by J P Nelson
Whort Hahry knew of this place because it had been on Greybeard’s map, and they had stopped here to ride out a storm. The igloo village was an accidental find. Greybeard had dismissed the island as inconsequential, it had none of the implications he was searching for.
In Greybeards exploration of this gulf, he made no major notes or drawings. He was not exploring for exploration’s sake, and he was blazing no trails. His travel of the gulf was of specific purpose.
Jha’Ley had made comment during dinner with his officers one evening, “I have nothing but respect for the Captain,” and he spoke the title in reverence, “but it is my opinion he overlooked much in his search for his quest. I think on occasion he was in a hurry …” a look of study came across his face, “… although I cannot fathom why.
“In any case, my father taught me a saying learned from his good friend, Logan, ‘Slow down to move faster, hurry and you will slow down.’ There is much profound truth in that, gentlemen. I wish to make note of anything we may see.
“Oft times what we seek is directly beneath our nose, but we are too obsessed in searching abroad to notice.”
The away-team secured the Waddles not far from where the barges were pulling to for their water run. Seedle was stepping from the Clyde as Dessi shouldered his pack.
Seedle waved and called out, “To penguins!”
“Aye,” laughed Dessi, “to penguins!”
Telroy looked about, a half-smile on his face as he tried to fathom the joke. Dessi slapped him on the shoulder and said, “He is horny, my young mate, do you wish an amorous specimen for yourself?”
Glancing about, Telroy answered, “No thank you, sergeant.”
Toagun glanced at the two and grinned, “Don’t confuse the boy, he isn’t shaving yet.”
Caroll took a serious fatherly tone, “Come, I will explain such as we set forth upon course.”
Jha’Ley shook his head and smiled, they hadn’t even left the boat yet. He secured his own pack and took up his crossbow, “Very well gentlemen, let us be on our way.”
Dessi looked to the corporal with humor, “Do not be slow, Rymon. The commodore moves with a quick step.”
Rymon looked to Telroy as they both suppressed grins. They both knew well they were going to be up to much ribbing by these seasoned men. But it was well, just being considered, let alone invited to join Jha’Ley for an away-team venture, was a major honor.
“Locked, loaded, and ready to go. Should one of the older men tire, I shall be ready to carry him, sarge.”
Toagun chuckled, “Now that is attitude.”
With that, the team moved forward.
___________________________
One of Jha’Ley’s ulterior motives for the Igloo Island stop was to give the crew a change of pace. Sure, they needed water, and trekking across the island would be interesting. But he didn’t expect to find anything of note. Not that he would be upset if they did … but ...
Telroy and Ryman were about the same age, full of youth and an abundance of energy. Both were more than adept in dealing with the ribbing received and in dishing it back, even so, remembering well their own positions and never exceeding their boundaries. It had nothing to do with age; this was an initiation of sorts into Jha’Ley’s inner circle.
Jann Raul Jha’Ley, the man, was known far and wide as friendly, courteous, and accessible by one of the most lowly station. Yet he was incredibly reserved as to those he let into his personal circle. It was said an invitation to one of these excursions was a means for him to evaluate a person on a deeper level. At this point of his career, there were those who swore, a word from Jha’Ley to the right people would make or break advancement in the navy.
The trek was rough, but enjoyable … enjoyable, that is, if you liked rough trekking. There was no shelter from the evening winds, so Toagun taught them to dig under the hard packed snow to make human sized boroughs.
He said, “They can be quite cozy,” he flashed a wink at Telroy, “especially if you have your own penguin. But really, fellas, you will be surprised how much warmth one candle can give.”
They paired to share warmth, and the first night Jha’Ley paired with Caroll. Inside, chewing on dried fish and corn dodgers, Jha’Ley asked, “We have come far since the journey through Devil’s Kitchen, have we not?”
Caroll replied with a nodding grin, “Yes sir, that we have.”
“Caroll, can you not call me Jann Raul? Even in private. I am still the same boy who loaded crossbows for you. I am just bigger.”
With a sigh, the big man replied, “Of this I know. Yet, appropriate deportment requires I maintain---”
“Hey,” Jha’Ley waved his hand, “I am the commodore, I get to make the rules.” He popped Caroll on his shoulder with the back of his hand, “We are friends first, from twenty years past. This other is a job. The ribbons, title, it is all a matter of image for public view.
“I am an explorer, and always have been. One day I will have my own ship and be free of charters, commissions, and regulations. I want you to be a part of that.”
They were quiet.
“Do I need to fire your ass?”
“It would not be the preferred action, of course.”
“Very well, then say my name, as you did when I was a boy hunting for colored rocks with you. I want to hear your stories again.” Jha’Ley pointed to Caroll’s side, “I want to hear about the bear you killed with only that knife.”
Caroll gave a sigh, then a slight smile, “Jann … Raul …”
Jha’Ley flashed his own smile, “Outstanding. I have been wanting to do this for a long time.”
Caroll tilted his head in curiosity as Jha’Ley searched his pockets a moment, then produced his pair of ivory dice. Caroll grinned, then produced the pair of blue dice. Together they laughed and began to roll the first of many games.
On the second day, the away-team reached the end of the island, a high plateau over looking the waves of the gulf. As they were digging for evening camp, Telroy poked his head up from the hole. The suddenness of it made Dessi chuckle, “Ah, commodore, an icy badger I see. Perhaps good to skin and---”
“Commodore, begging your pardon sir, but you might want to see what we have found.”
In their digging, Telroy and Ryman had uncovered what appeared to be the top of a cedar tree … and clutching the top was a human hand. A bit more digging revealed a human forearm and the top of a head, but then all was ice … a solid sheet of it.
Toagun suggested, “Caught in a flood, then frozen in place while trying to climb to safety?”
Dessi commented, “Sounds good to me.”
Jha’Ley shrugged his shoulders and shook his head, “No telling.”
Caroll looked to the lads, “It would seem you shall share evening’s comfort with third party.”
Telroy and Ryman glanced at each other seriously and said simultaneously, “We will dig a new hole.”
The return jaunt offered no new surprises, although just as they walked through the igloo village, they saw Sergeant Corad cresting the hill with a full squad of Marines. As they came abreast of each other, Corad brought his team to a halt and snapped a salute.
The sergeant was resolute as he said, “Commodore, we are here to escort you back to ship.”
Jha’Ley returned salute, “As you will, sergeant.”
Dessi noted Jha’Ley seemed amused as he turned and commented to him, “Leave it to Captain S’Getti to be exactly on time.”
S’Getti had made detailed notes of the water cavern, including references to several large tanks connected by pipes. There was also a metal box-like structure mounted against the smooth side of one wall. Several perfectly round jewels were on the face of said box, and even more round, flat shapes along side the jewels.
Toagun had no idea what any of this may be, but it was a curiosity.
It was Corad’s team who made the greatest discovery.
S’Getti made comment, “It was a truly good idea to send the
m in such fashion.”
Jha’Ley and Dessi passed a quick glance to each other. Corad’s report was dry, quick, and precise, “Commodore, but three miles up the shore line reveals overlapping peninsulas. They conceal a cove which could easily support two, perhaps three ships.
“There is a dock and boat houses in where we found two vessels. These are not unlike our own barges, flat-bottomed and rigged for a sail, but fitted with wide runners on bottom, as if to move upon the ice, sir.”
Well behind the dock were five well built houses. Each was sixteen feet wide by forty-eight feet long, fireplaces to each end, and all made of wood. There were tables, bunks, cooking pots, etc.
Jha’Ley was fascinated. They sailed into the cove, explored about and recorded their finds; another mystery.
As the expedition continued north, they finally came up to a sheer wall of ice. The crews from both vessels were in awe as they charted a fifty-seven mile long ice barrier, estimated to be one thousand feet tall.
Jha’Ley was standing among Rufus, Telroy and Yeau as they marveled at the imposing sight. “I have never seen anything like it, have you, Mister Rufus?”
“No sir, I have not.”
At the northernmost point, they dropped anchor and many readings were made, and then made again.
The sailing master proudly stood before Jha’Ley and reported, “It is my most sincere belief we are at the edge of the northern pole. This is as close as we can get by vessel, sir.”
“Outstanding Ru, simply outstanding.”
Both men glanced up along the ice wall. Neither voiced the words, that the pole was just up yonder, over the ridge and beyond.
“Mister Sealer?!”
Toagun was standing not far off, “Yes commodore?” There was a beam of exultation upon his face. He knew what was coming.
“Mister Sealer, how would you like to be the first man … at least, the first man of our civilization’s record … to dive and catch a fish at the northernmost point of Orucean’s Sea’s?”
“I would love it. Will you join me?”
“No, my friend. This honor is for you alone.” Jha’Ley looked up the ice wall and said, “I have something else in mind for myself.”
Every head looked up the wall, then some to Jha’Ley.
Then Seedle was heard to quietly say, “Oh-h-h shi-i-ite …”
Chapter 32
THE MORNING OF the day I fought Jindowur, Toagun Sealer stood up to the port-side gunwale of the Clarise, let down his blankets and prepared to dive. Jha’Ley held Toagun’s spear ready as both ships made a formal event of the moment. All officers drew their swords and stood in salute as the drums beat-to-quarters.
The best trumpeteer on either ship was Crewman First Class Franz, of the Ubank, and he stood ready. The Waddles stood by to recover and included Seedle, Dessi, and Caroll.
Jha’Ley passed the spear to Toagun, and even though the Sealer was not technically a sworn member of any military, in honor of his past naval service and as guide for this expedition, Commodore Jann Raul Jha’Ley rendered proper salute.
The gunwale gate was opened and Toagun stepped to the edge. Franz let rip with a powerful music score, and Jha’Ley held his watch ready. Every detail of this dive would be recorded, including time. Telroy was off to side sketching quickly upon his pad.
The Sealer made much of setting up his approach, and then dove into the frigid water without so much as a ripple. Upon entry, the drums and trumpet took up a marching tune, not to cease until the man returned to surface.
One minute, two minutes … the crew had seen what Toagun could do, and how long he could stay down … but this was different. This was history in the making.
Suddenly, Toagun broke surface at the five minute and eighteen second mark. The Waddles was there quickly to pull him in, and he triumphantly held above his head a thrashing three-foot-long trout. The cheers were loud as the music broke into a victory song.
___________________________
Fhascully was not there to make it official, but no one had ever seen such a fish … so the species was named the Toagun Trout. But there was more history to be made.
The day after, Jha’Ley yelled across the rail to the Ubank, “Captain, make your men ready to climb …” he pointed to the cliff, “… we will do it here.”
S’Getti just looked across the water at him. Jha’Ley knew the man wouldn’t argue with him in presence of others, and he knew what he was probably thinking. Yeau was there right beside him, and the commodore saw him see him see him grin.
Jha’Ley left the bow to talk with Caroll, his chosen partner.
Climbing was not a problem for the commodore, it was the height. But … he made a promise, of sorts, a few months ago, and he was going to see it through. He just didn’t realize he would have to climb nearly a quarter-mile straight up to do it.
When his father, Albri, learned of the lad’s fear of heights, he set out right away to help him overcome his fear.
“Fear of itself is not a weakness,” pop had told him, “it is allowing fear to control you. Remember son, courage is not the absence of fear, but proceeding forward in spite of it. People who claim to be absolutely fearless are the most foolish of all.
“Logan himself has told me many times, he refused to engage in an enterprise with a man or woman who did not admit to being afraid, at least some of the time.”
His pop had not been pushy, but little by little he taught young Jann Raul the arts of mountain climbing, repelling, etc. Wessox Mountain, towering high above Robinto Island, afforded many places for such training. “I understand seamanship and diving is your heart’s path, but you never know when this skill may serve you well.”
Jha’Ley thought back on his father’s words, ‘Thank you pop.’
Climbing was a regular affair for Caroll, growing up among his native Ah’Zohratt Mountains in southern Lh’Gohria. The brothers, Jon and Ottus, Carpenter and Carpenter’s Mate of the Ubank, were also well versed in climbing.
As Jon explained to Jha’Ley, “Aye commodore, from whence we hail in Claybor of Lychiwal, as lads our pah would offen times make us climb the mounts tah fetch wood for our maken’s. Many’s the time me and Ottus would climb down with trees a’hangin’ from our teeth.”
Scoping the face of the cliff with his glass, Jha’Ley was pleased it wasn’t perfectly smooth. It was irregular enough, he hoped, to find plenty of hand and foot purchase. At least there was no place he might have to dangle. That was something he didn’t relish. He thought of the time his pop took him up such a feature.
Caroll was looking up the face as well and casually commented, “The climb shall be long, yet little more than arduous challenge.”
Jha’Ley looked at him, “Arduous?”
Caroll glanced to Jha’Ley, with a mild raise of his eyebrows and slight shrug he answered, “Is not arduous in preference to severe?”
‘Miu’Ganté,’ thought Jha’Ley, ‘is this just a workout for him?’ He took a breath, then released with a drawn out, “Whe-e-ew.” He thought, ‘Well, I prefer a partner whose skill regards this lightly …’
As Jha’Ley returned to study of the face, Caroll commented rather than asked in a matter-of-course tone, “As commodore, and in keeping with your desire to take forefront position, presumption holds you will wish to take lead in this climb?”
Again, Jha’Ley glanced to Caroll, and just looked at him.
Bosun Chako stepped up and asked, “Sir, the Waddles is ready and standing by.”
After only a moment’s hesitation, Jha’Ley replied, “Thank you Mister Chako.” Glancing back to his partner, he tilted his head and said, “Well Mister Caroll, let us be under way.”
The Waddles was manned by Coxswain Lebracio, Seedle, Toagun, and Seaman Bourevund. She would wait at the base of the wall, as the climb would begin from the boat. Seedle and Toagun were positioned on the just-in-case chance they may need to dive in for recovery should one, or both, fall. Lebracio was also qualified for swimmin
g in the ice, if need be. Jon and Ottus would not begin their ascent until later.
Joining the Waddles was the Oakum, one of the Ubank’s two barges. Aboard was Sergeant Corad, Lance Corporal Rahno, and Seaman First Class Boak; in effect putting all but one of the ice swimmers on standby. Coxswain Kord rounded out the Oakum’s crew.
The climb was watched by everyone and it was not a quick ascent. S’Getti felt his heart leap to his mouth when a quarter of the way up, Jha’Ley lost his grip on his ice axe and suddenly fell. If he had not been secured …
Even so, Caroll managed to grab Jha’Ley’s line and slowed the drop. Several feet below Caroll, the commodore dangled as the big man held tight with one hand.
Yeau closed his eyes believing Jha’Ley had gone to his death.
Dessi was heard to say, “Holy son-or’a-jym …”
Telroy gripped a line hard, grit his teeth, and held his breath.
Rufus shouted, “Yes-s-s …” when Jha’Ley came to a stop by Caroll’s hand.
Cheers from both vessels could be heard as their commodore finally found footing and was assisted up to Caroll’s position.
When Jha’Ley was abreast of his partner, Caroll said not a word regarding his friend’s blanched facial features. Gripping the man’s hand he could feel him tremble.
“Take moment. It is a fright, but it does happen.”
Jha’Ley was breathing harshly.
“Jann … Raul … look to me.”
They made eye contact.
“Breathe. You are well. Ehl’Rohlahn has protected you.”
“But … it is you who caught me.”
“Then … He … has put me here to this purpose.” Caroll smiled. “Do you wish I advance forward?”
“No … no … as pop says … I must … I must put foot back into the saddle.”
Caroll gave Jha’Ley one of his ice axes. With a questioning glance, Jha’Ley started to shake his head.
“Jann Raul … you must secure line so that I may follow. Leave my axe in place when recovery is made of your own.” He glance up, “See? You must only climb short way to make recovery.”