[OL-FB1] The Man from the King's Court- Part 1

[Franco Clarke]

Following the botched attempt at finding the Fountain of Youth the Vif had finally made it back to Breshaun for resupply. Erwin stood reading the latest issue of the Breshaun Daily, whilst the rest of the crew loaded supplies and ammunition onto the Vif. Erwin smiled reading an article detailing how the mob of would-be Fountain hunters had finally caught up with Father Tholeau and taught a lesson he was unlikely to forget in a hurry!

Having finished the newspaper, Erwin looked up, to see the master in charge of No.1 Admiralty dock approaching him. He saluted and handed Erwin a sealed letter.

'This was left in for you by the Governor's messenger' the man said 'he told me that it was of the utmost importance and to be read only by you'

Erwin nodded, and intrigued turned over the letter and broke the seal. That wasn't the seal of the Governor, but the seal of the Royal Palace. Erwin's heartbeat quickened. He hoped this wasn't going to be a punishment for his failure at the battle of the Terrabank. He opened the letter, and quickly read it.

'Dear Captain Clarke,

Recently one of our warships sank in mysterious circumstances whilst anchored in Londa Bay. Usually this would just be treated as an accident, but due to the fact that the ship was carrying an important document at the time of its destruction we believe that it may not be the accident that it at first appears to be. This document must be recovered by all means.

You will be issued with an armed merchantman and will be dispatched to Londa Bay in the disguise of a merchant to provide assistance for one of the King's Agents who is already there. The agent will contact you in his own time; all you need do is wait for instruction. We will be sending a further flotilla of warships to provide greater force if it is so required. I must reiterate that the retrieval of this document is of the utmost importance, and its loss would hurt Oleon significantly.

Now proceed with your crew to dock 76, where your vessel will be waiting, ready to leave at once for Londa Bay. Once you have read this letter destroy it at once'

Erwin looked up to the master who was still waiting patiently.

'My crew and I will need immediate transport to the shore, Governor's orders' said Erwin 'also the Vif will probably need moving so it doesn't clog up this dock'

The master nodded and pointed at a dinghy tied up to the side of the dock. 'It seems that the Governor has already anticipated this, there is a boat which should suffice and a replacement crew is in transit as we speak'

The master then turned and went over to a pile of stores to check which ship they were destined for, whilst Erwin hailed his crew.

A few hours later Erwin stood at the helm of the Merchantman, named the Colombe. He felt uncomfortable in the civilian clothes he had found left for him in his cabin, but he was happy to have a mission to distract his mind.

The Colombe was heavily inspired by the Torino by Dukesc, once I saw his ship, I had to make one of my own, I hope you don't mind me copying your design! The colour scheme was inspired by that of the Imperial trading post ship, which is one of my favourite designs from Lego.

[bricklover]

Like the ship and port.

[Capn Frank]

The Dark Wolf looks awesome.

I like the look of the pointed stern and single lateen sail.

I really want to build a Torino inspired ship too.

[Capt Wolf]

Interesting story, and a lovely ship! I like her shape, and the ITP inspiration works well. Good all around!

[Dukesc]

Franco Clarke, your ship looks awesome! I had to do a double take!

It's a new and improved version of The Torino with a steering wheel and larger front sail.

If you or anyone replicate anything I make, that's fine with me! I sure have taken a lot of ideas from others on here too.

[blackdeathgr]

It is indeed a small delight!

[Captain Braunsfeld]

Fine, fine!

[Bregir]

Another lovely story and build, FC! I really like the look of this little lateen rigged vessel. The lines are quite good, as is the sails and colourscheme. My only advice would be to make the lateen even bigger, and perhaps to do something about the decks, which look a bit unpolished and bare currently. Perhaps a small hatch and some tiles?

As always, I will be looking forward to the next instalment in the story!

[TitusV]

Nice build, especially the stern looks great!

[Franco Clarke]

Thank you for all your kind comments, they are much appreciated! I am glad that you all like it!

Franco Clarke, your ship looks awesome! I had to do a double take! It's a new and improved version of The Torino with a steering wheel and larger front sail. If you or anyone replicate anything I make, that's fine with me! I sure have taken a lot of ideas from others on here too.

Thank you, I'm glad you don't mind me borrowing your design!

Another lovely story and build, FC! I really like the look of this little lateen rigged vessel. The lines are quite good, as is the sails and colourscheme. My only advice would be to make the lateen even bigger, and perhaps to do something about the decks, which look a bit unpolished and bare currently. Perhaps a small hatch and some tiles? As always, I will be looking forward to the next instalment in the story!

Thank you for the advise. I will try to break up the decks a little, and for later lateen rigged ships I will give them larger sails!