OUTLANDER
Chapter 28
Winds of Change
Nester and Candace served their husbands the evening meal in the Captain’s cabin, along with Mister Divens. This had become their usual arrangement during the last six moons. Moule had made Devon the Second Mate when he signed him on, which caused no problem because he had not had one when they left the old world. Nester and Candace ate with them whenever they could. The two women had done as they promised in working with Walber Kisch as cooks, in fact he liked the arrangement since it gave him more time to act as the ship’s medical officer when needed.
Candace started the conversation as she sat down next to her husband, Braden Moule. “Nester and I went onto Delahl today and I think we have the stores we need for the voyage home. Mister Kisch seemed pleased with what is now on the ship.”
“Good, I am ready to be headed back to Sovladen. The orlop and mid decks have as many barrels of salt peter as we can hold. We might have acquired some more, but since we have signed on new immigrants, I don’t want there to be any overcrowding.”
Then Nester made a comment about the new immigrants. “I have talked with many of them, the different ports that they joined us from, and I would say every one of them has pitched in quite well from the first day they came on board. My thought is if they do not complain about the task separating dung from salt peter, it says well of their character and determination in want a new way of life. Especially since none of them know exactly where they are going yet.”
“I agree completely with you, Nester. Even I have groused about the monotony and stench of that task after three moons of it.” Mister Divens added, to which everyone at the table had to laugh.
“I wonder how Gaben and his crew have done in the south?”
“Well, if they have done as well as we have then not only will be stocked with the salt peter, but we will have a fair number of new immigrants as well.”
“Yes, we will we have thirty-seven coming back with us.”
After that, the conversation dealt more with the next day’s tasks for leaving port, then the luck of continuing good weather so far and lastly, wishing each other a good night’s sleep.
Gaben was concerned he had just finished talking with a miner in an ale house close to the docks, where he was anchored in Viral. According to the miner, a man named Idele Smesh, he wanted to get his wife and two daughters away from Lagdian soon. He feared there was a war coming with the Purple Throne. King Magdar was building up his forces along the Arna River, had built new outposts and even moved siege weapons to those outposts. He had also heard that there were tuskers being driven to the grazing meadows near the river in some locations.
Gaben was certain Commander Dax would want to know this as he and some of the Wolf Pack had close ties with the Sand walkers. Any coming war would probably be bad for them. The Phoenix was not quite at capacity with barrels of salt peter, but the orlop deck could hold no more and there were many barrels on the mid deck as well. If Captain Moule had done better, then between the two ships it should be enough for now. With this man and his family, he had 26 new immigrants already. Idele told him there were four more men he would talk to that night and he was sure they all would want to join him. If they did with the four men would be another 13 total people added. Gaben decided he would give Idele until tomorrow night and if the other four families joined him, then he would have 39 new immigrants in total. Whatever it was, he and his men would finish re-stocking the ship to leave port the morning after tomorrow. It would take around three moons to return to Borland and he wanted to make all haste in getting there.
*****
“My Liege, I have heard some news I think will interest you.” Morden had walked into Amish Magdar’s private study, just off the throne room. King Magdar was at his table studying a map with General Hersal.
“What is it, Mage? We are busy here.”
“I just heard from a man I know down at the docks. That ship that was buying all the animal waste for trading to Farmers in other realms just left port this morning.”
“Pray tell me why that would be of interest to me. Some fool buying animal shit and hoping to get a price in Marden or Escaldia for it cannot possibly be of any import.”
“It would if that man is one who was once a Mate of Captain Cavidar, and thus a crewman with Captain Pendil who brought back our ship that had been taken by Fargyn. Also, this man says that during the time this Captain Slogin was docked in our port, several families obtained passage with him.”
“Didn’t we hear something similar when Pendil was here returning our ship and the one that belonged to Steldar?”
“Yes, we did, my King?” General Hersal added.
“So, yes Morden, maybe we should give this more consideration. One captain with Cavidar doing that is one thing. Two and it becomes a pattern. So why would he want all this animal dung, and then take on passengers as well.”
“The more interesting thing, my Liege is that he did not keep all that dung on his ship.”
“What do you mean, didn’t keep it, he bought it from farmsteads, dairies and farmers who sell chickens and ducks in areas all around Viral, from what I was told?”
“And that is true according to this man as well. However, he says that after each shipment was loaded, crewmen were seen dumping dung back into the waters of the bay in smaller quantities over long periods of time. They did it in the late parts of the day or night after each shipment was loaded onto their ship, then more was brought and loaded on the ship again with the same dumping after that shipment.”
“The only reason to buy something and them dump it into the sea would be if you only want some part of it. What could anyone want with just some part of animal dung?”
“I truly have no idea, my King.”
“Well, Morden, I think you and the General here should find me a reason. But first, General Hersal and I need to finish coordinating ours plans of protecting our border along the Arna.”
*****
Jamin Jaise stood to the right side of her son as he began speaking to his assembled generals. She had decided to be here at his war council and hopefully offer a modicum of calm if Damna the Great went into a rage.
“I have heard that you fools have been bested already at the Arna. You have not made an incursion for weeks now. Why are we not pushing forward across the river and getting me that fertile triangle of land I told you to take away from that upstart Amish Magdar?”
“But Great One, he has massed large numbers of his troops and built several new outposts with siege weapons. He also brought in many of his Tuskers around the outposts.”
“You mean to tell me that you have dawdled so long that he has already had time to prepare a defense along the river?”
“We did not dawdle my Lord. We made several scouting raids to ascertain a battle plan and before we could strike inland, he had troops there to shove us back to our side of the river.”
“Then you did dawdle, you incompetent fool. You should have struck before he could build new defenses and bring reinforcements to his aid. How can I get that land if you do not attack swiftly when I tell you to?”
“But Great One, if we attack without intelligence our men could be massacred.”
“I will show you a massacre, fool. Guards, take this old fool and throw him in the dungeon.” Two large men in the uniforms of Damna’s personal guard stepped forward and took this one general by the biceps and forced him from the purple chamber without hesitation.
“My son, your general spoke with calm and gave you good council to avert unnecessary loss of life among your army. Does this seem to be an act worthy of imprisonment?”
“I did not ask you here Mother, he spoke with cowardice and old age. My troops will do what I tell them to do, and they will die with honor when I tell them to, or they can die cowering before the axe man’s blade when I tell him to. There will be no more discussion about this between us.” Damna turned from yelling at his mother and back to the now very intimidated generals left standing before him. “There will be an execution at dawn tomorrow. It can be just one losing his head after losing his courage or it can be many, which will it be?”
“One, Great one.” Was answered loudly and in unison by the remaining assembled officers of Damna’s Army.
“Then go now and put that fool’s troops in the first ranks of attacks. Do not come back here without news of defeating Lagdian troops and gaining me the lands between the Arna and Prah Rivers. You either die getting me those lands or you die here as cowards and traitors. Do you understand?”
“We understand and we obey, Great One.” The entire compliment of officers bowed and then turned and left the Throne Room quickly.
“Pollocan come here.”
“I am here, my Lord.”
“I need more men, strong men, hardened men. Find and bring me leaders of the Sand Walkers. I want them to be my reserves on our side of the Arna. That should give these others a reason not to turn back so quickly.”
“I will send men to summon them, Great One. But you know they have not fought since they were defeated long ago. They are but traders and nomads of the desert now. They do not live in great numbers any longer.”
“They are hard men who can live in harsh conditions. They are well versed with scimitars and fine horsemen. But most of all they belong to me and they will do as I say, or they can die in as great a number as they have. So, have their leaders brought to me, now.”
“To hear is to obey, Great One.”
*****
Ceric walked into the council chamber and saw Lord Daka, Thane Erik Throgmarden and Councilor Seffa already seated at the table. “Morning my Lords, I apologize for being slightly late, but I received a messenger bird from Jav this morning.”
“And what news from Neven Salas brings you to our table with a concerned look, Lord Ceric?” Erik Throgmarden asked politely.
“Neven says a war is more than brewing between the Purple Throne and Lagdian, my Thane.”
“What has that idiot Damna done now?”
“He had troops make incursions between the Arna and Prah, which made Magdar increase his military presence along the Arna with new outposts, siege weapons and even Tuskers.”
“Magdar is serious then. If that fool persists there will be a war.”
“He also said Damna has sent men out looking for Sand Walker chieftains.”
“What would he want them for? His forebears almost wiped them out long ago. They have been nothing but peaceful traders and nomads ever since.”
“They were once a force to be reckoned with, my Thane. Maybe he is going to force them to join his forces against King Magdar.”
“That makes no sense, they have always been a desert people. Once you cross the Arna, the land is fertile farmland, forests, and grazing lands. The Sand Walkers know little about such lands.” Lord Daka added.
“If they are not for use in attacking Magdar’s lands, then maybe they are the defending force to remain on Damna’s side of the Arna?” Councilor Seffa interjected.
“Or a deterrent from his Army retreating in defeat.” Lord Daka answered.
“I think it is more likely the deterrent or worse. That is more like what Damna would do. Neven mentioned that Damna had executed one of his top generals very recently.” Ceric added.
“We need to stay up to date on this. If Magdar sends for aid, we are bound by our pledge of alliance to send it. Besides, I would actually like to see that arrogant fool Damna put in his place.” Thane Erik said in stern earnest.
“All of us here feel the same as you, my Thane. Should we send someone to Magdar as a liaison or emissary?” Seffa asked.
“Yes, but let us do something even more. Send Captain Freize and his ship to Viral. Daka, select a good man to be a liaison, but tell Freize to make a voyage to Borland in all haste, take some of our recruits with him as new members to Commodore Cavidar and Commander Dax’s forces there. Dax and some of his men have a relationship with the Sand Walkers, if I remember right. There could be something they could aid Magdar better with on Damna’s side of the river. Remember Magdar also has a special feeling for the Wolf Pack as well, since they helped him defeat that cousin of his years ago.”
“That is an excellent idea, Thane Erik. I am sure the Wolf Pack are the right men to send.” Daka added. “I will talk with Captain Frieze as soon as we are done with this meeting.”
“Good, let us end this meeting and you can do what you need now.”
Everyone nodded agreement and left the chamber. Daka and Ceric walked out together, in deep discussion as they walked.
*****
As Gaben watched the Phoenix maneuver between the reef and southwest Promontory he could see that the Sea Dog was already tied to the dock. And part of its crew was bringing something heavy down the upper deck hatch with the help of block and tackle. Then he could see the round iron barrels on black powder cannons protruding from some of the mid deck portholes. Then he looked to the Shark docked across from it and saw that there were the same barrels protruding from its mid deck portholes already. Glancing around it was the same on the Windlass. His thought was, we are becoming a more advanced naval force than in any other realm. When he looked up at the watch tower bastion above where his ship slowly approached the dock area, he saw much larger cannons now emplaced between the Hwacha and Ballista and Catapults.
Finally, the Phoenix was secured to the dock and he disembarked down the gang plank being greeted by Commodore Cavidar and Commander Dax.
“Welcome home Captain, how was your voyage?”
“Very successful, Commander. We bring many barrels of Salt Peter and thirty-nine new immigrants.”
“That is fine, added to the thirty-seven that came in on the Sea Dog with Captain Moules crew we now have seventy-six new citizens.”
“I see we are installing the new cannons on our naval ships and have emplacements of larger ones at the watch towers already.”
“We do, and as soon as they finish with the Sea Dog, yours will be next. There are many working with Syngyn making barrels of black powder for storage in the ships as we install the cannon. We have already moved many to the watch tower and the cannons at the overlook of the Wolf Pack Garrison. Once we refit the Phoenix, all four will be superior to any other war ships in existence. And our port will be a surprise to any who might attempt an attack.”
As they finished their initial conversation, the new immigrants began coming down the gang plank to a now throng of welcoming citizens. Dax and Cavidar joined in the greeting of these new people with hearty welcomes as well. The plaza was becoming quite packed and Dax took the time for a formal welcoming speech, and a few introductions from his place in front of the large crowd. Then bade citizens to assist in getting them all signed in at Government House and shown to houses within the town for the present. He ended by telling them all that there would be a celebration at the Town Hall that evening during the evening meal. Some of the Wolf Pack left to pass the word among the farmsteads, stables, and Quarry area.
Afterwards, Gaben asked to talk to the council and military officers for a briefing of more news that he had not yet shared. Dax told everyone to assemble at the Town Hall as soon as the new arrivals were starting to get settled in. Most of the Wolf Pack and Naval personnel started to unload the barrels of Salt Peter and get the shipment taken to the storage area near the blacksmiths shop.
A while later Gaben was standing once again in front of the tables with the council and officers ready to hear his additional report.
First, he told them all the problems brewing between Lagdian and The Waste, due to Damna the Great having his forces make raids in the area between the Arna and Prah Rivers. Then he recounted of King Magdar’s strengthening his outposts and forces along the Arna. Then he told them of Damna’s latest atrocity in beheading one of his generals and then sending men to bring in the Sand Walker leaders and press them into service along Damna’s side of the Arna.
There was immediate open discussion and many comments about this new threat in the Old World with the possibility of an open war between realms. There had been no war of this type in generations, only a rare rebellion within a realm, like the one Fargyn had taken against King Magdar in Lagdian a few winters back.
“We will need to watch the Windless Sea even more diligently for now.” Dax finally said to all assembled at the tables discussing this new development.
“Do you think Marden will send a ship requesting us to intervene?”
“I do, Commodore, there is a special tie between the original members of the Wolf Pack and both King Magdar and the Sand Walkers. I doubt that will lost on Thane Erik and he will feel compelled to offer assistance to Lagdian.”
“I know of the Wolf Packs help in defeating the Fargyn rebels. But I have not heard of a special bond between you and the Sand Walkers.”
“It was before we helped with the rebellion in Lagdian. Myself, Ruthor, Cran, Ofid and Vlad were made members of their peoples and given an honor most do not know of, because of our journey through the Dry Sea of Lost Souls. It has aided us since, especially when we started journeying to Borland from Jav.” Then Dax looked back toward Galen and asked, “Do you think the Sand Walkers are in danger from what you heard, Galen?”
“The way I heard it, Commander, Damna the Great was not giving them any choice in joining his forces. What makes it seem dangerous to them would be the beheading of one of his generals for supposed cowardess, in failing to take over the land between the Arna and Prah Rivers.”
“Damna the Great is a dangerous man. He feels no guilt in putting men into risky or impossible situations where there is no possible outcome other than their deaths, regardless of how many are going to die. He is the one man I would gladly kill myself.”
“Pendil, Slogin and Moule will accompany me in the morning and make sure all the ships cannon are pulled back inside their portholes. Any other stores of black powder will be below decks and out of sight.”
“Ruthor, you and the men should do something similar at the watch towers; pull them back from sight and place canvas over them until the ship comes from Marden and then leaves again. We should be ready for a ship’s arrival and when they leave, be ready to send one ship to Jav.”
“As you say, Commander. Jav instead of Viral?”
“Yes, I think we can be of more aide in this situation by helping the Sand Walkers. Besides, we owe more allegiance to them than King Magdar. I feel that the Sand Walker leaders will not send more men than Damna might think exists, but we know better. If they agree we will aide in defeating Damna’s army and saving Sand Walker lives.”
“It will be as you think best, Commander. How many do you wish to take on this mission?”
“Only a small contingent. Those of us known to the Sand Walkers and a compliment we can decide on tomorrow. First, we need to be ready for the ship from Marden.”
The next morning Dax and Ruthor meet at the practice ground as dawn is breaking. Once the two of them with Darma and North have finished their morning work routines the two men went into Dax’s office and discussed who would go to The Waste.
“You, Cran, Ofid and I will go to Jav, with our Dire Wolves of course. Eron and Garth will stay here and be in charge of the remaining Wolf Pack. Who do you think we should take with us?”
“Everyone we take should have Dire Wolf partners. I think we should bring Ofid and Cran in here and let them be a part of the selection.”
“I agree. You and I can go clean up and then bring them back with us.”
“Good, I will go get Ofid from his farmstead and we can meet you and Cran here in after everyone has their morning meal.”
“That sounds fine, we will be here.” Dax agreed and the two left his office for their homes.
Dax went home and enjoyed the morning meal with Melody and Ginger. Ginger played with Darma after the meal as Melody and her father talked.
“You will miss the birth of our second child husband, for that I am sad for you. But I know this needs to be done. We both owe the Sand Walkers much. Do you think you and the Wolf Pack can avert many of them from dying?”
“We will do all that we can, my love. And we will return in all haste. But you are probably right about my missing this birth, which I will regret.”
“I know my love, just bring everyone home. How long do you think it will be before the Marden ship arrives?”
“Soon, I would think. Thane Erik would have reasoned this out as soon as he heard the news. Between him and Ceric they would have decided to send the ship at their earliest possible haste.”
“Then you need to get back to planning your trip with the men. We can talk later.” After saying this, Melody put her arms around Dax, and they embraced long and deeply. Then Dax left with Darma. As he and Cran walked into his office, Ruthor and Ofid were already there.
“Good Day Ofid, I am sorry to take you away from your family this morning.”
“It is necessary, Commander. I and Abindal would have it any other way.”
“I am sure you and Ruthor talked on your way here, so who do you think we should take?”
“I agree they should all have wolf partners. So, I think I will take Sergeants at Arms Sean and Pavil with me, they are my best men, and their Men at Arms can take charge of the platoon. Their wolves Big Ears and Dancer are well trained.”
Cran did not wait to offer his selections. “I feel the same about Dien with Whisper and Bern with Heart, their Men at Arms are quite capable of managing the archers in my absence. What of the rest?”
“I am thinking of Tervil with Grey Eyes and Shem with Boy, both are excellent teams. What of you, Dax?” Ruthor added and asked of his friend and commander.
“I think ten of us with Dire Wolves will be enough. We will all take of our horses; they are all well trained to each of us. Have the gear ready but not obvious to our coming visitors. Talk to those you have selected and make sure any wives or special ladies are fully aware of the mission. Our ladies and wives will become very close while we are gone. Some have been there before, so they can be of comfort to those who it is their first time. I will talk to Cavidar. I think Gaben and the Phoenix should be our transport. That way, Cavidar can stay here with the council. We will meet again as we need to, but the day the Marden ship leaves we will be ready once it has made it beyond the horizon as seen from the Watch Tower. We will shadow it. Now let us go about our other duties until then and thank you all for everything.”
It was only five days later when the ship from Marden was sighted on the eastern horizon by Sergeant at Arms Wolch at the Watch Tower around mid-day. The next morning Captain Dava Frieze was walking down the dock at Sovladen. Commodore Cavidar and Commander Dax were waiting for him at the bottom of the gang plank.
“Welcome to Sovladen, Captain Frieze. How was your voyage?” Cavidar asked his previous First Mate.
“Uneventful, Commodore. I had to dock in Viral first and then made our way here.”
“I hope you got ashore in Lagdian, before making the long voyage here.”
“Only a day, to allow a new intermediary to meet with King Magdar and offer any assistance he can and be as a Liaison with Thane Erik and Marden. Damna the Great has started making attacks on the lands between the Arna and the Prah Rivers. There is a war brewing between Pelia and Viral.”
“Damna is a fool and an arrogant one at that.” Dax added to the conversation.
“He is, Commander. Thane Erik has sent you and the Commodore some new recruits on my ship. They will be disembarking shortly. But the main reason for this voyage is for me to attempt to persuade you to take some men and be of aid to King Magdar. Thane Erik thinks you could be of help to him, with your relationship with both Kind Magdar and the Sand Walkers. Damna the Great has forced them to take some part in these incursions into the Lagdian land between the rivers.”
“You will not have to persuade us, Captain. We will do all we can. How long will you be with us, once these new recruits have been installed in our Wolf Pack and Navy compounds?”
“Only as long as it takes you to be ready to ready for the voyage to Viral. I need to get back to Marden and report to Lord Daka and Thane Erik.”
“You need not wait on us, Captain. Although you are welcome to resupply your ship and allow your crew some shore leave before you start the long voyage back to Throgmarden. We will take one of our ships for transport, that way we will have transport back when this burgeoning war is over.”
“That would be most appreciated Commander, as will a short respite before we put back to sea. Thane Erik will be pleased at your commitment to assist King Magdar.”
“Our commitment is to our Thane and Marden always.”
“He thought you would agree quickly. Then I think will stay three days and then start the voyage back in haste.”
“That sounds fine Dava, we should be supplied and ready to leave by the day after. Come let me get you settled in at the Naval Compound. I am sure you would like to get reacquainted with Captains Pendil and Slogin while you are here. They will be pleased to see you again.”
“As I will to see them both.”
Over the next three days 20 new recruits for the wolf pack were assigned quarters and training duties in the Wolf Pack compound, as 20 new seamen were doing the same at the Naval compound. Seamen were seen loading supplies onto the Marden ship and the Phoenix at the same time during those days. Freize was taken around to see some of the improvements that had been completed since his last trip to Borland and Freize told them of Captain Moules retirement. Moule had made himself scarce during this time, as he and Dax had decided would be best. There was no reason for Marden to know where Moule had immigrated to.
On the morning of the third day Captain Freize and his ship left port on their return trip to Marden. Once they were out of site on the horizon, Slogin, Dax and his men made final preperations to do the same, although they planned to voyage to Jav rather than Viral, as they had decided before Freize had come to Sovladen.
Some of the town’s people were at the docks with the Wolf Packs wives and children to see them off. Dax took Melody in his arms and kissed her, then he picked up Ginger and kissed her on the cheek telling her goodbye as well. Ruthor who was standing close by did the same with Gayla and Iban Dom. They were the last two boarding the Phoenix. As soon as they were on board the crew brought in the gang plank, had the belay lines brought on board and the Phoenix started to pull away from the dock. Within a short while the ship was beyond the bay and around the barrier reef. Dax and Ruthor were standing on the aft deck watching Sovladen begin to disappear in the distance.
Everyone gathered on the upper main deck. Dax told his men that he thought it would be a good idea if they all learned more of the Sand Walker language since they would be spending most of their time with them during this mission. Everyone understood and agreed.
A half-moon into the voyage they could tell that Freize was taking a slightly northeast course. This was good news for the men on the Phoenix. Now they could stop shadowing the Marden ship within a few days, as they stayed their course due east for Jav.
By the end of the first full moon the Wolf Pack had settled into a rigid routine of practice on the main deck from the early dawn each day and had gotten to a point where they were doing most of their talking with one another using Sand Walker words and phrases. Although at first Gaben’s crew found this oddly comical at first, by now they were also practicing the same learning. Dax had told Gaben that he was extremely glad of the Phoenix crew’s involvement and help in the practice. Gaben replied that he had not asked them to do it, but it had been a mutual decision of the crew on their own. Gaben as well was learning the language. By the end of the second moon phase, it was rare to hear anyone using the common language at all. Occasionally even the humor became when someone said something wrong using Sand Walker.
Before the Moon completed its following phase, land was seen on the horizon just before the evening dusk settled over the open sea. As dawn was lifting the next morning the men on the Phoenix main deck could tell they were approaching the harbor of Jav in the distance. Sails were brought in to slow their speed. Dax wished to dock as dusk was starting to settle over the city. He thought it best if he and the Wolf Pack disembarked the ship under the cover of darkness. As they lowered the gang plank at the beginning dusk only Dax went ashore to find a Sand Walker Trader who was usually at his stand close to the docks.
