throat. “You asked for vessels that will allow you to take control of the Pitorian Sea. And the scullers will allow you to do that,” Darby said. “That is what you’re paying for.”
“Let us at least prove to you what they can do,” said Albert. “I think you’ll be impressed when you see them in action.”
Catherine doubted it, but she had no other option, other than returning to the camp empty-handed. If the scullers were a disaster, then she’d wasted a lot of time, but at least she wouldn’t have to pay for them. But then how would they protect the Pitorian coast?
“This afternoon. And it’d better be very impressive.”
* * *
• • •
Later that day, Catherine rode with Ffyn and her men to a nearby headland, from which they could see a wide bay called Hell’s Mouth.
Lord Darby was already there, and, in frosty tones, he explained what was going to happen. “This bay is a good test for the scullers. The currents are strong, waves high, and winds variable. Most small boats would struggle, but you’ll see how they ride over the waves smoothly. Also, the beach is narrow and sandy, very like the beach west of Rossarb, so a landing there can be simulated here.”
Catherine wrinkled her brow. “Landing?”
“Scullers have multiple uses, Your Majesty. They can allow you to take back control of the Pitorian Sea, or at least prevent the Brigantines from dominating it. Their second use is as landing vessels to carry large numbers of soldiers short distances—across the Bay of Rossarb to land on the north shore, for example . . . That was your plan, wasn’t it?”
“It is our plan, Lord Darby,” Catherine replied cautiously, though she had rowboats that could do that job. And surely these boats couldn’t do both tasks? She looked at the bay, where the small ships were sailing up and down round one large ship. She had to admit they were swift and agile. “But what is happening at the moment?”
“There are to be two demonstrations, Your Majesty,” Darby said. “You need large ships that can patrol the Pitorian Sea, but you have no time, or indeed money, to build them. So my suggestion is that you take them.”
“Take them . . .” Catherine began to smile. “Take them from the Brigantines?”
“Indeed. Not easy, of course. But the scullers can do that for you. As long as your men can do the fighting.”
“Show me.”
Darby nodded to Albert, who waved a huge red flag. Darby pointed out to sea.
“You see the ship now sailing away? It’s called the Emerald. A large vessel, much like those used by the Brigantines. You might think it’s in no danger from such small vessels as the scullers. But now watch them speed past the Emerald and turn quickly.”
And they did turn quickly.
Then they converged on the Emerald.
“Because they are so maneuverable, they can coordinate their attack so they all reach the target at the same time.”
As he spoke, four scullers ran alongside the Emerald, the men on board throwing grappling hooks.
“The Emerald sits much higher in the water, so the men must be agile to board her quickly. This is the moment of danger. But with four boats attacking at the same time, the chances of failure are much reduced. One boat alone would easily be repelled, but four will overpower them.”
And already the men were climbing the ropes and swarming onto the deck of the Emerald.
“The scullers can carry fifty men and still operate at that speed. They are the best vessels for your tasks. They are not built for comfort—there are no sleeping quarters except for the deck—but they are the perfect attack boat.”
Catherine was smiling. “I like them.”
“With fifteen scullers and the element of surprise, you can defeat the Brigantines and build your own fleet in days.”
“And my father will hate it even more because it turns his own ships against him. I like your plan very much, Darby.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” replied Darby, thawing somewhat. “And now for the second part of the demonstration.”
Albert waved a yellow flag. The men who had boarded the Emerald quickly returned to the scullers as Lord Darby began his commentary again.
“As you see, the scullers are now sailing at speed directly to shore. There are fifty men on board each boat. Again, they coordinate their arrival for maximum protection of their own forces and maximum impact on the opposition.”
“It’s the impact on the shore I’m concerned about,” said Catherine. “Won’t they break up