The Scarlet King Page 6

Chapter 6

  With favorable winds Larby was able to make their ship sail reasonably well. Jason took charge of navigation and spent long periods immersed in the charts the Captain had left behind. He was forever comparing the positions of the stars and the sun with the compass trying to estimate their position. Larby assumed command of the helm at night and Jason during the day, with others helping us much as they could. It was not that they were short of manpower but rather very short on training. Even the envoys from the Northern Kingdom who were not used to work pitched in by manning the pumps as needed. The handling of the sails was left mostly to Larby and Jeremy with Edna occasionally helping despite her bad knee.

  They sailed for two weeks to the south with only rare glimpses of mountains to the west. The charts showed many reefs around the cape, and Jason wished to make his turn far enough out to sea so as to avoid the reefs. They sailed for two additional days before he agreed to head west. Larby was becoming worried, for the sky was changing. The sun still shone but there was a pinkness to the dawn which unsettled him.

  The sailing was now more difficult, for they needed to tack back and forth into the wind. Jason was having far greater trouble figuring their position; the stars no longer shifted but rather the time of sunrise. On the third day the winds began to increase and clouds could be seen on the horizon. Jason had given the order to turn back to the north, and with the winds on the reach they were now making good headway. The charts had indicated a single mountain which formed the cape itself. It was their landmark for safety. Behind the mountain was a small harbor for shelter.

  Jeremy stayed atop the mast, straining his eyes looking for the mountain. When he looked back to the south and west he saw the clouds changing and the darkness developing. Jason was checking and rechecking his figures while Edna managed the helm to the best of her ability. Jason would frequently call up, reminding Jeremy to be looking to the northeast, to which Jeremy would reply, "I am looking. There is nothing but water and clouds to be seen."

  The afternoon was getting late and Jason was frustrated; according to his figuring the mountain had to be visible. He was about to call up yet again to Jeremy when Jeremy began screaming, "I see it! Ahead and to the right!"

  The yelling brought Larby topside, but he looked not at the mountain but at the wall of clouds approaching. Jeremy could feel the change in the air from his perch atop the mast. It was as if his hair was trying to stand up on its own. Larby immediately took command, telling Jeremy to lower the main sail. He had Edna turn the helm and bring the ship about.

  With the main sail down he next had the storm sail raised and all other sails lowered and secured. Jason had no sooner asked why they needed to change directions when the first flash of lightning and crash of thunder occurred in the distance. Larby said simply, "A whirling storm approaches. We cannot make the harbor."

  Jason wanted to learn more about the whirling storms, but for now he let Larby take charge for he was of the sea. Edna did her best to control the helm but she did not have the instinct to respond to the waves. Jason took over from her. Larby seemed to be everywhere aboard ship making sure everything was secure and all hatches tightly closed. He said only, "We will try and run before the storm but it will be not pleasant."

  The day still had a few hours left when darkness descended upon them. With it came the rain and the thunder and lightning. The winds began to blow violently and the seas began to lose definition as the wind sheared off the tops of the waves and turned them into froth. Only Larby and Jason were left topside as their ship was tossed about like a leaf. Conversation as such was not possible, for the wind and the crashing of the waves obscured all words not yelled directly into the others’ ears. Those below did their best to keep from being thrown about with the crashing of the ship, but all were bruised and many bleeding. The pumps needed to be manned, as the waves crashing over the ship would leak through the deck hatches. It was all those below could do to keep up with a single task.

  For what must have seemed like the longest day that ever existed, the wind blew and blew. Suddenly the wind stopped and the sun was visible. The waves were no longer being pushed by the wind, but they continued being formed and pushed by some invisible force. Larby began to inspect the ship and let out an epitaph when he realized the mast had broken and was being held only by their storm sail lines. He and Jason struggled to free the lines without losing the broken portion overboard. They were successful in freeing the lines, but the sea claimed the majority of their mast. There were left only with a small stub, which he doubted would give them enough control to sail. Larby had Jason call Jeremy for help at the helm.

  Jeremy saw the bright sky and sunshine and began thanking the God of the Sacred Water. Larby spoke sharply, "Thank your God of the Sacred Water not yet for the worst of the storm is yet to come. You must man the helm while we make a sea anchor."

  Jeremy did his best to keep the ship pointed with the waves, for without a sail for power the ship responded very poorly. Larby was tying knots furiously creating a large basket out of their storm sail. He kept looking up to the southwest judging the speed at which the line of clouds was approaching. Finally he said, "It is the best we can do. Now it will be up to the God of the Sea.”

  He and Jason dragged the adapted sail forward and he secured the anchor line to it. He then yelled at Jeremy to turn into the seas but Jeremy could hear not. Jason carefully made his way back to the helm, holding on at all times, and took over turning the boat very slowly into the waves. Larby began letting out the line of the sea anchor which filled quickly. Their anchor line was short because of their escape but it was all they had. When the anchor line became fully taut, the ship pointed directly into the waves and rode a little less wildly.

  New flashes of lightning could be seen approaching. Larby simply said, "We have done our best and now it is up to the God of the Sea."

  When they were below, Jason asked of the device Larby had made. Larby responded, "It is called a sea anchor and will slow the drift of our ship." He added, "The back side of the whirling storms is usually worse because the wind begins to shift direction and the waves know not how to respond."

  Jason asked why the wind had ceased to blow for a while, and Larby responded, "It is the eye of the God of the Sea which you have seen. It is only seen in the center of the great whirling storms." He spoke no more but simply fell asleep wedged against the bulkhead. The others fared not so well with the sickness of the sea being uncontrolled. Even those who were not initially sick could no longer take the stench. For an additional day and night they were tossed about by the storm.

  With dawn on the third day the storm finally began to abate. Larby was topside arranging containers to collect as much water as he could from the remaining showers. He was soon joined by Jason, who breathed the fresh air and could not help but fill his nostrils and chest with the freshness of the sea. He was soon at work with his numbers, trying to figure out where they were. By using the angle of the sun, which was peeking through the clouds, he knew that they had drifted significantly to the south but could not tell how far to the east they had traveled.

  It was midday before Jeremy and Edna felt well enough to join them. They too filled their lungs with fresh air and Edna said, "To be free of the stench is truly a blessing of the God of the Sacred Water."

  Larby replied, "A blessing it may be but we are now adrift in an unknown sea. Hopefully the God of the Sea will bless us with landfall so we may repair our ship."

  Jason began asking questions about how the wind shifted during the storm, but Larby had few answers, saying only, "The wind swirls around and if it started in the south it usually ends in the north, but only the God of the Sea knows for sure."

  Larby put Jeremy and Edna to work organizing what was left of their sails and deck equipment. It was late in the afternoon when they finally turned their attention to the broken mast, which now stood less than two man heights a
bove the deck. They had on board a spare spar, which if attached to the broken mast would give them a minimal amount of sail. Control and balance of the sails would be very limited but at least they would be able to make some headway. Making the connection was the difficult part, and they spent the evening trying to figure an appropriate method. Jason’s suggestion was to split the top of the remaining mast into sections and then force the spar into the split.

  After the breaking of the fast, work commenced on the mast repair. The tools of the shipwright were in good shape, and with a few hours of work Jeremy had sawed the mast vertically into four sections for a length of three feet. The chisels were used to create a somewhat hollow center between the sections. With effort they were able to pry these apart and insert wedges, which allowed the spar to be inserted. Larby then took charge, using rope to carefully and tightly compress the wedges against the spar. By midday the work was done and a small sail was secured to their makeshift mast. Gradually the boat began to turn and make headway, which allowed them to retrieve the sea anchor.

  They were again under way, if ever so slowly, and Larby asked Jason, "What course to steer?"

  Jason looked up from his numbers and said, "I would expect we need to sail west by northwest but for how long I have no idea."

  For the length of one moon cycle they slowly made their way west by Northwest. Larby became almost a tyrant about the need to conserve their water and to capture any rainwater that the rare shower would bring. His skill as a fisherman provided just enough food to keep them going. The heat was oppressive and the boredom overwhelming. It was only Jason who was always busy either working with his numbers or reading the books he had found in the Captain's cabin. He complained not and would eat less than his share, saying, "I come with plenty of reserve. Worry not about me."

  When land was finally cited off in the distance many refused to believe it was real. Jason was concerned because it was to the south of their course and he had expected land to appear to the north. It mattered not and their course was changed. Slowly they made their way towards the land they had sighted. The change in direction had slowed their course even more and they inched ever so slowly towards the land. Darkness was falling and they had covered little of the distance separating them from the land.

  They continued to sail during the night and the morning light brought a great relief when the land was very evident. It appeared to be an island of relatively large size but they could see no distinguishing features from this distance. As the day wore on and they gradually closed the distance, they could see cliffs arising directly from the sea.

  They sailed as close as Larby dared but saw no place to anchor and land. They continued to sail around the island with only rocks to greet their eyes. As they started around the windward side the black clouds on the horizon became evident to everyone. Another storm was brewing and the memory of the sickness from the last storm was enough to force everyone to pray for a safe landing site. On the windward side there was a definite break in the cliffs with a small opening visible. They were unable to tell if it was an opening into a harbor or a stream which had cut down through the rock. Flashes of lightning could now be seen in the approaching cloudbank.

  Larby spoke up, saying, "I fear this landing is not safe. We must trust ourselves to the sea."

  Others complained that they could not survive another storm and the landing looked safe to them. All eyes turned to Jason for the final decision. Jason looked at the storm and asked Larby, "Is the storm another whirling storm?"

  Larby shrugged his shoulders and said, "I feel not the energy of the whirling storm but only the God of the Sea knows for sure."

  Jason thought for several moments before saying, "I would we approach the opening in the cliffs for a closer look." He then asked, "Could we not lower the boat and check the opening?"

  Larby responded, "I would expect the storm to be upon us before then."

  Jeremy asked, "If we stay at sea will not the storm force us from this land?"

  Larby said, "As is the will of the God of the Sea."

  They were close enough now to see if there actually was an opening in the cliffs. There appeared to be water extending inland, but they could determine not if it was river or harbor. Jason glanced once more at the approaching storm and made his decision, saying, "With the grace of the God of the Sacred Water, let us test this landing."

  Larby said not but simply turned the helm, directing the ship towards the narrow opening in the cliffs. The wind and waves were now behind them and they speeded up significantly as they approached the cliffside. As they got closer the opening appeared to not grow any larger, and Jason began to have second thoughts, but they were committed. They had not enough power in their sail to turn and escape.

  As the waves and wind drove them forward, they could see water breaking against the rocks on the side. Larby intently studied the surface of the water. At the last instant he cranked the helm to port and the ship heeled sharply, knocking Jason off his feet. Jason arose just in time to see the large rock just under the water that Larby had avoided. He was not so successful with the next rock, which smashed against the side of their keel, but the next wave lifted the ship free and propelled it forward.

  Suddenly the cliff opened up and they were in a natural harbor. Larby had Jeremy drop the sail, and he turned the ship into the wind. When the ship had slowed sufficiently he ordered their makeshift anchor lowered. The water was surprisingly deep and most of the anchor rode was played out before the anchor hit bottom. Everyone held their breath while the ship slowly began to swing on the anchor. After several moments Larby said, "The anchor holds." As everyone began to cheer, he added," I trust it not. For the water is deep and our line short."

  Jeremy immediately wanted to go ashore but it was obvious that the storm was about to break. Jason said, "I share your desire but the darkness and the storm are upon us. Let us wait for the light of the morrow and for now give thanks to the God of the Sacred Water."

  All went below for protection from the storm and to celebrate except for Larby, who stayed at the helm. The rain came and the winds howled. But their shelter was good and the waves reached them not. For the better part of an hour Larby watched and the anchor held. As darkness became complete he gave up the watch and went below, but with an uneasy feeling in his heart. The stories that evening were told with far greater vigor and the overall atmosphere was dramatically improved. Jason finally announced, "If we are to begin exploring at first light I would suggest some rest for all."

  As everyone gradually left the mess area, Jason asked Larby, "Should the watch be posted?"

  Larby responded, "It is a dark night, there is nothing to watch. The anchor holds or not, as is the will of God of the Sea."

  Jason put his hand on Larby shoulder saying, "I understood your reasoning for wanting to stay at sea but I feared the others would not fare well. Your judgment has served us well and I thank you."

  Larby but shrugged his shoulders, saying, "Mine is but one voice. Your decision was valid; now we will see."

  It was nearing dawn and the storm was finally blowing itself out and the wind began to shift. The change in the sound of the waves lapping against the side of the ship awakened Larby. He made his way topside and tried to see if the anchor was dragging but the night was too dark. He made his way forward and sat with his hand on the anchor rode, feeling the strain of the line as the ship responded to the wind and small waves.

  He was almost asleep sitting there monitoring the tension when a change occurred. The anchor rode no longer pulsed with the waves but rather moved in fits and starts. He was now instantly awake. He could detect no change in their position but the anchor rode would catch for but a brief moment and then release. There was no doubt but they were dragging anchor.

  As Larby sat monitoring the anchor rode, trying to wish the anchor to grab and hold, he heard movement and soon was joined by Jason. Jason sa
id only, "The change awoke me."

  Larby responded, "The anchor may yet hold."

  "If not?"

  "The shore is rocky but if we can ground the ship at the stern there may be hope to save her."

  Jason pondered the consequences of the decision he had made and trembled at the responsibility he bore. To be stranded in unknown waters now appeared to be a far worse option than having faced the storm. Larby sensed his anguish and said, "Your decision was valid, for our ship was wounded and she may not have survived the storm."

  Jason squeezed the Listener's shoulder in appreciation and said simply, "I will awaken the others and have them prepare." Larby continued his vigil as the winds continued to howl. Their harbor protected them from the crashing seas, but the winds found their way over the cliffs, becoming much disorganized. The gust would blow first one direction and then another almost like the whirling storms. The anchor would grab hold and Larby's hopes would rise only to have the wind change and the anchor break free again. Even in the howling wind Larby could hear the surf breaking against the rocks, but the darkness kept hidden the danger.

  As the others were assembling on the deck Larby noticed a lightness to the side. By staring intently he was able to make out the luminescence of the surf line. They were approaching broadside. Larby ran to the helm as fast as his peg leg would allow. The ship slowly responded to his frantic efforts on the helm and the bow turned away ever so slightly from the surf line. The dragging anchor provided just enough resistance for the rudder to respond to the waves.

  Their wait was not long until the first scraping sounds were heard. The waves though small carried forth the energy of the storm that had been raging outside. With each wave the ship would rise and move further on to the rocks before settling down ever harder. Those on board had to hang on to avoid being thrown about, as the crashing became ever more violent and the sound of breaking timbers echoed throughout.

  When it seemed as if their ship was about to be smashed completely apart, and those aboard cast into the rocks, something changed. A wave much larger than the others picked their ship up and pushed it to the very top of the surf line. Now only the largest of the waves could lift their ship and only produced a violent rocking without the crashing and breaking of timbers. The near silence was enough to bring a cheer of joy from those aboard. Now they needed to wait for daylight.

  Jason had Jeremy take one of the lamps and go below to inspect the ship's hull. He soon returned, reporting, "The bilge is flooded and water is over the floorboards but seems not to be increasing."

  Their wait for the dawn was not long, and as the sky lightened to the east they began to make out features of the shoreline. They had landed on a moderately steep slope with large boulders leading to a small cliff face. Large trees were evident above, but they resembled not the trees of the Forest. Their trunks were covered by dried leaves which draped down, making them appear fur covered. They grew straight up without branches ending in a canopy of fronds. There was little vegetation other than the trees. While Jason was trying to make sense of the forest before him, Jeremy was busy planning a way to get ashore. The waves though small were enough to throw anyone attempting to swim to shore against the rocks. The water seemed too shallow for their small boat and without an adequate place to land.

  The boat was now healed over about thirty degrees towards the shore and Jeremy was studying their makeshift mast. It looked as if he could swing from a rope and land on one of the large rock outcroppings. If he could secure the line then others could move ashore safely. He presented his idea to Jason, who asked, "Is the mast strong enough to carry your weight?"

  Jeremy replied, "It was strong enough to sail our ship, and it will carry my weight."

  After Larby had checked all of the lines, Jeremy secured a line from the top of the mast in a loop under his arms. With a running start across the deck he swung out from the ship, almost reaching the rock outcropping before swinging back to the ship. Those on board caught him before he crashed into the base of the mast. Several more times he tried and came up just short of reaching the rock outcrop each time. Finally Edna said, "I am lighter and you could push me further. Let me try."

  On the third try she was able to plant her feet on the rock outcropping. Now she needed to secure the line. Unfortunately the outcropping had a smooth top without anything to secure the line to. She called back to the ship, "I need a cleat or wood wedge to drive into a crack in the rock."

  Jeremy climbed to the top of the mast, which caused the ship to list even more, and tied a loop around the line leading to Edna. He then slid the wood wedge down the line. The sag in the line caused the wedge to stop before reaching Edna. She and those in the boat had to shake the line to gradually move the wedge to within her reach. When she had secured the wedge the best she could, she secured the line to the wedge.

  Now Jeremy began sliding down the line with his legs crossed over the line and using his hands to lower himself. He pulled along a second line somewhat heavier than the first. With Edna's help he was able to pull himself up onto the rock outcropping. They then began climbing the cliff and secured the heavier line to the base of one of the trees.

  While Jeremy and Larby worked to secure additional lines, Edna scouted the area looking for signs of danger. There was no evidence of any human activity and many birds were present, but no other animals. She scouted around their natural harbor but left the further exploration for later.

  When the rope ladder was completed, the remainder of their crew came ashore with Jason waiting until the last. They brought ashore only that which they could carry easily. The first order of business was to provide shelter, and only after that task was complete did they begin to move more of their stores ashore. Edna and Jeremy were assigned the responsibility to complete a survey of the island looking for more suitable shelter.

  Jason insisted that the trunk of books he had found in the Captain's cabin be brought ashore, and they struggled greatly moving it along the rope ladder. By nightfall they had secured the majority of their stores and Edna and Jeremy had returned. Larby had provided fish for the meal along with seaweed which he had harvested. It was a satisfying meal although somewhat meager. The stories around the campfire seemed more genuine when told with the flickering of the light from the campfire. Everyone was tired and sleep came easily despite the persistent sensation of rocking they perceived as their bodies became accustomed again to the land.

  With the morning light came the sounds of the birds, which made further sleep impossible. After the breaking of the fast Jason set off with Jeremy and Edna to continue the survey of the island. He brought along a tablet of paper and was busy sketching all of the strange plants and birds he saw. This slowed the progress of exploration markedly, and Edna finally said, "Let us work as a team with one scouting ahead and one working with Jason to document what is new."

  For those of the Forest the island was a half-day walk across, but for Jason, who was so busy drawing, it would take a week to cross the island. On the far side of the island in the lee of the wind, there was an overhanging ledge which created several small caves. It looked out to sea but had not the safety of the harbor. The shore was reached only by scaling the cliff, but a small beach area was present at low tides. They arrived back at the main camp after darkness had fully developed. The others had already begun the evening meal.

  Only after the meal was finished did they report what they had found. Jason was most excited about having seen many new birds, but those listening were most interested in the comfort and safety the caves represented. They discussed at length the work involved in moving their camp and all decided the effort was worth it. Larby expressed his concern about leaving the ship, and Jason agreed that the ship represented a valuable resource. He doubted the ship would ever again float but the planks aboard the ship could be used to build other boats. A compromise was reached and the main camp would be moved, but a wo
rk party would be kept to harvest as much lumber as possible from the ship.

  The peace delegates from the North and South Kingdoms had never been involved with physical labor, and the move was particularly hard for them despite the help from the others. Larby and one of the guards stayed behind to work on harvesting materials for a boat. Jeremy and Edna became the primary providers, using their skills as hunters to provide meat enough for everyone. Jeremy was forever experimenting with the roots and seeds they found, trying to determine what was edible.

  The caves were small but well protected after they had erected walls of driftwood and fronds from the trees. They had a central cooking and eating area. Jason continually encouraged those who had never worked to participate more fully in the general welfare of the group, but they did so only with ongoing complaints, for this was a life for which they had no preparation. Jason himself had become a major contributor of eggs and edible plants. His huge bulk had decreased markedly and he found himself enjoying the physical exertion of exploration and collecting.

  They had been on the island for a full moon cycle when a small boat was seen approaching. Aboard were Larby and the guard who had been working with him at the ship. They beached the boat to cheering from all. They had adapted the small Captain’s skiff from their ship by adding a deeper keel and used a spar from their ship as the mast. The boat now supported two small logs on either side that were held out by booms crossing the boat. There was a fore and aft sail which Larby dropped as they beached the boat.

  That evening Larby told the group that he planned on setting sail by himself, trying to locate his people and secure their rescue. When Jason asked how he would find his way, Larby responded, "I will sail as my people have always done, using the currents and waves to find land and the stars to guide at night." He continued, "I will sail outbound for two weeks and then return if I have not found my people."

  Jason asked, "You can hold supplies for a four week journey in the small boat?"

  Larby said, "I will require only containers to store water and line for fishing. The sea will provide what I need."

  Jason was greatly troubled by the risk Larby was taking but knew not what other choice they had. He said, "If you would sail for your homeland I would expect it to lie yet to the north and somewhat west. We have not any charts for these waters but the stars are yet too low in the sky." He then asked, "How will you navigate without the compass?"

  Larby replied, "My people have always navigated without the compass. I will let the God of the Sea set my course." Larby explained how he was unable to feel the ocean properly while aboard the ship and needed the compass. In his small boat the currents and waves would tell him where the Great Cape was and from there his home.

  That evening the stories had a mixture of sadness and hope as they prepared for Larby's departure. With the morning light Larby loaded his small boat with containers for holding water and his fishing supplies. With the outgoing tide he departed. Those left marooned behind stood silently and watched as the small sail filled with wind and the distance between them and Larby grew ever larger. All too soon the boat was lost from sight and those ashore went back to surviving.

  Every day food needed to be collected and firewood obtained. Their diet continued to be a mix of things from the sea and from the land. Many of the birds were barely palatable because of their strong fishy flavor, and the eggs were becoming harder to obtain as the season progressed.

  Jeremy and Jason worked diligently to find edible plants to supplement their diet. Jeremy was always willing to try eating a little of almost anything despite Edna's warnings. The major find was that the large fruit of some of the trees had a large central nut with good flavor. The center of the nut was filled with a milky fluid which seemed quite satisfying. Another of the trees produced a hard black nut which could be cracked open only with a stone.

  Jeremy and Edna spent the morning harvesting the nuts and trying different ways of opening them without smashing the contents. One of the nuts was partially cracked opened and he used his teeth to finish opening it. Edna heard the sound of a cracking tooth and the grimace on Jeremy's face was proof. As Jeremy reached into his mouth and removed half of the tooth, Edna said, "Jeremy of Issip, by the God of the Sacred Water you must learn to be more careful!" She then asked, "Are you bleeding?"

  Jeremy replied, "No, but it does hurt a bit. I guess using our teeth may not be the best idea, but the nuts do taste good."

  That evening the stories were a little less colorful because Jeremy was in a somewhat dour mood due to the pain of his broken tooth. Edna did manage to entertain everyone with the story of its breaking.