OUTLANDER
Chapter 36
Screams from Shadows
Two of Steldar’s ships of the line had anchored just offshore of Crogdom at the border between Shadow’s Beach and where it met The Trees of Dark. Boats had been lowered into the water and men were climbing down the rope ladders over the ship’s sides to get into the boats.
Crog men could be seen coming out of their crude mud houses, bringing trade goods, and placing them halfway down toward the shoreline, then backing up until they stood just outside the edge of where the dark beach met the first of the trees that bordered it. This was not unusual, as this was how they signaled that they were ready to trade.
For seasons beyond memory men from several realms had landed on Shadows Beach. Trying to bring it under their realm’s flag. All had given up. The beach was almost jet black in color and made up of coarse thin rock fragments, rather than soft granular sand. It ran from the southern Daka Mountains on the east, to the cliffs at the southern edge of the Southern Fire Mountains on the west. The beach undulated in width from just several feet wide to the near quarter of a league at Crogdom. All along that one quarter of a moons sail by ship, it was bordered by the Trees of Dark.
Many attempts had been made by men to venture into this deeply forested province, but those who had returned had only made it in by less than a league before turning around and coming out. The canopy of treetops was so tall and thick, that by the time you were in a quarter of a league almost no sunlight penetrated to the ground below. And the undergrowth between trees had to be hacked away to make any forward movement at all. It was said that everything that lived in the Trees of Dark were either deadly or made a man so sick he lost his mind or became paralyzed.
Finally, it was the merchant seamen from Steldar who encountered the Crog, and over time came to have an unusual trading relationship with them here at Crogdom. Which is why, when men of the Crog saw these two ships on this day they recognized the banners flying from the main masts as those of their trading partners.
Unfortunately, as the small boats began nearing the shore, the two ships started firing Hwachas, and small catapults. The beach was raining in lethal arrows and different sizes of rocks and boulders at first, then boulders covered in Dragons breath started to come intermixed with the showers of rocks and arrows.
Crog men were screaming in agony on the beach, and from the mud houses Crog women and children started running toward the men. The Crog were dropping onto the hard black sand before the first small boat landed on the beach. As soon as the boats landed men with bows started adding to the volume of arrows in flight, but these were better aimed and hitting their marks with even more ferocity. All the remaining Crog were now running in a chaotic panic into the Trees of Dark, yelling and screaming with both fear and pain from wounds.
Some of the Steldarian soldiers tried to follow the Crog into the forest, but quickly found that, the Crog had vanished into the shadowy interior. They had no targets to aim at. The soldiers with unsheathed swords never got close enough to slice one small bit of flesh and bone. After long moments most of the soldiers returned to get new orders, leaving only a few to stand watch peering into the Trees of Dark, a few others took up positions up and down the beach to be certain that Crog would not come crashing out there and attempt a charge.
Eventually, Commodore Vexlor called his officers into council near the beached boats. “We will leave an advance guard here on the beach tonight. Multiple stations rotating men four times between dusk and dawn. Come the morning we start to cut some of the closest of the trees and build a palisade and proper buildings. Once we have that done, we will leave all the stores and weapons possible. I want at least a ballista, Hwacha and two catapults placed on platforms for defense against an attack from the Forest. Once that is complete one ship will stay at anchor here while my ship returns to Steldar for further orders, to return with more men and supplies. While I am gone men can start on a proper dock, piers, and the necessities for a proper, if yet small port to operate out of. Now, start with that as your present mission. All but the night watch here get ready to go back to the ships for the night.”
The Commodore and his aides walked to the first boat and shoved off for his ship. By full dark all but the beach night watch were back on the two ships. Large bonfires were burning at several places along Shadow’s Beach. By the time a half moon had passed the first buildings and the palisade were completed. The stores had been brought to the building built for them and as the garrison’s first kitchen. The four major weapons were in place on four raised platforms inside the palisade. Bows arrows, spears, barrels of Dragon’s breath, and other weapons were in the armory. The soldiers personal gear had been put away in the few buildings built to house the common soldiers. Officer’s quarters were filled with the finer accoutrements and a single building was constructed for the Garrison Commander.
Once all was complete Commodore Vexlor left the small new garrison on Shadow’s Beach and set sail for Drokar on Steldar.
*****
Ceric opened his door a few moments before dusk. His evening meal was on the table and Mejara stood beside the fireplace’s hearth waiting for her brother to return home, a smile upon her maidenly face.
“Good evening, Brother, I hope your day was not too harrowing.”
“Not as days go anymore, Mejara. You look awfully pleased this evening.”
“I suppose I am. The day was just breezy enough to be refreshing. My preperations for our meal had no mishaps and we can now settle in for an evening’s peace.”
“I am ready for that. The young Thane can at times be exasperating in his zeal to know all he can about Marden and the city. He has been away at Madar in the north so long.”
As they were now sitting down at the table, Mejara continued the conversation. “Has he asked much yet about Borland?”
“So far, only enough to know how long ago Dax and Cavidar found the Island, and how much it has gained the realm. He understood the need for the secrecy that has surrounded any knowledge about the mission there, and was impressed with the knowledge of the navigation stones that all our captains have become so used to having for these past several sets of seasons.”
“Good, then he has shown no interest in wanting more than has become normal communication or voyages between us and those there?”
“Not as yet, but I would not rule that out. He is ambitious, and when he is more comfortable in his knowledge of how our realm has been governed by his father. Learns how our interactions with our allies and those realms, we have less cordial interactions with, he still may. He did not know that Neder had been accepted as a separate realm, or that Pelia was now being ruled by a council, like Neder. I think that new knowledge has caused him a little consternation.”
‘Well let him be more concerned with those for now, it leaves him less time to wish to know more about Borland.”
“I agree, there is some disturbing news from Steldar today. They have attacked Shadow’s Beach and pushed the Crog back into the Trees of Dark. I heard they have already built a fortification and are working on docks and piers to establish a port there.”
“Well, I have no desire to see anyone pushed from land they considered theirs for so long. But I cannot grieve to much for less than men.”
“I know most will feel that way and I cannot say that the thought is wholly wrong, but I can say it gives me a concern. As I see patterns within patterns from King Drofeld. It makes me wonder at his real objective. He now has a foothold on the mainland. Always before he was just another island realm.”
“I see why you would be vexed then.”
The two siblings finished their meal in more quiet thought; and then Mejara cleared away the crockery and utensils, while Ceric enjoyed sitting by the fire.
*****
Dax was taking a morning walk with Darma when he heard Ruthor behind him walking with North. Both Dire Wolves became happy to see pack mates and nuzzled muzzles as Ruthor came up along his Commander and best friend.
“It is a fine brisk morning, Dax.”
‘I agree, Ruthor. Where were you and North bound this morning?”
“No where in particular. Maybe into the forest beside Ofid’s farmstead. Thought I might let North go for a run or scare up a rabbit morning snack.”
“That sounds like a perfect way to start the day. Would you mind some company?”
“No, of course not. I would enjoy yours perfectly and North would love to hunt with his mother.”
The two men made their way out of Sovladen to the road and rails at the end of the main street, then turned to the left and walked down the grassy shoulder of the road south. As they passed Ofid’s farm they saw he was standing out in the large grassy area before his home with West, playing a catch game. But West seeing North and Darma made a dead heat run to the fence line, wagging her entire backside as she stopped at the fence. It was just a rather short wooden split rail, so she turned and paced back a short distance before turning again and making a full run so she could leap over the top rail. As she did Darma and North turned the few paces to greet her and a loving scuffled ensued.
“Morning, you two. What are you walking to do, or just a stretch out your muscles?”
“Thought we might go to the woods over there and let Darma and North go for an early morning hunt run for rabbits.” Dax replied.
Ofid climbed over the top rail, walked close and shook hands with his long time Wolf Pack comrades in arms. “Well, that sounds like a fine idea. Mind if we join you?’
“Not at all, old friend. The more the merrier. It has been too long since we all just enjoyed a good morning, and let our wolves run and hunt.”
“Good, I know West will enjoy hunting with her mother and brother.”
By the time the three long time companions and their Dire Wolf partners came back from the woods the sun was almost to it’s zenith in the clear sky above. As they neared the road that ran up to Ofid’s home, Brenna came running down to meet them.
“Father, Mother says for you, Dax and Ruthor to come up to the house and eat your mid-day meal. That is if you three are through playing with wolves this morning?”
“Yes, Daughter. I think we are ready for a meal. Was that all your Mother said?”
“Yes, but she was laughing when she said it.”
“That’s good to know. At least we are not in any trouble, yet.”
Brenna, laughed and then said, “Not yet anyway.” Then the young woman turned and ran back to their home. As she got close, they could hear her yell. “They are coming, Mother.”
After finishing the delicious meal that Abindal had prepared, and chatting a while. Ruthor and Dax bid their thanks and said goodbye, both men needed to return home and make apologies for being gone longer than they thought. Abindal and Brenna, chuckled as they walked out the door and down the road.
As Dax and Darma neared their home little Vlad came running out and wrapped his small arms around Darma’s neck, Darma nuzzling the small version of Dax. As these two were engaged Melody came out the door and looked at her husband.
“Did you two enjoy your morning walk, my Husband?”
“We did, Melody. We ran into first Ruthor and North and then Ofid with West. All of us then walked into the forest south of Ofid’s and let the wolves run and hunt. As we were returning for home, Abindal sent Brenna to tell us to come in for mid-day meal.”
“Well, good for her. I am glad she saw you. Did you have a good visit?”
“Yes, my love. We did.”
“Wonderful, at least you did not forget to eat and come home famished. I will have to thank her for feeding you on such short notice. She is such a wonderful friend, we have so many good friends and family here, my Love.”
“We do.” Dax answered as he stepped closer and took his wife into his arms and gave her a loving kiss.
“I almost forgot. Delpha stopped by and asked if you could come to the shop when you got home. Mesan has something to show you.”
“Then I will go down and see if he and Syngyn have some new marvel that will amaze me. Would you like to come, we could take Ginger and Vlad? A small walk would be enjoyable on such a day.”
“Yes, that sounds fine. But it will just be us three.” She said looking at their small son. “Ginger and Iben Dom went to see my parents this morning. They won’t be back until tomorrow.”
“Fine, then just us three.” Dax replied with a broad smile. Melody went inside and cleaned up just a bit and by the time she was outside, Dax had Vlad in his arms. The boy was toying with his father’s hair all mesmerized in the tangles he was weaving joyously.
They walked from their home, then out onto the main plaza and turned west soon passing Government House which had no one in it today and then across toward the Meeting Hall and around it to the blacksmith’s shop.
Delpha was inside talking with her husband, Mesan, Syngyn and his young wife, Davina, who was looking as if their first child was close to joining them.
“Good day, everyone. It is a fine day to meet with friends.” Dax said as they entered the shop.
“Oh, I am so happy you came by this soon. I can’t wait for you to see what these two have come up with now.”
“Well, what is it we have come to see then?”
Mesan pointed to a large, draped table against the west wall of the working area. Then he and Syngyn walked over and pulled the canvas material off what it covered.
“Only this, Commander.” Syngyn said once the contents on the table could be seen.
Dax walked closer after putting Vlad down, standing beside his mother. Melody and the others joined the three men at the worktable. Peering down at a model of a ship it appeared, except there were no sails. And at it’s starboard and port sides were shrouded wheels. Much like the wheel at the watermills on two of the rivers in Borland.
Dax studied the model for a few moments, but too long for Melody to wait before she asked a question. “This is a ship, Mesan?”
“Yes, it is, Melody. But this one will be powered by a boiler similar to the rail trains we have already.”
“I thought that was what it looked like you two. But tell me why you didn’t put even one sail on her, and how far can she sail?” Dax asked without lifting his stare at the model.
“In theory, we think she could make voyage from Sovladen to either Darma Village or North Bay Village. Before she would need to have storage tanks refilled with fresh water. And she could make the voyage to either in one, but no more than two days’ time. We designed the ship to be seaworthy, but her draft is best not far offshore, you can see that her keel is nearly flat, so she will not cut the water as deeply as a sea going vessel. That means she would not be good in this design for long voyages to the Old World. But eventually if there were small ports where she could resupply with fresh water, she could make voyages completely around our coast and to the islands near Borland.” Syngyn answered with greater details.
“And by what you said of her speed, she could cut the time needed for such trips greatly. Tell me why only fresh water?”
“We tried using sea water in a test boiler, but after a time the sea water started corroding the steel of the boilers and pipes. We couldn’t find a way to stop that from happening. So, we decided she would not be good for long sea voyages, you couldn’t carry enough fresh water to make the voyage possible on steam alone.”
“That I can understand then. What overall size are you thinking about?”
“About the length of a Cog.”
“Syngyn, you and Mesan have done it again. There will be people who would enjoy such trips. I suppose the interior could have cabins for passengers?”
“Yes, there would. Here let me lift this roof off and you can see what we were thinking for both passengers and for shipping goods.” Syngyn lifted the model ship’s roof, and everyone could see how he and Mesan had planned the upper decks interior and then he lifted that section off and let them see the main deck below that.
“Have you shown this to our shipwrights?”
Masen answered.” Yes, they think it would take four moons to build, if they had no other repairs or tasks during that time.”
Ruthor and Gayla were out with Francher and thought they could hear several people talking as they walked close by the shop and walked in to join the conversation. After greetings all around they were shown what they all were looking at. Ruthor and Gayla’s excitement now mixed with the others.
By now the day was beginning to wane down to being close to dusk. As everyone had agreed that this new type of ship should be constructed as a priority for the shipwrights, they all decided to have evening meal together at the Meeting Hall, before going back to their homes.
The chatter during their meal was happy and engaging as they talked about the new venture, and how lucky each one felt at having such good lives here in Sovladen.
****
“Lord Ceric, you have been Mage here longer than I have been alive. You have guided the Thane of Marden during every kind of strife and peaceful existence imaginable. What do you believe is the reason for King Drofeld’s taking control of the province of Shadow’s Beach?” Thane Rolf asked his councilor during their morning meeting in the Marden Council Chamber.
“I have given this much consideration, my Thane. Lord Daka and I have discussed it several times during the past moons since we first heard of his attack on Crogdom. King Drofeld is an ambitious man, and he inherited a small island realm of only two islands, both are smaller than Vlandess, but larger than Tripolia. All three of these realms together are smaller than Marden, the Waste or Escaldia, and he has no other place to expand his sovereignty without bitter warfare. I believe he also thinks no other realm will interfere, as no one has considered the Mystic Provinces worth a war between realms. However, what I see here is an ambitious ruling family establishing a foothold on the mainland without express and legitimate claims to that province. Now he could continue to expand into the Trees of Dark without facing anyone capable of holding this expansion. The Crog are not considered worth the danger of any realm becoming involved. What I do find disconcerting, is that he is wiping out those who have lived there in quiet anonymity for as long as the annals speak of. Even if most do not consider them fully men.”
“Does that mean that you consider them truly men then?”
“Not exactly Thane Rolf. I think somewhere back before the annals speak of, the Crog did not grow as other men did. Maybe because they got left behind in those dark provinces, separated from those that who did. Or maybe they never were men like the rest of us. Either way, should they not be allowed to exist in that place where they always have, unless they do become a threat to men?”
“But did not my Father send the Wolf Pack to aide Neder against these Crog, who were making incursions into Neder’s territory several sets of seasons ago?”
“The Wolf Pack was sent to help the people of Neder, that is true . And we do think that it could have only been the Crog with some animals who committed those raids. Yet, it was also thought at the time that it could have been only because the Stinking Waters were shrinking back from areas of land that had always been a part of that province. And the Neder were starting to occupy land that had once not been apart of their province. Since the Neder have built a barrier separating the two, there has been no problems.”
“That is more than I heard. Now, I can understand what has been thought of the raids and assumptions. I still do not consider the Crog as men, though. Do either of you think that King Drofeld taking the Sands of Dark as a present or future threat to Marden?”
It was Lord Daka who answered first. “My Thane, my answer would be yes. Probably not for some time, maybe even many seasons. But if he goes unchecked in some way, then he will assume he can keep taking more. If not Marden through the Daka Mountains, then Lagdian through the Southern Fire Mountains or more likely striking at Neder. His realm is one that has not formally recognized Neder as a realm.”
“Then what would you two propose we do?”
“I think we should have more men at our garrisons at Dakam and Skalm for one. Then we could add small outposts at the three major passes over the Daka Mountains between Marden and Neder, and Marden and the entire Mystic Province. From these, soldiers could do patrols on a regular schedule and the outposts could have Catapults, Hwachas and Ballistas emplaced.” Lord Daka explained.
Lord Ceric added. “I agree. If we did these within our own borders then no one could have issue, and in doing so now they would be there long before Steldar attempted any incursion. We can have our emissary to Neder discuss our intentions and say that with these improvements we will be better manned for any assistance they might need in the future.”
“These ideas I like. Should we also tell our emissary to Lagdian of our decision?”
“That could also be beneficial. Then they could decide if they want to do likewise at their borders.” Lord Daka answered.
“Good, then do just that and let me know our progress during our next council meetings.”
As this was the final item for discussion today, the meeting adjourned. All three men going about their other tasks for that day.
*****
The Pregmor tied up to the new dock at Crogdom and Commodore Vexlor came down the gangplank to the pier where his commander of the new garrison, Commander Resham, and the Stingray’s Captain Dimshal were awaiting him.
“Good day, gentlemen. I see you have done well so far. This is quite a serviceable dock, and the garrison looks very adequate. Has there been any resistance from the Crog while I was away?”
“None so far, Commodore. The tall trees we have taken down have added to our perimeter around the garrison, however we would like to increase the clearing distance between the Trees of dark and our presence here.” Commander Resham answered.
“A sound idea, you should make that a priority. Have any ships attempted to dock here as yet?”
“No Sir. We did see what looked like a few fishing ships far off the coast a few times. But none of them made any change in their headings to come our direction.”
“That is unfortunate actually. It would be better if some started to show some interest in this new coastal port. That is the only way port will begin to prosper through trade.”
“Do you think we are ready for such interest?”
“Maybe not as yet, but I did bring a few interested civilians with me as passengers who have expressed an interest in setting up shops or considering running fishing boats out of our port if it was safe. I think it is from what I see. That could be what the lumber from cutting down more trees, could be used for. Especially if we can acquire funds from them for the lumber and construction of such shops and or houses to compliment our garrison. Maybe even an ale house or other businesses that our men would like as entertainment.”
“If nothing else that would elevate morale. Soldiers and sailors are always happier when they have places to blow off steam.” Captain Dimshal interjected with a wry smile.
‘It will come, I am sure. I like to visit an alehouse myself from time to time.” The Commodore added. At which all three men had a laugh. During the next two moons cycles a few shops and accompanying housing were constructed. There was no longer any signs of the Crog’s mud houses existing. To those now living here it was becoming known as Shadows Port.
At the edge of the small town another set of buildings was just being completed. It was a lumber mill. Now the carpenters who had been building the shops and house had their own place to work. Some continued to cut down the large trees, slowly edging the forest’s boundary away from the black sands of Shadows Beach. Others turned the logs into lumber. This small group were talking to Captain Dimshal, who most now considered the Port Master, about the possibility of having another ship built for the purpose of shipping the lumber to Steldar and other ports in Marden and Lagdian for trade. Dimshal had posed this possibility to Commodore Vexlor, who was in favor of the venture. Both the seamen’s ships carpenters were now working on drawings with the lumbermen for such a vessel.
Although there was still a watch, maintained day and night along the boundary between the beach and forest, no one had caught a glimpse of even one Crog. But they were there, not always close, but stealthily watching as these men, they once trusted to trade with, now built more and more of their buildings and brought more and more people. Invading the land that had always been theirs, destroying their sacred trees, keeping them from their beach. These killers of Crog were desecrating everything that had ever kept them safe from the outside world. Just like those beyond the Stinking Waters beyond the trees to the north. They were being forced into a smaller and smaller sanctuary by these ugly hairless beasts.
*****
“May I see Lady Melody and you, Lady Gayla?”
“Of course, you can, Captain Traim. What is the urgency?” Gaya answered as Melody entered the main room of Government house from her office.
“Would it be possible to send for Commander Dax and Commodore Cavidar before I explain? I would like to show all of you in the main hall where the map of the world hangs. If that is alright?”
“That is very possible. I will go and send Mesan and Syngyn for them now. Please have a seat on one of the chairs in the main hall, we will all join you there soon.” Gayla told him.
Then Melody added. “Could I get you a mug of cool water while you wait?”
“Yes, thank you.”
Melody went and poured the Whaling Captain a mug of water from the Jug in her office and returned. “Did you just return from a whaling voyage?”
“Aye, we just pulled into port, and I came straight here.”
“I hope your haul was bountiful as usual? I have some paperwork to finish until the others get back. Rest yourself.”
Melody walked back to her office and sat down at her table. Shortly Gayla returned and told her that the Commander and Commodore should be there presently.
Not long afterwards both women heard the outer doors open and close several times. Dax and Ruthor walked into Melody’s office and asked her what was of such urgency, and she got up and they all walked into the council hall. As they came in, Gayla had just entered with Commodore Cavidar, Mesan and Syngyn. Before any of them could speak, Captain Traim stood and face them all.
“We have found another island. A big island, about the size of North Island.”
Everyone stood with looks of amazement at the statement first, then Dax spoke before anyone else could. “Where did you find this Island?”
Captain Traim walked to where the map hung on the council room west wall and pointed to a spot far south of South Island, almost to the bottom edge of the large map. “Here, then he pulled out a small scroll from his belt pouch and handed it to Dax. You can see Commander that it is quite large and there are two smaller ones to the west of it. There is just enough room between the large one and the first one for a ships passage, but only shoals between that one and the one south of the first one.”
“How far away from South Island are they?”
“One and a half moons Commander. We anchored long enough at each to go ashore and scout them out. There was no one living on any of the three. Nor did it appear there had been. They had forests, freshwater streams, good beaches, and a sheltered bay on the north side of the large one. There were wild boars, deer, and other small animals and birdlife. We were following a pod of whales when we spotted the large islands mountain’s on the horizon.”
“This is fantastic, Captain Traim.” Commodore Cavidar spoke quite loudly as he looked at the scroll and then at the map on the wall. “You and your crew have added much to our knowledge, how were the seas that far south?”
‘Quite fair mostly, Commodore. They were not windless, and yet not as hazardous as the Sea of Storms.”
Syngyn who had now looked at the scroll also was now standing at the map on the wall. ‘We should spot this new discovery on our map. The people will be amazed. I suggest we call this new Island Traim Island.” Everyone applauded, but the Captain wove both his hands in crossing fashion.
“I am honored by the suggestion, Mage Syngyn. But my men and I started calling it Orca Isle in honor to our ship if that meets with your approval?”
“It does, Captain.” Everyone said almost in unison. But it was Melody who spoke when the discussion calmed. “But at least you will allow us to name the larger of the other two, Traim island, I hope.”
“I would be honored, Lady Melody. Then would it be okay, if I propose the smallest one to be after my First mate, Mr. Pel. I think my crew would feel great pride in all three.”
“Good then we have three new islands to add to our map. These islands are now an extended part of Borland.” Dax said while clasping the Captain on his shoulders
