SAILORS
1323 Words
Jogru, Jhoki and Jhagn stood by the impressively large harbor that extended from side to side of the rocky Ragthaer Cove Bay, their vigilant eyes trained on the approaching fleet of ships that returned to port after a full day of incessant training on the high seas.
Furious waves crashed repeatedly against the structure as the tide rose, and the sky painted in orange tones, the triplets waiting patiently as the ships arrived one after another, and diligently docked for the evening.
The massive crew of carefully selected men that they had been intensively training had hoisted sails since early morning, even before the sun appeared on the horizon. And they had spent most of their time out there focused on practicing tactical drills and training for naval warfare as they explored different scenarios, preparing accordingly for each of them.
The Commander had been very clear about what his exact intentions for this elite group of freshly forged sailors were, and none of them was planning on letting his expectations down one bit.
Nobody wanted to face his wrath… or even his slightest disappointment. Being dismissed by this legendary man was the very definition of a true nightmare for every single soldier that had ever had the chance to serve under his commands… and the worst dishonor any warrior could suffer.
Most of the men that had fought beside him in the past and failed to rise to the challenge had ended up being promptly discharged, and they’d learned the hard way how damaging the warrior’s repudiation could be for their military careers…
Plenty of them had been irremediably forced to switch fields permanently and find another vocation altogether, as no one would even bother to hire them as simple guards after that anywhere.
Word travels fast among militiamen circles, and nobody wants incompetence at their very own doors.
Yet, that was no deterrent at all for the youngsters to keep enlisting. Because no one wants to be the incompetent one either, and just like everybody knew by now… If you could make it through the toughest training program ever attempted by any non-Yahurian force, then you’d be practically set for greatness. And nobody would ever dare to argue about that.
So, for the past few weeks, every soldier around those shores had been working tirelessly and diligently. Following the triplets’ instructions to the letter and applying themselves to the maximum extent.
-I think we’re all set – Jhoki muttered, as he stood proudly at Jogru´s right with his arms crossed over his chest -We made it brothers! We trained our first seamen crew!
-And to think that we once used to be just traders – Jhagn chuckled lightheartedly with an optimistic tone, throwing his right arm over his older brother’s shoulder, who stood stoical in the center.
-Well, you can say this is a bit of a stretch, but we still get to be merchants in a way – Jogru shrugged off, watching as the large army of mariners started their slow descent from the outstanding watercraft that had just reached the port.
-Well yeah! That’s true – Jhagn agreed happily, patting his back – And now we get to call the shots too!
-Literally! – Jhoki cracked up laughing –How awesome is that the Commander commissioned us with our two favorite things in the world!
-That would be sleeping and eating, in your case – Jogru replied, rolling his eyes at him – Maybe harassing the poor women in the village too.
-Hey! That’s not true! – Jhoki complained, placing his hand against his chest with indignation – And I mean, how cool it is that we have got to try all the new toys first than anybody? And that we are now running the entire supply operation’s front-lines!
With that, he turned around, spotting the Captains finally stepping on the deck and starting to walk towards them, his short frame pausing a few steps ahead.
-And for the record… Women love me! – He shouted back at his two siblings before resuming his march.
-Yeah, yeah – Jhagn snorted with amusement, shaking his head – Keep telling yourself that, brother…
-How dare you! -Jhoki called out without turning back – Now stop teaming up with that filthy traitor and come help me getting this bunch of newbies ready for tomorrow.
-All right – The alluded sibling responded, rolling his eyes briefly before leaping after him – But you’re buying tonight.
-No sneaking to the village tonight guys... – Jogru reminded them as he stood in place – We’ve got visitors to host, remember?
-Damn! I’m going to miss Onna… – Jhoki lamented sadly as the pair of brothers walked away, and their voices faded into the salty air.
-Too bad she won’t – Jhagn mocked him, elbowing his ribs – I bet she’s even going to be relieved.
Their rant and the playful punches that they exchanged soon losing importance to Jogru as his mind focused on the impending issues that he needed to sort out now.
As with most of the schemes the Commander usually devised, the construction of this enormous fleet and the subsequent sailing lessons that he’d had their people undergo were not just meant to serve a single purpose... Not when they could make the most out of them.
These beautiful wonders had not only been created to be their weapons, but also their merchant ships.
Yes, he wanted those monstrous vessels to act as their first line of defense against foreign threats, and he needed his crew at the ready to do exactly that. But as they waited for any of those outsiders to appear on the horizon someday, he was not letting their resourcefulness go to waste in the meantime.
Instead, they were going to sail to Lowland’s gate the next morning. And when they did, they would not only be transporting men, but also a huge load of various supplies to stock their cellars, all of them coming from Lowland´s best producers. Starting with Mavaer and every surrounding Lowlander town that wished to join the first overseas treaty ever to exist in their land.
Once they had their fleet properly positioned at the piers of Lowland’s gate, they would begin rotating their ships in pairs periodically, sending them to Ragthaer Cove along with a reduced crew of men, so this once forgotten spot would gradually become a vibrant trading port meant to ensure speedier and more efficient commerce among their realms.
It surely was groundbreaking... And a very exciting feat to be a part of in these changing times! So Jogru was ecstatic, to say the least.
-They’re majestic… – A loud voice commented as the large newcomer stepped forward and stood expectantly by him. The former trader swiftly turning around and finding the familiar bald warrior stoically staring at the sea.
-Welcome Zhengo – Jogru greeted him, offering him his hand and an affable smile – I’m glad you are here… How is King Ishtun doing?
-He is dealing with some… trouble back at home, which we must discuss soon. But he is very pleased with this arrangement – The intimidating man nodded, taking his hand and scratching his braided beard with appreciation – He sends his regards.
-Good to know – The short triplet smirked, stretching his arm and gesturing to the vast congregation of sailors and ships – Now let me fill you out on the details of this whole operation and then we can eat.
-Where are your brothers? – The Mavaerian Captain asked as he followed him around the docks with a genuine marveled look in his eyes.
-Working… For once – Jogru chuckled, leading the way – But I’m sure they’ll come running back once they hear it’s time for us to feast.
-Ah! … Food and liquor – Zhengo sighed happily, giving him a knowing smile – Their two favorite things.
- Writer
