War Preparations - Part V - Numinous Gleann

"Captain, the blue dragon circles the dock up ahead" One-eyed Jack pointed to the dock from the crow's nest. Boris motioned for him to come down to the main deck where he assembled the men.

"Gentlemen, this must be the place called Numinous Gleann. I will disembark with Lieutenant Bombardin to meet Mr. Glasgow. Razulah will be in charge until our return. Keep an eye out for Marak, make sure he is fed if he decides to perch himself on deck. Also keep an eye out for black seagulls coming back with messages.

The drumbeat started and got louder as the "Dragon" could be seen nearing the dock. Many torches were lit which made it easier to dock the ship and once docked Boris and Dwalin disembarked. An impeccably dressed man who introduced himself as the Captain of the guard led them to the town center.

This was an extraordinary sight, The statue of the dragon from a battle in the past. The statues of the three virtues, the market. All these points of interest were shown by the Captain of the Guard as he explained the meaning of each. The city of Ardoris was adjoined and its bright lights could be seen at a short distance.

A few minutes later a tall elegantly dressed man stood in front of them and from his demeanor Boris could tell this was Governor Glasgow.

"Captain Boris Mondragon at your service sir, this is Lieutenant Dwalin Bombardin, my executive officer. Your Guard Captain has shown us the main points of interest and I must say that I am impressed by the beauty of your town and the strategic defense points we have seen. We have much to talk about and little time to prepare for what I expect to be dangerous time ahead".

 

“I am pleased to make your acquaintance Captain. My apologies that I was not here to greet you, but I was making arrangements concerning your arrival. Captain Raine, are you satisfied by now that the ship and her crew are not a threat?”

“Yes, I am satisfied there isn’t a threat here.”

Captain Mondragon and Lieutenant Bombardin watched as Governor Glasgow slowly raised his hand to waist height and moved his hand downward from wrist to fingertips. Captain Raine looked to the roofs of the town, while Captain Mondragon followed his eyes upward. Scanning across the rooftops of the town, he saw archers at the ready who were lowering their weapons and leaving the roofs.

“Captain Mondragon, I hope you can understand Captain Raine always errs on the side of caution. He follows my orders, but always seems to find some excuse, as he put it for “latitude” in what I want done. I can’t complain, he and I shed blood in many a battle and he risked his life to save mine even before he joined the guard.”

“Captain as you see from the crowd approaching, as I said I was making arrangements for your arrival. I called upon Gloria, the barkeep who was elected by the Merchant Society as their representative. She has gathered the merchants to be sure your ship is supplied with whatever you need. She has also brought tailors, carpenters, and healers to attend to your ship and men. My manor is just beyond the greenhouses, you and I can adjourn there to talk in private. I am sure your important errand here is weighing on your mind still.”

“Gloria, be sure the merchants and craftsmen know that I am providing payment for all goods and services to the “Dragon” and her crew. The usual arrangement, see my Royal Treasurer after the ship leaves port. Also tell Phillip that if he tries to double bill on carpentry repairs again, the Wheel of Pain hasn’t been used lately and I am sure it would love a visitor. Captain Mondragon, let us be off to eat and discuss your news.”

 

Boris was indeed impressed by the defenses of Numinous Gleann and the military precision displayed by Captain Raine. "Sir Frederick, I would be proud to have smart military leaders aboard my ship like your Captain here. I see ye employs the use of hand signals which is paramount in the heat of battle. Lieutenant Bombardin will escort Captain Raine back to our ship as I have a present for ye. Tis a silver cannon, one of four that I have taken from a hidden hold deep within our ship. I have given one to Duke William Serenite and would like for you to have one and mayhaps your craftsmen can duplicate them. The range of this cannon is twice as far and twice as accurate as the others I have seen in my travels".

Boris watched Lieutenant Bombardin lead Captain Raine and a small retinue of his men toward the "Dragon". He looked at Gloria and tipped his hat to her. "Milady, our men could sure use a hot meal, they have been limited to sea rations since we left Serenite. Also, if it is not too much trouble can we have two sides of fresh beef for our dragon Marak?" He noticed Gloria's eyes open wide and a quizzical look from Mr. Glasgow at the mention of a dragon.

"Marak will not harm ye. He is formidable and has helped us since we took our ship from a rather unsavory lord in Brittany Harbor. He leads us on our voyage and must have worked up an appetite by now". Boris noticed Gloria relax a bit at those words and Mr. Glasgow smile at him. "Sir if we can have some words in private there is something you should know".

Mr. Glasgow's Manor was a sight to behold. He was indeed a wealthy man and from the look on the faces of his people it seemed they held him in high esteem. Upon arrival at the manor both men sat down by the fireplace at which point Boris brought out the journal that detailed the sinister plans of invasion and enslavement the Dark one in Necropolis had issued to his minions and followers. He sat back enjoying the warmth of the fire as he watched Mr. Glasgow read the journal slowly and deliberately. "Mr. Glasgow, I hope you understand the urgency of my mission. I can sense we are close to Necropolis and feel the Magic of the dark one at work there. Watch the ocean as many ghostly ships come and go under his lead. We will sink as many as we can along the way to our next destination. I would love to stay here a few days and compare strategy yet my time runs short. I hope ye can assist with the nearby towns not on the coast and to inform Ardoris of the perils ahead."

Boris saw the man's worried look yet he knew this man would help prepare and save as many as he could just like William Serenite and Catherine Rose. He thanked the Sea Goddess in his thought for having met three formidable allies on his travels. He thought with the help of Lady Catherine Rose, Duke William Serenite and Mr. Frederick Glasgow we stand a chance against the evil that lurks poised to strike Novia. He also hoped others to whom he had sent Black Seagulls with his message would answer before it was too late.

 

As I looked at the pages, the sinister plan unfolded before me. Necropolis was well know for the evil contained within, but I never thought the grasp of the Evil One would dare reach out in the way described within the journal. The hard fought victory years earlier against Rethos, the old name of the dragon who nearly destroyed us in taking Numinous Gleann, had never left my dreams. Yet here was a sea captain who was accompanied by a dragon.

The town reminded some of family members lost, who carry the weight of the burden daily, being reminded of their death here. And now I will have to call on them again, to find the strength to do what must be done. Gloria, the barkeep had lost her husband and both sons to the dragon. It has taken her years to attempt to move on. And the rumors of her and my Captain of the Guard taking strolls together when he was off duty has reached my ears thru my wife, Lady Glasgow 3 weeks ago. I knew well what the toll war could take, yet I knew there was no question that we would answer the call.

I looked at the server, Asilla “Send everyone to their quarters; they can clean up when the Captain and I are done here. Also send Antos the scribe here, tell him it is most urgent.” Antos walked in and looked at me; I could see by his expression that my face was telling a story.

“Antos, I need you to take a message and make copies to Ardoris and the surrounding southern towns. I also need you to draft letters of introductions to the Governors of the towns for members of the Swift League. When you are done and you WILL be done quickly, bring the messages, letters of introduction and the Swift League members to me. I will inspect the documents and use my seal on them” Antos, after writing the message I dictated with eyes that expanded to the size of gold coins, arose to go about his task. “Antos, you will not speak of any of this to anyone, if you do I will consider it treason. The telling of this to the town’s people and the guards falls to me.”

As Antos hurried away, my eyes turned again to Captain Boris Mondragon. What a heavy burden this must be to carry, yet he doesn’t complain. “Captain I will accompany you to your ship, for however long you remain, I will make certain our townsfolk, merchants and crafters work hard to get your ship and crew back up to speed. Let us make hast back to your ship, so we both can spend time preparing. I will need to talk to my Captain of the Guard in private before Antos returns.”

 

Boris smiled at the quick decision making done by Mr. Glasgow. He knew if at least one leader emerged from the four major regions in this continent then his mission was accomplished whether or not he survived Necropolis. Both men walked toward the "Dragon" and pointing to different defensive points the layout of Numinous Glenn offered. "Mr. Glasgow, I have heard many stories about Ardoris and visited it once. The nobles there are so interested in their riches and appearance that you may have a major influx of people coming here for you to defend them"

Marak landed next to the big men without making much noise and a few screams were heard. The large blue dragon walked towards Boris and held out his snout for him. Boris reached up and lightly patted the large beast. "It seems you have a sense of urgency, have you fed yet?" "YESss we fed him Captain" said Gloria shaking in fear.

Boris turned to Mr. Glasgow "Sir, I know your town's story talks about dragons and disaster yet maybe the dark one had them controlled to do his bidding. Maybe he has influenced the Oracles as well with his magic. It may sound like a conspiracy yet anything is possible. This has become a world of lies and intrigue".

"Captain, the repairs are complete, the ship stocked and the men and your four legged winged friend have had a good meal. We are ready to go upon command". It was Lieutenant Bombardin who had taken care of all the little details that made the "Dragon" an efficient warship.

Boris extended his hand to Mr. Glasgow and spoke in low hushed tone. "You are a good man Frederick Glasgow and I am glad to have met you. Let us pray our work is not in vain and we meet the danger head on. We might just have stories to tell our future grandchildren one day". Boris took his leave after both men had said their farewells and made it to the ship when his eyes turned red again. "Razulah". The large priest picked Boris up slowly and gave the word "To the west, follow Marak, the closeness of Necropolis reaches our captain again"

Marak took flight circling Numinous Gleann until the "Dragon" left the docks and led the ship on its westward track.

 

Looking at the ship, Captain and the dragon as they disappeared into the mist, I could only wonder what they townsfolk were thinking. I probably had a good idea what was running through their minds. I turned to see everyone, poor Gloria almost falling from fear at the sight of the dragon, I am certain those memories of our fights and the loss of her husband and son were fresh in her mind.


I saw my wife standing by the Statue of Love, ever so graceful, her face telling me she was doing her best to put on a brave face at the sight of a dragon in the town. “Lady Glasgow, could you please escort Gloria with your guards back to her shop and then to her home?” She nodded and moved to where Gloria stood.


“Everyone, I know you all have questions, but the answers will come on the morrow. For today, go back to your shops; see my Royal Treasurer first time in the morning to turn in your bills and receive what is due you.” Phillip, the carpenter was looking at the ground instead of at me. “Phillip, look at me”, his head raised as he sheepishly stared at me. “Do not think it has not reached my ears how you have been profiting off the townsfolk. I have no issue with anyone making a profit, but what you have done to your neighbors is beyond reasonable. I am sure going forward you will be more honest with your bills?” His face flushed red from embarrassment as he nodded yes, which I am sure will keep him in line going forward.


“Tomorrow at noon, everyone meet at the town theatre, I will answer all your questions then. Get a good night’s rest; you have all more than earned it.” Captain Raine I need to speak to you, alone.” He watched as Gloria left with my wife, I know being with me was not his first choice of where he wanted to be, but he always put his duty before his personal life. I leaned in and whispered to him for nearly 10 minutes, giving him details of what had transpired during the “Dragons” visit. “Start preparations tomorrow, I am not so blind that I do not see you want to comfort a certain barkeep tonight” His eyes opened wide with shock, which made me crack a smile. “My friend, comfort her while you can, for the day will come when our swords will be put to the test again and there will be no time for that.”


I looked to see Antos approaching with the members of the Swift League. I inspected the documents and used my seal on them. He handed the documents to each one. “This is the most important task I have given you. Seek the Captain of the Guard in each town; show the letter of introduction I have sent. Be certain without delay you are presented to the Governor, Lord or Council of the town, which ever leadership there is for the town you are assigned. It says on the message on the outside whom it is to be delivered to. No taverns, inns or barmaids until you have done what I have asked of you. Each town will make their decision and respond to me in kind. Now off with you all.”


I watched as they faded into the mist and turned to walk to my keep. I stopped and inquired of Antos. “Did you breathe a word of this to anyone?” “No I dare not, not even my wife” “Good I will see you tomorrow at the town gathering at noon.” I would try to sleep tonight when my wife returned, but I had too much on my mind for sleep. An Evil was making plans and I knew my thoughts would never let me sleep this night, nor many other.

 

My wife, Lady Glasgow was always running a little late, no matter where we went, today she was waiting on me. “You always kid me about holding you up”, she said with a laugh, “Are we leaving anytime soon?” I glanced up at her from my desk in our living quarters, “Yes my Lady, I am dragging my feet on purpose, I want to be sure everyone is there before we arrive, so everyone hears what I have to say for themselves.” I arose from the chair, gathered myself and moved toward her. Taking her arm in mine, we walked together to the theatre to give the townsfolk the news I had received the day before from Captain Boris Mondragon.


As we approached one of the front entrances, there stood my Captain of the Guard, Raine. His face bore the seriousness of today’s proceedings, as I looked at him he nodded in my direction. “Captain Raine, summon the men inside.” He glanced to his aid, and gave the order. The aid, Alphos quickly grabbed the drum and played the signal to enter the doors. As one, I saw from the entrance the guards slipped inside, still standing by the entrances.


We made our way in and Lady Glasgow took a seat beside Asilla, our cook. I walked up the stairs and onto the stage. Looking at everyone, worry was spread across their faces, worry of the unknown. “Guards, sit with your family, friends, loved ones. I want you with them.” Without any hesitation, the guards went and sat down. Although the news I had was of a serious nature, more serious than anything since the dragon we killed, I had to control myself and not smile when Captain Raine went and sat next to Gloria the barkeep.


“Friends, we have worked hard to create a loving, friendly town after our defeat of the dragon Rethos. I need not remind you of the family and friends we lost over those seven days. And some of those wounds to many are still fresh as if it were yesterday. There are some entire families missing being here today, because they gave their all to the fight. And many of you sitting here still bare the physical scars from those days long battles. Asilla, whom you all know is employed in our home, still carries the scars from the dragon’s breath as she brought food to those of us fighting the dragon on the rise where Mountain Top Tavern is now. Everyone here, in one fashion or another, paid a price for this land we now call home.”


I moved my eyes across the crowd; many eyes were swelling with tears. I needed them to know full well that I knew the cost of what I was about to say. “Captain Boris Mondragon brought news of a threat, a threat not only to us, but to all the lands, every city, town and people.” The gasp that I heard at that moment felt like a swirling wind upon my ears. “He brought news that a great evil, the Dark one in Necropolis had issued orders to his minions and followers. Soon there will be a fight we must join to not only save the town, but all the lands. He told of ghost ships that are traveling, that we must be on watch for and ready to fight against. Captain Mondragon also gave us a silver cannon, its range is twice as far as most. Captain Raine will gather crafters to study and duplicate the cannon. It is important that we start to prepare now for the coming weeks and months.”


“As many of you know, my farm is one of the largest in the Southern portion of the lands. I am therefore converting the arena under my home into cold storage, the temperature will be easier to control underground with ice. And it will also be easier to defend, because the entrance is in my home and there is only one way into the basement.” I looked across the faces of the townsfolk, many still in shock. I would have to break them from its grip. “I looked at William, one of the blacksmiths, “William, are you certain about your role when war is declared?” He nodded yes to me. ‘You each have been told many times what your role is in war and when you hear the drums, you know the enemy is close by. When you leave here today, consider us at war. We will not be caught unaware, nor will be caught without weapons of war. Captain Raine will double the guards going forward, but without us pulling together, no preparation will be enough. We need each other…I need each of you, once again, to do what must be done, not just for our town, but for every town.”


“If you have specific questions, which I am sure many of you do, it is time to ask them.” Many rose to their feet to be called upon for their question. This day was far from over.