by James Dale
"Fine choices Admiral Civin," smiled Kailmax. "Once again the Free Brothers of the Sea benefit from your experience and wisdom. The Council of the Brotherhood will adjourn until further notice. You will be recalled when a plan has been formulated and your votes are required."
The hall cleared slowly. There were scattered mutters of disappointment from a few captains who’d been left off the committee. Other quite protests were raised because almost half of those chosen came from the Seawolf and the Huntress. Yet, a larger majority the Brotherhood captains and lieutenants left the hall laughing and joking because they could now return to the taverns and warm beds they had left to attend the council meeting.
One man lingered longer than the rest. Kreel Ess. Jack saw him standing at the doors leading out of the hall and caught the hard, dangerous look he gave him before he departed. Tarsus also saw the look the Ravisher's captain gave to his second mate. Kreel Ess would have to be watched. "Can't you stay out of trouble?" he asked Jack as they ascended the steps to the top of the council hall's platform.
"It doesn't look like it," he sighed. "At least things won't get boring around here."
"There's no danger in that with you around I think," Tarsus muttered.
Ten more chairs were brought from somewhere and placed around the table of the Council of Admirals and the ten pirates picked by Admiral Civin sat down to begin the strategy meeting. Braedan took a seat beside Kaiddra, and on his left was Tarsus. Directly across the table from him sat Captain Alnordel Half-elven. The man had a strange, slightly alien look about him. At first Jack couldn't quite put his finger on it. With a start he realized the man's ear were slightly pointed and he had green eyes. It suddenly occurred to him they were the first green eyes, besides his own, he had seen since arriving in this strange land. He was looking at Jack curiously and a peculiar smile played across his lips.
"Eylohoy adayon," he said and extending his hand. "Greetings kinsman."
"Excuse me?" Jack asked, taking the captain's hand.
"There is the blood of the Ailfar in your line," the man smiled. "It also runs deeply in my own. I am Alnordel Iranahil. We are kinsman. Of that there is no doubt."
"Jack Braedan claims to have no knowledge of the Ailfar." Tarsus said, taking a seat beside Alnordel.
"There are elves in your family," the captain of the Laughing Dragon stated with assurance.
"I don't think so," Jack smiled. "The only elves I know live at the North Pole and make toys. Then of course there are the Keebler elves. They live in a hollow tree and are known through-out the world for their baking."
Alnordel raised a puzzled eyebrow. "I am unfamiliar with these Ailfar of Keebler."
"I promise to tell you all about Ernie and his friends later," Jack laughed.
"If we may begin," said Admiral Kailmax. "I'd like to get this over with as soon as possible. Who knows what that devil Urgiss and his sorcerers are planning as we speak? I'd like to start by asking Lieutenant Braedan what he would suggest. You must have the beginnings of a plan, or you wouldn't have spoken so freely in council."
"Yes," said Ross Cuevor coldly. "What does the second mate of the Seawolf have to say?"
“We will have none of that!" Admiral Civin growled. "It is precisely the reason I did not choose Kreel Ess to sit on the committee!"
"I will have Marc pitch you out on your ears if you cannot hold your temper," Admiral Kailmax said rising. "This is a strategy committee. Not a place to pursue your captain's perceived insult. Speak, Jack Braedan," he finished retaking his seat.
Jack cleared his throat and underneath the table, he felt Kaiddra's hand rest lightly on his knee. He gave her a quick smile. They had put him on the spot right off the bat, but thinking on his feet was a trade mark of special operations soldiers. He was in fact, already forming a plan, he just had to sort out the details on the fly. "Like I said earlier, sir," he began, "I'm not much of a sailor and I know little of sea warfare, but I think I can add a few things to this meeting. I was once a member of the Special Forces of the United States Army. I doubt any of the Brotherhood ever heard of us, but we are a nasty bunch nevertheless. We were basically...problem solvers. My country had a problem, we would go deep into enemy territory and...solve it. Sabotage, assassinations..."
"Are you suggesting we kill King Urgiss?" asked Barek. "As Kaiddra pointed out, he has many sons. Any one of them would likely continue on with the same course against us. Especially if Norgarth is being goaded by sorcerers. It might slow them down for a while, but it would not stop them."
"No," Jack said. "I'm not suggesting assassination. What I have in mind is something that would be much more effective, not to mention profitable if we choose to make it so."
"And what would that be?" inquired Admiral Civin.
"Do you have a map of Norgarth handy?"
"Marc fetch us a chart of the Gulf of Nor, would you?" Admiral Kailmax instructed the Sergeant of Arms.
Lieutenant Marc returned quickly with a large sea chart and unrolled it on the table. Braedan scanned it quickly and at once a plan began to take shape. "This is the Gulf of Nor?"
"Yes," nodded Cullen ErMael. "And there is Norgarth."
"How wide is the river here?" Jack asked, pointing to a spot where it passed the port but before it spilled into the Gulf. The others at the table became interested, leaning forward to look at the map.
"About two hundred yards across at that point," answered the Huntress' second mate.
"And its depth?"
"The charts say from five to seven fathoms. It is barely deep enough for their largest dreadnoughts to navigate without much danger."
"What if the Brotherhood sailed into Gulf of Nor one dark and moonless night," Braedan said thoughtfully, "with a small strike force of hand selected ships, and burned everything that's afloat? Maybe did a bit of looting as we went along? I assume there are docks and warehouses in this port? Might as well set them on fire while we're at it. We leave a couple of ships patrolling the gulf as security. That way no one can sneak up on us from the rear, while we are about our business. On our way out, when things get too hot, we scuttle some ships to foul the mouth of the river and secure our escape. It will take a bit of work to iron out the rough edges, but I think something like that would serve the Council’s interest. A maximum amount of damage with a minimum amount of risk. All things considered."
"A raid into the Gulf of Nor!" said Yanis Kuldur, slapping the table. "I like this plan! It's so bold they would never expect it."
"A bit...ambitious isn't it?" asked Captain Jennsen.
"Nothing ventured, nothing gained," Tarsus shrugged. "We would need to send someone into Norgarth to do some scouting for us first."
"We could capture one of their merchant ships," added Kaiddra. "Cullen could command it. It could sail right into Norgarth."
"Yes," agreed Kailmax. "We will recruit other members of the Brotherhood from Norgarth for the crew. They will know more about the port than any of us. They will study the situation and determine the most opportune time for our raid."
"After Cullen returns," Jack continued, "we will evaluate the information he brings, make any changes necessary, then sail into Norgarth and raise a little hell."
"Now you are getting into my territory," Kailmax smiled. "I think eight to ten ships will be a large enough assault force. We will send only the best. The five captains seated here will go of course, along with Kreel Ess, Captain Aetomas, and Captain Harbeck Whalesong of the Reaver. Two of our warships will accompany them to patrol the gulf as rear security and five more captured ships will go with skeleton crews. They will sink their ships in the harbor when we are ready to retreat. Brothers, and sister,” he added in respect to Kaiddra, “I think we have the beginnings of a good plan. There will be things to work out as time goes by, but nothing that should pose a threat to the basic plan. It is time to recall the Council of Captains. Are we agreed?"
It was unanimous.
"Lieutenant Marc, send your guardsmen o
ut to retrieve the council," Admiral Kailmax instructed. "In two hours’ time we will bring the issue to vote."
"Aye sir," nodded the Sergeant at Arms and left to perform his task.
"Captain Jennsen," continued Bloody Max. "It will fall upon you to convince the others. You are the most cautious on the committee. If they know the plan has your endorsement, the rest will follow along."
"Yes sir," Captain Jennsen nodded.
"Well," Admiral Kailmax smiled, "it will be at least three hours before the captains and their lieutenants are rousted from the taverns. I suggest we adjourn and return in say, two and a half hours? Jack Braedan," he finished, turning to the Seawolf's second mate, "this plan is a bold and dangerous, but you had me at profitable. You are a natural pirate."
"Thanks sir," Jack smiled. "I think."
The strategy committee broke up quickly and went their separate ways.
"What are your plans?" Tarsus asked Jack as the officers of the Seawolf and the Huntress made their way to the exit.
"I don't know?” Jack shrugged. “Kaiddra?"
She smiled and slid her arm around his waist. "I just happen to know where there's a half-eaten bowl of fruit. If you are interested, that is?"
"Never mind," the Amarian laughed. "I'll see you later."
"Think we have enough time, Kitten?" Jack whispered in her ear.
"I'm afraid it's an order," she purred. "I do out rank you after all."
"Aye captain," he grinned.
Two and one-half hours later the Council of Captain reconvened. The roll was again called and it was discovered two more of the Brotherhood's commanders were present; Captain Solmon Philips of the Pride of Araskia and Captain Hugh Aragenn of the Rising Sun. Lieutenant Marc read the minutes of the last meeting in case anyone had been sleeping off the previous night's drinking, then Admiral Kailmax took the podium.
“Captains!" he began, "A plan has been formulated by the Admirals and the committee chosen by Admiral Civin. It is one with a reliable chance of success and one that may also reap the Brotherhood great profit."
The pirates cheered lustily at the mention of loot and it was clear to Kailmax more than a few of them had taken the opportunity during the recess to immerse themselves once again in wine and ale. So much the better, Bloody Max smiled to himself. It would be easier to convince them to vote for the raid on Norgarth. True, they had shouted for blood three hours ago but when the plan had a chance to sink into their thick skulls? Well, it was good their skulls were currently flooded with alcohol. When the cheering died down, Kailmax outlined the basics of the plan, the proposed participants, and the best and worst-case scenario. He finished by giving the mission his vote of confidence and urged the Council of Captains to do the same. Then he asked if there were any questions before putting it to vote.
"I have one," said a man raising his hand and standing.
"The council recognizes Tanner Jack Armas," announced Lieutenant Marc. "Captain of the Tigerfish."
"When will this plan be implemented?" Tanner Jack asked. "And what will be the Brotherhood's disposition until then?"
"A good question," Kailmax nodded. "The Council of Admirals have discussed this issue during our recess. We have decided that until Cullen ErMael returns from Norgarth and the mission has succeeded or failed, the operations of the Brotherhood will be suspended."
A murmuring started in the council hall but Bloody Max cut it short. "I realize this is a harsh measure but the future of the Brotherhood depends on this mission. If one of our ships is captured before the mission and our plan is discovered, our raiders would be sailing into a death trap. This ban will be enforced by the Brotherhood's warships. Any attempt to sail out of Brimcohn will result in the seizure of that vessel and the stripping of its captain's rank. The only exception will be our traders. If they do not make their rounds selling our goods in the ports of Aralon, it is possible agents of Norgarth or some other kingdom will realize something is afoot."
There was a silence in the hall.
"Are there any other questions?" Kailmax asked.
"Yes," said another pirate standing. It was Captain Hugh Aragenn, one of the newly arrived captains.
"Your question Captain Aragenn?"
"You said this mission could reap rewards for the Brotherhood?" he asked.
"That it could," answered the admiral. "There will likely be many fat merchants in port at this time of year, ripe for the picking."
"Then how will this booty be divided?" he asked. "Will it be the Spoils of Capture Law? Or will there be some allotment to the entire Brotherhood?"
"Since the enterprise indirectly involves all of the Free Brothers of the Sea, to make up for losses during our suspension of operations there will be a division of spoils. How sounds this? For the eight ships in the assault force, since they are exposed to the most danger, there will be this provision. Captains and lieutenants will be allowed to select one item of loot captured. Of the rest, thirty percent will be divided among their crews, the remaining sixty percent will be divided among the crews of the rest of the Brotherhood. The last ten percent will go to the survivors of any that fall during the mission. It that agreeable?"
"Aye," Aragenn nodded, resuming is seat again.
"Aye!" agreed the entire assembly. It was a fair plan.
There were a few other questions asked, which Admiral Kailmax answered skillfully and wisely. When all doubts had been confronted the admiral called for a vote. Lieutenant Marc once again called the roll and the captains were required to answer with yea or nay. When it was done, he announced the results.
"Let it be recorded," he said in a booming voice, "that the vote of the Council of Captains on the raid on Norgarth is this, twenty-nine for and six votes against."
The council hall erupted in a thunderous cheer.
"Captains!" Kailmax shouted them down. "This is a great day for the Brotherhood. Tomorrow at dawn, Captain Barek, Captain Aetomas and Cullen ErMael sail to capture a Norgarthan merchant ship. When Lieutenant ErMael returns we must be ready. Ready to throw off the boot of oppression King Urgiss has placed upon the neck of the Free Brothers of the Sea. We all have our tasks to perform, but tonight, let us celebrate!"
The council hall once again erupted in cheers.
Before the officers of the Seawolf and the Huntress could make their exit, they were joined by Admiral Kailmax. "Would Captain Kaiddra and Lieutenant Braedan care to join me at my table tonight?" he asked the captain of the Huntress. Jon Kailmax missed little and had already marked their apparent, budding relationship.
"Well sir," Tarsus interrupted, "we had planned on going to the Shark's Tooth and see if it had recovered from last night's festivities."
"I see," Bloody Max grinned. "Some other time then."
"Why don't you come along admiral?" asked Braedan.
"Will I end up looking like this sorry pair?" he asked, pointing at Tarsus and Dorad.
"That's a distinct possibility sir," Jack grinned.
"Why not?" the admiral laughed. "I didn't earn the name Bloody Max by dining at my estate.”
"My Lady?" Jack held out his arm to Kaiddra. "Would you care to join Admiral Kailmax and the officers of the Seawolf at the Shark's Tooth for some wine and polite conversation?"
"I would be delighted sir," she laughed.
Chapter Eleven
Of Wine and Highswords
In the days that followed the departure of the ships sent to capture a Norgarthan merchant, many things took place in the pirate city of Brimcohn. The five ships selected to be scuttled at the entrance to Norgarth's harbor were stripped of all valuables and filled with material to aid in their sinking and to help foul the waters of the gulf. The ships that were to assault Norgarth, all save the Blacksail and the Southwind, rehearsed the raid on an island west of Brimcohn, honing their skills. They worked on their archery and swordplay, boarding ships and loading and unloading boxes and crates simulating the loot they hoped to obtain in Norgarth. They did this until they
could perform the mission in their sleep.
It was also a busy time for Jack Braedan. When he wasn't with the Seawolf practicing for the raid he was with Kaiddra at her villa. Through a mutual and unspoken agreement, he had moved in with the captain of the Huntress. During the day, the little spare time he had was spent in Kaiddra's library. With her help and the help of a new friend, Alnordel Half-elven, he learned to read the common tongue spoken by the people of the Whesguard by devouring books on history of Aralon.
Alnordel had called him kinsman at their first meeting, and the more time Braedan spent with him, the more he felt that it was possibly true. He and the captain of the Laughing Dragon shared many interests and mannerisms. Alnordel also began teaching him the language of the Ailfar, a lyrical tongue most men found difficult to master. With a natural gift in linguistics however, Braedan quickly picked up the challenging nuances of the Ailfar language. Dorad also helped with his tutoring when he discovered Jack's interest. The former Prince of Doridan was fluent in the Ailfar tongue as well, it being the official language of the courts in the Whesguard Alliance. The three men would often sit long into the night speaking the tongue of the elves. During those times together, Alnordel also regaled him with tales of the Ailfar race. At the beginning Jack could hardly believe some of the things Alnordel told him, tales of forests ten thousand years old with trees that could speak, tales of battles with the race called the grim'Hiru, beastly halfmen who had fallen from grace when they sided with the dark King during the Second War of the Stones. Jack thought the tales sounded more like myths and legends of long ago, but the light in Alnordel's eyes when he spoke went a long way toward convincing him otherwise. He could discount nothing he read or heard about the land he now found himself in until it was proven differently.