OUTLANDER
Chapter 40
Proclamation
Thane Rolf gives his final orders to Lord Daka before Daka boards the flag ship leading the flotilla on its mission to Borland.
“Do not return without full control over Borland. Make sure you have all the Wolf Pack officers and Navy officers with you, I alone will pass judgement on them for these insubordinations. I either want to see them standing before me in full submission or proof they are dead.” As he said his last, Thane Rolf Throgmarden turned and walked away from the dock, not even taking a glance back to see acknowledgement.
*****
As Dax stepped off the gang plank of the Phoenix at the dock in Sovladen, Melody’s eyes lit up with love. Behind him walked Lord Ceric and Mejara.
“I am so glad you are back, my Husband. Ceric, you and, Mejara are here finally. I am so happy. How was your voyage?”
“Very fast, I must say. Your husband continues to amaze us both. Thank you for welcoming us here.”
“He does seem to do that to us all. You are both family and you are home now.” Hugs and kisses of welcome were long and abundant.
There were hundreds of the people there, clapping and cheering the ship into port. It was a welcoming they had not expected. Ceric looked around and saw three other ships of the line. A merchant ship, a whaler, several fishing boats, and a strange flat bottomed ship with large paddles at its stern. Then he looked at the plaza and buildings surrounding it before he spoke.
“Your husband was right; I see many things here to ask about. But it can wait.”
Mejara looked at Vlad Ferron, kneeled and put her arms in his direction. The boy instinctively walked her direction and gladly accepted her motherly hug. Melody looked down at her son and said. “This is your, Aunt Mejara.”
Vlad smiled broadly and said. “Hello, Aunt Mejara.”
Dax turned to Melody and asked. “Is all ready?”
“It is, my Love. Word was passed when the Phoenix was spotted on the horizon. Everyone accepting skeleton watches will be here within a quarter moon. Have you spoken to Ceric and Mejara, yet?”
“Not as yet. I thought we would tell them at evening meal.”
“I think that was a wise decision. A banquet is being prepared at the Meeting Hall. We have prepared them a home close to Wolf Pack Headquarters.”
“I like that, let’s walk with them there. I am sure Ceric will have many questions along the way.”
The welcoming home began to dissipate as people started to go about their usual tasks. But several of them followed as Ceric and Mejara were escorted through the plaza and then streets toward their new home.
“I see only masonry buildings everywhere I look. Does no one live in wooden house here?”
“No, Ceric. We do use wood in construction on a temporary basis, and inside the homes, but have found masonry more durable. Even our outer rooves are made of slabs of slate.”
“That would make it difficult for fires to spread.”
“Yes, and it also makes them more comfortable during the changing seasons, with the addition of a few other new innovations.”
As they started to walk up the rise in the streets toward the Wolf Pack Headquarters, they turned to the left on an intersecting street and within a few houses stopped in front of the new home for Ceric and his sister.
“This is your new Home.” Melody told them and then opened the door. She let Ceric and Mejara walk in first then followed them, with Dax and Vlad following. It was a substantial one story home with two bedrooms, a kitchen and larder, a spacious front room, and an inside privy just to the side of the larder. There was a second door going outside on the back wall of the kitchen. There were three fireplaces in the house: one in the main room and a smaller one in each bedroom.
“Your privy is inside the house. And I see a spigot just above this inset bowl on the kitchen shelf. Does that mean you have water inside your homes?”
“We do. There is a system of underground pipes coming down from a lake upriver, they feed all the buildings in Sovladen. Some of our farmsteads have above ground tanks for holding water to feed our more remote houses. The privies drain into swales between the buildings and flow down hill and out to sea.”
“I see master craftsmanship in the masonry, walls and furniture here. You have attracted some very good people here.”
“Thank you. We are proud of all our citizens. Every Borlander came here by choice, and you are the first ones who knew where they were coming before they were away from the Old World.”
“Old World? Hmmp, I can see why you call it that.”
That evening the feast was expansive and delicious. The Hall was filled and overflowed out into the Plaza. That evening Dax and Melody, along with Ruthor’s family and Cavidar told them of the upcoming citizen vote that was to occur. It was quite late before everyone started heading to their homes for sleep.
Over the next several days Ceric and Mejara were taken on many tours of Sovladen and the areas nearby. They were amazed at the Rail train, enthused at spending time at Twin Mountain Village with Iron Beard, Bulb Nose and the Dwarves with their homes and buildings that had been designed to their height specifications. Ceric found the much larger cannons at Wolf Pack Headquarters, Sea Wolf Headquarters, and the different Watch towers awe inspiring. Finally, they were taken on a short near shore cruise on the paddle wheeler and told that when they wished it could take them to farther ports around Borland.
There had also been times Ceric visited with Syngyn, Mesan and those who worked with them. Mejara spent those times with Melody, Gayla and their children either at Government House or just enjoying the young people.
By the evening of the day for the vote Sovladen began filling with people from every village and town. By the time everyone had finished their morning meal the plaza was filled to standing room only. There was a sense of combined anticipation filling the air. There was only one question to be decided that day, the consideration of Borland declaring itself sovereign and a realm unto itself.
Melody stood in front of Government house with the entire council standing behind her and spoke to the crowd. “I believe everyone knows what we are here to vote on. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask them now?” After a long pause, and no one raising a hand or answering she continued. “If there is anyone who wishes to discuss the issue of our making a proclamation to declare our sovereignty as a separate Realm, please speak up and we will enter into discussions now?” Again, no one made any comments, even though she waited longer. “Then it is time for us all to vote our conscience. So, there is no possibility of anyone feeling pressured about how they wish to vote, we have placed two large boxes on the floor in the corridor just inside, one is painted black, and the other is painted white. The black box is for stones voting yes for becoming a separate realm, and the white box is for a no vote. Please take a small stone from the pile to the right and show it to Commander Dax and Commodore Cavidar before you walk through the door. Only one person will be inside at a time. Those who could not be here have sent their decisions with some of you in sealed papers and those have been given to Gayla, she will be the last inside the corridor and she will place their stones in last. When we have all been inside and are back out here the two boxes will be counted and the results read out here for all to know the results. Please feel free to go to the Meeting Hall and serve yourselves refreshments after you have voted. Thank you.”
It was past mid-day when Gayla could walk over to the pile of stones and take the two trips to pick up the ones needed by the number of those who could not attend and go back inside to place their votes. The now unsealed papers were put into a pouch and tied until the election was over.
Once Gayla returned to the front of the building, Commander Dax, and Commodore Cavidar opened both doors full wide and walked inside to look at the two boxes. They were followed by the entire council. After that, everyone was then told they could walk inside themselves and see the boxes personally. But instead, there was a clamor of voices wanting to know the results without waiting to take the walk inside.
Melody looked to her husband to give the results verbally. Dax took a step forward and said. “The white box remains empty. Please see for yourselves.”
There was immediate applause, jubilant cheers and hugging of anyone near you. Eventually, many people did walk in and look. Some even asked if they could take a stone as a memento and were allowed to do so if they wished.
Later, Ceric caught Dax in a brief moment of people not swarming him with congratulations and thanks. So, he walked over to talk to him a moment. “It appears that they do not realize the gravity of what they have done?”
“Ceric, I believe they do. However, right now they are celebrating a feeling of freedom. Most of them felt the same when they walked onto the docks here the first time. This time they have completed something that they have always wanted.”
“You mean freedom from feeling ruled?”
“Yes, here they always had a voice. They had never felt that before. More than once now they’ve been willing to take risks to keep that feeling. More than once, they have seen fruits of that freedom and been willing to keep them secret from all others. Now they want the freedom to stand up and say this is ours and you will not take it away.”
“You said, ours not mine?”
“Yes, old friend, here we believe in ours more than mine. It is another one of those new ideas. Once you get used to it, I doubt you will want it any other way, as we do.”
“You know Thane Rolf will send ships to change that. He will not let go of Borland easily.”
“I do. But I have hope that once those he sends see the futility of trying to conquer us, he will be sensible and not shed too many of his loyal men in a fight he cannot win. There are still things we could do, that I wish not do if he persists too far.”
“I have seen that attacking Borland with your superior weapons, your magnificent fortifications and the speed of your ships would make it almost impossible for any realm to win. But what could be even greater in your advantage than that.”
“We could get to Marden and blockade or attack it before any of his ships could just cross the Windless Sea and be there to help him defend it.”
“I have seen how fast your ships travel, but could you get there that fast?”
“Yes, because we would get there by crossing the Sea of Storms just as fast and not have to go around the old world after the Windless Sea.”
“You have done this? Crossed the Sea of Storms to the west?”
“Yes, more than once.”
“Gads Bones, you do know our whole world then. I agree, we need but hope he sends the right man commanding any fleet he sends here.”
“I do not doubt who that will be, nor do you. His very best military mind.”
“Lord Daka, it would be no other. Yes, and for all his loyalty, all his cunning, he at least would see the futility eventually.”
“That is my greatest hope, it only stands to be seen how eventually that will be. But for now, the council will need to draft up a proper proclamation and have it copied many times so it can be delivered to all realms once this coming fight is over. Borland already has more friends in some realms that I am sure will agree to treaties and alliances. We only have one realm that will be obstinate, Steldar.”
“How can I help?”
“Syngyn has asked me to beseech you to be Borland’s Mage. He is happier in his role as inventor, builder and was hoping that you would agree to take over as our Mage. We all wish the same.”
“Then I will gladly do all I can. I will be proud to stand beside all of you.”
“Good, I hoped you would, and it is us, my friend, us.”
*****
Lord Daka stood on the deck of the ship, Boars Head, it was his flag ship for this voyage and the newest in Marden’s fleet. Captain Willem was standing beside him as they watched the shoreline of Jav disappear into the eastern horizon.
“I hear it takes three moons to make this crossing.”
Daka continued to stare at the eastern horizon a moment and then answered. “Yes, if we don’t get caught in a long becalm. There have been voyages that were very short of rations before they spotted Borland. That is why it was not found for so long and believed to be just a myth.”
“We have the very best crew on this ship, my Lord.”
“That I know, Captain. But there are five other ships in our fleet, we must all get there and be ready for a fight. If Commander Dax and Commodore Cavidar have decided to no longer be loyal to Marden, they would be more than capable opponents for us to face. Remember they know this Sea and have the advantage of this being their home territory for many seasons now.”
“Yes sir, but I have faith in our men and ships.”
“As do I, but probably so did the Steldar at Shadow’s Beach Port, and there they should have had the advantage.”
“Yes sir.”
*****
Neven Salas, Jamin Jaise, Hamid al Bien and Benjin al Desender had just concluded their morning council meeting and were discussing recent news.
“I heard this morning that six Marden naval ships have left the port at Jav headed out onto the Windless Sea.” Hamid said to his co-councilors.
“I heard the same and that they filled their ship’s stores for a long voyage. It was rumored that the dock workers loading the ship saw the ships were well stocked with armaments for their weapons.” Jamin added.
“That would be nothing unusual for naval ships.” Hamid replied
“We all expect the same thing, my friends. Thane Rolf has sent them to find Commander Dax and show him that he still is a servant of Marden. We all know that Thane Rolf became irate after Dax attacked the Steldar port at Shadow’s Beach without his approval first. We also know that Marden knows where Dax and his people are.” Benjin answered. To this everyone nodded agreement.
Neven Salas was the last to speak before they broke up and went about their other duties. “For myself, I doubt six ships of any realms navy would be enough against Commander Dax and Commodore Cavidar.”
*****
It was just over two moons later as the crow’s nest watch yelled down an alarm on the Boars Head. “Ship ahead Captain, three points off the far southwest, just at the horizon.”
Several moments went by before Captain Willem looked up to the watch and yelled back. “Are you sure you saw a ship three points off southwest, I can’t find it.”
“Yes sir. But it’s not there now.”
“Keep a sharp watch, if it was there, it couldn’t vanish that fast.”
“Don’t be so sure Captain, if the man is sure he saw a ship, I believe him. It would be what I would do if I were Cavidar, have a scout ship or ships out watching for us right now. They know we will be coming; they know the Thane would send us.”
*****
The Sea Wench pulled into Sovladen harbor, tied to the dock and Captain Meldon walked briskly to Wolf Pack Headquarters. He went directly to Dax’s office and entered after knocking.
“They are here Dax, no more than a half moon behind me.”
“How many ships?”
“Six, all ships of the line.”
“Good, go find Commodore Cavidar and the Captains in port, I will find Ruthor and our Lieutenants. We will all meet at the Sea Wolf Headquarters. We have plenty of time to be ready before they can see the horizon.”
“We will be there.”
Both men went about finding everyone for this war council. It was mid-afternoon by the time all were assembled in the meeting room of the Sea Wolf Headquarters. The discussions went on until just before time for the evening meal. By then rumor had spread of the meeting at Sea Wolf Headquarters.
Dax walked through his door at home and Vlad came running into his arms. Ginger and Iben Dom were there to have evening meal with he and Melody.
“This is a nice surprise. I wasn’t expecting you two here tonight.”
“We heard about ships being seen and wanted to have a chance for a nice meal together before anything could happen.”
“Well, whatever the reason, I am glad you are here. We just finished confirming our plans, so now we just wait until they are seen on our horizon.”
“That is what we expected. Iben and I do have a little news, before we sit down.” Ginger said.
Dax and Melody both looked her way, waiting.
“We will be adding another for these meals in a few short moons.” Ginger finally said with a broad smile.
Melody ran to her daughter and gave her a long hug. Dax was there just after that and after hugging them both, turned to his son-in-law and shook his hand congratulating them both. Once they could all compose their excitement they sat down and enjoyed the meal.
It was only four mornings later just before the sun reached its zenith when watches from both towers closest to Sovladen sent out the signal that the six ships had just been spotted along the eastern horizon. Runners were immediately sent to spread the alarm to all the nearby villages and citizens. Before mid-afternoon all ships were manned and at the ready in their assigned positions across the inner bay, men were at their assigned posts at the watch towers, along the ridges, and around the areas of the seaward side of the city. The cannons were all primed and aimed for firing upon a given order. Men were stationed at the, still in use, Catapults, Hwachas and Ballistas.
It was close to dusk before the ships were within two leagues of the port. At which time they seemed to anchor in place. Dax and Cavidar spread the word that if there was no contact or movement before dusk turned to full dark that the city was to be blacked out during the night or until further orders were given. Every man of Sovladen had a part to play in the cities defense. As dark sat fully in, it was apparent that the six ships were apparently using the same tactic. During the long night nothing changed. Men stood short watches at every post, patrols maneuvered all along the coast as far north and south that any attempt at sneaking small boats ashore to have any force on shore before the morning would be almost impossible. As dawn broke over the eastern horizon, the ships could be seen sailing slowly toward the coastline.
Dax turned to Cavidar, standing beside him on the dock and said. “That fox has waited so he has the sun at his back and in our faces.”
“I would have done the same thing.”
“I agree. But he is going to get a surprise.” Long moments later and at about the time the fleet appeared to be within half a league, Dax raised his arms and then dropped them rapidly. As soon as this was done every catapult sent large boulders into the air, shortly after being fired all of them hit the ocean surface just short of the line of ships. Sending huge waves crashing against the ships prows. The ships dropped anchor immediately, causing waves pushing forward and making the ships sway for a few moments before becoming stable once again.
Long moments passed, then finally a shout could be heard from the largest of the ships at the center of the fleet. It was the voice of Lord Daka, and he was not amused.
“By what right do you fire catapults at Thane Rolf’s emissaries. Desist in this hostile action and allow us to enter your port.”
Dax took up his own bull horn and shouted back. “Lord Daka, emissaries do not come on six ships of the line to our port unsummoned or announced.”
“You are all subjects of Thane Rolf Throgmarden, this port belongs to him and the Realm of Marden. You will desist now, or this will be considered an act of treason.”
“By your own mouth you show that you are not emissaries, but a hostile fleet intent on reconquering that which we have built, that which has already paid the Realm of Marden back for many times fold. And many times fold have we of our own will came to the aid of Marden and it’s Thane. We will allow you and men of your choosing to enter our port for negotiations, and discussions. But it will be in a small boat, not one of your naval ships. I warn you, your ships are out of their range, but you are not out of ours. Do you wish to negotiate or not?”
The long pause was palatable. “I do not negotiate with traitors.”
Dax turned and looked to the southern watch tower, knowing he was being watched by lieutenant Eron. He put his right arm high and then made the symbol holding up his index finger and then pointing in a high arc. Within a heartbeat the explosion could be heard from that watchtower, then the large plume of smoke rose from one of its large cannons. Afterward he knew the men on the ships of Daka’s fleet could hear the whistle over head followed by the big crash of the iron ball striking the sea just beyond their afts.
A few moments later he took up his bull horn again. “You should reconsider, Lord Daka. We could sink all of your ships before you could even get within range of even one catapult shot.”
Silence pervaded the air. You could only hear the sea birds squawking as they flew in flocks to escape the large noises and black smoke. Calm waves slapped at the wharf posts and surf rolled over the reef just beyond the port.
“Duty does not allow me to ignore my orders. We must at least attempt to fulfill the commands of Thane Rolf Throgmarden and retake what he considers his.”
They could just hear anchors being hauled back onto the ships and then see them begin to sway forward with movement. As they got almost within range of their smaller catapults, rocks and dragons breath projectiles were fired at the port. In response Dax put both hands in the air and held up the index fingers of both hands this time he pointed each to the outside of his body and lowered forward.
Almost instantly two cannons each from both the southern watchtower and north one at the Wolf Pack Headquarters fired. Sending four cannon balls; two at the northern most ships in Daka’s fleet and two at the one southernmost. All four hit their marks expertly.
Wood splintered on both ships decks, the balls crashing down deck after deck sailors on both ships began jumping over their sides and swimming to escape the wakes that would ensue from the now sinking ships. Men could be heard screaming in pain and terror. None of them had ever seen this type of destruction from so far, an opponent. Daka and his officers were shouting orders to rescue the survivors as the northern ship began to sink below the oceans surface, the southern one following it only scant moments later.
Daka was furious, and he could not believe what he was seeing. But he was not ready to capitulate. He motioned to continue the attack, surely, he would win this day for Thane and realm. the four remaining ships unleashed every weapon they had simultaneously. Catapults, Hwachas, and Ballistas firing toward the town and the towers on both hills at once. Men on the decks reloading as soon as a projectile was in the air. Some fell short again, but others struck buildings and the plaza, a few hitting at the battlements of the towers.
Those men in the areas of the strikes quickly set about putting out small fires while others scrambled to assess if anyone had been wounded or killed in the melee. Those ready at their cannons on both points and aboard the ships in the harbor unleashed a storm of cannon shot. As per the prearranged battle plan most were aimed at the next two outward Marden ships, only a few from the ships in the harbor took aim at the two in the center; they were to disable those, not destroy just yet. The ensuing damage made the first two ship’s fates pall by comparison. This time the two outer most ships were almost instantly blown apart. Shards and splinters rained in the skies; men were seen catapulted in all directions from their decks. The screams of terror and agony deafening amid the thunderous sounds of explosions and ripping apart of wood and steel followed by the crashes of sea water all around the attacking fleet. As the storm of sounds and cloud of black smoke began to abate and the remaining two ships now within Firelock range a second volley rang out followed by the smaller balls riddling the upper decks and shredding parts of sails rendering them useless to catch wind.
Dax put his bull horn to his lips. “Surrender, Daka. Do not force us to obliterate your entire command.”
As the horrifying din and smell of smoke abated even more, leaving mostly the cries of wounded and pleading men for help, Daka answered. “We surrender.”
No more cannon or firelocks were fired. The eerie quiet was almost as deafening as the battle before had been. Dax took up his bullhorn again. “Rescue your men from the sea. Then dismantle your weapons and toss the pieces of them into the sea. When that is done, we will sail out and assess your damages and your injured. Do not try anything, we will not give you another chance.”
Every Wolf Pack and Sea Wolf soldier and sailor kept a vigilant watch as the remaining men on board the two ships rescued every man they could. Then started throwing parts of Catapults, Hwachas, and Ballistas over the ships sides. As the sun started to wane in the western sky, Dax gave one last order to the two ships. “Set all your lanterns and lights ablaze, keep them burning throughout the night. We will be watching to make sure you do not falter. With the dawn we will come out and see that you are seaworthy to return to the Old World, under our escort.”
“It will be as you say.” Was all that was replied.
The following morning Dax, and Cavidar went out with Captain Pendil on the Shark as Ruthor, and Captain Slogin escorted them on the Phoenix. Both ships were fully armed and ready if Daka tried even the slightest trick. Daka stayed good to his word. The damage was serious, but repairs could be made to make both ships seaworthy enough for a return voyage as far as Jav. A very large number of Lord Daka’s crews were injured. Many more were dead; some had not been recovered from the sea. Those dead and those missing were given a sailors burial the following morning. Men from Borland assisted in the repairs for the next quarter moon. Supplies were brought out and stored for their voyage. The two ships would be quite crowded, but there were enough hale men to have full crews on both ships.
In the final meeting between Lord Daka and his Captains with Dax, Cavidar and their highest ranking officers, Daka was informed that the Shark and Phoenix would escort Daka’s remaining ships to within sighting of the Jav coastline and make sure they docked in it’s harbor. They gave Daka, Borland’s Proclamation of Sovereignty to take to Thane Rolf. Daka thanked them for their assistance in getting as many of his men and the two ships able to return home. But he could not say how any of what had happened would be received by his Thane. They understood and thanked him for his honesty, but warned him of the consequences of any renewed attempts by anyone interfering in Borland’s affairs or sovereignty. He in turn assured them that his report and suggestions would be accurate and complete.
The four ships set off on the voyage to the Old World, with the tide, the following morning. Captain Slogin had with him the other copies of Borland’s Proclamation that he was going to deliver to the Eigle embassy in Pelia. He was personally going to deliver one to the Pelian Council and then King Magdar in Viral before he returned to Borland. Captain Pendil was going to do the same in Tripolia, and No Fall. The rest would be accomplished by the Eigle.
It was six moons later before both ships returned to the harbor at Sovladen. Four moons after that there were ships from Tripolia and Lagdian anchored in Sovladen harbor, on the two ships were emissaries from Tripolia, Lagdian, Pelia, No Fall and the Eigle council all of them attending meetings to draw up documents of alliances, trade agreements and making plans for embassies to be established in Borland and entreaties that Borland would reciprocate with embassies in there realms. Each emissary was treated to see many of the new conveniences that existed on Borland, most were in awe of what they were shown, but for now none were given information on how to build the two most important advancements: boilers or black powder.
By the time that a full set of seasons had passed the same had become true of all realms in the Old World except those of Steldar, Vlandess, and Marden.
Dax was promoted to Commanding General of the Wolf Pack Army and Cavidar was promoted to Admiral of the Western Seas. The officers of both received similar promotions. Borland did open embassies in the realms that they had Alliances with, however, emissaries only held the positions for a set of seasons at a time. Mainly because no Borlander wanted to be away from Borland any longer than that.
Other new inventions came out of the workshop of Syngyn and Mesan and some were shared, others were held in secret, like an advancement in the firelock mechanism which allowed it to be fired with more accuracy and speed of reloading. Farming was improved with the use of the steam engines and new mechanical methods. Mining improved by use of similar tools. Borland became not only the shining example of a realm governed by the people, and it also became the richest of all realms.
Over the following next few sets of seasons Steldar attempted twice to attack, both failed miserably and with her debts from the wars crippling her economy and stature, Steldar eventually sold the holdings on Shadow’s Beach to the realm of Neder. Neder set aside the entire eastern Trees of Dark and Stinking Waters as a separate province and passed laws that it was to remain uncharted and illegal to trespass into. There were no longer any incidents of provocations with or from any Crog still inhabiting it.
Marden remained an important realm on the Old World, but ignored any association with Borland. Lord Daka retired to his families holdings at Dakam and refrained from public life.
Syngyn was now toying with the idea of how to achieve a type of inflated craft, that could float in the air. So far, his attempts had not borne fruit.
Dax and Melody were standing along the overlook from Wolf Pack Headquarters, and watching the moon shimmer on the Windless Sea.
“We have a wonderful life my Husband.”
“We do, Melody, my love. Who would have thought when we met again so many seasons ago, that we would be standing here tonight looking east on the Windless Sea in our own new and free realm?”
“I knew when we were young, Dearest, that you would be a man to be reckoned with. And that the one thing I wanted in life was to be wherever you were. Being here is just an added pleasure.”
“You are the greatest pleasure of my life, Melody. You are all I really ever need.”
