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King Dominos a strong man, advancing in age, dark locked tyrant maintained keen expression of eye and face. Rough ruler remembered barbarian past, subsisting on bones or blood. His kingdom of Concrete still ruled most of the sea, CityStates numerous, the King slyly mellowed over years, allowing squabbles to divide pretenders. Troy an intellectual new town, blessed and cursed alike with many races: tall blondes with large foreheads, pushed south by ice when Domino's grandfather Cronos welcomed fledgling pirate bands, listening to stories of vast northern sea locked in ice, islands where goblins hid from Krakens. The Red Sea reached Galilee, attracting Cimmerian Persians, many from Ur, dark skinned moors, golden Gypsies. Tribute unheard of, now expected, SissyLee exacted true due from flounderous merchant ships. Egyptian copper and Crimean hemp steady trading by his islands, Dominos enjoyed peacetime, he was not greedy. No shore nation could match his fearsome navy.

Ships made from best materials from around the world. Archers shot huge arrows, often tethered. Motley crews half wild. Grandfather Cronos had been expelled from some TurnKey prison for eating a chancellor. Creten had taken to describe his ilk, ugly in many ways, unable to conform. The ConCreten race did not stay ugly long. Copper weapons began to revolutionize, sea faring island dwellers quick to capitalize, pillaging stone age villages frequently. Beautiful women enslaved and raped, mothering children less repugnant than their fathers.

City-States north named hemp trade Crime A. Dominos contemplated new words. Hemp trade through Troy heavy, competition intense, fat merchants grumbled all day if token lost. Some silly league authority made Hemp trade a crime. Dominos reveled in genius of it.  His ships paid no heed, went where in seven seas they pleased, little leagues proliferated, exacting tribute from each other, squabbling among money changers to influence public opinion. Masters of the Lobby.

When word from Fin came of Noah's prophecy Dominos bade escort ships accompany the Egyptians, referred to commonly as Gypsies. Why they fled to Transylvania he could not ascertain. The place was evil. Leech menders said to keep bodies alive, strange experiments. Dominos preferred blue sea, men could take fortune by the balls; sawing bones in cave basements was unHole. Would that pathetic CityStates make murder a crime for their very own armadas.

The escort sailed home a day ahead of the Finnish Vessel, with word of the great Kiln forge beneath the deck, pottery and bread baked. Dominos especially interested partook in weird pleasure of ry ingot mold. Closest attendants watched worriedly, remembering the King's naked tryst with a marble panda resulting from his last visit with Gypsies. King had hemp flower, rye ingot mold and opium aplenty. He welcomed new tastes and shared culture.

Sarah Harper had a supply of mold. Once exhausted the seed stock of rye would need an entire growing season to manufacture more. She strummed harp topside, wind flapping long blonde hair and Nubian robe, progressive song gaining speed:

"O to isle of Lesbos

 where many manly sisters play

won't you troll a plug

 of bark and shiny bracelet Fisher?

Won't you place husky pearl in my palm?"

Fin smiled to her, soon lights of Concrete would welcome. Shaq Harper assembled Midge, Shet, Ham, and the rest of wee folk for a show rehearsal. Aruba stood beside Fin, a foot taller, “Aruba," said Fin, "aye Wright?" said big black with genuine smile. "Did you see some family when the herders came from Africa?^” Aruba exhaled, relaxing to pour pent up emotion through carefully chosen words, "I have visited the animals they brought, all excellent specimens for N'ark. But I asked Noah to keep my presence quiet, and did not wish to revisit old tribal ways, with you and Midge, Fin, I have purpose,  until journey be truly over, I will not lub my own land, I will not settle a beach of clear water and claim a bay for my very own until I have assisted in my chosen companions destination fully." "Aruba you are truly gifted with strength and agility, and possess wisdom many men never achieve, with your loyalty I will go far, and I promise to take you farther."

Hel Hunter deckside, "Fly! Fly past Trojan tribute, at night we could sneak through DarDenElle, we must get to Kiev in time for the Caribou calves. Fin you yourself could kill it we find a decent stretch of forest." "I will kill a tree more likely, referring both to my marksmanship and my research, good Hel." "For theory sake, kind Wright-" said teenage Hel Hunter, "for planning sake if there were a land incursion before Concrete either to Persian TurnKey or MoorOko's desolate coasts, who of us all might you take in yonder jib?^”

They examined suspended life boat. Propelled by sail, oar, or pole, two life boats capable of taking most humans aboard inland, equipped with spools and cable ready to fight whales or battles. Fin thought another moment.  Fin said in story tellers flair as Tor and Cro Archer watched, "I would take Tom Sawyer and Vik Green first and foremost. Of course Tor and Cro would flank, probably splitting the difference tween the Ship and work camp. You Hel will have already scouted the area, and hunt hard. If there is success Jay and Gil can either hunt or fish, as the case remains, I or Bob Feller will direct operations, I need only to cut small samples of wood for experiments, Sawyer or Archer may have use for wood types found.

You may discover valuable animals, or useful, all must be remembered and related, one deer can feed this crew a week, a bear could feed and run lamps one week. I have heard tell of Oxen smelling of Musk, with heavy rugs piled atop their backs like a camel hump, that weigh as a chariot full of copper bars, to feed us a moon, if Fisher catches a fish the size of a man, we save dry stock for one more day at sea, should terrored becalming occur."

Fabulous pier at Concrete backed tall marble pillars. Reckoning by star, steering charts, sundial and compass, each unreliable, Fin made straight to ConCreten Port of Candii. Sarah sat high atop Aruba's broad shoulders, "I see the Forum; 'Tis a square garden with a dome for capturing sound! ^‘Tis a minstrel dream to play such arena to civilized crowd, where over indulgence in wine is not the primary focus of evening participants."

Spitz and Josephus Green studied the city through telescope. They affirmed existence of the city, named for a far eastern fruit brought around both India and Africa by a ship in grandfather Cronos' time. Egyptian Scholars related accurately the state of Concrete, learned boys listed numerous things about the city either common to doings of Egypt or very foreign. Shining water flowed and sprayed from fountains, buildings harnessed strong flow. Detailed statues ornamented streets of cobble stone. Stunted trees decorated courtyards, patios bustled with tan hemp linen and steaming pools of fresh water.

Reception was lukewarm, just another traveling ship for the masses. Dockers noted modern vessel and motley crew. King Domino's men welcomed tumbling Midgets. Shet and others flipped and contorted, juggling or jesting. Ham and Tor, popular with women met, smiled forefront. Sarah Harper played finely tuned harp singing:

"Hello Candii! Hello!! Hello!!

I heard you have a good looking King!

Hello sweet Candii! How I adore you already."

King Dominos arrived by carriage, wild eyed grin welcoming Gypsies. "Pipers!" He commanded, curtains fell away side stage to reveal a bank of minstrels, various size flutes or wind  instruments layered wonderful tunes, loud and clear in soft wind. Sarah and Shaq stood awestruck, Ham and Tor smiled to dancing girls twirling oversized silken flags.

Coliseum wrestlers contested, athletes threw hammers or vaulted walls with flexible staffs. Ham, wrestler of some success studied techniques, knowing strange Nubian style rarely seen here, efficient movements practiced by martials of OakGnaw present. Tor, strongest bow arm in Egypt, accepted challenge to toss hammers. Ham claimed to have invented the hammer while a carpenter in Damascus. Tor defeated all but the most practiced contestants.

Jut Melton and Got Mason met order members. Fletchers, Potters and Greens mingled at huge banquet. Hope and Cherokee Potter marveled at finely crafted water vessels decorated with engraved mosaics. A scholar instructed students at a kiln, scribe's featherpens fluttered, another stage featured poetry, food vendors wafted rich aromas .

At the spa Fin entertained dancing girls, silk butterfly costumes floating on gentle breezes. Games of mental task occupied studious natives and visitors alike. Earnest Green played tile games with enthusiasm, in the swimming pool Vik Green excelled at physical buoy games. Spitz Green and Bob Faller joined raucous drinking games. Ham kept distant, he had assaulted a beautiful girl when binge drunk just six moons hence, swearing off the vice forever.

Midge and Shet captivated rough King Dominos. The loud man roared with glee watching tumble or jest. Other wee folk, not entirely wishing to continue the journey easily contracted to serve as court jesters here on Concrete, Aruba relaxed once this transaction completed, he would not have such chaos with four less. His eyes connected with those of a dancer from his native land far south in deepest Africa.

Mel Cook marveled at exotic food dishes. Fish he had never seen graced concoctions and substances never tasted. Hel and Patty Hunter visited all chefs, learning much. Boah Skinner took to dock workers, rough men working Fish boats or winching pallets more his kind. He sat with squatting artisans, whittling driftwood, carving whalebone, chewing shark cartilage and baking clams in sandy pits.

Scotia Green took to saunas; lithe, voluptuous form graced pools of gentlemen, smiles and vocal bidding for her service followed. Babbling fountain brooks graced libraries and lush courtyards. Multi leveled chariot parking lots scaped the island. Fantastic estates buzzed with industry: Shepherds held pasture, Ferrier exercised horses, Dog breeders trained, fat cats decorated porches, Wheelers in bustling warehouse trued axles. Smiths lined property with appropriate fencing. Fisher estates overlooked bays. Central estate of King Dominos himself featured chariot paths lined with colorful trees of OakGnaw, pretty women swam or cavorted in skimpy togas, massive dogs of Dane breed patrolled suspicious. Archers guarded children in intricate playground. Gardeners mixed soil with copper scepters.

Thus travelers educated, entertained, otherwise welcomed by wonderful people of Concrete, most much like the gregarious King, often mired in luxury, ever given to bouts of primal emotion, Harpers and ElfStroms stayed enshrouded with King and company, Ry Ingot mold held them awestruck with glass manipulated lights. Tor Archer watched stars from cool marble veranda. Fin informed him of departure next evening.

Got Mason studied eclectic architecture carefully. Arched causeways and towering cathedrals intrigued. He noted barbarian defenses, penthouses, sentry paths, archer posts, dungeons, and innovative greenrooms or aqueducts. He too loved Ry Ingot Mold, and sat at candelit circles, drawing elaborate scrolls of planned buildings or cities, aided by menders, well heeled in various castles, who offered insights as to ways seen of fending hordes.

Here the party seemed to stretch ever on. Youthful exuberance of athletic competition and shameless luxury seemed to Fin frivolous, participants assured survival through any circumstance. Falling to slothful decadence without working to prepare for hard times; The King gleamed from an eye when answering this charge, "many of my ancestors guarded power to insanity, only to have the mountain spew fire and ooze brine, then waves break down upon the docks. Only by quick flight could I hope to stop Vesuvius and her cousins who bicker and grumble, or kill every type of creature in the deep but for the Kraken breathing meth gas from mountain bowels undersea, to pluck seven virgins from peaks, to wash him in steaming lava on boiling beaches, and hailstones freeze and fog, ice bergs break free to flood lava with frigid water." Raucous wild eyed King laughed, "and every bodies dead but for the mangiest seaman." He scratched.

"I am saddened by CityState politbureaus." said King, "they squabble and tax, merchants manipulate weak minded, armadas demand tribute, searching, seizing cargo_r freebooters cannot make the world smile as I once did as a lad. Would that my grandsons fly to deepest Congo_r claim a strip of beach. Your Sarah Harper could strum sweetly to them,"

Fin chose words carefully, "for a single Egyptian ship to attempt Mace and Troy would be foolish. I hops You will escort us into Kiev." The King paused with sudden realization, "yes, I had thought you permanent visitors, or returning to Egypt, with stories to regale my legend, and I might have lived my days in smug demeanor, rye and wine my solace; but now see my true legacy is as your escort." He stood as if receiving battle garb . "I will take my wonderful Fjalar and ram the fleet of Thrace, I will cruise Trojan ports with ominous quiet."

Festivities spirited; many Gypsies grown to love Dominoan lifestyle, pleasures of wealth accessible by all classes. Mel Cook would carry secrets of fine cuisine his entire life, Sarah Harper memory of her concert in the Forum, Paul Fowler held massive red African bird, Aruba's tryst with African dancer Shay quickened pulse and memory forever more. Jut Melton and dancer of OakGnaw said goodbyes, Gil Fisher and Boah Skinner had doubled understanding of sea creatures each visit to busy Dominoan docks, Vik and Spitz Green took finely crafted ball of water sports to play polo abroad. Josefus Green, while seeing aerobic benefits of competitive athletics, only dabbled in games, seeking instead writings or speaking of philosophers and poets.

Banquets raged, King Dominos loud and sure, contracting various guard legions for travel or domestic security, dispatching scout ships, every command uttered caused ripple and flurry of activity. He huddled with advisors greasy with food and wine. Fin sitting near watched developments and entertainment with sober eye. Frequently raising big flagon to a lip, he sipped cool wine slowly dispatching Bob Feller. Fin liked having Bob and Aruba near should violence explode. Both were tall, strong and very capable. Aruba smiled to himself often, seemingly oblivious to development around him, Bob was quite perceptive, curious and retentive.

King Dominos grew to respect Fin's maturity, puzzled at the red haired man's rejection of fine wines and lovely young maidens. Dominos thought himself a perceiver of persons knew of some men's lusts for brothers. Fin was normal, strongly and tightly controlled that when throes of emotion d id overwhelm him mighty must the tide rise. Dominos had seen those with no sex, men often hairless, who dwelt in dungeons and sewers to scratch rats from holes to eat raw. And barbarians unwisely befriended, who rape abroad but could not achieve arousal when at peace. He knew OakGnaw masters idly swung young lovers in hanging baskets, and far away red Chiefs of eagle feather headress who ate peyote in saunas with chosen lovers only at waning moon, or golden Clerics with Bronze paneled jewelry similar the budding Egyptian Royals who took virgins by force then had them skinned.

He ate leg of fowl topside with Fin. "Would that you come back for the bull fights, or the fresh peacocks." Fin Smiled, "'t would be very fair indeed, I would enjoy your fine port city much but for heavier issues; worry over the journey. My mother was Hebrew, as you know a peaceful race, though one much beleaguered by war mongers." Dominos nodded in thought.

Fin explained more, "my father held close court with Crimean Scythians, and Transylvanian Fellers often floated rafts of logs out into the Black, with dimly lit fishing shacks." Dominos nodded knowingly, "I have encountered the scoundrels many times." Fin nodded, "you spoke with my father often- York ShipleyWright?"

Dominos smiled, "ah, you are York's son? That makes me feel old, I heard that he perished beyond Gibralter testing sails." Fin nodded. "Anyway he was familiar with the logs, and very familiar with the hemp, as he bought tons to build ships there on the peninsula and back in Lebanon." Dominos nodded, "we shared a Coppersmith, Moon Melton was his name." "His son is Jut, who sails aboard my ship."

"What think you Fin, of this demonization of Hemp?" "I do not believe the idea is rooted in good." "What of narcotics?" "Though recreational use by responsible adults should not be policed, downtrodden masses tend to overindulge. But as you know, Ry Ingot Mold and HampFlower are safe enough, until demonized, when the demons adopt overuse as fashion. When failed menders and musicians experiment such as in Transylvania, we never know what mind control might arise, so better to ban smoke and finance war, ever and on. . ."

"Though Crimean Hemp is a cornered market for any serious sailors, CityStates north wish Scythians divided, rogue Prince Alan has sailed from port of my general Gaul, calling at your very Nile very soon, the Alan’s are primarily Wheelers and Carter's though, CartWrights were useful traveling by land caravan, limited at sea. Kievin had dispatched a legion of Masons, freely hiring out as a team or army to fortify certain locations. CityStates demand tribute, alert to any sailor wishing to stake his life as confidential informer. Already Thrace argues publicly for a ban on ingestion of Ry ingot mold." The men laughed, "shouldn’t be too hard to prove."

The men contemplated. King Dominos spoke more; "Troy, though not yet public about HempFlower, instead choosing to lump narcotic tops with fiberstalk as a flat tax, is now this very afternoon debating whether to put a bill banning Ale to senate."

Fin swallowed, "ale? Will wine follow?" The king flipped a hand whimsily, "who can say? The privileged will survive to be sure. They will finagle, greed interests will pamper fat cats, and brilliant young speechwriters will plead neverending case. I will join the lion at arena floor before cowing to these fledgling democracies." The tyrant spat the word from his mouth with disdain.

Dominos' crew excellent fishers, trolled nets and lines various speeds and depths. Jay and Gil, Hel and Boah helped with awe, gladly cleaning and preparing most of the hold. King and crew marveled at techniques of smoking and sealing many small fish in airtight copper packets. Fin showed process proudly, "Egyptian Smiths influenced greatly by Sardinas, this key," he held simple tin key to the King, who accepted thoughtfully, tucking it away in a chest pocket. Fin continued, "in just one moment can open a packet to feed an entire crew fresh and tasty sardines steeped in various marins." He held a packet to the King, who took it under an arm, nodding, impressed with efficient Smiths and various hardworking others. "You must teach us this technique."

Fin gestured to Ork Smith, shy ugly man approached humbly, "yes captain?" Fin's manner reassured him, "the King wishes we teach his Smiths our techniques, I assume of your large family some of your older children may wish from Kiev to return to Crete and Egypt, relating nuances of craft could enrich clan greatly." King Dominos concurred, "kind Smith your work is un equaled, won't you or competent kin grace my castle of industry for great favor?" Fin knew of the man’s want for relative solitude, he sought far flung island to claim desolate beach to raise numerous family without public pressure reaching immense proportions. Ork sensed Noah and prophecy of destruction were ultimate troth. He smiled snaggled grin to King, "I will improve your sheet metal with a simple hint, and all I ask is that when a child of mine visits your fine port, seat them near you at banquet, bestow honor that others might give them special notice."

"Done," quoth the King, a scribe copied book Smith seal, key advisor stood with King to receive words Ork chose. "I toured your ore processor and noted very little gypsum.” Advisor clutched cleric, Ork continued. "also your slag processors are inefficient, that is your first step, then we will discuss machine crimpers you will need and how to engineer them."

"Order it done," said the King. Advisor said to scribe busily shaking feather pen, dabbing in fresh ink often, "increase importing of Gypsum." Ork related details of recycling copper slag, waste that if shocked with cold water and ground uniformly melted evenly to make temporary cooking utensiIs or razor sharp fragments for fish hooks, arrowheads, disposable knives and shaving razors.

Smith family, nearly every year represented, buzzed excitedly of future glory at a long coming banquet. Fin smiled to Dominos, "sharing your knowledge of the sea is payment for me, look how my Fishers cart slabs of fillet. Boah Skinner I would wager on to feed a crew through the worst luck." They joined men heaving to retrieve a net heavy with fish."

Mackerel, kingfish, amberjack, sardines; list long and varied. Dominos and Fin scrambled among nets, grabbing at choice oddities or interesting finds. Crews bustled long, preparing much for future tribulations. Egyptian craft flew both native flag and that of Jerusalem, also colors of Dominos. The two vessels made good time north, busy crews putting stores for hauling or trading at neutral port Melos, first island CityState to be encountered of many.

Long Into evening Dominos and Fin studied charts by oil light. Melos, foe of northern states, brokered trade between Egypt, SideOne and FoeNations, ConCrete, Athens, Thessaly, Mace, and Sparta, infant democracies hotly competing for tribute. Spartan territory hundreds of miles west, Athens and scattered island states directly north.

The Cyclades they must cross. King Dominos could guarantee unhindered passage. At Isle of Lesbos friends would gather to greet, the ships ported, giving pompous leaders of Troy a day or two to forego thought of collecting tribute.

Melos welcomed with pageantry aplomb. Women here far outnumbered men. Though sorority sisters often preferred each other as bedmates, most were heterosexual, craved civilized intercourse with golden Gypsies. Ham and Jay escorted numerous pretty attendants. Ugly Boah Skinner found a fair maiden adept at preparing skins for painting or drumming. Sarah Harper found a group of operatic vocalists, large fat women with powerful lungs and incredible vocal range. Many Stokers worked the base of smoking mountain, mining super heated rock to warm water or heat homes. Lady Jonos, Melos’ elected leader, was a charismatic woman, articulate and perceptive, fascinated by Fin's quest; intrigued by Noah's prophecy.

Long into wee hours counseled Jonos to Dominos and Fin. Her impassioned pleas for multinational police and free thought shared by rival cultures stirred both men. "Though you are a wise King," she chose words deliberately, "your sons may not value wisdom, conquerors not rule so benevolently. Even now Persian Coppersmiths fashion hundreds of thousands of spears with barbed Aryan tips. And should Scythian hordes don fully one hundred thousand death hoods and descend on Troy because Thrace, Mace, Lemnos, Lesbos, Icus, Samos, Andros and the others divided, bickering dues while selling slaves, well, CrimeA must nurture a healthy trade directly with Egypt or FoeNations. Hemp of uniform quality can be plentiful at every port, local economy will boom at every Shipwrights port."

Fin and Dominos sat in thought, Jonos believed strongly in democratic ideals. The King presented gold crown inlaid with diamond, and beautiful axe. Fin was presented an axe. "For the King of Diamonds,^” Jonos held the axe to Dominos, "and the Jack of Hearts." She blushed to Fin, brandishing scepter high in breezes, flame flickered strongly. She invited them join special saw demonstration, Dominos and Fin, joined by Tom Sawyer and Kip Miller, marveled at a crosscutting dual handle saw efficiently dissecting large slabs of hardwood."

"The forests carpeting our coasts can never be harvested by man," Lady Jonos orated, "before replenishing themselves. Foresters must multiply." Fin laughed, "Fellers are a widespread and fertile bunch." The fabulous saw made short work of a firewood log. Two stout men of questionable affinity gazed to each other while laboring. "Much as a rower would propel a boat." noted Fin, "would that Lebanon get such technology, my orders of cedar might arrive on time. Dominos scoffed at the saw, brandishing his new axe high to split a chunk of wood dangerously near the head of one Sawyer, "I alone cleared the isle of CyPress of every last tree when we conquered SideOne."

MayBel Lions a special sculptress, tiny woman directed quite rowdy legion of young Masons and Brickers, winding among to direct construction of bases where statues would line streets. Maybel and crew greeted King and Gypsies with friendly catcalls, one strong armed boy challenged King Dominos to wrestle, there in wet mortar mud they fought.

City park amphitheaters echoed Singers and Harpers. Ancient statue of wild eyed Archers sticking a shark centerpiece. Stunted trees of Orient showed deep colors. Orchids transfixed gently, ferns bounced when droplets of dew fell to splash fronds.

Cool nights on Melos tugged Fin's heart. He kept matters between he and Lady Jonos on platonic level though she distracted him. Already arduous journey seemed not harsh reality but foggy dream. Shaking from haze he conferred with King and Lady, plans to sail at dawn ordered.

Lady Jonos met Fin late at candle lit alcove by house at cliffs at Bottleneck Bay, Arched open doors similar Moorish dwellings. Succulent Plants and lush shrubbery conceal alcoves from other patrons studying or drinking. “I will sail away with you if only you would ask. Alas, my armada will not carry such import. If only you would tarry en route mv yacht could follow in support. We could be of some use the entire way to Kiev."

Fin nodded, "I like your idea, but am I to assume Lesbos will join us also?" she nodded, "and MarMar, and Thrace will likely harass us most." Fin laughed to her, "King Dominos has reassured me that he will handle Thrace." Jonos agreed, "a simple display of his flag will thwart most arresters, returning maybe a step closer to my dream of an open sea without worry of rampant piracy."

Fin took her hand, "lady; would that you remain for me that when my circuit is complete, I return to this wondrous land of marble columns and precious art, luxury to inspire the grandest of philosophies. To call upon you wise pretty lady Jonos."

She smiled, "you honor me greatly, great Fin. Though Celtic Frost has called you, and I urge you not to journey past Kiev, should you not take heed, I will wait, and we will toast the lamb casserole in SissyLee."

Fishing now sporadic, Jay and Gil tried arsenal of techniques, keeping watchful eyes on what King's men tried, both ConCreten and Melos ships had little better success. Tor, Cro and Hel manned shooting parapets; crossbows shooting tethered bolts. Hel occupied Lady Jonos boat, infatuated with many pretty female crew members. April Lions, daughter of MayBel, also an accomplished sculptor, tortured as a girl, stricken mute joined Fin's crew as assistant to Got Mason and the Potter girls, Hope and Cherokee, eventually to sculpt fine statues at some secure location. A hard worker, very punctual, April disdained parties for study, reading epic parchment or academy texts first light and by candle.

With precision and speed triad sailed to Lesbos, few ships sighted quickly outpaced or intimidated by flags of Dominos. At Delos small armada tailed a ways. Dominos smirked, "they fancy themselves quite a league of CityStates, but ruled from the mainland by so called popular vote cast after debate at the almighty Agora. Bah!" Far roving Barbarians would likely never roam the peninsula but Vandals and Angles often pushed to the region by ice; Fin had seen blueprints for the Acropolis, ambitious city designed to fend hordes and foster mercantile. He admired such broad thinking, though doubted the city, Athens, would endure.

Hel Hunter, married, quite stricken with April Lions, skipped sentry duty to watch her craft unique statuettes. Each captured wild essence of big cats. Aruba also studied her creations, entranced with rhythmic breathing when sculptures took detail. Bob Feller whittled a stump in rough simulation of her style. The group smiled at his imitation of her subtle characteristics like bony flanks for prairie ranging cheetahs or bushy manes for jungle kings.

Hel's wife Patty Hunter, a Baker maiden, contributed mightily banquet preparations, Boah Skinner spearheaded cleanup. Boah also contributed bountiful catches helped mightily by Greens, Fishers, and Paul Fowler.

On Lesbos a tribe of Stoners built heavy fortifications on rocky cliffs, protesting hempflower tariffs, cracking tough Island stone and mining shafts deep underearth. Dominos smiled in remembrance, talking quietly with Fin, "ah the velvet underground on Lesbos."

Indeed the place wicked. Stoners played rough sporting games such to kill contestants nearly every match: rock fighting, staffs, tree leaping, cliff diving, animal wrestling, etc., contestants and observers alike smoking plenty of hempherb. Besotted Women trysted for fraternities lined up for turns at haughty harpies some willing, others anyway. Dandy clad desperadoes paced verandas, approaching potential investors for lucrative profit.

       Mark Demos a famous fighter trained by eastern martials, wild eyed yellow hued warrior bounced through masses taking any woman, attacking groups of men, displaying dominance like a rooster. He needed no entourage, radiating danger in lawless carnival.

King Dominos met Mark Demos on the plaza, the men exchanged friendly clinches. Ham shouldered through to shake the lethal hand. Spitz and Vik Green watched from respectful distance. Dominos knew of the mans great willingness for impulse decisions, "come to Troy with us," he said to tan robed, black belted fighter. ”With you at my flank we will sail past, to the feast of King's at MarMar."

Civil unrest claiming country side and suburbs, Fin liked not shouting heard from near Pier. Dominos informed of plans to sail straight of Troy at no moon. Thrace rumored to seek confrontation of the Egyptians with or without consent of Dominos.

Mark Demos welcomed journey to purge himself of frivolous city ways. Fin allowed him bring case of silk puffed sleeve shirts popular with musicians, the crew bought several more, soon adding brightly died caps and rags. Rowdy Demos obeyed rules of shipboard conduct. Lap and Jut Melton received his dragon brand by moving special kettle, searing flesh of both forearms in OakGnaw martial lawyer test of pain, endurance and strength.

Hel Hunter sat with Mark Demos late each night, swapping stories of big game and small, hunted in primitive manner on various continents. Demos loved a hunt with passion. Earnest Green, patriarch of large clan, heard many boasts, retaining many in essence. Often Aruba sat glaring across from Mark Demos. Occasionally hyper active Demos would gesture to him, daring big black to accept a match. Massive negro simply smiled and reclined. When stocky ninja started each day with numerous odd pushups, Aruba sat cross legged in awe of sunrise.

     In this manner odd crews of Egypt, Crete, and Melos chopped swells, holds full of vacuum packed smoked fish of all kinds. Fishers now experimented leisurely, trying odd trappings for strange morsels. Emma and Ella Fletcher held court each evening with Hope and Cherokee Potter. Sarah Harper and her brother Shaq played music nearby, and the Green girls: Autumn, Scotia and Kristen giggled together at various suitors.

Sunset one day out of Lesbos a contingent of many warships formed a blockade. Fin studied flags, ship astride King Dominos'. Flags of Thrace, vast region north, and Troy, CityState at the mouth of the straight to MarMar and the Black Sea flew interdispersed in line. One smaller cutter advanced, King Dominos held palm down to bid Fin fall behind.

Fin relayed sign to Lady Jonos, both crafts fell respectful distance back. Blockade tightened slightly, not yet threatening. Tor and Cro Archer studied through telescopes. Aruba unsheathed curved cutlass from scabbard with ominous song. Bob Feller and Boah Skinner stood decktop, axes resting on shoulders.

Soon flotilla moved forward at normal speed. Gap in armada closed no further than a length of rope with one hundred Knots a man's foot apart. Several soldiers on decks of Trojan ships removed shiny helmets to view convoy passing. Catcalls followed the mostly female crew of Jonos’ ship Moon's Trail.

    At dawn close through the straight did caravan sail, people of Troy signaled from cliffside homes or chased along beach side thoroughfares. One lone ship docked at port flew the flag of Damascus. Following King Dominos wake exactly, Fin kept crew on alert, area high risk even with powerful king leading. Rogue Garrisons often pirated Egyptian boats, ties with FoeNations kept traders of Damascus origin safe. Though Ham and Jay begged for visit to Trojan house of culture(Fin could only guess at their meaning), such actions would be atrocious, anyway madness of Lesbos had spurred Fin to remain focused on mission.

MarMar would be pleasant excursion, port known for lavish treatment of visitors. Continual carnival energized by talented hosts pulled travelers into vortex of dizzy pleasure. Fin sat late with Lady Jonos on breezy wharf of white marble floors, pillars and arches.

"'Tis truly pleasure to view you in candlelight again great miss." She smiled with undetected blush, "when you are near I tremble as a new born fawn. With awe will I accept any advance you should make on my person. With humble demeanor will I seize opportunity to please you now and forever more." Fin rose quickly, standing very near her, to reach down, stroking her forehead lightly, massaging her neck, "I do not ask that you love and honor me tonight, simply obey..."

chapter3                word