The pirates of Attersea 1/8

"Come to order please." The Chairman of the Davy Jones' Shipping Company banged his gavel on the table to emphasise the point and the babble of conversation round the table stopped.

"This extraordinary meeting is to discuss the problem of the two company ships that went missing in the alternate world last month."

"One wreck is bad enough but there are usually some survivors who can tell us what happened," said one of the Board members.

"Two ships in one month and no survivors, only points to one of two things," said another of the assembled Board, "either magic is involved which is unlikely, or...." he paused for effect..."piracy."

"Could we get hold of some of the little black boxes that talk to each other," said a third member, "you know, the ones George talks about in his stories, then we could have warning the next time there is a problem."

"The witches won't let us use other world artefacts," replied the Chairman.

"Carrier pigeons then," persisted the third Member, "at least there'd be a chance that someone might get off a message before whatever it is happens to them."

"Good idea," said the Chairman, "can I have a proposer for the motion that all Davy Jones' ships should be equipped with carrier pigeons for emergency messages?"

The motion was formally proposed and carried unanimously.

"The next item on the agenda is to consider the need to purchase at least one new ship to replace those lost."

The meeting then continued in the manner normal to meetings everywhere.

----O----

"Well this is the last one," said Dave as he placed a beautifully polished small brass cannon on the kitchen table.

He'd spent several weeks cleaning and repairing the set of six brass cannon used for starting races at his sailing club on the Therdle.

"I vote we go through the wishing fog to deliver the cannon and have a days sailing at the same time. All those in favour?"

Jennifer Jane and her Mum raised their hands enthusiastically. Dave picked up three of the cannon and cradled them in his arms, Mary took one in each hand and Jennifer Jane carried the sixth. They walked to the giant's pool and put the cannons on the ground while Dave took off the lugger's cockpit cover.

Mary went back to the house to prepare flasks and sandwiches for the day's outing, while Jennifer Jane and her Dad put the cannons on board the boat and got ready for the voyage.

Dave rested one of the cannon on the side deck.

"Look at this," he said, "they fit perfectly just here. If we lashed them down we could have a six gun broadside."

He went aft to the stern locker and found a hank of cod line.

"This should do the trick," he said and tied the line round each gun carriage using the cockpit cover cleats to make each one secure.

"I'll go home and help Mum bring back the picnic and I'll get some blank cartridges as well. We'll wake the Club up a bit before we deliver them."

While he was gone Jennifer Jane tidied up the boat and made the sails ready for hoisting. She was just fitting the tiller in the rudder stock when a voice boomed out high overhead.

"Going far today?"

"'Morning Mr. Giant," shouted Jennifer Jane, "we're taking these starting guns to Dad's yacht club."

The giant stood up and looked over the tops of the trees.

"It's a nice day in the Therdle, light easterly and smooth water."

"Sounds good," said Dave who'd just returned, "now then Mary, you hop aboard, I'll pass you the stores and Jennifer Jane can stow them in the cabin."

The family waved to the giant as they cast off and rowed out of the pool into the river. When they were sufficiently clear of the trees they set sail and went off on an easy reach, heading for the wishing fog.