Temple Commander

And so it begins…

A bowsprit came into view as a large, two-masted warship rounded the eastern end of Constance. It was much slower than the ship they pursued, but the ballistae mounted on its deck could wreak terrible damage if they got close enough. Understanding the threat, the Sprite kept a sufficient distance between them to avoid an engagement. Their new southerly bearing looked like a safe course for escape.

Sprite "This is all so frustrating," noted Charlaine. "To have them so near yet be unable to close."

"It won"t be long now." Danica turned to the south, scanning the horizon. "There," she said, pointing. "Do you see it?"

In the distance, another ship was closing, this one similar in size to the Valiant.

Valiant"Is that the Vanguard?" asked Charlaine.

Vanguard"It is. You know your ships."

"It was an easy guess. What other ships have we with a triangular sail, other than Valiant?"

Valiant"If I have my way, there"ll be many more like her." Danica chuckled. "I considered re-rigging the Vigilant, but it"s too difficult to get out of Grazynia"s hands."

Vigilant"I knew Vanguard was supposed to be fast, but I never imagined she"d be so sleek. I bet she could even outrun this ship."

Vanguard"It"s quite possible. We built her to the same specifications. You might say she and the Valiant are sister ships."

Valiant"Quite fitting,” said Charlaine, “considering they both belong to the order. Are you looking at building more of the larger vessels?"

"Not in the immediate future," said Danica. "The new shipyard at Temple Bay isn"t adequate for a hull of that size. We have the five ships Halvaria donated to our cause, so there’s more than enough for now."

Charlaine laughed. "Donated?"

"Well, captured. It amounts to the same thing."