[OL-FB1] Old Enemies

[Franco Clarke]

Five bows cut wide swathes through the waters of the wide ocean. Erwin stood by Stingray's helm, guiding her to escort the merchant vessels in the convoy. On the other side the Vif kept pace with the other ships, protecting the convoy's port side.

The calm of scene was interrupted as the lookout announced the appearance of two ships dead ahead.

'Two cutters, one flying the flag of Corrington and the other the Skull and crossbones'

Erwin smiled, he knew the Corries were not above allying with pirates. They had faced far worse opposition than two cutters, so this wouldn't be a problem.

The lookout called down again, 'They appear to be firing at each other, perhaps the Corries are under attack'

This changed nothing, Erwin altered course and began preparing the crew for action.

'Set full sail, and prepare the main battery, we will hit the Corries first and then deal with the pirates. Signal the Vif, they will cover the convoy in case any new threats appear.'

He heard someone clear their throat beside him and turned to see Private Collins looking anxious.

'Collins it is good to be back in action so soon isn't it?' Erwin cried, 'we'll give that Corrie scum what they deserve!'

Collins replied in a steady, quiet voice, 'Sir we shouldn't attack the Corrish ship, Oleon is not at war with Corrington, standard procedure would have us help them fight off the pirates'

'Well that might be the official stand point' snapped Erwin 'but we both know that the Corries rarely play fair. Better safe than sorry.'

Collins replied again, this time more forcefully, 'We have no quarrel with this ship, they have not attacked us at all.'

'Ugh, I suppose we could target the pirates first' grumbled Erwin, turning back to the wheel, 'get to the bow so you can engage them when they are range.'

Stingray sliced towards the battling ships, and her gun-ports on the starboard side opened with the familiar grating sound. Erwin rolled the wheel, and the ship swerved bringing the guns to bear. They went off thud, thud and flew well and true, hitting the pirate vessel. Coming under fire from two enemy vessels, the pirates turned about and limped off.

Erwin rolled the wheel back so the guns swung towards the Corrish ship. But they Corrlanders seemed in no mood for fighting and had run up the International flag of truce.

'Stand down men, it seems like these Corries can recognise defeat when they see it,' Erwin barked out.

A Corrish officer peered up at Erwin as he leant over Stingray's rails.

'I say good sir, thank you awfully much for helping us back there' the man said, bubbling with gratitude.

Erwin, glaring, yelled, 'What do you want, Corrie?'

The officer seemed taken aback by this question, 'Want? Well, I, Lieutenant Hopkins, just wanted to thank you for your assistance, I am very much indebted to you.'

Erwin shouted back angrily, 'So that's all. I must get on my way, I've wasted enough time on this matter.'

Before he could turn away, the Corrish officer called up again, 'If you are continuing this way, then I must warn you, there is a pirate stronghold, with many ships and guns, I advise you to alter direction.'

Erwin sneered, 'Why should I trust you Corrie? For all I know you could be redirecting us into a trap!!'

The Corrish officer seemed quite put off by this 'I was only trying to help, if it doesn't trouble you too much, I shall take my leave now.'

Erwin turned and muttered, 'Good riddance.'

Private Collins was waiting by the wheel, guiding the ship back to the rest of the convoy.

'You didn't need to be rude to them Commander' Collins said, 'they did nothing wrong.'

'Bah they sail under the red flag, there's reason enough' Erwin replied, 'what do you think he was trying to achieve by lying about the pirates?'

Collins frowned, 'As far as I can see he has nothing to gain, so he was probably telling the truth.'

Taking back the helm Erwin said, 'Perhaps, I don't trust him either way. We will continue at full speed and scout ahead whilst the Vif covers the convoy.'

Stingray separated from the rest of the convoy and forged off towards the horizon.

 

Just a simple little story to begin with, with an equally simple model. This is, as usual, based on the design from the trading post, recoloured and altered a little.

[Brandon Stark]

Nice set of ships. I like the water effect of a cannon ball being dropped in it, along with the waves in front of the ships. 

[Franco Clarke]

Thank you, I always enjoy adding 'effects' to my photographs to make them more dramatic.

[Garmadon]

  Excellent job once again, Franco, and I'm sure there are some Corries I know who must think so as well (ahem - Bregir - ahem )!  The little pirate vessel is quite neat, and your fleet pictures are always great to see as well!  Looking forward to seeing where this goes! 

[LegoEomer]

I like the ships!