Dragon Clan #5: Tanner's Story

by LeRoy Clary

  “Come with me,” Tanner ordered, turning his back and heading for the pier.

  Carrion was waiting. He said, “This the first mate?”

  Tanner shrugged and said, “The first mate abandoned ship about a year ago. This is Seaman Fisher. He’s the only man on the entire ship doing any work as far as I can see. He used to be a first mate.”

  Carrion stuck out his hand and shook the hesitant hand of the seaman. “So you know about ships?”

  “I do.”

  Carrion said, “I want it flat out. I ask, and you tell me the truth about The Rose. You up for that?”

  Seaman Fisher grinned, “Want to check the hull first, do you? That’s smart. Bow or stern?”

  “Bow. No reason, it just seems like the right way to do it,” Carrion laughed.

  They walked to the bow. Seaman Fisher told them the planks were in good condition. The hull needed calking, but that was normal. The spars, decking, and most everything else needed cleaning and painting. Ropes, sails, and anything else subject to rot needed replacing.

  “So, she’s a solid ship?” Carrion asked.

  “Not if she sits here through the winter. She’ll probably be on the bottom.”

  “I thought you said it was a solid ship.”

  “Oh, she is, but with nobody taking care of a damn thing, she’ll go fast. All ships leak a bucket-full a day, or maybe two or three. Pumps clear it right out—if anybody does the pumping. If not, she sinks.”

  “Has anyone been pumping?” Tanner asked.

  “Me, but I’m moving on. There’s a billet open on a cargo ship due to arrive here in a few days. I guess I’m going to take it. So The Rose will probably sink.”

  Carrion pulled a small silver coin from his purse and handed it to Fisher. “I need a first mate, I can trust. You’re it. I own controlling interest in this ship as of yesterday and together we’re going to save her.”

  “Why the silver?” Fisher asked.

  “I need you to give up that other berth and stay here. This will be a huge undertaking, but I want your advice and help.”

  “I’m the mate? Does Captain Jamison know?”

  “He does not. We’ll worry about that later. What is the first thing we need to do?” Carrion asked.

  “Well, I guess I’ll leave, telling the Captain about me up to you. If he doesn’t agree, I’ll just give you back your silver and take the other berth. First thing, if it’s up to me, is that we run every lazy sailor on the ship ashore. All of them. Some were never even crew. They just sleep there.”

  Carrion smiled, “Then what?”

  “We will hire good men. First, we’ll have a surveyor come aboard and let us know what he thinks.”

  “What does he do?” Tanner asked, knowing full well the answer.

  “Well, he’s sort of an inspector for ships. He’ll tell us what we need in no uncertain terms. Then it’s up to us to find it, install it, and slap a coat of paint on it.”

  “I like that,” Carrion said. “Instead of relying on the crew we hire someone who has no relationship with the ship. Where do we find a surveyor?”

  “I know there are at least three in Racine. The harbor master will tell you where to find them. The Captain is staying?”

  Tanner and Carrion exchanged looks. Carrion said, “I don’t know. But I have to go see about the surveyor. While I’m doing that, Tanner will speak to the Captain and if they do not come to an agreement, he will either escort him off the ship or throw him overboard by the time I return.”

  Fisher laughed, “Things are going to be so interesting, I should give you back this coin no matter what happens.”

  “Where’d Devlin get off to?” Carrion asked.

  “Over there,” Tanner said, motioning with his head to where the boy was lounging with three others on the far side of the pier where the Far Seeker was tied up. Devlin was talking with three of the crew wearing black, and it drew a smile from both Tanner and Carrion.

  “He doesn't want to talk it up with those,” Fisher said.

  Tanner said, “He knows. I suspect he’s gathering information without telling them anything.”

  Carrion said, “Okay, this is our plan. I’m going after the surveyor, Tanner is going to to Captain, and you’ll go over there and tell Devlin to help you. He’s to clear the ship of any warm or cold bodies. By the time I return we’ll either have a Captain or be looking to hire a new one.”

  Fisher said, “Not that it’s any of my business, but it sounds as if you haven’t actually bought the ship. There are strict laws of the sea, and you need to learn them before you get into trouble. Just offering free advice.”

  Carrion placed a hand on Fisher’s shoulder. “As the first mate, I expect you to tell me when I may be making a mistake. In this case, the debts the Captain has run up could all be called due months ago. He either pays, or the ship is taken to settle them. That was his bargain to secure the money.”

  “And you own those papers. I see,” Fisher said. “Well, let me gather up Devlin and we’ll have the ship cleared before breakfast. As the acting first mate, do you want me to hire any crewmen?”

  Tanner nodded. “That cook might be one to start with, but first, get them all ashore and be ready to rescue me if my meeting with the Captain doesn’t go well.”

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Tanner heard the initial ruckus as Devlin and Fisher cleared the decks. The shouting, yelling, cursing, and heavy feet stamping as they left the ship sounded like music as he headed for the Captain’s cabin. He kicked trash and rotting food from the center of the passage to the sides. He breathed through his nose to avoid gagging.

  His anger grew more intense now that he saw the ship in the light of day and considered sailing into the ocean on it. How could a captain allow his ship to fall into such disrepair? While the initial intent had been to refit the ship, keep the crew and Captain, and sail across the sea, Tanner seethed in boiling anger. Carrion wished to keep the Captain and only replace him if necessary. It was the Captain’s ship, and Carrion wanted to be fair.

  Fair is one thing.

  At the door to the Captain’s cabin, he hesitated, then pounded on the door with his fist. The door swung open, and Captain Jamison stood inside, his hair combed, his uniform semi-neat and reasonably clean. While his pallor was pale and his eyes blood red, he stood with his back straight as he ordered, “Come in.”

  Ordered was the correct description. He didn’t ask or welcome. He ordered. Like a Captain. Tanner said, “I will not deceive you in any way. I came here to either relieve you of your duties and put you ashore, or hire you.”

  Without an invitation, Tanner walked to the only chair in the cabin and sat, leaving the Captain to stand. The Captain was obviously uncomfortable and weighed Tanner’s words while holding his temper. Captains are not treated like Tanner was treating him, especially on their own ships.

  A slight tingle on his back told Tanner a dragon, probably Carrion’s dragon, was near. Hopefully, that did not mean Carrion was having trouble. But he had entered with every intention of removing the Captain and now hesitated. His mind was nearly made up, but he left a portion open, if for no other reason than to be able to say he had been fair.

  Tanner turned and faced the Captain. “Are you aware that there are men sleeping on this ship who are not part of the crew? Your first mate sailed on another ship and left you here. Your only officer is so fat he cannot move to allow people he doesn’t know from coming aboard? That I had to kick my way through trash and garbage in the passageway to reach this cabin?”

  He had intentionally said this cabin instead of your cabin. Now he waited for the answer, which might end the conversation. The Captain swallowed hard. His face tinged pink before he nodded.

  “Do you have something to say?” Tanner demanded.

  “Do you think I’ll make excuses or try to place the blame on others? If you do, you’re mistaken. The deplorable condition of The Rose is mine, and mine alone.”

  Tanner had
not expected a truthful answer. “Explain the things I see on this ship.”

  The Captain squared his shoulder before speaking. “What you see is not the ship I purchased and commanded for twenty years. As those at the Anchor Inn will confirm, my ship was considered one of the finest on the water until five years ago. When all travel across the Endless Sea was suspended, trade reduced, and the opportunity for honest profit removed, I did what I could.”

  “And?”

  “And I managed to hold the financial end together better than any but Captain Brice on that black ship across the pier from us. He’s been after me to sell him this ship for years, but even he had not made an offer that would cover my debts. I reached a point where I could not purchase supplies, the crew revolted when I couldn’t continue paying them. Most departed for better berths on other ships. It became a death spiral.”

  Tanner waited for more, but nothing came. But the mention of Captain Brice, and the distasteful manner he’d spoken the name told more than words.

  Tanner also realized he had not shared the information with Carrion that the man at the Anchor Inn had shared. Bishop was his name, a first mate. He’d have to remember to pass it on because much of it dealt with their mission.

  But back to the Captain. The death spiral he spoke of, was understandable in the circumstances. There are situations where nothing can be done to correct them. Hiding from them in a bottle is not the best way to handle unmanageable financial problems, but who was he to judge? Tanner had never been in a similar situation.

  If the Captain had made excuses or was at all belligerent, the decision would have been easier. He had entered the cabin expecting to throw the Captain off of his own ship. Now he took notice of the changes in the man and wondered. There had been more than a few overheard comments in sympathy with Captain Jamison from the other captains at the Anchor Inn.

  Tanner said, “Are you aware that we have purchased almost all your debt?”

  “My recommendation, had you asked, would have been to save your coin. This ship will suck every thin copper from your purse.”

  “There’s no chance of the ship operating at a profit?”

  “No, honestly, there is not. The Rose can out sail anything on the water, but who wants to pay for speed?”

  The comment caught Tanner’s attention. “Faster than anything? Even military ships?”

  “You don’t know beans ‘bout ships if you ask that question. The Rose could race any ship, but that black one tied up next to us and win. Not only win, but sail a circle around the other and still come in first.”

  “There was a man at the Anchor Inn called Bishop. He had some interesting things to say about a place called Breslau. Know of it?”

  A twisted expression briefly crossed the Captain’s face before he controlled it. “I’ve sailed there. Long ago.”

  “That’s not saying very much. I’m asking if you know the waters, the ports, and if chased, can The Rose out sail their ships?”

  “I don’t like those people. What business could you possibly have there?”

  Tanner hesitated. “Sir, that would be my business.”

  A shrewd expression replaced the bland face the Captain tried to maintain. He drew in a long breath, then, as if making up his mind about something, he said, “The Rose is not a fighting ship, but a fast one. If you’re going to Breslau against their wishes, I’d be willing to help. As I said, I do not like the people there and would willingly be party to any pain you might cause them.”

  “I’m sure you’ll understand my intent when I say that we’re considering hiring a captain for this ship. My expectation this morning was to come aboard and replace you. Now I’m not so sure.”

  The Captain only nodded. His cheeks may have taken on a slightly redder tinge, but he waited for Tanner to continue.

  “I am not a man of the sea, but I’ve been around a few. I have heard what it’s like out there, and I will not give up my life to a drunkard who mishandles a ship and makes mistakes. Or to one who does not care and allows his ship to fall into disgrace. Do I make myself clear?”

  The Captain didn't back down. He stood stock still and said, “I do not drink at sea. I am still one of the best captains on this coast. However, I understand your concern. Perhaps a compromise is in order. Suppose that I continue to command and refit the ship, if that is your intent. If you are not satisfied with my leadership or find me lacking in any respect, put me ashore. After all, that is where I’d be in a month if you had not come along.”

  Carrion might object to his decision. There seemed to be advantages to hiring a captain of their choice. But he had given Tanner the task to handle, which brought up the idea of who was in charge again. Tanner had to report back to the family council, but Carrion seemed to be making most of the decisions lately. On the other hand, a good leader allowed his subordinates the free hands to do what was needed. Subordinate. Carrion would laugh at that choice of words.

  Still, it was Tanner’s decision to make, and as he spoke to Captain Jamison, he felt compelled to keep him in the position. If nothing else, Captain Jamison didn’t like Captain Brice of the Far Seeker, nor the land of Breslau. Besides, he had sailed there in the past. That was, at least, two items that pointed to Captain Jamison’s sound decision making.

  Tanner said, “Sir, we do not wish to own a ship. Our intent is to cross the sea without being captured, and we have personal business to attend to, most of which are only to gather information. Seek out what we want and return safely. That information remains between you and me, for I have already said too much.”

  “You have a point?” the Captain said, not unkindly.

  “Yes. At the end of our venture, this ship may be returned to you. Nobody will know the circumstances of our deal but four or five of us. We have hired a first mate this morning in your absence, one of your old crew. A man named Fisher.”

  “I know him, of course. But I already have a good first mate.”

  “As of now, there is no crew on the ship. You should also know that your first mate sailed on another ship days after you docked. Fisher held the same position on another ship, and during our time aboard, he is the only sailor we found working.”

  “Your specific destinations?”

  “Unknown. We intend to explore. Beyond the Marlstones.” Tanner watched for the reaction.

  The Captain extended his hand to shake. “You are the owners. I am the Captain. We’ll do this thing together, and I pledge my support no matter the outcome. It’ll feel good to be at sea and if my ship is returned to me, so be it. If not, I’ll find another.”

  Tanner took the hand. He felt encouraged and hoped the partnership would work. The Captain would be watched closely during the next few days. If he didn’t measure up, they’d replace him. Simple as that. When he opened the door to the Captain’s cabin, he caught the look of shock and disgust on the Captain’s face before he steeled himself and stepped out into the clutter of the passageway as if this was the first he’d seen of it. Perhaps it was the first time while sober.

  They made a quick tour of the ship. Tanner found most of the problems were more cosmetic in nature, after the trash. Anything that was normally replaced annually was worthless. But the bones of the ship, as the Captain called them, were sound.

  Carrion was on the pier speaking with a man taking notes. He led Captain Jamison to them. Carrion gave Tanner a questioning look, but he ignored it.

  The man was the surveyor and had already made a detailed list of what was needed. He had three pages of items, all available locally. He said a competent crew could have the ship ready in five days after delivery, but he had stressed the word, ‘competent.' Looking around at the others on the pier, most of whom had recently been run off of the ship, Tanner understood.

  Tanner pulled the Captain aside. “How many are the usual crew?”

  “Two officers, me and another navigator. A cook. A first mate and ten or twelve others. The Rose almost sails herself, but you still need people a
t the helm around the clock.”

  Tanner glanced at the men lounging on the pier. “Any of them worth taking back?”

  “I have never seen most of those men. No, I can hire better than that this morning.”

  The answer satisfied Tanner. He would have worried if the Captain had wanted any of the men. Fisher appeared, pulling a cloth sack filled with refuse from the main deck. He went back for more.

  The surveyor left, and Carrion handed the Captain the list of materials. “Does that look about right?”

  After examining the list, the Captain said, “He didn’t include foodstuffs for a voyage. The rest looks complete, but all that is going to cost dearly. Can you afford it?”

  “What’s your estimate?”

  “I’d say that by the time you’re done, a large gold piece or more. Not a thin gold, but a full.”

  “The surveyor guessed about the same. We can afford it. I assume that you’re going to sail with us?” Carrion reached to shake the Captain’s hand without asking Tanner any questions or showing any doubts in the decision.

  Devlin helped the first mate remove more trash from the ship, then both returned to the ship for more. Captain Jamison said, “I suppose I’d better go hire some help before they have the entire ship clean.”

  He turned away as Captain Brice walked down the gangplank of the black ship. He wore all black again, as did his crew. He tipped his hat as he approached Captain Jamison. He spoke loud enough for all to hear, “Getting her all cleaned up for me?”

  “I’d sink her first,” Captain Jamison spat.

  “I hear you don’t even own The Rose anymore.”

  “And you never will.” Captain Jamison spun and headed for the shore.

  Captain Brice, however, walked to Carrion’ side and said, “I’d like to talk to you about buying The Rose. Save you the time and effort patching her up, and you’d make a tidy profit.”

  Carrion smiled thinly and said, “You’re talking to the wrong person. I work for him.” He pointed to Tanner and then turned his back.