Post by Ringulf on Apr 26, 2010 17:48:35 GMT -5
The sun was cresting the eastern horizon. The breeze was very light almost nonexistent and out of the Northeast. Three sets of triangular sails flapped impotently on their yards, yet three sleek black hulls knifed through the calm glassy sea off the coast of Gaulica.
Their cutwaters gurgled as the three galleys surged forward to the rhythm of their long banks of slender yellow oars. each warship was in perfect synchronization with each other and they flew over the water like a flock of birds in a deadly "V" formation.
At their foremast each ship flew a pennant of golden yellow with a crest of a black two-headed eagle. Upon the after mast of each, the flag of Gaulica fluttered in the stream of wind created by their swift forward movement.
"Mon Admirale, I believe it is she, ze rigging and hull are as deescibed but she is flying Gaulican colors!" The young officer with the spyglass called to his superior aboard the lead galley.
"Very good I will alert His Excellency to our progress." he walked aft under the covered stern deck to a man sitting upon a cushioned chair and bowing deeply said,
"Your Excellency we believe the vessel is in sight we should be upon them in a few minutes do I have your permission to proceed as planned?"
"By all means Admiral if you feel that our prey is before us let us extend our talons, prepare the forward ballistae and signal the other captains to do the same."
"Very good sir We will wait for your command to fire..."
"Make sure you do I want the vessel and it's occupants unharmed until I say otherwise, Make sure the others are aware of these orders and that they disobey them at their peril!"
"Of course your excellency, all will be as you command, and the special guard?" Asked the Admiral
"They already have their orders and will follow them to the letter I have no doubt. What are the wind conditions has it freshened since dawn?"
"No your excellency it is still and calm with only the lightest of breeze we maneuver on oars alone at this point."
"Very good, proceed!" The Barron said with a hand wave and an evil glint in his eye, a sneer curled the edge of his mouth, though it was somewhat hidden by his dark pointed mustache.
Their cutwaters gurgled as the three galleys surged forward to the rhythm of their long banks of slender yellow oars. each warship was in perfect synchronization with each other and they flew over the water like a flock of birds in a deadly "V" formation.
At their foremast each ship flew a pennant of golden yellow with a crest of a black two-headed eagle. Upon the after mast of each, the flag of Gaulica fluttered in the stream of wind created by their swift forward movement.
"Mon Admirale, I believe it is she, ze rigging and hull are as deescibed but she is flying Gaulican colors!" The young officer with the spyglass called to his superior aboard the lead galley.
"Very good I will alert His Excellency to our progress." he walked aft under the covered stern deck to a man sitting upon a cushioned chair and bowing deeply said,
"Your Excellency we believe the vessel is in sight we should be upon them in a few minutes do I have your permission to proceed as planned?"
"By all means Admiral if you feel that our prey is before us let us extend our talons, prepare the forward ballistae and signal the other captains to do the same."
"Very good sir We will wait for your command to fire..."
"Make sure you do I want the vessel and it's occupants unharmed until I say otherwise, Make sure the others are aware of these orders and that they disobey them at their peril!"
"Of course your excellency, all will be as you command, and the special guard?" Asked the Admiral
"They already have their orders and will follow them to the letter I have no doubt. What are the wind conditions has it freshened since dawn?"
"No your excellency it is still and calm with only the lightest of breeze we maneuver on oars alone at this point."
"Very good, proceed!" The Barron said with a hand wave and an evil glint in his eye, a sneer curled the edge of his mouth, though it was somewhat hidden by his dark pointed mustache.