The Master of Magic by James E Wisher

Author:James E Wisher [Wisher, James E]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sand Hill Publishing

Chapter 21

Stephan had never traveled by ship before and he hoped to only have to do it one more time. The rolling and heaving left him sickened for three days before he finally got used to the motion. That wasn’t as bad as some of his men, but it was bad enough.

Now at least he could stand at the rail and not want to empty his stomach into the sea. On the horizon, the westernmost of Markane’s outer islands was getting bigger by the moment. After the miserable trip, Stephan was ready to kill someone, preferable several someones.

“My lord?” Captain Wainwright said. “If you wish to prepare your men, we’ll be at the anchorage in about an hour and a half.”

“We’re not going right to their docks?” Stephan asked.

“They’re not deep enough for a ship our size. The only place we could dock is the capital and none of us wants to go anywhere near there. We put on extra-large longboats for this trip. We can land you all in four trips. I’ve selected a secluded beach a mile west of the nearest town. It’ll be an easy mark once you’re ready.”

Stephan didn’t care for the idea of being out on the water exposed to enemy arrows with no protection, but if they were far enough away from any people it should be okay. Besides, it didn’t seem like he had much choice.

“Do what you must, Captain. The sooner I’m off this ship, the happier I’ll be.”

Captain Wainwright nodded and returned to his place at the ship’s wheel. Stephan pushed away from the rail and clattered down the narrow steps to the lower deck. A pair of Lux crystals illuminated the hold which had been converted to carry people rather than cargo. Not that anyone did much beyond hanging up hammocks, but whatever, they made the trip safely and that was what mattered.

Most of the mercenaries were sitting on the deck in small groups playing dice or cards. Stephan’s own troops were polishing their swords and armor. The moment they spotted him, the guards leapt to their feet.

“We’ll be making landfall soon,” Stephan said. “Whatever preparation you need to make, I suggest you make them. I want everyone on deck and ready for battle in one hour.”

He caught the eye of the mercenary captain, Jost, and nodded off to one side. The scarred warrior joined him and raised a bushy eyebrow. “My lord?”

Stephan told him the captain’s intentions then said, “I was thinking we should have everyone keep a shield handy. I doubt there’ll be trouble, but better to take precautions.”

Jost nodded. “I’ll spread the word. Do we march on the town immediately or wait until morning?”

“Immediately. If they have lookouts posted, someone is bound to see our ship. I don’t want to give them a chance to set a trap. Besides, a warm bed with a warm woman in it would suit me very well after all this time at sea.”

Jost smiled. “Likewise. I assume the havoc order still stands?”

“Of course.

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