The moment the task was accomplished, Azerick pushed the demon to the back of his mind with a shudder of revulsion, still remembering and feeling the effects of losing control earlier that day.
The Majestic sailed out of the harbor mouth and into the open sea next to Azerick aboard Dolphin’s Grace. The three other ships followed close behind as they approached the enemy warships not far beyond North Haven’s port. The ships were already close enough that Azerick could see men scrambling about the decks trimming sails, manning weapons, and preparing the big warships for battle.
It was soon apparent that the enemy crews had not expected North Haven’s merchant navy to attack. The men on board likely thought them foolish, for even a poorly crewed warship could sink merchant ships with relative ease before they could hope to land a boarding party.
Zeb’s ships spread out the moment they were beyond the harbor mouth and began tacking in a zigzag pattern. The key was to make their ships as difficult to hit as possible while bringing them within range of Azerick’s and the other wizards’ spells.
It was a plan still fraught with danger. The spellcasters needed to get within a few hundred yards for most of their longer-ranged spells to be effective, while the big frigates mounted huge ballista that could launch heavy stones nearly five hundred yards. Fortunately, each ship only mounted two of the massive weapons, one at the bow and one at the stern, and they were slow to reload.
The loud crack of the heavy ballista carried over the water as huge stones began arcing out toward them. Zeb and the other ships tacked diagonally toward the lethal war vessels trying to make themselves harder to hit.
Dolphin’s Grace passed through the spray left by one near miss as another tore a large hole through one of the sails. The big cargo ship, Majestic, was struck by a stone just above the waterline, staving in several planks but failing to breach the thick wood and cause a hole. Men below decks busily braced the cracked wood with timbers and slapped thick tar mixed with chunks of hemp rope into the cracks to seal them against the inflow of water.
A second loud crash carried across the waves as a pair of pound stones weighing more than a hundred pounds apiece struck the slower and less maneuverable Iron Shark in rapid succession, but her double-thick hull and iron-shrouded bow shrugged off the assault with little real damage.
Azerick raked a bolt of lightning across the deck when his swift schooner came within range of one of the war frigates. His spell struck the forward heavy ballista, rendering the weapon inoperable and striking down its four-man crew. A second bolt split one of the main masts of the four-masted war galleon, sending the huge timber crashing into the forward mast, tearing sails and fouling ropes as it fell.
Azerick saw the flash of fire out of the corner of his eye when Rusty’s fireball took out another ship’s heavy ballista and set fire to the oiled ropes, rigging, and sails near the stern of a second enemy warship. Soon lightning, fire, arrows, and stones were streaking between Ulric’s galleons and Zeb’s merchant ships, killing men, shattering masts, and burning sails.
The damage to the sails and rigging of the warships was so great that even the slow and cumbersome Iron Shark was able to get within boarding range, nearly ramming the larger ship in the process. Grapnels attached to heavy ropes arced out over the gunwales of the merchant navy onto the rails of the frigates. Sailors threw boarding planks across the narrow expanse as they drew the ships together while others swung through the rigging to gain the decks of the enemy vessels.
Melee combat was brief. Azerick’s assumption of there being only a light crew aboard the warships proved to be correct. Once they boarded the warships, the heavily packed crews aboard Zeb’s ships were able to take the galleons with almost contemptuous ease. They locked the surrendered enemy crews into the holds while Zeb’s men took over control of the ships they seized as lawful plunder.
They lost the ship Umair was aboard, but it sank slowly enough that most of the crew was able to make it to the long boats before it went down. The others were plucked out of the rolling seas by another merchant ship that lent its support to the war effort. Balor’s Beauty was taking on water, but not to such an extent that the bilge pumps and men with buckets could not keep her bailed out enough to limp back to the harbor. They had to chase three ships down, but only one that getting her sails and rigging destroyed and was able to flee to the high seas and escape. There was too much at stake to go chasing after it.
With the help of other merchant ships that had been at anchor in North Haven’s harbor, Zeb’s men managed to tow seven of the ten ships back to port as spoils of war. One managed to flee and two had burned to the waterline before they sunk to the sea floor. The crew continued working on the big merchant ship until she was safe from sinking and could be dry-docked and repaired later.
Allister and Rusty stood back on the docks and scanned the harbor for the sleek schooner, but it was nowhere to be seen.
“Where are Azerick and Zeb?” Rusty asked with a tinge of concern in his voice.
Allister shook his head. “I’m not sure, son.”
Allister grabbed Toron by his powerful, shaggy arm as he went past. “Toron, have you seen Azerick or Zeb’s ship?”
The big minotaur looked down at Rusty and the old wizard. “They were sailing south as I was returning to port and signaled by flag not to follow.”
Rusty let out a long breath. “He’s going to go get Ulric.”
“Then may the gods have mercy on his black soul, because that boy sure won’t,” Allister intoned.
CHAPTER 23
At the same time Rusty, Allister, and their prisoners were digging mass graves and cleaning up the school, Azerick, Zeb, and a compliment of sailors sailed to Southport.
Azerick spent the majority of the next two days resting and replenishing his energy as well as renewing the power of his staff. He finally made an appearance on deck late in the afternoon of the second day at sea.
“You’re lookin’ better, lad,” Zeb appraised as he walked up next to the young man.
Azerick just nodded, his mind already in Southport, two days ahead of his body.
“You got a plan for once we get there?”
Azerick’s mind returned to the ship. “Strike our colors and sail into the port as a neutral vessel. Signal the harbormaster that we have urgent news for the Duke regarding the battle at North Haven. He will be expecting someone to return to tell him that Kayne has taken the city and for his men to move north.
“We will sail in at night and take any ship that flying Ulric’s banner. There should be fewer than we fought at North Haven, and they will likely not be fully crewed unless they are ready to set sail. With luck, the crew will be billeted on the mainland close by and only a guard force set to watch the ships. If they are loaded and ready to set sail, I will destroy them when we sail out. If not, your men will take them and return to North Haven. You wait here, if possible, while I take care of business within the city.”
Zeb looked at Azerick and scratched his short beard. “What kind of business would that be?”
“Personal business,” Azerick replied darkly and returned to his cabin without another word.
They had to spend several hours anchored at sea until well after the sun set two days later before sailing into Southport’s harbor. An armed customs ship sailed out to meet them before they could approach any of the docks. Large, bull’s-eye lanterns bathed Dolphin’s Grace in beams of bright light.
“This port is closed by the order of Duke Ulric, Lord of Southport,” a voice boomed across the dark expanse of water.
“I have an urgent message for the Duke regarding the battle at North Haven. Let us pass,” Azerick shouted back.
“You can pass your message to me, and I will ensure that the Duke gets it,” the man returned adamantly.
Azerick was in no mood for the man’s foolishness. He opened a gate, stepped from the deck of Dolphin’s Grace, and stood directly behind the man on the customs ship.
A b
right light flared at the end of Azerick’s staff, casting his hooded head in deep shadows. “I was sent with two of my colleagues by Duke Ulric’s order. He further commanded me to return with all haste once I had something to report. Are you now going to delay my report, or even more foolishly, countermand my orders?”
Hands flew to sword hilts as the startled customs agent spun around to face the angry man who suddenly appeared behind him.
“Well, you see…sir, it’s just that I…”
“Quickly, man, your answer may well determine how much longer you get to enjoy breathing!” Azerick snarled.
“No, sir, of course, sir, proceed with your duties.”
Azerick returned to the deck of the schooner while the customs ship shuttered the lanterns and sailed back into the harbor. Dolphin’s Grace grabbed the wind and sailed smoothly into the port just a short ways behind the customs ship. Seeing that the schooner carrying the wizard was behind them, the nervous customs man ordered his ship to take to a point on the far side of the harbor, not wanting to be anywhere near them.
Zeb’s crew spotted the tall masts of three more ships against the darkness similar to the big war galleons they had battled anchored just off the docks. Guards patrolling the decks gathered near the rail and manned the heavy deck weapons as the schooner sailed slowly by.
Their vigilance proved to be for naught. Azerick cast another gate spell, stepped onto the deck of the warship, and captured most of the crew with incapacitating spells before they could even respond. Zeb’s men were able to take the ship nearly without a sound. Only the occasional ring of steel on steel or the heavy thump of a body hitting the deck broke the stillness of the night.
The same tactic proved equally successful on two other ships floating at anchor. After having seized the ships, Zeb pulled the schooner up next to the dock to allow Azerick to disembark.
“Remember, Zeb; get out of here before the sun breaks with or without me. The last thing you want to do is have a relief force arrive and sound the alarm.”
“I got it, lad. You just be careful and get yourself back here before we go.”
“I will do my best, Zeb, and thank you. You have been a reliable friend. I could not have done all this without you and your men.”
“Yeah ya could have, but thanks. Me and more than a few of us owe you our lives. It’s the least we can do. Besides, you own a majority stake in these tubs anyway!”
Azerick shook his head. “Whatever you think you owe me has been paid in full, Zeb. That goes for all of the men. I would certainly count this as above and beyond the call of duty.”
“That’s what friends are for, lad. Now get going before ya make yourself late for your meeting.”
Azerick and Zeb clapped each other on the back before the sorcerer stepped onto the dock and disappeared into the night.
So, we’re going to go kill this duke worm then? Klaraxis asked in anticipation.
Actually, we are not. I intend to leave him alive. I just wish to have a talk with him.
Talk with him? I saw your thoughts, your memories! I know what he has done, and you are going to let him live? I understand that you are a weak-willed human without a proper thirst for blood and vengeance, but I expected better from you.
I have something else in mind. Azerick let the demon in on his thoughts.
Oh, that is beautiful! You are more insidious than I thought. I truly underestimated the spine of your vengeance. Bravo, you have the makings of a demon in you yet!
Azerick ignored the rest of the demon’s words as he made his way toward Ulric’s castle. Perhaps it was the self-assured way he carried himself, or perhaps the men hiding in the shadows looking for easy prey felt the shroud of death wrapped the young man walking boldly down the poorly-lit streets. Whatever the reason, no one dared accost him as he strode fearlessly down the cobbled streets toward the castle.
***
Duke Ulric awoke with a start, his body breaking out in a cold sweat with the feeling that someone was in the room watching him. The Duke turned up the wick on the oil lamp next to his bed and furtively cast his eyes about the room. His heart caught in his throat when he spied the dark-cloaked figure sitting in his plush chair watching him. For a brief moment, Ulric thought it was the Rook, but as his eyes adjusted to the light, he was able to see the prematurely aged young face behind the hood of the cloak.
“Who are you, how did you get in here?” Ulric demanded as he gained his composure.
Azerick dropped the hood of his cloak and revealed his face. “I suppose I should not be surprised that you do not recognize me even though I have been told that I resemble my father a great deal. I doubt such a man as you remembers the faces of a fraction of the men you have had murdered.”
Ulric narrowed his eyes at the intruder. “What are you talking about? I am certain I have never seen you before in my life.”
“You met my father once though. Perhaps if you look closely you will recognize him in me. No? Let me refresh your memory. Several years ago, you had men in Lazuul recover an artifact, part of Dundalor’s armor. You had them convince or trick a ship’s captain by the name of Darius Giles into bringing it to Southport. When the King’s men discovered it and arrested the captain, you had him murdered by an unsavory character who goes by the name of the Rook.”
“How do you know of him?” Ulric demanded.
He was getting nervous as this young man began talking of things that he should not know, things that could get him in a great deal of trouble if they were proven. No, he was safe from the King’s justice. North Haven would soon fall, and Jarvin did not have the men to bring him to justice even if enough evidence of his treachery was brought forward. However, it would not be good to have this young man spreading these tales to the peasants and nobles. He would listen for a moment then call his guards and have him killed on the spot.
“I know the Rook because your stupid cousin sent him to kill me after I inadvertently killed his son, Travis. He failed, as you can see by the fact that I am here now to seek my retribution.”
Gods, he killed the Rook? Can that be possible?
If so, this man is far more dangerous than Ulric cared to contemplate. Sweat began beading on his brow as he slowly slipped a leg from under the thick blankets to touch the cool floor with his foot, ready to move at a second’s notice.
“Guards, assassin in my chambers, guards!” Ulric shouted as he sprang from the bed, a dagger clutched in his hand.
Ulric backed away from the man who still sat comfortably in his chair, watching him as he crept slowly toward his chamber door.
“Guards!” the Duke shouted once more. “What have you done to my guards? Where are they?”
“I have done nothing to them. They stand just outside the door, as vigilant as ever,” Azerick coolly responded.
Ulric reached behind him with his free hand, not taking his eyes off the intruder, and tugged on the door, but it would not budge. He turned toward it and used both hands without releasing the dagger and pulled harder. He began pounding on the sealed portal and shouting for his guards when still it would not open.
“You may as well save your voice; they cannot hear you, and you will need it soon. It would be a shame for you to strain yourself when you have such an important speech to make tomorrow.”
Ulric spun back toward the man in his chair. “What are you talking about, what speech?”
Azerick stood and stepped slowly toward the Duke, his eyes burning red as Ulric tried to push himself backward through the door.
“Relax, Ulric, drop the knife. I am not going to harm you,” Azerick said smoothly.
The dagger clattered to the floor at the Duke’s feet, his utter obedience compelled by the young man’s hypnotic, dual-toned voice. One voice, smooth and higher in pitch than the other, seemed to mix with another much deeper and foreboding voice as if two people were talking at precisely the same time, speaking the exact same words.
“That is better. Are you relaxed now?”
Ulric nodded his head with a sheepish smile. “Yes, I’m fine now. Sorry, I do not know what came over me. Just nervous I suppose. It has been a very stressful time for me you know.”
Azerick returned his smile. “I know, Ulric, but that is all over now. Your forces have failed at North Haven. The city still belongs to the Duchess, and your men have been routed, but that is not important now.”
The Duke frowned. “That is disappointing, but you are right, it is not important. What do I do now? The Jarvin will have me banished, possibly executed for what I have done. I have done some very bad things, and a lot of people are going to be angry with me.”
“I am going to tell you what you are going to do, and it will make it all better. You will not have to fear the King or anyone else,” Azerick and Klaraxis intoned.
Ulric nodded as Azerick told him what he needed to do. “That sounds reasonable, thank you,” Ulric said after Azerick finished speaking.
“Good, ensure that you have your criers sent throughout the city so everyone will come to see you and hear what you have to say. We want a nice big crowd. That is important.”
“Of course. I will have my seneschal send them out first thing in the morning and announce it every hour on the hour. In fact, I will have the watch send people to the square. I will make it mandatory to attend!” Ulric said earnestly.
“Good, that should work very well. Make sure you get a good night’s rest. You want to look your best for tomorrow’s event,” Azerick said, stepped through the portal he summoned, and disappeared.
Yes, I must look my best. It is important, Ulric said to himself as he opened the door to his chambers.
“Is everything all right, Your Grace?” the guard asked as the Duke stepped into the hall.
“Oh yes, very well. Please send for Lord Alton at once and have him attend me here.”
“Yes, Your Grace,” the guard replied, flagged down a servant, and relayed the Duke’s command.
A few minutes later, a light rapping sounded outside Ulric’s door. “Alton? Come in, quickly now. We must attend to some very important things right away. I am going to address my people. First, I need you to lay out my finest garments of state. Nothing too thick and cumbersome. White silk would be best. Then you must send out criers to every corner and announce to all that I will be commencing a speech of profound importance at exactly noon tomorrow in Rose Plaza. Instruct the guard to urge everyone they see on the streets to attend or face a fine.”
The Sorcerer's Path Box Set: Book 1-4 Page 140