OUTLANDER
Chapter 19
Taming a New Land
The voyage back to Borland seemed to go somewhat better this time. That could be because there was no major storm and not as long a time becalmed. It could also be that with their wives on board there was much more pleasurable interaction. Melody did have some sickness, but it was relatively short lived and their new daughter seemed oblivious to being at sea. She took her mother’s feedings well, slept without colic, and dearly loved being held when she was awake. This was a blessing Dax did not expect, but was overjoyed with.
The first shore birds had just been sighted from Borland, the new comers to this voyage were told to expect seeing land on the horizon within a few days at most. Knowing this Melody, Gayla and Aiela spent as much time on deck during the day as they could. They were joined by the other new adventurers from Viral and Jav. It was on the third morning after the sighting of shore birds that Borland could first be seen on the horizon as dawn was turning the sky to bright blue skies over the sea.
“Land ahead, Captain, you should be able to see it shortly.” Came the cry from the watch in the Crow’s Nest.
Everyone on deck rushed to the rails along the ship. Captain Cavidar shouted back. “Can you sight the port yet?”
Within moments the cry came back. “Sir, just two points off the port side.”
Several aching moments later all on the deck could see the first rise of the coastline creeping into view from the horizon. Cavidar turned his attention to the helmsman. “Two points to port, Mister Pendil.”
“Aye, Captain. Two points to port Helmsman. Make it fast.”
You could just feel the slight change in direction. Within less than an hour’s time all could see the mountains behind the town and inset of the bay.
“Captain, it looks as if I see two sets of masts, not just one.” Dax said to Cavidar.
“I see it as well, Dax. The second one looks like a single mast with a triangular sail. We did not expect to see anything other than the Caravel. It looks strangely similar to a Dhow, like you would see along the Waste coastline of a local fishing boat.”
“That’s what it appears to me as well. I guess we will find out as we come into port and meet our men again after being gone this past six moons.”
Melody asked Dax why a second ship or boat would be seem unusual. He told her that when they had left, there was only the bigger one on the island.
“Dax, look at the bluff as well. It looks like they built a tower atop the bluff. That tower must be the height of 12 grown men.” Cran pointed out to his Captain.
“You are right. It looks as if no one wasted any time in making several improvements while we were away.” Dax answered. Then he pointed this out to Cavidar as well.
“They probably saw our sails before the Crow’s Nest could see the horizon. My compliments will go to who ever made that decision. It will offer us an advantage if anyone stumbles upon our location.”
“Agreed.”
It was well onto past midmorning before the Windlass had made it around the reef and was ready to be tied up to the dock. As that was going on, the dock and beach were filled with people waiting to welcome to the ship back to Sovladen. Those on board could see that not only was there a Dhow tied to the dock, but also a second one was under construction near the first one. Clearly it was those here who were building them.
As the gang plank was dropped and secured to the ship, Ruthor, Delpha and Gaben Slogin were standing in front of the crowd to welcome them back. Dax allowed Gayla to be the first one down the gang plank with Iben Dom in her arms. As she rushed to her husband his arms surrounded them both; wife and husband in an immediate long embrace. Once they parted, Dax and several of those on the ship, were now standing on the dock. Ruthor turned his look to his Captain and friend.
“Welcome home, Dax, and I am so glad to see you, Melody, I see you have a bundle in your arms as well.”
“I do Ruthor. I am so glad to be here, all of us are.”
“It appears you have all been very busy while we were away Lieutenant. I am truly impressed already. That tower on the bluff looks amazing.” Dax told his friend
“Just wait until you see it up close, my Captain.”
“I see many other improvements as well. The large stone building behind where Delpha and the other women live for example and two fishing boats, one looks completed and another under construction.”
“Yes, the building is already being used and there is little left to complete, it is the new Gaol. We decided to build the fishing boats after the Caravel made a three day voyage up the coast, expanding our knowledge of the island. There is good fishing there and two of Gaben’s men had knowledge of boat building. I see you bring several new people with you on your return.”
“We do. Captain Cavidar recruited some from Viral, I think some are fishermen. Others are of different trades, myself and Cran found some others in Jav. We can go over much of this later though. Have you planned where you, Cran and I will be living with our wives?”
“Yes we have. Your family will be taking the house that was once used by Fargyn. We have made a few improvements in a while you were away. Myself and Gayla will be in the house beside that one and Cran and Aiela have the one there across the square from ours.” Ruthor turned to Captain Cavidar and continued talking. “Captain, we have the one next to Cran ready for you and your crew will be in that large one beside mine for now. We will be discussing more improvements and additions when we have time for the council to meet, now that you are all back.”
“That sounds fine, Lieutenant. I am more used to living most of my time on board the Windlass, but will relish having a home on the shore. My men will be just as pleased with accommodations on shore as well. We can talk about where they can start helping with any future improvements.”
By now most everyone was disembarked from the ship and had walked down the docks to the square of the town. Dax turned and greeted them all to their new home. “All of you are welcomed to Sovladen, your new home. Lieutenant Ruthor will be assigning your accommodations after my welcome. We will be spending today and tomorrow letting everyone unload, unpack and getting started on settling in.”
Delpha spoke next as Dax finished. “There will be a midday meal served back in this area when the sun reaches its highest, please everyone join us then. At dusk we will have our evening meal in the same area. All are always encouraged to eat together. Once you are settled in and wish to make other arrangements you may, myself and the women here will help in any way we can. We have become used to, and enjoy the gathering together for meals so far.”
Dax, Cran and Ruthor took their wives and children to their new homes and began the tasks of unloading and unpacking their belongings. All three of the wives were pleasantly pleased with what had been done for their comfort. Any personal changes they decided would not be as immediately necessary, as they had thought they might be, when they talked about what they were coming to during the voyage.
As the sun reached its highest all were in the square taking seats at tables, sitting down on front walks at some of the houses or anywhere there was a place to do so. Those who had been here walked around and asked to sit among the new arrivals. They introduced themselves and were genuinely welcoming. Some might not remember all the new names, but they would try as they could.
Delpha came and sat with Dax, his family and Ruthor with his. With her was Mesan, the blacksmith.
“There are two things I have not mentioned yet, Dax. While you were away the three men we gave paroles to have proved themselves just as the women said they were. We think they should be given full pardons, if you agree? And two we should probably start thinking about how we will accommodate people who wish to become married here on Borland?” Ruthor said as he finished his meal.
“If you, Delpha and Gaben are of this mind then I will trust your judgement, I am sure Captain Cavidar will also agree.” Dax then looked sheepishly toward Delpha and continued. “Would I be right in guessing that there are those at this table who would like to be the first married in our new land?”
“You would be right, Captain Dax, they are indeed.” Delpha answered with a smile and placed her hand on that of Mesan sitting beside her. Mesan cupping his hand around hers as she did.
“Wonderful news, Delpha. I congratulate you both. I assume we might ask Captain Cavidar to preside on the deck of the Windlass if you wish, that custom is already honored anywhere. Or would you prefer to have a ceremony here in Sovladen?”
“Here in Sovladen I think. Captain Cavidar could still preside if he will. Would you do me the honor of acting as the one giving me away? I know I am a little old for such a thing maybe, but I would appreciate the gesture.”
“I would be most honored. When would you two like to have the celebration?”
“Soon, Captain, if you please. I do so love her and wish for us to start a life together.” Mesan added. His words making Delpha gain a hint of blush to her cheeks.
“Then just set a date, I am sure all here will want to share in this event. Wishing blessings to you both.”
“Thank you.” They both said in unison.
Dax rose looked around the square and said in a loud clear happy voice. “Everyone, we’re going to have a wedding. We hope all of you will celebrate with Delpha and Mesan.” Now both of them blushed at the sounds of clapping, gleeful yeas and the stomping of feet on the earth in front of them.
After the meal was over the new arrivals went to unpacking in the quarters assigned to them. Dax and Captain Cavidar took a tour of the watch tower and both commented on its construction and planning for protection against attacks. They talked with Eron and his men who had been instrumental in its planning. Then Ruthor led them to the new Goal with similar congratulations. Although he prisoners were back at work on various tasks, Dax asked his lieutenant if he thought there was any thought given to these men working toward eventual paroles or pardons as the other three men were given.
“No, as yet we have given that no consideration. These men had acted differently from what Delpha and the women told us, as you might remember before you left for Jav. So far I have seen of none of them acting with any appearance of remorse for their previous actions.” Ruthor recounted.
“We could keep the option available if any do. But I do not think we should propose it openly, some would feign such an opportunity if they knew it was possible. They are prisoners who charges are of serious crimes and behavior.” Dax said in hind sight. Captain Cavidar agreed when this was said.
Leaving the Goal they walked to the docks where men were working on the second Dhow. Cavidar struck up a conversation with Gaben Slogin.
“Mister Slogin, might I ask who you found with the knowledge to build these boats?”
“Surely, Sir.” Gaben turned slightly and beckoned two men to join him in front of Cavidar, Dax and Ruthor. “This is Nyles Smyte and Devon Morland, Captain. They are two of our Able Seamen. Both grew up in fishing ports with their families and their fathers were fishermen. Nyles was from Skalm and Devon was from Madar. They have been invaluable in the design and building of the Dhows.”
“Excellent work men. Sovladen will have better diets due to your work here.” Cavidar told the two seamen.
“Thank you, Sir.” Both said in unison. Then Gaben dismissed the two to return to their work.
After leaving the docks the three officers turned to doing as all the people who had just returned, that being getting themselves settled in their quarters. Just as dusk was creeping over the western horizon, all the inhabitants met in the square for evening meal. As everyone finished eating Dax rose once again and with Cavidar, Ruthor and Delpha standing beside him, spoke to the gathering.
“Before we all relax from today’s events, we would like to say a few words. Those of you who have just joined us here on Borland, we welcomed earlier today. Many of us have introduced ourselves to you throughout the day. But we all here already know each other from months of interaction. So first I would like to introduce you to those whom you have not yet had the opportunity to meet.” Dax paused for a moment looking around all those listening. “I am sure you have noticed that there are sixteen prisoners working here. I should let you know why. They were the remaining men who had followed a Lagdian rebel leader who found this island in a pursuit to avoid being captured again. Then started preying on other ships some of the women here are the only survivors of those attacks. My Thane Erik of Marden sent us to try and find that rebel. Luckily we did, so they have been made prisoners for those serious offenses.” Dax stopped so all could think a moment on his statement.
After taking a drink of water and looking around to see that they were all still looking his way he started talking again. “There are twenty eight of you, who have agreed to join us in establishing a new settlement on this island. Which we still know only some about. I see two of you with wives from Lagdian who are fishermen.” Dax looked at the table both families were seated and gestured in their direction. “If I remember correctly your names are; Jon Rales, your wife Jayn and son Eric. Sitting with you are; Thom of Skotic, your wife Paola and daughter Miama. Once you are ready you can start fishing again in the boat that is ready. Dax turned slightly to a man seated next to a woman near Cran and Aiela. “I believe you are called Otis Kemp and your wife Ceila and that you are a miller from close to Viral. You and we will looking for a place along the river west of town where we can build a watermill and a house for you. And I see your brother Wilem sitting with you, Wilem is a carpenter. I think you will be quite busy for a long while.” At this everyone laughed.
Turning toward another table Dax spoke again. “There I see Darl Mamed and his sons Hafle and Savid, all of you are stone masons from Jav. There behind you are; Karim Djan, his wife Miram, son Duan and daughter Miesa. With you are; Tovid Zahal, his wife Jura and son Kavir, all of you are farmers from north of Jav. While we are finding the right location for the watermill we will also be assisting you in locating where you think is the best spot for your farms. There are already livestock here you can incorporate into your farms.” Dax changed his view to some people nearer where Bien and a few of his crew were seated. “Over there are Teman Dessa, his wife Naoma, eldest son Deson and youngest son Wanir. You are all fishermen from the Arna River area. You will be getting the second Dhow, which should be ready within a few days.”
Dax stopped for another drink and then finished his introductions. “Finally I see Weren Dahl and his son Paol from near Desham who are Foresters and Kurl Mars, his wife Hella and her brother Dom Swen, you men are Quarriers from near the Prah River south of Viral. Now at least everyone knows all of you at least for a few moments time. We will all become better known to one another as time goes on.”
Captain Cavidar now stood to speak. “Here on Borland we have established a council of four to meet and discuss our objectives and govern for the time being. That council is made up of Captain Dax, Lieutenant Ruthor, the Lady Delpha and myself. You can bring anything to anyone of us and we will do our best to set policies and priorities for the good of all here. For the present we will judge on the common laws of most realms we have come from. Remember this is a new land, so we have decided in the recent past that we can do some things a little different than has been done before, such as having a lady on that council. This should let all ladies here know that here on Borland they have a legitimate voice in how we govern ourselves.” As Cavidar sat back on his seat there was clapping from all around the town square.
Delpha rose and said. “I would only like to ask that all here join myself and Mesan two nights from now as we join our lives together as man and wife. All of us who have been here, have begun to think of everyone here as extended chosen family more than just a group of people thrown together by chance. It is our hope that you will in time feel the same.” Again there was applause from all around the square.
Afterwards people started drifting toward their new homes, pausing occasionally to chat with others, but finally entering homes to find their beds and much needed rest for the night.
*****
Ofid and Abindal with their children stood along the forecastle deck watching the ship sail westward toward the unbroken horizon. They had made port in Wesee where they had purchased a stallion and brood mare of good lines. Then they had also docked in Ederwess on their way to Jav. Ofid had introduced his family to Freyjin and she had joined them in their search for more lodestone in the mountains above her home. It had been a good day. Ofid had bartered with some herdsmen there and acquired a three head of Tripolian long haired cattle, a bull and two cows; one which was recently thought to be pregnant. About two dozen people joined the adventure. Lord Daka and Ofid had found a few fairly seasoned new recruits for the Wolf Pack.
While in Jav they had met with Neven Salas and stayed with him for a night. The Sand Walker trader that Ofid had talked to near the docks acquired more stores for the long voyage to Borland. More goats and chickens had been brought on board there as well. Now they were more than two moons into the voyage between Jav and Borland.
“No birds as yet my husband.”
“Soon Abindal, soon.”
“Da, I am ready to play in dirt again.” Dena said to her father.
“Ofid, can I go see the wolf pups soon? They need me to talk to them, they are getting tired of being cooped up.” Brenna asked her adopted father
“That sounds like a fine idea little one. Let us go there now, before the sun sets in the west.”
Later after Ofid came back on the upper deck, Captain Braden Moule joined him. “If you are right, we should be seeing shore birds soon Sergeant-at-Arms.”
“I would say within the next few days at most, Captain. We have had fair winds mostly, but the Becalm we were caught in did last almost a half a moon. So it is never a firm number of days at sea on this voyage. We just have to trust in the course we follow due west, it is our one true guide.”
“I do not disagree with your knowledge, Ofid. But being my first trip to this new island, we all thought for so long to be only a myth, I just need to see it for myself.”
“Believe me I know that feeling Captain, we all did on that first voyage.”
*****
Damna the Great strode into Pollocan’s rooms with measured persistence. “It has been weeks, old fool, I am getting very tired of waiting for news from you.”
“Great One, you told me to not let you see me until you beckoned me into your presence. I have just been obeying your decree. I have received some news lately, but not any that will be very pleasing.”
“So what is this news, Mage?”
“One of the men who walks with wolves has been seen. Twice in fact. He was seen in Throgmarden for a while, some weeks ago. Then later he was briefly seen again this time in Jav. He disembarked from a Marden fleet ship. I am told he re-boarded that ship and it set sail some weeks ago. No one was told of their destination, other than that they were on a voyage.”
“But only the one man, not the traitor, Dax?”
“No, my King, at least, Dax did not go ashore while it was docked in Jav.”
“Well, at least they are not all vanished then. Do you think I should increase the reward we offered?”
“I do not think that is the problem, Highness. You reward already keeps men watching for him. When he is seen or rumored of, we will hear of it.”
“I do not like being thwarted, Pollocan. My patience is becoming much frayed at the edges, you do not want to see them break entirely.”
“There was one interesting bit of gossip I did hear though.”
“And what was that?”
“The women in your harem have been complaining that their Midwife has not been to see them in quite a while. I sent men to call on her, but she is no longer at her residence here in the capitol. One of her neighbors said she traveled to Jav quite some time back, but has not been seen since.”
“Should I care about some old midwife? Let my mother find them a new one.”
“As you wish, my King. I only mention it because she went to Jav and that is where this Wolf Pack man was seen as well.”
“So, you think the two are connected?”
“There is no evidence of that, but I never like coincidences”
“Nor do I usually, but this one appears to be just that. A midwife is not what concerns me, nor would she be involved with Marden military matters. Ignore it and keep your attention on the goal I seek.”
“Yes, my King.”
Damna turned and left Pollocan’s rooms, letting the door slam behind him.
*****
Ormish Drofeld was sitting in his throne room with his wife, Queen Shemaine. Standing before them was Captain Meldon and his First Mate Davar.
“I had you summoned, Captain because I have a maritime question for you. Do you have any thoughts on why or how the Marden Navy found and then captured a lost merchant’s ship from Steldar in the Windless Sea, supposedly with a Lagdian naval ship that had been taken by that rebel opposed to King Magdar?”
“No, my King, I had not heard of this as yet.”
“We got word from King Magdar yesterday by way of a messenger bird between the two Mages. It simply said that the ship was tied to their docks in Viral and we could claim it there.”
“That is odd, my King. Every realm had been looking for this Fargyn since his escape. All the merchant seamen I know have been weary of travel on the Windless Sea for quite a while now. Several ships have gone missing since his escape.”
“Yes. I am well aware of that. So, how do you think the Marden Navy accomplished what the other realms could not, in a sea on our side of the world, when they operate more often in the Sea of Storms and Northern Sea?”
“I could only hazard a guess, King Drofeld. Maybe they also lost a merchant ship and were just in the right place at the right time to engage Fargyn with a stronger force.”
“Maybe, Captain. You know which merchant owned the ship I take it? I do, Sire.”
“Then I want you to contact him, and avail yourself to go and retrieve his property. The crown will pay the bounty to you. I want you to ask around the docks while you are there for any information about who and when it was brought in. You and your crew are known there I take it?”
“We are quite well known in the docks of Viral, my King. We will ask around the docks and taverns there, where seamen frequent while in that port. I will bring you any news we can glean from such men.”
“Good, I look forward to our next discussion.”
Captain Meldon and his Mate turned and left the room. Once outside they made their way to the merchant’s office near the docks of Drokar.
*****
It was two days later when the first shore birds were spotted by First Mate Dana Freize. Everyone rushed onto the upper deck in high expectation. It was at midday the next day when the crow’s nest watch shouted down with the first sighting of land. Not long before dusk everyone could see the island breaking the monotonous seas horizon. They would be in port by the following morning.
Ofid was amazed at all the changes in the time he had been gone. The dock was crowded with people welcoming the ship to Sovladen. Dax and Melody were standing in front of the crowd when the gang plank was secured to the dock. Ofid and his family were the first of the passengers and crew coming down to the dock.
“Welcome home, Ofid. I am glad to see you and your family here.”
“Thank you my, Captain. We are just as glad to be here.”
Melody walked up to Abindal and gave her a warm hug.
“And who is this beautiful little girl I see in your arms?”
“This is our daughter, Ginger. We named her for Dax’s mother.”
“She looks like you, Melody.”
“I am so glad you decided to come and live here. Now all our closest friends are together.”
By now Ruther and his family, Cran and his family and many of the Wolf Pack were gathering close to Ofid and his family with warm greetings. They turned and started walking toward the shore so all the crew and passengers could disembark from the ship more easily.
“How was your trip, Ofid?”
“It was fine, Dax, I have much to tell you and Captain Cavidar.”
Dax sees Cavidar talking to the Captain of the ship that has just docked. He catches Cavidar’s eye and motions him over. Cavidar in turn slaps the other Captain on the back and they walk over to where Dax is standing.
“Ofid says he has much to tell us, I thought he could give us a short version of his news as the other passengers are disembarking. I have as yet not told him though of your performing a marriage ceremony between Delpha and Mesan.”
“That is wonderful news Dax, we must congratulate them both.” Ofid replied before Captain Cavidar could speak.
“Sounds fine to me, let me introduce Captain Braden Moule, we have known each other for many years.”
“It is good to meet you Captain Moule. I am Dax of the Wolf Pack.”
“I know well of you Captain Dax, even more so since I have traveled with your Sergeant-at-Arms for some months now.”
Dax turns toward Ofid. “So, tell us your news Ofid.”
“First of all I have these from the council for you and Captain Cavidar.” Ofid hands over the two documents he was given by Thane Erik. And as they open and read them, Ofid tells those there what the documents are. “These papers I just handed over are promotions that Thane Erik has awarded to both Captain Dax and Captain Cavidar. Dax has been promoted to Commander and Captain Cavidar is now Commodore Cavidar. They have my personal congratulations.”
Everyone shouts hoorahs and wishes the two men hearty congratulations. Both thank everyone around them.
“Then I would just give you a quick rundown of the new people who are joining us here on Borland. First the council has agreed to our town’s name and the island’s new name. Lord Daka and I interviewed and accepted nine new recruits to the Wolf Pack, two men-at-Arms and four soldiers. There are also ten new men assigned to our Navy unit for the Commodore. There are twenty four new citizens from various trades and places around Marden, who have agreed to make new lives here with us. We will now have more farmers, a baker, a tinner, a weaver, a tanner, a barrel maker, a potter, carpenters and an experienced hunter, a butcher, a seamstress and many have families. Finally West, Yestel and I have also brought six Dire Wolf pups that are about four months old as we land.” Ofid stooped to let everyone absorb all that he said so quickly.
“That is magnificent, Ofid. You did extremely well on your mission. But beyond all of that we are most pleased that you and your family are here with us again.”
“Thank you, Dax. We are all just as happy to be here, too.”
“We will need to discuss all this more in the morning. For now let us show you and Abindal your new home it is a little walk to the west, I knew you two would want something close to what you have left behind, at least now it will much closer to all of your friends.” Dax took Ginger’s little hands and cuddled her to him as he took Melody’s hand for the short walk out the west end of Sovladen. The rest of the Wolf Pack walking amid Ofid’s family followed.
Once there Abindal was the first to speak. “This is perfect Dax, it is as close to what I hoped for as it could be. Thank you all so much “No thanks are necessary, Abindal, you are family and family looks out for one another.” Dax answered her. “We will all help you unload and unpack your belongings. Tomorrow we can all visit and talk at leisure. Tonight there will be a welcoming celebration.”
All but Ofid and his family left the new farmstead so they could have a good family look and time together until they were ready for their friend’s help.
The evening celebration was joyous, and even with the recent addition of more tables around the square, quite crowded. There were so many to introduce themselves, both of those who arrived today, and those who had arrived prior. You could feel the welcoming nature in the air. Faces full of smiles, genuinely trying to remember so many new names, it was far into the deep dark of the night when the last of them went to find their beds.
The next morning the council had an early meeting as soon as the morning meal was over. As soon as it ended Commodore Cavidar went to meet with his men, at the same time Dax and Ruthor went to meet with the entire Wolf Pack. They had the prisoners returned to their cells until this meeting was over. They had all their men meet at the watch tower. Dax started the meeting.
“I am sure you have all introduced yourselves to one another, so I will start this meeting by welcoming our newest members to the Wolf Pack. If I have not been able to meet you yet, I am Commander Dax.” There was applause from his men so Dax waited a moment before speaking again. “To my right I have promoted Lieutenant Ruthor to Captain.” There was more clapping in congratulations. “I would like Ofid, Cran and Eron to stand for a moment. Good, you three are promoted from Sergeant-at-Arms to Lieutenant.” Now there were a series of cheers. “Of you new men, I am assigning the following men to the watch tower and you will make your quarters there as Eron and his men had been doing; Man-at Arms Wolch, soldier Dimzer and soldier Smalls. The following men will be assigned to the Goal for now as the guards there; Man-at-Arms Dispar, soldier Diel and soldier Yans and you will take the quarters where your predecessors did. These are not meant as low jobs as you might think. They are positions that need to be done with high vigilance and they allow us to get you all into training easier since they have schedules we can adjust for the training you will be getting; to teach you the skills we Wolf Pack members use differently than what you are used to. Archer Symes will report to Lieutenant Cran’s platoon. Soldier Wilde will report to Lieutenant Ofid’s platoon. Soldier Tumach will report to Lieutenant Eron’s platoon. The watch tower and Goal men will report directly to Captain Ruthor. In the near future six more men will be assigned Dire Wolves and, as some of you know, that itself will require additional training.”
Commodore Cavidar was making similar announcements during this same time. Most notably First Mate Bein Pendil was promoted to Captain of the Caravel which became named the Shark. Second Mate Gaben Slogin was promoted to First Mate of the Windlass. Boatswain Jon Daring was promoted to First Mate of the Shark and Bosun’s Mate Emil Filmer was promoted to Boatswain of the Windlass.
By that evening all the new assignment and moves had been completed. It was after dinner that Dax told Melody of the next planned mission he and Cavidar would undertake. He waited until they were in their home and Ginger was fast asleep in her crib.
“Cavidar and I will be taking a voyage south along the coast within the next few days my love. I will be taking Eron and his platoon with me.”
“Are you going to explore the coast to see how large our island is?”
“Yes, would you like to accompany us? I doubt there will be a high risk of any real danger, but I would not guarantee it.”
“I would love to my husband. But this time I should stay here with Ginger and she has already been on a long voyage for her early age. How long do you think you will be gone?”
“No longer than a moon, I would think. That would give us time for a good idea of anything close to the south. If we do not find our way around to where Eron has already been north by then. We will turn back after half a moon. Then later on we can try again to the north. Someday though we need to know the entire coastline of Borland. On some of our anchorages Eron, his men and I will explore some inland. Of course once we are back we will be charting everything we find out.”
“I look forward to seeing just how big and diverse our new home is. When do you think you will leaving?”
“Not long after Captain Moule leaves for his return to Marden. He will be leaving in two days on the high tide. We will leave a day or two after that.”
“We will be waiting for your return my husband.”
Five days later the Windlass set sail beyond the reef and around the southern promontory of the bay. Melody with Ginger in her arms was standing on the dock watching the ship disappear around that same bluff where the watch tower stood upon its crest.
