"Or they turn it and we all drown." The admiral said dryly.
"They would need the entire armada. Kirim would have seen preparations.”
"We don't have much time to do anything about it in any case." Admiral Letimus continued.
"We do if we go now." Raulin added.
"Why would he send them out? It doesn't make sense." Dokra asked, still sceptical at the ease and speed with which Rawlin, and by extension Yarrian had penetrated Komet’s organisation.
"Kirim doesn't know. Komet doesn't discuss strategy with his officers much less the crews. At this point we can only go by the orders. I'd imagine his biggest worry this winter, other than being stuck with thousands of disloyal, barbarous cut throats, is being attacked by Carrid earlier than we’ve led them to believe, is expected. Boxed in by half a dozen sea fortresses. This way he can call them back at any time and hit a potential blockade from two sides."
"Not any time. They will need to leave Echovia this week to do it safely. The windows to return are just as intermittent. The straights are treacherous and it's at least a fortnights sail from the Gables. Slightly shorter perhaps, on the return with the wind."
"Exactly." Rawlin said. "Jip, or whoever he thinks Carrid is going to send, will share those windows. Ten days? Two weeks, it's enough to hold. Then he stands a shot at destroying a Carrid war fleet. Imagine what effect that would have on his operation. His little Empire. He will believe Carrid are operating under a surprise paradigm and that’s all the edge needed."
"This is all just speculation, Rawlin. Wild speculation."
"Indeed. That is what I do, Field Marshall. Do you not agree that we too have an opening?"
"No, I can see that. Admiral how long will it take us to intercept?"
"Depends on weather, around four to six days. If we wait here." Letimus pointed to a small chain of islands just outside the Southern end of the narrow straights known as the Gables. "We can ambush them as they leave. This side is rocks, there's not much manoeuvrability."
"What about our transports?" Dokra asked.
"Anchor back here and the men can watch the fight from the beaches. They are going to have to follow the fleet wherever we go anyway and we'll probably need some volunteers for deck combat."
"You'll have them." Dokra said before turning to Rawlin. "Did you man identify the number and class of ships we're dealing with?"
"No. The message was unusually short and we’ve got no way to contact him."
"Fine. Then we get these ships moving Admiral, I’ll leave you to plan the tactics. I intend to be joining the men on the beach. Front row seats. There's not much I can do on board, except get in your way."
"As will I." Said Rawlin.
The Admiral bowed gently. He had been half expecting some resistance from Dokra. Interference in his command of the naval engagements. Though the precedent now stood between them. He would keep out of Dokra's plans of the coming siege.
Not that I ever would involve myself. It's awful fighting on the land.
“You look sick as a dog." Rawlin said to the field marshal as he ducked through the low door to his spacious cabin below the quarterdeck.
"There's a reason I joined the army, Rawlin." He grimaced sitting up from his bed.
The spy master smiled. "Sailoring wouldn't have been for me either."
Dokra grunted then and noticing that the ship had stopped moving looked out the portal.
"We're here?"
"Yes. We can stretch our legs a bit."
"You spies are good for something after all."
It took hours to dismount the Naru infantry onto the beaches by row boats. Dokra had assembled three legions of the Empire's finest soldiers for the mission. Rawlin knew the men must be hot though, their blackened heavy armour absorbing the suns heat. Almost twelve thousand legionaries sat or wandered the beach. Most had lifted the oval steel full mask visors above their rounded helms. Some had taken them off, despite Dokra not yet being ashore to formally put them at ease. Legionary armour had been radically changed under Galtus’ reign and almost all of the metal on the beach was recently forged. Never scratched in battle. Every legionary wore a full length fitted hauberk with black, ribbed steel plates covering the upper body, arms and legs. A black armoured cloak hung from high shoulder plates beneath which red tabard flowed over the tightly fitting steel with the imperial emblem printed on the front. They fought with large curved heater-shaped shields and a long sword. Galtus believed that despite being successful in the past, the Carridean war machine was rigid. The whole army was virtually split down the middle between the republican pikes and swords. Two armies coexisting under one banner. Rawlin himself had delivered multiple reports to the Emperor of tensions being exacerbated by the Quoroubi conflict, as the pike’s leadership gained favour with the Assembly.
With Jaro, more like. But yes, they did get all the best commands.
It was only the scout rangers that Galtus respected and he had taken elements of their battle gear for his own designs. Stripping down the legionaries full suit armour, he made them faster and more flexible. To balance the loss in protection, the Emperor increased the size of their shields and blades. With lighter armour they were faster in the battlefield than either the encased pikes or swords, yet still able to deliver heavy damage.
Imperial shock troops, I think he called them.
The task force waited. And waited. The legionaries couldn't have been happier if Galtus had personally offered them paid leave. The Navy, not so much.
For four days the army had nothing to do except hunt game, sunbathe and swim. The officers left them alone, glad to have their own time off. The sailors, Imperial marines and a handful of very unhappy legionaries glared across the short stretch of surf with envy at the resting men, themselves being kept in a constant state of readiness for a threat that could break through the mist at any moment.
The sun began dropping and the Admiral watched the bonfires burn across the horizon from the foredeck. The men around him doing likewise. Food would be sent over as it had been each night, but everyone on board knew the best of whatever was cooking on those spits would be eaten long before it left the beach.
Plus, it's always cold.
"Rain's coming, sir." An officer said.
"Aye." He agreed while looking up. It was too dark to see any clouds, but the air was heavy. "Storm."
"They're going to get wet."
"They'll be smashed in those straights if it breaks here."
"Oh I meant them over there, sir."
The admiral looked the officer disapprovingly. "Keep your damned focus on the enemy, lieutenant." He snapped pointing at the mouth of the Gables. "They almost match us for numbers and have a great deal more combat experience than any of the sailors in this fleet."
"Yes, sir. Sorry."
The storm came and it broke hard. Letimus gripped the rail as wind started ripping over the ship, tipping it on its keel roughly with each gust. Anticipation surged up through his body.
They're going to be shattered when they come out. If they come out. So stupid, why did they set sail so late?
For six whole bells the storm raged around the island chain and the Gable straights. The soldier’s carelessly constructed camp had been obliterated, leaving the men to huddle behind boulders and bushes, fighting all night with sheets and blankets in a pointless effort to escape the torrential rain and winds.
The sailors were dry, sitting below deck. Many played cards, eating the same bread with glee, that they had complained about only bells earlier. Others watched the lightning illuminate the sky as it coursed down from the heavens into the black sea. They watched the island and the more reflective of the crew thought much on the fickle nature of contentment. Dokra had signalled for evacuation on three occasions, but the admiral had said no. The row boats would never have had made it across.
As the storm’s fury began to calm and the morning sun breached the crest of the horizon, a black ship was finally spotted comi
ng out from the morning’s mist. Twenty-three ships emerged in total, less than a third of what Kirim had said was leaving.
"Gods." The admiral said to himself.
"Lieutenant."
"Yes, sir?"
"See if Dokra wants to stay there or come back."
"Yes'ir."
"And assemble all officers on the bridge."
Dokra watched the sun rise shivering beneath a half-torn tent hastily tied between three palm trees. The rain had stopped for a while, but like every soldier on the island he was completely drenched. He blamed the admiral and was furious.
Word of the pirate's arrival had reached him, and he instantly declined the admiral's offer to return to the transport vessels with his men. The sun had started to warm the air and he changed his clothes for the second time into the least wet items in his soaked travel chest.
Dokra walked across the beach, observing the shambles. The previously beautiful white sand was now littered with leaves and debris. Trees had been bent beyond repair and some he noted in the distance lay collapsed. Soldiers wandered around dazed and shivering, looking for personal items that had blown away to rest somewhere along the devastated beach.
Reaching a ragged outcrop of rocks at the end of the sandy stretch he climbed up to observe the oncoming enemy fleet.
He's right, not many. Twentyish.
Turning back towards his own ships he was struck with another burst of anger.
The sneaky bastard is just going for them. That's not what he told me.
Two squadrons of thirty warships had split from the anchored fleet. With full sails and double banks of oars, the vessels shot towards the battered pirates. The squadrons split, moving to envelop the loose line of black ships which had suddenly halted and were at this moment ordering a panicked turnabout retreat.
Their luck's worse than mine, I’ll give them that.
Two Naru warships came within range of the first pirate vessel and its bank of ballista opened fire. Iron bolts launching out into the sky, slamming into the ship and impaling its dark wooden hull. Thick ropes traced the bolts ark, the slack falling behind it into the sea. Teams on both warships worked geared pulleys to snap the lines taught. Waves engulfed the smaller pirate vessel’s bow as it was violently spun around and pulled towards the massive warships, their decks packed with Imperial soldiers and marines. More Naru Captains closed on their prey and the pirates surrendered. White flags flew up the masts on the first four ships and the rest followed.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Drorea
“A messenger has arrived, your highness.” Councillor Fadius said.
“And?”
“From Ulon, highness.”
She turned immediately at that. “Have they paid?”
“No, your highness. They said your late husband had agreed a friendship bridge crossing the Wirrow.”
“A friendship bridge?”
“I do recall it being one of the ideas he was talking about, but that was moons ago. Creating a new trade route to Narubez. The king was always floating projects to the Council, but then after a time nothing more would be said on the matter.”
“Who was to pay?”
“As far as I’m aware it didn’t get that far. It was never discussed again in my company.”
“So, what has this got to do with their late taxes.”
“They say they’ve given it to Galtus to build the bridge for them. The Emperor will cover the payment for the Naru half of the crossing.”
“What!?” She screamed out with surprise. “How dare they, this is… This…” She stammered, anger firing up inside her.
“Yes highness. Very bad. They’ve backed us into a corner.”
“They think they have, Fadius. But we will just take whatever assets they have to repay the debt. I won’t be manipulated by these people.”
“Your highness I believe this is Galtus’ work, not the Ulon’s.”
“Whoever it is, I won’t be manipulated.”
“And what of the bridge? There is much risk in a permanent crossing like this.”
“I know that.” The Queen snapped. “We’ll just cancel it.”
“Cancel a friendship bridge, highness?”
“It was never officially commissioned, Fadius!”
“And yet work on the Naru side has already begun.”
“What?” She said growing pale. “He… He can’t just start building.”
“Actually highness, he can. At least on his side of the river.”
“Very well, let him. A bridge to nowhere. Everyone will see it as just one more of the man’s tricks.”
“Your highness, it will say far more about us.”
“How?”
“We will look… Belligerent. There is more at play here. Galtus is almost certainly trying to push you into hostilities.”
“Well I won’t bite.”
“So you will allow the bridge?”
“Of course not…” Before stopping. Finally seeing the trap she was in. “You just said it’s dangerous Counsellor, make up your mind for the god’s sake.”
“Highness I have not advocated for any course of action yet. In truth, I am not sure.” He said sincerely to the Queen. “If we don’t handle it carefully we could easily spark a diplomatic incident.”
“What about our money?”
“Again, not an easy question. If you seize property, well… That can get messy quickly.”
“I am the Queen, how do they think they can get away with this. Treasonous. Acting autonomously. Giving my money to that man. I won’t stand for it.”
“Please your highness, don’t do anything rash. I’ll discuss this with the rest of the Council and we can try and find a way out. Perhaps go through back channels, at the very least slow down the start of construction. We could delay it on our side for cycles.”
“Very well. Do that and return with some better news.”
Fadius bowed gracefully in front of the Queen and departed.
The young royals raced ahead of their escort with their massive castle bred stags, terrifying antlers whipping about in the air with glee. The forested lowlands of the East made for far more exciting riding than the artificial hunting grounds they were used to around the Palace. It had been a long time since they had experienced such freedom.
Captain Tielli whipped his mount forward trying to catch up with the Crown Prince. “Sir!”
Citalley turned, slowing his stag. “Captain?” He shouted back riding closer.
“If you don’t mind, your highness, the men were wondering where we are going?” Riding parallel to the Prince.
“To see the people, Captain. To see the people.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea your highness”
“I thought you might say that!” Before suddenly tugging on the reins launching off once more.
Half a bell later the party caught site of Birriam, a small-town set in a valley beyond the forest which supplied the timber for the settlements buildings. Citalley was first to cross the simple nailed plank bridge over a small stream which he noted sourced from the northern heights. The water foamed everywhere it touched the bank and the surface gleamed with oil under the sun’s light.
“Why are all these farms abandoned?”
“They can’t afford the seeds, your highness. Or the feed for the livestock.”
“What?”
“It’s true, highness.” Lieutenant Ditori interjected.
“Go on.”
“Well, sir. Most of the food’s bought by the crown at a fixed price. A low price. The Lords charge too much for rent and then take the rest in taxes. Most people are moving to the cities looking for factory work now. Those left behind are starving, highness.”
“Why have we never been told?”
“We’re just soldiers.”
“They can get seeds and feed on credit?”
“And if the crop fails? The conglomerates in the capital are ruthless. Everyone knows a family who could
n’t make their payments. The whole lot of them get taken in irons to markets.”
“I see.”
“So, they just abandon their farms?”
“No point ploughing a field all day if it won’t feed your family, is there sir?.”
“What’s stopping them from trading with each other?”
“It’s cheaper to buy from the kingdom co-ops. Because they…”
“Buy it cheaper.” Citalley finished the sentence for the Lieutenant.
He was shocked by the effect kingdom policy could have on this small town. Not that the young Prince had ever paid home affairs much interest before, but when he had the subject had seen abstract. Distant. Boring.
The cities are overpopulated. The people work for almost nothing. And there’s all this land out here growing nothing but weeds.
“Why are the Lords not managing their holdings better?”
“This is free land, sir. The estate farms are the only ones left really and they produce almost all the food.”
“How can they do that?”
“Slaves, highness. Normal folk can’t afford them and when the Lords have slaves, they don’t need normal folk no longer.”
What a mess.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Taleese
"And so, Bo." Ranon said pausing to drain the last drop from his glass. "She... She just grabbed it! Pulled me down the stairs and out the house."
Laughter filled the room again and Bo flushed.
"Never take that man's advice on women lad, that's how it will end up."
"I thought it might be romantic."
"What?! crawling through her window while she's asleep and dropping your shorts?"
Ranon grinned. "At least she touched it."
"Treasure that Ranon, she'll be the last when word gets out." Phondock said.
“Already has, the market mouths were giving me the evils this morning when I went for bread."
"They just don't like you, idiot. She won't tell anyone you can be sure of that." Gomes added without looking at him. "How's the silk trade youngen?"
The Ravens of Carrid Tower Page 8