OUTLANDER

                                                Chapter 14

                                Circles within Circles

The first green sprouts were beginning to break through the soils and dirt. The last of the winter’s snows had melted and given water to the new life all about Marden. West had just delivered six healthy and always hungry pups in her first litter. Abindahl and her three children spent many hours with the she wolf and played with the small Dire Wolf pups when they were not suckling their mother or sleeping. Ofid and his wife praised the new mother as often as they could. Which for Ofid was less than he wished, due to his being gone to the capitol so often with training the new soldiers and men-at-arms that had joined the Thane’s Wolf Pack.

Lord Daka had signed the transfers of eight men some six months ago and the training had started almost immediately. Daka had also talked with Dax before he signed those orders and with Dax in agreement, had also signed four new promotions. Lord Daka had also mentioned to his Captain that a growing unit of men should have a more defined chain of command and Dax had been more than thankful to Daka for the suggestion. Sergeant-at-Arms Ruthor was promoted to Lieutenant. Ofid, Vlad and Cran were all promoted to Sergeants-at-Arms, the incoming men retained their same ranks as before they were transferred. The extra two men were assigned into two of the three platoons, the soldier who was known to be a good tracker was put in Vlad’s platoon, the one with healing skills was put into Ofid’s platoon. The wives of all four married men were not only proud of their husbands, but also very thankful of the increased income to their families. Cran was most pleased with the accelerated progress of his two new archers, they were not yet as good as Cran, but they were better now than any other known archers in Marden’s army. It would be at least six moon cycles before any training could begin with the new wolf pups. But within two or at the most three, men and pups could start becoming better acquainted, then by the time training started man and Dire Wolf would already have a bond.

The other happy news had come from Ruthor and Gayla, she was pregnant with their first child which would be born before the next winter. The young woman was not openly showing of her condition as yet, but Ruthor doted on her like she was delivering within days, regardless of Gayla’s protestations that she was not an invalid as yet (which she usually said with a smile, since she was enjoying the added attention from Ruthor). Cran ribbed his friend that it was usually thus with a couple’s first born.

Today Dax and Melody were sharing evening meal with Ceric and Mejara at the newlywed’s home. Ceric brought an Escaldian wine with him as a thank you for the invitation. As they were getting close to Dax and Melody’s house, Ruthor was just leaving.

“Lieutenant, I have not seen you since your promotion, congratulations, it was well earned.”

“Thank you, Lord Ceric. Gayla was most pleased, she talked me into investing part of our new income in one of her Father’s new ventures. She said we could grow our wealth better if we put money in one at the beginning rather than in one long established. Naturally I listened.” Ruthor chuckled as he finished saying this.

“Wise man, one should listen to a sound thinking wife. Do you mind if I ask what new venture that was?”

“No, not at all. It has something to do with a new type of weaving sheep’s wool, she says from looking into it, it is sure to be a thing of great success. I do not know that much about it myself.”

“I have looked into this myself, Lieutenant and I agree with Gayla. I have invested some my own coin in it as well.”

“Thank you Lord Ceric, that makes me feel even better about the venture. Enjoy your evening meal, I am headed home to Gayla myself.”

“Give her our tidings when you see her, if you will?”

“I will do just that. Good evening to you Lord, and you as well Mejara.”

Both Ceric, and his sister nodded their ascent. Dax was already at the door to welcome his guests to his house. Ruthor turned and walked on as Ceric and Mejara accepted the invitation to come in. Once inside Ceric handed a bottle of wine to Dax, who accepted it welcomingly.

Melody came into the room as Ceric and Mejara stepped inside and Dax was closing the door. “I am so glad you are here, you just missed Ruthor.”

“We saw him as he was leaving and I congratulated him on his promotion. I had not seen him since he was made a lieutenant. Thank you both for the invitation.” Ceric told her as she came close to give the old mage a hug of tenderness, and then Mejara as well. As she backed away she saw the wine in Dax’s hand. “And thank you for the wine. Take a seat, I will open the bottle and we can have a sip before our meal.”

“It is Escaldian wine, Mejara picked it out. I wouldn’t know one wine from another. But she is very knowledgeable about such things.”

Mejara went with Melody to fetch cups for the wine. While they were in the larder the older woman hugged Melody once again and signed her appreciation for the evening meal invitation. Melody looked her in the face and told her that she and her brother would always be welcome in her and Dax’s home.

The meal was sumptuous and the conversation enjoyable. Finally after all the crockery and remnants of food were cleared away, the four of them adjourned to chairs outside the house on a stone patio for evening entertaining.

“How is the training going with the new recruits, Dax?”

“Very well, as a matter of fact. Before too long we will be able to add the wolf pups into the mix. Then we will be able to actually judge any real success with the idea. But all are good men and they are advancing their skills remarkably well.”

“From what I have heard from Lord Daka, he is also pleased. That is a good sign. He has changed his mind over the months about you and your unit of men. He has said the same to me as well.”

“How about you Melody, are you content in your position of Area Deputy Emissary?’

“Yes I am, thank you for asking. Occasionally I get travel to the other emissary’s as far as Escaldia. I am finding the people in them as professional as Torek is here. I think they are becoming more at ease now with involving me when they can use another pair of eyes and different view point. Gayla has been a huge help to me.”

“Good, I am glad you both are doing well. She is due to deliver her child during the harvest time I think?”

“Yes she is, not too long before the beginning of next winter. If all goes according to the normal cycle.”

Mejara smiled at her brother and then gave a womanly wink in Melody’s direction. She then turned toward her brother and signed that they should be going soon. It was getting late in the evening and all could do with a long night’s sleep. Ceric looked at the younger couple and made he and Mejara’s bid of good evening just before he started to rise from his seat and turn to help Mejara up as well. “We have enjoyed this greatly, you two. Next time the invitation will be ours to you.”

“We will both look forward to that Lord.” Dax replied.

“If you have time, come and see me sometime tomorrow, Dax. I would like to talk with you about some things I have been hearing.”

“I will be there Ceric, say about midway between dawn and the sun reaching its full height?’

“That would be fine. Come to my office at the council building.”

“I will.”

“Thank you both again. This was most enjoyable.” The Mage said as he and Mejara stepped out the entry door and turned to walk back toward their own residence.

Dax and Melody watched the two of them walk up the street and finally around the corner that would lead them to where they lived. After the door closed Dax poured them both another cup of the wine each, then carried them with him as they returned to the patio for a little longer relaxation in the pleasant night air before going to bed themselves.

The next day Ceric told Dax that he had messages from both the Mages at Vlandess and Lagdian. Both were letting him know they had been hearing ships going missing on the Windless Sea. Marauders did not usually sink ships, it had happened occasionally, but they normally just plundered a ship. Of course there would be lives lost during some of their attacks on ships, but it was seldom that the ship was never heard of again. Morden, Amish Magdar’s mage in Lagdian had wondered if these new attacks could be the work of Fargyn, since Ceric had passed along the information Dax had provided him. Ceric was now asking Dax his opinion.

“It is possible, he and the other prisoners did take control of that ship. But where could they be hiding. I take it no one has seen them in a port anywhere or King Magdar would be hunting him down.”

“I have had the same thought. According to Morden, he nor the ship have been seen since. That is why I have asked you here. Would you have the time to travel to your contact in Tripolia and see if you could get any additional information? That is the one place I can think of where information of this type might be obtained, by the right person.”

“Have you discussed this with Lord Daka?”

“Yes I did, but he said the decision would be yours. If you think it would be beneficial and your men could continue their training in your absence. Then he could see the reason in such a trip.”

“Ruthor is quite capable of being in charge of the men. I could go and try to find out what might be gleaned from such discussions. When would you like me to leave?”

“As soon as you can. I am seeing circles within circles in this. There could be more to this, if Fargyn is behind it.”

“I will check with Captain Drig and see when he is planning his next trip to either Tripolia or No Fall. I can get passage with him, which would be the quickest method of travel. I will let you know when he is leaving port.”

“Thank you Dax, I will in turn let Daka know.”

Dax rose and left Ceric’s chambers. He walked directly to Throgmarden’s port to seek out the Merchant Seaman. He found the ship tied to one of the piers. He with Darma behind him walked up the gang plank and saw the First Mate standing near the plank as they stepped on board.

“Welcome back, Captain Dax.”

“Thank you, is Captain Drig aboard?”

“Aye, he is. He be in his cabin if you remember where that is. I am sure he will be interested in seeing you and your wolf again.”

“I do, thank you.” Dax and Darma made their way down the stairs to below deck and down the corridor to The Captain’s cabin. Once there Dax knocked on the cabin door.

“Enter.”

Dax opened the door so he and Darma could step inside.

“Good day, Captain.”

“Well, good day to you Captain of wolves and men. What do I owe this visit to?”

“I was wondering if you would be shipping out for Tripolia or No Fall in the near future?”

“As a matter of fact I will. We will catching the high tide in two days’ time. Why do you ask? Are you seeking passage that way again?”

“Yes, I am. But just for myself and Darma this time.”

“So which is it, No fall like last time or Tripolia?”

“Tripolia, actually. I am not sure how long I will be there. So it could be just the voyage there.”

“Fine. I have a cabin on the starboard side you can have. It would accommodate more than just you if your needs change. You will have to either board the night before or very early that morning, I could not wait if ye be late.”

“I understand, I will be early. Thank you. Are you going straight there or making other ports first.  If I may ask?”

“I will make Phit my first port of call. I will probably be there two or three days. Then I will sail to Roden in No Fall for about the same and finally a stop at Wesee in Escaldia before we return here to Throgmarden.”

“Fine, I hope my business is done in time to make this a round trip passage. If not I will let you know before you ship out of Phit. I will see you then in two mornings.”

“We will see you then, Captain Dax.”

Dax turned and left the cabin and then disembarked the ship. He stopped first at the Emissary buildings to tell Melody of this new trip. He wanted her to know before he went back to the council building and confirmed with Lord Ceric, then he decided he himself would talk with Lord Daka. Besides any reason to talk with his wife was a welcome distraction. As Dax entered the Emissary building he greeted Jena and walked on to Melody and Gayla’s offices. Gayla smiled as he came through the door, Melody heard them saying good day to each other and looked up as Dax walked into her office. She was standing in front of her desk as Dax neared her and then gave her a hug and kiss.

“To what do I owe this pleasant surprise, my love?”

“When I met with Ceric this morning he told me of a visit he wishes me to make to Tripolia. I found that it had merit, so I have just come from the docks where I talked with Captain Drig to book passage there. He will be leaving port the second morning from today. This would mean I would be gone for a half a moon cycle probably. I wanted you to know before I go back and tell Ceric and Lord Daka.”

“Thank you for telling me first. Would you be going alone?” Darma had moved to beside Melody for a morning stroke on the head which Melody obliged the Dire Wolf as she waited for an answer.

“Yes, just Darma and I. Ruthor can take charge on the men while I am gone.”

“Would you like more company on your trip? Or would that not be wise”

“I would welcome the company, if you are meaning yourself.”

“I am. I could visit with the Emissary there while you are doing the business you need to do. As long as this is business that I would not be a hindrance of.”

“No, it should not be that kind of mission. I will be doing some possible fact finding with an old friend of my Father’s and hopefully with people she knows there. The cabin Captain Drig has set aside for me would accommodate you traveling with me from what he told me this morning.”

“Good, then I would like to go with you. A few days away on a voyage would be welcome and some alone time with you would be enjoyable. I will talk with Gayla and Torek today.”

The two embraced again before Dax left her office to go meet with Lords Ceric and Daka. After confirming his plans with both men, he walked to the practice fields and talked with Ruthor and his men.

Ofid told him he would be bringing the new wolf pups down while Dax was away so the introductions and beginning bonding with their new human companions could begin. Dax was glad of this news, the sooner the bonding started between men and wolves, the sooner training could start.

Two days later Captain Drig’s ship The Dolphin was leaving port as the sun rose on Throgmarden Bay. Dax, Melody and Darma were on the port side deck watching as the harbor faded from view. Coming on board that morning Darma had sniffed at the First Mate as they walked on board. Saijen, his first mate had stiffened slightly at the surprise attention from the wolf, but Darma, remembering his scent walked on without incident and Saijen relaxed. As the Dolphin made its run between Vlad on the Valndess coast and Madar on the Marden coast the sea was as expected more turbulent, where the waters of the bay mixed with the open waters of the Sea of Storms. Past Madar and now with a heading more northwest and off the coast of Escaldia the sea calmed considerably. The rest of the voyage after that was uneventful. Dax and Melody would spend time on deck and especially enjoy the evening sunsets with its orange and pink glows on the waves of the vast sea. They dined on the same meals that were brought to the Captain, sometimes alone in their cabin and a few times with the Captain in his cabin, Darma always beside them. Finally they made port at Phit during a calm morning. Dax checked them into an inn near King Oggen Dian and Queen Miola Broone’s castle overlooking the straits between the three islands of Tripolia. Once they were checked in, Dax said his good byes to Melody as he needed to head straight to Ederwess on the north end of the island, telling her he would be back as soon as he could.

Dax rented a horse and tack from a stable and made haste up the coast Darma at the horse’s side. At first the horse had been skittish, but quieted during the early part of the journey. Dax rode until late into the evening hours and then rose before the dawn and was in the saddle once again, making Ederwess before the sun was at its highest. He rode straight to the house of Freyjin. Freyjin was elated at his arrival, it had been many winters since she last had seen the younger man. After renewing their long friendship, Dax made her aware of his favor he was asking of her. She thought about it and said she could get in touch with those who might be able to help and that he should rest after his long ride until she returned. He was more than thankful for the additional rest.

A few hours later she returned with the news that there were three Captains of her acquaintance who had agreed to meet with him that night, there at her home. She had assured them that he had no interest in their current or past enterprises, but was looking for any help they could offer about the Windless Sea and possibly any sightings of Fargyn of Lagdian and the ship he had commandeered.

After dusk had settled into the dark of night, the three captains with their first mates began arriving at Freyjin’s home. Once they were all there she introduced Dax to them all and served everyone flagons of Ale. Dax thanked them for agreeing to talk to him and then posed his questions about the attack that left Fargyn in command of a Lagdian ship. All three had heard of the venture and were not adverse to its outcome, this was their version of life on the Windless Sea. They were also not inclined to like Amish Magdar’s practice of chaining prisoners to oars in the holds of his ships until their deaths. Although they also used men at oars when needed, no one was chained there.

One of the Captains spoke up. He was a burly man with long red hair and beard and he spoke as still on a windy sea so he could be well heard. “We are all appreciative of your not asking our names, but I will tell you mine I am Tovar the Red, Captain Dax. Your deeds have become known even to us. I have heard of some ships going missing since this Fargyn took over as captain of the Lagdian ship. And yes I have had the same thought that he could be involved, why he would, I would not hazard a guess. I have also heard of this unmapped island somewhere in the Windless Sea, west off the coast where Jav is in the Waste. But I cannot tell you if the myth is true , I have never seen it or been there, nor has any I know. Freyjin has told us you have knowledge of the mystic metal and its use and that yours is in the effigy of a dragon, one from her father’s time. We Marauders all possess such stones as well. I have routinely plied the waters at least half again as far from shore as one can see the far horizon from shore. Those lanes are best for sighting a ship for taking, before we ourselves can be seen. But even at such a distance, I have yet to see anything on the far horizon that hinted of an island.”

“So, Captain Tovar, you do not believe such an island exists?”

“That I would not say. The myth or legend has existed for generations, just because I have not seen it does not mean it is not there. Maybe this Fargyn had a reason to venture farther than others and found it, maybe he ventured too far and will never be seen again, maybe he found another hole to hide in in the world we know. Which I would not guess. I just say that none of us here have seen it, nor have we seen anything of this Fargyn since the venture on that Lagdian ship. If we had I would tell you so.”

One of the other captain’s First Mate then spoke. “It is as Captain Tovar says. But for myself I believe the island exists. An old sailor I knew in my youth once told me he knew where it was, but also knew that to go there meant you would never return, although he would not say why. He was an honest man with no reason to lie to me, he was my Grand Uncle on my Mother’s side.”

“I thank all of you, and this knowledge will not be tied to any of you, not from my lips.”

All the men nodded in acceptance and soon rose and left Freyjin’s house. Dax thanked her deeply for making it able for him to talk to some of the Marauders in person. She said she wished she had time to meet Dax’s Wife, but that would have to wait for another time. She could not leave Ederwess right then. She also said if she heard anything else that she thought would help Dax she would send word with Captain Keal as before. Then she bade him to rest well, he would need it as she knew he would be heading back to Phit before dawn the next day.

Dax walked over to her, took her in his arms for a generous hug of love and kissed her cheeks fondly. Then he told her good night and that he would try to see her again, with less time between visits. She leaned into him and told him he was dearly loved as a son of her heart. He could see the tear that escaped her eye as she said it.

Dax rode hard all the next day and into the night before stopping for a short sleep, he lay on the ground, his head on his saddle looking into the clear night sky above. Darma lay next to him. Before dawn he was in the saddle riding toward Phit. As he rode into the city, his first stop was at the docks. Luckily The Dolphin was still tied to the pier. He went on board and let Captain Drig know he was back and Drig told him he would be headed out of port the next morning bound for Roden. Dax told him that he and Melody would be there early for departure.

Next Dax rode to the castle overlooking the straits. As he tied his horse to a post near the steps a guard approached him asking of his business. Dax informed the soldier of his rank in the army of Marden and that he wished to offer greetings from Thane Throgmarden to the King. The soldier walked with Dax up the steps and then talked to another soldier on post outside the large double doors to the interior. This man went inside and was then followed back by an officer.”

“The King has granted you an audience if you are ready. Are you planning on taking that wolf inside with you?”

“Yes, she goes everywhere with me. She is no threat to anyone unless she senses that I am under attack. My only intention is to give your King greetings from my Thane as is his due when a captain of Throgmarden is in your Kings realm.”

“Follow me then, I will be escorting you to the court chamber. King Dian is there.”

As they came into the large room the officer led Dax to within the length of three men from where the King and Queen were seated on two thrones that appeared to be made of whale ivory with cushions fashioned out of seal skins.

Dax bowed at his waist and then rose saying. “Greetings to you, King Oggen Dian from my Thane Erik Throgmarden. I wish you long health and prosperity. My name is Captain Dax and I am in service to my Thane.”

“Well, Captain Dax, I see you are not alone here in my chambers. Do you always travel with a Dire Wolf for a companion?”

“Yes Highness, Darma is of no threat to any here.”

“I have heard from my Mage of a small unit of men recently known as Throgmarden’s Wolf Pack. I assume you are their Captain?”

“That is I King.”

“I have had another from Throgmarden visit myself and my Queen only a day ago, she was the new Deputy Area Emissary of Eigle. Can I assume that this is no coincidence?”

“You may great King. But we are not here on similar business. Hers is of the business of Eigle. I am here only seeking information about the Windless Sea from a few of your famed mariners.”

“So, I take it you are acquainted with Deputy Emissary Melody?’

“In truth, I am well acquainted with her your Highness. We are lifelong friends and she is my wife.”

“Well then we have been doubly blessed with these audiences. Have you been successful then with these sea captains in finding answers to your questions?”

“Sad to say, no Majesty, they have only heard the same rumors as I have. But I was appreciative of their candor.”

“Fine, and will you be staying in Phit long?”

“Regrettably, no Sire. We will be leaving on the morning tide. That is why I had asked to offer you greetings before we left your kingdom.”

“That is too bad. Good fortune on your journey and tell Thane Erik of my well wishes on your return to Marden.”

“That I will do, King Dian.”

A short time later Dax found Melody at the Emissary offices a short distance from the palace. He was introduced to the Emissary there and then told Melody of the ships departure the next morning. The Emissary invited them to evening meal that night and they accepted. The next morning they were on the Dolphin leaving port and headed for No Fall. The first day there they jointly had an audience with Lord Lief Donelson and Lady Tajik, the rulers of No Fall. Afterwards and then the following day, Melody visited with the Emissary here while Dax sought out seamen and sea captains along the docks. He was seeking more possible information about sightings of Fargyn or knowledge of an uncharted island west of Jav. He had no better luck than he had at Ederwess. When they docked in Wesee in the Escaldia realm the results were not much better.

Dax was introduced to an elderly seaman who told him a story from his early youth. According to the man’s story; he had gotten a berth on a whaling ship out of Fen, one of the smaller islands of Tripolia. During a voyage far west of Jav, the ship had ventured far beyond the normal sea lanes seeking whales. The crew had become wary of how far toward the setting sun the captain had set their course each day. Finally they began to see gulls in the air about their ship, where there should have been no gulls this far from land. This scared the crew worse and the ancient rumors of an island no man could return from began causing a panic. The crew was threatening to mutiny and take over the ship. The Captain eventually gave in to the crew’s demands before the crew made good their threats and reversed course toward the rising sun in the mornings. He said no one standing watch in the crow’s nest ever admitted to sighting land, but they had ventured too far from the coastline on The Waste for the gulls to have been where they saw them. When Dax asked how far had they had been to the west. The old man could not remember exactly, but said it had taken the many days traveling due east before the crow’s nest watch spotted the shores of The Waste again in the far distance.

The voyage home from Wesee was more relaxed after that for Dax and Melody. They were ready to be back in Throgmarden, and merely enjoyed each other’s company and the spectacular ocean scenery. The young couple relaxed at home their first full day back in the capitol, before resuming their usual busy schedules.

On Dax’s first morning back at the practice field, he was quite pleased with how the training was going. The new men and their pups seemed more bonded than he had expected. Some early training was even beginning and going well. In part probably because of the interaction of the pups with the older Dire Wolves and the pups mimicking them in the training. By mid-day, Dax and Ruthor went to talk with Ceric and Lord Daka at the council building. He wanted Ruthor fully aware of all the information and any questions the two lords might have. When they arrived and went to Ceric’s chamber, he welcomed Dax, home. Then he said for them to get Lord Daka, as was going to get Thane Erik. The Thane had asked Ceric to tell him when Dax returned.

Dax, Ruthor and Lord Daka walked into the council chamber together as Ceric and the Thane entered from the door behind the council’s table.

“Welcome Captain, let us all have a seat. Then we can begin.” Thane Erik Throgmarden said as he walked to the table and sat down.

“Thank you, my Thane.”

“So what did you learn in the northern realms, Captain?”

“Truly not much more than we already knew or assumed. I did talk with three Marauder captains and their first mates. They did not add much. They had all heard of Fargyn’s acquiring the Lagdian ship, but none have heard or seen him since that happened. They knew of the myth or legend of an island somewhere in the Windless Sea west of where Jav is on the coast. None of them had ever seen or been to that island, but also would not say that it does not exist. One of them had an uncle when he was young who talked of it, but even he had never been there. I talked with seamen in Phit, and Roden with no better results. And I did take the time to have audiences with both King Dian and Lord Donelson. I gave both of them your best wishes my Thane, as well as thanks for allowing me to talk to seamen in their realms.”

“That is always good politics, Captain. Go on.”

“Then in Wesee when I thought I was going to end up with the same results again, I was introduced to a very old seaman. He told me a story from his early youth on a whaling ship that has a more plausible answer.”

Ceric interrupted before Dax could continue. “More plausible or an actual fact.”

“For now, plausible. According to him while on a voyage seeking whales, his Captain started voyaging farther west than the crew felt comfortable with. And then gulls started showing up around their ship.”

“These gulls have some special meaning?” Lord Daka asked.

“Yes, Lord. According to him, they were already too far from the coast of the Waste to see gulls. This then caused the crew to threaten mutiny as more gulls and near shore birds were being seen. Finally their Captain agreed and they turned about and sailed many days to get back within the crow’s-nest watch sighting the Waste’s shore in the far distance.”

“Dax, this could mean that the old legends of an uncharted island really could exist far west of Jav. Too far for any man to have seen it or ever coming back if one did. Do you really think this old seaman is a credible source?”

“I think his account is plausible enough, that the possibility should not be dismissed out of hand, Lord Ceric.”

“Do you think Fargyn could have been lucky enough to have found it? Maybe carved out a port there and is capturing more ships for some unknown purpose?” Thane Erik then asked.

“It was rumored that some of the prisoners on the first ship had been seamen imprisoned for crimes in ports and a couple against King Magdar’s Navy itself. We have no way of knowing who survived that first attack. Lucky would be an understatement, but Fargyn is so driven by vengeance that he could have pushed them farther than anyone ever has before. These things to me would be a possible answer, why more ships have disappeared since then and have not been seen or wreckage washed up on any shore since.” Dax replied, his tone in stern earnest.

A lengthy discussion followed this account. Each of the five seated in open round table discussion of the possibilities. Finally, it was Thane Erik who posed the most critical question.

“Among all of you, how do you feel we should proceed? Do we have a way of doing what no other realm has ever done, could we find this island? Could we defeat whatever force Fargyn has accumulated there by now, if he has succeeded there at all. And in my thoughts right now, could we possess such an island if we do succeed at both of the other issues?”

 “My Thane, we do have ships that are as capable as the one Fargyn took possession of. We also have some of the best sea Captains in any realm, but navigating that far from known land and returning has never happened. Then without knowing any strength of whatever force might be there, is risky. We do not know how many men to send on such a mission, beyond the necessary sailors to get us there, nor the amount of provisions that would be required even at half rations.” Lord Daka stated.

“However being in possession of such an island, if it exists at all, could be a huge advantage over all the western realms, if not all realms. Especially if we could take it, build it up against attack, settle it and with that increase our presence on the Windless Sea.” Lord Ceric added.

Ruthor and Dax were exchanging looks of knowledge, and nodded an almost hidden assent between themselves before Dax spoke. “Navigation would not be the real issue, Lords. The extra men to at least reconnoiter such an island, would best be accomplished by a smaller but elite force of men. This in advance of any planned attack to take possession of the island, if it exists.”

“Why do you say navigation is not the issue, Captain?” Lord Daka asked.

“My lord, Tripolian Marauders have had a method of navigation not known to other seamen for generations. With it they can navigate even in the densest of storms, without the aid of the sun, moon or stars. There is a metal ore that they fashion into effigies, this effigy when hung from a cord and allowed to dangle free of obstruction will align itself with the north. By using it you can set your course in any direction and stay a course on that direction, or change your course to which ever course you wish at any time.”

“You have seen this done and know it to be true ?” Ceric asked with heightened curiosity.

“I have Lord Ceric, I have used it myself. That is what the dragon effigy is that you have seen in my possession. Not only can I use it, I have taught Ruthor how to use it as well.”

“This is true my Lords. This stone works, not only on the sea but on land as well.” Ruthor added.

“Why have you not told us of this earlier?”

“It was not of any consequence until now, Lord Ceric. We used it when we were leaving Lagdian, after Fargyn was captured. I only have the one and only one person from Tripolia knows I have that one. She is the one who gave it to me many years ago. I have never seen the ore in its natural form though. If we could find the ore, we could make more of the effigies.”

“Do you think you could find this ore?” Lord Daka asked.

“If I could talk to the woman who gave it to me, and she knows of someone who either has the raw ore or knows where the Tripolians get theirs, then yes. But for our purposes now the one could allow us to navigate a ship, and look for this island.”

Thane Erik leaned forward his hands clasped together and looked directly at Dax. “Your men Captain, they could be the small force you spoke of.”

“Yes, my Thane, they would.”

“Circles within circles,” Lord Ceric mused to himself.