Once all the officer slots were filled it was left to the less wealthy, but often more experienced, to fill the positions of real value.
A young recruit, Horatio Washburn, was especially eager to join the chase. It was his brother who had been embarrassed at the tavern and pinned to the wall by the rogue’s filthy arrow. He was eager to level the odds and regain his family honor. To that end he fully intended on joining the Navy to ensure at least one Washburn would be able to sink the ship of the one who disgraced his family. The battle to rule the seas would soon be a heated and turbulent battle of wits and savvy! That was his promise.
Chapter 66
Horatio stormed up the long marble staircase to the Admiral’s chambers to argue a case he never thought he’d need to defend. His request for a commission had been rejected and he had been assigned a desk position at the Navy headquarters. He was raised in a long line of sea farers and military officers. He would not have minded so much not getting an officers commission had he been allowed to sail. But to be assigned to desk duty was intolerable.
Rushing in without invitation or permission was frowned upon, but it didn’t seem to faze the irate Horatio Washburn. The Admirals’ secretary tried in vain to corral the hothead but got a flying trip over a large ornate chair for the trouble. Throwing open the doors and storming into the middle of a meeting of new recruits earned Washburn a stern even glare.
“How could you put me on a Desk job?” he demanded.
“I can do what I want. I’m the Admiral, son. Have you completely lost all common sense and manners? Do you think that for any moment this is any way to earn your rite to be heard in this office?” the Admiral answered calmly but with a chill in his voice that could freeze a summer pond.
“I am sorry, sir, it’s that my family has been sailing since I was a wee lad. I belong on a ship! Behind a desk will make my legs fall off. I can’t possibly be asked to turn into someone like that idiot outside.” He replied pointing over his shoulder at the Secretary who had finally recovered and was standing horrified at the door.
“That will be all, Niles.” The Admiral said to his secretary waving him to shut the door.
Several hours later the doors opened again and the new recruits along with Horatio emerged. The faces of all but Washburn gave little evidence to what had been discussed. Waving a piece of paper and almost tripping over himself the new deckhand Horatio Washburn rushed around the office like a child on his birthday.
He was assigned the lowest position on the sloop of war “Avenger” effective immediately. As he rushed out of the offices and leaped the steps to report to his post he ran headlong into another deckhand by the name of Roland White. The collision landed both men in a tumbling pile of grass stains and groans rolling down a small embankment at the foot of the Headquarters building.
Chapter 67
“Hey! Watch yourself there, mate. There’s people walkin here!” Roland grumped.
“So sorry there lad! I got a bit excited.”
Both men collected their things and tried to straighten out as best as possible. Fresh uniforms denoted them as Navy which led into a fairly vigorous exchange of information. It was also discovered they were assigned to the same ship. It would be much easier to explain their soiled uniforms when both alibis stood next to each other.
All the way to the docks they exchanged stories of what they had done since the Academy. They discussed their reason for joining the ranks of the Navy at this juncture in their careers. Both men had heard the tales of the Pirates and had grand dreams of being the one to bring the unruly clan to justice.
Once on board Roland and Horatio continued to retell the tales of the rambunctious pirates to any who were willing to listen. Reports and the wanted posters scattered across the lands gave the clan an air of mystery and intrigue that set in each recruits heart the strong desire to be part of the crew credited with sinking the hellions.
Finally on board a ship and sailing for the open ocean, Horatio pursued each task given to him with the aggression of a hungry bear. His drive to scale the ranks in short order was fueled by the competition with Roland White. They both sought their own commission and the race was on to see who won the right to command first. For Washburn notoriety and fame was the goal with the added bonus of family pride being the main driving factor.
Chapter 68
Low whispers and hushed voices in the back room of an old run down pub piqued the curiosity of Greyylene and her quartermaster Kegan the Mad. A crusty rum runner spoke of a bounty so difficult to acquire most doubted the legitimacy of the tale. Back and forth they argued if the treasure was real and how to go about getting to it. Descriptions of its location were tossed around like leaves on the wind, but none were willing to pursue any avenue of exploration on a whim.
Not given to passing up an invitation for adventure, Greyy glanced at the quartermaster and gave a little nod. Both moved with an ease of one not wishing to draw attention but with purpose. Others of the crew had spread out through the pub, soon as they saw the Captain move they all made way to the door. They had heard enough to be very interested in the idea of hidden loot, and were willing to “expand the borders” at the expense of finding legendary wealth.
“Sails full at dawn, boys.” she ordered quietly. “We need ourselves a thief, I‘ll meet you back on board.” nodding to Kegan she faded into the shadows.
Striding with new purpose Greyylene headed across the dusty street to a corner known for pick pockets and murders. Long into the night she sat waiting for their new crewman. Finally several hours past sunset there was a gentle tug at her belt. Her hands flew as quick as lightning to grab the offending wrist of her “new recruit”.
“You’re hired.” she said dragging the Dark Elf male along behind her back to the ship. Once aboard she locked him to the main mast and stripped him bare. All his pockets were emptied and the contents were piled on the deck. The one item he possessed that gave her a cause for pause was an amulet he wore around his neck. It was familiar yet she couldn’t quite place how she knew it.
“I’ll give you this warning once, male, I need your talents but you steal from any of us and you’ll be chum for bait as your next job. Kampi’un?” she said as she leveled a steel glare at the newest member of her crew.
“Aye, Capt’n, I understand just fine.” he said hiding the satisfied glimmer in his pale lavender eyes.
She left the poor fool tied to the mast but graciously returned his clothing. They were well on the way before she told the crew where they were destined.
“We head to the Ancient Wyrm’s Lair.” was all she said before she turned and walked back to the wheel deck.
Chapter 69
The voyage would be several days following the sun. Since Greyy had been ordered to expand boarders and make discoveries it was not out of their way. Most of the purpose for going ashore was to listen for new directions to sail; this had been the distraction they needed.
The thief proved to have a difficult time on the water. His sea legs had apparently been left back on land. His dark complexion was less than helpful for being on deck during the day. Most of the Dark Elves were better suited in dark places and at night. He was having a miserable time. The announcement of their course did nothing to ease his discomfort, nor did the fact he was still tied to the mast.
“Starboard full rudder and stay true to course.”
As the order was given a new sight on the horizon loomed for all to see. A giant bronze pillar with the likeness of a serpent its eyes glowing yellow and a coiled body towered several leagues over the ship guarding a secret entrance to Ancient Lands of the Elves.
Climbing to the crow’s nest Greyylene shouted words only two aboard understood.
“Plynnuns'aawun.” {take me in} she commanded to the pillar.
At her words the ship rushed from the waters that were familiar to ones that had not been explored in millennia.
“Start to mark the maps.”
She ordered to Bullseye. “We will want to come back eventually.”
Pointing to a tall outcropping of rocks with a lighthouse perched majestically on top she gave the wheelman their new heading. The stench of sulfur greeted them and revealed the inhabitants of the island. Steam and ancient smoke from hundreds of dragons hung in the air giving the house lamp an eerie yellow green glow.
The crew stood on deck mesmerized by the sights and smells. Some had heard the stories of this place, but most were taken off guard and bordered on terror. The waters they sailed were smooth as glass with calm steady winds. A low unidentified growling rumble echoed across the water as they continued to go further into the lands of dragons.
“Steady, boys.” Greyy said quietly not wishing to make any noise that would alert the great beasts to their presence.
Dropping the lead line and hitting soft sand forced the “Vharcan” to drop anchor and release the longboats. Each crewman was given a task to ensure the maximum success in the quest before continuing on their errand. Rowing to the chosen beach head, it was the first time in days that the Thief had been allowed free movement. His stiff joints and forced movements relaxed quickly when he saw the mass of dragon bodies sleeping in mounds like rolling hills.
Each beautiful body, full of scales that glimmered in the light, guarded piles of gold as a mother hen would guard its nest. Gleaming gems and shimmering coins beckoned the crew to continue, and causing the Thief to drool slightly at so much bounty with not near enough time to collect it all.
The moment their feet hit the hot sand each crewman found their task and began to work. They gathered arms and secured the longboats knowing that retreat would need to be in haste.
“Alright, boy, go earn ye’r keep.” said the Captain as she shoved the Thief on ahead. He was so relieved to be off the boat and back on land he barely cared that the danger on the sand was far greater than it was on the seas.
“We’re the bait, my lovelies, give the thief a clear path.” she whispered to her crew. One man they left behind to keep watch and ensure nothing trapped them on the shore. Slow and steady they made their way up a path to a set of stone steps broken and long since forgotten by any Man.
The target was a shimmering green dragon that was set slightly apart from the rest of the clan. The scales were each the size of Kegan’s hand and overlapped to form a thick armor hide. Its talons that looked like thick weathered iron honed to a point folded neatly under the mighty beast’s head as a pillow, and the low groaning growl shook the earth under their feet as they approached.
Focused and clear in the task the crew skulked around the rocks and flanked the emerald beast. With a mighty yell from the Captain the crew flew into action hurling everything they had. Blades, arrows, gun blasts rang through the small valley in vain hopes of conquering one of the Guardians of the Lamp.
Waking the creature was simple, distracting it to move from its lair proved a bit of a challenge. The sinister yellow eyes that searched the hills for the offending barrage seemed almost blind in the bright sunlight. Raising slowly it towered above the earth showing its full majesty. The barrage continued in a more focused location urging the beast to follow allowing the Thief his moment to disappear to the far side of the nest.
The crew continued to distract the Dragon allowing time for their cohort to complete his task. Shortly after entering the nest the Thief came running from between the Emerald Dragon’s legs as fast as he could go. Behind him was another dragon with golden ruby scales and quite able to see in the bright light of day. In his hand the Thief waved a Lamp that was proof enough of the existence of the treasure.
Chapter 70
“Run! We got it! Run!” he yelled. “No need for quiet now, just Go!” The Captain ordered as they scurried to the longboat leaving the monsters behind and thankful they didn’t fly.
“Alright, ye mis’rble wretch, show what ye got!” Kegan demanded grabbing the Dark Elf by the collar and shaking violently.
“Put’m Down! Give him a chance to unload. And think maybe we can get back to the ship before ye tearin his arm off his body?” Greyy said mildly amused and giddy with excitement of escaping in one piece.
Waiting impatiently she crossed her arms over her chest and waited to see the prize. The small satchel he filled with gems and gold he threw to the deck with little concern of its contents. The real care was when he opened his cloak and revealed a simple worn lantern. To the untrained eye it seemed rather plain and ordinary, but closer inspection showed a degree of workmanship and skill that had not been practiced since the time before the Great Catastrophe.
Forged of a metal known more to Elves and the others who inhabited the hidden lands and encrusted with tiny gems each cut and polished to reflect the light was the object of their errand. The ancient artifact was said to hold secrets of darkness so deep that just the thought would turn a man’s blood cold. It was priceless and now was the possession of “Vharcan”!
Turning back to the thief she asked what other items he gathered in his short stay. He was looking rather distressed that he’d not get any cut if he gave up his loot, but seeing Kegan and the bloodlust in his eyes made him think differently. Continuing to unload pockets and pouches he made a pile on the deck of his bounty then nodded to say he was finished.
“Split the loot but let the Thief pick first.” she ordered. “I just want the Lamp.” she said before turning and walking to her cabin. Securing the prize in a corner of her cabin she returned to the deck.
“Back how we came and mind your manners. I’d hate to see any walkin’ a plank in these waters.” She said as she passed the grumbling crew. “Kegan, pull these boys to order already!”
A short distance and once again loomed a giant pillar in the middle of the ocean that matched the first serpent only with eyes glowing a deep red. The words that returned them to seas they knew seemed lost on the waves as the crew tried to do their jobs and horde the loot all at once. It was rather amazing how much the Thief could pack in his pockets.
The Thief still uncertain of his fate hung close to Captain Greyy’s side the entire way back to the port he’d been discovered. He had requested to remain aboard and become part of the crew but she was none too eager to allow any who had not been part of her original band remain.
The Dark Elf was insistent on becoming part of the “Vharcan” to the point of annoying the crew and the Captain. To satisfy his persistence she promised if ever there was need of thieving she would seek his services. His lavender eyes shone brightly at this bringing a sly smile to his lips. As a sign of her promise she grabbed his arm and held it to a searing hot brazier marking him property of the “Vharcan”. The burning mark on his arm was a small price for proof of his time aboard the Damned Ship.
Chapter 71
Well on the way to making a name for herself Greyylene carried out the orders of the Pirate Lord Redgrave with enthusiasm and vigor. Great lands were claimed in the name of Crimson Daggers, so much that they were almost far too spread out to maintain order, even by pirate standards. None of that stopped Greyy. She was fierce and driven by an inner turmoil that not even she could understand. The discovery of new lands and peoples seemed to ease her vexed spirit and restless heart.
Across distant seas and around forgotten islands Captain Greyy and her crew found civilizations and settlements along with great fishing waters. Some that were found became the territory of Greyy and the Pirate clan; others were left uncharted and never mentioned. One such unmentionable territory was that of a Savage Tribe known as Tabaxi.
Buried deep in the hidden mists of a small island chain lived a race of humanoids so stealthy and cunning that the ability to describe them had once been impossible. Sailors who would get lost in their waters would swear they were being watched by an eerie presence. The lush green of the high trees and thick undergrowth always beckoned to be explored, but the few who would venture ashore never returned leaving a mystery fully intact.
Fear was not high on Greyy’s list of things to do and the crew had learned to ignore common sense. The curse on their vessel stood as a protector against dangers that would otherwise make a sailor reconsider actions. Their bold disregard of caution had made them all very wealthy, and the exploration of new lands ensured the crew had treasure to tap across the map.
The discovery of Greyylene’s “Savages” was accidental. The tribe she sailed into had unique abilities to shape their environment to accomplish the will of the Chief. Greyy was sailing calm seas with clear horizon when she found a target ship. All was well until the heavens turned testy. The waves grew choppy and the clouds dropped from the sky like a blanket. She was determined not to lose her prey to some silly weather!
Chapter 72
Giving chase to a small merchant vessel belonging to the Emperor, "Vharcan" headed into a fog bank. They thought nothing of a little fog and held it in no degree of concern. The Pirate vessel was far enough back that it saw the other ship leave the fog and pursued without altering course feeling it would be a simple chase. When they entered the fog their fortune took a sinister turn.
They entered what seemed to be a thick forest surrounded by the soft gray blue cloud cover they had seen the other ship enter. The winds died and the sound of surf or life ended abruptly. For having no wind in the sails they moved at the pace of a quiet current. The “Vharcan” dropped a lead line and it showed water was far deeper than their line was long. They tried to drop the anchor to evaluate their location but it too never caught the sea bed. They were at the mercy of the drifting water as they rode quietly deeper into the ‘hedge’ obstacle.
The canopy above became thick blocking light from sun or stars. Silently they were drawn in deeper, hardly daring to breathe or speak expecting at any moment an ambush. Behind them the sea was lost and aft was no sign of anything other than thick branches. Suddenly there was more of a feeling than a sight, many eyes peering down from all around them. At full alert the crew stood prepared to battle and most certainly to die, all thought it would be their last voyage.
Black White and Shades of Greyy Page 9