Preparation for War, Chapter seven, part 2. The Tales of Atoz

The next morning, the recruits were taken down to the sea to see the new vessels the navy would be using. It was a major shock to one and all since they were nothing like the flimsy reed ships and high boxy wooden vessels the navy had always used. 1

These ships had been commissioned from a tribe called the Klor living deep in the grasslands,. Here there were enormous lakes and the Klor had sailed them for centuries. They had developed ships with oars since the winds weren’t nearly as strong or as prevalent in the grass sea the south. In designing the warships the navy had borrowed a design from the Kensen with the creation of low cut, sleek vessels. These craft were also armed in a new manner as well with a powerful ballista which hurled enormous bolts from the center of the deck while the oarsman powered the craft at ramming speed into the enemy. The bolts were delivered in this manner with unbelievable force, as all soon learned in their first demonstrations and practice rounds. The bolts were fitted with war heads made of the explosive red stone of the Kellon mines and when they struck the damage to a regular wooden vessel was devastating. In addition the ships hulls were made of bark taken from a giant vine which snaked the length and width of the grass sea. This vine was the natural fire extinguisher of the grasslands. It sweated a sap, whenever the heat was intense which stopped flame, while the bark itself hardened up as solid as iron. The bark was light and could be molded to fit the frames of the vessels. When the bark had hardened the sections of frame were hammered together and the ship was fireproof and armor plated.2

There were two types of vessel; the smaller vessel was called the Lancer. It housed twenty oarsmen and was for swift fighting, due to its maneuverability and speed. The Lancers were not only attack craft but support vessels as well. Three Lancers accompanied the larger Biathon. These vessels were more boxlike in design, three decks high, with three swiveling ballistae on their deck and sixteen separate, smaller catapults located at positions around the outside of the top deck. The under decks housed sixty four oarsmen, and twenty steering oarsmen necessary to help the tiller man turn and navigate in battle. These craft were floating fortresses and designed for the soul purpose of engaging more than one enemy at a time, allowing the Lancers the opportunity to sweep in and board the Kensen craft and attack the crew directly.3

The biggest of the recruits were assigned to the work on the oars with the Eek oarsman already in place and Korok was one of these. Since he was so much bigger than the other men, a half breed Eek, he was a natural for the assignment and took to it readily. Korok was assigned to one of the great Biathon vessels while Bjorn was placed on the lead Lancer. Though he wanted to stay with his friend, the commander would not hear of it. 4

“Bjorn you are going to learn to fight on the lancer deck, by my side,” the sea marine assured him. 5

“But, I have never fought in a sea battle sir, “Bjorn protested, “I don’t know what to do up on the deck.”6

“ Neither will any of the others lad, But, I know you will be a fine swordsman, in fact you already are for having trained for such a short time, and you are proficient with the bow as well. When we engage in battle we will need men who can fight with the bow and then repel boarders or go over onto the enemy ships in raids. I want you by my side lad, where I can rely on you. My own partner was killed in battle recently and you have the same skills in you, I know it. I’ll see that you are properly prepared, so have courage and follow my lead.”7

Still unsure of what he would do when it came time for combat, Bjorn did as he was told and took up a short bow and arrow quiver and stood watch at the side of the ship. From time to time the ranger would come round and give him some pointers on keeping watch and warn him to be careful of the sea creatures that might be encountered. 8