Winds of Torsham (The Kohrinju Tai Saga Book 2)

by J P Nelson

  I shrugged my shoulders, “I didn’t like them anyway.”

  He laughed, “I could arrange for your freedom. My captain would like you, and we could always use good men.”

  My look must have been grim and haunting, as I looked deep into his eyes and pursing my lips said, “I don’t deserve to be free.”

  Cynric didn’t know what to say. Indicating another mate coming around the hall to help carry the crate, he glanced back to me and said, “I do not know what you have done, but a man must forgive himself of ill deeds and push on. You have the mark of military bearing and stature, I see it in your carriage, good sir. Have you been an officer at some point?”

  “Are you going to take Laury?”

  “It would be well, but he uses underlings to do his work. Until we catch him directly working one of our vessels, or making lawless trade in Vedoa, he is out of our jurisdiction.”

  “Be well, Lieutenant Cynric, carry on.”

  He paused, but then asked, “May I have the honor of your name, good sir?”

  Who was I? A slave from birth? A half-breed with no home, haunted by nightmares of people I had wronged, people who trusted me and were now dead? A wretched soul with no future, no hope? I thought of my chums, Riana, my momma who I could not help when she needed me most … and then, there was another who haunted my thoughts. There was a child who I might have rescued, a child who shared my blood. But was I fit to do so? I dashed it from my mind.

  “I am nobody, lieutenant, nobody at all.”

  He and his crew left then. I never knew if he returned. The next night Laury put me in the main event, then sold me to Edgarfield.

  ___________________________

  Captain Jha’Ley got to return to his desire of exploration. Upon returning to port with Dobber and several other smugglers, Queen Morella determined it should be Vedoan scientists to verify and formally chart the growth of the V’Pohra Tanzhi. The phenomenon was reportedly spreading, and as such a danger to all civilization. Two vessels from Lh’Gohria had been launched in recent years to chart the growth, but neither had been heard from again.

  Once more, Fhascully was put aboard the Clarise to monitor the venture. The first stop was the fabled Island of Avalon. The closest civilized, known inhabited land to the V’Pohra Tanzhi, Jha’Ley wanted to learn all possible of the malevolent mist before touching its edge once more. But there was something else; Avalon was where his mother and Old Uncle had been born. It was the place Captain Raul Vier favored and where the Kelshinua had been built. Even more so, there was an old woman there he wanted to see, if she was still alive.

  The stop at Port Eigyr, in Avalon Bay of Avalon Island, lasted nearly a week. “It will be some time before we see others of our kind, or feel or smell the aroma of a fine lady,” Jha’Ley admonished his crew with a hint of whimsy in his eye, “take to heart, but play the gentlemen. We shall cast off once more within the week.”

  The captain then set off, on what the crew believed to be a holiday, as he made a trek into the mountains. Returning several days later, he spoke not a word of his adventure and straightway saw to preparations for casting off.

  Many adventures accompanied this voyage, which lasted nearly two years, but for the first time in known history the western reach of the notorious mist was charted. And indeed, it was growing.

  From the sight of the icy continent of Meinkutt in the north, past the desert continent of Fn’Jaht, past the Juyvashi Islands and beyond the south arctic circle, as far as the Clarise could manage into the masses of floating ice below, they sailed.

  It was during this voyage they discovered what may be the lost Oskatein Island, far to the east of Fn’Jaht. The beaches were lush and tropical, and there they stayed for the better part of a week taking water and food supply. But no ruins were found and no sign that intelligent life had ever been there.

  It was Jha’Ley’s hope that on return he would be able to supervise a refit of the now battered Clarise, for some perils of the voyage had been most hard on her, then make travel into the Meinkutt Sea and explore fabled Torsham’s Vault, including the island. He wished very much to learn what he could of where the Kelshinua went down, and if possible, reclaim a certain chest.

  There were scant few reports regarding the Vault and dangers of the Meinkutt Sea, let alone the island. He believed the frigid cold of the waters would preserve anything on the vessel, but would it be intact? Also, he wished to make another visit to Avalon.

  Queen Morella, still sharp and of a clear mind, enjoyed her ninety-eighth birthday one week after Captain Jha’Ley returned from his historic voyage. She gave him personal court as she reveled in his many discoveries and adventures. Several islands he had identified which were on no modern maps, of these he had named one in her honor, Morella Isle.

  “It is a land of pristine beauty, the purity of the ice about it sparkles as does your radiance, Your Majesty.”

  “Well done, well done my captain. You give my hand steady purchase from inward tremble, of which I am now poor to resolve.” Her mirth was uncharacteristic of the elderly monarch, as most men were terrified of her wrath. But there was a place in her heart for the man she referred to as Her Captain. There were those who envied him, but there were those who loathed him as well.

  Admiral Sark confided with Jha’Ley, “She sees in you a dashing spirit of vehement pursuance, a man with vision who will leave his mark upon history.” There was no jealousy in Sark’s demeanor, but there was warning in his voice, “She favors you, and rightly so. But take heed, Mister Jha’Ley, you do not make way with politic and time, but many would see to your undoing. I fear those who wish like favor fail such initiative to make earning of it, but would to slay the maker of bread to feed their own belly.”

  Jha’Ley appraised the man beside him and with reverence replied with his famed smile, “As always, you are my admiral, my mentor, and my friend. What would you have me to do, sir?”

  Sark blew a humorous gust, then replied, “Why, my friend, I would have you seize wind and go straight at them.” He gave a violent shake of his head in punctuation, “Claim day and take the prize; damn those before you into perdition’s deep!”

  The captain nodded his head and looked to the eastern sky and breathed deep the salt air.

  During her birthday, the queen made many honors, not the least of which was promotion of Captain Jann Raul Jha’Ley to the coveted position of Commodore. His first assignment, to take out the new flagship, a schooner with a one hundred fifty-six-foot LOD, a deck built between the main and berthing-deck which housed seven Balder Ballistae to a side, five such weapons on the main-deck to a side, and a stern-castle besides. What was more, on this maiden voyage, Commodore Jha’Ley was to play host to the queen, herself.

  When he saw the vessel for the first time, however, he was even more stunned. The new schooner was of burgundy, and the name across her stern read, the VNS Clarise.

  He asked Admiral Sark as he was being shown the ship, “I do not understand …”

  “It has been decided you should have a more updated vessel. The previous Clarise has served her purpose. She is now to be decommissioned.”

  Jha’Ley was quiet, mournful even. He was at a loss for words. As he transferred his things to the new vessel, he touched the wood of the schooner he had come to think of as his bride. He stood upon her deck long into the night and shed his tears.

  Queen Morella wished to tour the Gulf of Sabelle, sail the Ponskitan Sea, and return up the east coast of Antillias Island. Jha’Ley’s eyes widened at the thought, and reached out to steady himself in his chair as Sark passed the information in his office. The launch would be, and still was, a secret. But, she was to be accompanied by the four most accomplished warships in their navy.

  So it was that on the 4th day of the first month in the year 919 Vedoic, which is 5140 ED, Commodore Jha’Ley set out with what many would regard the most precious cargo he could ever transport, Queen Morella of Vedoa.

  Around the Gulf of
Sabelle, into the Mon’Cique Ocean, through the Strait of Nikaru, down the Ponskitan Sea, through Skeilar’s Channel, and then as fast as possible up The Mon’Cique and home. Fifty-eight hundred miles in two months.

  The maneuvers Jha’Ley was famous for she wanted to experience first hand, and when the Clarise tacked hard to starboard, heeling the vessel nearly to the waves as they fired weapons in a near vertical line, she screamed in glee as a teenage girl. Back in Engeas, she gifted him with any one thing he wanted.

  “If it would please Your Majesty, I would favor it strongly if I may take the vessel and crew to explore the north, even unto the Meinkutt Sea and Belmond Glacier, in the name of Vedoa.”

  Her smile was radiant as she nodded, “Done my captain, done.”

  Chapter 14

  THE NEXT SEVERAL days were filled with preparation of the Meinkutt Expedition. Along the way, however, there were changes to be made. Sailing Master G’Tabb decided it was finally time to retire. He had been at sea for fifty years and wanted to settle and take a wife, perhaps have children.

  Lieutenant Cynric received a well earned promotion to captain. Jha’Ley was pleased to see he was commissioned with the VNS Alvarez, Sark’s old vessel, still a worthy ship and well respected on the sea. Two other ships were to join Jha’Ley on this voyage, he had hoped Cynric would captain one of these, but it was not to be. Captain Cynric spoke many of the Ponskitan Sea dialects, and he would be patrolling those waters.

  Eighteen year old Telroy had done remarkably well over the years, and by G’Tabb’s recommendation was commissioned as a junior officer, sailing master’s mate, under the new master, Rufus, a veteran of the sea with strong referral by Commodore Redding.

  When Jha’Ley heard a long past familiar voice in thick Southern Sha’Ming accent say, “Good mohning commodoh, it is good to see you again …” he spun about and saw a well set up fellow wearing the uniform of quartermaster and offering salute. Grinning, the commodore returned the salute and cheerfully said, “Hey, Yeau!”

  Grinning equally broad from ear to ear, he replied, “Yessuh … Yeau, that iss me. Puh-misss-ion to come apoahd, suh.”

  “Permission granted; it is great to have you.”

  Another familiar face was Bosun’s Mate, Chako, who should have been much further along in rank since he had known him from Presittorn Isle, but there seemed to be this problem with fighting …

  Jha’Ley was making inspection with his new ship’s lieutenant and first officer, a burly man of crisp bearing named Dalton, when he noticed Chako walking toward them with a tall, muscular, almost black man behind him. Jha’Ley just stood there and took in a long hard gander … I mean, he looked really hard at the fellow.

  The big man stood around six-foot-four, was wearing home-spun breeches and a muslin tunic, sandals on his feet instead of boots, and had a duffle slung over his shoulder. The scabbard of a very large blade was on his back, a curved knife at belt. A smooth stone seamed with many colors had been set with a cord and hung around his neck.

  Jha’Ley almost didn’t hear the full of Chako’s presentation, “… and he says he wants to enlist, but only if he can serve with you. He passed all tests for able-bodied seaman, sir, and he could easily qualify first class, but it has been left up to you, sir.”

  Jha’Ley almost could not believe his sight as his memories went back to his childhood. He clear forgot naval standards as he grabbed the man’s hand while enthusiastically asking, “Caroll?! Is that you?”

  Caroll’s teeth glistened with a smile as he gripped forearms with his young friend, “Yes, yes, good commodore, it is I …” as Jha’Ley grabbed the man in a strong manly hug. Both were laughing as the commodore remembered himself aboard the deck, as everyone had stopped to watch. With glee, he declared, “Heyo! The man is still a civilian, is he not?” The whole deck enjoyed the reunion.

  As it was, Caroll had been with Logan the whole time, and was one of those with him in his investigation of the Eayahnite religion. Caroll had been instrumental in helping find Logan’s new stronghold of Haebourn, southwest of Quandell, deep in the Sahrjiun Mountains. It was there stories of Captain Jha’Ley reached their ears. In time, Caroll felt he was spiritually led to find and support the captain.

  Logan had even sent a letter to Jann Raul with Caroll.

  There was much to be talked in the way of old times, and adventures since, but the first objective was to finish preparations for cast off. With a word from Jha’Ley, Caroll was enlisted as a seaman first class and assistant to Bosun’s Mate Chako.

  As preparations were nearly complete, it became clear Fhascully and Kravieu would join the crew. With a grin, Jha’Ley told his first officer, “Well, Mister Dalton, it is going to be entertaining.”

  Dalton’s brow creased as he replied, “I apologize, sir. I do not comprehend your meaning.”

  Laughing, the commodore answered, “Oh! You will, you will.”

  At the lieutenant’s perplexed stare he was slapped upon the arm with, “Relax, Mister Dalton, you must learn to be less rigid. We may be naval-like and enjoy ourselves.” With that, Jha’Ley walked back to the ship’s stern to inspect some equipment.

  A formal dinner was held by Queen Morella before the expedition was underway, but even as the evening was meant to be of cheer, Jha’Ley couldn’t help but notice she was not looking her best.

  He confided with Sark, “I fear Her Majesty’s strength is in peril.”

  Sark was quiet, but then finally admitted, “Yes it is true. But consider her age, she is doing well to even be among us, let alone move about as she has.” He gripped his friend by the arm, “Consider more, you have given her joy in her old age.”

  Before leaving the palace, Jha’Ley was summoned to hold private court with the queen. When I say private, I don’t mean they were alone, but they were alone as they could be, her being the queen and all.

  It took great effort for her to stand and face him, but stand she was determined to do. She called him next to her, and as he drew close he could hear the harshness of breath, a condition which had plagued her off and on for several months, but seemed to go away during their voyage. ‘How quickly,’ he thought, ‘her health has declined.’

  She took his hand, and after much time bringing herself to speak, she drew up to her full height of nearly six feet, a tall woman of strong bearing unto her last, and managed the words, “I would that I … journey with you … to seek new things … to do … yes, alas …” she coughed and had a difficult moment, but refused to be assisted by those waiting near.

  Smiling a weak smile, she gazed into his face. Jha’Ley knew this would be the last time he would see her. She continued her words, “… alas … to do!” Then she leaned forward and softly kissed him. Stepping back, she seemed to relish what may be her final warm touch.

  Knowing she would wish it so, he stepped back and formally gave Her Majesty Queen Morella a final salute. She returned the gesture and commanded him, “Seize the day, My Commodore!”

  With that, he turned about and left the chamber.

  The next morning Jha’Ley took a parting tea with his friend, Redding. Together they walked the shipyard and observed the vessel under construction. Redding passed comment, “The newest design in frigates. The largest built in our time; two hundred feet of deck, ten Balder Ballistae to a side of the missile-deck and seven above. Thus far, there have been none like her on the sea, but times are changing. We mean to stay at the forefront of combat ship design.

  “See, she has already been named, although not officially. When set to water, she shall be christened the VNS Esmeralda.”

  Jha’Ley was impressed, “One commanding a squad of such vessels would be a strong arm, indeed.”

  “Ah, wait, but that is not all.” Redding became as giddy as a school boy, almost in a whisper, he said, “Follow me.”

  Into his office they went, then he removed a painting from the wall to reveal a combination lock. Dialing it, he opened a door and withdrew a sheaf of parchment pap
ers. Laying them out on a drawing table, he showed Jha’Ley his newest design.

  Jha’Ley marveled at the vessel before him.

  Redding was excited, “You know the old stories, ancient ones for sure, of sailing vessels hundreds of feet long, war craft with multiple decks of missile capability … well, here is my idea.”

  Jha’Ley whistled.

  “Look here, Jann Raul, a main-deck of two hundred fifty-nine feet designed exclusively for multiple Balder Ballistae. But two more full missile-decks below. Her beam is sixty-one feet and look how the keel is designed.”

  Jha’Ley replied in awe, “This is fantastic.” Looking to his friend, “But, Stanlius, why have you not …”

  “Ah, Her Majesty has seen it, and likes it, but she is of the belief that her time is near, and her appointed heir may not approve.”

  “You mean Prince Benjamin?”

  “Yes.” Redding raised his eyebrows in uncertainty.

  Jha’Ley saw something else at bottom of the stack of drawings, “What is this?”

  “Uhm, no, please …”

  Mischievously, Jha’Ley pulled it out as Redding tried to prevent him. His eyes widened, “Miu’Ganté Comveri! One hundred forty … rods?!” He looked to his friend, “You must explain.”

  Sheepishly, Redding responded with a sigh, then said, “You must proffer a man his fantasy. Very well. I call it Indigamoh. One hundred forty rods, three hulls. As you see the main hull is, well, the main hull, but the sails are supported by all three. Across the top, however, is a single vast deck. Upon it are featured catapults with great range and a more immense version of the Balder Ballista. She features three missile-decks below the main.”

  Delicately, Redding reclaimed his parchment and rerolled his plans, “It is a fantasy, my friend. Some things just are not possible.”

  Jha’Ley was thinking of what he had seen in the Bai’Yeuntite Crater.

  The two vessels joining this expedition were the VNS Ubank and the merchant ship, VMS Qua’Korr.