The Crown of blood

IV

The crew heaved up bundles of spears, shields and swords to the landship, while Furlthia kept a tally of everything being loaded on a wax tablet. When the last box was being hoisted up, filled with bronze mail links, the first mate handed the tablet over to Meaghran.

"What's this?" the commander asked.

"We'll need your mark on this so that we can take the cargo into Magilnada," replied Furlthia. "Just to avoid too many questions. What happens after that won't be your problem."

Meaghran slipped a heavy ring from his left hand and pressed its embossed design into the wax. He handed the wax slate back to Furlthia. Anglhan joined them as the commander was putting the ring back on.

"This is yours," said the debt guardian, placing a sack of coins in Meaghran's hands. He glanced at the Carlanghian warriors who had gathered around the landship and raised his voice. "I've put in a little extra for your men; a thanks for their help in loading."

Meaghran growled in irritation.

"I could have my men take you prisoner right now," he said. "It'd be a justice if I did."

"Why don't you?" Anglhan asked innocently.

Furlthia edged a little closer to his captain, fingers on the handle of the knife at his waist. He looked over his shoulder and was pleased to see most of the landship crew were done with the loading. They lined the side of the deck, wiping their sweaty bodies, winking and waving at the local women. A few suggestive calls rang around the square. Several of the men lounged close to one of the spear throwers, the sharp point of its bolt aimed towards Meaghran. Barias was with them. The chieftain grinned at the group on the ground.

"We're not brigands," Meaghran said between clenched teeth. "Get out of here. May the spirits shit in your mouths while you sleep."

Furlthia followed his captain up the side of the landship and puffed with relief when the chocks were stowed and the beat of the drum sounded. The vessel turned laboriously around the square and headed back out of the gate, followed by several dozen warriors. The landship headed towards the river.

"I don't think you'll be coming back here in a hurry," said Barias.

"I don't think we'll be back here, ever," said Furlthia.

"Oh, I don't know," Anglhan said with a smile. "I'm sure Meaghran and me will be doing business again sometime."

"He'll cut open your guts for sure," said Furlthia. Anglhan plucked the ship manifest from his mate's fingers and planted a light kiss upon it.

"Not while I have proof that Meaghran sold weapons to escaped slaves," he said with a wink and a satisfied chuckle. "Never let a fish out of the net unless you have to, my friends."

V

The weather was worsening by the time the landship returned to Thunder Pass. Twice on the journey back flash floods had swept across the mountains, bringing deluges with them. Light rain pattered on the deck and splashed from the sail as the crew steered the landship along the rutted road leading up the valley.

A large congregation of rebels waited for them outside the caves, Aroisius and his lieutenants at the front. Anglhan was eager and scrambled down the side netting before the landship had rumbled to a halt. He crossed the rocky valley floor almost at a run, a broad smile on his face.

"Success!" he cried out. "The spirits have blessed our endeavours. I bring you a cargo more precious than gold or rubies or iron. I bring you freedom!"

There was a ragged cheer from some of the assembled rebels, but Aroisius's expression remained stern. He eyed Anglhan carefully.

"You have my gratitude," said Aroisius. "How much did you pay?"

Anglhan had expected suspicion, but he was prepared for it.

"It is of no matter. Consider this equipment my gift to your cause."

"That is not necessary," said Aroisius. "I will cover half of the payment, as we agreed."

"Certainly not," said Anglhan in his most insistent tone. "We have the weapons already. Those askharins of yours can be put to far better use than simply swapping between our pockets. Think of the welcome you will have in Magilnada when, as the new lord of the city, you are able to show your generosity with a few well-placed donations to the local shrines and elders. What I have brought you might be the means to take the city, but it is only you that will be able to keep it."

Anglhan saw Aroisius's stern demeanour flicker as he imagined the scene, a hint of a smile at the corner of his lips. It passed in a moment.

"Start unloading," barked the rebel leader. He bent close to Anglhan as the rebels swarmed towards the landship. "I know that you are not doing this out of belief in my cause. What is it that you hope to gain? Where is your profit going to come from, slaver?"

Anglhan quickly considered his alternatives and decided that a protestation of innocence would fall on deaf ears. The truth would be better at this stage. Or a half-truth.

"You're right, Lord," he said conspiratorially. "My profit will come when you control Magilnada. You'll need someone to help run the city, taking care of the boring day-to-day affairs. A man in that position receives all sorts of attention; gifts from those who want his ear, business from those who want his favour. There's no reason for us to be at odds over this. I want you to rule the city; you want to rule the city. We both get what we want. I've already given you my ship, my debtors, and now a sizeable cargo of weapons. What more can I do to persuade you that I want you to succeed?"

"If you remain loyal, and useful, I could include you in my council," replied Aroisius. "I know you think I am blinded by my lofty ambitions, but do not think that I see the world as a child. I know how power works. Just remember not to get greedy. That can get a man into trouble."

"It certainly can," said Anglhan.