Punishing Pirates

By MysticAchemist

One man and his wives travel through the Roman Empire, living in a wagon, their life guided by the ancient gods. Easy to read fantasy stories of the group’s travels and adventures as they explore different lands and different peoples. In this book the crew loose their fashion designer but gain another member, and discover one of their boats has been captured by pirates setting in motion a chain of events leading them to venture overseas in search of revenge.

• Language: English
• Publisher: MysticAchemist
• Release date: Dec 22, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463231067

MysticAchemist

Writing the kind of books I want to read. Grabbing hold of an idea and immersing myself deeply into the characters, then allowing the alchemy of dreams and daydreams to shape and guide the story, and finally, typing that story out so you can read and enjoy it too.No AI is used in my stories and all text is hand written.

Book preview

Punishing Pirates

The crew set up a new outpost.

A Swords & Stones Adventure

Book 3

MysticAlchemist

Copyright © 2018 MysticAlchemist

All rights reserved.

Written in Australian English

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people living or dead, events or locales is purely coincidental.

Table of Contents

Title

Chapter One - Home for Babies

Chapter Two - Ring of Severn

Chapter Three - Maree’s Baby

Chapter Four - To Ancona

Chapter Five - To Rome

Chapter Six - Rome

Chapter Seven - Ancona

Chapter Eight - Warehouse

Chapter Nine - Going for Glass

Chapter Ten - Preparing for War

Chapter Eleven - Leaving

Chapter Twelve - Sea Journey

Chapter Thirteen - War Begins

Chapter Fourteen - Taking the Town

Chapter Fifteen - Trade Base

Chapter Sixteen - The Gang

Chapter Seventeen - The Trap

Chapter Eighteen - Mayor’s Wedding

Chapter Nineteen - First Trade

Chapter Twenty - Visiting Hanibal

Chapter Twenty one - Going Home

Author Page

CHAPTER ONE

Home for Babies

There was still a winter chill blowing off the mountains that froze the smell of the ocean from the air until they were coming down the very last hill into Aquileia.

Race you to the hot soup shop, Sara yelled back from the front wagon as her and Ava gave free rein to their horse and started pulling away, even though the wagon was fully loaded.

We’ll join you, Helga yelled from the next wagon and urged her horse too.

Cal watched Miena in the third wagon start to follow, she’d need to keep order. Ameena and Nerrina were still keeping a steady pace in front of him.

Nerrina will grab the reins soon, Karli said quietly. She’d been riding in the home wagon with Cal the last few weeks, the baby very close and for a good part of the day she preferred to lie in the back, surrounded by cushions to keep her stable. Only a few more moments and the last freight wagon started increasing speed. Ameena does whatever Nerrina wants. Karli gave a tiny laugh.

They’ll have to wait for us, Cal said. We’ve got the coins.

They’ll hassle Maree. She’ll give them some.

They’ll be too busy telling her stories and discussing her baby and our wolf. Cana had been Karli’s constant companion, lying close to her day and night. I want to be on the seat when we drive in, Karli said, starting to rouse herself. Cana getting up too so that when she did get to the front and sit down, he was sitting by her feet, looking out. Cal had his arm around her, hand on her tummy feeling the movements inside as she leaned against him. I’m frightened about the birth, she said quietly, turning to see if he was looking. He was.

We’ll have the best help. I know I’m not much good, but Maree and the other women will know what’s best.

You’ll be a great help. I want you to be there. I want you to hold me. You know me better than anyone else.

He knew she was speaking a truth. Time and time again, he’d seen how much alike they were. He tried to keep it hidden, but was sure the others knew, they always knew everything.

The others know, Karli said. They know, but they know you never treat me different to them. They’re happy.

They’re looking forward to playing with our baby even more, Cal said.

I’ll only get her to feed. Ameena will keep it as hers.

She’ll have to fight Sara.

No, chariots will win. They both laughed, and were still smiling as they drove through the open rear gate to the warehouse yard. Cal helped Karli down, and with Cana by her other side, they walked through the double doors into the warehouse proper, eyes trying to adjust to the light. Maree looked away from her surrounding crowd toward them.

Petra’s going to be delicate and ladylike, Karli whispered. Maree’s belly easily twice as big as Karli’s.

Like her mother, Cal whispered back.

They’re talking secrets, Sara said.

Karli’s not feeling great, Cal said, but he was sure they were both still smiling.

Can we go for soup now? Ava asked, Sara looking down at her hands.

Yes, Cal said, and they were gone, Sara leading, one hand held out front, the rest running behind her.

I gave her coin, Maree said. You here for the birth?

Both of them, he said.

A lot been happening. All great, you’ll be surprised.

We had an interesting trip, more treasure for Rome, we’ll have to go again when things settle.

Taking your wolf too.

Cana goes everywhere with us, he’s our protector, Karli said.

I know. The twinkle in her eye saying she did know.

Karli needs some help with the baby. Real women help.

Not from chariot racers I assume. We’ll talk together, you could send them out to the farm.

Do you want to come later?

I’d rather not until the baby comes.

Well you and Karli rest up. I’ll sort the others.

When the soup testers returned, Karli and Maree were sitting together in the courtyard. They both aren’t feeling great. If you want to go to the farm, you can, but back here for supper, Maree doesn’t even want to risk the travel until the baby comes.

Can we take Cana? Sara asked.

Ask Karli.

She ran to ask, and returned with Cana by her side. He loves racing. Let’s go.

Even Miena went, taking her large two-horse boss chariot. Cal stayed, wandering around their shop before going next door to see Daniel in the produce shop.

This baby is giving Maree more trouble than the last, Daniel said, his eyes bloodshot.

Karli’s due around the same time, she’s been miserable too.

At least there hasn’t been so much baby talk this time.

Maybe you’re just getting used to it.

Maybe we’re worn down with the extra work. Has Maree told you about the art gallery?

No, just got in and still discussing babies.

You’re in for it then. Plans and costs. Decisions every day, then changed the next. She said it was your idea, so I should be blaming you.

Is she enjoying it?

You know she is. It’s good to see her so involved in something like that.

Would you like a civic project too?

I’d never have time.

You must be making enough to employ staff.

I’ve thought about it. I could. We really don’t need much money to live.

Maree would have to approve, Cal said.

I know. She’s mentioned it a few times. I think she’d like me to spend more time with Maximus.

Make it happen. I’ll find you a project like hers. What about a chariot race track?

Daniel was silent a while. Cal could see him thinking, deciding options. I do know a lad who I would be happy to help me here, but a chariot track, what would I know about that?

You’d know how to supply all the horse food.

I’d have to raise money for the works.

That’s easy, you only have to ask your wife. Your father in law would do the building, and you’ve got a chariot already, and your wife likes racing.

It’s a big project.

But you’ve got plenty of time to work it all out. You think about it, we’ll fund it, you make it happen.

Cal walked out of his shop leaving Daniel’s mind working full speed, pity the next customer, but seeds had been planted.

The two mothers-to-be were still in the courtyard of their warehouse, sitting side by side, looking quite content.

You been annoying my husband, Maree said.

Giving him ideas, Cal said.

Once he gets an idea, you never hear the end of it.

You might like these ideas. Give him more time with Maximus, and give him a new outlook.

Chariot track, Karli said, and then seeing the look on Cal’s face burst out laughing.

He doesn’t know about chariot tracks, Maree said.

Sara will soon teach him, Karli said.

I’ve heard you’ve got your own project, Cal said.

I’ll show you later. So many choices, but it’s a life’s dream, I can’t complain.

Our art going there?

Can I?

Of course. You build your dream, and fill it with the best. I’m sure others will contribute too.

I think your baby will come easy, but mine is big and it might be a problem. You are staying here, aren’t you.

Right here until both are born. The chariot crew can go out during the day.

I saw about your wolves. Others might be more afraid, you’ll need to be careful in town.

We’ll keep him under control, just another reason to stay out in the country. Maybe I better start cooking supper here, Cal said.

I’ll help you, I’m feeling better now, Karli said.

We might just have fish on a stick, that won’t take much.

Well go and get the fish. Get plenty, they’ll be hungry, Maree said, her arm around Karli. It will give time for Sara to tell my husband about race tracks. They were both laughing as he walked away to start preparations.

The fish were all skewered on their sticks, fresh bread broken ready to eat and the fire was down to glowing coals when the chariot crew returned.

How did you know we’d be starving, Sara yelled as she saw the preparations.

Sort out your horses first, Cal said.

I’ll get the others, Helga said and raced to bring Daniel and Maree to the back yard.

Cana liked fish too, both raw and cooked, he ate as many as Sara. As the eating subsided, Cal broached the subject of race tracks. Do you think it would be a good idea to have a chariot race track for the town? It was on. Sara saying it was a great idea and Daniel asking her questions about what would be needed. Soon plans were being drawn in the dirt and discussions of what types of corners were best and where the spectator seating needed to be.

You’ll enjoy it too, Cal said quietly to Maree.

He’ll enjoy it for ages. Thank you.

Tell them about our theatre opening, Cal said loudly. Chariot tracks paused for a moment while stories were told and demonstrations acted out. Maximus handed between those not presently involved in the story. Cal kept watching the two mothers. Maree was putting on a brave face, but she was definitely not feeling well. Karli was doing much better, being with Maree had helped her confidence. When they were finally alone in bed, Miena mentioned that she thought Maree was not doing very well.

What can we do to help her? Ava asked.

Take her out to our stones and give her an energy boost, Nerrina said.

She doesn’t want to travel, Cal said.

Bring the stones to her, Sara said.

Would that work? Cal asked Miena.

She was quiet a good moment before replying. It could work. We could set them up in the horse yard. It wouldn’t be as good as out of the city, but it would work enough to help her.

Other people will see, Helga said, turning towards her sister.

They’ll think we’re strange, Heidi said, completing the sentence.

Witches, Nerrina said, her tone keen.

Not if we made it like seats in a ring like those stones in Miena’s town, Sara said.

We’d need seat size stones then, Ava said.

Stones like in our courtyard wall, Miena said.

Would they work? Cal asked.

Yes. They are the right type and a good size. Seven would be best.

We’ll get them first thing, Sara said, looking at Ava. We can carry one on each chariot, that will be the fastest.

CHAPTER TWO

Ring of Seven

Barely daylight and Sara and Ava were making preparations to move stones in their chariots.

If you took Miena’s boss chariot you could carry more, Cal said.

That goes too slow, and she’ll need to be here to arrange them, Sara said. We’re going to find our builder and start. They were gone out the back gate, side by side before anyone could stop them.

I’d like the twins to help Daniel today in his shop. I want Daniel to have time to find a shop assistant, Cal said.

That’s the best idea, Helga said.

We can arrange it better too, Heidi said, nodding at her sister. Miena was smiling.

The rest to help Karli and Maree. They both might want to rest in the courtyard.

We can help play with Maximus, Ameena said.

It wasn’t too long before Cal received a visit from Daniel. I’ve been thrown out of my own shop and told to find an assistant.

You better get to it then. The quicker you do, the less changes to your shop.

True. I suppose it’s a good idea, Maree does need me more now too.

- - -

The chariot crew returned with two stones. It’s faster with our chariots, Sara shouted as they shot back out after dumping their load inside the gate."

Miena set to work, marking spots in the dirt of the horse yard. Cal carried the stones to near the marks and then looked for something to dig holes, horses all around, large eyes watching every move. By the time he had these two in place, two more had been dropped off. The whole ring was complete much quicker than he expected, the process providing great entertainment for the horses. Miena was doing her final testing. It’s working. Not as strong as I’d like, but it should help. We need Maree in the middle and the others on each stone. You and Karli can watch.

Cal went to see the twins. They would have willingly become Daniel’s assistants for good in another life. Come to the horse yard as soon as Daniel comes back.

We will, Helga said.

He helped Maree to the yard. A rug had been set in the middle of the circle and Maree flopped down.

We’re ready apart from the twins, Miena said.

I’ll swap with them, Cal said, returning to the produce store and hunting them back.

It was a long and lonely wait, no customers and no sign of Daniel. Finally the twins burst in. We’ll take over now, Helga said, shooing him out the door.

Maree was still sitting on the rug in the middle with girls sitting around. We just put our bare bums on the stones. It worked well, Sara said.

I do feel much better now, not so much pain, Maree said, her face certainly looked serene.

We should do it again mid afternoon, Miena said. For both this time.

Now I’m feeling better, you should go and look at your new factory. Selene will tell you all the news, I don’t want to spoil her fun, Maree said.

We’ve got to wait for the twins, Cal said.

They’ll catch up, Sara said, heading for the gate, the others close behind her.

I’ll wait then, he said to thin air before helping Maree back inside.

That really did help a lot, she said. I better tell you what your girls soon will. Selene has been doing a great job. The reports back from Rome are fantastic, her designs are a big hit. I want to suggest you take her to Rome with you so she can see the customers and get more ideas.

You’re serious?

Very. It will help things greatly. You’ll see.

You trust her to stay with us after.

I think so. See what your girls think.

Cal started unpacking the small items from the wagons. Two of the shop ladies helped with sorting and displaying, Maree had taught them well. He kept returning to check on Karli in the courtyard, she was definitely not well, but bearing up as best she could.

Petra’s been kicking hard, I think she wants to come out.

What did Maree think?

Maree thought it was very close, hers is too. She’s worse than me though.

Do you want to try walking for some fish soup?

Only if you help me.

He did help her. She managed well, Cana tight by her side. Sitting her on the seats near the stall and buying three bowls of soup, one placed on the ground for Cana

I needed that, thanks, Karli said, looking into his eyes. We’re a strange couple, King and Queen with our wolf at our feet.

You’re a very special women, I’m glad I found you.

The twins found me, You just loved me, she laughed, her whole body shaking. He saw her face turn to hurt as her hands gripped her stomach.

Back now, he said, reaching to hold her and help her up. She was leaning heavily on him as he manoeuvred her towards their warehouse. Coming through the door he had some help, guiding her towards their home wagon, lifting Karli into the back.

I’ll stay while you get the others, Maree said.

Cal took off towards their factory, girls scattered around everywhere. He found Miena and told her. Soon the rest were under her wing and were all running back to Karli. Cal took up position near her head, the rest pressing around to assist, Sara pushing her way to inspect closely for signs of birth.

Definitely coming soon, Sara said.

Someone go and tell the twins, Cal said. Ava ran off, she was not as keen on babies as the others. They still can’t come so I said I’ll keep telling them.

Hold my hand, Karli whispered. He did, holding her hand while she looked into his eyes. He could see the pain, but she tried her best to smile.

She’s getting bigger, Sara said, peering closely. Ava ran off to tell the twins. Cal felt the grip on his hand tighten, using his other hand to hold her shoulder. You’ll do fine, he said.

She’s tough like a wolf, Miena said. It was the right thing, she smiled again before the pain gripped her.

You can cry out, we won’t mind, Cal said as circulation was cut in his hand.

I can see her head, Sara yelled. Another trip for Ava.

Cal found another hand on his arm, attempting to pull it from his body. He held on quietly. It was worse for her.

So close now, Sara said.

Don’t stop, Ameena said.

Head coming, Sara said. Ava had just arrived back and had to retrace her steps with this new information. The grip on Cal’s arm had lessened. Karli’s eyes were open again, a real smile starting to form.

It’s coming quickly, Sara yelled.

It’s a girl, Nerrina said.

"She’s