The Fireseed Wars

Kalvan grimaced. "Yes, that's why we need to find a temporary colony and some allies who can help redress our own weaknesses."

"But weaknesses only to the Grand Host, Sire. And I don't really believe that any of the Middle Kingdom rulers--Theovacar included-have any idea of what kind of warfare you are about to bring to their lands. By the time they wake up you should be well situated."

"We'd better be, or the Hostigi-as a people-will cease to exist. This war with Styphon's House is to the last man standing; I believe both sides understand that now."

Tortha paused to knock the heel out of his pipe. "You're right. Styphon's House is determined to destroy all of Hos-Hostigos. However, I don't think that's going to be as easy as they believe."

"I hope not," Kalvan said, "may Galzar aid us in our war. But, back to Grefftscharr, how big is their navy?"

"The Grefftscharrer Navy is the biggest navy in the Upper Middle Kingdoms. Over three hundred fighting ships, a hundred transports and as many grain ships as King Theovacar needs. Their problem is that their Navy is spread over a large area-three of the Saltless Seas, which means it takes time for them to concentrate their forces in any one area."

"That's very good news. Our navy is pitiful, a score of confiscated schooners and maybe a dozen galleys and triremes. Some small transports that might hold fifty men and half that number of horses. I've got some ideas for ships, but never had the time to develop them."

"I'm not surprised, Your Majesty. It's a wonder you've found time to sleep with all the battles Hostigos has fought since your arrival."

"Sleep is a luxury I often can't afford. Despair threatens our Army as much as Styphons troops. I need to find some solutions to our current difficulties before the Grand Host goes on the offensive again." Kalvan knew his greatest strategic challenge was to develop a strong navy since the Upper Middle Kingdoms were centered around trade and travel along the major waterways and the Great Lakes. He already had a group of Ulthori boat builders working on gunboats, basically a mobile platform for some of his lighter four- and six-pound guns. They were a good idea, but only a temporary solution. Soon everybody would have them, although the shortage of light guns would slow the locals down considerably.

Most of the Upper Middle Kingdom guns were the heavy iron bombards, useful in sieges or for shore batteries. Not even a fool like Prince Varrack would think of mounting one on a small craft.

If he and his people were going to survive, Kalvan would need every advantage he could squeeze out of his head, or dream-up on the spot.

"I will set up a meeting this evening with Ambassador Dykar from Nythros. It's time to discuss hiring their Navy to transport some of our troops and subjects to Thagnor."

"Why Thagnor, Your Majesty?"

"Because of its strategic location for one. Another is that of all the local kingdoms and princedoms, not one of them has fewer friends and allies than Prince Varrack."

Tortha burst out laughing. "True, Your Majesty. King Theovacar cannot speak the Prince's name without sputtering. The man's arrogance and naked ambition are singular in an area where it's expected and even condoned. Still, Thagnor is nominally a Grefftscharri vassal. Theovacar will take its conquest as a personal affront."

Kalvan shook his head. "Theovacar has already taken our presence in his sphere of influence as such. This will draw a line in the sand. Our choices are limited: Either we go south into Hos-Rathon, which will mean war with King Nestros and would place us even closer to those territories owned by Styphon's House than we are now. Or we move into the Upper Middle Kingdoms where we will be encroaching upon Theovacar's power base. The advantage to being in the Saltless Seas is that Styphon's House will be as bereft of allies as we are, and even farther from their lines of supply and reinforcements."

Tortha added, "They will be able to draw some supplies from Tarr-Ceros, but the great Zarthani Knights' fortress is primarily set-up for defense. The only waterway connecting the Lydistros River with the Saltless Seas is near Thagnor territory, therefore most of their supplies will have to go overland, expensive in both mules and time. So, both you and Styphon's House are without allies in the Middle Kingdoms, although they have more gold with which to purchase them."

"That is true; however, this advantage is negated by the Temple's bad faith dealings with all of the Middle Kingdoms for the past three centuries. Their allies will be both more expensive and less enthusiastic than those in the Great Kingdoms where Styphon's advantage is almost insurmountable." Kalvan's smile had turned to a glower. "Which we have learned to our dismay."

"Your Majesty, would you like me to join you at this meeting with Ambassador Dykar? I do not know him personally, but I am familiar with Nythros City and have a few acquaintances there."