Chapter 1

Rayne commissions help

The sun was setting fast and they hadn’t reached Briar Harbor yet. If they didn’t get to the harbor before sundown they wouldn’t be able to navigate through the honeycomb of reefs that filled the harbors mouth and they might miss their contact.

     Captain Draydon Kraeger stood on the quarterdeck of his ship hands on the wheel. There was nowhere else he would rather be. A warm southern breeze tugged at the hem of his blue coat where his rather large midsection pushed it out from his waist and his wide brimmed captain’s hat threatened to leap from his head to ride the wind gusts.

     “Briar Harbor off the starboard side Captain!” The call came down from the crow’s nest his half-elven first mate looking down for acknowledgement.

     Kraeger knew this shoreline better than the inside of his own cabin and knew they were near the harbor but wasn’t yet able to make out the marker buoys that outlined the reef. The keen sight of his first mate was able to make out things at distances no human ever could.

     Briar Harbor was the largest trading harbor in the kingdom as well as the most treacherous. Three miles of rocky coral reef lying just beneath the surface of the water waiting to tear open the belly of any ship careless enough to sail over them. There was one corridor allowing one ship in and one out at a time. Kraeger was sure if King’s Port wasn’t on the other side of the reef barrier no one would trade here at all. The reef of course had its advantages. It was hard to siege a city from a naval stand point when you could only get a couple of ships through at a time.

     “Any ships in the channel Talin?” He called back to the crow’s nest.

     Talin looked out toward the harbor for a minute. His keen eyes able to pick out things Kraeger’s never could. “One clipper coming out Captain, just past the first marker.” The half-elf looked out again and Kraeger thought he saw him squint. “There’s a trader headed in Captain but she looks like she’s hung up on the reef.”

     “Danu’s luck.” He swore to himself. “Can we get by them?”

     Talin shook his head. “No Captain, not with that clipper coming out.”

     Kraeger turned to the bosun’s mate. “Reef the sails and bring her up to the shelf Mr. Veeno. We will drop anchor until morning.”

     The bosun’s mate began barking orders to bring the ship in and suddenly the deck was a flurry of activity. Sailors untied knots, loosened ropes, and climbed mast rigging like spiders on a web.

     Captain Kraeger nodded to the helmsman and waded through the seeming chaos and stepped down to the door of his cabin. He waited at the door until his first mate caught up with him and they entered the cabin together.

     Kraeger dropped onto a large red velvet covered chair and sighed. He sat at the head of a large table in the center of the cabin. The table was easily the dominating piece of furniture and was currently covered with maps, charts, and assorted letters. The large captain’s cabin was full of ornately carved furniture, glass vases, and a few chests filled with various treasures. Kraeger was most proud of his collection of swords hanging on the far wall he had accumulated from around the three kingdoms. At first glance one might think this was the cabin of a pirate not an honest merchantman. The large oak bed in the back of the room was rarely slept in as most of the captain’s time was spent on deck and any time spent in the cabin was used for eating or going over maps.

     “We wait ‘till dawn Captain?” Talin asked.

     Talin looked almost as ragged as Kraeger felt but his elven heritage would never make him look as old. His tanned skin and almost white, sun bleached hair made him look like a young man still.

     “Yes, Talin, it doesn’t seem we have a choice. One more night at sea for the men.”

     He glanced again at his first mate. He had found him as a boy living on the streets in Black Island Bay. Being the half-breed that he was the elves considered his blood dirty and humans always seemed to shun those that were different. Kraeger however saw the combination of the two races as perfect for life on the sea. The elven blood gave him agility and sight much keener than any human yet he still carried the strength and resilience of his human blood.

     Talin walked to the table and looked down at the maps lying there. “Any word on our cargo?”

     “Just the letter we received in Sliven.” Kraeger replied.

The king commissioned his ship, the Hallow Wind, they could carry other cargo, do other jobs, but the king’s cargo took priority. “As soon as we dump this load of spiced oil we are to wait at the docks for contact on our next cargo.”

     “How long will we be sitting around?” Talin asked looking worried.

     “I don’t know, but we will wait until the royal cargo arrives. We are paid very well for our commission.”

     “Yes, Captain, I’m just worried about the men getting into trouble. The longer we stay in port the more time they have to run into problems.”

     “I understand your concern, but the extra night we spend out here is one less night in port. Hopefully, if we’re lucky, our cargo will be waiting for us.”

     Talin nodded to the captain and headed for the door. “I’ll let the men know we’ll hold here for tonight sir. We will be ready to go at first light if you’d like to get some rest sir.”

     Kraeger poured himself some wine from the decanter setting on the table. “Thank you Talin. You had better get some rest as well, we don’t know what’s coming up or how much rest we will get in the future.”

     The first mate nodded again and was out the door. Kraeger stared at his maps sipping his wine. He wondered what the next royal cargo was going to be. He had hauled everything for the kingdom from grain and weapons to soldiers and gold for payments to other kingdoms. It really didn’t matter as long as it wasn’t transport for a bunch of court nobles. He truly disliked transports, always complaining about one thing or another about ship life. What did they expect, luxury?

     He sipped at his wine again and looked weary eyed at the bed in the back of the room. It did look inviting and there really wasn’t anything else that needed to be done. Talin and Mr. Veeno could hold the ship without him.

     He emptied his goblet and set it down. He rose from the chair and walked over to sit on the bed. Yes, a full nights sleep would be welcome. He pulled off his boots and hoped for a quiet night. The captain was asleep before his head hit the pillow.

 

 

     The morning had started well enough. A bright orange sun had greeted them when they had begun their long slow trip through Briar Harbor. Of course sailor folklore said a red sun in the morning was a warning for coming storms. Kraeger had never put much store in folklore but since they had reached the docks clouds had quickly rolled in and now a light drizzle had begun.

     He now stood on the dock watching, as the last of the spiced oil casks were unloaded. They would be just in time for some dinner at one of the dockside inns. The men had worked hard and had earned some time ashore drinking, wenching, and whatever else they did with their time. It would be soon enough and their time would be his time again.

     “Captain,” Talin whispered and nodded down the dock.

     Kraeger looked to where his first mate indicated and watched five figures wrapped in cloaks making their way toward him. The captain could see the bulge of weapons beneath the cloaks. A dark rainy evening would be the perfect time for brigands to try and take his cargo and any gold they might have but what they would get is a surprise if they tried to board the Hallow Wind.

     Kraeger caught the attention of his bosun’s mate up on the deck and gave the man a slight hand signal. The man nodded back and disappeared. Kraeger slipped his hand into the pocket of his coat feeling the coolness of the glass vial contained within. The vial was a small potion an alchemist friend had made up for him. The potion could incapacitate a person for hours.

He studied the figures in the lead and noticed the footwear on the two. The figure on the left wore high leather boots that had been recently polished and shined even in the rain. The other wore soft blue dyed shoes with hard soles sewn to the bottoms. These were most likely not brigands, unless they had just rolled a couple of nobles foolish enough to be out on the docks. 

     The figures stopped short of them about a dozen or so feet away. The figure on the left lowered his…no, her hood. The woman’s long dark hair dropped down past her shoulders as she threw back the hood and her dark eyes regarded him calmly. He was momentarily taken aback as it wasn’t every day he met such a captivating woman wearing leathers.

     “Captain Kraeger?” The woman asked. Her voice was soft but authoritative and carried across the dock easily.

     “I am.” He was hoping inside that this was his royal contact and not a well-informed band of thieves. “No offense milady, but can I inquire as to who you might be?”

     She nodded her understanding. “I am Lieutenant Rayn Merrs, and this is Ambassador Sheer.” She indicated the figure on her left. “We have come concerning your next mission for the King.”

     “I received the message in Sliven. We can go to my cabin and talk there. I for one would like to get out of this wretched drizzle.” He said motioning toward the gangplank.

     “It is safe there from prying ears?” the Lieutenant asked.

     “Oh, most certainly. I have made assurances to be sure it is. This way please.” He answered and headed up the gangplank with Talin close behind.

     When they reached the cabin he held the door open for his guests. “You don’t mind of course if my first mate joins us?”    

     “If you are sure he is one of your trusted men.”

     “All of my men are trusted and Talin would not be my first officer if I couldn’t trust him, he would be fish bait.”

     The lieutenant only looked at him and she and the ambassador entered the cabin as the other three figures took up posts around the cabin door. He stood at the door wondering why his contact would need three guards simply to discuss a cargo. The lieutenant was being quite cautious and it made him nervous.

     His guests had already taken seats as he lowered himself into his. Talin retrieved goblets and poured wine for everyone. He picked up his goblet about to take a sip and paused as he noticed the unmistakable silver emblem sewn into the lieutenant’s jerkin. The crossed lightning bolt and rapier identified her as a Silverblade. The kings own personal guard. He looked to the ambassador who had quickly emptied his cup and was holding it out for more.

Kraeger watched him as Talin refilled the cup. His eyes constantly darted around the room and his free hand fingered the silver chain of office hanging about his neck.

     Rayn Merrs sipped at her wine casually. “Very good, Captain. Now, I’m going to get right to the point, your ship is commissioned by the King.”

     “I am full aware and hardly need you to come aboard to remind me.” Kraeger replied.

     “What I need to know is if you are really a loyal kings man or if you just like the steady flow of gold into your pockets.”

     Kraeger took a deep breath and let it out slowly. This line of questioning seemed unnecessary. “Lieutenant only a liar and a thief would tell you they didn’t like the steady flow of gold that comes in from shipping for the crown. I have what I have because the kingdom makes it possible so do not question my loyalty to the crown.”

     The room stood silent for what seemed like an eternity. Kraeger finished his wine and tossed the cup on the table.

     Suddenly the ambassador jumped out of his seat and stood there fidgeting. “Captain, please forgive Lieutenant Merrs here. She tends to be a little abrupt.” He spoke quickly as he looked over at the Silverblade. “We have heard of your loyalty but we must make sure. We need you to carry a very important…well, cargo. Discretion will also be required.”

     “And exactly what would this cargo be?” Kraeger asked.

     “I…I’m sorry Captain.” The ambassador stammered. “All I can tell you is there will be just one piece of cargo, and some passengers.”

     Kraeger grunted. “So you’re asking for my trust but you are denying me the right to inquire about what will be brought aboard my ship.”

     “C-captain, you must understand.”

     Kraeger wondered what it was that was making the ambassador so nervous. What exactly did they know about his cargo that he did not? He was also curious as to why a Silverblade would be sent to his meeting along with the ambassador.

     The Lieutenant stood and leaned across the table. The ambassador took another drink. “Captain if we have your loyalty then all is well and soon enough you will learn why all this discretion is needed. Right now however we need to tread carefully. All you need to know for now is we will return before sunup and you will be ready to cast off.”

     Kraeger leaned forward in his chair so his face was only inches from the Lieutenants. “I hope you don’t expect us to go through the briar patch in the dark?”

     “That is the plan.” She replied.

     Talin spoke up for the first time. “We can’t navigate the Briar Patch in the dark Captain.”

     The Lieutenant raised an eyebrow at the first mate. “I was told it could be done.”

     “It can be done.” Kraeger replied. “Most captains aren’t foolish enough however. It is dangerous to leave the harbor in the light. To do it in the dark is unwise. It is a timely undertaking and will not add any swiftness to the journey. It is prudent to wait until light.”

     “We need to be away from the docks before sunrise.” The lieutenant repeated. “It’s simple Captain. Either you can do it or you cannot. I can find another ship.”

     Kraeger had been irritated by this conversation a long time ago, but if you turned down a cargo you risked losing the commission. Somehow he thought if he turned this particular one down Lieutenant Merrs would make sure he never got another. “I…we can do it. It will take most of the morning to navigate the harbor though.”

     “It does not matter as long as we are away before first light.” Lieutenant Merrs replied and walked to the door. “We will see you in the morning Captain.” Was all she said and her and the ambassador left the cabin.

     As the door closed once again the Captain refilled his cup and took a sip. “That, my boy, is one woman I don’t think I want angry with me.”

     “I think she already is Captain.” Talin remarked.

     Kraeger chuckled. “I think you’re right.”

     “Captain, no disrespect of course.” Talin started.

     “Talin, it’s just you and I now, speak your mind.”

     “I’m confident we can make it out of the harbor sir but it is risky and the men will not be pleased at our short stay. They have been at sea a long time.”

     They had been on the water for months coming down from Black Island Bay with a short stop at Sliven. Having been summoned to Kings Port had added a week to their trip. “I know Talin, but we don’t seem to have much choice. Tell the men to enjoy themselves tonight but anyone who isn’t fit to sail in the morning will find themselves a permanent resident of Kings Port. As for leaving in the darkness I may have a plan to avoid that.”

     “Yes sir.” Talin saluted and looked at the Captain with a smile, then hurried out the door to relay the instructions.

     This lieutenant is definitely used to being in control. That may be the case at the palace but once the cargo and herself were aboard his ship the story will be different. If only she would have told him what was so damned important. He did not like unknown baggage, and passengers to go with it. Somehow, he got the feeling deep down he wasn’t going to enjoy this trip.

 

 

     The slow drizzle that had begun the day before had turned into a steady rain. The torches along the dock sputtered their displeasure. At least he wasn’t the only one who was displeased with getting wet.

     The dock brightened as more torches headed his way. It was hard to tell in the rain who bore the torches but he couldn’t imagine it was anyone but the hot headed Lieutenant and her entourage but he signaled his first mate to be ready just in case.

     The figures stopped before him. “Good morning Captain.” The lead figure addressed him.

     “I don’t see what good you see in it Lieutenant.” He replied.

     At the mention of her name Lieutenant Merrs lowered her hood. The hood of the figure standing next to her turned this way and that and could only be the ever-nervous ambassador. Behind them four men carried a large chest.

     “I think, Captain, from this point on you should refer to me as Rayn. The mention of my rank may draw unwanted attention.”

     Kraeger hadn’t noticed until now she had left behind her leather uniform and chosen to wear only plain black breeches with leather riding boots. The snug fitting black surcoat she had chosen showed her to have more curves than he had first thought.

     “Is this your entire cargo then? From our conversation last night I would have assumed you were shipping half the castle out.”

     “Hold your tongue Captain. Once we’re away from the docks we will talk of the cargo. May we board?”

     Kraeger sighed, “Come on then, let’s get under way.” He stepped aside and let Rayn and her entourage board. He followed them up the gangplank and stood next to the bosun’s mate as other sailors pulled up the plank from the dock. “Talin, could you show those men where they can store that chest please.”

     Rayn turned back to the Captain. “I was hoping we could keep it in your cabin Captain.”

     Kraeger’s eyes grew wide. He couldn’t remember ever having so much asked of him in one trip before. Well, there was the time he had to transport several courtiers who had expected him to see to their every need as if he was their servant and not the ships captain. When they had asked for a bath he had laughed at them. “Very well, Talin, show them to my cabin.”

     Talin hurried to the front of the quarterdeck to hold the door open for the guards to bring in the cargo.

     “Mr. Veeno.”

     “Yes sir!” The man saluted.

     “Make way.”

     “Sir!” Mr. Veeno, the Bosun’s mate, began his list of orders and Kraeger made his way up to the quarterdeck.

     From up on the quarterdeck the Captain watched as everything went smoothly and exactly as it should including the one small surprise. He glanced at the sand timer he had placed in front of the wheel. Just a little delay would be enough and they would have light by the time they reached the reef guarding the mouth of the harbor.

     “Hey now, where do you think you’re goin?” Kraeger heard a sailor below him shout. The sailor was blocking the way up to the quarterdeck with his sword as Rayn tried to climb the steps. “No one goes up there without the Captain’s permission.”

     Rayn turned red in the face. “You would be smart to drop that sword or I’ll remove the entire arm.” Her hand went for the hilt of her sword.

     Kraeger had no doubt she could draw that sword and remove the man’s arm before he could make a move but he wasn’t about to let that happen. He walked to the railing to look down upon the Lieutenant. “Lady, I would appreciate it if you didn’t harm my crew members. The man is only doing his duty. Apparently you have not had much ship time. There are certain protocols.”

     “Captain Kraeger I expect to have full authority over this cargo.”

     It was Kraeger’s turn for his face to turn red as his knuckles turned white from gripping the railing. “You can have all the authority over that cargo you want. It’s in my cabin if you would like to issue it orders but this is my ship and I will retain the authority here. You will follow protocol or I will take it up with those who govern such things.”

     Her face was still red but she relaxed her grip on the sword hilt. “Fine, may I come up Captain?”

     “Sorry lady, but no. Navigating the harbor is delicate and I can afford no distractions. Once we are in open water you may join me.”

     The look of shock that was left on her face was enough to satisfy his ego. She turned around and took position in front of his cabin door. He was about to turn back to the wheel and the ship suddenly lurched to halt. He caught himself on the railing and was again satisfied as he saw the Lieutenant fall to the deck.

     “Captain, we’re hung up!” One of the men called from the deck.

     “What seems to be the problem sailor?” Kraeger asked trying to sound irritated.

     “One of the dock lines is tangled sir. We can’t cast off.”

     Kraeger smiled to himself. The plan went off without a hitch. By the time they hauled her back in and untangled the line the sun would be rising. They could navigate Briar Harbor with some light. He rang the bell on the quarterdeck and men came running up the dock to assist.

     “Get her hauled back in sailor and untangle that line.” Kraeger ordered.

     “Aye, sir.”

Reviews

[Elizabeth Ridge]

Exciting story! I'm wondering what will happen with Rayn and Kraeger and what is on the box. The imagery was amazing. You described things do well. Great job! A little work with commas and your story will be even better. Remember to use commas in sentences like this: "She walked in the sunlight, the forest at her back", "'Hello, Mary,' he said", and "she fiddled with the string, wondering what she could go." Nice job in all!