1633:The Danish Scheme (6 page)

Captain Luke Foxe reread the note from Sir Thomas. He chuckled when he read the part about Reuben’s ploy to recruit colonists. In the flickering lamp light, his features still showed a hint of the experiences from his last discovery voyage to Hudson’s Bay and the recent voyage to Greenland. The privations he suffered as he waited for the audience with King Charles that never came, and the poor food the Spaniards had for their sailors on the voyage to Greenland, had aged him. The last month, though, had done wonders for his health. The small inn, where he was currently lodged, had some of the best food he’d eaten since he first went to sea. He’d finally been able to follow the Grantville doctor’s advice on changing his eating habits. His stomach no longer bothered him. The only problem was that his trousers were starting to get a little snug
. A month back at sea and that problem should take care of itself.
 He waved the letter at his young clerk.

“Svend, I want you to prepare the letter to Sir Thomas that we discussed earlier, on the four captains I met with today. They are all interested in charters for the expedition and their ships meet our needs. I’ll meet at his convenience tomorrow to go over the details.”

“I’ll get to it immediately, Captain.” At fifteen years of age, Svend McDermott had all the eagerness of youth for a great adventure. Ever since Captain Foxe had first sought lodging at his mother’s inn, Svend had been like a young puppy trying to please its master. Captain Foxe’s tales of exploration had fired Svend’s longing for adventure. Luke had finally surrendered to the inevitable. As his share of the work to prepare the expedition to Hudson’s Bay increased, Luke hired Svend as a messenger. Surprisingly, Svend had turned out to be well-educated, with a clear hand for writing. He now served as Luke’s temporary clerk.

“As soon as you have a clear copy ready, I’ll sign it and you can take it to Sir Thomas’ house. Wait for his answer, if he’s there. I’ll ask Mette to keep a meal warm for you.”

* * *

With the signed letter in a leather pouch, Svend set off for Sir Thomas’ house. Supper tonight was to be chicken with dumplings. Svend could almost taste his mother’s cooking as he raced out the door and rounded the corner. With his mind on dumplings, he barreled right into one of the four watchmen heading toward the inn. Svend knocked the youngest man over in a tangle of limbs and scabbard.

The older watchman, who was evidently the leader, grabbed Svend by his collar and lifted him clear. He roared at the man on the ground, “I told you Jens, get that strap fixed! If this had been a real brawl, you’d be dead.” Then he growled at Svend, “And where are you off to in such a hurry, lad? Or are you running from someone?” He set Svend down but still held onto his collar. If Svend was a thief, he was too agile for the older man to run down.

Svend opened the flap of his pouch to show the letter. “I’m carrying a letter from Captain Foxe to Sir Thomas Roe. I apologize for my inattentiveness, Sergeant.”

Karl finally got a good look at his captive's face and grinned. “You’re from the inn, aren’t you?” Svend just nodded vigorously. “I thought you looked familiar. Be on your way, but watch where you’re going!” He let go of the collar, then gave Svend a smack on the backside that propelled him off. He opened the door to the inn and motioned his men in. “Let’s get that beer before anything else interrupts us.”

* * *

As befitted the status of the ambassador from the English court to Denmark, Sir Thomas' house was in the Hovermarken neighborhood and was solidly built of gray, faced stone. Before he climbed the steps to the door, Svend paused to straighten his tunic and run his fingers through his hair. 
The Captain would really dress me down if I showed up looking like a street urchin
 , he thought, as he reached for the bell pull. This was the first time he’d been to Sir Thomas’ house since the ambassador’s family and staff had arrived from England. The door opened and Svend was surprised to be greeted by a petite, dark-haired young lady.

“May I help you?”

Tongue-tied, Svend finally managed to blurt out, “I have a letter for Sir Foxe from Captain Thomas, I mean Sir Thomas from Captain Foxe.”

She smiled at his mix-up, but then opened the door wide and invited him in. “My uncle is in the study. Please have a seat and I’ll get him.”

As she walked down the hall, Svend noticed that the dress she was wearing was a recut hand-me-down from a larger woman’s wardrobe. He also noted that it still set off her slim figure.

A few minutes later, Sir Thomas appeared. “Agnes said you’ve a message from Captain Foxe?”

“Yes, sir.” As he handed over the letter, Svend continued, “Captain Foxe asked me to wait for your answer, if it was convenient.”

Reading the note, Sir Thomas started back down the hall. He motioned for Svend to follow. As they entered the study, Sir Thomas pointed to a set of hardback chairs along the wall. “Have a seat. I do have an answer and I won’t be a moment composing it.” He opened the desk drawer, took out a sheet of writing paper and a quill and quickly penned a reply. He then blotted the sheet to dry the ink. He passed the note across to Svend. “Take this back to the Captain. If he should ask, you may tell him that I’m very pleased with his choices.”

Svend placed the note in the pouch and headed for the door. The young lady watched his departure from behind a partially shut door at the end of the hall.

* * *

“I must be getting old," Karl thought, trudging through the gathering dusk to his home. “Only two beers, and Magda won’t even be surprised I’m early and sober. I’ve been home early every night the past two weeks.” He sighed. “Just an old married man.” He opened the door to the small house he and his wife, Magda, shared with their son, Johann and his family.

“
Farfar
 !” He was instantly mobbed by his four oldest grandchildren. The youngest sat in a cradle near the fireplace just watching the scene. Magda looked up from her cooking. “Children, let your grandfather get in the door before you pester him." She kissed Karl with a full spoon in her hand, "Dinner will be ready as soon as Johann finishes at the shop.” She tasted the stew and then continued to stir the pot. The stew’s aroma had Karl’s mouth watering. She gave Karl the look every wife had when she knew something was up. “I hear there was some excitement this afternoon among the refugees. Anything important happen?”

“No, just someone posted broadsides about free land. Can you imagine, the fools actually thought someone would give them free land?” He reached into his tunic and pulled out a rumpled paper. “Here’s a copy. Some people will believe anything.”

Magda read the broadside and frowned. “Too bad you’re too old to start farming and the land is so far away. We could turn the house over to Johann." Karl looked at her like she had lost her mind, but Magda continued with a twinkle in her eye. "Then they would have enough room, especially since Bergitte just found out she’s expecting again!”

Karl's jaw dropped, “Does Johann know yet?”

“No. Bergitte plans to tell him when he gets home tonight. And don't you dare let the cat out of the bag beforehand!”

“This calls for a celebration. I’ll get the akvavit from the cabinet.”

Karl headed to the storage closet, and Magda turned to toss the broadside into the fire. She paused instead, folded the paper and tucked it into her apron, a thoughtful expression on her face.

* * *

The next day dawned cold and cloudy with a hint of precipitation to come. Winter was not far off. Luke finished the last of his breakfast, then sighed, contented. “Mette McDermott, I can’t remember when I’ve eaten so well!”

“You must be getting old, Captain. You’ve already forgotten you said the same thing yesterday.” Smiling, Mette picked up Luke’s dishes and headed toward the kitchen.

While the buxom, blonde widow retreated into the kitchen, Luke realized that he felt better than he had in years. Ever since his trip to Grantville, where he saw his “obituary” in the history books, his attitude on life had changed. Knowing when and how one was supposed to die tended to change one’s focus on life. If he could cheat death, anything seemed possible, even starting a family. 
Now where did that idea come from?
 

Muttering to himself about crazy old men who should know better, Luke looked up when Svend entered the room. “Are you ready? We have a busy day. We’ll head to the ship and get my books and papers for the meeting. I want you and Mr. Barrow to come with me.” Luke picked up his boat cape. He needed to concentrate on the upcoming meeting, but the retreating image of Mette McDermott stayed with him.

As they walked to his ship, the familiar sea smells on the morning air set Luke to thinking about the planned voyage. There were still serious questions to resolve for the planned expedition. He had heard from other sea captains about the problems that had beset the Roanoke, Jamestown, and Plymouth expeditions and he wanted to avoid their disasters. Those expeditions had tried to get by on half measures and, inevitably, ended up on half rations. If investors could be convinced to actually start a colony on a firm footing, the long term payoff should justify the cost. Four or five seaworthy vessels of at least eighty tons each should meet the initial shipping needs. They would carry not only settlers, but adequate food supplies, tools and trade goods. His ship, the 
Köbenhavn
, would serve as one of two main ships to carry colonists. He wanted two other ships to carry the soldiers, equipment, and enough food to last until a harvest could be brought in. A fifth ship would carry livestock, grain and trade goods. They would need to be well armed, too. His 
Köbenhavn
 ’s armament consisted of eight cannon and the livestock ship could carry six more cannon. After they arrived, four could be unloaded for the defense of the colony. Along with forty arquebuses, powder, and shot, that should deter any but the most determined attackers. Trade goods to acquire the needed land from the natives should make for good relations with the new neighbors. They would also need at least one resupply of food with the second group of settlers, in case there were crop failures the first year. He’d have to make sure that group left early enough to avoid the tremendous storm the history books said would strike in the fall. Maybe he should mention it at the meeting. He hadn’t heard any rumors about it yet. Something large enough to drown over fifteen thousand people surely would have generated some gossip!

The short walk to the 
Köbenhavn
 went quickly. Luke came out of his reverie as they arrived and he checked the rigging for any problems. A lifetime at sea had made that check second nature. His first officer, John Barrow, was efficient, as usual. All yards were squared off and the running and standing riggings showed no sign of excessive wear or stretching. The 
Köbenhavn
 was two hundred tons, painted black with a white strake, and was only two years old. It was the best ship he’d ever commanded. Sir Thomas had purchased her specifically for the expedition and refitted her with some new features based on the nautical writings Luke had found in Grantville. When Luke and Svend boarded, John Barrow met them at the entry port.

“Morning, Captain. I have your papers for the meeting in your cabin, just as you requested.”

“Good! And by the way, you’ll be going with us, John." John scowled at the news. His dislike of meetings was legendary, but Luke insisted. "You’ll need to know our decisions and reasoning behind them, first hand, and I may need your expertise. You’re the best man I know at loading cargo, and there are bound to be questions with all the equipment and supplies we have to take. Svend will be along to help carry the papers and books.” Luke gestured to the low, gray clouds. “It looks like it might snow soon, so let’s be off.”

Just before they reached their destination, the prediction came true and a fine snow started to fall. John looked disgusted. “Hope the meeting goes quickly, Captain. These cobblestones will be slick if we get much snow.”

“I’m afraid we’re going to be a while today. Sir Thomas’ note hinted that things were moving faster than we originally planned. I want you to speak up if you have any ideas or you catch anything that I miss.”

John rapped on the door with the pommel of his knife. When the doorman answered, he announced, “Captain Luke Foxe and party to see Sir Thomas.”

The doorman bowed and gestured for them to enter. “You are expected, sirs. The other gentlemen are here already.”

They were greeted by a crackling fire in the brick fireplace of the study. Five men arose as they entered.

Sir Thomas made the introductions. “Captain Foxe, thank you for being so prompt. You know Saul and Reuben Abrabanel. And this is Adolphus Bamberg, the local factor for the House of Cavriani.” The fifth guest was pointedly ignored.

“Gentlemen, Captain Luke Foxe, his first officer, John Barrow, and their clerk.” Svend quietly placed the papers he was carrying on the table as Sir Thomas asked Luke, “What can you tell us about the ships you’ve found?”

Luke paused to pick up a list from the pile of papers. “Based on the number of passengers and amount of equipment that are needed for the first expedition, I calculate that we will need almost seven hundred tons of carrying capacity. The 
Köbenhavn
, of course, and I’ve located four other ships that I feel meet our needs. Captain Thomas James, with his 
Henriette Marie
, already has experience with Hudson’s Bay. We’ve known each other for a number of years. He would be my recommendation as the second in command of this expedition. His ship and mine would carry most of the colonists. Captain Lars Johannson with his 90-ton 
Kristina
, would carry the expedition’s livestock and trade goods. Captain Jan de Puyter of the 150-ton 
Wilhelm
 and Captain Martin Rheinwald of the 120-ton 
Hamburg
 would carry some settlers, provisions, weapons, soldiers and equipment. This assumes that we are still looking at the planned numbers and leave in March. Captains Johannson and Rheinwald each have a charter to Luebeck to complete before they are ready to sail, but they’ll be back in Copenhagen by mid-February.”