by J W Murison
Gareth Ogilvie
The Great Sea King
J W Murison
Copyright © 2012 Author Name
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 1492215104
ISBN-13: 978-1492215103
You can visit my website at WWW.jwmurison.co.uk
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DEDICATION
This novel is dedicated to one person and one person only, Laura Blakesley, for without her this novel would never ever have been conceived. For me Gareth Ogilvie The Highland War Chieftain was a onetime deal only, a tribute to a great friend who passed away, however I had never counted on the tenacity and determination of another friend, Laura Blakesley. When she had finished reading it, I was inundated with a thousand questions as to what happened to whom. The tantrum she took on discovering I had no intentions of following the book up is now a part of local folklore.
To my great shame I teased her mercilessly about the whole thing while a new story developed in my mind; while she incessantly tried to bully me into writing another book. Eventually I put her out of her misery and began to write it. She was of course the first to read it, although during the process I continued to tease her with small snippets from the new novel while threatening to kill off some of her favourite characters. Yes I am a bad man, more to the point why am I still alive today? Probably because I am now going to right a third novel and turn this saga into a trilogy.
So thank you Laura for being an inspiration and a ball of laughs, Gareth Ogilvie The Great Sea King is definitely your novel. Not only is it rare for a writer to find such outside enthusiasm and inspiration, it’s also rare to find someone who enjoyed the sequel as much if not more than they enjoyed the first novel in a series. To you.
James Wilson Murison
Other Novels By J W Murison
Gareth Ogilvie The Highland War Chieftain
CarnMo’r
Teardrops In The Night Sky
ACV’s 1 Operation Black Gold
ACV’s 2 Operation Island Green
Death Rises
1st Battalion The Gordon Highlanders (Space Division)
The J.W Murison Short Stories Collection
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thanks to all my friends and family who have supported me throughout the process of writing these novels and especially to my wife Myra for her unwavering belief. Also again thank you to Laura and Ian Blakesley. To Laura for her inspiration and dedication in editing the novel and of course to Ian for putting up with us.
Of course, last but not least a special thank you to Jeanne Michaud for another amazing book cover, thank you for all your help.
Gareth Ogilvie - The Great Sea King
CHAPTER 1
Wind and sea fought for domination; the powerful wind stripped off the top of the incoming wave and threw it back out to sea in the form of a fine mist, but relentlessly the sea came on. High above giant Eagles fought against the fierce wind; a squadron taken by surprise by the sudden storm and blown beyond the city. Almost as one they began a high-speed dive their wings tucked close to their bodies and steering with their tails. Gareth watched as they shot over the defensive wall and out of sight. He returned his attention back to the oncoming waves. It was a sight that he never grew tired of and now he watched fascinated as the fighting waves began to grow in size. He ignored the small voice in the back of his mind and with a little effort banished it completely.
A large wave smacked into the rocks and he felt the raw power of them course through him. A large plume of spray was launched into the air but was immediately blown back out to sea; barely a drop reached him. It had been six months since he had brought sword and fire to these lands; however few objected to the carnage he had wrought; indeed many had taken it upon themselves to smash the corruption that had ruled the lands before the Highlanders had arrived.
It had been six months of confusion and danger. He had sent his Eagle Scouts out to follow the rivers and map the lands in their minds. They learned to feel their way forward using existing maps, not all were good at it, but they learned. It wasn’t the first time some poor Scout had found themselves appearing in a fast flowing river on in some pool inhabited by some dangerous creature; their stories were popular amongst the men and also attracted others to the Scouts. Their ability to transport themselves over huge distances using the Earth Magic was the key to his success. It wasn’t long before he had a network of transportation that was kept secret to the multitudes. As news of uprisings followed he was able to transport hundreds even thousands of men to flash points all across his new Kingdom.
He put down any such uprising brutally; killing the ringleaders and using his magic stick to enthrall everyone else. New laws were sent out by signal stations all across the Kingdom. He had to admire his predecessors; they had invented many ways of carrying news quickly across the many Kingdoms they had conquered. Magic as well played a part in all this and Gareth had quickly realised he couldn’t just banish it. It was far too important to the smooth running of affairs to just smash as he had the corrupt priests. Within the last six months he had brought the Kingdom firmly under his control.
He had halved the taxes on the population immediately slowing down the drain of essentials from the populace. The benefits were immediate, the health of the people began to improve and with it Gareth’s popularity. The sacking of wealthy temples also added to the wealth of the people. Taking advice from his administrator he made it against the law to sack these temples unless half of the wealth that was found was sent to the crown. The legalising of the practice soon began to fill the royal treasury. Gareth doubted if he was getting his fair share but didn't really care. That source of wealth had now begun to dry up as the perversion was cut from the heart of the Kingdom.
Quiet footsteps descended the stone staircase, Gareth knew by the sound of them who it was and smiled.
‘Morning Graun.’
Graun gripped Gareth's shoulder and sat at his side. He stretched his legs out with a groan, ‘aw man it’s getting wild up there, I see you found a sheltered spot.’
‘Aye, I can find some peace here; didn't you find peace at home Graun?’
‘How long was I gone?’
‘It’s been almost two months now, did you start that book where you were the real hero and I was little more than a twisted ogre.’
He grinned, ‘I did aye, but it seems the story of this journey still continues and I wasn’t here.’
Gareth laughed, ‘aye ok what’s the real reason you’re back.’
‘I was bored to tears,’ the two men rocked with laughter. ‘You know Gareth by the time we had finished spring planting I was near going insane. Not a fight going on anywhere, no need for Graun Grant the Great War Chieftain of Clan Grant.’ He shook his head, ‘it just isn’t the same man. No campaign to plan for; no enemies to guard against. Nothing to do but sit and listen to women whine on about iron stoves and stone houses.’
‘Did they come with you?’
Graun shook his head, ‘no she still won’t come.’
‘Well if it’s any compensation that uh, little friend you left behind has been moping about for months missing you like crazy, bursting into tears all the time plaguing me if I have heard from you.’
‘She hasn’t got anyone new yet?’
‘Hasn’t looked at another man as far as I know. So tell me how is that brother of my fairing?’
‘Ask him yourself he and Malcolm returned with me to get away from the bloody women of the glen, but if you want my opinion you have nothing to worry about there. If anyone tried to hurt Stan the women of the Clan would cut their balls off and hang the bastards
up to dry.’
Gareth laughed, ‘so what do you want Graun, an army, two, three, name it.’
Graun was grinning again, ‘how about advisor to the Great Sea King, right hand man that sort of thing.’
‘You mean you just want to fuck about sticking your nose into a bit of everything.’
‘That's about it.’ Gareth held out his hand and the two friends shook warmly, ‘this is a right nice spot you got here Gareth, by the way that wife of yours is screaming blue bloody murder up there.’
Gareth nodded, feeling the raw power of nature coarse through him and calm his soul, ‘Aye I know.’
CHAPTER 2
Melina was not happy, she was making preparations for nesting and none of her servants had a clue as to what she needed. She had sent a message to her father and he had finally sent some servants who did. The royal entourage was still fighting its way towards the city in the gathering storm. To make matters worse Gareth had finally discovered how to block out her thoughts. In the mean time she had given up on her own preparations and was now chasing the servants to get the rooms ready for her father and mothers arrival. It was all hustle and bustle in the palace with no sign of Gareth anywhere.
She had seen Graun and gave him a big hug, she had missed him terribly and so had her husband. She hoped he was back for a while and gave directions as to where he might find Gareth before turning back to her task of chasing the servants. Her instincts told her the time was right to fertilise her eggs and they would only have one more night together before she nested, everything today was just a frantic mess.
She had seen Malcolm and Stan and sent them to a separate part of the palace where rooms were being made up for them. As her parents thoughts got closer the more frantic she got, it was then that a laughing Gareth and Graun appeared.
‘Where the hell have you been,’ she stomped a foot, ‘my parents are arriving any moment, which you would know if you bothered to listen to me. Half the rooms aren’t ready yet.’
‘Maybe I had better go and meet him then,’ he interrupted her flow, ‘unless you need a hand here to shout at the servants.’
Her scowl was ferocious, ‘go meet my father,’ she hesitated, the fierce scowl melting, ‘please.’
‘Of course darling,’ he kissed her on the forehead and he and Graun escaped. Her eyes snapped back to the beleaguered servants who had stopped to watch the show, ‘well did anyone tell you to stop.’
As soon as Gareth left their chambers Aswari appeared at his side, ‘you have orders Sire?’
‘My father-in-law has arrived and is making his way to the city, take a hundred men to assure of his safe arrival. I will go ahead.’
‘Would you like a horse Sire?’
‘No we will walk.’
Gareth and Graun reached the royal party long before the royal guard did. No one dared challenge to two kilted men as they ran through the streets; to many had already made that mistake and died as a consequence. The city’s thieves and rouges gave the Highland men a wide berth, even a drunk Highlander lying in the gutter was left well alone. In the first week of their arrival a thief had cut the throat of a sleeping Highlander, the men had gone wild with lust for revenge. They had hunted the taverns and killed anyone who even looked like a thief. For weeks they had roamed the alleys killing anyone they suspected of being up to no good. The criminal element had hidden its self away until they had calmed down, but the lesson was well learned.
Gareth had also issued orders to clean the streets up and as a result the health of the general population had improved as well. Now real sewers were being built to take the sewage out of the city by one of his Eagles, who knew about engineering. The work was now well in hand and Gareth could almost feel the city breath more easily every day.
The gates were open and they swung out of them before the guard could even react to their presence. They stopped when they encountered the procession.
Graun scratched his growing beard, ‘fucking hell, how many servants do they need.’
Gareth pointed, ‘those are Clover men, cavalry and they have seen us, what the fuck do they want?’
‘We’re going to find out in a moment.’
The fierce wind gusted pushing hard against the two men. The horses didn't like the wind and tried to turn away from it, the riders had to fight them. Dust stung every ones faces. The Highlanders ignored the discomfort as the cavalry unit bore down on them. None of them drew a weapon; a young officer rode the last few yards alone.
He leaned over and shouted to make himself heard, ‘we are the vanguard of the Clover Kings forces who has come to pay his respects to the Great Sea King along with the King of the Golden Ones.’
Gareth turned to Graun, ‘this is really gonna piss the wife off.’ Graun bellowed with laughter.
The young officer wasn’t so impressed though, ‘this isn’t funny Highland man, you should take a message to your King.’
‘I have no King boy, I am Gareth Ogilvie, war chieftain of the Highland Clans.’
The young man stiffened in his saddle, ‘my apologies Sire, I did not expect to meet you on the road.’ He suddenly doubted Gareth's word and wasn’t quite sure what to do or say next.
‘Where the hell is Leo anyway?’
‘Ah the King is with the other King Sire in the middle of the procession.’
Gareth looked back and saw the guard coming, he waved a thumb, ‘this is my royal guard coming to escort you all in. Tell him to detail a couple of men to guide you straight to the palace and send the rest of the men down to meet me; I will be with the Kings. His name is Aswari.’
The young officer saluted, ‘yes Sire.’
Gareth and Graun walked boldly through the oncoming mass until they met the Kings. They passed cavalry and foot soldiers, then came the Eagle troops. Gareth had no doubt they would have been flying if the wind hadn’t been so high. There were a few hundred soldiers of both nations then behind a half dozen horse drawn carriages came more soldiers and then the servants. Gareth had seen horse drawn carriages in his own stables but nothing to compare to the splendour of these and that was saying something considering the extravagances of his predecessor.
As he suspected the two Kings were in the same carriage; he and Graun swung themselves in board.
‘Afternoon father, Leo.’
The Eagle King was smiling knowingly, ‘good afternoon Gareth.’
Leo reached across and offered his hand, ‘well met Gareth, this is some weather you have here.’ He offered his hand to Graun and they shook as well, ‘I heard you had returned to the mountains war master Graun.’
‘I got bored with the quiet life; I just got back a few hours ago.’
The Eagle King reached for Graun’s hand, ‘then it is an auspicious day for all.’ His eyes flicked to Gareth, ‘how is my daughter fairing?’
‘She’s driving everyone nuts including me, and when she finds out we've got even more guests I'm going for a long bloody walk.’
His father-in-law roared with laughter, ‘ah when they get that nesting instinct they are driven as if by demons.’
‘Aye thanks for the heads up,’ Gareth remarked dryly to a great roar of laughter from the men.
‘They are all the same,’ Graun added.
‘Here, here,’ King Leopold agreed.
‘Don’t worry Gareth I have brought expert servants to see to her needs, she will be well cared for.’
‘I am grateful father, maybe now we will all get some peace and quiet and a good night’s sleep.’
‘I see, she is that close?’
Gareth nodded, ‘I believe so.’
‘Once her nest is complete she will settle down. How is your campaign of de-unification going?’
‘Not too badly, we have had a few uprisings but nothing serious. As a result I have had to wipe out most of the ruling class.’
‘That's not a good thing Gareth,’ Leo interrupted him.
Gareth eyed him coldly, ‘not for the ruling class that's for sure.
There are no more titled persons in the whole Kingdom, I suppose that's what started it and exactly what I wanted. It took me just under four months to completely destroy the class system here and install one of my own. Right now men are arriving from all over the Kingdom, elected men. The smallest of the countries I have already set free and offered an alliance. All accepted and more and more of the countries once ruled by the sea King are now asking for the same terms.’
Leo sat back stiffly, ‘an alliance of nations, how nice and thoughtful.’
Gareth shook his head, ‘don’t worry Leo, no one’s after your crown. I am dismantling the most evil empire in man’s history, not the good ones. Hopefully by the time I'm finished they will never again be able to raise an army of a million men.’
‘Then how will you defend this alliance,’ he asked a little mollified.
‘The danger is from within rather than from without. As far as I have been able to discover there is no real threat to this Kingdom.’
The Eagle King was listening intently, ‘tell me, how the people are taking all this change?’
Gareth thought it over for a moment, ‘well they smile now.’
CHAPTER 3
‘Mama,’ Melina ran into her mother’s arms in tears, ‘I just can’t get anything done here.’
‘Shhh, I'm here now, you are far too stressed out, sit down and try to calm yourself or your eggs may not fertilize.’ The queen made her sit down and soon banished Melina’s servants. Her own got to work straight away; Melina began to feel the stress wash away. When her mother had them organised she came and sat with her. She stroked the white lightening blaze in her daughter’s hair.