“No lower than a hundred gold pieces… And we can’t afford that expense now.”

Tir Envar was a small state that was guaranteed independence by both Boulesky as well as the other two kingdoms of Carmine and Gerheist. However, over the centuries, their reach has grown far and wide, their territory expanded, so much so that other kingdoms, warlords or distant empires fear what they do, yet require their support to stay in power with the masses who are enthralled by the divine words of God.

“Send word to Lawrence Carstein, tell him to expect an entourage that has Father Karl Franz in it,” Lord Black said, tired and weary though the day has barely begun.

“An Honour Guard… Why do I need that?” Lawrence asked, confused as he sat at the meeting table in the town hall. Lawrence despised formalities such as these because when he was in the army, he loathed foreign military leaders visiting his camp – This meant they had to do a pointless drill or parade.

“If people of stature come here, you have to roll out some sort of red carpet, Lawrence – Things are not that simple. Not everyone is like you. Imagine if King Carmine comes here and all that welcomes him is me… It is going to be a problem!” Jacob said as he feasted on his third turkey leg.

“… Anyone with experience in ceremonies?” Lawrence asked, looking around the room. Everyone averted his gaze except Kraft.

“We can go by the noble traditions of this region, if you wish,” Kraft said and Lawrence nodded.

“Please tell me we don’t need ceremonial attire?” Lawrence said in a slightly annoyed tone and Kraft shook his head. The gear of the Owls were good enough for both ceremonial and combat purposes.

“Storm Arsenal?” Lawrence asked, this time Jacob answering again. Roland was informed that there were some ravens and messenger owls that have arrived for him and had left to take a look.

“Good. The first section of the shipyard has been completed and designs for the ship by Miss Evergarden under your direction has been completed. The shipmakers are working on it now. However, we may need to expand the lumberyard-“

Wood. The traditional boat building material used for hull and spar construction.

It is buoyant, widely available and easily worked. Its abrasion resistance varies according to the hardness and density of the wood and it can deteriorate if fresh water or marine organisms are allowed to penetrate the wood.

Woods such as Teak, Totara and some cedars have natural chemicals which prevent rot whereas other woods, such as Pinus radiata, will rot very quickly. The hull of a wooden boat usually consists of planking fastened to frames and a keel. Keel and frames are traditionally made of hardwoods such as oak while planking can be oak but is more often softwood such as pine, larch or cedar.

Sometime around the 12th century, northern European ships began to be built with a straight sternpost, enabling the mounting of a rudder, which was much more durable than a steering oar held over the side. Development in the Middle Ages favored "round ships", with a broad beam and heavily curved at both ends. Another important ship type was the galley which was constructed with both sails and oars.

Outside Medieval Europe, great advances were being made in shipbuilding. The shipbuilding industry in Imperial China reached its height during the Song Dynasty, Yuan Dynasty, and early Ming Dynasty, building commercial vessels that by the end of this period were to reach a size and sophistication far exceeding that of contemporary Europe. The mainstay of China's merchant and naval fleets was the junk, which had existed for centuries, but it was at this time that the large ships based on this design were built. During the Sung period (960–1279 AD), the establishment of China's first official standing navy in 1132 AD and the enormous increase in maritime trade abroad (from Heian Japan to Fatimid Egypt) allowed the shipbuilding industry in provinces like Fujian to thrive as never before. The largest seaports in the world were in China and included Guangzhou, Quanzhou, and Xiamen.

Of course, this was a different issue – Lawrence was looking at a traditional Korean naval ship as the very first warship that was flexible enough to be used in defense as well as offense.

“Let’s get a prototype out. How are we with sailors?” Lawrence asked and Longines leaned forward, preparing to answer. Lawrence had requested that the Owls be at least ready to fight on water as well if need be, but Longines has requested that a force that specialized in the navy be formed.

This was the birth of the Sea Owls – An experimental group of soldiers made up of ex-sailors or fishermen put through naval combat strategies.

The Sea Owls would specialize in being experts of maneuvering and attacking using the equipment on the ship, while the Owl Guards would focus on their task at hand and assist the Sea Owls.

“They will need many more days of training. At least, they are familiar with the ballistas on the ship… Right now, they are still practicing with using them on land.”

“Lawrence! Lawrence!”

The door burst open, a slightly out of breath Roland burst in, clutching a letter.

“Father Karl Franz…” he panted, stopping to catch his breath.

“Oh, he finally sent me a letter?” Lawrence said innocently, raising his hand to accept the letter for him, or at least that’s what he thought.

“No! Father Karl Franz and his men are on the way here! Tidy this place up!” Roland shouted and it was as if a holy power had compelled the most untidy of men, even Craig, to rush home and clean up his own house and the yard in front of it.