by J P Nelson
Between the captains was placed a hot platter of crispy-crusted rice bread baked with cheeses and herbs. Add to the meal a pot of hot green tea sweetened with honey for sipping.
It was good Ervis enjoyed talking, as his companion was lost in the relish of fine food, not that what the host had to say was unimportant.
“… so, you like?”
“M-m-m-n-n-n … yes, very.”
“Excellent! As I was saying, since you have been away, those scientists in southern Vedoa claim the land-quake several months ago have pushed the big island, you know, Antillias, five whole rods closer to the main. Five rods, man, that is fifteen feet, and they insist it moves one to two marks closer every year, besides.”
Jha’Ley looked to his host in acknowledgement as he took another bite of his bass fillet.
“The word is, there is a nest of drakes from up in those mountains which have awakened, or something, and there have been sightings in Ponskitan Sea. Well, the Seven States of Antillias have become excited with regard to the event, and are speaking of prophecies and an End of all Times.
“The State of Ansodi, in particular, is rising up and declaring war on all who … well … to put it simply, on all who do not believe as they do … religion, lifestyle, everything.
“Ansodi has a general who actually knows a thing or two about real war, and has started about conquering the other six states an-n-nd he has taken Satanzes Point at the bottom of Vedoa. For the last two months they have claimed control of the Strait of Nikaru. The strait is only six miles wide, you know. It is going to be shiking tight squeezing through with it being well patrolled, and those Ansodians are handy at naval combat.”
Jha’Ley paused a moment in his chewing, swallowed, and commented, “That puts Vedoa in conflict on two fronts. We are still having problems with Uendi, yes?”
Ervis nodded, “Actually, back into full war, and they now have the Isle of Saya as an ally. It gives Uendi a launch point right in the middle of the Gulf.” He took a bite of his own meal.
“What of Skeilar’s Channel? Was it hurt in the quake?”
“Not at all, I came down that way. Still clear, all three hundred forty miles of it. Good winds, half-mile wide most of the way, up to a mile and a half in places. A fellow told me the depth had increased to eighty or ninety fathoms in some places, but it is still fairly shallow. But, Captain Jha’Ley,” he cut into a piece of a still steaming potato on his plate, “although it is over twelve hundred miles as the bird flies from end to end,” he ate his bite while thinking of his next words, “should Ansodi take control of Antillias, the whole of Ponskitan Sea is going to be in a world of hurting.
“They already have Yamana and a couple of the other small islands.” They were quiet for a few moments and ate, then after taking a drink of tea Ervis added, “I think, sir, you may not be going on any exploration for a time. That ship of yours, she is built to excel in seek and search combat …”
The merchant captain lingered with his tea cup in hand, “When did you say you were casting off?”
Jha’Ley finished the last of his bread, sitting back, he took his tea cup and answered with a question of his own, “You would appreciate escort to home?”
Ervis replied with a tentative smile, “I would, I would indeed.”
“Are you gentlemen doing well this evening?” The voice was smooth, feminine, and carried a musical lilt in beautifully spoken Vedoic in the dialect of Merceil. Jha’Ley was stunned by the beauty of the woman who seemed to glide to their table without his awareness. She was taller than most women with a lithe, trim and shapely physique. It was easy to tell as her black, ankle length gown accented her form in a sensual, yet non-suggestive manner. Simple make-up brought out the soft blue in her eyes, and dewdrop crystal earrings highlighted shoulder length golden brown hair and creamy, rich, olive complexion.
Jha’Ley was immediately at his feet and responded, “Yes ma’am. I thank you.” Holding out his hand, he added, “I fear your name is not to my knowledge. I am …”
“… Captain Jann Raul Jha’Ley,” the woman completed for him with a warm smile as she took his hand, “I am Lushandri, and it is my pleasure.”
Ervis had awkwardly made it to his feet as she turned to him and added, “Good evening Captain Ervis.” With a pleasant smile she asked, “How is your prime rib with bourbon sauce?”
“It is most excellent, My Lady, as always. My compliments to the chef. I will pass the word along the way. No one in Vedoa does it as well.”
“Thank you.” She winked, “It is because I took the best chef in Vedoa,” she then chuckled good-naturedly. “Please, gentlemen, take a seat. Relax and enjoy.” To Jha’Ley she added, “Commendations on your taking of Gharry. He has been a slippery one to apprehend. You have done the seas a favor.”
“I thank you. It was a manner of duty for which I was obliged to perform.”
She gazed at the young captain. He was confident, exuberant, yet void of the brusque ego she often encountered. In just the few moments of meeting, Lushandri found him to be refreshing.
“A man at the lighthouse observed the complete engagement. He was impressed at how your vessel maneuvered. I have read his report.”
Jha’Ley was mildly taken aback, and his face showed a touch of surprise, “Thank you ma’am. We drill hard for such things.” He shrugged his shoulders in self-conscious modesty, “Truly, it was a matter-of-course.”
She smiled with a wry grin, “Still, well done.” Looking at them both she suggested, “You should try the coconut and lime pie. I think you would enjoy.” Passing another look to Jha’Ley she added, “Your meal is of house compliment.” Addressing both men, “May your evening be a pleasant one.” Again to Jha’Ley, “Come back to visit, Captain. Sam’s Kettle Café makes the best breakfast in town, and it opens at eight bells mid-watch.”
With that, she walked away.
Jha’Ley glanced at his host, “She knew my name.”
Ervis chuckled, “My good captain, there are those who swear Lady Lushandri knows everything.”
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Captain Jha’Ley did not attend Sam’s Kettle Café the next morning, but he was thinking about it. In truth, he wanted to make sure all his officers and crew were able to enjoy some time at leisure. They gave him their best; he felt it only proper to give in return. He was also deep in concentrated deliberation of information learned from Ervis the evening before. He was ready, he believed, to do what was required to whatever measure necessary. Jha’Ley walked the deck and touched each weapon on the rail. What, he mused, could be done to make these weapons better, to increase their range and knockdown power.
In the morning twilight he watched with humor as some of the crew, led by Chief Petty Officer Seedle, now there was a good man, made way to deck and then below to their hammocks. Jha’Ley thought a moment of Seedle. He had been newly promoted to be the Clarise’s first chief of boat. The young captain liked him. He was of great humor and was good with the men. He had been a boxing champion, as well.
Jha’Ley thought of the crew. How would these men respond to training in at least some of the Jhi’Sung exercises he knew? It would be wonderful conditioning, the deep breathing combined with stretching callisthenic movements … something more to consider.
The trial of the three pirates nigh drew the attention of the whole town. Spectacles were few and far between, and Captain Gharry had plagued the Kadmus Isles for years. Many vessels lay at the bottom on the far side of Ozzati’s Rock by his hand.
Captain Jha’Ley was afforded a prominent position to view the proceedings, of which the legal portion was quick and decisive. The execution of sentence, however, was of different manner. The three pirates were stripped to the bare, then each flogged with the cat-o-nine-tails, a nasty whip with nine long strands of which the tips were barbed with bits of metal. Afterward, they were placed in the gibbet cage and raised for all to see. Any who wished to toss rotten foods, pieces of excrement, or what have y
ou were free to indulge.
Lushandri stood not far from Jha’Ley’s position, and he noticed she flmarkd not a whit and the expression upon her face was one of subdued pleasure.
She noticed his attention, and coming to stand next to him asked, “What think you of our measure?”
“I am more used to a simple hanging, but,” he passed glance at the cages now being pelted with bad fruit, “but I believe the point comes across rather well.”
“In three days they will be set down to a wagon and taken to a swine pen and turned loose among them.”
Jha’Ley looked at her with a perplexed expression.
“It is a common belief to have one’s flesh rendered to the hogs will damn one’s soul to the most severe degree.”
He raised his eyebrows at the notion.
She said with a smile, “Have a good day, Captain Jha’Ley.”
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Captain Ervis had planned to cast off the second morning after the Clarise entered Foljur Sound, and Jha’Ley had committed to give escort the full run of his return voyage. Fhascully was not pleased, but the captain reminded him the creatures in the hold would keep until doused with the potions given by Arristahn, and the Qua’Korr was a merchant vessel of Vedoa.
Before casting off, however, there were two things Jha’Ley wanted to do.
Having observed a quaint beach not far from port, he hired a cart to take him there so he could observe the sun rising through the mist. Dressing down to bare feet and leggings, the ripples of his lean muscles glistened in the morning moisture as he performed Tai’Jhi.
He had always enjoyed the feel of his feet in beach sand and the brush of the ocean breeze upon his skin, as he performed Roll-Back and Press, Tiger-Catches-Ball, and Snake-Creeps-Down of the Jiu Ling Form. The Standing-on-Stake breathing exercises made him feel as if he were reaching deep into Orucean’s heart, moving as if he were one with the blades of grass and trees.
As he brought his exercise to a graceful close, he became aware of more than his cart driver giving him audience. Seated upon the sand with knees cradled within her arms, he saw Lushandri watching with a gaze of approval.
As he stepped to his neatly folded tunic and other apparel, she rose to walk over to him. She was just as elegant in simple muslin leggings and tunic as her black gown.
“I have not seen Tai’Jhi in many years. You do it beautifully.”
“Thank you, my lady. You know it, then?”
“There was a time when I practiced it regularly, yes. You are not from Vedoa.” The words were not a question, but a passing statement of declaration.
Slipping his tunic over his dark, well defined shoulders, he responded, “My apologies for immodesty. No, I am not. I was adopted long ago, an urchin in a tent trade-town southwest of the Alburin Sea, taken to be raised in the Georgian Islands.”
“No apologies necessary, I took pleasure in the demonstration.” There was no hint of promise in her demeanor, no tease in the sway of her hips and breast, but a genuine air of friendly banter. There may have been a touch of playful flirtation, but only a touch. Jha’Ley wasn’t sure. The young man was no stranger to the attentions of women, he tended to attract such, for as long as he could remember. But rarely had he met a woman such as this.
Lushandri wasn’t being bold, she was simply comfortable with men. Not necessarily in the feminine sense, although she could easily make her way in that regard. No, Jha’Ley could tell she was at ease as an equal. He had the distinct feeling she was not concerned about being nearly alone with a stranger, she could handle herself-manually if the need should arise.
“But your parents, they are Vedoan?”
He reached under the tunic and unfastened his ever present belt and dagger sheath, slung it over his tunic and around his hips with an expert flip, then buckled it into place as he replied, “Both attended the University of Anton.”
“And so, you were wishful of a career in Her Majesty’s Navy?”
“Actually?” he paused, then answered with a mischievous candor, “I am going to sail around the world. I thought this to make me sound preparation.”
She was taken aback, then with a touch of incredulity asked, “Around the world? You mean all the way around the world?”
He picked up a stone, and holding it up with the left hand, he circled around it with right forefinger, “Yes, my lady,” maintaining his grin he added, “all the way around.”
“It is said it cannot be done.”
“Yes, it is. But I believe it has been done before. I believe to the west of the Hoshaels and east of the V’Pohra Tanzhi are places unknown by our civilization, but are there nonetheless. I believe the world has been sailed before.”
He watched her face carefully, most would think him insane for such a thought. Why did he blurt such thoughts upon a stranger, even one so lovely?
She was not surprised, but curious, which now made him take curiosity of her.
“Why would you engage in such a venture?”
“Why not?”
Her smile became somewhat sad, as in memory, “I had a brother, a long time ago, who harbored such ambition.”
“And what became of him?”
“You are due to cast off within the hours, my good captain. Perhaps you may return and we can pass time with conversation?”
“I would take much pleasure in such.”
Jha’Ley stood for a moment with boots in hand, hesitating to sit down and put them on when she asked, “Would you care to enjoin a partner in the Tai’Jhi before you depart?”
Laying his boots back against the cart, together they walked up to the lapping water and moved as if one in dance of the Jiu Ling Form.
Chapter 12
CAPTAIN JANN JHA’LEY was awake at the first sound of drums, as one day from home port they began beating-to-quarters. His feet hit the floor and was reaching for breeches when impact against the Clarise’s hull knocked him to his knees. Leaping up he seized his dao-sword and dagger belt and made quick time to main-deck in bare feet and undergarments, slinging his head and shoulder into scabbard strap and hitching belt around waist.
As he crested the deck, the first shouted words he heard were, “Captain, we have been hit by …” All other words were just sounds to his ear as in scant seconds he took in the situation and was acting upon it.
Sailing around the Rocks of Litus they had happen chanced upon a battle in progress between a Vedoan Frigate and three vessels bearing the Uendian flag. The frigate was aflame; one enemy vessel had tied on and was even then boarding for conquest. A second vessel was coming about on the far side. Apparently the third was coming about in a different direction, one which brought them into unsuspecting collision with the Clarise.
Jha’Ley was not sure how far behind Captain Ervis was trailing, but surely far enough to adjust his heading. The angle of impact was against their port-side from a ten o’clock direction. Although a solid blow, the schooner took it without compromise. Coming about hard to starboard, Jha’Ley had all weapons ready with solid ball and bearing down on the vessel now coming about to meet them.
The vessel was a converted merchant ship, an old one at that. The Clarise came in head-to-head, then turned starboard and let fly with a broadside to port against the enemy craft. The hull was split on first volley and as they passed by a crewman let yell, “We just sunk the Luhai, captain!”
Snapping his head to look at her stern, Jha’Ley was taken by tragic thought, ‘the Luhai?’ But his attention must bear forward. “Ready all port weapons with Coly Cocktails!”
Ahead he could see the one vessel tacking to meet them on their starboard-side, “Mister G’Tabb, straight at her! Mister Seedle, set vertical launch off port at forty rods!”
Both vessels were coming in fast, it dawned on Jha’Ley the humor his adversary must be thinking as he saw the schooner captain at bow in his undergarments.
“Tack ten degrees to starboard, make to flee!”
Watching each
other in scope, Jha’Ley saw his opponent begin to laugh as he gave order to make chase. Jha’Ley then grinned amicably to the other captain as he gave command, “Hard to port three … two … one … NOW!”
The schooner leaned hard to her starboard-side as she turned sharp to port. When she was at just the right angle he yelled, “Seedle, NOW!”
Had the opposing captain noticed, he would have wondered why each weapon had a man strapped to the gunwale beside it. He would never have the opportunity to think of it now. The balls filled with oil and primed with flaming rags fired high into the air from one hundred twenty feet away. When they came down they landed square upon the deck and shattered covering the vessel in fire. Two of the men were hit solid by missiles and killed instantly, five more were covered in flame and running about the ship.
With a glance, Jha’Ley saw the final ship seemed to be making ready to make sail and abandon their attack on the frigate. Grabbing Lieutenant Cynric he ordered, “Come about and finish her hull and leave her to sink. Then make hard for the third vessel. Ball and board; make quick, man!”
Taking no further thought, the captain grabbed a coil of rope and before the astonished eyes of his crew vaulted over the port-side and disappeared into the salt water. Deep into the sea, Jann Jha’Ley shook out his head and relished the empowering sensation which flushed his being. Breathing deep of the ocean and embracing her touch, he thought briefly whether he had done the right thing in front of his crew, but only briefly.
Swirling his body as a dolphin might do, he then made for the enemy vessel which even then was beginning to move away from the frigate. The entire engagement had taken place within a scant quarter-mile, give or take a hundred rods. These rocks were the surface of an aquatic mountain range which ran deep. Was that a vessel still sinking below? He could just make out it was not one of their own. Then the frigate had scored at least one before being taken.