Our Heroes In His Majesty's Navy, A Short Story

Our Heroes In His Majesty's Navy, a shorty story in fabletop.

NOTE:
- For some reason, indents don't work, apologies if it looks odd.
- Constructive criticism would be appreciated.
- Usernames of Leif and Elladan have not been released because I did not ask permission from them to post this yet.

The two heroes lie on the floor of the tavern after a heavy night of drinking and partying. The bartender sweeps the floor of his establishment in silence while thinking to himself about how profitable the night before was for him. Finishing sweeping, the bartender jabs the passed-out Leif in the stomach.

“Wake up,” the bartender grumbles. “I'm opening soon.”

Leif squirms around and moans while rubbing his head.

The bartender repeats his jab and Leif awakens immediately.

“I'm up! I'm up!” Leif declares. He stands up and continues to rub his head. Approaching his companion, Leif kicks him in the side, waking him up as well.

“Ah! Damn it, Leif!” Elladan cries out.

After a brief argument on the fundamentals of waking up a hungover elf, which almost breaks out into a fight, the two heroes recollect themselves and sit down in the corner of the tavern.

The bartender opens his bar and patrons begin to flood the room. Leif and Elladan quickly notice that they did not have as much money as they did the night before.

“You paid for everyone's drinks last night in celebration of your victory.” The bartender explains. “It was a great night!”

It can be seen that Leif and Elladan have already begun to regret the decision to buy everyone drinks. They must have been at last 800 coins short. How many people were here last night? What happened? Their questions weren't answered.

As the bartender leaves to tend to his patrons, a well-dressed man enters the bar followed by two guards. The patrons look over in silence at the Governor of their town, Lord Yalen, in his fine cuirass and elegant uniform. It is uncommon for nobles to enter such a dirty and common establishment

Lord Yalen makes his way over to our heroes' table and introduces himself: “Good day gentlemen, I am Lord Yalen, Governor of this fine city, perhaps you have heard of me?”
The heroes give no response, paying more attention to their breakfast.
“Aha, well, I will skip the greetings I suppose,” Lord Yalen says. “I, on behalf of King Rhodri I and the rest of the nobility of our Kingdom, would like to thank you for your excellent service. The bandit presence South of town no longer poses a threat to any of our villages because of your courageous efforts,” Lord Yalen begins to pull two medals out of his pocket as he speaks. “His Majesty wishes to commemorate your victory with these medals.”

Elladan looks up from his meal. “Oh... thanks, I suppose.” he says slowly as he grabs the medal out of the Lord's hands and pockets it. He turns towards Leif and says, “How much do you think this thing is worth?” Leif ignores him.
The more enthusiastic companion responds and accepts the medal. “Thank you, sir!” Leif says with a smile.

Lord Yalen looks offended with Elladan as he speaks. “Er, okay. Again, thank you for your service heroes. You have done a great deed for the people here.”
“Yeah, I know.” Elladan responds.

Lord Yalen salutes to Leif and Elladan and turns around. On his way out the door, a halfling, dressed in royal colours, rushes past the Governor, almost knocking him over. In a pant, the halfling approaches the heroes as they finish up their meal.

The stressed halfling begins to yell at the two companions. “Heroes! Heroes!”
“What?” Elladan asks.
“King Rhodri, He's in dire need of your assistance and has requested your presence at the castle, you must gather your things and come quick!” The halfling explains.
“I suppose I could try to make some time for him.” Elladan says while he rolls his eyes.
“It's very important, Elladan!” The halfling urges him.
“Yeah, I'm sure it is.” Elladan replies with a sarcastic tone.
“Let's get on it then!” Leif declares.

Leif and Elladan follow the halfling out of the tavern. Running through the crowded streets, they arrive at the castle and are allowed entrance by the guards. Climbing several flights of stairs, the party arrives at the chambers of the King.
King Rhodri I, a great and powerful man who has led his Kingdom to many victories, now looks old, sick, weak and pale. He sits quietly on his bed, creating a slight cough every now and then. A healer stands by his side, holding an empty cup. The healer notices the heroes enter through the door and beckons them to come closer.
“What is it you called us for?” Elladan's voice echoes around the large bedroom.
“His Majesty is sick, it seems.” The healer replies. “It may have been poison, or it may just be him succumbing to his age.”
“Poisoned?!” Leif gasps.
“Well, heal him then.” Elladan demands.
“If only it were that easy, adventurer.” The healer begins to explain. “King Rhodri has chosen to summon you, heroes, when I explained to him that there is a herb that, when mixed with the proper ingredients, will stabilize him and restore his energy.”
“And...?” Elladan interrupts, while urging the healer to continue.
“This herb is found in the tropical islands to the South. Reachable only by boat and inhabited by natives.”
Leif and Elladan nod.
“The King has requestioned a navy ship to bring you to your destination so you could grab the herb and return it here,” The healer says.
Leif interrupts his explanation “Look, are these natives bad guys? I don't want to kill innocent people.”
The healer replies “Leif, the natives should be of no worry. Unless you anger them, they should have no problem with you. However, your presence is not exactly appreciated by their population.” The healer continues to explain “You have been conscripted for temporary service in the navy. You will be under the command of Captain Rodes and Master Dunbar, they will meet you at the harbour.”
Elladan poses a question “What happens if I decline?”
Crossing his arms, the healer responds “Then you will be charged for dodging the draft, and maybe treason as well.”
The heroes are left with no options.
“I have some things to do before I head off.” Elladan says.
“Just be quick, the King is depending on you.” The healer says.
“I'll be right on that,” Elladan says sarcastically and impatiently. “Can I just go now?”
“You are dismissed, best of luck to you both” the healer salutes.

After leaving the castle, the heroes prepare for their adventure by heading to the local blacksmith. After some quick exchanges, Leif purchases for himself a great longsword to go along with his steel round shield. For some extra armour, he purchases a mail chest cover. As an extra ranged weapon, he spends some more of his coin on five finely crafted daggers. The blacksmith goes off on a speech about the history of the daggers, but nobody really cares.
For himself, Elladan purchases a mail chest cover and black robe. These items go along with his two daggers and bow.
The group finishes their shopping.
* * *

At the harbour, a large merchant vessel is docked as crewman load supplies onto it and prepare the ship for its departure. A man in a sky-blue officer's uniform and tricorne hat stands by a table with a map on it. The heroes recognize him as the ship's navigator, Master Dunbar, who is currently reviewing the course that the ship is to follow. The two men approach the Master at his table.

Master Dunbar looks up from his map and puts down his compass “Ah hello! You are our voyagers, yes?
Elladan confirms “Yes, yes we are.”
“Excellent,” Master Dunbar says. “We are going to depart soon. Captain Rodes is currently meeting with the owner of the ship, Malleau. Once you are ready, just head up to the ship, any questions?”
Elladan replies “None, we will just see ourselves aboard the ship.”
Master Dunbar says “Understood, see you men aboard!”

The two heroes climb aboard the ship and await departure. They have a long journey ahead of them as they traverse through dangerous waters.

It is well known to the people of the Kingdom, including Leif and Elladan, that the navy is a weak force composed of lightly armoured and poorly trained bowmen and spearmen with the odd wizard sent aboard to deal with the sick. In addition, the crews are commanded by overconfident officers who end up questioning their tactics as they float in the ocean while holding onto a wooden plank from their most recent lost ship. Many officers have even taken up piracy along with their crew, while trying to keep it secret from other authorities.

Due to cuts in budgets, the navy can barely afford to maintain its crews and ships. Officers have come up with the idea of renting civilian ships from their owners.

Many blame the navy's ineffectiveness on King Rhodri. He had previously expressed his views on the navy, saying that a navy is too expensive too maintain and also that a navy amounts to nothing in a land devoid of any rivers or lakes to cross, but only vast oceans with tiny, useless islands in between. The King's advisors had always urged him to build a navy due to the majority of His kingdom's cities being situated on coasts. However, the King, in all His stubbornness, has always denied to build up a powerful navy.

Now our heroes wait in their cots for their adventure to continue...

Yeah buddy great story.

Write more.