Chapter 24
New Mission“Boat approaching, sir.”
“Have we had any signal to expect a visitor?”
“None, sir. It seems to be a waterman from the shore.”
“Keep an eye on him then. Best ensure there is someone who speaks the local language when he arrives.” Petroc grinned. “My Deutsch seems to cause nothing but confusion here.”
John Hunt laughed. “Aye, aye, sir;probably a tradesman seeking custom.” That’s what he hoped, at least. Neither he nor the First had ever made much progress in the Germanic tongue, in part because there were as many versions of it as there were states, though Ben had some skill in Swedish – or so it seemed.
Petroc replied. “Or an envoy. We seem to be collecting those.” The challenge and a response could just be heard through the skylight. “Best get on deck and see wh
