fighter,” the former prince grinned.
“Better protected by your Ithlemere shirt, you mean,” Tarsus laughed quietly, as Dorad joined him.
“I gave it to Jack Braydaon,” Dorad replied. “And my old sword. You should think of a gift for him as well. He saved our lives after all.”
“I am about to make him rich,” Tarsus grinned.
“I think…he cares little of riches,” Dorad remarked. “But we’ll discuss this later. What say you?” he asked turning to the crew. “Must I show you my scars?”
“Shall we recount the qualities of Dorad Ellgereth?” Tarsus asked his crew.
“We know Dorad’s quality,” replied Anoen Rinne, a crewman who had served on the Seawolf almost as long as Rhonn. “All who stand here. I second Captain Tarsus’ nomination of Dorad as First mate!”
“Your vote then?” Tarsus asked the gathered pirates.
“Aye!” shouted the crew. Dorad Ellgereth was a friend to one all, never skirting his duties and always willing to lend a hand to any man working at any task, no matter how menial or strenuous.
“Are there any challenges?” Tarsus shouted.
Again, the crew greeted the offer to fight for the position with silence, eager for the real show to begin.
“Then we have one last duty to fulfill,” Tarsus announced. “One last vacancy that requires the vote of the crew. Jack Braydaon, come down here!”
All eyes turn to him with expectation. Braedan had been watching the events unfold. Though he understood not a word of what had transpired, he could guess from the actions of Tarsus and Dorad what was required of him. It was the moment of decision. Step forward and present himself to this collection of pirates and fight for a place among them, or possibily resign himself to being locked away while his fate was decided for him.
He descended the stairway and joined Tarsus and Dorad before the crew.
Tarsus placed a reassuring hand of shoulder and began to speak.
“Men of the Seawolf!” Tarsus addressed them. “Men of the Brotherhood. On the mission into the Ailsantain, members of your crew, your brothers, were ambushed by a company of Norgarthans. Fifty strong at least they were, and commanded by a daemon foul! Though we fought valiantly, many of us fell. Cullibranos, your former captain died at their hands. Malachus. Falco. Cabal of Eonian and fourteen more Free Brothers fell to their swords. We gave back as good as we got, but at the end, we were four surrounded by twenty. Save for this man, we would have all perished. Save for this man, you could at this very moment be bound and, on your way, back to Norgarth! Meat for the butchers in King Urgiss’ dungeons! But this man, Jack Braydaon, who does not even speak our language, who was not bound by any oath or bond of friendship, came to our aid when he could have easily slipped away into the forest and left us to our fate. With the fury of a berserker, this man fell upon our attackers. A dozen of the Norgarthans fell by his hand! I swear it by sea and sail and blood! He stood shoulder to shoulder with me, with Dorad, and when the battle was finished, not a single Norgarth still drew breath.
“How do men of the Brotherhood pay their debts? How do men of the Brotherhood reward someone who spills blood for our cause? This is how Tarsus Aernin of Amar pays for his life! He pays with his oath! With his bond of friendship! He pays…by offering Jack Braydaon a place at his side on the Seawolf! He pays by putting him forward to you my Brothers, to serve as an officer aboard this ship! To fight for you as he has already fought for the Brotherhood! As Second Mate!”
“What say you?” Tarsus asked.
This part he had already arranged. With no scars earned in the service of the Seawolf to show
the crew, Tarsus word of his exploits would stand as witness. All that was required by the law of the Brotherhood now, was for a member of the crew to second his nomination. That part had been arranged as well.
“With the witness of my captain to his worth,” Belizet of Zsolandar replied. ”I will second Jack Braydaon.”
“Though it is not required by law,” Dorad said, stepping forward. “I will add my oath as well. Every word spoken by our captain is truth. The nomination has a second. I call for a vote.”
“He aint even a Brother,” someone called from the back of the crowd. “How can we vote on him be an officer?”
“Don’t matter none as long as we say aye,” Rhonn replied. “And I says it now. Aye!”
“Aye!” several more sailors replied.
Tarsus added his vote as well. “Aye!”
“Aye!” added Jorah, who didn’t want an Ailfar assassin as anything other than his friend.
Several more members of the crew added their voice as well. Some no doubt, just so the challenge could begin and the night’s fun could start in earnest. The reason didn’t matter. Not to the dictates of the law. It wasn’t a resounding vote, but it was enough to satisfy the law of the Brotherhood.
Barely.
"Then by the authority given me by the Council of Admirals," Tarsus continued. "and by your vote, I name Jack Braydaon a member of the Free Brothers of the Sea and Second mate of the Seawolf. Are there any here who would challenge the appointment of Jack Braydaon? Speak now or serve him well."
There was a stirring among the pirates as a murmur ran through the crew. The moment had come. Everyone knew the answer to that question. They may not have to nerve to question the captain’s word on his worth, but only a fool would serve under an unknown man, not tried and tested. Every head turned to look at a man leaning insolently with his back against the mainmast.