World of Cypheria - Teledrine's Story - Chapter 4

Chapter 4

The deck rolled under his feet and Byock was suddenly aware of how happy he was to be back onboard ship. The warm salt laden wind ruffled the sun through his hair and his body film. Alive and ready. Ready for what, now there was the question, and he really had no idea of the answer.

They sailed along the far side of the islands, open sea to the right, water bound mountains to the left. It was too far out for most merchants, added too much to their travel time to be profitable. They didn't know the routes back between the half submerged mountains and would not be allowed through if they did.

The Empress' Woe sailed now to rendezvous with the Navy of Kahlzistan. The possible results of that meeting left Byock wanting to stare wide-eyed at the horizon. He felt caught up in matters much too big for him. Why have his uncle even agreed to this? The cause was just, of course, but why, now, was the King suddenly willing to risk war with Arbigahl? It made no sense.

But events would proceed as they would, and for now it was a beautiful day to be on the ship. The sun glinted off the swells, and even seemed to glow in some places. Actually, just that one area off to starboard. What was that?

The wave shown with a cold light some distance off the seaward side of the ship, and as he stared, Byock realized the patch of ocean was pacing them! A sailor in the crows nest called out, apparently with a better view and with amazement in his voice. "Jellyfish to starboard! Giant jellyfish to starboard!"

They were coming in closer now, and Byock could see the iridescent in their skins when the waves rolled them up. Teldrine, Lida, and Trina joined him at the rail, and more sailors crowded the rail and rigging to get a look.

The giant creatures were definitely moving toward them now, individuals becoming clear, moving up the surface of the deep green water.

Teldrine suddenly turned away from them. "Helmsman, hard a port! Take us in, the first channel that won't hole us! Crew to the lines! Don't watch them! For your lives don't watch them!" He grabbed Byock and yanked him into motion toward the bow. Then he moved down the rail, cursing sailors and getting them into the rigging. The ship pitched slowly to port as the helmsman spun the wheel and the great ship answered to her rudder.

Slowly they turned toward the islands and a narrow passage there. Byock could see breakers foaming around reefs. They would have only a narrow margin if they made it. He moved to his station, ready to haul on the one particular line he had been assigned to. He had no idea what it did amongst the web required to operate the Empress' Woe, but he had asked for something useful to do, and if this was it, then he would do it well! Hands on the line ready to pull, he waited for the command. His eyes strayed back to the iridescent skin in the sea. It was much closer, and he could make out the shapes of individual behemoths now, just below the surface.

The great ship turned further taking them from his line of sight and he realized that he was standing at the rail actually leaning out over it! He jumped back and a chill ran over his skin.

The voice yelling at him penetrated finally and he leapt to haul on his line. He noted that absently that a fluffing sound diminished and then disappeared over head as he pulled. Somebody yelled again and he tied it off to the cleat as they'd shown him. Then he dared to look around again.

The ship was passing between two islands close along side. It seemed to be moving much more quickly than was safe, but a sailor was on the bowsprit, calling back course adjustments. He could see Teldrine at the stern glancing occasionally over his shoulder. After a bit the captain called another command and the sailors in the rigging lowered some canvas. The ship slowed gradually. Byock adjusted his line once more, and the men were drifting down to the deck, small groups gathering and waiting. It was an odd feeling, as the men waited silently.

Suddenly Byock remembered sitting with that other captain in the tavern. What was his name, Alez? Yeah, that was it. He said something about jellyfish. Teldrine had seemed to laugh it off, and Byock hadn't paid much attention. He remembered himself leaning out over the rail to watch the monsters, and a sweat broke out down his spine. Teldrine may have just saved them all! Then again, Alez said he only lost one of his crew. Something about strange ships. Goosebumps rolled down his arms at the thought. Maybe the monsters weren't all Teldrine had saved them from!

There was tension on the ship, still. The sailors were quiet allowing the man in the bow to be heard. He kept his attention on his post, but couldn't help but notice just how close they came to the island, and another one, and a third. They were threading a needle here, a crooked one. The shores rose steep and rocky from the water. Waves were broken but currents through the underwater canyons were wild. Rock lightly scratched its way down their sides once, twice, and again, like great claws stroking their hull making the ship shiver.

Byock shivered too, and pulled on his rope once more as they swung hard right. The rock seemed to pass by his face, so close, and then they were out, the water opened into a channel stretching ahead through more islands. Byock thought of a mountain pass, a gap between tall peaks. Suddenly everybody was breathing again, although the lookouts stayed vigilant. Jellyfish weren't the only danger, and there had been reason for them to use the outer route. The less their presence was noticed in this part of the islands the better, until they were ready to make use of this alliance, and certainly until they knew just what it would entail!

---

They sailed on, Byock figured to one of the routes they'd discussed earlier. All were winding and slower than they would have preferred, but they would get there. Byock tied off his line and headed for his bunk. He passed Teldrine apparently on his way the same direction. He hoped the man would sleep. He was wound way too tight, even with Trina's attentions. He had plenty of reason for it, but didn't need it. He had a feeling that Trina would have better luck in that department than he would, so Byock didn't wait for him. The two of them had been up most of the last four nights, and he just headed for his bunk while he could.

Teldrine stared off to the stern long after they were out of sight of the open ocean. Had he really seen a sail out there, just at the horizon? He shook his head and stored it away for another time. And he would certainly talk to Alez more carefully the next time they met. Finally he turned away and determined to head for his bunk. He doubted he could sleep, but his body would be better for it, he knew. So would his mind.

"Harkner, you know where we're going. All due caution. You have her."

"Aye, sir."

The man was one of the best, since the first days. Almost absurdly loyal in Teldrine's eyes. He never questioned a single thing Teldrine said, refused all chances to leave or serve elsewhere. The man was simply always at his back, his self appointed shadow. Teldrine gave up asking about it a long time ago. Now it just felt good. He wished he could feel as secure about Trina.

He entered the hatch, and made his way back to the stern and the Captain's cabin. Trina was already in bed, asleep. One bare leg long on top of the sheets, shadowed skin beautiful in the shifting light from the stern windows. Teldrine shed his clothes without taking his eyes from her. He sat carefully at the foot of the bed, staring at her, and his hand went to his already half erect cock. He stretched his long legs out alongside her. What magic did this woman have that none of the others had possessed all these years? He didn't care, it worked.

His eyes drifted over her smooth curves, the gently rising chest as his hand smoothed up his cock. He relaxed into the moment, his hand firm and soft on himself. He moved a little more quickly, lips parted as he looked at this beautiful woman who had given him back his manhood! The thought brought a surge to his cock and he let the whisper of a moan escape as he shifted his grip a little. He tightened his fingers, massaging a little more now. He thought of waking her, of climbing up behind her where her leg was bent forward, and just slipping inside her as she woke to him. The thought fascinated, and he visualized himself sinking into her while his hand moved.

In his mind his hand moved up her smooth skin to her soft, so soft breast. His eyes followed his vision, tracing the curve of her hip and side, just where he'd place his hand. The hand that was stroking himself firmly and quickly now, as his mouth reached to kiss her neck in his mind, his eyes traveled up to meet hers, watching him. He blushed, his hand stopping as he tried to decide whether to even try to cover up! She smiled and shook her head slightly, then let her eyes deliberately slide south to watch him.

He blushed even darker and told himself it was the heat of the sun falling through the window beside them. He was partially soft again after being startled and he worried for just a moment, until he saw her parted lips, and the moisture there. Her breaths were short and sharp, she was aroused! His hand moved without his conscious permission as his eyes stayed on those lips. She licked them as his stroke reached his helmet and he caught his breath. Trina moved toward him, slowly turning on the bed. She moved until her face was just near his fist, she flicked it with her tongue as he moved it over his shaft. He felt her breath drift over the skin. Her touch flared from the base of his cock, caressing his scrotum with her knuckles.

He slowed and she lifted her mouth over him, taking the head in her mouth. Her hand pushed his into motion again and he began milking it, her mouth distracting him terribly, but it didn't matter. He wouldn't stop her for anything. Then she caught his rhythm and the soft pop of her lips over his helmet was perfect counterpoint to his own motion. He tangled his fingers through her hair to be holding something as his calves tightened and his breath quickened. It was way too soon when he felt the familiar rushing tingle run up from somewhere inside as his body considered orgasm. "Trina, soon. Trina..." he whispered to her, his voice deep and hoarse and then gone. He closed his eyes as his legs locked tight and the burning rushed through him, unstoppable now, and Trina suddenly sucked him hard and deep into her mouth so he jetted far back in her throat and felt that his mind exploded right out of his body as well. Her tongue worked with each spasm, drawing everything from him.

Finally she pulled back against him, and he realized he was still holding her in place, hands wrapped around her head. He let go instantly and reached to steady her as she sat up, finding in the process that he could move again. "Trina, my sweet Trina, I'm sorry. That was incredible! I didn't mean to..."

She shut him up with a kiss, pulling him back so he had to kneel up and move with her. She lay down, pulling him over her, her tongue insistent on his, her lips succulent. "If you think we're done, you better think again, lover! I only got an appetizer, and it whet my appetite very properly! Now, I'm sure you can find something to do until your other parts are operational again!" She kissed him again, and he found some things to do.

There was so much of her to explore, so he went exploring. He found the lovely groove at the back of her neck and the muscles that led down from it to her delectable shoulders. Shoulders were fascinating subjects, he found. So many small curves and hollows, shadows and softness. Elbows were rather nice, too. Hands and breasts were something he had a great deal of experience with. He gave them their due, especially her lovely breasts, but today he was finding himself enjoying the casual touch and wandering that had never occurred to him as a separate pleasure when he last had sex, as a slave.

He wandered, following his nose and his tongue, finding his way down her body, rolling her back and forth naked in the sheets as the whim took him. She twisted and rolled with him, her body caressing him, legs bending and lifting to slide down his side as he turned, back arching to lay back over his knee as he traced the curve of her stomach. This woman was breathtaking in her sheer wantonness when she looked up and purred at him, his breath moistening her thigh. He saw pure lust in her eyes, and absolutely no trace of demand. Yet she didn't hesitate to make her own desires known. No callousness, she was looking at him, reacting to him, the person. It rocked his world. Suddenly his perceptions shifted, like a card house shuffled down in his head. He froze, staring at her. She froze back, waiting for whatever he needed.

So, this is what love is, he thought, dazedly, as he realized suddenly how much he needed this woman. He lowered his head slowly, needing to do a great deal of thinking. Teldrine contemplatively slipped his tongue between the folds of her soft wet skin, drawing her taste into his mouth and nose and out again before exploring there as thoroughly as he had the rest of her. He needed to think, he knew, but nothing was coming, so he went on with his new favorite activity. She tasted salty, musky, and wonderful. The smooth wet ridges felt interesting under his tongue and he traced them with the tip and then the flat of his tongue before navigating them up to their joining.

Trina had settled down with her knees over his shoulders and her hands wandering over herself and whatever of him she could reach. He wrapped his arms under her thighs and around and held her lips open so he could lightly tease the outer tight folds of her clit. He brushed it lightly with his tongue, feeling her shudder. He flattened his tongue out below it and circled, moving so slowly up until she was centered under him and he heard her moans coming with more frequency. Then he brought one of his arms back around slowly worked a finger into her heat, moving it around and around, the walls feeling smooth and slippery warm.

Trina's hands came down on his head, pulling him up to see her sitting, pulling away from his hand. "No, I want you inside," she said and drew him back over her.

He was more than ready for her and moved to cover her with eagerness. She pulled herself up to meet him, kissing her own flavor from his lips, hungry. Teldrine almost fell into her, rocking forward without hesitation to enter her to her depths. Her thighs were around him as her whole body pulled him in and she cried out under him, their mouths devouring each other. He pulled out and plunged into her again and suddenly a rhythm was set as she rose to meet him. He felt the pressure on his cock shift as she rocked her hips, squeezing down differently with each stroke, the pressure circling slowly, always drawing him out.

Her mouth left his and drifted down to his shoulder and he drew back a little, looking down at her. He could see she was about to climax, and he thought it would be hard, too, and still she worked for his pleasure as well. He could do no less. Perhaps his slavery might be good for something, after all. He shook away the thought and changed the angle of his own strokes, shifting his hips a bit farther down and rocking them to get the last bit of depth. The rocking motion would press on her clit as he reached the dwelling of desire, as his trainers had called it, that spot secretly deep inside a woman.

He felt the change in her tension after only a couple strokes and he slowed his pace in spite of her encouragement. He made each stroke slow and deliberate, building her and building her without giving her that extra touch of release. It was much harder than it used to be to lock his own feelings off, to maintain enough concentration to focus on her. Still, it wasn't long at all before he could see her time coming, beyond which the feelings would fade again. He began speeding up, finally acceding to her desires. He rapidly now brought her up and she climbed higher than before.

Her legs locked around Teldrine and pulled him in, working with him right up to the point of screaming and then she was locked around him in truth, her legs and arms as well as her pussy spasmed tight for a heartbeat, two, three and she throbbed around him, then loosened back into a sort of rhythm that he could pick up and lead her back into. She clawed at him, her head rocked back and then forward to bury her screams in his neck, her teeth sinking in as he kept pushing her at the edge, letting his own return now. He felt the change when his arousal overcame hers descending and now he was driving into her savoring the tightness pulling as he drew out and the shock as he thrust home.

She worked with him again, milking him, her legs back down around his thighs where she did wondrous things with her hips. Her hands tightened on his ass, pulling him into her harder and harder and he complied. The flare burned through him and he wrapped his arms hard around her, lifting her from the bed as he buried himself in her. He groaned deep in his chest as he lost himself in her for this moment, these moments. He plunged into her again, pulsing inside her. He swore she orgasmed again too as she clenched her body around him and her mouth and tongue burned on his neck.

Finally they relaxed, bodies warm and soft and wrung out. She dragged the blanket over them and he knew no more.

---

Teldrine woke with the vague thought that at least that unholy racket wasn't the sound of wood rending on rock.

Trina's voice shrieked, "Yeah, alright he's on his way, quit breaking the damn door down!"

He realized the noise was the cabin master hammering on the door and for once he was spared answering him. He lazily thought that it was nice to wake up and let somebody else yell. He pulled an eye open and saw Trina brushing out her long hair, seated in a wooden chair and letting it hang forward in a glistening stream of purest gold. "Come back to bed."

She looked up and smiled at him. "We're an hour away from the rendezvous, and the men need to hear from you before then. Get your lazy ass out of that bed or I'll go send Fencher back. It's his job, not mine!" She grinned at him and walked out the door.

He climbed up, groaning. She was right, and she wouldn't have to say anything though. Fencher would be down here as soon as he saw her up there anyway. Teldrine scrambled into his pants and dragged a comb and some water through his hair quickly. Even managed to get his shirt swung on if not fastened before he heard the boots coming and sat casually at the table looking over the maps as if he'd been there for some time.

The irascible sound of Fencher clearing his throat in the open doorway was his cue to look up and wait. He thought he did well keeping the grin from showing as he read the old sailor's disappointment. A good story was worth gold on shipboard, and the man been hoping for a least a small bit of gossip! Fencher knew everything that happened on ship board. There was a surprising amount that could be hidden in odd nooks and crannies by men desperate for privacy. Teldrine counted on Fencher to know it all and to know what to gossip, what to hold tight, and what to report. The old man was both smarter and wiser than he looked.

"Well, get yerself cleaned up now. If it ain't past time fer yer arse to be on deck, I ain't the best sailor on this tub, and you know I am. So move it!" The old man stopped and looked him in the eye. "You sure this mixin' up with the Kahlzi's is a good idea?" The moment was still, demanding the truth.

"I think it's our only real chance. I think we have a shot at it working. Good?" Teldrine shrugged. "I hope Rupp's grandchildren decide that one."

"You hope in vain then, sir! I ain't never gettin' stuck with no female, not me, sir!" The cabin boy came in the door with a bucket and a broom. "Nothin' but trouble! I seen it again and again! Not me, no sir!"

Teldrine laughed as he buttoned his shirt and drew his vest over it. He took a look at Rupp. The boy had just had a growing spurt and his arms and legs stuck out of his clothes by several inches. "Fencher, surely we have some rags somewhere that will still cover this boy? Boy, you won't be a boy much longer, and then we'll see what you say about women!"

He was laughing as he left the cabin and climbed to the hatch.

The smile still sat on his lips as he climbed to the bridge and turned to face the rest of the ship. He watched as they slowly realized he was there and came to listen. He saw Trina off to one side on a coil of rope, smiling up at him while she gnawed on a ship's biscuit. Fencher's biscuits had more flavor to them than most other ships he'd served on, but they weren't any softer.

Byock sat near her, back to the rail. Lida sat legs through some rigging just above and beside him. The rest of the crew, men and women, stood around or sat in various small groups. They were defined despite the crowded deck space, and he noted that with a slight dimming of his smile. There was a lot of controversy about this meeting. He was proud that nobody hesitated to obey, and even more proud that this batch of ex-slaves had no fear of discussing the matter, or expressing their views in something as first hand as body language. If an indentured slave expressed himself at all, he made very sure it was anonymous.

So. "I'm proud of you. I look around, and I see people who have, one and all, broken free from the patterns of thought that you were raised in, and learned to look and see for yourselves. Do you realize how rare that is? If you don't, some day you will, and I want you to look back on this moment and remember. This is a formidable crew, on a unique vessel, with that rarest and most terrifying of things, a destiny."

He looked around and saw them enjoying the show more than buying into it and he grinned back at them. "Most of you have been with us since we took the ship, two years ago. Those of you who haven't are aware of where we came from, and what we swore we'd do. We've sailed a lot of waters since then. We've pirated, we've killed, we've shared the spoils, we've drank a town or two dry!"

He grinned as the expected laughter rocked around the ship. A sail luffed and the sailors nearest it's lines leapt to pull it taught.

"We've taken slave ships, when we could. Not as many as we wanted to." It was like a cloud hitting the sun. The smiles were gone and solemn eyes looked up at him. He stared into a few of them at random and saw the same slow, deep rage burning there that he felt himself. It was time to begin waking it. "All of that, all of it, was with one goal in mind. To end slavery."

He paused, and the slap of the water on the hull was loud.

"We have laid the ground work. We have learned to be people again, and not slaves. We have made ourselves a place that we know well, and made many a friend along the way. There is much more in place than many of you know. So much more. But this was never going to be easy. This was nearly impossible at the outset. It is no longer so."

There was a slow awakening as the old fires glowed a little hotter again, and they awoke from the daily lives they had all settled into.

"Now we must remember who we are and what we are doing. We are not pirates. We are not outlaws. We are those who have pledged our lives to change this horror in our world. We will work with any and all allies who have the ability to assist us in our mission. We have gathered pirates to our side. We have gathered merchants, shopkeepers, innkeepers, and princes. Now we have gathered a King. Is this a good idea? Can there be any doubt?"

He watched the pride and anger mix. They were awake now. Good. He wanted the men he was soon to meet to see this fire. They knew what pirates looked like. Pirates were what they were expecting. They would not get it.

"Now! Harkner, drop anchor at the next cove for an hour or so. I want everybody in good repair and the ship spotless before we sail in to meet these men. It won't be hard, we do a damn good job everyday!"

He let the scattered calls die back, then went on.

"But hear me! We are a serious crew with deadly intentions. We will not look like a bunch of gaudy clowns. We do not need a uniform, yet, but we will be in working good repair. Do you all understand?"

He let his eyes stray to a couple of the more enthusiastic collectors of finery from their pirating. They all solemnly nodded.

"It is time for us to truly go to work. We will shut down the slave trade."

There was no cheering. This was not a happy occasion. He simply looked them over one more time, then ended it.

"Let's do it." He turned to Harkner. "I have preparations to make, as well. Then I will be focused on the good Admirals. You will maintain ship command until I relieve you again. You've no need of my direction to do it. I'll keep you informed."

Teldrine headed below deck again. He pulled out the portfolio he had ready and went over it again, adding a few pages from the small file drawer he kept, and removing a few again. He pulled out a slate and chalk and began making lists and crossing them out.

Trina found him there and he smiled briefly at her, staring at the current incarnation of his agenda with the Admiral. He found that seeing his thoughts helped him to organize them. It would give him a mental visual anchor point to remember his basic goals through what could be very tense negotiations.

She came over and stood behind him, wrapping smooth warm arms across his chest. "Are they about ready up there?"

He felt her smile. "All spiffy and ready to impress. Smart of you to have Fencher stock those new trousers and shirts, and then let them do it because they wanted to. They all see through it now, of course, but they appreciate it anyway!"

It wasn't really a uniform, just white trousers and plain colored shirts, loose and easy for climbing the rigging and staying cool, heavy cloth to last. But they were all the same make and design, and all new. The ship herself shone. The crew hadn't been idle while he and Byock had been away. Everything that could be polished was polished, everything that could be painted had a fresh coat. They couldn't be more ready for this.

"Then let's do it."

He went up on deck and was greeted by cheers and found himself flushing. He hoped this wouldn't become a habit. "Harkner? Are we ready to sail?" His voice carried as easily above the sailors' as it did above the wind and waves.

"Aye, aye, sir!" came back.

"Then take us into Dragontooth Bay, please."

The mates voice rang out and the anchor chain began climbing, sails began flapping over head as they were hauled into place, and the ship shuddered into life under them. He loved that feeling. The memory of the King's jest of Emperor Teldrine made him grin. He wouldn't give up that feeling to be Emperor of the World! He moved to the bow, looking ahead as they neared the next headland. Beyond it was a large bay circled by three islands. They left open water in the shape of a huge tooth, with three sailable passages and plenty of deep water.

It wasn't frequently used because all of those entrances led to narrow twisting routes out to any easy sailing water, and that not convenient to shipping. A perfect place for a clandestine meeting of ships with more need for secrecy than speed. Two of their boats were lowered, and a pair of men went out to each island as they passed through the eastern channel. They would climb to the heights and signal any problems they saw coming.

Then the prow cleared the passage, and Teldrine got his first look at the bay. Three ships floated there. No flags flew, but they were Kahlzistani Navy, sure enough. He looked around quickly. No sign of any boats ashore. They sailed past the other three ships to the far island and sent out a third boat with lookouts before returning to anchor near the other three. It gave them all time to assess each other a bit. He knew they had to be curious about the true capabilities of the cannon the Empress' Woe mounted. They had still never been used in battle. The earlier ones had been likely to explode themselves, and had a short range, although the damage they could do was impressive. These were much improved.

Still, Teldrine had no wish to take on three KRN battleships. The canons were locked back on the deck. The ship flew a new flag, as well. Red, with a pair of broken manacles on it. Fencher had produced it proudly as they set sail. The design was from a drunken conversation in a tavern not so far from here but long ago, and it was time for a symbol, he thought. It was time.

His face broke into a huge grin when he saw the other ships, even the huge flag ship, lowering boats. They were coming to him! The king truly wanted this for his own reasons. Teldrine wished he knew what those reasons were. "Fencher! Wine, ale and food in the chart room. Make sure somebody makes nice with the sailors while we talk."

Three ladders were dropped as the boats came along side. They emptied rapidly as their passengers, lifelong sailors all, tied off and swung themselves up and onboard. Teldrine watched as their eyes roamed his deck.

Admiral Nerilon was a hard, wave-turned and water-etched piece of driftwood. The core of some great tree that had washed up in every shore of the world. His eyes seemed to see a horizon slightly farther out than most men. He wore his blue uniform with a quiet unquestioned authority.

The two other officers were more readable. One was perhaps a little young for his position, and he held himself stiffly, dark eyes watching everything. His brown hair was cut short to his skull. He looked very efficient. The other was a seasoned officer, standing at easy attention, methodically cataloging all that he saw and withholding judgment. Salt and pepper hair and mustache were neatly trimmed and his uniform was crisp, as of course were they all. His green eyes were direct as he met Teldrine's gaze.

There was a forth man stepping up with the officers. He was in a naval uniform, but without insignia of any kind. His black hair was longer than any of the navy men, though not overly so. He moved as if comfortable onboard ship. Yet he was separate from the other three, somehow. Dark eyes caught Teldrine's and Admiral Nerilon noticed.

"This is Ensidor. The King thought he might be handy to us. This is Ordren, Captain of the Arten, and Captain Fimbern of the Lobella."

"Welcome aboard gentlemen. Refreshments await us in the chart room, this way." He led them through the forward hatch and down to the core of his huge ship.

Built as the pride of a vain country, the intended flagship of the Arbigahlan Navy was impressive, and Teldrine had made sure it was cared for. The scarlet and gold was a little overdone to his tastes, but it was impressive. The chart room was large and roomy, meant to double as a conference room for fleet business. The cubbies on one wall were full of rolled maps, and he saw every captain's eyes go to them, if only briefly.

Goblets and pitchers stood on the table, condensation showing that they were actually chilled. The ship had an ingenious evaporative cooler set up for a small amount of cool foods. They poured themselves what they chose and all settled at the table.

Then the door opened and all looked up as Byock joined them. Teldrine watched Admiral Nerilon sit up in his chair, and was interested to note that Captain Ensidor showed a glint of surprised recognition as well. The other two looked at the young prince in puzzlement. Then Nerilon rose and bowed. The others scrambled to their feet, still puzzled, until he said, "Prince Byock. I'm glad to see you well, your highness."

Ensidor bowed with the others, not giving away his recognition. Teldrine stored it away. Ordren's eyes were strangely intent for a moment, then he sat back as Byock took his seat.

The Prince gestured them to theirs. "Thank you, Admiral. Please, I consider myself junior here. I will contribute what I may, but I'm am functioning merely as an advisor to Captain Teldrine. Of course, my presence here is to be kept in the utmost secrecy."

"Of course, your highness." Nerilon turned back to Teldrine. "I believe, if you agree, that the first order of business should be for you to know exactly what orders I have from King Kahl'Terres." The Admiral had poured a goblet of wine, but had yet to touch it.

"A reasonable suggestion. Please proceed." Teldrine sipped of his own goblet, one of those left after each had chosen their own. He swallowed enough to put their minds at ease and set it back down in the carved holder at his place.

Byock did the same with the ale he had poured into the final goblet. Ordren immediately took a drink, as if wetting a dry mouth.

The Admiral continued, "I am to cooperate with such ships and such crews and people as you designate by a method to be agreed upon here. To as much extent as possible without compromising the security of this alliance." The word alliance almost stood on its own on the polished wood of the table. "This support is to be primarily logistical at this time, including supplies, transport, intelligence, and repairs as needed and available. We are also to consider active military support in situations where secrecy can be maintained and the serious furthering of our goals is possible. This conflict with Arbigahl is expected to escalate, and decisions are directed to be made with that in mind. However, resources should be conserved where possible toward use when open conflict occurs. The stated goal of this mission is to assist the free movement to abolish slavery by covert support and the establishment of a covert naval fleet in the Pirate Isles."

Teldrine was silent for a moment running it through his mind carefully. "So, if I'm reading this right, the King will support me as long as he doesn't get caught and as long as he gets to put a navy in the islands in exchange." He caught Byock's flash of a smile and then a glint in the Admiral's eye as he kept his own face impassive. He hoped. "That will do, for now. We'll see if those expectations you mentioned come to pass."

He took another small drink, before going on. "I've been building this for some time. There is a lot going on aside from the naval aspects. I have a very extensive information and assistance network in Arbigahl and even to an extent in Kahlzistan. I have a huge network of slave resistance within all the great houses of Kahlzistan, and most of the minor ones. Not enough to win a revolt, but enough to take out key targets at key times. And I have a way to put huge drains on their economy while seriously weakening their navy. The standing army has become much less than it once was, and most of it is concentrated in the south. There has been some kind of trouble down there of late. I intend to hit the slave trade. I intend to make it impossible to ship slaves by sea, and then impossible to ship them by land. I intend to hit not only those ships that are slavers themselves, but those that employ slaves as rowers."

Ordren spoke up, "Many merchants use slaves as rowers. You will not help your popularity hitting them. Prices will go up in the markets, the people will complain. This seems like a fool's dream! How much of the fleet are we going to invest in this, Admiral?"

"We will invest, Captain Ordren, exactly as much as the King tells us." Nerilon turned back to Teldrine. "He has a point, though, Captain. Cutting into the merchants' purse strings won't help your cause."

"This is where my agreement with your King comes in. We will attack no ship registered in Kahlzistan without proof of direct action on behalf of Arbigahl. Slavery must be eradicated there, too, but we will work on that from a less direct angle. We'll make it less profitable to do things that way, by driving up the price of slaves." Teldrine didn't bother to mention the propagandizing that was already two years into effect and spreading through out the lands. Public opinion could be a very valuable commodity.

"What I need from you most, right now, is threefold." He watched their eyes sharpen at that. Ordren sure he would be vindicated now with excessive demands, the other two were silently waiting. First, a pirate ship survives on the profits from its raids. Raiding other pirate ships is not profitable. We need a constant source of provisions and ship's supplies...

"Second, slaves come off of those ships with nothing. No clothes, no supplies, no idea of how to live without directions. They will need places to go, supplies and people to assist them in making new lives. And they will need it quietly."

The sailors looked perturbed over that. Supplies, they understood, the mass relocation of people they had problems with. That was the work of the army.

Ensidor finally spoke up. "I believe I may see the role his majesty envisioned for me." A small smile graced his lips and he lifted his goblet to Teldrine briefly.

"Third is of course financing. We bring in a substantial amount from the merchant ships that we take, but it will be nowhere near enough. We will be turning many of the captured ships into fighting vessels. They will need outfitting. Men will need training."

He sat forward and looked at them. "Gentlemen, you don't know me. You know stories about me that aren't too flattering, and you wonder why the King supports me and what Prince Byock is doing here. As to the King and the Prince, that is for them to answer. Regarding myself, the basics that you have heard are correct. I was born the first son of a rich and noble family, and raised a pleasure slave as are all such. I honored my family and came to the attention of the Empress. I became her favored courtesan. I hated it. A group among the slaves contacted me. They work slowly and carefully to place key people, influence key things. They arranged my escape with the pride of the Arbigahlan fleet...

"I am not, nor have I ever been, acting alone in this. I am not a one-man, or one-ship crusade. I am the figurehead for a huge organization that has every chance of achieving this goal, with the outside support we will provide. I have proven my ability to learn and to lead in the past two years. I have a fleet of twelve ships under my direct command. I have a dozen more at my call. All are armed and crewed for combat. The last of the independent pirates are being hunted as we speak, on their way to a meeting with Ozmaroc. If they make the meeting, they still know little, but they should be stopped long before then. The islands are ours, so long as we keep the Arbigahlan Navy from it."

He looked around the room. "So, gentlemen, what exactly can you offer me?"

Ensidor sat forward. "I propose we get my component out of the way first, as I believe the rest will lead into long discussions of strategy and tactics and such, and I truly would rather enjoy the sea air." He smiled at Teldrine then turned to Byock. "Your highness may be familiar with a long held and only poorly successful program held in joint by our two countries. It is the policy of both to promote the settling and population of the borders with Ozmaroc. They are remote, and rocky, and full of bandits. The program has lapsed for lack of a large enough population to make any given area viable and defensible. Supplies have been stockpiled, land has been mapped and surveyed. We have a list of volunteers waiting for sufficient people to sign up to put up another township."

Byock's eyes lit up. "Yes, I remember! A friend of mine's sister went to one of those settlements. They keep working their way along the border, one every year or two. Some make it. Some give up. It's a rough life." He frowned. "I'm not sure you understand how vulnerable these people will be. They will need a lot of help."

"We can provide quite a bit. We will split the current volunteers up and send a few with each group of slaves. A military unit will go with them to assist in setting up the initial township. They will build a stockade, a townhall, and a barn. They will give them supplies and continue to deliver supplies and will patrol the area until the town is making progress, gradually reducing their presence to patrols as the next township starts up and the local militias advance in their training. The planning for this is already in place, as are most of the supplies. The influx of people the instigators expected didn't show up, but they managed to push through the program year after year, and just stockpiled. Bureaucratic intelligence at its so useful best!" He smiled. "You see, I am his majesty's expert at covert logistics. I keep track of all such useful programs that branch on obscure branches of the government. We can send considerable funding your way, as well. I will have to communicate exact figures to you at a later date."

Fimbern looked slightly stunned. "I never believed those stories." He muttered, then looked around a bit and raised a self deprecating eyebrow. "Such a program does sound tailor made for such a use. Getting the people from the shore to the settlements may yet be problematical. Such a migration will be difficult to disguise, and settling near the ocean might make things just a little obvious." He glanced at the large scale map on one wall. "You have the choice of taking them through settled areas, or along the Ozmaroccan border. I wouldn't recommend that."

Ensidor nodded, "Barge them upriver from Verraindher up the north fork of the Stohlin. It's bargeable all the way and freight moves that way a lot. Send teachers with them to use the time. They can be caravaned cross country from there. There is a small town a little way south of the usual freight terminus. It's just a farming town, they do some fishing on the side. They have docks, and they don't like the merchants up stream much. They'd keep quiet about such a thing, with some incentive." Ensidor looked around the table. "Gentlemen, can I assume that settling the rescued slaves is my department?" He waited as they all nodded.

Teldrine felt both a new worry settle in and a weight lift from his shoulders as he nodded too, surrendering a portion of this whole thing to somebody else. He just had to trust that this stranger was as trustworthy and capable as the King believed. Ah, scales, he was trusting the King himself, wasn't he? They would either trust each other, or not.

Ensidor smiled. "In that case, gentlemen, I have no need to know the particulars of your military plans, so I will absent myself to the deck and enjoy the fresh air and sun in these beautiful surroundings." He stood and bowed slightly and stepped out the door.

Fimbern looked to the Admiral for permission, then cleared his throat. "My role here is to be commander of the naval fleet and yard that will accumulate here. With your agreement, we intend to build a shipyard here, with a full naval facility. It will be supplied and manned by your own 'piracy' at least at first. Its job will be central supply, training, and refitting the ships you bring in. The facility will be built with fast work in mind, and I believe we will be able to turn most ships around in three days when we are up and running, merchant to warrior to merchant."

Teldrine added, "That is a most welcome suggestion, but I believe I can bring you to a better location. This is much too well known." THe noted the quirk that briefly pulled Fimbern's lip down. "Well, that leaves you, Captain Ordren. What is your portion to be in this alliance?"

Ordren looked at him, his face flat. "I am to act as liaison between the fleet and yourself. We can occasionally assist you with a strategic target, and will trade information regarding fleet movements. We will avoid catching sight of you at inconvenient times. However, we cannot bring the whole fleet in on this, so we will have to coordinate closely to bring this off. I hope you can assure accurate timing and navigation from your ships."

There was no tone behind his words, but never the less, Teldrine was certain the man sincerely doubted it.

The Admiral spoke up. "They've sailed circles around us for long enough, Ordren. Now it seems to me," Nerilon went on, "that the biggest issue in this whole monstrosity of a program is going to be communication."

"I've considered that. I suggest a weekly drop by the Captain Ordren of expected ship locations for the following week. We are able to be much more flexible in our movements than the navy, and will work around you. Those special operations that come up can be planned in advance at the Naval Yard, when it's built." He glanced at Ordren, who reluctantly nodded. "However, as you have said, you cannot bring the entire Navy into it. I suggest a signal be placed in your flag books that can be used to wave a Navy ship off. There need be no reason for it. Let it be whispered that it is something covert. There's always whispers of something covert, and it should be used only in extreme emergency."

"I don't believe that will be necessary, and it might jeopardize the whole operation. If your sailors can navigate as well as you claim, there won't be any problem." Captain Ordren leveled his gaze at Teldrine, sure at last that he'd found something to get a hold of.

"Captain," Teldrine glanced at the Admiral then continued at the weathered man's nod. "You have been on the seas too long to try to tell other experienced sailors that navigation is always perfect, and the best sailor doesn't occasionally turn up an hour south of where he thought. And that doesn't include storms or the course of a running battle." Teldrine say back and took a long level look at the officer. "Your King has chosen to commit his forces to this goal. You, as a leader of those forces, are a major factor in their success. You do not seem to be giving it your full support. If you do not, I will pass on using your portion of our plans. If I cannot depend on you to be actively working with us, I will not depend on you at all." Teldrine fell silent and waited.

Ordren stared back, a surprised look on his face. "How dare you question me, you upstart... pirate? I am a Commander of His Majesty's Navy, and it is my job to protect that fleet from undo loss and unscrupulous use. You come as a beggar for your little cause, and you will show respect to a Naval Officer!" He stood at his place, looking down at Teldrine.

Teldrine surged to his feet but Nerilon was there before him. "You are a fop whose only qualification for office is his father," the old man stated calmly. "I have had such reports of you for a long time, but didn't want to believe my good friend had raised such a fool. Then again, perhaps that's the problem. He didn't raise you, he was at sea. Well, done is done, and I doubt there's a solution for it now. Consider yourself reassigned effective immediately. There is an experimental program beginning out of Azistahn, looking into deep sea navigation. Something about an accurate portable clock. You will command the security fleet assigned to all such experimental programs. For now, you are dismissed."

Ordren stared at the seated Admiral in shock. He tried to speak once or twice, and then just walked out the door.

Teldrine resumed his seat and looked to the Admiral.

"My apologies for that. It was not a good way to handle the situation. I had intended to observe his performance with this program over the next few months. I did not expect to find it so intolerable after so brief an exposure. He could not be allowed to go any further with this. I will hand select his successor and bring him to you. I will also have a word with the officers who promoted that shark." Nerilon finally picked up his wine goblet and took a long swallow. "Your suggestions all have merit. I suggest that we send Ordren, with Ensidor to accompany him, back to Azistahn aboard Ordren's ship. It shames me to leave the ship named for our new princess under his command. I may have to look at that when I get back to port."

Byock smiled at this reminder of his friend and cousin's supposed marital bliss.

Nerilon continued. "When they are safely gone, let's proceed to this better location of yours. On the way, we can have fun playing with code books and stuff!" He took another drink of the wine. "This isn't bad, Teldrine, but I have a very nice brandy in my cabin. Shall we have out next meeting over there, say after the tide turns, tomorrow?" He reclined in his chair, suddenly an old sailor on leave instead of the Commander in Chief of one of the two most powerful navies in the known world.

Teldrine realized that with the alliance of his two dozen ships, this man just gained influence, if not command, over the largest navy ever known. But then, so had Teldrine. He met Admiral Nerilon's eyes and took a drink as well. "I believe I would like that very much, Admiral."

Byock looked back and forth between the two of them for a moment, and then grinned and knocked back his own drink.

Fimbern sighed and suddenly looked tired, obviously looking at the work ahead. He lifted his glass as well, saluting the rest of them.

The End

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