OUTLANDER

                                                   Chapter 38

                                      Borland’s Resolve

The Borland council hall was full to standing room only, and there were citizens standing four deep outside the hall doors. Some who had arrived even later were milling around the Plaza chatting with friends they had not seen in some time. People were here from every village, many of the Wolf Pack men and Navy’s Sea Wolves (as they had started calling themselves) were sharing scuttle butt with the rumors of what was to be discussed today.

Captain Moule and the Sea Dog had just returned from a trading mission to the Old World. News had spread that he had brought back some very interesting news from this last voyage. It was being said that Moule with his wife Candice and Devon Wilts with his wife Nester Mishen were some of those inside to give the news to everyone here today. Captain Gaben Slogin of the Phoenix was also there he had docked a couple of days before the Sea Dog and had returned from a voyage to visit with the Pelian Council.

Melody spoke and recognized Dax as the first to speak.

“My fellow Borlanders and friends. Our two Captains, who have just returned from the Old World have brought back much news. Luckily, they returned in time for our moon cycle meeting. First off, I would like for you all to hear from Captain Moule. Then we will hear from Captain Slogin. Then we will open the floor to questions from any here. Once all feel they have asked all they wish, we will start to discuss any suggestions and thoughts about how we react to the news. Now I recognize Captain Moule.”

Braden Moule stood from his seat in the front row, turned and spoke to the gathered mass of citizens. “Friends, as we made ports in Lagdian, Pelia, No Fall and Tripolia during our latest trading voyage we were astounded at the most recent news we were hearing in every port. King Ormish Drofeld of Steldar has conquered what was once Crogdom on the Shadows Beach province and killed and sent into flee all the Crog that had lived there for all the time written in the chronicles. Once he had that done, he has had his men build fortifications and a new port there that he has claimed as a part of Steldar. He then started an invasion of the Trees of Dark in an attempt to wipe out all Crog, and thus claim both provinces of the combined Mystic Province for himself. No other Realm has offered so far to oppose him. The thought is that since the only ones there were the Crog, who most consider less than men, it was not worth a war.”

There was a low but concerning murmur throughout the Hall. Braden continued to talk before anyone tried to speak. “We heard that both Lagdian and Marden have strengthened their mountain borders on both sides of the Mystic Province and added roving patrols between them. But neither are intervening. It is said that the Crog have attacked his forces using Black Leopards in similar ways that our Wolf Pack works with their Dire Wolf partners. The last rumor is that this campaign of King Drofeld’s is for now halted, since he has lost many men and yet not killed one more Crog. It is thought that he is now trying a different approach by burning the Trees of Dark in a wider expanse but much slower so that his men cannot be cut off from aid and supplies. His objective though has not changed.”

The murmur now raised in volume until Iron Beard stood to speak. As he did, Melody turned to look at him and asked. “Would you like to speak before we hear Captain Slogin’s report, Iron Beard?”

“I would if it can be allowed?”

She briefly looked between the members of the council, all nodded and then told him to proceed.

“This news is disturbing to me, and probably to many of the Dwarves here on Borland. Our own history was not much different. We were thought to be bad or evil omens, when ever one of us were born for most of the time that the chronicles write about. Once the first started to escape into the Fire Mountains, and then rescue others was the first we knew of peace in communities we built for ourselves where no Too Tall would go. We have maintained that secrecy from that time until now. Only here on Borland are we free to commune with others not like us in freedom without prejudice. If these Crog have the ability to work with Leopards as do the Wolf Pack, then maybe we have been wrong to think them less than men, as was thought of us. Either way no one should be allowed to wipe out an entire population from their existence in a land they have known as their own for as long as anyone anywhere has records of.” Iron Beard did not wait for comment when he was done, he sat back down in his seat next to Estonia.

“That is an honest point, Iron Beard. Now let us hear Captain Slogin’s report before we have anymore discussion though. Captain Slogin, will you now tell all your report from your voyage to Pelia?” Dax said before anyone else could speak.

Gaben stood up and faced the seated audience. “As you all know we have an unwritten agreement with the Pelian council. Although they do not exactly know where Borland is, like the rest of the Old-World realms; they have a bond to us even stronger than the Thane in Marden. After we had discussed the latest immigrants that I brought back with me on my return, Neven Salas told me of a messenger bird he had gotten from Lord Ceric in Throgmarden only days before. Thane Rolf has taken a deeper interest in Borland and the Wolf Pack since they received accounts that the Crog used Black Leopards in repelling the latest attack by the men from Steldar. Lord Ceric is concerned with this increased desire to know more. Although he had not questioned our loyalty until now, the Thane seems perplexed by the similarity between the Crog’s use of Leopards and how the Wolf Pack has done the same for many full seasons.” Gaben reseated himself after speaking.

“I would add one additional comment for those who are not aware of the Wolf Packs involvement in attacks on Neder several seasons back. After we had investigated as much as we could, we also were of the impression that the Crog had a way of using animals in those attacks on farmsteads that had opened up land to farm in bordering areas to the Stinking Waters that had once been a part of the swamp and were hunting deeper than they had before. The people of Neder then built a palisade to separate their land from the Stinking Waters Province, which they have later rebuilt with stone and put watch towers as protection. Since that time though there has been no more incursions or attacks.” Dax added before others could speak.

Melody then stood and quieted the resurgence of murmur between many seated in the Hall. “Ladies and gentlemen, I think we should all move the remainder of our conference to the Plaza. Many of our friends and neighbors have come to join us but are only getting these reports as repeated to them from inside. I feel it is only right that everyone have their questions and comments heard in full disclosure as we move further into our deliberations. Thus, let us take a short break, until we can all reassemble on the plaza.” There was agreeable consent as all began standing and moving toward the Hall doors onto the plaza. As the throng emerged there was a flurry of greetings, questions, hugs and smiling faces at those outside being included in the whole. Several people had brought food and drinks and began sharing with those who had been seated inside the hall. After several longer moments the now amassed gathering started to calm back into quieter tones, awaiting whomever would speak first.

It was with some minor amazement when that person was Syngyn Wiles. He with Mesan, Garen Dilby, and Willem Dens, followed by their wives had just crossed the plaza carrying a draped platform with some object on it, hidden by the draping.

“I know you are probably wondering why my collaborators and I have chosen this moment of concerning news to bring out this contraption and add to the deliberations we are involved in. But, if the council would permit, we think we have something that could possibly add to how we decide on any actions we might agree upon.” Syngyn looked to Dax and Cavidar for permission to proceed. When both men nodded their assent, he continued. “Over the last several full set of seasons, since we have come to Borland and made it our home. You have all been asked to accept many new devices that I believe make our lives better and make it possible now to feel as though we can defend ourselves against any who would threaten our sovereignty and lives here. We have kept them all secret from all other realms for that reason.”

Syngyn took a pause in speaking as he, Mesan, Garen and Willem pulled back the drape from the table and now visible object. It was a small Boiler, but this one more than on tank that all were now used to seeing, on the engines of the trains that operated between Borlands towns and villages. Nor was oy like the one on the paddle wheel boat that sailed around Borland’s shorelines. As the crowd started to whisper among themselves Syngyn continued.

“I can see by your whispers, that you are wondering about the added tanks and pipes that this one has. I am happy so say that these new tanks are the completed variation that Delpha and Davina came to us as an idea. While we were discussing the reasons why our larger ships could not use a boiler like the train and paddle wheel ship, due to saltwater corroding the boiler mechanisms, and there being no way to store enough fresh water for a voyage from Borland to the Old World. They simply asked if we could not make the tank reuse the water rather than let it escape as steam. This boiler does just that.”

Dax was the first to interject at this statement. “Syngyn, are you saying we could install this type of boiler in the Windlass or our other large ships to power a paddlewheel and not need to carry a whole deck of barrels of fresh water just for the boiler?”

“Yes, we are. But we are not thinking of a paddlewheel, Commander. If you all look here at these two pipes, just here at the rear of the entire system, you will see these two sets of propellers.”

“Yes, we can see that.” Commodore Cavidar answered before Dax could speak.

“We assumed that a paddlewheel would be too conspicuous and difficult to make the alterations in the large ships design. So, these blades on the propellers are angled to push the boat but will be coming out of the stern and under the water level of the ship. Another interesting thing we found is that if you pull this lever forward then the propellers will reverse their direction.”

“Wait now, Syngyn. Are you trying to tell this old sea dog that with these propellers you can make a ship go backwards?”

“Yes sir, Commodore. However, you would need to do this sparingly. Because our ships are not designed to cut the water in that direction like they are forward. But you could use it in an emergency, when needed.

“Syngyn, this all sounds amazing, but are you sure it will work?”

“We are. If everyone will follow me the short distance to the dock. We have been working with the repair crews that had our first Dhow in dock for refurbishing and they worked with us to fit it with a smaller version than we would use on the larger ships.” When everyone was close enough, Syngyn signaled; Jon Rales and Thom of Skotic, who were waiting on board the Dhow. At this prearranged signal they engaged the already heated boiler and sailed around the bay then as they returned close, they came to stop and reversed the propellers to go in reverse a short distance. Once they brought this maneuver to a full stop, they put the propellers in forward again and brought the Dhow back to the dock and tied the belay lines in place. There was at first complete silence, then an uproar of clapping and yells of congratulations to the two fishermen. “As you can see it does work.”

“Syngyn, this is magnificent. How long did it take to build this new boiler and install it on the Dhow?’” Dax asked.

“A half-moon. It would take longer naturally for each of the larger ships, maybe a full moon cycle each. However, once each was done, that ship would only need to carry one quarter the fresh water for the boiler alone. So, with the number of barrels that would be needed, the coal that would be needed, and the space taken up with the boiler and its piping you would still have approximately half of the Orlop deck unused. Depending on how much the boiler was used during the voyage, a ship could make the Windless Sea crossing easily. It would need to resupply the water and coal by then.”

“What do you mean, depending on how much the boiler was used?” Commodore Cavidar asked.

“If you only used it during times of becalm that we are aware of you would conserve more water and coal. But, if you used it more, say, even when there were winds enough for the sails to be what powered the ships alone, but make your speed faster. Then you would deplete the water and coal faster.”

“That makes sense. So, if we had need to use the boiler, in say escaping an enemy, or even in maneuvers during a battle. We would need resupply more often.”

“Exactly. But those decisions could be made during the planning stages of a voyage, based upon the possibilities you think could occur. Remember, if you think the possibilities warrant, you could still add on more water and coal if you do not need as much storage area on the Orlop deck for a specific voyage.”

Dax spoke before Cavidar could ask another question. “At the present time we have five ships that could be committed to any large-scale mission at sea. And we have five very experienced captains to command them. But it would take 5 moons to get them all refurbished to this new boiler system. Add to that at least another moon, so that the crews could be proficient with these new systems. Am I correct in these assumptions?”

Cavidar answered before Syngyn could. “Yes, but we would not want to commit our entire fleet to any one action, and one of those five is actually now fitted as a merchant ship. It just happens to be fitted with cannon for it’s protection. One ship we should leave here as defense, so we are not caught unawares. So let us say four moons, also we could be training our crews as soon as the first one is completed. By the time the fourth is done we could actually sail. The fifth would be being refitted as we sail. And it be our defense here at home. Then we could refit the Whaler as well, just incase it needed to be brought into some action at home. Besides this new propulsion system would allow it speedier voyages and better maneuverability at whaling. Any one of our ships is worth several of any other realms as they are.”

“That is an even better plan, so we could be ready to sail in say four moons. If we decide on an action that warrants such a venture. Let us all move back to the main plaza and discuss our options and what we desire to do as a whole.”

The discussion carried on long into the afternoon and early evening. Two groups especially spoke fervently about finding some way to assist the Crog from being wiped out by those from Steldar. These were the Dwarves and the families from Pelia, both had been the recipients of such attempts as far as long-ago history spoke of in the annals. Others spoke of wanting to do something, but preferred not to do anything that would start a war and risk Borland becoming known to most or all realms, they preferred to maintain as much secrecy as possible. Borland had become a veritable paradise in it’s anonymity from the Old World.

Thus, it was decided that the best way to help the Crog would be to move them somewhere that the realms of the old world could not find them, but where the Crog would also not be a threat to other people. By this time Dax was starting to have a glimmering of an idea.

“Captain Meldon, just how well can you speak with the Crog?”

“Enough to trade with them. Their language is quite primitive. It involves just as much verbalization as it does hand gestures and body language. But I can carry on at least rudimentary conversation.”

“Could you teach enough of it to say a few of us. Also, do you think they would speak to you if we could find them?”

“Yes, to both those questions. I believe they would. It is not I or my men, whom they traded with before that been involved in any of the recent attacks on them.”

Dax turned then to Captain Traim. “Captain Traim, would you or any of your men feel insulted if we were to offer the Crog a new and protected life on Orca Island?”

Traim looked around to his First mate Chamin Pel and then his Second Mate Westal Doams, both men nodded back to their Captain that the crew would have no objections. “No, Commander. We can see why you would ask and are perfectly agreeable.”

By now many were also beginning to see a plan formulating in the mind of their beloved, Commander Dax. Whispering was beginning to spread among those assembled. The whispering then became a low murmur of approval, that then morphed into a common chant, “Crogs to Orca, Crogs to Orca, Borland’s goal.” Repeated and repeated until the murmur became a rolling wave with hands raised and bodies moving to its new beat.

Finally, it was Melody who raised her hands and quieted all assembled. “I believe we have our decision and newest goal. We will plan how to upgrade our fleet and organize an effort to offer the Crog a way to move to Orca. We can only hope that this will be agreeable to them. Let us now just enjoy our evening together and tomorrow we will rise once again the most united people the annals have ever known.”

Cheers broke out from all around the plaza, then quieted into people hugging one another, talking, sharing drinks, morsels of food and much good conversation. It was late into the dark of night before everyone had left for their homes, leaving the plaza and streets deafly quiet.

                                                                 *****

“Good morning, My King. We are honored by your presence here at Shadows Beach Port.” Commander Resham said as he bowed to Ormish Drofeld.

“Morning to you, Commander. I see you have accomplished your task of building a quite usable port here. How is the expansion into the Trees of Dark progressing?”

“Slowly, my King.” Answered Captain Dimshal before the commodore could answer himself.

“Slowly, how slowly?”

“As we were instructed and as Commodore Vexlor changed our approach to proceed. Instead of an outright imperative to destroy all Crog. We are now denuding the forests in a broader spectrum as we harvest the trees for use and export all along this section of the Beach area, while keeping constant vigil for any Crog or their animals. So, that as they might be encountered, our chances of success at killing them instead of having high losses to ourselves is increased.”

“A cautious plan, considering the excess loss of life the other way. So, how many have been dispatched using this new plan of conquest?”

“None, King Drofeld. A few times patrols along edges of the forest, there have been reports of men thinking they heard the growls of large animals coming from within the trees. But none have been seen and there have been no true encounters.”

“So, not one Crog or leopard has been killed. How long has this stalemate been going on?”

“For over six moon cycles, my Lord.”

“That is ever since we stopped attacking with catapults. Not one of my dead soldiers has been avenged.”

“That is true , my King. However, our progress at making the port more viable, has. Fishermen from Skalm now make regular stops selling their catches, and traders from many realms are now docking and trading with the shops and people living and working here. We have had several people move here, even from other realms, who now are starting to call our port home.”

“Yes, that all sounds fine I grant you. But we cannot truly call this land fully ours until the Crog are no longer a threat.”

“If they attack us again, my King, we are ready. But unless you wish us to instigate renewed attacks on the interior, we are doing all that our orders are.”

“No, do not start attacking the interior again, as yet. I will have conferences with my council first, after I return to Steldar. Any new orders will come from the commodore after that.”

“As you wish, King Drofeld.”

Once the greeting and discussion was concluded, Drofeld toured the port and growing town. Then he disembarked on his ship, returning to Steldar. The commander and captain knew he was not as pleased as they would have wanted, but for now they could resume their lives without any additional peril to their men or the people now living at Shadows Beach Port.

                                                               *****

The first ship to be refitted with the new boiler and propellers was the Phoenix, and it had just completed its shakedown cruise. Captain Slogin had just walked down the gang plank to give his report to Dax and Cavidar.

“Good morning, gentlemen. This new system is amazing. The speed we can make with both a good wind in our sails and using the propellers as well, makes your head spin at first. The speed using just the propellers and no sails is almost as good as the sails alone in a good wind. The maneuverability is astounding, once we got accustomed to the differences. My crew is in the highest morale I have ever seen.”

“So, you think your crew is ready for a voyage to the Old World?” Cavidar asked.

“Of course. But I would say that we should be here for the next ship and crew to make a shakedown voyage. I believe my crew and I would be of valuable assistance to their learning process, there is much for them to learn about these new propulsion methods.”

“I agree, thank you for volunteering. The Shark should be ready in a quarter moon.” Cavidar answered.

“I believe you and your men have earned a shore leave during that time Captain.” Dax added.

“Thank you both. I will go back aboard and pass along this welcome news.”

“Good day, Captain.” Both Dax and Cavidar turned and left the docks talking enthusiastically as Gaben walked back up his gangplank.

As Dax walked through his door at home, Vlad Feron came from the kitchen smiling. “Hello, Father. Mother has our evening meal ready.”

“Thank you, Son. You looked very pleased with this news.”

“Oh yes, I am, we are having my favorite.”

“And which one of your favorites might that be?””

“The meat pie with eggs, onions and peppers in it, of course.”

“Oh yes, that one.” As Dax answered his son, he heard Melody calling them to the kitchen for the meal.

After the meal was over, Vlad asked for permission to run over to his friend’s house. So, they could run down to the docks for a while before it got to dark. As soon as he was told yes, he sprinted out the door and was gone.

“I hear Captain Slogin returned today from his shakedown voyage. Was his report good?”

“It was excellent, my love. He gave the new boiler and propellers a glowing review. He said the maneuverability and speed were better than Syngyn thought, and that he and his men would stay in port to help train Captain Pendil and his crew on their first cruise, then he would be happy for an assignment.”

“I suppose you and Ernst were glad to hear that?”

“Yes, he is a very good Captain and has always been willing to volunteer for what is best for us all.”

“I agree, even before he was a Captain you could see that he was a brave but dedicated seaman.”

“He was and still is. Is there anything you would like to do while we have a little alone time this evening?”

“I would. I would like to go and visit with Ruthor and Gayla, if that is okay with you?”

“That sounds like a splendid idea. We haven’t been able to just chat with them as family in a few days. If you are ready, we can leave right now.”

Melody walked to her husband, reached her arms up and around his shoulders giving him a long and deep kiss. Then they parted, smiled and walked through their door and turned in the direction of their friend’s home.

A full half moon later a conference was going on at the Sea Wolves Headquarters. Dax, Cavidar and Ruthor were meeting with naval Captains Slogin, Pendil and Meldon (who had been given back his command of his ship the Sea Wench which had already been refitted for cannon after Meldon’s capture). Many of Captain Meldon’s men have taken their oaths and are new members of the Sea Wolves.

Also, there are Wolf Pack Lieutenants, Eron, Cran and Ofid. This is a council of war, and these are the men who will carry it out.

“Lieutenants Garth, Bashir and their men will be Borland’s Wolf Pack defense while we are away. Captains Traim and Moule with their crews on the Orca and Sea Dog will be our naval defense, as such the Orca and Sea Dog will be fitted with the new Boilers and propellers last.” Dax opens the discussion with. “The paddle wheeler will be fitted with bigger cannons while we are away, just in case.” Cavidar adds.

“Ofid, your company will be going with Gaben on the Phoenix. Eron, your company will be on the Shark with Bien. You will each be having some large heavy cages to be secured on your upper decks before the voyage. I need you to leave ahead of the rest of our fleet. You will sail in a few days. Do not use the new boilers and propellers within the Old World sea lanes. Make port in Pelia first. Gaben, I need you and Ofid to speak to Benjin al Desender. Give him this message from me, if he is agreeable, you will know what some of the cages are for. But be sure that there is one of the largest on each ship empty when you leave there. When you are done there, then sail to Viral and gain an audience with King Magdar, ask for a private audience at his pleasure. Give him this second note. If he agrees then you will understand the use for the last two cages. Either way in each port, when you are done sail to Land’s End but make anchor just outside the usual sea lanes. We will meet you there, we may be there by the time you have completed the first two tasks.”

“We will do as you wish, Commander. Might I ask what we are picking up in Pelia and Viral?”

“Yes, but for now, only those within this room can know. Captain Ruthor, Commodore Cavidar, and I have come up with a new wrinkle to entice the Crog to agree to our proposal to evacuate them to Orca Island. If Desender and Magdar agree, you will be taking on a few new recruits in our mission. Hopefully a couple of Long Tooth Cats and a Thunder Lizard with men that know them from the Dry Sea. And a pair of Tuskers with men from Lagdian.”

“Are you going to try and frighten the Crog with huge animals that they have never seen?”

Dax, Ruthor and Cavidar laughed a little until Dax answered Gaben. “In a way, we hope to awe them long enough with a multitude of dangerous looking animals that they have never seen in the company of so many soldiers long enough to allow Captain Meldon to get them talking to him. And then find that many of us, besides Meldon, can speak their language. That should give us enough of a surprise to convince them that other men will no longer leave them alone in their sanctuary of trees and swamp. If that works, then we won’t be forced to fight any of them with a lot of bloodshed before we can parlay with them.”

“Well, I like the idea Commander. I just hope it works the way you three have planned it. But I must say, getting these animals on our ships at two different ports without raising suspicion will be, to say the least, challenging.” Ofid countered with a wry smile on his face.

“And that, my large friend is why we have picked you and Eron’s companies to be on Gaben and Bien’s ships. You two are our best Lieutenants with animals, and your men have learned much from you both.”

“We understand, Dax. As long as Desender and Magdar agree, we will be there with the new recruits.” Eron answered as Ofid nodded assent.

“We will be ready to sail in two days’ time. And meet you at Land’s End as soon as possible.” Bien Pendil said.

“Good, we will see you off then.” Dax accepted the Captain’s words as an end to this conversation. All but Dax, Ruthor and Cavidar, turned and left the office. The three of them remained and looked back at the maps and plans on the table in front of them.

On the third morning after the meeting Dax with Melody and Ginger stood and watched as the Phoenix and Shark left port and sailed east. It was the first time Ginger felt the pride, yet ache at seeing Iben Dom sail off toward a possible war. Standing very close by were Ruthor and Gayla with similar feelings for the same member of the Wolf Pack. Gayla and Melody knew there was another such departure looming for them very soon, as their husbands sail off toward the very same, as they had many times before.

A moon and half later the too long time friends and sisters of their own hearts, stood at the docks again watching the Windlass and Sea Wench begin to disappear toward the same horizon. Arms around each other’s waists among the many cheering, as the ships began to blend into the eastern distance. Once the ships could no longer be distinguished from the horizon, people began to turn and go back to their usual activities. Finally, Melody and Gayla did the same heading toward Government house. It would be work and family that would make the time pass quicker, as it always had.

The Phoenix and Shark had dropped anchor at in the Bay of Arban, two boats from each rowed to the docks and tied up to the docks. Captain Gaben Slogin, Ofid and Eron climbed onto the wharf and headed for Council House. Once there they asked permission to see Councilor Desender. One of the guards went to find him as another escorted the three men into a chamber to wait, Gaben had become well known at the Council House by his past several trips there.

It was not long before, Benjin al Desender walked through the door to the chamber the three were seated in. “Good morning, gentlemen. Oh, it is you Ofid and Eron, with the Captain. I am happy to see you both again. So where is my friend Commander Dax?”

“He is not with us, Councilor. But he wished that we give you this message personally and await any questions you might have.” Gaben handed the message to him and the three watched as Desender read it at full two times before looking up with a very quizzical look.

“Am I reading this right, does he really want to do this?”

“Yes, he does. That is why we have made port here. He would also like to do this as secretly as possible. There is one more thing he asked that I impress upon you, before you make your decision. He wanted you to consider our rule about those that join us. It would need to be people who are willing to immigrate to our home without knowing exactly where that is and never return to Pelia. He also said that he would understand if there were anything in his request that you feel you cannot agree to.”

“No, I would agree to almost anything Dax wished to ask of us. I am also sure there may be a few in The Dry Sea who will jump at this chance. But this is nothing I would have ever dreamed he might ask. He does not say why?”

“That I am sorry, I can not answer. He has his reasons for that being secret as well. But you know he will make sure those who agree will be treated as welcome and free among us, as all are.”

‘Of that, I am sure. We will need to travel to the Dry Sea. I assume you three will be going with me?”

“Yes, if that is agreeable?”

“Of course. Can you be ready tomorrow morning?”

“Yes, we will return to our ships and return in the morning with our own horses. Where would you like us to meet you?”

“We can leave from my home here in Pelia. It is at the north side of the city.” Desender, gave them directions, they all shook hands and he left to make his arrangements, the three of them returned to the wharf.

It took half a moon for them to travel to the Dry Sea and back. Three families who had Long Tooth Cats wanted to accept the invitation and two families with Thunder Lizards also agreed. These five would join them in Pelia in a quarter moon, traveling with the huge Thunder Lizards went somewhat slower. They were going to meet Desender and the two ships at the most western docks late in the night for boarding. Desender was having that dock closed the day before so the boarding would be as secret as possible. Long before dawn both ships, with their passengers were making their way back out to sea for the shorter voyage to Viral.

A quarter moon later both ships were leaving the port of Viral with 2 more new recruit groups on their decks. King Amish Magdar had been just as amazed at the request he read from Dax, as had been Benjin al Desender. But, as with the leader of the people at the Dry Sea, he had gratefully if not quizzically complied. Finding two men who worked with Tuskers and who between them could make up a mated pair that were eager to leave Lagdian for a chance at bettering themselves and their families had not been difficult. They their large wooly animals and the men’s families were onboard, and standing at the ships port sides as the Shark and Phoenix sailed away from the port of Viral.

It took just over another quarter moon to sail to the position off the Land’s End coastline and see the Windlass and Sea Wench anchored in the distance. They were just west of the usual shipping lanes in this part of the sea. By dusk the Shark and Phoenix had dropped anchor within close proximity to the other two ships.

That evening Captain’s Slogin and Pendil with Lieutenants Ofid and Eron were seated in Commodore Cavidar’s cabin having an evening meal and discussing the next leg of their mission. Before dawn these same four ships weighed anchor and sailed in naval formation east toward the Land’s End Strait between the Lagdian southern coast and north shores off Steldar, just out of sight of either realm. Sails full of wind and propellers churning the waters at their stern. Men in all four sets of Crow’s Nests vigilant for any signs of other ships along their voyage route. Three days after passing the northeastern most coastline of Bergen the call came down from the mainmast of the Windlass.

“Land to the port Commodore, I can just see what should be the new port at Shadow’s Beach.”

“Thank you, Mister Welch.” Then turning toward the helm. “One quarter, Mister Smyte, if you will.”

“Aye, Commodore. One quarter slow.”

As the Windlass’s wake dropped so did those of the Shark, Phoenix and Sea Wench.