Post by jamiemacgregor on Jan 2, 2008 20:17:35 GMT -5
And rescue them they did. Coming up the coast they grounded on the same beach where they had landed the night before. Sailors and soldiers worked in harmony to take up the booty from the night's work. Even the carts were again disassembled and taken aboard. Last to return were the spies. Their news was good. News of the death of the entire Royal Family was spreading. Already different nobles were claiming the crown. Civil War was imminent. The fleet was gone and so was their treasury. With no raiding fleet, there was no quick way to replenish it. The people of Friggea were going to be heavily taxed to pay for all the armies forming. For them it would be a time of want, desperation, and even horror. Jamie accepted this philosophically. At least his kingdom was saved. Again the fleet put out to sea and worked their way down the coast edging further and further out to sea. Finally, they made course for home. The defenses were fully manned, with entrenchments and troops on both banks. There would be no easy way to force the river; also Greek Fire batteries were emplaced at strategic locations. With the signal given, the first boom was raised; another signal and the boom upriver was also raised. Finally, they put in to their own harbor and grounded on their own beach. Jamie stepped ashore. He gave orders for the merchant vessels to be returned to their original state, and the captured vessels to be prepared to sit out the gale season and the winter. His eight warships were ordered out on one last patrol. He had one last piece of business.
Into the woods he traveled with a small escort to where the Crown Prince of Friggea remained a prisoner. Jame strode into the makeshift cell with little ceremony. "You are the last living member of the Royal Family of Friggea. I find you guilty of the charge of piracy and brigandage. You are sentenced to death. He is given no time to protest. Outside, a rope is thrown over a good, stout tree limb. The noose is placed around his neck and he is hauled up kicking and screaming. The Prince does not die quickly. He turns blue, choking on his own tongue. He loses control of his bodily functions. He kicks, and jerks for a seemingly long time before his struggles subside. Finally, he is buried deep in an unmarked grave. Jamie's returning troops are marched over the spot to guarantee it's anonymity. Now he returns "from maneuvers" to his barony and the woman he loves. He has taken action that should never have been needed, but it is done and now his kingdom is safe.
Into the woods he traveled with a small escort to where the Crown Prince of Friggea remained a prisoner. Jame strode into the makeshift cell with little ceremony. "You are the last living member of the Royal Family of Friggea. I find you guilty of the charge of piracy and brigandage. You are sentenced to death. He is given no time to protest. Outside, a rope is thrown over a good, stout tree limb. The noose is placed around his neck and he is hauled up kicking and screaming. The Prince does not die quickly. He turns blue, choking on his own tongue. He loses control of his bodily functions. He kicks, and jerks for a seemingly long time before his struggles subside. Finally, he is buried deep in an unmarked grave. Jamie's returning troops are marched over the spot to guarantee it's anonymity. Now he returns "from maneuvers" to his barony and the woman he loves. He has taken action that should never have been needed, but it is done and now his kingdom is safe.