Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 12:59 am
Johnson was in his cabin finishing up the day’s entry for the log when he heard a knock. Setting down his pen, he rose from his chair and opened the door. It was Logan, one of the six lieutenants on the ship.
“I was assigned to watch duty sir, and I was told by O’Brian that Mr. Bloom was to call out when he saw fit to pull in the sails – with the storm coming and such.”
Johnson shrugged “And?”
Suddenly the deck lurched, returning to its original angle with a sickening thud.
“He was drunk – the storm seems to be upon us now.”
Horatio slammed his fist on the side of the door frame. “Megablocks. Call all hands on deck. Furl the sails and make a course Sow’ West by west. I will be on deck shortly.”
“Yes sir.”
The rain had not fallen yet, but already the wind was blowing hard, making the linen sails strain at their spars. The sky above was a dark grey color, and to the north Johnson could see lightning arcing in the clouds. Men were scurrying around reporting to their stations – a few of them pulling on
shirts as they did so. Johnson made his way to the wheel where Logan was standing with the helmsman, pointing somewhere to the south.
“What has become of our prey?”
Logan handed the captain1 his glass. “She’s taken her sails in already – due south of our position.”
“I see. Carry on then. Hold the ship in her current position and consult me it conditions worsen.
“Aye Aye captian.”
~~~~~
In Falconis City Randolph took a closing glance at the first assembly of the new Falcon diet from the balcony. It was a rather important event – Lord Drakko was finishing a particularly long speech. While Greygon's mother was not present, the continuing civil unrest and the pressing need for a true government was needed. Exiting the chambers,
Randolph walked down a winding staircase to a richly furnished lobby just as the noble was finishing his speech. Even on the other side of the wall Randolph could here a thundering applause. The room was almost deserted except for two Falcon guards who stood by the main entrance, their spears perfectly straight. Randolph saluted as he walked by – for the first time in months he was wearing his uniform complete with the regulation knee length boots and saber. Just as he was about to leave entirely, the Lone Falcon rushed up to him.
“Please – just let me ask you one last time.”
Randolph did not even turn to look back. His voice was flat and distinct.
“No”
“Look at me.” Randolph turned. “We need you here. You know the workings of the army – the organization needed, the methods used. You can’t leave now – not when so much needs to be done.”
Randolph shook his head. “Look at me. I can’t sit down now – you know that. When I joined the army, I did so for adventure. I still long for that, though I have had enough of fighting and wars. There are so many opportunities to be had. Even this last winter during those long days when we were snowed in – the adventures Barbod would constantly relate to me. That is my calling. I’m sure you can find someone better than myself to reorganize the army. I simply cannot do it and be happy. Do you see where I’m trying to go here?”
“I understand. I felt the same way you did when I was younger. Go then, but you are always welcomed here.”
“Good bye, Lone Falcon, and good luck.”
“The same to you.”
Randolph turned once again before stopping. Facing the Lone Falcon he spoke. “Just one question before I go. Where did you get your name?”
The Lone Falcon smiled. “That – is a long story so fantastic you would never believe me.”
Laughing, Randolph turned away for the last time. “I suppose you’re right.”
“I was assigned to watch duty sir, and I was told by O’Brian that Mr. Bloom was to call out when he saw fit to pull in the sails – with the storm coming and such.”
Johnson shrugged “And?”
Suddenly the deck lurched, returning to its original angle with a sickening thud.
“He was drunk – the storm seems to be upon us now.”
Horatio slammed his fist on the side of the door frame. “Megablocks. Call all hands on deck. Furl the sails and make a course Sow’ West by west. I will be on deck shortly.”
“Yes sir.”
The rain had not fallen yet, but already the wind was blowing hard, making the linen sails strain at their spars. The sky above was a dark grey color, and to the north Johnson could see lightning arcing in the clouds. Men were scurrying around reporting to their stations – a few of them pulling on
shirts as they did so. Johnson made his way to the wheel where Logan was standing with the helmsman, pointing somewhere to the south.
“What has become of our prey?”
Logan handed the captain1 his glass. “She’s taken her sails in already – due south of our position.”
“I see. Carry on then. Hold the ship in her current position and consult me it conditions worsen.
“Aye Aye captian.”
~~~~~
In Falconis City Randolph took a closing glance at the first assembly of the new Falcon diet from the balcony. It was a rather important event – Lord Drakko was finishing a particularly long speech. While Greygon's mother was not present, the continuing civil unrest and the pressing need for a true government was needed. Exiting the chambers,
Randolph walked down a winding staircase to a richly furnished lobby just as the noble was finishing his speech. Even on the other side of the wall Randolph could here a thundering applause. The room was almost deserted except for two Falcon guards who stood by the main entrance, their spears perfectly straight. Randolph saluted as he walked by – for the first time in months he was wearing his uniform complete with the regulation knee length boots and saber. Just as he was about to leave entirely, the Lone Falcon rushed up to him.
“Please – just let me ask you one last time.”
Randolph did not even turn to look back. His voice was flat and distinct.
“No”
“Look at me.” Randolph turned. “We need you here. You know the workings of the army – the organization needed, the methods used. You can’t leave now – not when so much needs to be done.”
Randolph shook his head. “Look at me. I can’t sit down now – you know that. When I joined the army, I did so for adventure. I still long for that, though I have had enough of fighting and wars. There are so many opportunities to be had. Even this last winter during those long days when we were snowed in – the adventures Barbod would constantly relate to me. That is my calling. I’m sure you can find someone better than myself to reorganize the army. I simply cannot do it and be happy. Do you see where I’m trying to go here?”
“I understand. I felt the same way you did when I was younger. Go then, but you are always welcomed here.”
“Good bye, Lone Falcon, and good luck.”
“The same to you.”
Randolph turned once again before stopping. Facing the Lone Falcon he spoke. “Just one question before I go. Where did you get your name?”
The Lone Falcon smiled. “That – is a long story so fantastic you would never believe me.”
Laughing, Randolph turned away for the last time. “I suppose you’re right.”