by LeRoy Clary
“Is there something you’re looking at?” Captain Brice’s harsh voice sounded from the main deck.
Carrion and Tanner looked up. He was close enough to hold a conversation in a normal voice. Carrion said, louder than necessary, “You already know that we’re the owners of The Rose. As a courtesy to a fellow investor and business competitor, would you extend an invitation for us to board and tour the Far Seeker?”
Tanner almost choked at Carrion’s audacity. He fought to hold his face impassive.
Captain Brice was taken back at the request. He shook his head and snarled, “Why would you want to tour my ship? So that you can try to duplicate it?”
Carrion shook his head, “No, Captain. When the proper time arrives, I wish to offer you a fair price for her.”
“You aren’t coming about this ship unless it’s in chains.”
“Well, that’s unexpected and downright unfriendly,” Carrion snorted, doing his best to hold back his laughter.
Captain Brice recovered his wits and stood taller. “I guess I should thank you for outfitting my newest ship in my fleet. One way or another I’ll soon own The Rose.”
Tanner saw several more crewmen had appeared behind Captain Brice, all wearing smirks, but some were not as confident as they had been. He glanced at The Rose and found, at least, half that crew watching. Carrion was indeed stirring the pot.
Carrion placed his hands on his hips and stepped closer to the edge of the pier while looking right into the eyes of Captain Brice. He lowered his voice and spoke directly to him, but all could hear the words. “Sir, I do not mean to be disagreeable, but I do have some say in the matter. What I say is that a black ship like yours looks like it lost an engagement and burned. When I own the Far Seeker, it will be painted so white it will blind a person in the sunlight.”
“You own the Far Seeker?” Captain Brice shouted, throwing his head back and laughing.
Carrion flashed a brilliant smile and waited before answering in a soft, but confident tone. “Count on it, Captain. Then I will sink it in the middle of the harbor for all to see.”
Tanner felt Carrion take his arm and turn him so his back was to the shouting Captain Brice, crewmen, and ship. They crossed the pier at a slow stroll, another insult as they refused to acknowledge anything shouted behind them. The crew of The Rose laughed and cheered.
Captain Jamison met them at the top of the gangplank. His expression was dour, and his eyes shielded. He only said, “Really?”
Carrion saluted and replied, “Sorry sir. It was necessary.”
Devlin snorted his laughter, then spun and darted off before the Captain could see who it was. Others hid smiles or giggles by turning their heads. As they walked by him, Tanner saw the glint of humor in the Captain Jamison’s eyes, although he tried to maintain the stern expression.
At their cabin, Carrion said, “I believe our work is finished for the day.”
Tanner climbed into his bunk as he reviewed the confrontation in his mind. In the end, just before falling asleep, he muttered, “Yes, it is. This was a good day.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Tanner and Carrion woke to the shouting of orders and the running of feet on the wooden decks of the ship. As they climbed from their beds, Carrion mumbled about how he couldn’t tell if it was day or night except by peering out of the tiny porthole. Normally early risers, both were surprised to see bright sunlight streaming inside.
The cabin shifted. It tilted to one side, and surged ahead, causing both to grab for anything solid to maintain their balance. The cabin continued to tilt. Near the door stood two longbows and quivers of arrows.
They made their way to the open deck and found the ship was tilted to one side as a brisk wind pinned it there. Whitecaps turned the blue of the water into a green-gray. The sails were stretched taut, and crewmen hurried about their duties.
First mate, Fisher approached, saluted, and said, “The Captain will see you in his cabin at your convenience.”
Tanner said, “Thank you. I have a quick question. How’s Devlin doing? He’s sort of our responsibility.”
Fisher nodded. “He was born to the sea, and to be a leader. This time, next year he’ll either be the best sailor on this ship or be the first mate on another.”
The Captain’s door was standing open, but Carrion still knocked. There was a chart spread in front of him.
“Come in and make yourselves comfortable. The cook will be right up.”
Tanner sat, forced to sit on one edge of the chair to keep himself upright. The movement of the ship from bow to stern was not the problem. The ship leaned to one side and everything not secure slid to that side of the ship. The mug at the Captain’s side threatened to spill from one edge.
“Is it always like this?” Tanner asked.
Captain Jamison chuckled. “Six gods dancing, that’s funny. Sometimes it leans to the other side.”
Tanner didn’t laugh. He perched on his chair and held on looking no more comfortable than Carrion.
“The wind is with us. It gives The Rose the speed she is built for. But on to more important things. The Far Seeker slipped from port during the night. Since there is only one exit from the Bay, I expect she found a place to watch for us as we entered the sea. She probably took a heading on us and is running a parallel course, just out of sight.”
Carrion twisted in his chair trying to make it more comfortable. “Why can she see us and we can’t see her?”
“Now that’s a good question. The answer is that as she comes near enough to catch a glimpse of us she knows exactly where to look. As soon as they see a smudge of white sails, they veer off a few points again.”
“Does the Far Seeker always follow you?” Tanner asked.
The Captain sipped whatever was in his mug and his eyes twinkled again. He said, “Yes. Ever since the owners of The Rose went across the pier and angered their captain and most of the crew.”
“What’s he up to?” Carrion asked.
“I think he’s going to wait for calmer seas, less wind, and then he’s going to slip up on us at night. Those dark sails and black hull will be impossible to see at night.”
“Which is probably why he painted them that color,” Carrion said. “So what are you going to do about it?”
“With your permission, I’m going to train our crew with a few exercises. I expect he’s hanging upwind of us to ensure he can catch us whenever he wishes. Unless you have reason to reach the Marlstones as fast as possible, I wish to sail downwind. Test the crew in following seas. It will also test our new rigging.”
Tanner said, “Have you found any problems?”
“No more than a hundred, so we’re doing pretty well. Seriously, I expected worse. We have ample spares and Fisher helped me choose well.”
“You want to disappear and then make your run for the Marlstones,” Carrion said. “There is no objection from us, but I will say that if I were the Captain of the Far Seeker, I’d anticipate your move and instead of being upwind where you expect, I’d be downwind. If so, you sail directly to me.”
The Captain blanched as if he’d never thought of that. He blustered, “Are you questioning my competency?”
“Not at all. Just telling what I’d do if we were on land. When young, I spent considerable time studying military history. What applies on land may not on the sea.” It was clear that Carrion chose his words carefully.
The turn in the discussion held Tanner from speaking. Carrion was trying to appease the Captain, but Tanner would wager the Far Seeker was waiting in hiding exactly where Carrion predicted. If The Rose turned, the Far Seeker would be in perfect position to overtake them after dark.
The cook returned with a platter of sliced meat, hard biscuits, and cheese. He placed it on the edge of the bed since the table was occupied with a chart, then he slipped out without interrupting with a single word.
Captain Jamison pointed to the chart in front of him. Changing the subject, he said, “The Marlstones. Care
to take a look?”
They both shifted positions to see the colored chart. It indicated the depths closer to land. It displayed perhaps a dozen islands, each with a name neatly printed. A brief description of each was beside each one. A small entry said, “Wet. Daily rain in winter. No harbor. No trade. Residents unfriendly.”
That about said it all, Tanner thought. A place to avoid. He looked to the largest island. It showed a wide bay, a city, and the notations mentioned it was the only place in the islands to take on supplies. “Fair prices and friendly people.”
“It’s an old map,” Captain Jamison explained. “From back when there was a reason to sail there and beyond.”
Carrion said, “We do not intend to stay there. Our goal is simply to make port, refit anything the ship needs, take on water and food and leave. Tanner and I may go ashore and listen to the local gossip, but I believe how long we stay will be at your discretion. Whatever it takes to make sure the ship is safe and sound.”
“What more could I ask?” The captain reached above his desk and opened a cabinet door. He removed a fist full of other charts and read the labels on the outside. He selected one and raised his eyebrows in inquiry. “Are you aware that nearly all maps and charts of the lands across the sea have disappeared in recent years?”
Tanner shook his head, interested in the explanation.
Captain Jamison pointed to the label on the rolled chart. It said, ‘The Waters of Castle Warrington’ in fancy script. “There are rumors of rewards paid for maps and charts. Many believe they are being destroyed. Charts of the lands across the sea, even disappear from the cabins of captains, unless they wear the wrong labels.”
“Why would anyone destroy a chart for Castle Warrington?” Tanner asked.
The Captain smiled. “They wouldn’t. They pay for charts of Breslau or even the older ones for Anterra, which is the same place. Different kings, but the same land with a new name. The rewards are so great that men break into the Captain’s quarters and steal them. None exists in bookstores or private collections anywhere on the Princeton coast. But a few captains have managed to hide a copy.”
He unrolled the chart and instead of the area near Castle Warrington on the east coast of the Endless Sea as the script indicated, it showed the east coast and places with strange names. They bent to look at it. With the ship tilted to what they would learn was the port side, they leaned starboard to keep from falling over, as well as forward. Their heads bobbed in unison with the pitch and roll of the ship.
The land indicated on the chart was dominated by two features. Near the bottom of the chart was a wide river snaking its way inland until it ran off of the chart. Three smaller rivers intersected it, but it was already large before they reached it. Further north was a huge circular bay. If the chart was to scale with others they’d seen, the bay would take a full day to sail across. It was more the breath of a sea than a bay if size is the judge.
Soundings for depths were neatly indicated on the waters. But there was also a large range of mountains beginning near the bottom of the chart and extending to the top. At one place, and only one, a mountain pass was indicated. Otherwise, the land of Breslau was a coastal kingdom. Three of the mountains had curling smoke rising from them.
Carrion and Tanner took all that in within a few heartbeats. There were other items, notations, and sketches both along the coastline and inside the bay.
Carrion said, “Someone has added to the chart?”
“That would be my hand. When young I sailed another fast ship. We carried items banned or stolen so we had special requirements. We were chased but never caught.”
Tanner said, “Would you still know some people who would sell information to the likes of us?”
The Captain stood and clasped his hands behind his back. He paced and then spoke. “I do not wish to intrude on your business or besmirch you in any manner. So I will answer in this way. These people I know have no love for their present rulers. Some are actively fighting the Royalty. If you intend to do harm to the existing politics of the region, they will not only provide it, but they will help you, if any are alive and if we met them, which is unlikely.”
“Why is that?”
“We smuggled our cargoes to small, out of the way locations. We were never even permitted ashore in Breslau City.”
The Captain rolled the chart and replaced it in the cabinet with the others, effectively hiding it in plain sight. He said, “It’s time I went on deck. There will be several drills this morning, and more than a few course changes. Be prepared and keep all your belongings secure.”
Carrion said, “You’re still planning to sail downwind?”
“I am unless you forbid me.”
“No, I just wanted to know so Tanner and I can spend some time looking for places archers can use for cover while providing clear lines of sight to any ship pulling alongside. If possible, we’d like to meet with the two archers Fisher brought aboard, too. Just us doing our own training,” Carrion said.
Captain Jamison shrugged. “I don’t see why not. I’ll have them find you, but I assure you that your efforts will not be required. However, I do wish to broach another subject.”
They waited.
He said, “Your man, Devlin. Are you aware how young he is?” At Carrion’s nod, he continued, “And of course, you know that he is a Crab?”
“We do,” Carrion said.
“May I ask why and how he traveled across the Endless Sea to join you?”
Tanner glanced at Carrion and then said, “We have no idea. We’re not sure Devlin has ever heard the term, Crab.”
“In that case, when we are near Breslau I suggest he wear long sleeves, no matter how hot it may be. If he’s identified, and on this ship, all sorts of alarms will be raised.”
Carrion reached for another thick slice of cheese. “Speaking of alarms, how many alarms will ring when this ship sails into their waters?”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Standing in the morning sun on the deck, Tanner watched the crew perform one drill after another. The deck still slanted to his left, or port, as sails were lowered and raised again. Slack from ropes that had already stretched from use were taken in, a new canvas cover sewn to protect the helmsman from the sun was cut from sparkling white canvas. Small ropes lashed it to the frame.
Twice he caught sight of Devlin high in the rigging moving about as if he had ten years of experience. The two archers arrived and introduced themselves. Both were ex-soldiers. One limped on a bad leg, and the other had taken an arrow in his chest and survived, but neither could march the distance required in King Ember’s army. However, they could pull longbows. Both were broad of chest, and their upper arms revealed the muscles required to be an archer for the King.
With their help, Carrion examined several places on the deck where an archer could stand and be protected from the weather and enemy. Together they each selected a place where they could stand and be out of the way of the sailors who would be rushing about their duties while under attack.
The ship was long and narrow. Instead of shoving its way through the water, it sliced. Finding the four places that were the best took time, but Tanner was satisfied as he heard the Captain shouting new commands and the ship veered off its course and the wind struck it from the other side. The deck now slanted the opposite way, and a few items slid across the deck to the derisive shouts of Fisher, the first mate.
The first to slide was a half-filled bucket of dirty water. It made it almost amid ship before spilling the contents. A paint scraper and a piece of a board followed.
Carrion motioned to all three to gather closer. He said, “That black ship may be waiting for us to make a turn. If so, she’ll be ahead, but probably won’t catch up with us until dark. They will use the black ship to hide, but we’re going to surprise them. We each have a place on each side of the ship.”
Tanner picked up when Carrion slowed. “I’ll tell you this once. I don’t want to waste our arrows by missi
ng the ship and watching them fall into the water. I also don’t want that ship to know about us until they are almost ready to throw the grappling hooks and climb aboard. You will not let any arrows fly, and you will not let them see your longbows until they cannot escape. Do I make myself clear?”
Two broad smiles told him the archers liked what he said. Carrion said, “Rapid fire for the King is on a four count. We don’t need that. These ships can’t turn and escape so we have plenty of time to make our shots count.”
One of them asked, “Ten men on that ship?”
“Ten crewmen, a mate and probably two officers. Why?” Tanner said.
“From this close, if you two are any good, that is about three arrows each. If they attack us, they’ll be sorry.”
Carrion nodded and said, “I expect so. Just do not get too anxious to fire. When the first arrow flies they’ll know we’re more than babes. Get some rest. If that ship shows up, none of us will get any sleep tonight.”
The archers left for the crew's quarters. Captain Jamison continued running more drills so the new crew knew what to do. If they were slow, they did them again. The midday bell allowed half to head for the galley. Later the other half ate. After the meal, the Captain ordered the first mate to have the crew strip wood bare and paint it, all but the decks. They stayed bare wood and were scrubbed daily so they didn’t become slippery.
Near mid-afternoon, Captain Jamison’s inspections carried him to where Carrion and Tanner were standing at a rail. His voice was a little smug. “Well, no sign of the Far Seeker.”
“I hope it stays that way,” Carrion said.
“This is one of the best crews I’ve had the pleasure to command in some time. Fisher was wasted as a deckhand. I have to thank you for seeing his potential.”
Tanner said, “I think we’re going to try and get some sleep.”
“Up late last night?” The Captain asked with a grin.