The staff Sargent sighed heavily, ”In the event a challenger does not have a ship or crew, volunteers may be gathered.”
The admiral grinned, “You can use the barquentine we captured from the Vintas fleet. The Soul Cairn.”
Captain Talwater groaned.
“What?”
“The sea banshee holds 450 crew. That thing is a pure sailor, with only 150 crew max. Course, I guess you will be lucky to find that many volunteers to crew it for you.”
“The Banshee marines will serve the lady Reaper,” said Major Gunner from the doorway.
Val spun to look at the man. She had not realized he was in the room but was heartened to hear his support.
“The marines are needed on Sea Banshee,” Talwater protested.
The staff sergeant cleared his throat again, “Under the terms only captains are prohibited from volunteering.”
Talwater grunted and glared at his officer, “Y
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Valkyrie Black Chapter 74: Arming the Soul Cairn
Val stood very still, looking hard at the man, “Rank and job, sailor?”“Names Tim, ma’am. I be the gunner master of the Marauders Corsair. Being short has its advantages. Me and mine can cram three more guns where others wouldn’t dream of fitt’n.”“Master Tim, What would it take to convince you of my victory?”Gunnery master Tim looked back at her seriously for a moment before busting out in laughter, “You had me going there, Lass. Short of commanding the sea herself, I doubt there is much you could do. It’s the Black Fleet, Lass. Nothing going to get through to that fort.”Val considered her options. Here, now, she had to win the minds of at least some of these men. She signaled the barkeep and a drink was set before her shortly. when she went to grab for it, a small puddle on the counter caught her attention.{Think the lesser can put on a show?}[Only know if you ask]
Valkyrie Black Chapter 75: Calling the Thunder
Valkyrie managed to get some sleep that night, the feeling of hope buoying her spirits. She had a plan and now it was a matter of seeing it done. The next morning, she woke knowing that today would be a deciding factor in her success or failure. She found breakfast at a small bakery near the Admiral’s mansion near the center of the Luna Marra’s main platform. Afterward, it took some time to find Gunner and Tim, but they were both near her new ship talking in hushed tones. Val walked up behind them and asked, “Gentlemen. Anything to report?” Both men jumped but inclined their heads in greeting, “Lady Reaper. We were just discussing the state of this… ah… ship.” “And?” “Well miss, to be honest… it is going to take everything the shipwrights have to make her sea worthy. You really have screen doors for a haul. Water will pour in the second she is lowered into the water.” “I though it was sea worthy!” Val said in a panic. “Worth of the sea floor maybe… sure those are some nice new s
Valkyrie Black Chapter 76: Sea Games
The next morning began with a flurry of activity. Before the sun had even risen, crew members were rushing around setting final preparations into motion. Val make it to the pier just as the sun began to peak over the horizon. Tarra had opted to remain with captain Talwater’s crew. It seemed the safest place for her being the luna Marra was filled with men intent on Valkyrie’s life.Tarra would easily become a point of leverage. With Talwater atleast she was a known factor. Val also got the sense that Gunner at set several of his marines to guard the girl. She wondered at that for a while but decided to let it go for now.The Luna Marra dipped low, dropping slowly from the sky until it hovered only fifty feet from the ocean. Gale force winds blew towards the ship and upward, maintaining its elevation. When the Luna marra was close enough to the water below, two huge crane arms were pushed out over the open expanse and her new ship, the Soul Cairn was l
Valkyrie Black Chapter 77: Ambush
“Fine, Make for the northern shore of the first island. The mortar crews would have seen the flair and should be ready.”“Aye, Lady Reaper. We will see it done.”“And be ready to drop the target buoys as well.”Gunner grinned. “Aye, Miss. The buoys will be ready.”The crew quickly pulled in the anchor and began moving toward the island, moving almost perpendicular to the oncoming enemy ship. Val knew there was a good chance it might catch them so she once again stepped to the back rail, looking down at the foaming sea below. As before, when she sent her mental call to the sea scath, they responded in small numbers. About seven showed this time, leaping in the water as the ship cut through the waves.Val marveled at the clear blue aura around these scath and wondered what kind of torture and evil it must take to taint them as black as the Lurkers, thrashers and other dark fury spectre she had dealt wit
Valkyrie Black Chapter 78: Impulsive plans
Valkyrie considered her experience with the Ancients. Aquitaine had formed herself into an ice saw that had taken the head of Balor the giant on the island of whispers. Could the lesser perhaps do something similar? She wasn’t looking to take the head off anything, just cut some rather thick sea rope.“I am not sure I can cut it all the way, but you have a point about getting them frayed. This is not about destroying the other ships. Its just getting them out of the game.”“We will be around the back side of the island shortly. If we do it there, the last two ships will be blind. When we are the only ship to emerge… we might be able to head for the back of the fortress island before they realize which ship we are.”“But, Tim, that ship is twice our size. You really think that will confuse them?” Val asked“Not for long. But all we need is a head start. It's six miles to the fortress island. Shou
Valkyrie Black Chapter 79: Sea Ranger
“What’s your play, girlie? You are on my ship, with my crew. You really think you are going to sway them?Val looked around the crew, and was pleased to see most of the men content to stand and watch, their attention more on the captain’s face than hers.“I will give them a choice. Faithfully serve me, the future head of the Black fleet, or you, a oath breaker,” Val said loudly.There were mutterings from below as the men talked.Captain Damos fumed, “You lot dare consider mutiny for her? have I not brought us glory over the past six years?”Damos did not receive the answer he was looking for and pulled out a pistol and aimed it at Valkyrie.“Don’t do it.” She said, trying to use the threat to the helmsman as leverage against the captain.“You kill him and its just you and my bullet.” Captain Damos said with a sneer.What Valkyrie didn’t expect was fo
Valkyrie Black Chapter 80: Black Demon
Val maneuvered the ship so they would come along broadside with the enemy ships long boats that trailed in their wake. As they drew within firing range, val realized an instant too late that Jimson was no longer blocking her from view. Frantic calls were raised on the Sea Banshee as Captain Talwater tried to take evasive action and turn towards her.It was too late for him. Valkyrie had already brought the Sea Ranger into position for a broadside attack on the longboats.“Fire!”20 cannons let loose a barrage of grape shot, full charges of fist-size cannons tightly packed together that acted like a huge shotgun. At this distance, they ripped through the long boats with ruthless efficiency.Val grinned as she spotted Talwater staring at her slack-jawed. After a moment of stunned silence and a few glances at his destroyed longboats, he bowed slightly in her direction in acknowledgment.Val liked Talwater. Their first meeting had been unpl
Valkyrie Black Chapter 81: Promises
“Looks like they know they are beaten,” Jimson said cheerfully. “I am glad. Now we can head for the Luna Marra, and you can work on repairs. Where do you need to go for that?” “Well, normally the fort is where we do some repairs. But the best shipwrights are aboard the Luna Marra. She would have to land before we could get the Sea Ranger onto the drydock.” “I see. Well, if you think you can mount repairs at what is left of the fort, I suggest you do it there. Until I can secure my place, I am not sure the Luna Marra will be safe for you.” “The fort is fine. Captain Talwater set them back a peg with his broadside but he didn’t damage the docks. Mostly just bloodied the cocky bastards.” “If you will signal Captain Talwater, I can return to the Luna on board the Sea Banshee and leave you to the repairs. If I secure my place, I promise you this, I will reimburse you for any costs. I appreciate you and this crew’s willingness to serve. Those who support me from the start will be rememb
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