Dragon Clan #5: Tanner's Story

by LeRoy Clary

  The four of them remained silent. Tanner liked the early morning routine, the chill in the air, and the dawn of a new day. What would it bring? He breathed the tang and stink in the air and decided he could have been born a sailor and not be disappointed.

  The cook appeared as the sun rose above the horizon. He served the Captain first, and said, “Got some jacks almost ready.” He left the pot and empty mugs.

  Carrion poured coffee for the three of them. He asked, “What are ‘jacks’?”

  “Thin batter poured on a hot stove. Slop butter and whatever you have on them and roll um up.”

  “Griddlecakes?” Tanner asked.

  “Same thing, but bigger. Eat them rolled around meat or cheese or whatever was left over from dinner last night.”

  “Sounds good,” Devlin said, for almost his first comment of the morning.

  Tanner chuckled to himself. Boys his age take an unusual interest in food, especially when hungry. He said, “I’m so hungry I’ll try anything.:

  As if he heard their comments, the cook returned with a plate of jacks piled high. He carried the second plate with small jars of cubed fruit, melted butter, and two unidentified items, one smelling strongly of cinnamon.

  Devlin reached for the top jack and smeared fruit over it before rolling it into a log. He held the jack in one hand and the mug in the other. Overall, he looked as contented as Tanner had ever seen him.

  The morning brought early fog and later warmth. By the time they had eaten their fill, the Captain was acting somewhat impatient. Carrion looked at Tanner, “Can the two of you go back to the Inn and wait for any who arrive and might have business with me? Pay no more than one-tenth of the face of the paper. Be sure to have them sign the paper over to you before handing over the coin.”

  Tanner realized that the coins in his purse would pay for them, but Carrion was trying to be alone with the Captain. He said, “We’ll be there until the noon meal.”

  “Will we eat there?” Devlin asked as he rolled another jack.

  Tanner laughed as he led the way. The fat sailor at the head of the gangplank was still sleeping so they stepped over him. The condition of the ship up close was worse than he’d imagined. The paint had flaked off, and the wood below rotted. Frayed ends of ropes told of the lack of care. The few crewmen he saw seemed to use the ship as a place to flop when drunk. None did any work.

  Once on the dock, Tanner paused and examined the hull again. It had been built by master craftsmen and looked solid, but he wouldn’t trust it until after an inspection by a surveyor. The ship required a lot more work than he had believed. How much, he didn’t know. Tanner lived away from the sea, but if the ship were a house, he’d recommend burning it and start building a replacement.

  Tanner said, “I’ve heard of sea worms that eat the wood below the waterline.”

  Devlin swallowed the last of his food and said, “No worries about that. The river dumps fresh water into the bay. It flows right by here. This water is almost drinkable.”

  “You know something of this?”

  “Only what everyone knows. Ships sail across the sea from fresh water to fresh water. The worms and seaweeds that get on the hulls are killed by fresh water. Any slime that grows on them in fresh water is killed by the salt water in the sea.”

  The explanation was simple, straightforward, and made sense to Tanner. Thinking of all ports he knew of, they all existed at the mouth of rivers, and some were upriver. “That green I see down there will die in the sea?”

  “Yes. And the ship will sail faster once it’s gone.” Devlin said as they started walking to the Anchor Inn.

  “Have you ever sailed?”

  There was a definite hesitation before the boy answered. He chose his words carefully. “I assume so, because of the tattoos on my arms.”

  “You don’t remember?”

  “We are marked soon after birth. I could have been a baby when I came here.”

  “You don’t talk as if you’re someone who’s never been educated. You actually sound like you have. In my family, there are teachers who work with the children although the schooling is not formal. Could yours have been like mine?”

  Devlin acted uncomfortable at the questioning but didn’t resist. “How can I know? I do remember, or think I remember, a woman. She held me and talked.”

  “How old were you?”

  “Little. Four or five?”

  Tanner said, “That’s old enough to learn how to learn. That’s what’s important. Now, at the next corner, we’re going to turn and hide, if possible. We’re being followed.”

  “There is a doorway and an alley only a few steps down that street. You take one and I’ll take the other.”

  Devlin knew the streets, back streets, and alleys of Racine like Tanner knew the highlands of his home. He didn’t question the boy. As they turned off the street and were temporarily out of sight to anyone behind them, they dashed to the doorway and alley.

  They waited. A thin man stepped around the corner and pulled to a stop. His eyes scanned the street and possible shops they might have entered. An expression of near pain crossed his face as if he knew punishment awaited him for losing sight of the pair. Tanner watched it from the alley, behind a pile of packing crates.

  When the thin man passed the mouth of the alley, he had perhaps ten steps to go until he came even with the doorway where Devlin hid. Tanner slipped his knife from his hip and stepped quietly until he was nearly even with him. His arm went around the neck of the other, the blade went to his throat and drew blood. Tanner backed into the alley, taking the man with him.

  He called, “Devlin. In the alley.”

  Devlin entered. “Well, what do you have here?”

  “Ever see him before?”

  “Nope, but I recognize his manner of dress. He’s with the thieves’ guild, a collection of misfits and trash. They’ll do most anything for a copper coin.”

  Tanner said, “They steal for a living?”

  “That’s what they say, but they’ll take a coin for almost anything you don’t want to do for yourself.” He turned to their captive. “Your name and who do you work for.”

  “You’ll have to kill me to find out.”

  Devlin shrugged. “You’re lying. Tanner cut off his ear and hand it to me.”

  The guild member went rigid. Tanner shifted his grip as if readying himself to slice off an ear.

  “You can’t do that! You can’t leave me with one ear,” the terrified voice said, almost shouting.

  Tanner picked up on the ruse. “We know that. One ear wouldn’t be right. I’m taking both.”

  “Okay, a man paid us. Paid our guild, I should say. He was dressed in black. I think he’s a ship captain.”

  “What did he want you to look for?” Tanner asked, his temper growing short as he wondered if Racine had any honest constables. Explaining why he held a knife to a man’s neck might be hard to explain.

  “Where you go. Who you talk to. That’s all.”

  Devlin stepped closer. “He also offered you a bonus. They always do. What was it for?”

  Tanner tightened his grip. The man said, “He wanted you to have an accident or disappear. All three of you. He said we should feed you to the fish.”

  Devlin said, “See, was that hard? But there’s more. You gave that up too easy.”

  “Money! He said we could split your money. You’re rich, and he offered us half.”

  “That’s about what I thought. Tanner, let him go.”

  Tanner released him and took a step back, but did not put his knife away. “You believe him?”

  “These people in the thieves’ guild are not the smartest in the city. This one is below average, so he does not have the ability to make up a story like this. Give me a copper coin.”

  Tanner pulled one from his purse and held it out.

  “Not a small. Give me a bigger one.”

  Tanner switched coins.

  Devlin held out his hand, just out of rea
ch of the guild member. “More than you make in a lunar cycle. It’s yours. I only want one thing in return.”

  His eyes were wide with the offer. “What?”

  “If there is more business that has to do with this Captain in black and us, you will find either of us, and we will pay you another copper of this size. But if you come to us with lies, I promise I will take your ears, my new friend. I may also take your nose. Do we have a deal?”

  First came a nod, then the coin was snatched from Devlin’s hand, and the man ran off. Tanner said, “Do you think he’ll keep his word?”

  “Probably not, but he might. His kind has no honor, but his greed might bring him back. If not, it was a low price to pay for the information.”

  Devlin is smarter than me in many ways. Tanner said, “Let’s go to the Inn.”

  When they entered all eyes turned to greet them. Three strangers sat at three tables. The others were the usual sea captains. They seemed to be taking a shine to Tanner. He said, “Is anyone here wishing to do business with me?”

  All three strangers stood.

  Tanner pointed to the nearest. “Come sit with me. Would you like something to drink?” He leaned closer. “Speak softly if you don’t mind. I don’t need everyone knowing my business.”

  “Can we hurry up? I should already be back at my shop. I’ve heard you’re buying debt.”

  “Only for The Rose.”

  The merchant withdrew an accounting ledger. He circled several entries that were indicated as being charged to The Rose. He calculated a total. Six silver, two copper, all small.

  Tanner said, “Name your price.”

  “Well, I’d like six silver. That’s what I’m owed so it’s only fair.”

  Tanner knew the others were listening even though they kept their voices low. He stood. “You are not owed that amount by me, and you’re wasting my time. Take it up with The Rose. Now, please excuse me, I have business to attend to with these other gentlemen.”

  Tanner motioned for the serving girl. He requested a mug of wine, well-watered, and then he sat at the next table and introduced himself. He then asked to see the debt owed by The Rose. The entries in the ledger seemed to span a degree of time. Each was neat and totaled. Tanner said, “These seem reasonable charges. What is the price for me to purchase the debt?”

  “That’s subject to question, son,” the elderly man drawled as if he didn’t care if he recovered his money or not. “Captain of The Rose is a good man who’s having a few difficulties. I’d like to know your intentions before I name a price.”

  Tanner couldn’t say his intentions in front of everyone at the Inn, so he said, “They are honorable, sir. I mean the Captain no harm and am trying to help him. If possible, we will hire him.”

  One of the other captains across the room pounded his mug on the tabletop. When he had the attention of everyone, he said, “Here, here. The lad is telling the truth.”

  Several of the other captains pounded their mugs once on their tables. The elderly man nodded his thanks and turned back to Tanner. “Twenty percent.”

  Carrion had said to argue for ten. After looking the man in the eye and understanding he was not only trying to recover part of the money he’s lost, but also trying to protect the Captain of The Rose, Tanner said, “Deal. I’ll need a statement from you, signed.”

  He counted out the money and went to the third man while the document was being written. This man was smaller, better dressed, and eager to settle. He quickly laid out several notes, each signed by the Captain over the last two years. He said, “I was hoping for ten percent until I heard what you offered Old Jim.”

  “I’ll match my offer, and I see that you sell rope and sail. Can you come by The Rose after the noon meal and speak to my partner? His name is Carrion, and he may have business for you, cash money.”

  “I’ll be there,” he said, standing and shaking hands. Then he sat and removed a pen and small ink.

  He wrote his receipt as Tanner returned to the table with the first man.

  The man said, pointing to his ledger, “He owes me this, and I intend to collect in full.”

  “Then take it up with him. Our business has concluded.”

  “I’m not done. I have a right to say my peace.”

  Tanner stood and turned his back. “You have that right when speaking to those who owe you money, but that does not include me.”

  “Then how do I get paid?” He leaped to his feet and stepped in front of Tanner.

  Instead of getting angry, Tanner stood still. He said, “Sir, I do not know you, have never dealt with you and owe you nothing except a beating if you do not move out of my way.”

  A captain at a nearby table said, “He’s right, you know. If I were you, I’d head for my overpriced store.”

  The man grabbed his ledger and stormed from the Inn. Tanner nodded his thanks to the Captain. He collected the debt papers from the two others, then sat and waited for more merchants to enter.

  Instead, a sailor came in and looked around the room until he found Tanner. “I have a message. You’re to go to The Rose at your earliest convenience, sir.”

  Tanner glanced at Devlin. They stood.

  One of the captains called, “Luck to you boys.”

  Another raised his mug in salute.

  Outside, Tanner said, “I hope this is what I think.”

  Devlin said, “I haven’t understood any of what we’re doing.”

  “Doing?” Tanner laughed. “I think we’re buying a ship.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Tanner knew the negotiations had been difficult the instant he saw Carrion. He sat to one side of the tiny Captain’s cabin on The Rose while the Captain sat at a desk built against one wall. Neither greeted Tanner and Devlin.

  The crewman who escorted them to the cabin fled as if he’d been scalded by boiling water. Tanner held up his two purchases. “I paid more, but they were worth it.”

  Carrion glanced at them and placed the new ones with the others on the edge of the small bed. “I’m sure you had your reasons.”

  His voice sounded flat, perhaps hoarse, as if he had been shouting. There was not room for both Tanner and Devlin to enter without crowding the room. Tanner motioned for Devlin to leave and he fled so fast he might have hurt himself.

  The Captain still had not spoken. He glowered at them, then turned away.

  Carrion said, his voice soft but stern. “Captain Jamison, we have to talk.”

  “This is my ship.” He turned away and refused to make eye contact.

  Tanner started to speak, trying to smooth the way for them, but Carrion shook his head.

  “Sir, we are offering you a proposition where you will remain captain and master of the vessel, and we will pay for outfitting The Rose.”

  “You said all that.”

  Carrion motioned for Tanner to ease to the door. Carrion stood also. Instead of shouting, he spoke in a voice only the three of them could hear. “Sir, if you do not accept our proposal, we will have little choice in asking the local constable to remove you from our ship. We will then hire another captain and crew.”

  “You wouldn’t dare!” Captain Jamison was on his feet, red-faced, and ready to strike either of them. “It’s my ship.”

  Carrion backed a few steps, forcing Tanner into the passageway where at least five men had been listening. They scurried off, two pretending to be scrubbing the walls and floors. The rest simply disappeared.

  Tanner looked at Carrion and shrugged.

  Carrion said, “Don’t worry. He just needs time to think it over. Find the first mate and have him meet us on the pier.”

  “What if Captain Jamison sails off?”

  “He’s got half a crew, the sheets are torn and rotted, as are the ropes and lines. The ship is filthy, more a flop house than a seagoing vessel. Besides, when sober and out from under the financial problems, I’m told he is a first rate captain.”

  “If he doesn’t hang us.”

  Carri
on chuckled, “Go find the mate. I’ll be on the pier.”

  Tanner opened a door and sniffed. He pulled it closed and hoped the mate was not in there. He went to the next and found two sailors snoring in hammocks. Two other hammocks hung empty. Tanner shook the closest. “Hey, where can I find the first mate?”

  A groggy pair of eyes opened and took his measure. The voice growled, “Try The Clayborn, or maybe The Delta Blue.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “The mate took off right after we tied up here. He sailed on The Clayborn, but we heard he signed onto The Delta Blue not long ago.”

  The eyes closed again. Tanner took hold of the edge of the hammock and said, “You will either sit up and talk to me, or I’ll dump your fat butt onto the floor.”

  “I wanna sleep,” he protested, but sat.

  “After the Captain, who is in charge?”

  “Big Louie? He’s an officer of sorts, even if he don’t do anything.”

  Tanner remembered a fat man sleeping at the head of the gangway. The man they had stepped over to the come aboard the ship during the night, but he had done nothing to prevent them. For all he knew, they were thieves or worse. “Okay, go back to sleep.”

  On the deck were three sailors. Two lounged near the bow, talking and laughing. One stood alone. He held a paint brush and bucket. In his back pocket, a scrapper threatened to fall out. A patch of newly applied paint on a railing contrasted sharply with the worn, weather-beaten rest of the ship.

  Tanner walked up to him. “Your name?”

  “Seaman Fisher, sir. Can I do something for you?”

  “How long have you been a sailor?”

  “Nearly all my life.” He continued painting and inspecting his work when he took a step back.

  “How many years?”

  “Oh, probably thirty or so.”

  Tanner wanted one more answer. “Why are you painting when nobody else on this ship is working?”

  Seaman Fisher shrugged. “Because the others don’t care doesn’t mean I can’t.”

  “Have you ever been a first mate?”

  He stopped painting and took the measure of Tanner for the first time. Finally, he nodded, “Yes, I was. A long time ago, but things change. No open berths for the likes of me so I signed on as a seaman.”