OUTLANDER

                                                          Chapter 39

                                                    Rescue

During the moonless blackness of the deep night sky all four ships maneuvered toward the Shadow’s Beach port using only their propellers. Since there were no sails aloft to direct attention, they were able to take up positions of a blockade in a half moon fashion within cannon and firelock range of the wharf. As the sun began to creep over the eastern horizon the first sounds of alarm were sounded by the night watches on the wharf and palisade of the town.

Within moments men were assembling on the naval ship tied to the dock, along the tops of the palisade walls and a group of armed men came marching down the pier in military and naval uniforms. As they came to a halt, the man at the center who appeared to be the one in charge lifted a bull horn and shouted out to the ships of the blockade.

“I demand you make yourselves known and your illegal intensions. My name is Commander Resham of the Steldar Army and I am in charge here at Shadow’s Beach Port.”

Long seconds later, Dax held his bullhorn to his mouth and answered. “I am Commander Dax, of the Wolf Pack. With me is Commodore Cavidar of the Sea Wolves. We are here on a mission, and you will be required to stand down until our mission is completed and we have left your port. If you comply, no one will be harmed, if not you will be forced to do so.”

The men on the wharf seemed to talk a few moments before Resham answered. “We will not simply comply with such a boast. We will do our duty to our king and in defense of our lives and property.”

“I can understand and find respect for such honor in fulfilling your duties. However, you have no alternative, will you stand down and return to your palisade without the need of bloodshed or destruction.”

“No. We know of you and the Wolf Pack commander, but you will find us formidable opponents.”

Dax turned to Commodore Cavidar and Ruthor, “are you gentlemen ready? One well aimed cannon shot at that unmanned fishing ship. Hit her at mid main deck and sinking her quickly. The several firelock marksmen hitting their port sign at the center enough to destroy it, but not hitting any men as yet.”

“We are ready, Commander. On your signal.”

“Good.” Then, Dax made an unmissable display of raising his right arm, holding it just a couple of moments then dropping it back to his side quickly.

As soon as he did one cannon from the main deck of the Windlass fired with it’s usual explosive sound and plume of black smoke bursting into the air around it as a cannon ball was propelled at the fishing boat in a low arch, then crashing it through its main deck and careening through it’s hull sending shattered wood flying in all directions. As the ship started to sink almost instantly, as water flooded her lower decks and fires broke out on her main deck before being extinguished as she sank. Within moments after the cannon fired, so did several firelocks from the upper spars of the windlass. These adding to the explosive noise, and smoke, almost as quickly the port sign started taking well fired shot and splintering its center until the sign broke in half and started to dangle from its two posts, creaking with the sway of its two halves.

The men on the wharf and the naval ship had dropped to the boards of the pier and ship with the first explosion, crouching in abject fear. As they raised their heads the second smaller explosions went off and they looked down again. When they looked up to see the fishing ship sinking fast into the bay and their port sign dangling broken at its middle, they slowly started to stand again.

Dax took up his bull horn again. “As I said, Commander Resham. You have no alternative. Comply or die. We are not here to harm any of your people or destroy any of your property, but we will complete our mission. Have all your people; military, naval and citizens move into your palisade. Leave and bring all weapons outside the palisade gates and stay inside until we are done and have left your port. You will be well guarded by the Wolf Pack and our ships to force compliance until then.”

Resham raised his bull horn and answered agreement. Then he made gestures for everyone to retreat inside the palisade. It took a while for men to disembark ships and the wharf leaving all weapons where they lay, go into the town, and have citizens do the same walking and some running inside the palisade walls, and finally throwing a building pile of weapons outside the now closed gates. The Windlass pulled forward and docked at the pier. As gangplanks were lowered and secured, armed Wolf Pack men with their dire wolf partners disembarked and marched to the palisade gates. After demanding entry, they searched the interior for hidden weapons, fouled any Hwacha’s, Catapults or Ballistas. When they were done, they assembled outside and ordered the gates closed and locked.

Throughout the remainder of the day one ship at a time followed the same procedure. Unloading men weapons and animals, the pulling away from dock and retaking its position in the blockade. All of this happening without sails or oars. There were also gasps of awe when not just wolves were seen with men, but also, tuskers, long teeth, and thunder lizards. A murmur could be heard from the top of the palisade walls with each new revelation.

By nightfall a huge camp had amassed to the right of the town and palisade. The next morning as campfires were extinguished, the entire army moved into the Trees of Dark where Steldarians had once tried to hack and burn their way to find the Crog. However, the palisade and town were still ringed with armed Wolf Pack soldiers and the four ship blockade.

With time, the undergrowth had started to retake its hold on the area that had been denuded. Yet you could still move here quicker than attempt to maneuver through the thicker forest. The procession of men and animals forged forward with Eron and some of his company at the point, the Ofid and two groups of his men on each flank. All of these patrols were slightly into the tree lines Crans company held the ring around the open areas. When they made camp the first night within the once burned open area, Dax had everyone find as much wood, limbs, fallen trees as they could amass. Then they bult large bonfires all around the campsite within a few feet of the tree lines on both flanks. The next dawn all were extinguished with dirt. This was to be the routine every evening when they would halt for the night. Men would be standing both stationary watches and roving patrols throughout each night.

It was three days and nights before the first incident occurred between the marching army and any possible Crog. It was deep into the dark of night when several black leopards tried to break into the encampment, bursting from the tree line and trying to run beyond the bonfires. Three of them were brought down by archers, never reaching open ground. Others were being ripped apart by either the wolves or the long teeth. Many were dead and bleeding profusely some were writhing around screaming in abject agony. The wolf and long teeth partners putting the leopards out of their misery as quickly as they could. Wolves and long teeth were now feasting in their victory.

The army was up the following dawn, breaking camp and resuming their quest early. Two mornings later was the next assault, this time two Crog were caught in the fray. Unfortunately, both died of wounds before they could be captured and interrogated. But Eron found what he believed was well disguised tracks leading off to the northeast.

Dax decided that they would alter their search to that direction, now they try to follow where Eron could discern any trail led into the denser Trees of Dark. Progress now was going to be slower and even more stealthily. On the third day a Crog was seen hunting in the distance, but as he looked toward where Ofid and Iben Dom were standing, one of Cran’s archers let loose an arrow, killing the man before he could run out of sight.

After two more days Eron called a halt just as the sun was reaching its zenith in the almost canopy hidden sky. He ran back to the main part of force where Dax, Cavidar and Ruthor waited.

“Commander, the canopy is starting to be less dense up ahead. I think it is time for me to have men go up in the trees as we move and let them get better visual confirmation as we march.”

“A good idea, Lieutenant. We do not want to lose any possibility of surprise. We will follow as you direct.”

Eron tilted his head in assent and went back to his position at the point. That evening there was not only a doubled watch at all positions and roving around the army’s perimeter, but there was also men stationed up in the treetops.

 Two more days of this revised march went by before another change caused Eron to halt progress before the sun was halfway toward dusk settling in.

As he reached Dax and the other commanders, he gave his report. “Commander Dax. The men in the trees at our last halt have seen faint thin plumes of smoke not so far ahead. And its appears that the canopy there is almost full open, as if there is a clearing.”

“That could be a camp, or even some village. How far away would you think this clearing is?”

“Possibly three leagues.”

“Then we should halt here and set up a cold camp until it is full dark. Go back with more of your company and set up a reinforced point.” Then he turned to Ruthor. “Have more of Ofid’s men reinforce both flanks and give them this new information. I want men in tress until we begin to move forward again. Pass the word that everyone needs to be especially vigilant and almost silent in everything they do.” Then he turned back to Eron. “We will move as full dusk sets into dark, if we find any camp or village, we will make a surprise movement before dawn breaks. Let no Crog or leopard stumble into any knowledge of us before then. We will plan our dawn move if and when we find they are there.”

Both men acknowledged the order and went to pass the word to all the men.

As the dusk started to fall into dark the army was up and moving very stealthily forward. The men with the tuskers and thunder lizard had covered their large feet with think coverings to muffle the sound of their movements. No one so much as whispered a word, everyone took great pains to move leaves and branches out of their way cautious to not let them make a noise. Finally, the point came to point where Eron put his closed fist into the air in the sign of a halt.

Dax, Ruthor and Cavidar crept forward to see why. When they came alongside Eron, they could see that they were just a man’s length from the edge of a very large clearing. In the middle were many mud huts and a few fires were still burning low where a few Crog were seated or standing a night watch. Eron pointed toward a pole they could see just two men’s length inside the clearing. On top of the pole was the severed and decaying head of a normal man, probably one of those who had been taken during raids on the Steldarian army as they tried to find the Crog. Looking farther into clearing a few more such effigies could be seen about the same distance inside the clearing from the tree lines around it.

Dax motioned to those with him to creep back to where they could make and then direct plans for a surprise entrapment of this village.

It was decided that the entire army would start to creep through the trees in both directions circling the edge of the clearing but just a man’s length inside the trees. Every man and animal was to be in place and ready to move on a prearranged signal. The signal was to be just before the first full pink rays of the coming dawn could be seen starting over the surrounding tree canopy. Tuskers, long teeth, and the thunder lizard were to be placed equally distanced around this perimeter. Every men was to have his firelock loaded and ready for any attempt the Crog might make. They were to step into the clearing at the same moment as quietly as possible. Archers would be in the treetops at the ready in case a Crog on watch saw them before they were all in position.

Time seemed to move excruciatingly slow as the army moved into position during the dark without making any noticeable sound to warrant an alarm. But finally, signals were passed back to, Dax and Ruthor, standing beside him, that all were in their positions and at the ready.

As the first faint pink rays of the coming dawn began to streak across the predawn skies, the entire Wolf Pack Army stepped out into the clearing, just one man’s length beyond the tree line, surrounding the entire Crog village. Every man with firelock raised and aimed, every animal standing at it’s human partner’s side awaiting a command. Two of the Crog men on watch, jumped up startled and yelling, running from one mud hut to another sounding the alarm. Within short moments the entire village was running out of their mud huts, men clenching fire hardened spears, women with babies in their arms and children clutching at their mothers legs as all of them stopped in a large crowd blocking their village from these intruders.

Captain Meldon took two steps forward, raised his arms and shouted, “Cooree, cooree,” while moving his arms and swaying his head. After this every man of the army began chanted the same words.

At first the Crog were stunned, and looked in every direction at these men speaking the words of warning. However, a small group of several Crog men, who had been standing at the forefront of the gathering standing across from Meldon, started a rush toward him, and those standing beside him, brandishing their spears and getting ready to throw them toward them.

Wolf Pack men on both sides responded just before the spears were released. The ensuing multiple explosions, and pouring forth of the black smoke terrified the Crog back in the crowd. Screaming and either dropping to the ground or running for their mud huts. But as they looked up the Crog who a moment before had been running, were now lying dead on the ground blood gushing from open fatal wounds; others that were not killed outright were writhing in agony, and yelling from the pain.

Within these very few moments the marksmen had already reloaded and primed for another shot, if needed. Captain Meldon took another step forward and yelled the same warning, which was taken up as a chant from the Wolf Pack Army on all sides once again.

The Crog stood up where they were in abject fear, not moving. Now Meldon started shouting other Crog words with gestures and when he was done, stood, and waited. Finally, three men took a few steps forward and spoke to the captain. When they were done Meldon spoke back and after several back and forth exchanges, Meldon turned to Dax and translated what had been said.

“They have admitted recognizing me. They ask when we are going to kill everyone. I have told them we are not here to kill any of them. But they left us no choice when they attacked even though we shouted the warning. They said they had no reason to trust any hairless men; Hairless men have been hunting and trying to kill them for a long time. I told them we had heard this and came to help. They wanted to know how and why we would want to do anything different than all other hairless men.”

“Tell them we would talk with them about that. But they might want to help any of their men that are not dead first. And maybe remove the ones that are dead to a place of honor, they died bravely.”

Meldon translated what Dax had said. The leading Crog then looked in Dax’s direction and nodded his agreement. Dax then turned to his assembled troops and told everyone what was going to happen next. But he added that all were to remain vigilant and at the ready to repel any sign of betrayal.

Several Crog men and women slowly moved forward and began removing the dead and carrying the wounded closer to the mud huts. Once they had done the entire population returned to stand across from where Meldon stood, with Dax and Cavidar standing at his left and right. Several men and women came somewhat closer and motioned to be seated. Dax, Meldon, and Cavidar did the same sitting on the ground in front of these Crog, about six man lengths from them. Back and forth discussions went on, sometimes difficultly due to the language barrier, Meldon did tell them that they were there to attempt to take as many Crog as would agree to a place where there were no Hairless men, and that no other hairless men knew where this place was. It would be a long journey across the salty waters beyond Shadows beach. This alone brought about much disbelief at first, and they asked again why any Hairless men would ask to do this instead of just killing them and taking their sacred lands.

The few of them who seemed to be agreeable with the possibility, but said they would have a separate meeting with all of those in the village before giving any final answer. Meldon explained that he and those with him understood, but they needed to realize that once this army of Hairless men had gone, that others would eventually come again, and they would be ones who only sought to kill all Crog. He also got them to realize that there were as many hairless men as there were trees in their sacred forest.

By the beginning of dusk settling in the skies they decided to stop the discussion for the day. The Crog would return to their village area and talk amongst themselves. The Army would keep a vigilant watch on the entire clearing and no attacks on the army would be allowed. After the Crog returned to their mud huts The Wolf Pack Army built huge bonfires surrounding the clearing on all sides.

Just after full dawn a party of Crog returned to give Captain Meldon their answer. Many Crog had decided to agree and be rescued from eventual death, but some refused to leave the only lands they had ever known. When asked when those agreeing to go could be ready, they answered they would be back in this spot before the sun was at its highest in the sky. Meldon agreed and the word was passed along to the entire army from one man to the next.

By the time the sun was at its zenith well over a hundred Crog men, women, and children were standing in a group ready to leave. They carried very little with them, only the essentials of life. Eron and his men again led this procession into the forest, back in the direction they had come. The group of Crog were now in the middle of the march with Wolf Pack men and animals in front, on both flanks and at the rear.

Bon Fires were still set at each day’s end, at least a quarter of the army on watch at any given moment. During the quarter moon it took to be within sight of Shadows Beach which they arrived at not long after full light on that day. As Dax, Ruthor and Cavidar walked out onto the beach that morning the first thing the three men noticed was that the palisade appeared to have been attacked by cannon fire during their absence, but not destroyed too badly. However, the naval ship of the Steldarians had been sank right where it had been tied to the dock.

As Dax came close to Master at Arms Wayon Small, he asked. “It seems you had some trouble while we were away?”

“A little, Commander. A few of them tried to escape the palisade and make for their ship. They had some bows and arrows, and a few had swords we must not have found before. But the attack was not very long lived. Captain Pendil responded quickly with a few cannon shots damaged their palisade somewhat. And we had to kill those who made the assault. But all has been quite since then.”

“Were any of our men killed or injured?”

“I am sorry to say, yes. But not badly. Caver Dyne got a wound from one arrow and Thom Erans twisted an ankle as he fought with another hand to hand. In retaliation Captain Slogin sank their naval ship right where it was docked. There has been no trouble since.”

“Good, sounds like you all did well. Have any ships tried to make port here while we were gone?”

“A few, but all of them turned about either as they saw the blockade or at warnings from our captains.”

“Even better. But we will need to get everyone loaded and leave here as quickly as we can. Word will have spread by now that we were here and blockading this port.”

With that said, the procession continued to the wharf area of Shadow’s Beach Port. It took the remainder of the day and into the night for the army, Crog and animals to get loaded onto the four ships, one at a time so the blockaded was continually in charge of the situation. During the loading of the ships, gasps and murmurs could be heard coming from the parapet walls as the port citizens saw the tuskers and thunder lizard still with this army. Then as the crowd of Crog came and boarded the Sea Wench, you could hear cries of disgust. Before the Windlass was ready to untie from the dock as the last ship. Wolf Pack soldiers cut down the sails of every fishing ship in the port and dumped them into the waters of the bay. Other soldiers set fire to the amassed weapons of the Steldarians and set them ablaze in a huge bonfire right where the beach met the wharf.

As the bonfire burned and the last of the army were getting on board the Windlass, the port Commander shouted on his bull horn toward the ship.

“You will pay for this. You are leaving us defenseless. Our king will have you all hunted down and killed.”

Dax shouted back as the Windless began pulling away from the dock. “He can try. But remember to tell him that you did not abide by my orders and attempted to attack again. This is what happens for that. Now you have no advantage over any Crog.”

All four ships reversed their propellers and back into formation. Then, with sails aloft set sail toward Land’s End Strait. Before they were out of sight of the port to their stern, men could see the people of Shadow’s Beach Port running and the jumping into the water to dive for the sails that had been thrown overboard there.

A quarter moon later the flotilla dropped anchor one more time just beyond the sea lanes off the western coastline of Land’s End Strait. The Sea Wench and Shark took a heading the next dawn slightly to the south of east, while the Windlass and Phoenix headed more north of east and directly for Borland at all haste. Once Captain’s Meldon and Pendil saw to the Crog and their belongings being ashore on Orca Island, they would head north and home as well.

                                                                      *****

King Amish Magdar laughed uproariously when he heard that the Wolf Pack had left Shadows Beach Port with Crog onboard, and left the port defenseless. He told General Hersal that he would have given a herd of Tuskers if he had known that this would be the results. His only wish was that he could have seen the tirade, he knew King Drofeld went into when he got the message of being beaten by the Wolf Pack.

                                                                       *****

Thane Rolf Throgmarden was livid when he heard the rumors about the rumors coming from Shadows Beach and sent for Lord’s Daka and Ceric. When Lord Daka and Wheil Timal were granted admission to his chambers, he looked at Timal with a scowlful stare.

“What are you doing here, Timal; I sent for Lord Ceric?”

“Lord Ceric is not here my Thane. He and his sister left the capitol several days ago, to go and visit his old friend Mage Neven Salas in Pelia. I came in his stead as he ordered I do in his place while he is away.”

“And how long is that old mage going to be gone?”

“That, I do not know, Thane Rolf. He just said he needed a holiday with his sister and wanted to visit his old friend for a while.”

“Well, this cannot wait. Have either or both of you heard the rumors about the Wolf Pack attacking King Drofeld’s port at Shadows Beach?”

Lord Daka spoke first. “I have just received a report from the captain at Skalm, my Thane. He said a fisherman docked there probably now a half moon ago, and said the port was blockaded by four ships of the line. He told the Captain that he thought the Captain of the ship that hailed him to turn about and leave, sounded like Captain Pendil, who once was Commodore Cavidar’s First Mate.”

“Have you heard anything, assistant mage?”

“My Thane, I just this morning, received a messenger bird from Mage Morden in Lagdian saying he had gotten word that the Wolf Pack had not only blockaded that port but had attacked it, kept it blockaded for three quarters of a moon and had left there with many Crog. He also said that they left the port defenseless.”

“They did what? So, tell me Daka, since when does one of my Commanders and a Commodore in the Marden navy, decide for themselves when they are going to attack another realm’s city, without so much as a by-your- leave from their Thane?”

“No one ever has Thane Rolf. And no one gave them such permission.”

“I have been telling you and Ceric, that we needed to find out more about Borland. I knew there was more going on there than we knew about.”

Timal interjected after Thane Rolf made his assertion. “there was a little more to what Morden said in his message, My Thane.”

“What was that if it is so important that you interrupt me?”

“He said there were accounts that the Wolf Pack has a new weapon that they used on Shadows Beach Port. One that spits smoke that hurls great objects with such speed that they totally destroy ships or buildings. And that they can maneuver their ships without sails or oars.”

“Gads Bones. Must you and Mage Morden also repeat rantings from idiots who have been defeated in a battle? They might have an improved catapult, but how could anyone sail a ship without sails or oars. What did they use magic? You two get me all my military and naval councilors here now. We are going to make a plan about Borland and this insult today.”

                                                                       *****

Neven Salas opened his door to find Ceric and Mejara standing outside. “Ceric what are you doing here. I am most happy to see you. Why didn’t you let me know you were coming?”

“I couldn’t, we traveled here under the guise of visiting you for a much needed holiday.”

“Then you have heard about Dax and Shadows Beach Port?”

“Yes, I heard when his men came here for long teeth and the thunder lizard, then when they took on two tuskers. I knew by this that he was going to attack the port. Since then, we made plans to come here and then traveled over Eigle pass to get here. What is the latest news, old friend.?”

“You two can talk news when Mejara and Ceric are seated inside with a mug of warm wine.” Dens interrupted taking Mejara and leading her inside. Neven and Ceric followed.

As they all sat sipping the steaming wine, Neven told Ceric and Mejara all that had been rumored and reported to that point.

“I knew he would not endure the Crog being annihilated. I also know Thane Rolf will not suffer what he will think is an outrage, without having been asked his permission first. So, we came here before he would know what was going to occur.”

“I see. So, you do not intend to return?”

“No we will wait here for a while if you agree? Then we will go to Borland, when Dax sends a ship for us.”

“You know he will do this?”

“Yes, and if I am right, we will not have to wait any longer than it will take for him to send a ship.”

“But I have not told you yet of the strangest rumors that are being spread. They say the Wolf Pack has new powerful weapons that no one has ever seen and that his ships can sail without sails or oars.”

“No, these things I have not heard. Do you think they could be possible?”

“Using my natural logic, no. However, there is one thing I have been considering. Syngyn has been with Dax a long time now, and that boy has a brilliant and questioning mind. I showed him things and experiments we know of that most don’t. I am starting to wonder if he found ways to make use of some of these tricks, that we never pursued.”

“Which tricks are you thinking of?”

“Two mainly. The one where we made the pot move around the rod over a fire with steam, and the one some old story tellers used to use throwing a powder into a fire to make smoke?”

“I remember those two. But what would they be able to accomplish. We didn’t find anything in them except parlor tricks.”

“I remember that, and you are probably right. But I know Syngyn, if anyone could find a use, it would be him.”

Mejara and Dens stood and said it was time for them all to seek their beds. Ceric and Neven could discuss parlor tricks tomorrow. The two men sighed and shared a small laugh, but agreed.

                                                                   *****

Once the celebration subsided in Sovladen from the Windlass and Phoenix arriving back in port, and the cheers hearing that the Crog were on their way to Orca Island, Dax sought out Captain Slogin.

“Gaben, I know it is a lot to ask, but how quickly could you and the Phoenix be ready for another voyage?”

“Within two days’ time if you wish, Commander. Where would you want us to go?”

“Pelia. I believe that there are passengers there we need to get to Borland, as quick as we can.”

“Of course, Dax. Who are we going to get, if I may ask?”

“Lord Ceric and his sister, Mejara. With what we have accomplished, I am certain Ceric has brought Mejara to Pelia for us to come and bring them here and escape any wrath from Thane Rolf.”

“Then we will resupply coal and water especially for the quickest voyage possible.”

“Thank you, you are known best there over these past many seasons. I will go with you. I am going to call a council of everyone who can come for tomorrow morning, you and your men need to be there as well. I want all to know for sure that Thane Rolf will probably want to punish us for helping the Crog without his permission.”

“We will be there. But I think most will feel as I do. We no longer need his permission. Even if that does infuriate him. We are all Borlanders now, not his vassals.”

“I too think that will be the reaction. But it needs to be said, and agreed by all. So, I will see you tomorrow, let us say for the mid-day meal.”

“We will all be there, Commander.”

The rail train had made its last trip that morning to the plaza stop. People had ridden wagons, rode horses, and walked to be in the plaza for mid-day meal. This was not the entire population of Borland; however, it was everyone who lived within distance to be there that day.

Once they had all eaten the meal, Dax stood up from his seat beside Melody and thanked all of them for coming on such short notice. He spoke of the rescue of the Crog and how they had left the Shadows Beach Port. Then he told the assembled crowd of his assumptions about what could come from Throgmarden. As he finished, Commodore Cavidar added his thoughts on both topics. Members of the council then rose and talked about all of them having worked to make Borland their homes. Many others then stood as they were recognized and spoke fervently about their loyalty to Borland and those who had become friends and family. It was well passed halfway to dusk before the discussions started to come to an end. Many had started to come and go into the Meeting Hall and begin to prepare for an evening meal. The consensus was that word would be spread across Borland and an election held to decide upon their next action. The most popular of which was a proclamation that Borland declare to all realms that Borland was a separate realm unto itself. But all knew that such a declaration would bring about resistance from Marden especially, and assuredly hostile reaction from Steldar. Neither of these appeared to those there as deterrent enough to sway their desire to be free from rule by anyone other than themselves.

As they joined one another in the evening meal, the announcement was made that the Phoenix would make a voyage to Pelia the next morning and by the time of its return everything would be ready for a vote by all Borlanders. Applause broke out uproariously.

By the time the sun was at its highest the next day the docks were full of people watching the Phoenix sail east for Pelia. Melody felt the pangs loneliness at Dax leaving once again. She knew they owed a great deal to Ceric and Mejara, and loved them both. She felt enormous pride in her husband, but she also wished for a day when both of them could just be husband and wife.

This was the swiftest voyage across the Windless Sea that ever been made. Using both the sails and propellers during the entire crossing had been exhilarating. They had made it to within distant sight of the western coast of the Old World within just over a moon and half.

Captain Slogin had the propellers put to all stop as soon as the Crow’s nest called down the sighting of land on the horizon.  Cannons were tarped or hidden in some way on the main deck and port holes were closed below decks. As soon as they were tied to the docks Gaben had his crew begin resupplying the ship. Fresh water and coal were his primary objectives since they had deplenished much of their supply during this voyage. They would need as much as they could find for the return voyage if they wished to make Borland as fast as they had sailed here.

“If all goes well, we can shove off by the morning tide, Commander.”

“Good, Captain. I will be back during the evening with our passengers. Be sure we have as much fresh meat and vegetables as we can as well, they are not as used to our sea faring life as we are.”

“We will be ready.”

Dax nodded and turned to walk down the plank. It was not a long walk to the house of Neven Salas. After a couple of taps on the solid wood door, Dens answered.

“You are expected, Commander. Come on in we are all sitting on the back veranda. Could I get you a glass of wine?”

“Thank you, Dens I would enjoy that.”

As he stepped out onto the rock slab paved exterior, Neven saw him and stood to greet him. “Well, you must have not even returned to your home before sailing here, Dax.”

“I have been home, Neven. I just docked on the Phoenix a short while ago.” Then he turned toward where Ceric was rising out of his chair. “Stay seated Lord, I can come to you.”

“It seems you already have, Dax.”

Mejara was up and taking Dax in her arms before he could stand by Ceric and gave him a long hug. Then Ceric could get the same from Dax.

“You appear to have faired well, since we last saw you. I hear you have been stirring things up again.”

“You know me, Ceric. I just can’t seem to avoid righting an injustice.”

“No, you can’t. However, that is one of the things we all love about you. How are Melody and the children?”

“Waiting, for their uncle and aunt at home. Ginger is married to Iben Dom, and he is in Ofid’s company of the Wolf Pack.”

“Married, so now you and Ruthor are truly brothers.”

“We are all as tied to one another as family can be.”

“Fine, then in three moons we will see them all. When do we leave?”

“On the early morning tide. We will board the ship under the cover of dark tonight.”

“We are ready, you should sit with us a while before we go. Neven and I both have some questions, if you can answer them before we leave for the ship.”

Until dusk settled into the dark of night the five of them sat and talked. Dax told them as much as he could without divulging any deep secrets. Then he, Ceric, and Mejara walked down to the docks after saying their goodbyes to Neven and Dens. By the time they were on board and settled in, the Phoenix untied from the dock and sailed out of port.

Before the full dawn they were past the shipping lanes. The crew began uncovering the cannons on deck. By the time this was done there was a slight jolt to the ship forward and Ceric saw a plume of smoke briefly expel from the stern. Then felt the increasing surge of forward motion and saw the ships wake increase.

He looked over to Dax, standing beside him at the port side. And then at the sails aloft full of wind and back. “I don’t see any increase of stronger winds.”

“There was none old friend. Our engine was just engaged, and the propellers have been put into operation. I could not tell you everything until we were gone. We will be in Borland in a moon and half.”

“And those iron pieces your men unfurled. Are those your new weapons we heard of?”

“Yes, we call them cannons. I doubt we will need to use them on the voyage, but once we are far enough out on the Windless Sea, I will have Captain Slogin give you a demonstration. Once we are home you will find other amazements we never dreamed of.”