OUTLANDER
Chapter 35
Mourning’s wake
Almost two moons had passed before the prisoners had returned from making all the repairs at Darma Village. Sergeant-at-Arms Dispar had told Dax in his report that attention should be paid to Captain Meldon. In part because Meldon himself had made the mission go much easier than it could have. His past crewmen sang while they worked as if they were just on some voyage; and by the time they were coming home even some of the Fargyn prisoners had been doing the same.
That was now a full set of seasons past. Meldon had earned his parole shortly after that and now had his pardon and had joined the citizenry. His men were found to follow in his example. Several of his men were now on two new Dhows living in and fishing out of Darma Village. Remarkably, Mandan Twiez (one of Fargyn’s former men) had also gotten his parole just one moon back and was also living in Darma Village and working as a bartender in the Ale House. Others of the Sea Dog survivors had also and were working at the fishermen’s dock in Sovladen as ship repairmen and builders. The last two and Kern Davice had signed on to the whaling crew and were at present on a voyage in the north. Now there were only four prisoners left in the Gaol, the last four of Fargyn’s former men.
“Captain Meldon, I am glad you came. Commodore Cavidar and I have a request to make of you. It is not mandatory by any means though, we would like you to travel to Throgmarden with us in a few days?”
“I will gladly agree, but I thought none of us could ever leave Borland? Also, could I ask why you wish me to go with you?”
“Of course. There may come times when you could be of assistance to us on voyages to the Old World. This is one of them. The full council has agreed to this endeavor as part of an occasional voyage we make there. It keeps the hounds at bay if you will. None except those who live here know about most of our newer inventions and improvements. We plan to keep it that way.”
“I will gladly go with you. But what can I be of assistance within your past realm?”
“We will give Thane Erik and his councilors an accounting of the attack on Borland by King Drofeld, that is still our duty. You would be a welcome verifier of those events. However, they know nothing of our black powder, cannons, or small arms. We plan to keep it that way. They know nothing of our boilers or how we have put that invention to use, either. They also do not know anything of our rubber, or it’s uses; all these things we keep secret from the outside world. Any or all of them may become a vital instrument to us if and when someday they are needed against a enemy force.”
“I for one can attest to that being true . Not just the cannons and firelocks. But I tell you for sure the first time my men and I saw the rail wagon coming our way on those tracks, I was scared out of my mind.”
All three men laughed as Meldon related the incident.
“I can assure you that my former men and I have all become so used to these new conveniences, that we would not like to not have them again. The waterproof clothing is a miracle to men of the sea by itself. The buildings all being of stone, roofs included, I find amazing in, why no one tried it before. And all the uses you have put these boilers too is beyond words.” Meldon stopped for a moment as if trying to think of more, but then continued. “I will be happy to help you in this. We should just make sure at how I tell my part, so I will not give anything away that should remain secret. I know trust takes time, but I tell you now none of us who came here under Drofeld’s orders have any allegiance left to him, we do not want to live anywhere other than on Borland again.”
“We are glad to hear that. Yes, trust takes time, but you and your men are building that every day. If not for your men, there would still be six prisoners in our Gaol instead of only four.”
“Great, we will have plenty of time to think on how we tell the story during the voyage there. Can you be ready to leave in two days’ time?”
“I am ready, when the ship is ready to leave port.”
“Good, we will leave in two days then.”
Over the next two days men loaded stores and provisions. The council decided on those things that would be sent to Marden and they were loaded as well. On the second morning Melody, Gayla and many other wives and children were waving goodbye as the Windlass left port rounded the reef barrier to the small bay and headed east and out onto the Windless Sea. It would be at least 6 moons before they would see their men again.
*****
“It’s about time you got here, Mage. I called for you half a day ago.”
“I was not in the castle, lord. I came as soon as heard you had summoned me.”
“Tell me, Kisden. If we believe that our men were slaughtered in trying to find Dax and his Wolf Pack. Then what am I left with to expand my realm.”
“There is no other place in this world, that is not a part of a realm already. Especially since all have recognized Neder as a separate realm and with several alliances already agreed to.”
“You are wrong Mage, there is one place that belongs to no one, yet.”
“I suppose, if you are talking about the Trees of Dark and Stinking Waters. But the Crog hold sway there already and no one finds any value there. We trade with the Crog, my Liege.”
“But if we took and held Shadows Beach. Then built a port at Crogdom with a military presence. We could make claim that it is a part of Steldar. I doubt any other realm would even care.”
“To what advantage, my King?”
“To the advantage of having a foothold on the mainland, you fool. The Crog have no army, no government, they are not even truly human. Perfect for making into slaves to do our bidding. Then we have no need of trading with them, what’s there would be ours for the taking.”
“That would be true , but are we sure no other realm would take offence to such an enterprise after so many centuries of ignoring that mysterious province.”
“I don’t need to be sure what any other realm thinks of it once we own it. By then it would be too late. I doubt any would care enough to challenge us for it and the Crog are incapable of stopping us in taking it.”
“Send for my General and Admiral, we are going to plan how we are going to capture Crogdom.”
“I will do so immediately.”
*****
The Windlass had pulled into the port at Throgmarden on a blistery winter day just before the dusk had started to settle on the capital city of Marden. Dax and Cavidar decided that they and the crew would go ahead and stay aboard for the night. Then they would ask for an audience with the council in the morning.
As dark settled in a hooded man asked for leave to come aboard and was then taken to the Commodore’s cabin where he, Dax and Meldon were having their evening meal. The watch knocked on the cabin door and was given permission to enter.
“Well, good evening, Lord Ceric, come and join us for a meal. We were going to wait and see you in the morning.”
“I assumed as much. But when I heard the Windlass docked so late in the day, I wanted to see who was on board. I have had my evening meal already, but I would be thankful for a mug of the wine you are having.”
Commodore Cavidar poured their old friend a mug of the wine and handed it to him. As Ceric looked at Derwin Meldon.
“Are you not Captain Meldon of the Sea Wench?”
Meldon looked at Ceric and replied. “I am, Mage Ceric. I am surprised you know my name.”
“I know much more than your name, Captain. But I am surprised to find you on the Windlass with Commodore Cavidar and Commander Dax.”
Dax smiled at his old friend and answered before Meldon could speak. “I do not believe you are as surprised as you say, Lord Ceric. Very little ever surprises you.” Then he and Cavidar have a chuckle. Only Meldon still looks questioningly at the other three.
“You, Dax it is who continues to surprise me. The longer I know you, the more I get these little surprises. May I ask how it is I find the three of you here having a meal on a night you have just docked in Throgmarden, and the Sea Wench nowhere tied to one of our docks?”
“Oh, that is the simplest of answers, we came together from Borland.”
“Then the rumors were true , Drofeld sent Captain Meldon to find you on Borland.”
“It was true , and I did. But the outcome was not what he planned to occur. We were soundly beaten on our first assault, made prisoners and have of late become the newest of Borlands citizens. I have come on this voyage to give such as an account to your Thane when we seek audience with him on the morrow.”
“I have heard before that Borland prisoners have a way of becoming useful and well thought of as citizens there. However that happens, that does not usually happen anywhere else is one of those things about Dax that keeps giving me those little surprises I spoke of.”
“He surprises me as well, Lord Ceric. He did so the first time I took him to Shadows Beach.”
Dax interrupted. “You gentlemen do realize I am here in the room with you.” All four men now laughed until Dax spoke again. “We have enjoyed the banter old friend, but I know you well. You have come to ask us something or tell us something before we go to see Thane Erik in the morning.”
“I have, Dax. I want you to know that our Thane is not in good health. His physicians are having no luck in curing whatever it is that is ailing him. So, I am hoping that you are bringing him no news that will tax his weaken state during your visit?”
“Rest assured Ceric, the only thing would be that King Drofeld did attempt to find us and Borland. But none he sent who have survived want to return to Steldar. There are though a few of the survivors who have wives and children still there. I have promised to try and find some way of getting them reunited on Borland; once I can do that without risking Drofeld of having a reason to attempt another mission looking for us.”
“I may be able to help you with that, if you can give me the names of those you would seek?”
Meldon answered. “I can give you those names, Lord Ceric. But I do not see how you could do it without King Drofeld finding out?”
“I have friends everywhere, Captain. Some of them are quite adept at such things. But it could take some time, do you three have that kind of time?”
All three looked to one another, then Dax answered for them all. “We would make the time, if it was not too very long.”
“I will send a message before I take to my bed if Captain Meldon can give me a list of those you seek?”
“I will have it to you before you leave the Windlass, Lord. I will go and make it now. It will only take me a short while and I will return.” Meldon rose from his chair and left the cabin.
Once Meldon returned with the list of names, Lord Ceric excused himself. The following morning Dax, Cavidar and Meldon walked to the Council Hall and asked to see Lord Daka. The guard at the door recognized both of the Marden Military commanders and ushered them to Daka’s office, knocked on the door and was given permission to enter. Once the three men were inside, he closed the door and returned to his post.
“Well, by my grandfather’s beard. Commander Dax and Commodore Cavidar, what a wonderful surprise. And who is this gentleman with you?” Lord Daka rose from his chair and started around his table to greet them.
“This is Captain Meldon of the Sea Wench, formerly a merchant seamen from Steldar.”
“From Steldar, you say. What brings him here with you then?”
“King Ormish Drofeld sent the Sea Wench to find us, Lord Daka, and they did as they were ordered. We overpowered them during their landing and took their ship. The survivors were imprisoned at first, but all of them have proven to be good men who were sent on a mission not of their choosing. Captain Meldon came with us on this voyage to give evidence, if needed, to his new fealty and statements to Drofeld’s attempts at finding us and hoping to take whatever place we were for himself.”
“The gall of the man, sending men to kill and take holdings of men loyal to Marden. We had heard rumors that he was having men trying to track the Wolf Pack down. But I doubted he would go to the extremes to actually find you on Borland. So, I assume that all this is true , Captain?”
“It is, Lord Daka. He gave me those orders. He even made changes in my normal crew, supplementing some of his soldiers and a number of Steldar’s prisoners with hopes of becoming free of imprisonment by fighting the Wolf Pack when found. His orders were very specific, we were not to return or be found elsewhere if we did not find where the Wolf Pack was. We were to either find them or die trying.”
“How many men did you lose in this attack?”
“There were seventy-three when we left Steldar, one died during the voyage and there are nineteen survivors. All of whom now have lives they are happy in on Borland.”
“Much as I would expect of Commander Dax and Commodore Cavidar. If they are glad of having you and your men with them, then that is enough for me. My Thane may wish to consider some reprisal on Steldar though.”
Dax answered before anyone else could speak. “I hope we can dissuade him of that Lord. As it is Drofeld is missing a ship and all his men. He does not know they found Borland or any there. I think it would be better if we leave it that way, and hope he does not try again.”
“You are probably right, Commander, I will assist you in that if needs be. Come let us go and find Mage Ceric and ask for an audience with Thane Erik. The Thane is not feeling well of late, but he will want to see you at his first opportunity, I am sure.”
Everyone walked out of Daka’s office and down the halls to Lord Ceric’s office. Once there a similar greeting was replayed, Ceric not telling Daka that he had met the men on the Windlass the evening before. By mid-day they were meeting with Thane Erik Throgmarden.
Once all the introductions and reports were completed and an accounting of what the Windlass had brought to the Thane on this voyage was given. Thane Erik was pleased to have seen them all and welcomed Captain Meldon into the fold on Borland, but begged their leave for his to rest after such a meeting. All of them thanked him for his time and wished him a speedy recovery.
Lord Daka had to excuse himself from having the mid-day meal with them as he said he had a previous meeting, but asked that they all dine together that evening. All agreed.
During the mid-day meal, Ceric told Meldon that he had sent messenger birds to men he knew and expected answers back by the next day. Meldon was most appreciative. Meldon and Cavidar went back to the Windlass after the meal, Dax however told them all that he needed to go and see Wendor at his offices and deliver messages form his parents and sister. They all agreed to meet for the evening meal where Lord Daka had suggested earlier. After Cavidar and Meldon had walked out of site Ceric spoke to Dax privately before he parted.
“My young friend, you will stop by and see Mejara while you are here, I hope? She would skin me alive if you were in Throgmarden and she didn’t get to see you.”
“Ceric, you know I would not leave Throgmarden without seeing your sister. You should know by now that even though we are far apart, you both are family to Melody, myself and our children.”
“We feel the same. But you said children does little Ginger have a sibling?”
“Ginger is no longer so little old friend and yes she has a smaller Brother, Vlad Feron. Both have heard many stories of their aunt and uncle here in Throgmarden.”
“That is wonderful, I have much to ask, but we can talk later or tomorrow when you, Mejara and I are alone. I hope to have news from Steldar by then for you and Captain Meldon. Go about your business, Dax I will see you this evening.”
That evening was filled with good conversation. Mejara was thrilled with the news of Dax and Melody having a second child; she was especially happy that they had named him after Vlad as she had always like the big Wolf Pack man. Dax had told them much of Borland; it’s newer villages, the increase of it’s population and how happy people were there. He explained how they governed, how all worked for the common good as well as for themselves. But he still did not divulge the secrets only Borlanders knew of new inventions. These he considered sacrosanct even from these old and endeared friends. Finally, he said his goodbyes and walked to their door, Ceric followed him out and walked a short distance with him.
“I heard from my friend in Steldar. He and two of his comrades have found those you seek. He said they will have all that agree, considering your rules about only knowing they are coming to join their men; not where it is, and that they will not be returning to Steldar. They will have all that agree on a merchant cog and dock at Skalm in seven nights time. But he can only wait there for two nights after they dock. He will not risk himself or them being caught if his feint is found out.” The old Mage said in hushed tones.
“I understand, thank you. We will leave port in time to be there by the day they are to arrive, so he will not have to wait at all. The Steldar men will be in your debt, as I am.”
“There are no debts between you and I, Dax. I know that there are things you cannot tell me, and I agree with your unspoken reasons. Know this however, Thane Erik is going to die. Probably not before you leave, but surely before you are back in Borland. When he does young Rolf will be crowned Thane. He is a captain now and garrisoned at Madar. He has a wife and two children, and loves his mother, Queen Daneen. But with his crowning, she will only be the Queen Mother. Time will only tell how he will relate to the news of Borland’s existence. I will never admit I have said this, but I hope you are prepared for any and all possibilities.”
“I would never admit that this has been said, nor my answer. We are already prepared for any who would threaten Borland, as we were when Captain Meldon found us. I hope that never comes to pass with any from Marden.”
“Nor I, you and yours are dear to myself and Mejara. I hope I never have to choose between these two loyalties.”
“If that were to occur, choose to at least appear it is with Marden, but know we would come and get you both. I would say you will know if it is going to be an issue, and you know you could take refuge with Neven Salas under some ploy you could plan. There we would get you, many there are dear friends, and we make several trips there for trading, unknown to most.”
“I understand and I am one of those few who divined that knowledge already. Thank you. Now go about your business and prepare. I hope you will say goodbye before you leave?”
“I will, dear friend.”
Both men shook hands and parted for their separate walks toward their places of rest.
The next morning a guard came asking Dax and Cavidar to accompany him for a private audience with the Thane. The audience was short, he only wanted their assurances that they would show the same fealty to his son Rolf once he eventually assumed the throne of Marden. Both men promised as much, only saying that they hoped that day was far in the future. Erik was grateful and said he trusted they would. And they ended the audience telling Thane Erik that their ship was fully unloaded and that by another days’ time they would be returning to Borland and hoped to see him on their next voyage.
The next day, after the full of dark settled over Marden, the Windlass sailed out of port. Once past the point and in the Strait of Vlandness the ship turned south, bound for Skalm. Four days later they anchored at it’s pier with the premise of taking on stores.
The next evening a merchant cog from Steldar tied to the same pier across from the Windlass. In the dark of deep night nine families of women with children and one young woman without any children were escorted between the two ships in between times when the watch was making their rounds. As the first streaks of a new dawn crept up on the far eastern sea horizon, the Windlass left port and took a northeast heading as if going to Ard on Vlandness.
The ship remained in port at Ard for two days while the crew shopped and put a full complement of stores in the hold and lower decks. As much fresh water was filled in the barrels as could be taken. That evening the Windlass left port once again, this time with a due east heading.
“When do we alter course to the north or south, and then west for the Windless Sea?” Captain Meldon asked Commodore Cavidar and Dax when he could no longer see any lights from the port behind them.
It was Dax who answered. “We do not. We will keep our heading of due east.”
“Do you mean we are going to cross the breadth of the Sea of Storms, all the way to Borland?” Meldon looked more than just surprised at this revelation. “Have you accomplished this unheard-of feat as well?”
“Well, actually Captain we know it was first done by one of our other citizens, Devon Wiles. We found him on Windlass Island off the west coast of Borland a few set of seasons ago and he had been shipwrecked there for many seasons then. Then Captain Braden Moule crossed it a few seasons ago in the Sea Dog to join us.” Dax stopped for a moment and then continued. “This will be Commodore Cavidar and my first time, but by all accounts, we are sure of doing it as well. There will be very severe storms at times, but the voyage will go quicker than if we turned west and had to sail around the Old World before crossing the Windless Sea.”
“I continue to be involved in voyages I thought I would never make, and at my age.”
All three men had a hearty laugh at Meldon’s comment.
*****
Black smoke rose from the chimneys of the Thane’s castle. People all over stopped mid-pace and looked to the rising ominous message, their Thane was dead. Many wept openly, more stood in abject silence, but not one was happy.
Lords Ceric and Daka were standing in his bed chamber with the royal family. Both had heard him when he passed his leadership to his son, the now Thane Rolf Throgmarden twenty-fourth of his line.
Sometime later Lord Ceric had many messenger birds sent aloft to the Mages of all the realms. When all his work was done, he returned to his home with his sister, and they sat down to eat.
“Tis a sad day my brother, a sad day for us all.”
“Yes, Mejara. A great man, and one whom I called friend as well as Thane, is gone from us. I wonder if his son, Thane Rolf will follow in his father’s likeness, or send us down paths far different?”
“Do you ponder such?”
“I think on the possibilities, until deeds portend the circles that will be drawn.”
“Did you ponder thus when Thane Ogden passed?”
“Aye, I did but I was much younger then and still tender at being a Thane’s Mage and my Master Mage had not been gone so long yet.”
“Yes, that is true as I remember it now. Our parents were not even so long gone then.”
“We, you and I, have seen much together, Mejara. Do you ever feel as if your life had been different?”
“No, Ceric. I would not trade one moment of our life together, for a season of a different one. Our blood bond, our unwavering sibling love and friendship has been more than most ever are allowed to feel.”
“I am glad of that as I feel the same. What would you think, if at some time I wished to retire and us move elsewhere?”
“As long as we are together, I care not where that is. Are such thoughts creeping around in your brain?”
“Not as yet really. I was just remembering something Dax said to me in confidence before he left Borland. Or, actually it was more of a promise.”
“What kind of a promise, Ceric?”
“He said, if I felt that we needed, or wanted to leave Throgmarden. I should make some excuse to go for a visit to my old friend, Neven Salas in Pelia. We would be brought to him in Borland from there. He said the Pelians, and Sand Walkers would not let us be found until we were gone on a Borland ship.”
“Well then, if and when you think we should do this, we will. Dax, the son of both our hearts, would do just as he said.”
“Yes, he would.”
*****
The voyage had taken a full three moons by the time Windlass island was spotted and the Sea of Storms had calmed into the Windless Sea nearing The Borland coast. The crew and families on board were cheering and happy at having survived the many storms in making the crossing.
Dax told Cavidar and Meldon that he thought this way of bringing new immigrants was better than coming from Jav. It gave them time to see more of Borlands coastline before entering the port from coming due west across the Windless sea.
By the time they were passing the northern point before the Sovladen Harbor they had already passed the fishing village on the northern coast. As they were passing the Wolf Pack Garrison and Watch Tower the men on watch gave them a smoking blast from the cannon in welcome. Thus by the time they were tying to the dock and lowering the gang plank to the pier, the dock was crowded with well wishers and waiting husbands who had heard of the ships arrival by messengers birds sent to let everyone know that the Windlass was home.
This time Dax let all the new wives and children go down the gang plank first so they could be met by their waiting husbands and fathers. Then he gave a short welcoming introduction to all those waiting there, and he told them the news of Thane Erik’s death. From the back of the crowd came a question.
“Commander, do you think this will change anything for us here in Borland?”
“I cannot say for sure what may happen in the future, but I can tell you that we have all decided that Borland is our home now. We alone have made lives as we wish them to be, we alone have decided how we are to be governed and by whom, we alone have prospered and made great new inventions of various uses that make our lives better and ones that allow us to protect what we have far better than any other realm. At this time, we need not worry about something that may happen, as we are far better advanced in our ability to repel anyone who comes to try and take anything away. This is why we have not allowed any knowledge of any new inventions to leave Borland.”
Then Commodore Cavidar spoke briefly. “No one can foresee how the new Thane Rolf in Marden will rule there, but he will not be allowed to rule here. We rule here. If he continues with the same honorable hand that his father did, then nothing will change in how we live. If he attempts some foolhardy attempt at overrule of us here, he will fail miserably. Then and only then will we be forced to make ourselves know as a truly free realm. What will come as a shock to this young new Thane, is that we already have friends in other realms who would be glad to recognize us as a sovereign realm and add one more realm governed by the people, rather than held in fealty to a king or thane.”
To this there were thunderous applause and yells of Borland, our Borland. Finally, the clamor died down, people began hugging and shaking hands with the new wives and children and then helping them with their belongings to new homes, and or places to stay for the night. As some would travel from Sovladen in the morning to villages both north and south where fathers had decided to start new lives.
Many of Meldon’s men brought their families to introduce them to Dax and Cavidar formally, most already knew Meldon from seasons of their husbands service on his ship. One such surprised young man was beaming unexpectedly since his fiancé was also among the families brought. This couple asked if Captain Meldon would perform a wedding ceremony for them soon. He agreed and Dax with Cavidar only asked that they wait just long enough for the Meeting Hall to be decorated, a feast to be prepared and people to know the date as many here would like to be there for them. The two young people agreed saying it would be an unexpected honor.
When all had calmed down and everyone was headed home, Dax, Melody with their children and Darma made their way home as well. Once there Ginger and Vlad were put to bed. Then Dax and Melody could hug and kiss one another as they longed to do.
“We should go to bed, my loving Husband. You must surely be ready for a good night’s sleep in your own bed?”
‘My dear and lovely Melody, I am sure that I am more than ready for our bed. However, I can think of more that I wish to do there than fall fast asleep.”
“On that we agree, my Love. Let us go then. Tomorrow can take care of itself.”
