by Eric Flint
By the time Kurt and Joachim returned, the others had finally finished loading and stood at the taffrail, aiming at the barrel. Their wives and children stood to the side, watching. Karl chivvied Kurt and Joachim to get in line and load. As he saw what they carried, his eyes went wide. He had seldom seen weapons like these, but being the experienced officer he was, he hid his surprise with a roar. "Well, get loaded. I want to see if anyone can hit the barrel. So far, the barrel is winning this war."
The first attempt was by a farmer with an arquebus. He closed his eyes before he shot. The uproll of the ship sent his shot into the unknown.
Karl raised his eyes in supplication. "Not even the ocean!" When he looked back at the farmer, the fury was evident. "Keep your damn eyes open and aim!" He walked over to the next one in line, who was trying to stifle a laugh. "Think you can do any better? Let's see."
He was one of the miners from Amberg. He raised the arquebus, kept his eyes open and fired after the ship reached the top of the wave. The shot was in line with the barrel, but a little low. Karl was pleased. "Not bad, not bad at all. It's better to be low than high. A ricochet might still hit something. If you can do that again next practice, you'll rate out as militia. Give your name to the sergeant." The third in line never even got his weapon up before the gun discharged. He just missed a sailor scrubbing the deck. Karl grabbed the gun and kicked him back toward the group of women who were watching. He pointed with the butt of the empty gun at the last two. Kurt stepped up and took aim. The crack of the rifle was decidedly different from the previous shots. So was the result. The bullet left a two inch hole in the barrel. "That good enough, Captain?" Karl just stood there with his mouth open.
Joachim stepped up, raised his rifle, paused until the ship reached the next trough and then fired. He hit one of barrel's bands and the barrel exploded in a shower of staves. He rested the rifle butt on the deck. "My two brothers and I joined a mercenary company after the sawmill we worked at was ransacked."
"Well, you're back as scouts! Give the sergeant your names. It'll mean an extra bonus each month."
Karl walked over to Captain Rheinwald. "Pardon my intrusion Captain, but do you know where Master McDermott is? Captain Foxe asked me to give him a shooting lesson when I finished with the militia trainees."
"Here's your student now." Rheinwald motioned to Svend, whose head was just coming into view.
Joachim was showing his rifle to the sergeant as Svend and Agnes walked past. The simple lines caught Svend's eye and he paused to admire it. Karl walked over and spoke to Svend. "An interesting weapon, yes? Did Captain Foxe mention that he wanted me to give you a shooting lesson today?"
"Yes, just before I left. I was coming to see you."
Joachim tapped Svend on the shoulder, the rifle extended in his other hand. "Here, try this one. It was my younger brother's and it's a lot better then one of the old arquebuses." He reached for his powderhorn. "Let me show you how it's loaded."
Svend's delight with the offer was evident. "Thank you. I'll be careful with it."
After a twenty minute lesson in the care and loading of a rifle, Svend was ready to try his first shot. Joachim explained how to shoot. "Snug the rifle up to your shoulder. If you don't, you'll get a nasty bruise. Then sight down the barrel and line up your target with the sight on the end. Take a breath and hold it. Make sure you keep your eye on the target. Slowly exhale and then squeeze the trigger. Don't jerk it or you'll miss. Remember to allow for the roll of the ship and the movement of the target. Now try it!" A new barrel was pitched over the railing.
Svend went through the instructions in his head. Just as he pulled the trigger the ship pitched to the side a little and the shot missed by a foot.
"Not bad for a beginner. Now try reloading faster and let's shoot again." By the fifth shot, Svend had the reloading down to just over thirty seconds and had hit the barrel twice.
Karl stepped over. "Very good Mr. Hasselman. Your pupil learns quickly!" Svend also thanked Joachim and returned the rifle.
"You're a good shot, sir. I'd welcome you on a hunt with me anytime." Pulling out a cleaning kit, Joachim showed Svend how to clean the gun.
Karl watched thoughtfully. I think I may have found my sergeant of scouts. I'll talk with him later .
After the lesson, Svend managed to get Agnes to a quiet spot on the main deck where they could talk without being overheard. John was already hauling the boat in for the return trip and time was short. "I'll be back on Saturday to pick up the weekly reports. Do you think you'll have a chance to talk to your uncle before then?"
"I've already dropped some hints and he didn't seem surprised. I should have a chance after supper tonight."
"Then Saturday it is!" Glancing around to make sure no one was watching, Svend leaned over to give Agnes a quick kiss. She drew it out longer than he'd hoped for. A yell from John Barrow that the boat was ready hurried him off, with dreams of future happiness, but some trepidation about his upcoming meeting with Sir Thomas.
* * *
"I'm glad this is the last ship, Mr. McDermott. These waves are making for a long pull today." Svend was finishing his weekly rounds, picking up the ships' log entries. An oilskin packet had been needed today to keep the pages dry. As they reached the Hamburg , the boatman reminded him, "Watch the battens. They're awfully slippery in this weather. Wouldn’t want you to get your clothes dirty." The old sailor gave him a knowing wink.
"I'll be careful, Mr. Dunn. I don't relish a swim in these waters." Timing his leap, Svend grabbed hold of the side ropes and carefully made his way up the side to the entry port. A seaman met him at the port and handed Svend the Captain's report. A second seaman dropped a rope over the side so the boat could be secured and towed until they reached a point ahead of the Köbenhavn . Svend excused himself to find Agnes and Sir Thomas. Time was short. He took off the boat cape he had worn to protect himself from the sea spray. He was dressed in his best outfit. He had rehearsed all week what he planned to say. He reached Sir Thomas' cabin and knocked on the door. After a few seconds wait, Agnes opened it.
"Is Sir Thomas in?"
From the connecting cabin, Sir Thomas called out, "Come in, Mr. McDermott, we've been expecting you."
Agnes stepped aside and primly folded her hands behind her back. Svend took a deep breath and stepped in. Agnes stayed behind as he entered Sir Thomas' day cabin. Svend stood there, suddenly unsure how to start.
"Well, don't just stand there, come in! Agnes said you needed to see me today." Sir Thomas had a frown on his face and hands on his hips. A few of the planned phrases came back to Svend.
"Sir, I'm here to speak to you about Agnes. I . . . " He paused, unable to go on.
"I'm waiting, son." Sir Thomas' exasperated comment brought Svend back to his task.
"I'm here to speak to you about Agnes."
"You've said that already. Has she done something in class to offend you?"
"Oh, no, sir. It's not that at all."
"Well then, what is it? Your boat will need to be leaving soon." The look on Sir Thomas' face had gotten sterner. Suddenly, a giggle from the other room broke the tension. Sir Thomas broke into a broad grin. He couldn't keep the masquerade up any longer. "All right, son. Agnes has already told me why you're here. Let me have it in your own words."
Svend took a deep breath and said in a rush, "Sir, I would like your permission to court your ward, Agnes Roe."
"When Agnes warned me what you would be speaking about to me, I spoke to Captain Foxe about you. Your father had nothing but praise for your honesty, sense of honor, and future prospects. He said I would be a fool not to have you marry into the family. You have my permission, but nothing more than courting until we reach the new colony."
Svend's feet were frozen to the floor. "Thank you, sir."
Sir Thomas made a circling motion with his hand. "I think the young lady in question has something she'd like to say to you."
When Svend turned around, Agnes was standing
directly behind him. She smiled at his confusion, shook her head, stood on her tip-toes and gave him a long, lingering kiss. After they finished, she looked to Sir Thomas, "Thank you, Uncle." A single tear was perched on her uncle's cheek.
* * *
Captain Foxe surveyed the gathered worshippers, concern evident on his face. Every Sunday since the expedition had sailed, an awning and lectern had been set up on the Köbenhavn 's main deck for Pastor Bauman's Sunday sermon. If the previous five Sundays were any indication, the service still had another hour to go. The winds were freshening and the pastor was having trouble keeping his notes in place. Shortly after daybreak, the sun had disappeared behind the clouds and the overall atmosphere for the service was as gloomy as the weather. Luke checked the sails and then turned and whispered to his first mate, "John, the weather appears to be worsening. I think it's time to take in sail and start the other preparations we discussed."
"It'll mean interrupting the sermon," John's solemn tone was betrayed by his look of relief.
"So be it. I always did favor brevity in a sermon."
John rose and called out, "All hands prepare to take in sail!" The sailors in the crowd quickly headed to their stations.
Luke walked over to the lectern, "Sorry, Pastor, we'll have to end early this week. The weather's worsening and we'll need to clear the deck."
Three pages of the sermon escaped and were quickly blown over the side. "I understand, my son."
Luke called out, "Hoist the signal for the other ships to reduce sail. No sense in scattering more than we have to."
As the afternoon wore on, the winds continued to increase, along with the height of the waves. Just before sunset, Luke sent Svend to the foretop crosstrees to check on the other ships. After five minutes, he called down, "They're all still visible. The two fishing boats are just visible to the west, the Kristinaand the Henriette Marie are just about a mile to the northwest, the Wilhelm is about two miles dead ahead, and the Hamburg is about a mile to the southwest."
"Can you see any problems?"
"I can see some activity on the Hamburg 's deck around the masts, but can't make out what's going on."
"Very well. Come down." As Svend descended, Luke mulled over the situation. Svend swung down from the chains and headed for the aftercastle to return the telescope. A large wave broke over the side and nearly knocked him off his feet. He came up sputtering. Luke decided it was time.
"John, rig safety ropes. It's going to get worse and I don't want someone swept overboard. I want just the foretopsail set and double reefed. Also, rig relief gear for the rudder and relieve the helmsman every hour. We don't need an accident from worn out gear or men."
"Aye aye, sir." John quickly set about his tasks.
A thoroughly soaked Svend handed the telescope to Luke. "Do you think that the other ships will be all right?"
"I hope so, son. We've done everything we can. I just hope the Hamburg 's masts hold up."
"I do too, sir." Svend was worried about a special person on board her. He certainly wasn't going to be able to see Agnes today like he had promised.
* * *
Throughout the night, the weather worsened. By morning, gale winds lashed the seas to twenty foot waves. The entire ship creaked as her hull flexed on the waves. The pumps were started to keep up with the leaks caused by seams gradually working open. Their monotonous clanking added to the din.
Breakfast consisted solely of dried biscuit. It was too rough to risk lighting a galley fire. After choking down a biscuit, Svend went on deck. He tied on a safety line, and went up in the afterchains to see if any of the other ships could be spotted. Only the Hamburg and the Kristina were visible. Two other dark shapes to the northeast might have been the Henriette Marie and the Wilhelm . When he reported to the captain, Luke didn't appear concerned about the missing fishing boats.
"They're built for this type of weather. They're probably well ahead and off to the northwest. We're about where they planned to separate from us anyways and they can run with the wind. They'll keep their distance so no one runs them down in the dark. We're more of a danger to them than the weather."
Svend reluctantly went below. The rough weather was affecting the passengers and the smells below deck were worsening. At least the cabin was slightly drier than being on deck.
When the evening watch ended an hour later, John came on deck to relieve Luke. "You need to get some rest, Captain. You'll be no use in an emergency if you're too tired to think quickly."
"You're right, John. I'll be in my cabin. The good Lord knows I need some rest. If the weather worsens, don't hesitate to call me!"
"You can count on me, sir!"
Chapter 16
The next morning, it was obvious the ship was struggling. The moan of the wind in the rigging set teeth on edge and the clank of the pumps continued. The smell below decks was revolting. No food had been prepared since the previous noon but many passengers still had the dry heaves. John reported to the captain on conditions below decks. From the companionway door, Svend was able to eavesdrop on them.
"The pumps are barely staying up with the water, sir. The hull's working so much from this action; the seams are leaking. We have to do something. We can't keep the wind and the waves on our quarter. The aftercastle's acting like a sail trying to turn the ship. If we should lose the rudder, we'll turn and broach before we can react."
"I agree. We need to change course. But, if we run with the wind, we could end up near Acadia. We need to hold our position. Summon the hands. We'll turn into the wind and set out a sea anchor. If we do it now, while we still have some men that aren't too worn out, it should succeed."
An older sail was brought up from the sail locker and modified to act as a sea anchor. Four extra men stood by the wheel to help the master. Another stood by with the captain's telescope. Svend just stayed out of the way and watched.
"As soon as the foretopsail's reefed, be ready to drop the sea anchor as soon as you're certain we're going to be able to come about."
"Aye aye, Captain." Fatigue was evident in John's face.
Luke turned to the group at the wheel. "All our lives are going to be in your hands. Once the sail's are reefed, she's going to want to try to turn from the wind pressure on the stern. You have to hold her! We'll go about as we reach the crest of a wave. Let the wind and the rudder work together. I'll give you a warning as the wave approaches. Understand?" The grim nods assured Luke they knew what to do.
As the ship reached the top of the next crest, Luke scanned to horizon to see if any rogue waves could be spotted. The rain and spray reduced visibility. Within the limited horizon from the storm, everything was normal. He called out, "Reef the foretopsail, Mr. Barrow, and prepare the sea anchor!"
John and the sailors in the foretop started to reef in the sail. Immediately, the master at the helm motioned for help. Luke was watching the waves approach from the stern, counting the time between crests. When one of the hands called out that the sail was furled, Luke stepped over to the wheel. "Mr. Cochrane, we're going to do it on the next wave. Let her sag a point off to port now. When I tell you, take her hard-a-port."
"Aye aye, Captain. Hard-a-port on your command."
The ship settled to the bottom of the trough and then the stern started to rise. As soon as he could see over the wave, Luke gave the signal for hard-a-port and the rudder was set hard over. The effect was immediate. The ship tilted to starboard and started turning. John cast loose the sea anchor just as the crest of the wave passed the bow. Two more men joined those at the wheel to hold it. Everyone held their breath, trying to turn the ship by prayer alone.
They had timed it perfectly. By the time the ship sank in the next trough, the sea anchor had taken hold and the result on the ship's motion was noticeable. With her head into the wind, the corkscrew action was gone and one man could handle the wheel.
A cannon shot sounded through the wind.
A quick scan of the horizon showed two ships still
within view. The Kristina was about a mile astern, off the port quarter, and appeared to be readying for the same maneuver the Köbenhavn had just completed. The other ship was the Hamburg and she was definitely in trouble. She was missing her bonaventure mast completely and the mizzenmast appeared damaged. Rheinwald's only choice seemed to be to try and run with the wind. She quickly disappeared into the rain squalls.
Luke murmured, "May God have mercy on them," closed the telescope and returned to the tasks of steadying the Köbenhavn on its new heading. There was nothing he could do to help.
* * *
It took two more days for the storm to blow itself out. By noon the third day, the wind had veered to the south and brought a warm hint of spring. Four very bedraggled looking ships regrouped and hove to within hailing distance to begin repairs. After sunset, Luke retired to his cabin to eat his first hot meal in four days and consider the impact of the damage on the expedition. The Kristina had lost a mainmast spar that carried away a ten foot section of rail when it came down. Captain Johannson had been able to salvage the spar and was preparing to raise it back into place. The livestock had suffered minimal losses, thanks to an ingenious idea by one of the sheep farmers from Stromness. A little whiskey in the feed grain had kept the larger animals relaxed. The Wilhelm had suffered the only known casualties of the storm. Two sailors had been washed overboard and an older farmer had died of an apparent heart attack. Luke planned to be rowed over in the morning with Pastor Bauman to conduct a funeral and memorial service. The Henriette Marie had only minor damage. There was no sign of the Hamburg or the two fishing boats. Given the situation the last time he saw her, Luke was certain the Hamburg had gone down. The two fishing boats were probably already off the Grand Banks fishing.
An insistent voice finally broke through his musings. Svend repeated his question again. "How soon do you think we'll sight the Hamburg ?"
