Lord of the High Reaches by James Haddock

Author:James Haddock [Haddock, James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Matron Publishing
Published: 2021-02-02T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

“Excuse me, M'lord."

"Yes, Fredrick?"

"A skyship is approaching. It appears it may land."

Lord Windford stood. "Thank you. We'll be there presently.”

When Fredrick was gone, Michael looked at me. "A skyship? Friends of yours?"

"Possibly."

Once outside, we could see it was one of my cargo ships. When she landed, Captain La-mar came down the ramp.

"Good to see you, my friend," I said, shaking his hand.

"You as well."

I turned to the Windfords. "Captain La-mar, may I introduce Lord Windford, his wife Lady Windford, and their son, Lord Michael."

La-mar bowed, "M'lords, M'lady."

"Well met, Captain La-mar," Lord Windford said. "It has been some time since a skyship has visited us. Please come in and be welcome."

Inside, there was hot tea, coffee, and pastries. "I've brought letters and packets for you and news on our trade," La-mar said, taking them out of his shoulder bag.

"What news on trade?"

"We have been making trips south and southeast and doing very well. Lady Isla's contacts have opened many doors and opportunities."

He handed me a list of cargo he was now carrying. With Lord Windford looking over my shoulder, we scanned the list of over 300 items, which included linen, wines, precious stones, perfumes, amber, ceramics, and paper.

"My goodness! Tell me you are leaving this cargo at your trading house here," Lord Windford implored.

La-mar nodded. "That was the intent unless my partner has other plans,"

"There’s an empty warehouse ready for you," I answered. "Have it unloaded while I read these letters and packets."

The large packet had King Micha’s seal. It contained the royal decree of my appointment as Baron Du-cat and assignment of lands, including a map. Looking at the map, I owned a lot of land, which meant I owed a lot of taxes. There were also 10 bank notes for 5000 sovereigns each and a letter from King Micha.

It read:

My friend, I hope this finds you well. Isla and Alyse send their best. We are most grateful for the drawings you sent us. They were well done. We have word of unwanted company, heading southeast and southwest. Maybe you have friends in the area who can persuade them to go home. We look forward to your next visit. It was signed M.

Must be a royal thing to sign informal letters with just an initial. I was guessing the banknotes was for the drawing of pump wheel gun.

The next letter was from Alyse. It was written in clannish.

Cam, I hope you are well. Mother and I are fine, but it is rather boring without you around. I have been keeping up my clannish, and mother has found me a tutor who is fluent in the language. I miss you and hope to see you soon. Your friend, Alyse.

The last letter was from Isla.

“I hope this letter finds you well. Alyse and I are doing fine. We have been keeping busy, me with trade, Alyse with clannish. Since the Greenwell's failed coup attempt, they were stripped of all lands and assets. Most were killed in the fighting, the rest were executed.

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