There are some things in life you just have to deal with, son. For instance: youre a bastard. Deal with it.
Karimir considered these words as he walked the streets of Kingsport. Hed never really liked his father, but he had to admit a certain fascination with the man. Of course, being kidnapped tends to do that to boys of six. He couldnt really blame his father; hed wanted to see his son, Karimirs mother had flat out refused, so hed done what any self-respecting pirate captain would do. Hed taken what he wanted. The fact that what he wanted happened to be in the possession of a Kuriotate princedom was an inconvenience, nothing more.
Karimirs mother had been promised in an arranged marriage, and Prince Horal Jaroldnae had been ignorant of the fact that hed acquired tainted goods. Three weeks tainted, in fact. Karimir had guessed even at a young age; he looked nothing like his "father", and his mother had always looked at him with a wince and an odd smile, unlike his brothers and sisters.
Two months after being kidnapped, Karimir was ransomed for more than his weight in mithril, which bankrupted Prince Horals kingdom for five years.
To prevent such an occurrence happening again, Karimir had been sent to Kwethyllar for an education. Prince Horal had been against sending his firstborn son away, but Karimirs mother was determined to keep young Forantar from straying as she had. Far from stopping anything, Karimir had instead started seeing his real father on almost a yearly basis as the pirate captain traveled Erebuss seas. His schooling made him intelligent. His father made him a genius, teaching him the world as it was and the people that lived in it. He slowly became less and less interested in becoming a mere prince; Karimir wanted to be a lord of the seas.
At the age of sixteen, Karimirs father disappeared. At the age of seventeen, Princeling Forantar Horalnae disappeared, and Karimir escaped to the Lanun with nothing but a new name.
Karimir considered this, his own history. It read like a bad novel, but in reality, there were many Lanun with just as disparate backgrounds. Not many of those, though, could claim the events that had happened in the twelve years since then Karimir, a Captain. Hero of the Ffarest Strait, Lord-Mayor of Krimshurst, and the High Carroneer of the Harosmen League. The only man who had even come close to Karimirs accomplishments was his father. In fact, there were many that drew a comparison between the two; however, there were few still living that knew Karimirs father even had a son, although those few were perceptive enough to perhaps guess the truth. Either way, none of them had come forward so Karimirs history remained unknown.
As Karimir ascended the steps to the Captains Complex, he wondered if his father would have been proud of him. It was a tough call; at times, even the Clown King was less capricious than his father had been. Perhaps that wasnt giving enough credit, though Falamir had been very good at recognizing talent and praising it.
The hallway Karimir entered was dark, but the room beyond it was lit dimly by an array of candles. Presley, his first mate, and Hardskull, his coxswain, were already inside.
Capn! The genlmen n ladies havent started talking yet. Theyre supposed tbe waiting for some Important Personage, who hasnae showed. Must be a real topper, since the sembley waits for none the likes of us. Hardskull; he was really too smart to stay a coxswain, but couldnt read a letter and refused to learn. Karimir had thought about making him a mate anyway, but Hardskull was content where he was.
Captain, I be not liking this. What if this Person be taking a dislike to your plan? Maybe he be powerful enough to vote it down. Presley was a gods-send; the former Calabim slave had taken a long, twisted path to end up at Karimirs side but was the best man Karimir had. He was intelligent, courageous, literate, and loyal to coin and Captain things like foriegn accents, illegal status, and nationality were of little concern when the man in question was so invaluable.
Well, this Personage will have to wait if he shows up. My proposal cannot wait, and even if this man could stop it he wouldnt. Its too invaluable. Karimir was far from sure of this, but as Falamir has once said, it was always better to act confident. In any case, its worth a shot anyway. I think its time to put the proposal to the Assembly now, eh? Oh, and Hardskull? Remind Jaspher that its twenty degrees at a hundred yards, otherwise hell set it to twelve and well all be in a pox. That damnfool nearly killed me off Shazaak once doing that.
Laughing, Presley and Hardskull left the room as Karimir went out the far exit. This hallway was bright and wide, leading straight to the Captains Assembly room.
As Karimir entered, the fourteen Assembly Captains all stopped their conversation to view the intruder. Five were obviously expecting him, eight just as obviously surprised, and the last one was annoyed. That was a surprise
. Karimir purposely avoided the look Lady Dingeham shot his way.
Hmmm. It seems I wasnt completely expected. No matter, that is a situation easily resolved. I have a proposal for the Assembly that requires prompt action I hope no one minds if I take a chair? Karimir headed toward a fifteenth chair set at the head of the table; that Important Personage must have been even more Important than hed thought. Hed have to work fast.
Captain Greyfauss, pompous windbag, stood up. I
I say
This is most, most irregular. You have to talk to Landcaptain Gerrard to set up, set up a proposal meeting. It must be written, written out to read. Yes, hrrm. Thats the way. This is most-
The falling glass and masonry silenced him. As always, Jasphers ballista shot went exactly where he wanted it, right through the overhead window of the Assembly room.
I believe that answers you, Captain Greyfauss. My proposal was attached to that bolt; it seems that it simply was a little late in getting here. Greyfauss was flabbergasted, the other Captains simply silent. In any case, its simpler to say it right out. I propose that I be given the rank of High Admiral.
There was silence, then WHAT?!?!. Gerrard, the landlubber whod never actually set foot in a ship. Even if this vote under coercion passed which it wont and counted which it wont why would you want to be Admiral? Thats a purely military rank, it holds no real power, and can only be given in a state of war. This is a farce, I am going to call the guards now before you get totally out of hand!
On the other side of the table, Captainess Allie Mae Windstabber spoke up. There is a vote on the table, you cannot leave. I vote yea.
Gerrard was even more amazed than Greyfauss had been. Karimir gave a wink toward Allie Mae; she had been a challenge. Simple charm hadnt persuaded her, she had required promises of real power to sway. Definitely one to enjoy and watch, rather than just the former.
Lady Dingeham stood up. I agree. Yes for my part. She was much more simpleminded, as were Madame Haighlei, Patricia of Dunwich, and Captain deLindsay. None had required more than a few endearing conversations and a false promise or two before they were in his camp.
Now came the gamble. Karimir had five votes, he needed eight. None of the rest were sure to go his way; not that he didnt have some sevens up his sleeve, but it would be nice to do this right. Fewer annoyances that way.
There was a short silence, then Aye. I vote aye. The Mayor of Oosnam. Not unexpected, since there was that business with the Kraken, but a nice addition. A hand further down, raised in silent assent Falconhandler the Harbormaster. Another one hed been hopeful of, but not positive. Those two meant he should get his votes, since Captain Dowser was his Over-Captain.
A minute passed. Another. That scum Dowser, hed promised not one hour ago
no wonder hed been seemed annoyed.
As Karimir prepared to speak, someone beat him to it. Greyfauss, probably to gloat. Windbag, he deserved that burial at sea a decade ago
.
You are many things, Karimir. Rude, yes I say, rude. Impetuous, even. Too ambitious. Dont think I dont know your plan, your plan. The laws still say it, the Admiral has power beyond war. Yes, hrrm. Well then. Seven, is it? You are rude, I say. Demanding. But courageous. Decisive. Yes. And a leader. A decisive leader. One we need. I say aye.
Greyfauss voted aye? The windbag? What was going on here? No matter; as the crewmen say, an eight is a cheat or a vote, and either works. Gerrard was having an apoplexy. Well then. First thing, lets change the name of the Admiral. I like being a Captain, so a Captain Ill stay. Second we have some waterlogged boats in this fleet, its time to replace them
As Karimir talked, Presley and Hardskull entered the room quietly. Theyd done their jobs; it was good that the five dozen men theyd hidden around the complex werent needed. Their reward was coming. It was a good day, a day Falamir wouldve been proud of. The winds were right, the seas calm, the prey unaware. The Lanun were about to turn under his command.
