Jaspa grabbed a whole crab from a platter. “This is the armada, heavy weapons with strong defences. They have the biggest ships, their galleons and frigates are strong, but we have shown they can be overcome by speed and surprise.” He picked up a handful of scampi and dropped them beside the crab. “This is us; our fleet is weaker, we are out gunned. Our strength is in our flexibility.”
“Really, Jaspa!” Kobb screwed up his nose. “Do you have to use the food?”
“As I said, our strength is our flexibility, we will use our surroundings to our advantage.” Jaspa picked up the crab and placed it on Minni’s plate. “Jando will mass from the south.” He picked up a couple of scampi and confronted the crab. “A third of our fleet, the fastest ships we have will await them just outside the Hoard Islands. We will wait long enough for them to count our number then we will retreat to the island channels. The best option for Pelegrin is to split off a small force to pursue us and scout,” Jaspa broke off two of the crab’s back legs. “We will lead them into the channels and pin them where they cannot broadside us, letting a ship or two escape to tell the tale.”
“What if the whole armada pursues them from the start?” asked Elrin.
Jaspa doused Elrin with a cold stare, worse than any Delik had given. “I would welcome that. If the whole armada entered the channels, they would be split on six or more fronts, snaking their way through in pursuit, sailing into our trap. Pelegrin is no fool. He was caught by surprise and will be wary for a trap. “
“So how will a trap work if he thinks it there?”
“We show him it isn’t there. The Jandan ships we let go will signal back to the armada that they were outflanked, not ambushed. Pelegrin will send a force with superior numbers.” Jaspa tore off one of the crab’s heavily built pincers. “We will retreat further into the archipelago. If he is smart he will send more ships up the east and west side of the archipelago, preventing our escape into the open ocean, and stopping us from doubling back and flanking them again.” Jaspa pulled off the two more crab legs.
“Our ships will split up as they retreat, spreading out the Jandan lines. Their communication will be fragmented between the islands; the claw will be attacking without a brain. Pelegrin will have guessed that our ships would continue to retreat, he’ll be hoping we lead him to our hideout. He knows, as long as the hideout is still here, Kobb will be replaced or worse still, the rebellion will assume control of the Pirate fleet.”
“Not bloody likely,” grumbled Delik.
“Indeed,” said Kobb, sipping his wine.
“We will continue to retreat through the channels, Pelegrin will have to pursue us, or all is lost. He can’t risk the bulk of the armada to an ambush in the channels. He will split his main fleet again in two or three forces.”
Kobb drew his sabre, polished steel gleaming in the lamplight. “May I?”
Jaspa gave a nod and Kobb struck the crab’s last claw off and split the body neatly in two, exposing the succulent flesh.
“He will send forces along the east and west flank and maybe another into the channels to reinforce the ships in pursuit.” Jaspa moved the scampi along the table. “Kobb will lead them all the way back to the open sea just south of the hideout. Here, some will remain to block the channels, the rest will join our fleet and take on the western flanking force. Once they are defeated we will turn and take on the eastern force. It is the best use of our inferior numbers.”
“What about the ships in the channels?” asked Delik. “They could just spill out the east and west channels and reinforce either flank. They’ll route our fleet.”
“That is exactly what they will try to do,” emphasised Jaspa. “But we have concealed cannons all through the northern half of the archipelago. Our men and women will defend these positions, we rebels are better suited to combat on land.”
Kobb laughed. “What you mean is, you’re as good as a barrel of kippers loose on the deck.”
“Try us in a fair fight at sea,” growled Tikis.
“That’s rich, coming from you lot,” Kobb retorted. “Since when have any of us started a fair fight? Best to keep you landlopers doing what you’re good at.”
“Kobb is right, Tikis. We have to play our advantages. We’ll open fire, using treasure as shot. We might not sink their ships, but they’ll be dead in the water, blocking up every exit.”
“What will you do about their poachers?” asked Elrin.
“The dogs won’t be a concern.” Jaspa’s annoyance chilled his stony face again.
Elrin wasn’t going to let a cold stare get in the way of a perfectly reasonable question. “What will you do when they cast lightning bolts or fireballs in your direction? They could have more elementalists like Amber, set a strong wind in their sails and catch up with the first retreat. The crippled ships might be moved with their magic.”
Kobb puffed out his chest. “I’ve got the best weather witches this side of the Salroc. We’ll keep ahead of anything the bone suckers throw at us.”
Elrin had found a blind spot in Jaspa’s grand plan. “Amber, how many elementalists do the Jandans have?”
Amber thought about it and shrugged. She put up ten fingers and then tipped her hands up and down like a balance scale.
Jaspa shook his head and screwed up his face, like he was trying to get rid of an irritating insect. “It changes nothing. They’re all pinned. They’ll waste half their puff rushing the armada to get here before the battle even starts.”
Amber nodded in agreement and tipped her hands up and down again. Jaspa was right, more or less.
A crack emerged in Kobb’s confidence, an inch of worry crept across the wall of his conviction. “What does she mean by that?”
Jaspa moved fast to reassure him. “How many of these redeemers can weave the elements like you?”
Amber giggled holding up two scrunched fists.
Jaspa poured more wine for Kobb and himself. “See, there’s nothing to worry about. We’ve talked these things over already, Kobb. You know it will work. You know what you will gain. I’ve not given you my only son and our best generals to play with and let die.”
Delik wrapped his knuckles on the table like a hammer. “What do you mean given? Did you set up that meeting with Kobb? Have you been rigging this thing the whole time?”
“I suggested that Kobb should go to Rum Hill for a stop and you did the rest my boy.”
“Don’t boy me, ya lying old bastard!” Delik threw his seat back and jumped across the table to attack his father. They rolled on the floor, cursing and punching each other. Jaspa pinned Delik then Delik slipped out, landing a punch in Jaspa’s stomach.
Minni and Tikis pulled them apart.
“You mongrel! I’m not going to help you! What have you got us? Kobb’s got you trapped and you lure us in just to pull your sorry arse out. Kobb’ll bite you the first chance he gets. He’ll sit himself on the throne of bones in Jando and we’ll all be just as buggered. Your plans will kill us all. They killed Ma and Tisha. Who knows where they have Shanda. Ash it! You’ll not have me.”
Kobb waved his arms to the band to keep playing then sauntered over to the Scrambletoes. “We don’t need you Delik. Hells, I don’t really want you to help if you are determined to cause this stink. Your father wanted you in on this, but you’ve played out your use. Tell you the truth, the ogre and the shiner are not much good to me now either. You can sip tea here in Kobbton with the elderly and watch the children while we keep the dogs away.” Kobb turned to leave, calling back over his shoulder. “Jaspa, sort out your command. We sail at dawn.”
Minni and Tikis released the Scrambletoes. Delik slumped to the floor, his face red with burnt out fury and eyes moist with tears that refused to fall.
Though his shirt was torn, Jaspa kept his composure. Eyes of stone refused to look upon his son. “Minni, Tikis, young man. What’s his name? Come along now. You have your mission to study.”
Hurn leaned over Jaspa bearing over him like a thunder
head. “Amber.”
Jaspa took a few steps back straining his neck to take in the full sum of Hurn’s hulking body. “What? Is that your name? You might want—”
Hurn thumped his chest like a great drum. “Hurn Ga Kogh. This is Amber. You should know names of your slaves.”
Jaspa reddened with anger and embarrassment while Delik raised his head and laughed, a tragic lost sound, devoid of joy.
“Amber go. Hurn Ga Kogh go.”
“That won’t be happening. Where ...” Jaspa paused and spoke the name with deliberation. “Where Amber goes, you cannot. Hurn Ga Kogh must stay.”
“No!” Hurn beat his chest again, thunder boomed. “Hurn Ga Kogh keep Little Bell safe!”
Jaspa nodded at Minni. She lanced the ogre’s inner thigh then supported his arm as he dropped to one knee.
Elrin braced his shoulder against Hurn trying to keep him steady. “What did you do?”
Minni let go of Hurn’s arm and took Amber’s hand. “He’ll be ok.”
Elrin couldn’t support all of Hurn’s weight and the ogre keeled over, hitting the deck in a deep sleep.
Fjhor and his men rounded up Jaspa, Tikis, Minni and Amber, marching them off the ship and into the lamp lit night.
Elrin pulled Delik to his feet. “Was that meant to happen?”
“Not quite like that, no. Didn’t think Pa would fight back so readily. Sure as the five hells, I didn’t figure on dragging an ogre home.”
They grabbed an arm each, trying to slide Hurn across the deck. He wouldn’t budge. Delik collapsed beside Hurn, laughing at the futility of their task.
Delik poured wine and passed Elrin a cup. “I guess we wait while he finishes his snooze.”
Elrin took a sip, thinking over the heated argument between the shankakin. “Did you lose your family in the fighting?”
“My mother and sister aren’t lost. I know exactly where they lie, deep in Ona’s embrace. I buried them myself, the old man was holed up somewhere, on the run from the dogs.”
“Who’s Shanda?”
“My Moon, my dear ...” Delik cleared his throat and wiped his eyes, staring up at the night sky. He downed his cup of wine. “They made me watch, then ... then they took her, I don’t know where.”
Elrin poured them both a refill and didn’t press Delik for more information. The young man just sat quietly with the shankakin and watched the moon drifting over the caldera wall. Delik had suffered enough, he didn’t need a stranger picking the stitches from his wounds.
Hurn didn’t stir until they had finished their second refill. The ogre sat up groaning and rubbing his enormous head.
“You all right big fella?” asked Delik with more compassion than Elrin had seen from the usually gruff shankakin leader.
“Bug bite and head hurt.”
“Can you stand up?” Delik patted Hurn’s back. “We can’t lift your big bag of bones.”
“You have my bone bag?” Hurn lurched to his knees then stood, bumping into the table and breaking a chair. “Where is it?”
“Let me see.” Delik took Hurn’s hand. “It might be back at our guesthouse. We’d better get a move on and go find it.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
The Key
Kobb had wiped his hands of them, giving them no escort back to the floating guesthouse, cocksure they weren’t a threat. It was an obvious bluff. Kobb would still have eyes on them. Delik hadn’t made out anyone following them, but he wasn’t taking any chances. Just because he didn’t see anyone, didn’t mean they weren’t looking.
“So, what now?” Elrin leant back against a timber planter on the deck, his arms folded with worry. “Kobb said they sail at first light. We have to break them out now.”
“Little Bell be scared. Tiny pirate takes her slave. Need to keep her safe.”
“I know, Hurn. Don’t worry, Minni is keeping her safe. If Amber is in any danger Minni will get her out of there. Tikis will be right behind Kobb too. No one will let her be harmed.”
“What about the Dragon Choir?” Elrin protested. “I can’t leave without it.”
“That’s why we need my Pa.”
“And the key,” said Elrin. “You need Amber.”
Delik chuckled to himself. The lad still had no idea it could be him. Typical Calimskan, stuck so tight in their own skull they can’t spot their own shadow. “We’ll have to find what fits the lock, I suppose.” Delik pulled out a small scroll case from under his belt and removed several curled up pages, flattening them out on the deck.
“Where did you get these?”
“Pa stuffed them down the back of my pants when he had me pinned. Good thing they’re in the case!”
“You’re a sly bunch like I’ve never come across.”
“Bah! You’re young yet; you’ve not met many. Now, go and bring us some light.”
The scrolls contained detailed maps of where his father was being locked up. They showed guard patrols, doors, locks and shift rotations. He had also described various escape scenarios.
Delik rubbed his forehead, preparing for an argument. “You both should be clear that we can’t take everyone.”
“Hurn Ga Kogh take Little Bell.”
“That’s right Hurn,” said Elrin. “Delik’s father too, but the others are going to stay.”
Delik wrestled with the best way to explain a prophecy he didn’t think mattered. He found himself trapped, letting it determine the fate of two lives. “No, that might not happen. I can’t say that Amber will come with us.”
Hurn frowned and snorted. “Why?”
“I don’t know if Amber is the Key to the Dragon Choir. There is another that fits the prophecy and Minni is the only one who can decide which is the true Key.”
“Another Key?”
“Think about it lad, it’s you.”
Elrin was dumbstruck, his eyes wide, cheeks flushed.
“We’d take you both, but Minni knows that if the wrong Key goes before the Choir, they’ll be killed. It must have a magic ward or perhaps the device calls the wrath of the dragons upon us all. We don’t know.”
“Little Bell die?”
“Hurn, where we need to go, Amber would be safer if she stayed behind. We should only take her if Minni thinks she is the one. And Elrin, if you aren’t the key, you will have to stay behind. There is too much risk, a false key is said to trigger the Choir’s wrath. What that may be is best not to discover.”
Hurn calmed at the thought of Amber having a better chance of living if he followed Delik’s plan. Elrin was not so pleased with the options.
“You rescue your own father, but not mine? I have to find the choir, you can’t leave me behind.”
“We might not have to. That’s between Minni and Ona. I think it’s all a bunch of rot myself.”
“What Choir do?” asked Hurn.
“We don’t really know. I’m not convinced it even exists; it’s such a long shot. If it is real and not some old myth, it must be a magical device, something that calls the dragons here every season. Pa thought to summon the season early. If the dragons come here and find the armada on their hoard the beasts will put them all to ash.”
“What about the people on the Coast?” Elrin shot back. “They won’t expect dragons for another half moon. They won’t be ready.”
“The dragons never arrive all at once, there’ll be plenty of time to prepare once the first shadow is spotted. Some may die, but no more than any other season. If it actually works, the dragons will feast on the dogs, not the innocent. We just need a few of the winged devils to see the armada on their hoard and start blazing.”
“And what of the rebels and the freed slaves here in Kobbton?”
“See here! I can’t guarantee everybody lives. This is war, lad. My men know each day might be their last, but they fight on for a future without shackles. We freed those slaves. Ona help me if they would have preferred to die in chains. They’re not babes mewling for a teat, they’ll fight to keep the freedom we ga
ve them.”
“Hurn Ga Kogh will fight.”
“I will too, but if you do find the Choir, I have to know you will let me use it to save my father.”
“You have my word. Now douse the lamp, lad. We’ve got to keep a look out for the signal.”
The festivities continued in the centre of Kobbton. Music echoed across the water while the distant glow of the lanterns warmed the night. A gentle breeze meandered through the cove and moonlight cast haphazard shadows, morphing and bending as the floating town swayed to the rhythm of the gentle swell.
There was something, perhaps a man standing alone, half obscured by a beam and a hanging plant. Delik waited for a movement. The form was still. Delik didn’t blink. The more he stared, the more he was convinced that someone was staring back.
Two revellers approached; shankakin women, full of wine and chatter. The form moved out of the shadows; it was one of Kobb’s pirates. He struck up a conversation, leaning an arm on a post, cutlass flashing in the moonlight. It wasn’t long before flirting led them giggling into the shadows. The amorous trio made a quick ruckus. Delik strained his eyes with guilty pleasure, but couldn’t make out much more than a leg and arm here and there. All was quiet and then Delik caught sight of the women dragging the man’s body. She propped him up against a wall like he had fallen asleep on his watch.
One of the women held aloft a blacked out lantern and flashed it open three times, before walking off with her friend, chatting away without remorse.
This was it. Delik gathered Elrin and Hurn and they took off down the pier. The perimeter of Kobbton was busy with men and women loading and repairing ships by lantern light. Nervous expectation for the coming battle perspired in the air. Fear and excitement, last minute labours and passions; an anxious tension built as dawn approached. The night called blades to whetstones and lovers to tears, mortal hopes wrestling with the gods’ machinations.
They followed the route his father had mapped out, making swift progress, avoiding notice even with Hurn, lumbering along behind them as quiet as a bullock pulling a tree stump. Navigating the walkways in the dark was difficult. Without the old man’s map they’d be lost at best, if not caught by the guards.
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