The Hellhound Consortium

by B A Simmons

  Mark smiled, “Our two ships can do it. We’ll need to be smart, we’ll need luck, and we’ll need that second torpedo. You’ve still got it, don’t you Edwin?”

  Edwin nodded, but he did not return Mark’s smile. He purchased two bottles of Vin d’Joc and returned to the Anna Louisa to prepare to receive the Falcon ambassador. Per his instructions, Eugene had cleaned her up and prepared Edwin’s cabin for the reception. Only the two Bell brothers remained as crew, however, Edwin had pulled in Bernardo who had demonstrated his skill as a cook during their journey from Fallen Dome.

  When Edwin came aboard, he found Bernardo stooped over the cooking box. The smells emanating and mixing in his nostrils filled him with confidence. He knew this was going to be a hard sell. The Falcon ambassador—Marcel, Rob said his name was—was going to be suspicious of Edwin by sheer fact that he wasn’t Iyty. Yet, Edwin knew, everyone has a weakness and based on the description given him, he was betting Marcel’s was gluttony.

  The evening passed slowly for Edwin as he waited. He’d received no response to the invitation but figured the ambassador couldn’t very well ignore him without damaging his reputation. Then, just as the sun began to set behind the mountain, a coach arrived at the docks. Garbed in crimson and white with a gold turban-like cap, Ambassador Marcel descended onto the street behind the docks. Edwin had to stifle the laugh that begged for release inside him. The man was massively obese. An attendant walked with him down the dock before helping him climb aboard the Anna Louisa.

  “Ambassador Marcel, I’m Edwin Johnson, welcome aboard.”

  Edwin had extended his arm, but Marcel was too busy grabbing at his attendant and the railing to accept the gesture. If he was unsteady on his feet aboard a docked vessel, Edwin could only imagine the misery that traveling across the sea must have caused this man. After a few tense moments, Marcel seemed to get his footing and then extended his own hand toward Edwin. As Edwin grasped his arm and shook, it felt as if he was shaking a dead fish.

  “Captain Johnson, I’m charmed by your little vessel. How did you acquire her?”

  “I purchased her at Fallen Dome. She is small, and perhaps one day I might purchase a larger vessel, but I must admit I’ve become attached to the Anna Louisa.”

  As they made their way to the cabin, Edwin noted the presence of two men standing on the dock. They were dressed as ordinary workers but stood as if they were soldiers guarding a precious treasure. At the cabin, James played the part of waiter and ushered them to a table and two chairs that had been rented from the Silver Swan for the occasion, as Edwin had previously only used the floor.

  “And the name?” Marcel asked. “It’s so quaint. How did you decide upon that?”

  “It’s a combination of my mother’s and sister’s names.”

  “Aww, but isn’t that sweet. Yet, I take it to mean that you haven’t a girl back home waiting for you. No wife or sweetheart?”

  “No, I’ve been far too busy as a merchant to start a family.”

  “And what exactly do you sell, Edwin? May I call you Edwin?”

  James interrupted the conversation by carrying in two plates of steaming bantam whale. He first served the ambassador and then Edwin before pouring the wine.

  “Ah, bantam whale or, as we call it in Iyty, balena di gallo. And I see you have fine taste in wine. My compliments.”

  “Thank you. I do hope you enjoy the meal.”

  Marcel replied only by cutting a delicate piece of whale and inserting it into his mouth. It was impossible to tell if he was chewing as his lower jaw was engulfed by the large double chin below it. Edwin took a bite of his own and sighed inwardly. Bernardo had cooked it perfectly. Better, perhaps, than Missus Hampton who specialized in the dish; it being one of the most popular at her establishment.

  Edwin was startled by a moan coming from Marcel. It bespoke such pleasure that Edwin almost felt dirty listening to it. The ambassador put another piece of whale into his mouth and repeated the moan.

  “Edwin, I must compliment your chef. This whale is delicious; just like what I would have my servants back home prepare.”

  Edwin smiled, “I’m glad you like it. Where is home for you? I’m curious to know the Falcon Archipelago.”

  “Oh, I have lived on several of the islands at the core of our empire, but I have a dimora, a lovely house on Isle de Marta, or Martha Isle. It sits up on a hill overlooking the lagoon. I tell you, Edwin, you will never see a more brilliant, shimmering lagoon as this one. You really must come to la Cittá delle Perla someday.”

  “I would love to. In fact, I’m trying to arrange it so that I can get there next year, after the rainy season ends.”

  “Excellent! I’ll write a letter of introduction for you to my cousin, Fabiano Aquila. He is the sindaco, or mayor of the city.”

  “Would you also be able to provide me with a permit to sell in the Falcon Archipelago? I have one for the empire at large, but I understand a separate one is needed for the home islands.”

  “I can give you a recommendation for one, but to actually purchase it, you’ll need to visit the Office of Alien Affairs at Porto Profundo, Deep Port as you Engle call it.”

  “That would be wonderful, thank you,” Edwin said, satisfied.

  “Of course, this recommendation would carry my own signature and, therefore, I would need to be assured of your character. I certainly don’t want to be responsible for sending a terrorist or pirate into the Falcon Archipelago.”

  “How can I assure you of my character?”

  “First, what is it you would be selling to my people?”

  Edwin smiled and brought out a small glass vial containing the clear liquid of his elixir. He passed it across the table to Marcel and paused while the ambassador inspected it.

  “I call it Edwin’s Golden Elixir. It’s a sleep aid, for medicinal use with patients who have anxiety or who suffer from chronic pain. Quite potent.”

  Marcel looked intrigued, he said, “I, myself, suffer from insomnia. A result of the stress of my occupation, I suppose. Do you think it would help me?”

  “I’m positive it would. Please accept that single dose as a free sample. A token of my character. Mix it with a small glass of wine before retiring, and you’ll enjoy the best night’s sleep of your life.”

  “That’s a strong claim, Edwin. You must be very sure of the effects of your elixir.”

  “I am.”

  “Well, I shall try it tonight. However, there is something else I must be sure of before I grant you my recommendation.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Your testimony against the pirates that have been plaguing Alimia and have even now come to Copper Isle.”

  “The pirates? What would I have to do with them in the first place?”

  “Well, there have been reports of this fine little ship traveling with the Entdecker, which is a known pirate vessel.”

  “The Entdecker!” Edwin protested. “No, they’re not pirates!”

  “Oh, Edwin. You can’t be that naïve. That ship is responsible for selling poisoned wine to civilians on Alimia. It also attacked our ships and transports the pirates from their base on Engle Isle.”

  “Ambassador Marcel, I am in shock. The only interaction I’ve had with them was to travel to and from other islands. It’s safer for merchants to sail together. In fact, they defended the Anna Louisa from pirates right after I purchased her.”

  “No doubt those pirates weren’t part of the same faction, or it was an elaborate ruse to gain your trust. Tell me, have you ever transported anything for them?”

  Edwin’s jaw dropped, his eyes went wide. He played the part well.

  “By Ayday, no! On our first voyage together, I transported a group of men from Fallen Dome to here. Then they all went aboard the Entdecker and sailed south. I have no idea where they went after that.”

  Edwin buried his face in his hands while Marcel looked on blankly. Edwin then lifted his eyes to meet his.

  “Ambassado
r, I am sorry for my part in that. I assure you I had no idea what their intentions were. I can say without a doubt that I will avoid that ship from now on.”

  “They have taken two more vessels from us since that time,” Marcel warned. “Be sure not to fall victim to them either. As they seem to only target ships carrying the Falcon colors, you’ll want to be sure to fly your own. And—this is important Edwin as we want to put a stop to these pirate attacks—you must report these villainous vessels and their doings to any Falcon captain you come across, or to me if you have the chance.”

  “I understand.”

  Marcel seemed pleased. He held the vial up to the lamplight again and smiled. Standing, he and his attendant exited the cabin and Edwin followed close behind.

  “I must take my leave of you now. Thank you for an excellent dinner. I shall send a servant in the morning with your letters of recommendation.”

  “Thank you, and sleep well tonight.”

  “I expect to.”

  The fat ambassador left feeling he’d won Edwin over and Edwin returned to his cabin and drafted a report of the meeting for Mark. Eugene could deliver it to the Silver Swan when he returned the table and chairs. He ended the report by asking: How shall we proceed with the next operation?

  26 – The War Galley

  Edwin received a visitor early the next morning. A young boy of perhaps a dozen years arrived at the docks, well dressed and mannered asking for Captain Edwin Johnson. He was Ambassador Marcel’s pageboy. He presented Edwin with a parcel containing three pieces of parchment and pennant. Two of the documents bore Marcel’s personal seal and were addressed to persons other than Edwin. He recognized one of the names as Fabiano Aquila, the mayor of Pearl City. The other name was Teobaldo Ferrara, who worked in the Office of Alien Affairs.

  The third document was addressed to Edwin and reported to him the positive results of Marcel’s use of the elixir. He was pleased to confirm Edwin’s claim of the best night’s sleep of his life, accompanied by the most pleasantly vivid dreams. He therefore included with his personal recommendations of Edwin, a testimonial of the elixir.

  He also asked to purchase more of the elixir for himself. The pageboy had brought with him a note of credit from Marcel. It was signed, but as they had not discussed the price per dose, the amount the note was valid for was left blank. Edwin was to fill in the appropriate amount for twenty doses. Marcel concluded the letter with a pledge of loyalty as a customer, so long as Edwin could continue to provide so excellent a product.

  Edwin handed the pageboy a box of the elixir and told him he would write in the amount of one hundred gold. The boy left before Edwin could confirm that he understood him. Edwin did not make good on that point of honesty, however, and tucked the note of credit away without filling in the amount.

  Mark received Edwin’s report with amusement and relief. If Edwin was successful in his plan, he would not only fund the war effort but deal a psychological blow to the Falcon Empire.

  Now there was a more imminent threat to deal with. Mark wrote a responding note to Edwin with instructions of where to meet out at sea before their assault on the war galley. He entrusted Piers to deliver the note with a supply of sailcloth and rope.

  Anna approached him with a wry grin on her face. She was feeling less morning sickness on land than at sea and Mark couldn’t wait until he could get her back to Engle Isle. As much as he valued her contributions to the war, he couldn’t help but fear for her safety and now the safety of their unborn child too.

  He returned Anna’s smile, “What are you so happy about?”

  “Do I need a better reason than to be here with you? As much as you want to live on Alimia after all of this is over, I like Copper Isle much better.”

  “Alimia would only be temporary. I’m sure we can find a place here when the war is over and Alimia has a stable and free government.”

  “Now I’ll tell you why I’m smiling,” Anna said.

  “Oh good.”

  She took his hand and led him down to the docks. There, Tom, Alistair, Doctor Morris, and Rob were waiting for them. Mark looked around and surmised from the grins on their faces that he was the only one left in the dark about Anna’s surprise.

  “Now Tom,” she said.

  Tom nodded and signaled Alistair. Together, they hoisted up the Entdecker’s sail. Whereas before it had been a blank, square sail, it now boasted a painted heraldic device. It did not take Mark long to figure out what the symbol was.

  “A hellhound,” he muttered.

  “For the Hellhound Consortium,” Anna explained.

  “Hellhound Consortium?” Mark repeated.

  Rob took over, “It’s something Doctor Morris said back at Isle de James. We’ve negotiated with and hired men from all over to fight with us at Alimia. We conduct business with them as much as count on them as allies. That makes us a consortium.”

  “Hellhound Isle was where we really came together. The six of us who started this whole affair,” Tom said. “So what better effigy to use than that?”

  “I love it. Thank you,” Mark said, leaning in to kiss Anna.

  “We made some for the Alphina and Old Man too, but not for Edwin. We figured that after what you two discussed the other day, he’d better not be identified as one of us,” Anna said.

  “I don’t think it would fit well on his lateen sails anyway,” Mark said and chuckled at his own joke.

  “Mark,” Rob said. “What’s the plan?”

  “We load up with all those who are going with us. It’ll be a crowded ship for the first bit, but we have to make it look like Edwin’s just got a regular crew aboard when he leaves. We leave first and sail two days south, then circle until Edwin catches up with us. He will leave this afternoon and join us north of Alimia. After we transfer most of the crew over to the Anna Louisa, we go together to Alimia where we set our trap for that galley.”

  “All right then,” Tom said. “Let’s get to it.”

  They knew they were being watched as they departed Port Edward. They no longer cared. The burning of the Gabbiano hadn’t been as effective in intimidating the Falcons as Mark had wanted. As their leader on the island, Ambassador Marcel was effective at maintaining discipline. As much as Mark had hoped they would lash out violently against the locals, the Falcon soldiers and sailors at Port Edward had actually become more subdued since that night.

  He wondered what their reaction would be when they heard their war galley at Alimia was destroyed. He wondered if they could actually destroy it. Despite their successes against the Falcons, Mark had room for doubt. He did his best to control the circumstances, but there was always going to be the danger of failing.

  No, they would be successful, he told himself. Even if they have to take a few licks to give this one, they would see that galley sink to the bottom of the sea.

  Two days of sailing put them at their rendezvous point. They circled around with Tom at the steering oar for several hours before sighting the lateen sails of the Anna Louisa. The two ships met up and all but Mark, Tom, Alistair, and Rob transferred over to Edwin’s ship. The second torpedo from Fallen Dome was brought out from the Anna Louisa’s hold and placed near the bow. Another tutorial was given for its use; how to set the trigger, mounting it on to the bow, and using the bowsprit and a rope to keep it out of the waves until the last moment.

  “You must be careful,” Rob told Edwin’s crew. “If the canister gets any seawater inside it, the magnese rocks might not ignite the powder. At the same time, if a wave hits the trigger, it’ll likely go off before we’re ready. This torpedo is the only weapon we have against this ship. Keep it safe.”

  They nodded, though Rob wondered if they had truly understood him. The new hellhound sail was taken down from the Entdecker’s spar and Mark brought out a lateen sail.

  “How’s that supposed to fit her?” Tom complained. “She’s not made for a diagonal sail.”

  “We’ll lash the spar down lower and rig the ropes accordingly.
It’s just temporary, Tom.”

  “They know that the Entdecker is a square-sailed ship,” Rob said as he saw Mark’s plan. “By using a lateen, they shouldn’t figure out it’s us until we’re close enough to engage them.”

  “Correct, Rob. We’re the bait to draw the galley out from the lagoon near the northern gap. We don’t want them to sink us, so we pretend to be some poor lost ship with a broken rudder.”

  “If asked, you can claim to be from Hoy Isle. It’s almost directly west of Alimia.”

  “If they ask us,” Mark said. “I figure they’ll want to board us, and if they do, they’ll quickly discover our rudder isn’t broken. So, right as they start to come alongside us, Alistair and I will start lobbing our firebombs at them. We aim for those forward cannons and render them useless, at least for a few minutes.”

  “This is where the Anna Louisa comes to the rescue, right?” Anna asked.

  “Yes. Edwin, you’ll have to bring her in from the southwest, using Little Alimia as a screen so they don’t see you coming. Hopefully, they’ll be too focused on us to pay you any mind. With the torpedo locked and loaded, you sail in using your oars and tiller to aim. Place that charge amidships and don’t forget to duck. Right, Gus?”

  Gus grunted in approval and a few others laughed.

  Doctor Morris had one final warning for them. “Be ready for them to fight even as their ship sinks beneath them. Remember what happened with the Perla de Margareta.”

  “Be ready for anything,” Piers said.

  “But most of all,” Mark shouted. “Be ready for victory! We’ll show the Falcons that no matter what they bring against us, the Hellhound Consortium will overcome it all!”

  A rousing cheer went up from the others and in this spirit, they made their final preparations.

  The two ships sailed south in tandem for one more day. Then, just as Alimia came into view to the southeast, Edwin steered his ship south by east while the Entdecker turned east.

  They performed more circles to allow the Anna Louisa time to get into position and wait for darkness to fall. To their advantage, high clouds came in during the evening and obscured the moon, creating even more darkness.