Dragonet Tales: Moon Rising pt4 [revisited.]

Time flew by in a blur for Maartin. He tried to split himself between Wulffs shipyard and Slims offices.Almost every day there were reports of  sneak attacks made on one or another of the Moon Traders companies. Slim and Helen were threatened while walking from their home to the Merchants Guild office.Maartin asked  Jon to came and  stay and to act as bodyguard for Slim and Helen. Slim thought it a bit extreme but accepted the situation with good grace.The attack had shaken him quite badly as he realised he was no longer the young man he once was. Maartin himself was approached in the street and told to return his farm to its rightfull owners if he knew what was good for him.When he replied that he had bought the farm from its previous owner the man merely repeated what he said as if that was all he had been told to say.

The engineer was as good as his word and Helen was kept busy sorting out the information he supplied. One night as they were sat discussing the days events in the lounge he turned to Slim and asked him straight out why he thought that Dirk and Helen wanted the farm so badly.Slim said  he  knew exactly why his brother wanted the farm. The farm was sat on top of a valuable mineral seam and his brother only wanted the farm house and farm so that he could destroy it by mining.. Slim did not want that. The farm land that he had built up over so many years of paying off his parents  debts was rented out to a neighbouring farmer and bringing in a good income and Maartins plans to use the remaining land by the  house and his plans to make his home in the house suited Slim perfectly. Maartin then asked him if he thought if Sam and Jenny had played any part in Dirk and Janes threats . Slim said he  knew they were not as they had supported him ten years before and  his friendship with them was over 20 years old. Yes he  thought it would be a very good idea  not to tell Sam or Jenny about the latest attacks but he figured they would find out anyway . Maartin fully agreed with that but said that Claire,Bree’ann and Seamus had to know just in case there were any more attacks on them.Helen agreed with that although Slim  said he thought that Jon would be keeping  them informed.They decided to travel back to Bridgeford on the Friday afternoon to catch choir practise.They agreed that  a song or two would raise their spirits as would seeing their pets.

They arrived back in Bridgeford in the mid afternoon.Jon had been unusually quiet,which worried Maartin,but he cheered up as they approached the village.Maartin himself had become to regard Bridgeford as home so he understood why.Maartin asked him if he would be attending choir practise and was surprised when Jon had laughed and said he hated to miss it.Maartin hadn’t thought that Jon liked  singing but said nothing.He was just glad to see his friends humour improve.They left Jon at his home and carried on to the George. Maartin thought it odd that the pub still had its shutters up but said nothing to Slim. They had to knock on the door before Bree’ann let them in.
“I thought it was choir practise evening?” said Maartin to her.
“Oh it is,” said Bree’ann in reply. “But not yet.” Bree’ann smiled. “Oh you don’t know about our choir do you?
“No. Well apart from the fact that Jon says he enjoys it. I didn’t realise he enjoyed singing. Is Claire around.?” said Maartin. He felt hands over his eyes.
“Here I am.” said Claire. “Welcome home” she said as he turned around and kissed her.
“Will you two stop that!” said Helen.
“Why?” asked Claire smiling at her. “Isn’t Slim any good these days?”
Helen looked at her sternly then laughed..” Oh to be young and in love.You can be naughty at times Miss Forester”
“Oh I know.” said Claire. “But I am better when I am bad.”
Bree looked at Helen. “When she is in one of these moods she is utterly incorrigible.” she said.
“Oh I know that.” said Helen laughing. “I just didn’t realise it was common knowledge.”
“Oh I would’t say she was common” began Bree’ann only to be interrupted by Claire.
“Do you two mind talking to me and not about me? Its rude you know” she said.
“What is? ” replied Helen and Bree as one voice.
“Oh never mind ” said Claire. ” Have you eaten?” she continued looking at Helen. “Only it’s choir practise night and we tend to have a light early meal before the choristers show up. Come and share.”
“No we haven’t eaten and yes that would be lovely.” said Helen
The next hour passed too quickly for Maartin. Mavis settled into his arms and George sat on his lap which caused Claire to wonder where her space was. Maartin pointed to his heart and said nothing but Slim said he was almost as slick as Claire. Good conversation with good friends passes time too quickly.

Claire glanced at the clock on the wall and suddenly said to Bree’ann and Seamus. “Right it is time we got changed. Its nearly time  for the choir to start arriving.” She turned to Maartin. “This won’t take long.
“Getting changed for choir practise?” queried Slim
“All will be revealed.” said Claire with a teasing smile.

She returned minutes later dressed in a loose blouse and pale shorts.
“you were nearly right” said Slim with a note of surprise in his voice. “Shorts are for little girls not grown women!”
“Getting to be a prude in your old age? ” said Claire.
“Of course not! said Slim not quite convincingly. “Well blow me down!” he said as Bree’ann walked into the room in a similar pair of shorts but with a loose jacket over a tightly fitting shirt.
“What do you think?” Asked Bree’ann
“You look lovely dear.” said Helen as Seamus walked into the room wearing shorts and a sleeveless shirt that showed the results of manhandling barrels of beer.”But you look amazing ” she said to him.
“Wait untill you see Lucy ! ” said Claire.”She puts us to shame.”
“Lucy? ” said Maartin. “Jons wife Lucy?”
“The very same” said Claire.
“But I thought this was a choir practise not a beauty pagent?” said Slim.
“Oh we dress like this for very good reasons.” said Claire.”You will see. Right we need to greet the choir.You can join in if you wish.”
“Do you know I think we just might do that .” said Helen.

Andy Fox 300512

To my readers. Sorry but I was getting beyond where i needed to be. I forgot the Story. But  this is back to where it should,i think, be.

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The Moth.

I am just a moth to your flame.
I get singed time and time again.
There is no sense in being a moth.
Is there any sense in me?

Andy Fox 310512

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Pause Dragonet Tales. : The Guilds of the Dragonet world.

 

 

The guilds and the purpose of the guilds.Also the organisation of the same.

The purpose of the Guild is to protect its members,educate them but also prosecute them if they have broken guild and/or civil law.Usualy Civil Law takes precedence but if the Civil law does not prosecute the guilds can act.
The puropse of the guild isto ensure that each member acts legally [ if not morally] and they have the power to act as a court in doing so.ie defence,prosecution.
this is too effing complicated..

The guilds can investigate its members and each guilfd has a small cadre of what are to all intents and  puropes purposes policemen led by a chief officer known as a Sargent at arms or sargent of arms or jkust bloody sargent.  Maybe it is his and his mens job to investigate guild members and if they have proof of guilt or innocence ythey can bring them,and the evidence to the civil law authority/s.

The guilds have the power to suspend and also ban a member who has been proved to have broken guild and/or civil law.

The guilds have various branches within each guild known as a Lodge. Thus a member of ,say, the Smiths Guild can belong to: the blacksmiths lodge.the metalworkers lodge, the designers lodge,the precious metals lodge. The guild has its own badge or device and coloured tassels define which lodge that person belongs to.Or multiples of the same. Cross guild membership is encouraged too. Yes i know it sounds odd but I do not see the guilds as defining the person so much as a,valuable?,adjunct to both them and to society.Call the bloody things Unions with a consience”! and no i cannot spell conscience.

The Guilds ar a part of the civil life and law andf not apart from it.

 

Guilds:
Smith. : Associated lodges, Black,copper,precious metal, designer,engine [ that covers a multitude of sins], engineer [ see previous comment.] 

Merchant. Associated lodges: Shopkeeper,market trader,Public house owner, hotelier [ a new lodge], any others i can think of.

Home Maker. : associated lodges: carers [ also in the medical Guild], stay at home mothers and fathers. Maybe a mothers union withn as much sex equality as possible.

Farmers. Associated lodges, arable, animal, bird, also  abattoir workers and butchers.

Medical Guild. Lodges. Doctors,Nurses ,Administration,Dentists,maybe Surgeons?,Support staff.

Transport . Lodges. Sailors [external ie deep sea ] Sailors internal [ ie inland waterways.], Boatmen, Road Transport, Warehouse/warehousing. 

Civil. There must be some people employed by the local government so: Lodges:. Tax. Legal [ ie judiciary],Support staff.

please note the following.

I have found myself in the position of inventing a cat like creature that flys. That was easy. I have now invented, and am inventing ,what is a whole new world and the society on that world. Forgive me if I stumble at times. I am merely a Story teller. A teller of tales. I am stumbling now I admit. 

But I truly am having fun..I hope it shows.
Andy Fox 27 05 2012

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Heart.

Originality lies in the heart of man.
Some men are heartless.
Some mens hearts bleed.
Some men are all heart..
All are original.

Andy Fox 230512

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The Path v2

 

This is the path.
Actually this is my path.
This is the path i walk.
This is the path i have chosen to walk.
For the most part i walk it alone.
There are people on nearby paths.
Sometimes we share a mile or two,
They walk with me and i walk with them.
We share common experiences.
[if only for a time.]
We share the joy of friendship,
of love and of common interests.
Some will walk miles with me.
Others only a short distance.
All bring something to the walk.
To the path.
And yet we all have our own path to walk.
There is no other way.
For this is the walk of life.
And this is the path of destiny.

Andy Fox 180610

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Dragonet Tales:Moon Rising pt4

The next two weeks flew by in a blur for Maartin. He tried to split his time evenly between the shipyard,Slims offices and Bridgeford.Almost every day there were reports of  sneak attacks made on one or another of the Moon Traders companies. Slim and Helen were threatened while walking from their home to the Merchants Guild office. Maartin asked  Jon to came and  stay and to act bodyguard to them. Slim thought it a bit extreme but accepted the situation with good grace.The attack had shaken him quite badly..The engineer was as good as his word and Helen was kept busy sorting out the information he supplied. One night as they were sat discussing the days events in the lounge she turned to Slim and asked him straight out if she thought Sam and Jenny Smith had been involved in any of the fraud she kept finding. Slim said he doubted it but then said he thought it would be a very good idea  not to tell Sam or Jenny what they had found out. Maartin fully agreed with that but said that Claire,Bree’ann and Seamus had to know just in case there were any more attacks on them.Helen agreed with that although Slim was doubtful.They decided to travel back to Bridgeford on the Friday afternoon to catch choir practise.

Rachael popped her head around the lounge door. “There is somebody to see you Slim.”
Maartin was immediately on his guard. “Who is it?” he asked.
” Sargent Thomas  of  the Merchants Guild.” said Rachael.
“Fred Thomas?” said Slim.
“The very same” came a voice.
“Show him in before he breaks the door down” smiled Slim.
Sargent Thomas entered the room. “Good evening old boy” he said to Slim.
“Hello stranger”,said Slim “What are you doing in this low rent part of town.I thought you mixed with the toffs now?.”
“There’s no need to insult me ” said Fred. ” How are you?”
“Oh ticking over” said Slim. “Now sit down.You are making the room look untidy. Rachael will you bring this fine gentleman a drink please.  ”
“Tea please.” said Fred. He turned to Slim.”Are you aware that this house is under constant surveillance?”
“Yes ” said Slim. “We think three at least. Oh let me introduce you to Maartin. Helen you already know.”
“Maartin Schmitt?” asked Fred.
“Yes ” said Maartin.
“That’s useful. I have been trying to find you.” said Fred. “I hear you have stolen a farm belonging to Dirk Farmer and assaulted his neice.”
Maartin studied him for a moment then decided to play it straight. “I was sold a farm by a man by the name of Slim Forester and I was raped repeatedly by a woman who said her name was Claire Forester.”
“Repeatedly?” Fred raised an eyebrow.
“Repeatedly.” said Helen. ” We could hear his moans of what we assumed were pain.”
“And you made no attempt to rescue the poor man?” asked Fred
“None at all. He deserved all he got.” Helen said firmly.
“What was his crime?” said Fred.
“He made Claire blush ” said Helen.
“Ah right” said Fred. “The punishment fitted the crime.” He turned to Maartin. ” I hope you learnt your Lesson. Never make Claire Forester blush or you will be sore for days.” he paused for a moment. “When you go back tell her . No on second thoughts your best bet is to keep quiet.”
“Why are you here Fred?” asked Helen. “You only show up when there is trouble in the air.”
Rachael bustled in with a tray of hot drinks. ” I think you will all need these. He” she gestured at Fred ” has a nasty habit of keeping you up.”
Slim laughed.”Sorry love ” he said.”and thank you.” He turned to Fred. “And now you have upset my housekeeper please tell me why you are here.” He held his hand up to forestall Fred from speaking. When Rachael had left the room he quietly said. “what she does not hear will not harm her and there is already enough troubling her. So now.Why are you here?”

“Those three men outside are from Smiths Shipping” began Fred. “You have been upsetting your brothers wife again. She tried to lodge a claim of assault against your Claire  alleging that Claire had attacked both her and her daughter and had broken her daughters wrist in doing so.Unfortunatley for Ms Smith she chose to do this in Bridgeford. “Fred smiled ” I don’t know what was said inside the court” he tapped his nose to say that yes he did know ” but I do know that Ms Smith and Ms Farmer have  been charged with assault.”
“Hang on,We missed this ” said Slim. ” When was this?”
“A day ago ” said Fred. “It looks like she thinks that Claire is the easy target now not Helen. She thinks she can get you through her.”
“She lost a fight to her,” said Helen.”Not only that but so did her bitch of a daughter .” Helen paused. “They tried sneak attacks in a room full of people and Claire defeated them both. Not only did she do that but, certainly in  Janes case, she publicly humiliated them”
“Thats what I heard “confirmed Fred. “Now lets go get her.What have you found out?”
“Found out?” asked Helen innocently.
“Helen I know you have been digging into guild records and I respect your brain. Lets call a spade a bloody shovel shall we. ? How much dirt have you found on Smith Shipping and have you got enough to bury them? They are bringing the Merchanters guild into disrepute and we will stand no more of it.We have been doing our own digging but I think we should join forces.”Fred stopped for a moment. “Is Claire allright.?”.
“Don’t ask me. Ask that sleep deprived young man ”  said Helen with a curious smile on her face.” So what do you want to know?

“Why isn’t Jon with you? asked Claire as the group entered The George. “Has he been hurt?
“He is fine ” replied Slim “He is about to do something he will really enjoy.
“Like?” said Claire.
“Arresting Ria Farmer and her parents.” said Slim

Time and Place: Early morning outside the Smith-Farmer family home.

“Good Morning ” said Jon to the housekeeper. “I have an urgent delivery for Ria Farmer. She must sign for it in person.
“You are  not the usual postman” said the housekeeper.”Where is he?”
“He is very ill. ” said Jon.
“More like bloody hungover ” said the housekeeper. “Can’t I sign for it?
“Sadly not ” said Jon. “It has to be signed by her in person.
“Bugger.. Ok I will go get her.” said the housekeeper grumbling to herself.
Eventually Ria appeared at the door. “What do you want? she snarled at the postman. “Do you have any idea what time it is? Oh shit its” A hand was very firmly placed over her mouth.
“Miss Ria Farmer you are under arrest for the attempted stabbing of Claire Forester. I truly advise you to stay quiet.” said Fred  Thomas. “Not that I am going to allow you to raise the alarm. In you go boys. You know where to go.” Young men rushed  through the door and into the house. Fred spoke  to Ria again.”You know you really chose the wrong woman to try and stab in the back. Claire has been avoiding knives since before you were potty trained.Just be gratefull she only broke your wrist.” He released he hold over Ria’s mouth.
“You scum ” she said. “You should be going after that Forester bitch and her bastard father.”
Fred looked at her. ” I really think you should learn some manners.” he said calmly. He turned to a policeman. “Tie her arms behind her back and take her away. If you need to search her for blades then do so.” He turned his back on her and strode into the house.
He walked into the dining room.”Good Morning” he said brightly to Dirk and Jane. “Isn’t it a lovely day. What have we got planned today then? A little larceny perhaps? How about assault? Maybe a little bit of smuggling? Threats with violence? Tax evasion perhaps?”
“Why are you here? ” said Dirk. “We are fine upstanding citizens who have done a lot for this town. Are you not employed to protect members of the Merchanters Guild. Why are you not arresting miscreants?
“Oh but I am.” said the policeman. “I have already arrested one young woman for assault with a deadly weapon. I expect to charge another with assault and two more with withholding evidence of a crime. ”
“Then what are you doing in here? ”  said Jane Smith “Shouldn’t  you be out there arresting them?”Dirk Farmer started to speak but Jane punched him in the face.”Shut up you fucking imbecile”  she screamed at him.
Fred  Thomas looked at his fellow officers. “Did anybody witness that?” he asked. They all raised their hands.” Good lads he thought to himself.”Miss Smith you are under arrest for the assault of Claire Forester and your husband Dirk Farmer.I really must advise you to keep quiet untill you are questioned by Guild officers.”
He was unsurprised by the events that followed his words. He had heard rumours of the way Jane Smith lost her temper. But he admitted later that even the rumours did not prepare him for the sheer violence that followed.Eventually she lay trussed like a chicken on the floor. “Miss Smith I understand that you attacked your niece and that in defending herself she knocked you out. Sadly, Miss Smith, I do not have that option and you” he said turning to a snarling Dirk Farmer ” are under arrest for, among other things, threats to kill,child abuse, tax evasion. The list goes on Mr Farmer. See you in court.”

Andy Fox 220512

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Dragonet Tales:Moon Rising pt3

“Slim we need to return to Bridgeford” said Maartin after two days had passed.
“Missing Claire?” asked Slim.
“More like missing Mavis ” said Helen to Slim.”And you are as bad missing Jet .” she shook her finger at him “Don’t tell me you aren’t Slim Forester. I sleep with you remember.” She turned to Maartin. “Are you missing Mavis?”
“Sadly yes” said Maartin. “And Claire of course! But yes I miss Mave.  Jon tells me that Claire has started a choir in the George but he  refuses to tell me what they sing. ”
Slim absently rubbed his shoulder,which made Helen smile,”Has the engineer reported anything yet?” he asked.
“A few juicy bits so far. He has put the word out to his friends  but told them to be carefull. He also says that some of his men have been involved with fights involving Smiths lads. It is getting serious out there. I have told him to take care of his workmen.”
“That’s my job” growled Slim. “You aren’t living with Claire yet my boy! ” Then he backed down. “Anyway I told him the same thing. Lets get the hell out of here.”
“Let me get the word out to Jon.” said Maartin who was surprised by Slims flash of temper but chose not to show it.” I would rather Jon came to meet us. The house is being watched but I can’t tell by who. .”
“You noticed that too?” said Helen. ” I have only seen three different men. Jane must be losing it.”
“I wonder if she ever really had it.” mused Slim.”What do we tell the engineer?”
“We tell him we are going upcountry for a day or two. Jon will know how to contact us. In fact Jon can act as an emergency contact himself.” said Maartin.

“Back so soon?” said Claire as they arrived at the George.
“””He is missing Mavis” explained Slim gesturing at Maartin.
“Nothing to do with his missing Jet” said Helen gesturing at Slim. “What’s this about a choir?”
“Later” said Claire. “Lets get you fed and watered and reunited with your pets.And don’t think  I didn’t  notice that neither of you mentioned missing me!”.

Later in the evening all the group were relaxing in Claires sitting room.Bree was fussing over Scruffy and Jewel while Helen and Seamus groomed  Lois and Tabitha. “I like your choir ” said Helen to Claire. “They have a certain style to them.”
“I think they will surprise a  few people ” said Claire.”There are strangers in town and we want to give them a proper welcome if we need to.”
“Will you need to?” asked Slim
“We don’t know. Lucy was the one who asked us if the choir could practise here..” said Claire “She saw the fight with Jane and wanted us to teach a few people .She said 40. I think I saw 60 here.Mind you Lucy teaching too is a big help.”
“Lucy is Jons wife.” said Maartin who was distracted by Mavis.He was trying to hide his head in Maartins throat  much to Bree’anns amusement.”Its okay I am back now” he said to him.Mavis looked as if he didn’t believe him.He finally decided to touch Maartins face with a paw then rested his head on Maartins shoulder and began to purr.Maartin continued to stroke him untill he fell asleep.
“Can I rest my head on your shoulder and go to sleep” asked Claire.
“Only if you purr when I stroke you.” said Maartin.
“I will give it a bloody good try.”replied Claire from under lowered eyes.
“There is a spare bedroom for you  two young lovers ” said Seamus with a broad grin. Then he laughed as both Maartin and Claire blushed.
“It’s lovely to see you blush.” he teased Claire..She looked around for something to throw at him but all she could find was a dirty look.So she threw that.It didn’t help. Seamus had the giggles and they were infectious.

“Must you go back?” asked Bree of Maartin the following morning .”Claire is much more relaxed when you are around.” She smiled at him. “Did she purr?”
“I,we,I ” spluttered Maartin. Then grinning at her he said “How can you tell? ”
“Oh Claire has a very distinctive moan ” said Bree. But Maartin refused rise to the bait..”Only a few people will know” she continued “Well about half the village considering her volume..The other half will be as frustrated as all hell.”
“Good morning Lover Boy ” said Seamus entering the kitchen,”How the devil are you? Did you get much sleep?”
“Bog off” said Maartin. “Not you as well?”
“Oh aye ” said Seamus .His eyes twinkling..”Oh aye..”
Helen and Slim entered the kitchen wearing broad grins. Maartin buried his head in his hands..”She purrs ” he said finally.
“We noticed ” said Helen..

Andy Fox 210512

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Dragonet Tales:Moon Rising pt2

Slim knocked on Maartins bedroom door. “Toast and coffee is being served in the kitchen Maartin. We need to see Wulff and I would like you and Helen to come with me.”
“Like we would let you go on your own?” thought Maartin. “Two moments ” he called out.
He joined Slim and Helen in the kitchen. “Why  are we going to Wulffs? ” he asked.
“We have to be seen out and about ” explained Slim “and going to Wulffs to see what progress is being made while I am in town is a natural thing to do. Maartin  I know this is a family feud but its affecting  my staff morale.. My men and women are on edge and if I am seen apparently unconcerned  that should ease their minds. Anyway we are going to Wulffs and both you and Helen can pretend to be listening to what I say for once.”
“Well as long as it is only this once.” said Maartin.
“Cheeky” said Slim with a grin.

“Good morning Jon. Don’t you ever go home?”Slim asked the coachman.
“Mister Slim we take care of our own.” said Jon and didn’t explain any further . “Wulffs yard?”
“How the hell did you know?” asked Slim .
“Its natural Boss ” said Jon. “Your guests await you.”
Maartin looked at Jon  and wondered at those words.

“Good morning Wulff” said Slim.”You know Helen but can I introduce you to my self appointed bodyguard Maartin.”
“I already know of him.” Said Wulff. “Good morning young man. I hear you walked off the Alexandria.Would you care to tell me why?”
Slim looked at Maartin.”I know that name.”he said .
“You should” smiled Maartin. ” I told you I was working on her engine. Mind you I didn’t know that you and your brother own shipping companies.” He turned to Wulff. “Apart from the atmosphere in the yard and the engine room being foul the engine itself was nearly  beyond my capabilitys to repair.Thankfully I had thought ahead enough to have an independant engineer inspect the engine and draw up a report. That report is  in the Designers Lodge safe. That engine was overstressed and uncared for.I had intended having a second report made but I left when I heard that a friend had been hurt in a fight. I asked my then employer to have a report made. I wonder if he did that?”
“He did.” said Wulff.
“And?” said Maartin
“He has lodged a compliment in the Designers Lodge. ” said Wulff. ” Would you like to work for me designing engines and not as  this mere merchants bodyguard? Incidentely who got hurt?
“Jane Smith  and Ria Farmer” said Slim. “They attacked my Claire.And this daft sot is sweet on that spitfire.”
Helen laughed at the look on Wulffs face.”Yes he is that daft. But didn’t know Claire.”
“Young man you are very brave or very foolish” said Wulff.”But either way I wish you luck.” He turned to Helen. “Is Claire allright? The Smith woman is screaming vengence on you again. I have put patrols in my yard as there have been reports of Smiths men trying to cause trouble.”
“Jane Smith launched an unprovoked attack on Claire. Ria Farmer tried to stab Claire in the back. They attacked her in her own pub. Ria got a broken wrist for her idiocy but Jane Smith had to be knocked out. She had no self control at all. Claire is badly bruised but in the fight she had so much self control it amazes me still.The pub was about half full at the time.” Helen looked Wulff in the eyes. “It turns out that Jane Smith went to Bridgeford with the sole intention of attacking and humiliating me.Unfortunately for her Claire asked her to fight her outside but Jane thought she could rush her. She does not know Claire Forester. Maybe she does now?”
“It seems not.” said Wulff. “But please tell Claire that  Wulff owes her a drink .You have helped Slim raise a very impressive young woman who is worthy of both of you.” he stopped and suddenly grinned. “She knocked out that evil bitch? You are joking?” Slim shook his head.”Bloody hell fire!  No wonder the Smiths lot are on edge! Now lets work.This way please.”
Wulff lead them to a set of offices set in a seemingly empty ship slipway. Maartin noticed several workmen innocently  stood taking measurements. Maartin noticed that they were watching everything bar what they were doing. “Guards?” he wondered. But what?”And why?”
“Come on Maartin ” hissed Helen. “They are protecting us ”

“Here at last boss.” said an engineer to Slim. “Oh thank you for the new plans but we are still working with the old ones.”
“New plans?”said Slim. “What new plans?”
“You sent us a new set of amended plans for the Dancer three days ago.” said the engineer.
“That is not possible. I was in Bridgeford three days ago.” said Slim “Can I see them please?”
“Certainly Boss.” said the man.”Do you want the originals as well.?”
“Good man” thought Maartin.
Slim studied the plans carefully then called the engineer over.He gestured Wulff and Helen over then asked Maartin to join them. “Notice anything?” he growled.
“There are bulkheads missing there,there and there” said Wulff. “Vital buggers too. But you wouldn’t know unless you knew where to look ”
“The signatures and seals are missing on the new set ” said Helen “And Moon Danger?. I suspect whoever drew these was under some sort of pressure but tried to warn us.But I wonder who.”
“Look here” said Maartin slowly “”He has told us.Can I have the older set for a second to check? ” He went silent for a few moments then said quietly  ” You murderous bitch . You total and utter bastard.. I will have you and your bitch for this.”
People stared at him. “Whats wrong Maartin ” said Slim eventually.
“The draughtsman of the new set has been ordered to draw in an open valve under the engine. As soon as she is launched she will start to sink and nobody would know why” said Maartin. “Here . Look here and here.” he pointed to a small seemingly innocuous hatch. “That one there will collapse as soon as pressure is put on it. It is very handily placed below the waterline.Somebody has been very very sneaky with this.But maybe this is a clue as to who?” Written in a tiny neat hand was what looked to be decoration.”Look at it carefully.” said Maartin.
Written neatly were the words “on the orders of dirk farmer” ” No! Do not rip this plan up. We will need them as evidence.”
“We?” said Slim and Wulff.
“You surely do not think I am trusting you to deal with this scum on your own do you? His wife and daughter tried to injure Claire. That there ” he pointed at the plans” compounds it.” He turned to the engineer. “My name is Maartin Schmitt ” he told him. “Remember that.”
The engineer looked at him. Wulff looked at him. “The Maartin Schmitt of Schmitt Engines?” said the engineer.
“Yes” said Maartin.
“How can I help?” said the engineer
“I want any and all the dirt on Smith Shipping and on the Smiths and Farmers that can be found. Please put the word out.”
” Who do I give it to? ” said the engineer. “Your boss or your bosses wife and only them” said Maartin “If you cannot find me.”
“Consider it done.” said the engineer.
“What am I missing?” said Slim.
“Your friend here designed the Dancers engine” said Wulff “among other things.He is just about, no change that, he will change the world..”He stopped and looked thoughtfull.”Between you you will change the world.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” said Slim to Maartin.
“For the same reason that you did not tell me that you own the Moon Traders ” said Maartin .”It wasn’t important..

AndybFox 190512

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Dragonet Tales: Moon Rising.pt1

There was a knock on the Georges side door. Claire went to answer it and was greeted by a flame haired woman. “Good morning. Lucy isn’t it?”
” Yes” said Lucy “Good morning Claire. You are looking better. Can I have a word with you in private please.? Oh and if Seamus and Bree’ann can  join in I would be grateful.”
“Is it important?” asked Claire.
“We think so.” said Lucy.
“We?” said Claire.
“I have  been asked to be the spokesman.” replied Lucy.
” Spokesman? Never  mind.You wouldn’t come here on a whim.Come into my office. You can guard the kittens while I round Bree and Seamus up.” Claire ushered her into her office. “Coffee?” she asked.
“Yes please” said Lucy..”I see what you mean about the kittens”she said as she saw Jewel and her sisters,”but I thought Slim and Maartin taken Mavis and Jet with them.”
“We decided it was safer to keep them here ” said Claire.
“Safer for who?” said Lucy. Claire smiled but did not reply.

When Bree’ann entered the room she saw a red haired woman telling a   golden kitten that yes she was beautiful but could she please not tease Mavis by trying to catch his tail or she would set Scruffy on her. Bree smiled. “That one is incorrigable .But nobody, not even Claire, seems to mind. You must be Lucy? ”
“Good morning ” said Lucy extending a hand  in greeting. Seamus entered carrying a tray. Claire followed him and shut the door.
“What do you want to see us for?” she asked after she had passed cups out.”Milk? Sugar? You are not the kind to waste anybody’s time.”
“There is trouble in the air” began Lucy” Strangers in the village are asking questions about you,Claire ,and about Bree and Seamus.Oh they will not learn anything.We protect our own here and you are our own .A good few of us saw that blasted fight the other night and we saw how you stopped the girl from stabbing you. Maartin told me that Bree’ann showed you that move and more.And that Seamus is a teacher too. We would like you to teach us too please.  ”
“You keep saying “We” Lucy” said Seamus. “Who are the We?”
“Well most of the regulars who were in here that night plus some others too. Sorry I should have said.” said Lucy apologetically.
” Its not a problem but it depends on the numbers.” mused Seamus. “How many are we talking about?
” Only a few well about 40. Roughly the size of the full village choir. ” said Lucy.
Claire looked at her with a smile playing hard to get. “Only 40? Is that all I deserve for that performance?”
“Naughty!. Don’t tease her ” said Bree’ann admonishing Claire . “Lucy how many more would like to take part?” ”
“Another 20 or so but  we thought even asking for you to show 40 of us is asking too much.” said Lucy. “There are enough natural hotheads in the village but you” she looked at Claire ” kept your head  and we think that we should learn from that.”
” It would mean clearing the main hall again” said Claire.”And maybe splitting the classes between us?” Lucy wondered what she was talking about but kept her silence ,”And Lucy is perfectly correct.There is Trouble in the air. If the villagers are willing to protect us the least we can do is help them learn to protect themselves.And we are villagers too ourselves.”She looked at Bree’ann and said.”Will you sing for us Love?”
“What song  have you got in mind? “asked Bree who had an idea of what Claire was about to say.
“Well really we need to teach in secrecy,or as secret as anything gets here,and if Lucy here says choir sized I think we have a nice cover. “said Claire “Do you sing in the choir? “Claire asked Lucy
“Well yes. But why do you ask?” replied Lucy.
Claire explained and then Bree mentioned something else. Seamus disagreed and Lucy backed him. Claire added a new point and there was a quiet argument between Seamus and Claire. Lucy and Bree watched on as  they shook hands then carried on arguing.Lucy was surprised when Mavis walked up her and her yell made Claire laugh. That defused the argument and finally agreement was reached. Only  then did the Dragonets get fussed over.

The following morning there was a sign on the Pub door. “Due to refurbishment Choir Practise here 6.30pm” it said. The casual observer would have noticed nothing unusual  about the gathering. They would have noticed the still closed shutters in the evening but  it was easily dismissed. Song was coming from the pub.That was what choirs did wasn’t it?
Inside the pub it was a different scene..Claire,Bree and Seamus were teaching small groups how to defend themselves while in the corner by the door those waiting  sang  loudly to disguise the activity that was taking place.  .
Lucy proved to be a quick learner and Claire asked her to teach some of the younger ones the basic moves. Lucy admitted later that she had really enjoyed herself.
The choir’s singing improved too oddly enough.

Andy Fox 190512

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Dragonet Tales:Maartins Metals pt7

Helen knocked on Bree’anns office door. “Come in” said a voice that wasn’t Bree’anns. She entered to find Claire and Seamus fussing over a pair of Dragonet kittens while a tiny golden kitten was tucked into the side of Bree’s Scruffy. “I thought Jan had gone?” she said.
“Oh he has ” said Bree “But Trouble there wouldn’t leave without Scruffy and Scruffy wouldn’t go. Because  Jewel stayed Lois and Tabitha stayed.Not that we had any say in the matter” Bree’ann laughed . “Only a few days ago I was wondering what to do about one Dragonet and now we have four.Jan will resent that on top of everything else that has happened but I think he got away lightly.Maartin was about as angry as Slim. Where is he going by the way?”
“I don’t know” shrugged Helen.”I can’t  say I care. I thought all this crap was done and finished with .”
Claire looked at her with concern .”Are you allright? ”
Helen grimaced.”Yes I am.As is your father.But f this is going to kick off again I am going to call in a few favours and grind your uncle and aunt   into the bottom of Newport harbour. I am not going to be put in the position we were ten years ago.” Helens voice was hard and harsh.”This time we fight to humiliate and not just win.”
“Attagirl” said Slim. “Thats my girl. I was getting worried about you.”Helen hit him hard enough in the chest to make Seamus wince but Slim just laughed. “Claire we need to go back to Newtown for a couple of days. There are people Helen and I need to talk to. If Jane and Dirk are causing trouble I am not prepared to be up here as delightfull as it is. Will you be alright with Seamus,Maartin and Bree?”
“Maartin is going with you into Newtown ” said Seamus sourly.
“Oh is he now .”said Slim “Why?”
“Because I drew the bloody short straw.” said Seamus with a grimace that made Helen laugh.

“Good Morning boss” said the Coachman as he sat in the seat next to Maartin.
“Good morning “replied Slim. “What are you doing here?”
“Guarding some extra special cargo ” replied the Coachman. “Morning mate” he said to Maartin.
“Good morning Jon ” replied Maartin “How are you? What’s the special cargo.?”
“You three” said Jon simply. “Young Master Farmer was escorted to the docks earlier today and informed that it would be unwise to return.” Jon gave a smile. “Well in a manner of speaking anyway.”
Maartin looked at him.”Who told him?”
“Little Davy” said Jon. Maartin burst out laughing.
“Whats the joke?” asked Helen.
“You  must have seen the man who loads the wagons.” said Maartin. “Arms like my thighs. THAT  is little Davy.”
“Ahh I see “Said Helen with a smile.

When they got into Newtown the coachman insisted that they were driven to Slims home on Freed Man Street..”We are going to stop here for a while if you don’t mind? He said.
“Not at all ” said Slim.”I will ask Rachael to bring  you some drinks out.” Then he thought no more about it.”Come on Maartin let me show you my other home. ” He knocked on the door.”Good morning Rachael.”
The door opened a crack and a face looked out  then flung the door open and rushed at Slim.”Oh thank goodness you are both safe! There have  been such tales about you being injured in a fight.” she cried.
“Not us ” said Slim as he held the girl. “But who has been telling you tales?And what were they?”
“A man told me he had seen a young woman attack you in the fight in a  pub in Bridgeford and that you were badly hurt.” said Rachael.
“Isn’t that interesting.” mused Maartin.
“You are the man who has stolen Dirk Farmers farm aren’t you?” said Rachael suddenly noticing him.
“It was never Dirks farm Rachael” said Slim”But those are good rumours. Anything else? ”
“Just a card.” said Racheal handing him an envelope. This arrived just a few moments ago.
Slim opened it and read the contents then passed it to Helen.
“How very unsurprising” she remarked. “We are going to see Mr Samuel Smith of Smith Shipping” she told Maartin. “and you are invited too.”
“Who?” said Maartin.
“My brothers wifes father.He is a very good friend of mine” said Slim. “I wonder just what news he has to impart.” He looked out of the door. “Lads can you do us a favour and take us to Sam Smiths house.?” he asked.
“Certainly Boss. Just as soon as you are ready.”

“Good morning Mr Forester.So lovely to see you again.” welcomed Mrs Davis .
“Hello Mrs Davis. How are you?” said Slim.
“Just fine ” replied Mrs Davis. “Mr and Mrs Smith have  been waiting for your safe return from the wilds of the country” She made it sound a frightening place and Helen suppressed a smile.” Come this way please.”The party followed her stately progress to  the lounge.”I will bring drinks along shortly” she said opening the door and ushering them in. “Your guests sir” she said to the man sat in the winged leather armchair.
He rose to greet them. “Hello  Slim you old fraud. ” He greeted Slim with a hug .”Ahh my dear I hear you gave in.Or at least let the world know you had given in which is entirely different,” he said to Helen.
She hugged him in greeting “My hand was forced ” she said. “I had no choice.. Hello my dear Jennifer. How are you?”
Mrs Smith looked at her fiercely.”When did you become a misbegotten whore?” And whats with Jennifer?” her face broke into a smile. “How are you my dear? And You,” She said turning to Maartin ” must be that terrible Flatlander who is here to rape the sheep and steal that bloody farm.”
“Oh I don’t rape sheep” said Maartin ” They will do anything for a salt lick ”
“Naughty man” said Jennifer.”I like your style.Are you really chasing Claire?”
The question took Maartin by surprise. He was expecting a question about ownership of Hillside Farm. “Well. ” he began sloly then threw caution to the wind. “I have never met anyone quite like her. I think she is wonderfull.”
Jennifers  face  broke into a wide grin. “Its about time you two settled down.”
Maartin looked at her. “Do I know you?” he asked slowly.
“No” said Jennifer. “But never ever underestimate womens gossip and the speed at which it can travel. Speaking of which ” She said turning to slim.”I gather your Claires  Bree’ann stole three of my grandsons Dragonets and that he is on  his way, rather appropriatley it must be said , to Pity Me in the far HighLands.”
“I didn’t know he was going to Pity Me ” said Slim with a sly smile ” I thought he was already there.”
Jennifer started to laugh “Naughty man.” she said.
“As for the kittens?” continued Slim.”The tiny one  has bonded with Bree’anns kitten and the other two girls won’t leave her so all of a sudden Bree and Seamus have a furry family. ”
“So his own stupidity lost them did it?” mused Jennifer.”That is far more like the truth.”
“Come and sit down ” said Samuel. “Furry Family.Must be easier than a crooked Blood one.”Maartin looked at him in surprise. “Oh haven’t you realised yet Maartin ” said Samuel.”We are not going to defend Jane and Dirk. We are going to find a way to defeat them.”

Andy Fox 160512

 

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