Dark Quest

by Richard S. Tuttle

  “We have no clue who the girl is. She stays at the Palace Shadow and doesn’t go out unless the Duke is with her. If she’s passing information, it has to be done at the inn. The Duke takes her to shows and walks and occasionally a dinner out, but most of the time he just visits her in the room. It makes for a pretty expensive apartment. Four days ago they left the city and went to his estate outside Miram. The estate is large and has several exits. Our man had to choose which one to watch and he chose the wrong one. We have no idea where either of them are now.”

  “Understandable. Anything on book movements?” Colonel Gregor asked.

  “Nothing. We have collected some books at the Pawn Shop and there have been curious browsers, but nothing that would raise suspicion. No contracts for shipping books, either. We do have word of similar attacks in both Sordoa and Lanoir, though. Nothing on the scale of Klandon, but the raids are not isolated to Targa. Someone is collecting an awful lot of books.”

  “Okay. Look, if anything happens to me I want you to get in touch with Sergeant Ferguson. He’s the Master Sergeant of the Red Swords. Hard to miss. He’s heavyset with fiery red hair and mustache and eyebrows much too large for his face. He’s a good man, but knows nothing of our dealings. If it comes to that, fill him in and continue to work with him.”

  “As you say. Time for me to go. You know how to make contact. And thanks for the brandy.”

  Across town at the Palace Shadow, Oscar Dalek just opened the door to his room. “Gentlemen, you made good time. Come in.”

  “Your note sounded pretty urgent,” Fram declared.

  “Well, I don’t know about urgent, but it is important,” Oscar replied. “Jerrick, you are going to start a new company, Marchek Shipping. I’m going to have six of my ships repainted to reflect the new name. You’re familiar with the Dalek operation and I want the Lanoir business to be similar. Things are happening around Targa that I cannot get a firm grasp on. If a war with one of our neighbors comes, I want to be able to ship out of Lanoir.”

  “Do you think we may be going to war?” asked Jerrick.

  “It’s possible. I don’t have any firm information on anything, but if we go to war with Cordonia, Dalek ships will not be welcome in their ports. If we go to war with Sordoa, Dalek is too close to their border. Either way we need a safe port on the Targa Sea that is not in one of those three countries. Marchek Shipping solves the problem. I have already created a deposit for the company in Marchek, so funds will not be a problem. As far as anyone is concerned, you will be the sole owner of the business. You do not need to inform them that they are only ten percent correct.”

  “Thank you, Oscar. You are very generous. I imagine I should concentrate on the local Lanoir business?” Jerrick queried.

  “To start with. Get that business firmed up first, then we’ll look at straight runs to Cordonia. Fram, you are going to work something very similar but from Tice.”

  “Tice?” asked Fram. “There’s nothing there.”

  “There will be shortly. Targa is going to be putting a large garrison up there. I believe that will open up the entire Disputed Area. In the very least, shipments up and down the East coast are going to accelerate and I want to own that market.”

  “Now I see why you think a war may be coming,” speculated Fram. “Our small ships may be at a disadvantage on the East coast. There are more ports and they are closer together than the Targa Sea.”

  “Now you know why I value your input, Fram. You are absolutely correct. Of course, if we had a combination of large ships and small ships, the other freight companies would be at a disadvantage. That’s where you come in, Raymond. I have three large galleons ready to sail at the Targa Shipbuilding Company. I need experienced Captains for them. I’ll have nine more in the next year, so think long term. Half of those large ships will be going to Marchek, the other half to Tice. We also need to bring six small ships across country for use in Tice.”

  “I’m not sure that we can find that many good Captains,” stated Captain Hill.

  “Then, Raymond, you will have to train them. I’ve sent a message to Reese to have the Dalek Harbor deepened. We now have rights to build these large galleons in Dalek and we need to be able to berth them there, as well.”

  Oscar gazed at the three men before him. They were good men and would do their jobs well. He thought back to a trip long ago when he met Jerrick and Fram on a wagon train. Their talents were wasted driving wagons, but that was probably all they would have ever done. He wondered how many other good men were underutilized in Targa. “Raymond, if you can’t get the necessary Captains, think about training fishermen. Some of those sailors have a great deal of knowledge about the sea and there isn’t a coward among them. They may not have experience with a large ship, but I’ll guarantee you’ll find many a good Captain there, especially with your training.”

  “I think you’re right there, Oscar,” the Captain replied. “I’ve a bit of admiration for some of them.”

  “Okay, gentlemen, that’s all I have for you. If you have any questions, let me know.”

  Oscar hurried off to the Royal Palace. Duke Whitley had arranged for him to speak before the Council of Advisors. The Council is made up of twelve Dukes who help the King make decisions by providing input. The King can reject their input and the only real say that they have in kingdom affairs is to authenticate the successor to the throne. Even this is normally a formality, as Kingdom law spells out the rights to succession fairly well. The King’s Advisor, Duke Nelson, chairs the meeting as the thirteenth member.

  Oscar waited outside the chamber as the Council conducted their business. When the normal portion of the meeting was over, he was summoned to speak. “I would like to thank the Council for allowing me to address you today. I have an idea that I would like to present to the Council. As you are all aware, Targa has become a naval entity in the Targa Sea recently. We have always maintained a decent Navy in the Sordoan Sea and had never required one in the Targa Sea. I feel that this situation leaves Targa vulnerable to naval attack in the west. Our large ships can sail around the Horn of Lanoir, but there are two problems connected with that solution to naval trouble in the Targa Sea.”

  Oscar cleared his throat and tried to gauge the reception he was getting. Everyone was stone faced so he continued. “It takes a considerable amount of time for us to get our ships around the Horn. We also would have a problem with the trip if either Lanoir or Sordoa were to object to the transit. What I would like to suggest, gentlemen, is a canal. A grand canal between the Boulder River and the Cleb River.”

  Still not much of a reaction, but at least some murmuring. “The canal would allow Targan ships access to whichever coast we needed them to be on. That, gentlemen, is my proposal.”

  The elderly Duke Eddington started. “Duke Dalek, you are well known in Targa for creating a fortune in shipping at a young age. No one doubts your ability to present a proposition that would increase your already vast fortune. I dare say, however, that I am quite shocked that you would expect the Crown to build a canal so that the Royal Navy can protect your fleet of ships. You chose to create your fleet on the Targa Sea; you will have to protect it yourself.”

  Oscar smiled at the old Duke. “Duke Eddington, I have no need of protection from the Royal Navy or anyone else. I, alone, in the shipping world can boast that I have never lost a ship or a wagon, unless, of course, you count the fifty-three wagons destroyed in my effort to help Targa in the last war. I think even you would agree that my shipping from Dalek has created a significant increase in business in your Principality around Casper. Your goods which go to market in Cordonia on my ships used to rot on wagon trains long before they reached market.”

  Oscar could see the fury in the old man’s eyes. It was as if Oscar had reached across the table and slapped the man. Still, he had gotten in the points he was striving for; now he would have to soothe the feathers. “Now, I know that you are just playing devil’s advocate and I thank you for that. You br
ing up a good point. Why would we need the Royal Navy in the Targa Sea? You are considered the wisest men in the kingdom, so I don’t want to insult you by laying out the facts in a very simple manner, but I hope you will indulge me. If I don’t lay them out simply, I may lose my place.”

  The old man’s face was regaining his normal pale color. Close, Oscar thought, close. “Targa is destined to control the Disputed Area. I hesitate to even use that term. We are destined to utilize what is rightfully ours. When we do, there is little doubt that Cordonia will declare war. Now, as many of you know, I was recently married in Kantor and it afforded me a rare opportunity to understand the Cordonian mindset. The last time we fought Cordonia over our Northern lands, they attacked in our Northern lands. We beat them smartly and the old borders remained.”

  Oscar could tell that he had their attention now. He knew that they had just discussed the Tice garrison. Even if someone suspected that Duke Whitley would inform him of it, Duke Whitley had not had the opportunity yet and they knew it. “I believe that this generation of Cordonians is a little smarter than the last. I believe that they would launch a naval attack along our west coast, attacking south of the Boulders. Imagine for a moment, gentlemen, that we greatly increased our garrisons at River’s Run or Tice and the Cordonians took our action as an invasion of what they see as their property.”

  Oscar found the shock in their faces humorous. “So you see, Duke Eddington, you are absolutely correct. You chose a clever way to get me to justify the canal, but you had the vision to see why we need the King’s protection in the Targa Sea. Gentlemen, we cannot afford to lose every town on the West coast to the Cordonian Navy and we can’t depend on the chance that Sordoa and Lanoir would pass up the opportunity to see us weakened by a Cordonian invasion.”

  Duke Eddington was smiling now. “Yes, I knew you were a bright boy and would understand my concerns for presenting the proper motivation to the King to make this expenditure.” Oscar nodded and smiled back at the old man.

  The Council members were talking amongst themselves, obviously reevaluating their recent decision to boost the Tice garrison. Oscar wanted to wait until that decision was irrevocable, but if he did he would not be able to control this meeting. If they changed their minds about Tice he could lose a large sum of money and the canal.

  Duke Lanker addressed Oscar. “Duke Dalek, did you get the impression in Kantor that the Cordonians would take an enlargement of either garrison as a threat?”

  “No, Duke Lanker, I didn’t. Cordonians are much like ourselves. There are components up there that would look for any excuse for another war, but there are others who are very open to reason. I would think that if you wished to boost either garrison, I would choose Tice over River’s Run because it is farther from Cordonia and on the East coast. I would also publicize it greatly; that it was being done as an aid to shipping up and down the East coast. Perhaps entice a shipping company to build facilities there.”

  A bald man rose next and it took Oscar a moment to remember his name. “I wouldn’t suppose that you would be willing to be that shipping company, Duke Dalek?”

  “Unfortunately not, Duke Ringal. My shipping is pretty much confined to the West coast and wagons.”

  Duke Ringal was obviously surprised at Oscar’s answer. “Well, I must apologize, Duke Dalek. I thought you were trying to manipulate this Council to advance your own business interests. I am sorry. Who could we possibly talk into setting up a business in such a remote spot. Surely you know enough people in the business that you could recommend someone to take on this foolish venture?”

  Oscar smiled. “Actually, Duke Ringal, I don’t think it is a foolish venture. If I weren’t so tied up with affairs on the West coast I would have a go at it. That is not going to happen, though. I just lost one of my key men and I’m going to have to spend more time on my own business. Besides, my former employee just bought the last three ships in town to start his own business on the East coast, so I couldn’t even get the ships if I wanted to try it.”

  “This former employee, do you think he would be interested in Tice?” asked Duke Clemens.

  “I don’t know,” Oscar replied. “I am still on good terms with him and could ask him if you like. I know he has invested everything he owns into the ships and has no cash left over. I think if the Crown could offer him an inducement, like a shipping contract for all freight in or out of Tice, he might jump at it. I certainly would do my part for Targa and try to convince him.”

  Duke Nelson was getting tired of all the talk about something that held no appeal to him. “Thank you for coming, Duke Dalek. I believe you normally stay at the Palace Shadow and we will contact you if we need any further help with this matter.”

  “Thank you, Duke Nelson. And I would like to thank the Council for allowing me a chance to speak. Good day, gentlemen.”

  Oscar went to his room and waited to hear from Duke Whitley. Oscar sat by the window and watched the people below. By the end of the day his fortunes would change. He just had to wait to find out which way it would go. Oscar saw Duke Nelson hurrying over to the inn, no doubt to see his honey. Surprisingly, he came to Oscar’s room. Oscar opened the door and let him in.

  “Duke Nelson, thank you for coming. Would you care for a brandy?”

  “No, thank you, Duke Dalek. I just stopped by to let you know the Council was favorably impressed with your ideas. I will recommend them to the King in the morning. Contact your former employee and have him stop by my office and I will negotiate the contract. It will be dependent on the King’s signature, of course.”

  “Does this mean that the canal will also be built?”

  “Oh yes, I’m quite sure that we will proceed with the canal,” Duke Nelson stated. “Well, I have other stops to make. Thank you for your time.”

  Oscar saw him to the door and smiled to himself. Oscar was sure what one of the other stops would be. He returned to the window to watch for Duke Whitley. Duke Nelson surprised Oscar again by leaving the inn directly after speaking to him. He would have to have dinner tonight at the Sword and Shield and see what information he could pick up.

  It was almost a half hour before Duke Whitley knocked. “Oscar, my boy, you were a hit. I thought old Eddington would die right there at the table for a while, but you converted him nicely. I had a hard struggle, you know, keeping a straight face in there. I do love to watch you work. How did you know about the garrison at Tice?”

  “A secret is a rare thing in Tagaret,” Oscar offered. “Duke Nelson stopped by and gave me the good news.”

  “The best occurred after he left,” chortled Duke Whitley. “The Council took a vote on admitting you and you passed. You will be nominated for the next available seat. Never has one so young been this honored. This is no small matter, Oscar. Many on that Council thought you an opportunist before today. Now they look upon you as a patriot who is properly rewarded for his loyalty. Of course, I see you as a patriotic opportunist. Is it Fram or Jerrick who will be fronting for you?”

  Oscar laughed. “Fram. Jerrick is going to Marchek. I had no idea that I was that transparent.”

  “Only to someone who knows you like a father.” Duke Whitley saw Oscar’s eyes flutter when he mentioned the word ‘father’. “Your father would be very proud too, Oscar. I know your mother is.”

  “I know. I still think of him from time to time, but you are my father now and a very good one, I might add.”

  Oscar headed over to the Sword and Shield and ordered dinner. Larc slipped into the chair next to him. “Our friend doesn’t seem to like the honey at the inn anymore,” Oscar said.

  “Oh, he still likes it but he samples it at home these days,” replied Larc. Larc surveyed the customers in the room before continuing. “His wife is under care at the Temple of Char. She is unable to see, speak or hear. She is not expected to go home for some time.”

  “What happened?”

  “No one knows. He came back from his jaunt in the country and she was sent to
the Temple.” Larc kept looking around the room, but pretended he was just talking to an old friend.

  Oscar thought that the news would explain the detachment he sensed in Duke Nelson during the meeting. “I will be leaving the city in the morning. Fram should be in later. Send him to see me when he finishes his dinner.”

  King Guldar of the goblins was in a foul mood. He had to discipline two of his men for killing a third. He disliked killing his followers as punishment for it robbed them of the glorious death received in battle. His men had been idle too long; it was time to stage some raids and get his men focused again. A raven flew over and Guldar knew excitement was coming. Mordac didn’t call unless he needed the goblins to kill someone. Good. For once Mordac’s timing was excellent.

  Mordac walked into the clearing and sat beside King Guldar. “Greetings, Your Highness.”

  “Mordac, what brings you to our disgustingly peaceful camp?”

  “I have news of the goblin killer.”

  Guldar stiffened. Alexander Tork -- he hated that name. For two years he had been waiting for Tork to return to the Northlands, but for two years he had stayed in Tagaret. Guldar’s men could not get near him in the Targan capital. “Where is he?”

  “He is training some new outfit in the Boulders. They’re called the Rangers. Three hundred men supposed to be practicing mountain climbing techniques. I don’t think they will be there too much longer, though.”

  King Guldar started drooling. “The Boulders is not much of a location. Can’t you be more precise?”

  Mordac hated dealing with these creatures. The only thing he ever held against Sarac was making him spend six months in their camp. The drool and slime made Mordac want to vomit. “Somewhere around the headwaters of the Elga River. That’s the best I can do. Your warriors ought to be able to find three hundred men climbing up and down ropes.”