Chapter 1: Arrivals (Part 7)

Dekllon stood at the point where the beach sloped down to the water, preferring not to go down to the sea. Perhaps by virtue of his slightly higher elevation, it was he that first saw the long line of black spots that appeared on the horizon.

“I say! What’s that?”

“Ships! Lots of them! Can’t say if they are Erennin or not, though.”

“Let them come closer, meanwhile one of you get back and tell them to prepare to evacuate Maksuma.” The town, its name meaning ‘first-born’, was completely unprepared to withstand any attack at all; it did not even have the meagrest suggestion of a palisade wall, much less anything more permanent. The only chance of survival the crew of the expedition had was to hide in the nearby forests until the attackers left. In a state of highest tension, getting ready to run at any moment, they watched as the long line of ships came into sight; twenty in the first line, many more visible behind that leading line. It was not a raid of any sort; it was an army about to land. Dekllon found himself nervously fingering his tunic, gripped it instead. Squinting in the sun, Dekllon searched for signs of the ships’ identities.

For what seemed an interminable instant the men hung in the balance, poised to break for the safety of the inland areas. Then came the shout from one of the sharper-eyed ones—

“It’s alright! The sails bear the crossed crescents! They are Erennin!”

The shout brought a cheer of relief and the entire population rushing to the shore to see the majestic sight. As the ships came closer everyone could see that the sails on every ship were deep blue, the Erennin crest emblazoned on every single one of them in vivid colours that the hot sun had done nothing to fade. Gliding in on the waves and the wind, the graceful hulls touched the soft sand, slowly slid up the slope a short way, anchoring itself there. From the ship in the centre, undoubtedly the Tioron, the familiar face of Arboru leapt down from the deck before the first gangways were lowered. His arms outstretched, a grin stretching across his face, he gestured to the immense fleet beaching itself on the shore and disgorging its cargoes of Erennin, livestock, horses and other supplies. Coming through the crowd, a little winded from running, Haridouros came to stand before Arboru, clasping his captain’s arms in the formal greeting between friends.

“You have returned, Arboru. We—”

“You thought I was not going to return, yes? The crossing was smooth, the return journey even smoother. The gods must smile on us. Here’s some good news you can spread to the others. Jodias has granted the two hundred of us high positions in this new land; the gold mine will be managed and controlled by us, while I am to be the governor of all the lands here. Any lands we claim here will become part of my province—Erennia-in-Arboriel.”

Haridouros took some time to digest that. Then he made the connection. “That means…that means you’re a duke! Provincial governors are dukes! That is a generous reward indeed, Arboru.”

“The king was most kind. But it will not be easy as governor; there is much to do. There are cities to build, other peoples we must find and trade with. Not to mention to problem of giving all of you your rewards.”

“Our rewards?”

“In addition to a duchy, I was given the power to reward the crew as I saw fit, which includes giving them titles if I wish. I worry that some might be dissatisfied and try to cause trouble in this new land if I reward them beneath the station of others. And indeed some do not deserve any reward at all based on their conduct.”

“Well, Arboru, my duke, in my opinion, the best way to do it is to give the responsibility to someone else. Appoint the captains of the other ships—” Haridouros waved his hand vaguely.

“I see what you’re trying to say. Appoint them as barons, and give them the power to reward their own men. That way I don’t have to do it myself.” At Haridouros’ confirmatory nod, he continued. “It is a good idea—especially since the captains undoubtedly know their own crew better than I do. Thank you, Haridouros. But now, while the people get down to business building, show me what you have been doing here.”

And they walked off towards Maksuma, exchanging quiet words.