Stormdragons

Chapter 23

Mac's keen eyesight had not deceived him. The three dark shapes heading towards the cove were indeed warships. As they approached Joe could make out the ramming prows and lines of spearmen and archers crowding the decks.

'How did they find us so quickly?' asked Spud.

'Lefevre probably,' said Clare grimly.

Uncle Toby quickly made his calculations.

'Joe, set the orb at south-east and strength four. That'll put the wind in their faces and allow us to slip past them in The Lazy Susan. When we're out to sea, Mehmed and I will jump ship and swim ashore. Then you can increase to full power and summon the Stormdragons to carry you home.'

'I can't swim,' said Mehmed.

'There are lifejackets on board,' replied Uncle Toby.

'I'm not sure Joe and I could handle your boat in a storm,' said Clare.

'I'll set everything up for you before I jump,' replied Uncle Toby.

'I get seasick real easy,' said Spud.

'For goodness sake, is that all you're worried about? Better throwing up than an arrow through your guts. Let's get a move on,' said Uncle Toby.

Joe turned the dials on the orb and slipped it back into his pocket. The others waded out to The Lazy Susan and clambered aboard. Joe hurried to join them.

'It's already getting dark. That's one good thing,' said Clare.

The wind had begun to blow by the time they had unfurled the sail. Ahead, the warships slowed. Rather than fight the oncoming wind they stopped and took up positions. Soon they were all in line abreast, their masts jutting over the horizon and into the darkening sky. Uncle Toby frowned.

'Maybe the Admiral's not so dumb,' he said. 'Or is Madame Lefevre running the show?'

'She'll sense the orb is being used,' said Clare.

Uncle Toby nodded.

'I dread to think what tricks she's got up her sleeve. Right. Action stations everybody,' he ordered.

Joe looked at Clare and cocked an eyebrow.

'Actions stations! I don't believe it. Suddenly he's Lord Nelson.'

Everybody laughed, except Mehmed who looked confused.

'You take the wheel, Joe. I'll raise the anchor,' said Uncle Toby.

Joe took hold of the steering wheel while Uncle Toby turned the winch. The anchor chain rattled across the lip of its socket and The Lazy Susan bobbed appreciatively as if pleased to be released from its mooring. Ahead, the Caliph's warships sat in wait, ominously still and silent. Joe wondered if Kemal the sailor was among the crews waiting for them to break cover.

'Aim for the left hand ship, Joe. Steer a line to port but keep a look out for rocks,' whispered Uncle Toby.

'As if I know what port means,' replied Joe.

'The left, you idiot. Didn't you learn anything all those times I took you sailing?'

'Yeah, I learnt that if you put tomato soup in your flask, it sure looks spectacular when you throw up,' said Joe.

Uncle Toby grinned and moved towards the mast.

'Okay everybody, use whatever cover you can,' he said.

Despite his attempts at bravado, Joe was nervous. He looked along the line he'd been told to steer. A series of foaming white curves suggested rocks just below the surface. It was going to be very tight. His hands trembled as he turned the wheel. Once they left the shelter of the cove it wouldn't be long before they were within bowshot.