“There was a man at the Anchor Inn called Bishop. He had some interesting things to say about a place called Breslau. Know of it?”
A twisted expression briefly crossed the Captain’s face before he controlled it. “I’ve sailed there. Long ago.”
“That’s not saying very much. I’m asking if you know the waters, the ports, and if chased, can The Rose out sail their ships?”
“I don’t like those people. What business could you possibly have there?”
Tanner hesitated. “Sir, that would be my business.”
A shrewd expression replaced the bland face the Captain tried to maintain. He drew in a long breath, then, as if making up his mind about something, he said, “The Rose is not a fighting ship, but a fast one. If you’re going to Breslau against their wishes, I’d be willing to help. As I said, I do not like the people there and would willingly be party to any pain you might cause them.”
“I’m sure you’ll understand my intent when I say that we’re considering hiring a captain for this ship. My expectation this morning was to come aboard and replace you. Now I’m not so sure.”
The Captain only nodded. His cheeks may have taken on a slightly redder tinge, but he waited for Tanner to continue.
“I am not a man of the sea, but I’ve been around a few. I have heard what it’s like out there, and I will not give up my life to a drunkard who mishandles a ship and makes mistakes. Or to one who does not care and allows his ship to fall into disgrace. Do I make myself clear?”
The Captain didn't back down. He stood stock still and said, “I do not drink at sea. I am still one of the best captains on this coast. However, I understand your concern. Perhaps a compromise is in order. Suppose that I continue to command and refit the ship, if that is your intent. If you are not satisfied with my leadership or find me lacking in any respect, put me ashore. After all, that is where I’d be in a month if you had not come along.”
Carrion might object to his decision. There seemed to be advantages to hiring a captain of their choice. But he had given Tanner the task to handle, which brought up the idea of who was in charge again. Tanner had to report back to the family council, but Carrion seemed to be making most of the decisions lately. On the other hand, a good leader allowed his subordinates the free hands to do what was needed. Subordinate. Carrion would laugh at that choice of words.
Still, it was Tanner’s decision to make, and as he spoke to Captain Jamison, he felt compelled to keep him in the position. If nothing else, Captain Jamison didn’t like Captain Brice of the Far Seeker, nor the land of Breslau. Besides, he had sailed there in the past. That was, at least, two items that pointed to Captain Jamison’s sound decision making.
Tanner said, “Sir, we do not wish to own a ship. Our intent is to cross the sea without being captured, and we have personal business to attend to, most of which are only to gather information. Seek out what we want and return safely. That information remains between you and me, for I have already said too much.”
“You have a point?” the Captain said, not unkindly.
“Yes. At the end of our venture, this ship may be returned to you. Nobody will know the circumstances of our deal but four or five of us. We have hired a first mate this morning in your absence, one of your old crew. A man named Fisher.”
“I know him, of course. But I already have a good first mate.”
“As of now, there is no crew on the ship. You should also know that your first mate sailed on another ship days after you docked. Fisher held the same position on another ship, and during our time aboard, he is the only sailor we found working.”
“Your specific destinations?”
“Unknown. We intend to explore. Beyond the Marlstones.” Tanner watched for the reaction.
The Captain extended his hand to shake. “You are the owners. I am the Captain. We’ll do this thing together, and I pledge my support no matter the outcome. It’ll feel good to be at sea and if my ship is returned to me, so be it. If not, I’ll find another.”
Tanner took the hand. He felt encouraged and hoped the partnership would work. The Captain would be watched closely during the next few days. If he didn’t measure up, they’d replace him. Simple as that. When he opened the door to the Captain’s cabin, he caught the look of shock and disgust on the Captain’s face before he steeled himself and stepped out into the clutter of the passageway as if this was the first he’d seen of it. Perhaps it was the first time while sober.
They made a quick tour of the ship. Tanner found most of the problems were more cosmetic in nature, after the trash. Anything that was normally replaced annually was worthless. But the bones of the ship, as the Captain called them, were sound.
Carrion was on the pier speaking with a man taking notes. He led Captain Jamison to them. Carrion gave Tanner a questioning look, but he ignored it.
The man was the surveyor and had already made a detailed list of what was needed. He had three pages of items, all available locally. He said a competent crew could have the ship ready in five days after delivery, but he had stressed the word, ‘competent.' Looking around at the others on the pier, most of whom had recently been run off of the ship, Tanner understood.
Tanner pulled the Captain aside. “How many are the usual crew?”
“Two officers, me and another navigator. A cook. A first mate and ten or twelve others. The Rose almost sails herself, but you still need people at the helm around the clock.”
Tanner glanced at the men lounging on the pier. “Any of them worth taking back?”
“I have never seen most of those men. No, I can hire better than that this morning.”
The answer satisfied Tanner. He would have worried if the Captain had wanted any of the men. Fisher appeared, pulling a cloth sack filled with refuse from the main deck. He went back for more.
The surveyor left, and Carrion handed the Captain the list of materials. “Does that look about right?”
After examining the list, the Captain said, “He didn’t include foodstuffs for a voyage. The rest looks complete, but all that is going to cost dearly. Can you afford it?”
“What’s your estimate?”
“I’d say that by the time you’re done, a large gold piece or more. Not a thin gold, but a full.”
“The surveyor guessed about the same. We can afford it. I assume that you’re going to sail with us?” Carrion reached to shake the Captain’s hand without asking Tanner any questions or showing any doubts in the decision.
Devlin helped the first mate remove more trash from the ship, then both returned to the ship for more. Captain Jamison said, “I suppose I’d better go hire some help before they have the entire ship clean.”
He turned away as Captain Brice walked down the gangplank of the black ship. He wore all black again, as did his crew. He tipped his hat as he approached Captain Jamison. He spoke loud enough for all to hear, “Getting her all cleaned up for me?”
“I’d sink her first,” Captain Jamison spat.
“I hear you don’t even own The Rose anymore.”
“And you never will.” Captain Jamison spun and headed for the shore.
Captain Brice, however, walked to Carrion’ side and said, “I’d like to talk to you about buying The Rose. Save you the time and effort patching her up, and you’d make a tidy profit.”
Carrion smiled thinly and said, “You’re talking to the wrong person. I work for him.” He pointed to Tanner and then turned his back.
Thanks a lot. Now he finally admits I’m the boss. Tanner said, “She’s not for sale. But I appreciate your warning about Racine being dangerous. The same thing can be told about strangers.”