OUTLANDER
Chapter 27
A New Life
Captain Moule had the Helmsman steer the Sea Dog between two good sized islands and then anchored just offshore so he could put boats in the water for a landing. He found the long grass prairie teeming with herds of wild horses, cattle, elk and many smaller creatures of fur, scales and feathers. He had never been here before but was sure this was what Dax and his men found when they journeyed north, as he was leaving for Marden that last time he was on Borland.
His crew were more than amazed at the abundance of what they were seeing, but only hunted as to their needs. Moule had told them they could put ashore again if they needed to, before they made their way along the northern coast and eventually made port at Sovladen.
They spent a few days relaxing here after such a long and arduous voyage and on the second day found the remnants of Dax’s last camp while he and the others had captured horses and cattle. This was again an affirmation that Moule had brought them to the place he had told them about. The mood of his crew improved dramatically. It took them almost half a moon to voyage along the northern coast seeing another small island blocking a deep bay as they rounded the coastline. Finally, they made their way along the eastern coastline until they were spotted from the Wolf Pack tower on the north side of Sovladen Bay. A large boulder was launched and hit the sea just in front of the Sea Dog. The sudden crash in the water startled the crew. Moule knew it had come from the battery of launch weapons near the northern watch tower. The ship slowed to a dead float, Captain Moule went to his upper deck and waved a white flag to be seen by the watch. Within moments a series of fire arrows were shot in the direction of the bay. Moule then gave them pointed instructions in how to navigate between the undersea reef and northern coastline of the bay.
As the Sea Dog came to the dock, his men watched the bay’s shoreline and then at the crowd of people on the piers and behind them along the shore. As they navigated to a stop by the pier, men on the docks tied them securely in place. Moule’s men lowered the gang plank to the dock and as Moule started down the gang plank, first he saw Dax, Melody, Captain Cavidar and other people he knew waiting for him. Then he heard the shout from Dax.
“And where did you come from Braden in this non-Marden Navy Cog? We almost fired upon you for real, until Eron spotted it was you in with his spyglass.”
“This ship is mine, she is the Sea Dog, and these are my crew, we seek to join you here. I have retired. But most of all I have come most recently from Vlandess.”
By now he was standing face to face with his friend Dax, who replied. “From Vlandess, do you mean you went east from there and crossed the Angry Sea to get here?”
“That my friend is exactly what I mean. And as you will be happy to know, not one man, save my crew, knows we came here from there, or where we were going at all.”
“Braden, then you have added to our knowledge two-fold at least. We will need to talk much about this. But surely we welcome our new citizens and friends.”
“Of that I and my crew are most grateful. However, before we start discussing more and possibly you tell me of any recent news here, there is one I would like to find?”
“Of course, maybe I can help, who is this person you wish to talk to. Maybe I can help in locating them?”
“That is okay my friend, I know where to find her.”
“Oh, it is a her? Now that I would not have suspected.”
“Why not? Do you think it is only you or being here instead of Marden that gave me cause to journey so far and seek a new home?”
“No, not at all. It is you kept this a close secret, and I am glad for you.”
“Thank you, Dax. I knew you would be. I just hope it will be the same with her.”
There was a crowd of well-wishers coming into earshot of his conversation. Candace Pregmore now stood within reach of both, Dax and Moule. She spoke before either could joust more humor with the other. “I hope it is I, who you seek so quickly upon your arrival?”
“It would be none other, dear Lady.” With answering this, Moule took a step closer to reach Candace and clasped her small hands tenderly. At which moment he was presented a warm kiss of affection to his somewhat burly growth of facial hair.
“Then there, let that be your first reward for returning so promptly. I was not totally sure your decision would hold, and your resolve not be swayed.”
“Nothing save death could have or will ever sway me again. Now maybe we cannot keep this a secret from our dear friends?”
“I should say we will not. We are not babes just out of arms, with too much time to waste on youth any longer.”
“No, we are not, but we have a lifetime to share together. That is if you have resolved to share yours with an old sea dog, like me.”
“I have, you will be my old sea dog.” As soon as she answered she and Moule joined together in a unified deep and tender long kiss. The entire crowd started cheering, even though the noise did not sway either of them to part their embrace too soon.
When they finally did, Dax, Cavidar, Ruthor and other men began slapping Moule on his shoulders and back, while Melody and Gayla gave Candace Pregmore congratulatory hugs and soft wishes of love and companionship.
Eventually the crowd started to dissipate and wander back to what they had been occupied with before the Sea Dog docked in the port. Some offered assistance in getting the new men shown to quarters. But Mister Divens quite graciously told everyone that the crew could stay quartered on the ship for another day or so, at least until they became more familiar with their new home port. Then it would be much appreciated by his men to accept their help in finding quarters here in the town.
Dax proclaimed an evening celebration in the Town Hall and asked Ruthor to get some of their men to pass the word among those living at the edges of town, like the farmsteads and quarry. Instantly several men of the Wolf Pack turned to doing just that. Others offered to show Divens and his men around the town, and offered them a few moments rest in the ale house near the Chandler’s shop just to the north of the docks which the Sea Dog’s crew accepted whole heartedly.
The celebration that evening was joyous and friendly. With many people asking members of the Sea Dog’s crew to relate stories of their voyage across the Angry Sea. Dax introduced Moule to Devon Wilts and explained how he had been rescued from Windlass Island when they made that voyage along the northern coast some moons back. Moule had expressed deep respect for Devon in surviving so long alone. Devon had done likewise to the first man to make the voyage east from the Old World intact and to arrive in Borland. Moule offered Devon a berth on the Sea Dog at any time it set out to voyage for Borland. Devon turned to look at Nester before he answered, and getting her smiling affirmative nod, he accepted gratefully saying he would feel quite at ease sailing with other older sea dogs on the Sea Dog herself. He and Moule laughed at the statement.
It was a late evening before everyone started drifting from the Town Hall and seeking their homes. Dax smiled as he saw Moule walking away holding hands with Candace Pregmore in the direction of her house which was not far from Government House.
*****
Lord Ceric walked into Lord Daka’s office and took a chair across the desk from his old friend and co-councilor to Thane Erik Throgmarden.
“How are you, Ceric; I did not forget a meeting, did I?”
“No, nothing like that, Daka. I have had a question fluttering around in this old mind of mine for a while now. I thought it might be time if I shared it with you in private.”
“So what is this buzzing around thought of yours?”
“Did you find it odd that Captain Moule asked to retire so quickly after his last voyage to Borland?”
“I will admit, I had not expected it. I even tried to dissuade him from it, but he seemed bound on retiring, so I agreed. There are many men, who at some point wish to retire from active life. I cannot say it is something I can see doing myself, but many do. Moule had a good and long career in our Navy, he has served with honor and dignity always. I could not in good conscience deny him his request. Why do you ask?”
“I have a friend in Skalm….”
“You have so called friends everywhere, Ceric.” Daka interrupted in good humor.
“As I was saying. This friend was here in Throgmarden yesterday and we had a chance to commiserate a while. He told me that he heard Moule bought a Cog almost as soon as he came back to Skalm. He said Moule and a crew he mustered from older seamen there refurbished the Cog, and then sailed out of port approximately three moons ago. They took on no trading goods, nor took a contract with any merchants he knows before they sailed.”
“Well, it’s odd as that sounds for a man bent on a retirement so close to that. I would find it hard to believe that Braden Moule would ever be engineering anything to be concerned about.”
“I am not saying he would, exactly. But I find it out of character for him. Or for that matter for a man who professed such a desire to retire from the life he has known for so many years, and then plunge headlong back into so similar an endeavor of some kind.”
“Put that way, I can see your quandary. For myself, I will give him the benefit of doubt that he is meaning nothing for us to worry about. It could be as simple as he wanted to start a quieter new life as a trader himself. We may well hear of him sailing from port to port in the near future and even sailing into our port with goods to trade with merchants here.’
“You are probably right, but I just wanted for us to discuss it. Now that we have, maybe it will not plague my thoughts any longer. Thank you, I need to leave you to your duties and get back to more important ones of my own. I will see you at the council meeting tomorrow morning then.”
“I will see you then, old friend.”
Ceric rose from his chair, nodded to Daka and then left his office. He walked thoughtfully back in the direction of his house, but his mind was not convinced that things with Captain Moule were as simple as Daka thought. His friend said they had sailed north from Skalm. He decided he would inquire, as he could, of others he knew in Bjalm or on Vlandess if any of them had heard of Moule in this Cog making port in their cities. By the time he had settled on this, he was back at his own door and decided it was time to have his evening meal with Mejara and then relax by his fireplace.
*****
Dax, Ruthor, Moule and Cavidar had walked to the blacksmith shop and then through it to the area out back of the shop. There they found Mesan and Syngyn talking with Stayer Gomes and Chas Smythe (two of Borland Navy’s armorers). The four men were in a focused discussion about a new iron object in front of them. Dax could see it was a newer version on the pot they used before to fire the black powder. This one was a little longer and did not look as much like a pot, it also seem attached to a wooden base by two projections formed into the pot. He could still see there was the hole for the wick, but it was now on the top side between the two side projections that sat in the wooden posts on either side and held onto the base by steel anchors.
“Well men, what is this new contraption for the black powder?”
All four men turned toward Dax, slightly startled, as they had not heard anyone coming from the shop. Mesan spoke first.
“We have decided to call it a cannon, Commander. We were about to test it and see if it acts like we think it will.”
“Hello, Dax. I see you brought Captain Moule with you. Good day, Captain.”
“Good day, Mister Wiles. What is this cannon as you called it?”
“We will show you in a few moments. Has Dax told you about our black powder yet?’
“Not yet, I suppose that is why we came here this morning.”
“The black powder is an invention Mesan and I have worked on. It causes an explosion and that explosion propels objects out of the cannon. At first we were using rocks. But now we use cast iron balls. They fly farther and true r to a target.”
“That sounds extraordinary. Where do you find this black powder?”
“We make it. It is a mixture of Sulphur, Charcoal and Salt Peter.”
“What is this Salt Peter?”
“It is that white powder that you see on old dried animal crap or urine. Lately Mesan and I just call it Salt Peter. Now, if you all will stand back by the trees. We will see if this version of the cannon and my newest black powder mixture works better?”
Dax and his friends backed up the few paces as Syngyn pulled a fire brand from the fire and walked to this new cannon. Once the fire brand touched the wick alight and the sparks hit the powder inside, the cannon jumped backwards as the powder ignited sending a plume of smoke from the open end and the iron ball spiraling through the air. The ball crashed into a rock embankment almost fifty paces away sending debris in a shower of broken pieces.
“Syngyn, you have done it! That is an awesome improvement! Now this we can definitely use as a weapon. This new cannon was a great idea!” Dax shouted.
“The cannon was an idea of Stayer and Chas. They worked on it with Mesan while I was trying new mixture proportions of the black powder.”
“You have all done excellently. So what was the breakthrough in the powder?”
“That will be an issue we need to discuss. To get these better results I have to mix three portions of the Salt Peter to one portion of the Charcoal and Sulphur. The portion of those together is two parts Sulphur to three parts Charcoal.”
“So the black powder is largely made up of the Salt Peter. That makes it something we need to be able to accumulate in much larger amounts and it is the one we cannot just mine easily like the Sulphur and create like the Charcoal.”
“Yes, I think we might be able to get a lot of it on the western prairie, where the large herds are and there is still probably much we can get from the farmsteads. But that is for now, eventually we would want to have much, much more.”
It was Captain Moule who answered Syngyn. “Syngyn, I would never have dreamed of what I have just seen today. But with what I am hearing, we would need to acquire this Salt Peter from the old world, without raising anyone’s suspicions?”
“Exactly, Captain. We would be getting farmers, dairy men and stablemen mainly to sell or trade us something in quantity that no one has ever wanted that much of before. But once we could do that we could amass huge stores of the black powder. I think at first it would be easy. They would probably laugh at anyone wanting to just take it off their hands, and there would probably be large quantities just stashed out of their way. They just shove it into ravines or at distances away from their bairns and corrals as they have done for generations.”
“True enough, except what some use it to fertilize their fields of crops.”
“Yes, there is that. But we only need the dried white powder on the animal shit not the shit itself.”
“I understand that, but it would be less odd if we were buying the piles of shit, we could then say we were importing fertilizer for farmers who did not have large herds or flocks of animals.”
“That might work, Braden. But we would not need to ship all the animal shit here.”
“No, but we could have a crew scrape off the white powder on board ship and dump the shit in the sea. Then keep that up until we have a hold full of the white powder itself.”
“That would work, Captain, but you would have to store it very carefully. It is the white powder that is the igniter in the black powder. Any sparks, or fire that gets to it and it would burn quickly.” Syngyn added.
“So we store it on the orlop and mid decks far from anything that could set it alight.”
“This would be a plan. Everything else we can make right here in good quantities.”
“Thank you, men. Now we have a plan. You can start producing more of the cannons. We will decide who makes a voyage back to the Old World and acquires as much of the Salt Peter as they can. We will leave you to it and we will go about just that.” Dax turned as he said this, followed by the other men with him.
They went to Government House directly and sent messengers to have other officers join them there. Melody had one go for Delpha, Aiela and Candace Pregmore at Moule’s request she be involved.
Once everyone was assembled they discussed this new project. And it was decided that Moule would captain the Sea Dog and trade in Escaldia, No Fall and Tripolia. Gaben would take the Phoenix and his crew to Lagdian, Steldar and Jav. Everyone there knew the two ships would be gone at least half a turning of the seasons and probably longer, as it would take time to work every purchase of animal shit down to just the Salt Peter. If by chance a few more immigrants were added during their mission, all the better. It was miners they thought they needed more than any other trade, but none would be discouraged.
It was Moule who asked one favor of Dax before they left. He and Candace wished to be married before the ships left port, Candace also added one more couple to their list. She was sure that if Devon Wilts would be with Moule’s crew, then he and Nester would want to join them in a dual ceremony. It would not be the first time two couples married at the same time. Everyone was in agreement.
Three days later Braden Moule married Candace Pregmore while Devon Wilts married Nester Mishen. What did surprise some was, both of the brides had prevailed in telling their new husbands that both of them would be going on the voyage with them. They would be the Sea Dog’s new cooks for this voyage. Both ships left Sovladen harbor two days later one with a slightly north east course and the other bound slightly southeast.
*****
Amish Magdar is sitting in a war council with his mage, Morden and General Hersal. King Magdar is quite angry with Damna the Great in Pelia, some of the purple thrones scout troops have been spotted on the south side of the Arna River recently.
“All right gentlemen, why is that belligerent fool having his troops cross the Arna without so much as a by your leave?”
“I am sorry my King, but I have not heard anything being whispered about by that old fool of his, Pollocan. However we all know that Damna the Great does not consider any of the other realms kings as his equal. I am just as sure that why ever they have crossed the Arna is not with good intentions.”
“So far, King Magdar, they have been seen doing nothing but cross the river, scout around close to the southern shoreline and then ride back across the river before dusk of the same day. Our patrols are scattered in that region but they have been seen and watched twice now during the last half moon.”
“Send more troops to our outposts along the river and have them move some heavy weapons to each of those outposts as well. When all of this is accomplished, increase our patrols. I want to know immediately the next time his troops cross the Arna. We will not be caught sleeping on the job.”
“It will be done immediately, my Liege. Do you wish our troops to engage Damna’s troops?”
“I would not say engage exactly, but yes, approach them and ask their business in our realm. When they do not have a good reason with our permission, then make a stern request that they return to their own side of the river and watch them go. If they resist, then force them to go back across the Arna. I think we can do that without killing anyone. However, if they draw arms to resist violently, well by all means, we will consider that an act of aggression and take whatever means necessary to protect our borders from any aggressor.”
“I understand and will give the appropriate orders.”
“Good, I did not let that insolent cousin of mine win in his act of rebellion, with the help from that purple conspirator and I will not tolerate Damna thinking he can do anything like that himself.”
“I agree and whole heartedly obey.”
“Good, now let’s move on to my other question. Has there been any new word of sightings of any of Thane Erik’s Wolf Pack of late?”
“No, King Magdar, none anywhere we have inquired. I have heard that Damna the Great still seeks him actively by every means he can. He uses rewards, secret trickery and admonishes those who keep failing. I have heard he has even threatened Pollocan with death a time or two. And lately I heard that King Drofeld sent one of his merchant captains here to Viral to ask about the captain who brought our ship and one of his back from the Windless Sea. It seems he thinks that would lead him to the Wolf Pack Captain.”
“So many looking, no one finding and yet Erik Throgmarden is not one of them. Then he knows where they all are, and I wager what they are doing for him. That is as it should be, but where could he be and no one have seen any of them for three turnings of the seasons. How can that be possible? The only places a group of men with wolves could hide in this world are the deep Waste, in the high Fire Mountains, the Stinking Waters of the Mystic Province. They could not be at sea for so long a time and never make a port somewhere and yet no port has seen even one man with a wolf.”
“Yes, my Lord, no one. Does their disappearance plague you as it does Damna the Great?”
“It does not plague me, General, it is just a mystery. Just at the point where they were becoming so well-known and accepted as a force Marden could send to help allies in need and then they vanish from the face of the earth. I don’t trust those kinds of mysteries.”
“I see, my King. For me I do not spend time concerning myself with things that do not bode as a clear threat to Lagdian. But then I am a simple man of your army, not a politician or king.”
“That is understandable General, but I am and any unknown fact concerning a mystery from one of the other realms does concern me. Even when it appears not to be a direct threat. So you have answered my question with what you know and there is no fault in it. You may go about your duties and I will turn to other more solvable issues. Report back if anything happens along the Arna. There we know there is a possible threat we can deal with.”
“Yes, my King.”
*****
“Good morning my Husband, will you eat with Ginger and me this morning before you venture out into the streets of Sovladen.”
“I would not think of missing a morning meal with my two favorite ladies.”
“Then come and sit with us, it is ready.”
Dax sat down at their table while Melody brought bowls for him and her. Ginger was already engaged in having a bowl of warm porridge and berries. She looked up at her father and beamed a wide smile, but immediately turned her attention back to her morning meal.
Dax looked at Melody as she sat down across from him and said. “There was a time not so very long ago that I would never have dreamed that this could ever be my life. I owe it all to you, my love, you are more precious to me than the air I breathe.”
“That is so sweet Dax, but before to awfully much longer you will be sharing that air with another.”
“What are you trying to tell me, my Love? Is this a riddle you wish me to solve this morning?” Dax asked with a slight smile as he took a bite of his own porridge.
“No riddle, Husband. And I would think the answer itself would be simple.” Melody said in mirth. “A few months from now we will be joined with a fourth to our three.”
Dax froze in mid-chew, then gulped it down so he could smile without spitting out his food. “A fourth? How wonderful, are you feeling okay?”
“Yes, the morning sickness will not come for a while yet. I am just as happy as you, Dax. I knew you would be, you are a wonderful husband and father. I love you beyond words.”
“Does anyone else know yet?”
“No, I thought we would give our friends the news together. Maybe tonight, we could all enjoy the evening meal at the town hall?”
“That sounds great.” After answering her about dinner, Dax leaned over and gave Melody a long warm hug. Ginger looked up from her porridge, stood up and made it a family hug.
When Dax walked outside later and headed for the practice grounds with Darma at his side, he saw Eron and his patrol heading for the gate.
“What is on your agenda, Lieutenant?”
“We are going on an overnight patrol, Commander. I thought it would be good for the men and dire wolves to be out in the mountains.”
“That sounds fine, what is your destination on this patrol?”
“I am bound for the area north of the Quarry today, unless you would wish us look for anything specific.”
“No, that sounds like a good workout to me. I will see you then late tomorrow or the next morning.”
“Yes, sir.”
Eron started his men moving again, Dax tipped his hand to the patrol of ten men and four dire wolves as they followed their Lieutenant through the gate. Walking a little farther he saw Ruthor working with North on the practice grounds.
“Enjoying your morning I see, old friend.”
“Good morning, Dax and yes I am. How are you this fine morning?”
“I could not be better. I am going to tell you why, but if Melody finds out you knew before tonight at evening meal, she will skin me alive.”
“So what is this news that I am now sworn to secrecy on until tonight?”
“We are going to have another babe. She wants us to wait and tell everyone at evening meal. But I had to tell you myself. I am so happy, I just couldn’t wait. But please don’t say anything, not even to Gayla until we announce it tonight.”
“Of course, I am envious of you both.”
“It is a wonderful day to be alive, here on Borland and surrounded by all my closest and dearest friends and comrades.”
“I feel the same way. Who would have thought that, say four winters ago?”
“We have come far, Ruthor, and we are the luckiest of men.”
“There on that we agree again. Would you and Darma like to work out with us a while?”
“Yes, I think we will.”
Ruthor and Dax with their two wolves began going through their routines. Other members of the Wolf Pack started drifting onto the practice grounds and joining their two senior officers in the exercises. To anyone who caught a glimpse of these maneuvers and counter-maneuvers it would seem amazingly choreographed. Men and wolves acting in perfect harmony each team of man and wolf acting as one.
A short while before dusk began to settle over the mountains, Eron and his patrol had made their climb to the crest of the Emerald Mountain. Men dropped their packs and gear in a circle around where they would build the campfire for the night. Then some walked around in a relaxed mode talking to one another and fluffing the fur at the necks of dire wolves.
Eron looked down at Sniffer and said one word “Hunt” and as she looked at the other three they were given the same command by their partners. In unison the four wolves bounded out of the campsite and disappeared into the lower tree line.
“That always make me feel happy, seeing them so excited to get to run and hunt on their own. Knowing that before we wake up in the morning they will be sleeping curled up by each of us.” Sergeant-at-Arms Tervil said to Eron as he watched Grey Eyes disappear.
“It is a special treat for them lately, we all spend much of our time within the compound and at our quarters where they are being fed when we eat. That is one reason why I wanted to go on this patrol today. The other was to get us out for a couple of days. We can spend this time before dusk and early tomorrow looking for more emeralds that were found here quite some time ago. If we find some great, if not, at least we got away and into the mountains for a couple of days.” As Eron was talking with his second in command of his patrol, they both heard Shawan Tan calling for them.
As they neared the soldier he put his open palm out for them to take a look. “We will not go home empty-handed, Lieutenant.” In his palm was an as yet uncut deep green crystal about the size of a ripe grape.
“Wonderful, Tan. Let’s hope we can find a few more before we leave tomorrow. Now this patrol has been doubly worthwhile.”
Sergeant-at-Arms Shem and his squad had finished building the fire ring and wandered over to have a look as well. “The ring is built. What do you say we spend until dusk settles looking for more?”
“I think we have earned it. We can cook our meal after the dusk is fully settled down.” Eron answered and his nine men started to pay closer attention to the ground they walked or kneeled at for as long as they could see well in the dimming light. Then they all returned to the fire ring and started preparing to cook the evening meal. In all they had found five of the green crystals before they stopped looking and there was a jubilant mood among them all, like children who had been allowed to play at games.
When the meal was over and they had shared in a few drinks of mead, men started rolling onto their sleeping cloths and drifting into well-deserved slumber. By the next morning the four dire wolves were curled up sleeping next to their four partners.
