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News » History of Mardon Castle - 15B
History of Mardon Castle
Chapter Fifteen
Part 2
...
The ballista had the better range, so it gained the honor of launching the first attack. The large projectile soared through the air in a perfect arch for reaching the ancient vessel. While the distance appeared right, nothing stopped the missile from finishing its arch by piercing into the lake’s surface.
Terniff saw expressions of shock and despair in the faces of those around her silently declaring their loss of hope in a potential victory as they heard the release of a distant catapult. Fearing that the missile launched by the ghostly vessel would cause the damage that their own could not, eyes lifted to try and see what would doom them. Renwyn and a number of the military tried to keep everyone focused on preparing for the next attack, but most of the men looked upwards in the direction of the pirate ship worried about what was coming their way. Terniff turned to see puzzled expressions on the faces of her husband and those around him as the sound of a sail ripping then boards splitting were clearly heard, but in not seeing any real damage they began yelling at men to keep at their duties.
She moved to her husband to ask, “What are we supposed to do without Kaervel or Norvichy?â€
Fighting ghosts presents a number of problems.
History of Mardon Castle
Chapter Fifteen
Part 2
Terniff found all the men aware as the ghost ship rose from the water. The sentry in the crow’s nest did not yell anything out, but simply waved. She noticed the movement, and in looking around saw the men act as they had been taught to perform when the pirate was spotted.
A number stopped working to gawk at the ship that approached. Most felt that the appearance would be of just a regular vessel that had somehow managed to also wind its way up a river to the lake. The officers had been assuring the men that they would truly be fighting a malignant apparition, no matter how tangible it might appear. The soldiers that had fought in the recent war told tales of facing what seemed to be benign encounters, only to have death suddenly facing them. All thus looked with wonder at the decaying algae covered hulk coming upon them with no confusion about its unnatural composition.
The ballista had the better range, so it gained the honor of launching the first attack. The large projectile soared through the air in a perfect arch for reaching the ancient vessel. While the distance appeared right, nothing stopped the missile from finishing its arch by piercing into the lake’s surface.
Terniff saw expressions of shock and despair in the faces of those around her silently declaring their loss of hope in a potential victory as they heard the release of a distant catapult. Fearing that the missile launched by the ghostly vessel would cause the damage that their own could not, eyes lifted to try and see what would doom them. Renwyn and a number of the military tried to keep everyone focused on preparing for the next attack, but most of the men looked upwards in the direction of the pirate ship worried about what was coming their way. Terniff turned to see puzzled expressions on the faces of her husband and those around him as the sound of a sail ripping then boards splitting were clearly heard, but in not seeing any real damage they began yelling at men to keep at their duties.
She moved to her husband to ask, “What are we supposed to do without Kaervel or Norvichy?â€
He kept his focus on helping a soldier aim the ballista as he replied, “Learn what we can. If the pirate cannot hurt us, we can at least return to Tasbirn with a full report about what not to try next time. Of course, I am expecting for us to win.â€
Terniff turned with amazement that her husband could be so confident. “How?â€
“Probably by just sailing around and making faces at the pirate. The historic record says that he lost the battle, and I expect him to be doomed to repeat the events of the past.â€
“So, you believe that we can simply watch his ship be destroyed?â€
“You want to know what happened the night of the curse, watch what happens to the ghost ship. You will only see half the battle, but it should tell you what the other half did.â€
Renwyn gave the command to the soldier manning the ballista, and the releasing mechanism was activated. Terniff moved next to her husband as her eyes moved with his in watching the projectile fly across the distance. It had been launched with a low arch, and as desired it came low over the deck of the ghost ship. A distant scream sounded, then Terniff felt her body taken and the lips of her husband come upon hers. As she felt herself released, strong words from her husband were directed at others.
“All right! Now, tell me what the ghosts are going to do in response.â€
Terniff jerked her head from watching her husband as what sounded like a loud cacophony suddenly erupted. In looking at the ghost ship she realized that what she heard was not really loud. What had rushed upon her ears were the sounds of the vessel. It had not only been slightly insubstantial in appearance, but silent. Now the break of the water as its bow sliced through the liquid could be heard, along with the flaps of the sails, the creaking of boards, and even the voices of a distant crew.
“What type of skullduggery is this?â€
The voice had a strength that Terniff had not noticed in the speech of Telelum. While being close, his words came as if from far away. The pirate vessel was still hundreds of yards away, but the speech of the captain sounded very close. Terniff knew enough about being upon water to understand that noises did travel rather well, but she still felt that magic was partially responsible for the acoustics.
“We are not enemies here,†the voice of the pirate captain continued. “I ask that we first seek terms.â€
Renwyn had moved to the crew around the catapult. Terniff watched for a moment as he directed his men with movements of his hand, or doing a deed himself. She then turned her head to see that while things were being done, none spoke. She worried about their silence being a part of the magic upon the lake. All concern that the crew was enchanted disappeared as the sound of the catapult releasing a fiery load turned her eyes and those of most others back toward the pirate vessel.
The voice of Captain Norlurg spoke as clearly as that of the pirate captain, “We don’t parlay with those evil.â€
While the tone was one of authority and conviction, Terniff heard no cheers of support or agreement. She felt that all the men around her feared that the flaming mass would also pass through the pirate ship. Wanting some security, she moved to the side of her husband and put an arm around him. Thinking it strange not to have a response from him, she turned to see his face completely focused on the arc of the projectile. Terniff had her eyes follow the smoky trail to also witness the results of the attack. She jumped with her husband, then kissed him upon feeling her feet strike the deck while hearing the roar of success from the men around her.
The sound of return attacks from the pirate vessel did not cause the soldiers to return to watching. They moved to play their part in the battle. Renwyn became active rushing between the heavy armament assuring the aim before allowing the release of a projectile. Terniff saw a number of the sailors still standing around, and screamed at them to begin working to assure that the captain would have his ship respond with the proper tactics.
Catapults and siege engines had been a part of the war. While the actions of the enemy mages had added a layer of concern and strategy upon the attacks, the use of regular weapons had not diminished. Renwyn and those manning the siege engines thus had experience in their use, and it showed as the great projectiles almost always hit their mark. Terniff moved to the railing of the ship to look into the water. Seeing splashes caused her to wonder about the quality of those working on the pirate vessel. A consideration that the ghost crew had centuries to practice their skills crossed her mind, although she also allowed that they were locked into the moment of their death. Memories of the recent war caused her to think of her opponents as using deception, so she moved to the captain to assure that he was not being duped.
“Don’t close, Captain.â€
The master of the vessel yelled some commands to his crew before responding, “Oh, I agree in keeping that evil thing at a distance. Your husband however assured me that they could adjust their range, so I will have us move in or away to keep their projectiles from flying true.â€
“Do you believe that is why they are missing?â€
The shock of a large quarrel striking the deck caused Terniff and the captain to give attention to the ship and crew. No one had been hurt, and while the metal covered tip had penetrated into the wood, it had not done anything to reduce the integrity of the ship. While the missile appeared real, a glow did surround it that caused the sailors not to want to touch it. It was a soldier that moved to work the large quarrel from its place, then throw it overboard.
Even though the captain kept his eyes moving to his ship and crew, he answered the question. “I know where the enemy vessel is. I am not too certain about the shore, but I have been moving around getting a feel for the lake. I also have men above watching for signs of shallow water. I am not worried about the pirates missing, but keeping my ship away from trouble while staying close enough that we can give hurt to our opponent.â€
Terniff and the captain turned their eyes upward as those in the riggings mentioned a bank of clouds coming upon them. The sky had not been completely clear, but enough of the sky could be seen to assure directions while celestial lights reflecting in the water could verify particulars of their position. The layer of clouds did not flash with the announcement of a coming storm, but only rushed as if to give an advantage to the ghosts. As Terniff tried to make out the dull glow of the pirate ship, the captain turned to assure that his crew understood what changes to make.
All torches and lamps were commanded to be put out. All who complained were reminded of their constant drills, and told to simply trust in their routines. The voice of Renwyn could be heard declaring to those that manned the siege engines that they could discern the slightly glowing enemy ship, and really did not need to focus on anything else. Terniff smiled in listening to her husband, but moved to hear the captain as he softly spoke words of advice to the steersman.
“Trust me for directions. If we run into trouble, I want it all my fault. Damn, Spectros, but that moon has never been one to shine through clouds. Neither Thelidel nor Lithian is due to pass overhead for a few hours. I can only hope that the lake is big enough for us.â€
The reply from the one at the wheel came back low, but with a confident tone. “What are your orders, Captain?â€
“The catapults are too big to easily turn, and I don’t want the soldiers running into my crew as they move the ballista across the deck in the dark. Keep our opponent off our port side. Move in and out however to keep our distance from being consistent.â€
“Is that all?â€
“Let me worry about the shore. Your concern is to keep that pirate ship where the soldiers can continue to fire upon it.â€
As the steersman said, “Aye, Captain,†Terniff heard the captain call her over.
“Dear lady, do you have any suggestions?â€
Terniff knew that as the ranking noble aboard the vessel, she did have a place in the chain of command. While the captain had told the steersman to make any fault his own, she accepted that the master of the vessel only wanted the blame for the movement of the vessel. Any other problems, he felt she could be accused. Terniff however let the captain know that she would not deny her position of authority.
“I believe that kevalla were placed on this vessel to take advantage of their local knowledge. Why don’t you have any up here helping you?â€
Her suggestion was immediately acted upon. The captain called to a mate, and when he replied the command was given to have the kevalla available. Soon, the voice of a kevalla could be heard nearby. After the captain traded some words about their position, the other voiced other concerns.
“With the sun gone, the air grows cold. I cannot say how quick my replies will be without any warmth.â€
The captain growled in return, “The grave is colder, damn reptile. I would recommend that you work as fast as possible to stay alive.â€
As if to state some superior reply, a fiery mass struck the deck. While the flames acted as normal fire, they appeared with a green glow. The men also screamed as they felt the heat of the fire even as the blaze showed no affect to efforts to put it out.
The captain quickly shouted, “Sir Renwyn, why don’t I see that ship burning?â€
Through the darkness, Terniff heard her husband reply, “We have hit it, but our fires quickly go out.â€
“It does not appear to be a healthy vessel, so why have you not hurt it?â€
While Terniff felt that Renwyn muttered something to his men, she only made out the strong reply to the master of the vessel. “Keep me in position, and I assure you that we will send it to its grave.â€
The captain could clearly be seen as the ghostly green flames spread upon the deck, and his appearance appeared worried as he said, “You have your position, but I am worrying about our own graves.â€
The battle continues in the next installment.
Posted by TerishD on Sunday, February 14, 2010 (12:40:54) (238 reads)
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