Mistakes and Regrets

The crew of the Fancy were gathered on the deck to pay their respects to the last of the sailors who had given their lives in their recent naval battle. John Shepard had served as a Commander in the Ithican military for many years. He had served under William once, and the two had been friends. Shepard had fought bravely to protect other crew members at the cost of his own life. Kearnley stepped forward and began to sing. Kearnley sang a mournful sea shanty in honour of their lost brother.

Waves are surging under,

Haul away down Channel,

Haul away down Channel,

On the evening tide.

When your sailing’s over,

Haul away for Heaven,

Haul away for Heaven,

Yod be by your side.

It’s time to go now,

Haul away your anchor,

Haul away your anchor,

It’s our sailing time.

William nodded to Kearnley in respect. Say what you would of the man and his other faults, but he had a lovely singing voice. They each paid their respects to John and proceeded to cover him in a shroud. They weighted him down, and William paid his final respects to him as Shepard was committed to the sea.

“May the waves bring ye peace and forever be watching over us.” William called out.

The crew dispersed, but William stayed to watch, shedding one last tear as he grimly wondered how many other friends this journey would cost him.

******

William had gathered Jack, Thorvenhold and Oliver in his cabin a few hours later.

“Are the crew of The Wren ready, Jack?” William

"As much as they can be at short notice.” Jack answered.

“It will have to be enough,” William replied.

“When do we set sail for Tabakkust?” Jack asked

“Within the hour. If the weather is merciful, we should make it in two weeks. Three if we hit rough waters.” William advised

Oliver felt his stomach lurch at William’s description of their potential journey.

“That place has quite the bloody history. Originally held by Mercied.” Oliver exclaimed excitedly.

"Where Gravière was betrayed by his men. The Mercs handed it over to the Web not long after I think they were glad to be rid of the place.” William commented.

“Fearless, mental bastard. The only Mercian commander to attack Ragnar colonies. Gave as good as he got. The only Mercian naval commander you’ll hear someone raise a horn to in a tavern in The Midden.”

“The Ithica and Merican fleets had been engaged in some vicious fights. It was one of those that took Ken’s leg. Ithica beat them back to Pamacca, which was their name for Tabakkust. His men knew they were outnumbered. Gravière wanted them to lead one final glorious charge. His men executed him and surrendered to the Ithican fleet. I heard the Mercs shot the lot of them to cover it up.” William explained.

“I really am ignorant of the history of my country. Tabakkust serves mostly as a stopover point for ships heading to the mainland,” Jack told them.

“We can resupply there when we go to meet Abigail. Kitty will probably be pleased at some variety.” William said.

The meeting concluded Oliver and Jack left the room. Only Thorvehold remained a look of concern was on his face.

“What troubles you? William asked.

“Did you ever go and see her after the expedition fell apart?”

“I couldn’t face her. I wouldn’t have had the answers she wanted regarding her father. I still don’t, but I need what her father wrote.”

“And Edward is waiting for us. I owe him for this.” Thorvenhold pointed towards the scar on his torso.

“Sooner or later all of our debts will be repaid.”

“I just hope we aren’t paying in blood, William.”

The Ragnar departed, leaving William to his thoughts.

*******

Oliver had been highly relieved that the journey away from Lovenskoid had been far smoother than the approach. They had turned north away from Still Water and towards Tabakkust a week ago. They had moored in a small cove a few days away so William and Jack could discuss their next steps. Their ships were docked alongside each other, and both men were perched on the railing of their respective ships.

“So the plan is The Fancy heads to Tabakkust to dock, and I take The Wren to scout these coordinates?” Jack reiterated

“Aye. I don’t know what William has planned. Be cautious, Jack. I don’t know how long I intend to stay here.”

The ships were unlinked, and The Fancy set off towards its destination. Their approach to Tabakkust was far more peaceful than their arrival at Lovenskoid several weeks ago. They docked without interference he watched Master Rourke discussing things with the harbourmaster from a distance. He overheard Timothy saying it was a short stop so they could resupply before heading elsewhere.

Tabakkust was a small but important port, there was a small defensive sea wall and lighthouse. It was built on a hill, and most of the houses looked to be. Oliver could make out warehouses and what looked to be a vibrant, bustling market. There were several houses atop the hillside, of various sizes. He could see what looked to be the governor’s residence but noted it was a far smaller place than Restan’s abode.

As The Fancy had docked, none of them had noticed the obese man stood on the sea wall watching for ships coming in. He started to run once he had seen the ship he was watching for, he had to stop several times to catch his breath, but ran to a spot that had been agreed upon near some trees surrounding a cliff that overlooked the port. He started a small fire and left it burning for some time before extinguishing it.

Oliver saw William, Thorvenhold, Kitty and young Finn gathering by the gangplank. Oliver approached them.

“Stay with the ship, Oliver. I know you are excited to explore and meet Abigail. I apologise for disappointing you. I want to keep this to members of the expedition. Kitty and young Finn will be getting supplies in the marketplace.” William told him.

Oliver felt disappointed but understood William’s decision. “I’ll help out with preparations on the ship. I’m sure Ken could use some assistance.”

“Aye. I’m sure he will appreciate the help.” William replied.

Oliver was happy to help out. He had been uncertain of his place on The Fancy and mostly considered himself a guest during their trip to Lovenskoid. Heading towards Tabakkust, however, he had felt restless and started helping out with in whatever way he could onboard. This frequently involved himself assisting Kitty in the kitchens or if Master Rourke was feeling particuarly uncharitable swabbing out the latrines.

Oliver watched the four of them depart the vessel with a pang of disappointment. He heard the comforting clack of Ken’s leg next to him.

“Cheer up, lad. I’ve got some lovely crates for us to move. I might even find some rum for us.” Old Ken said cheerfully.

Oliver couldn’t help but laugh at the old sailor’s remark.

**

William led the way through harbour up to the marketplace. He was overwhelmed by the smell of spices, fish and fresh bread. He handed Kitty some extra coin so he could get extra supplies to create something special for the crew tonight. He knew that he needed to do something to lift their spirits. The crew had been tense ever since they had encountered those ships a few weeks ago. The possibility of Edward lying in wait for them somewhere hung over their heads uneasily. They left Kitty and Finn to gather supplies in the market. The young lad had been very excited at the prospect of seeing somewhere new. William almost envied young Finn’s enthusiasm he seemed blissfully unaware of the dangers that could await them as part of this journey.

William and Thorvenhold walked to Johanne’s manor in silence. William recalled Johannes advising him that he had been gifted the place some years before the expedition. It had been a small holding the Church had owned on the island and given to Johannes in return for some work he had done for the Church. William recalled Johannes suggesting it had mostly been due to it being too expensive to maintain and having little idea what to do with it. They had foisted it onto Johannes and made it his problem.

The place was somewhat ramshackle and a little rundown. The house stood on its own and had a reasonable garden. He saw there was a considerable flower and herb garden either Abigail was a keen horticulturist, or she paid people to tend to things. The house itself was a two-storey place, although it was wider than it was tall. There was a slate roof, which he noted had holes in various places. He reluctantly stepped up to the front door and knocked.

The door was opened partially, and a young blonde woman in her late twenties, wearing a white linen coif around her head and a millstone ruff, had most of her hair tucked into the hat, but a few strands hung loose. She was wearing a loose blue dress and black leather shoes. The look on her face was one of surprise at first and then a scowl when she recognised who was at her door.

“I think you are late, William.” Abigail growled at him.