Chapter 109
Chapter 109
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 109
Chapter Title: Great King Namsaeng
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"Enemy scout ship off the starboard bow!"
The signal officer's shout from the bow drew both Gadohan and me to look in that direction. A small reconnaissance boat, shaped like a skiff, was speeding southward. Spotting it, Gadohan asked,
"They'll report our fleet size to the Tang navy stationed at Danghangpo as they flee. What should we do?"
"We need them to see our numbers and panic, retreating into the harbor mouth."
Gadohan nodded at my response.
"Then we'll just chase them without engaging."
As the enemy scout picked up speed, fire arrows launched from it.
"One, two, three, four!"
Watching all four fire arrows arc into the sky, I said to Gadohan,
"Looks like they think we have forty ships."
"Hard to count accurately from a distance, especially while running scared."
We maintained a steady distance as we pursued the scout. Then, on the shore, flames erupted in the distance. Gadohan glanced at me.
"Baekje forces must have arrived first."
I nodded silently. Baekje had mobilized at least twenty thousand troops. With over forty thousand from both sides, secrecy was impossible. So we'd made a show of it, shifting schedules slightly. Everywhere else attacked on the fifteenth of April, but we'd advanced the assault on Danghangpo and Danghangseong. Secure this place first, then hit the others to keep Silla off-balance.
This spot has to be ours, no matter what.
As our lines closed on the shore, the fires grew clearer. It had to be Baekje launching Goguryeo Fire from Yeon Clan Cannons at King Uija's forces. Seeing it, I knew it was time to move.
"General, we should transfer to the Fire Ghost Ships now. Please disembark."
"Wouldn't it be safer here?"
I answered Gadohan's probing tone firmly.
"I'll leave this fleet to you, General."
He stopped protesting, ordering the ship halted. He hauled the towboat connected by ropes to the stern. A rope ladder dropped, and Geom Mojam and I climbed down with effort. The rower pulled away first, as Gadohan waved us off. I returned the gesture and turned toward the Fire Ghost Ships. Of the three, we'd take the lightly armed Number Three—sleek-looking despite their similarities. As we approached, the roof studded with iron spikes swung open, revealing Abiryu.
"Welcome aboard. Pull up alongside the bow."
We did, and a ladder emerged from beneath the dragon head. Easier than ropes, I boarded swiftly. Ham-a, in leather armor, greeted me.
"You've had a rough trip."
"How's the ship?"
"Minor leaks, but she's fine."
"The enemy thinks we have forty ships."
"They'll hole up in the harbor, then."
Ham-a grinned, and I grinned back.
"Exactly. Time for the Fire Ghost Ships to shine."
"We won't let you down."
Leaving Ham-a's assurance, I inspected the interior. Oarsmen rowed furiously on both sides, while box crossbows stood ready amidships. Goguryeo Fire launchers on the sloped roof were prepped too—the massive iron tanks, rear bellows, forward nozzles all visible. The open roof hatch let in light. I'd thought Abiryu's idea added needless work, but it illuminated everything nicely.
Forgot we couldn't fit lamps.
Climbing to the roof via ladder, Abiryu welcomed me.
"Enjoying the sea breeze?"
The salty tang wasn't pleasant, but I forced a smile.
"Not bad."
Standing beside him, sea and shore unfolded below. Gadohan's vanguard neared Danghangpo. Silla's warships ahead streamed into the harbor mouth. The inlet—near modern Jeon-gok Harbor—had an island blocking the front, chained to shore invisibly, making passage tricky. Only the Silla withdrawal route lay open, barely wide enough for one or two ships abreast. Inside, Silla ships formed a semicircle. Ham-a, climbing up, shouted,
"They're setting up to ambush our ships as they enter."
"Just as planned. Fire Ghost Ships' turn now. Number Three leads, followed by Two and One. Keep Two and One close."
"Understood."
Flag signals rose from the stern. The other ships acknowledged. Abiryu spoke.
"Time to seal the hatch. Below."
Descending with Ham-a, Abiryu closed it. Daylight dimmed to slits, pitch-black otherwise.
No wonder turtle ships weren't common.
The sea terrified me enough; claustrophobia hit hard. No turning back now. Gritting teeth, I headed forward. Observation slits flanked the dragon head for course checks. Wind through them eased things. "Faster!" Oarsmen chanted rhythmically, surging. The captain called directions beside me; stern tiller creaked.
I feigned calm, but fear gnawed.
Will the ship break apart?
Couldn't show it. Thankfully, Number Three slipped past island and chains into the harbor unscathed. The bow watch yelled,
"Arrows incoming!"
Rain-like patter hit the roof—Silla arrows on iron plating. Noise only; no damage. Oarsmen sighed relief at hefty shafts. Bow watch again:
"Enemy ship approaching starboard!"
Snapping alert, I called,
"Ham-a, prepare."
"Yes."
We'd fitted only two Goguryeo Fire launchers per side, not four. Ham-a's wheeled carts allowed pivoting, expanding arcs—but untested in haste. He climbed to the turret, signaling ignition. A soldier lit the nozzle. Another gripped the bellows wheel. Left-side alert pulled me away before watching.
Up the turret, cross-slit views showed a Silla warship closing. I nodded; torch met nozzle. Pfth! Flames roared. Soldiers shoved the tank, extending the nozzle outward. I directed,
"Slightly right. Good. Ready to fire!"
Rear soldier cranked the bellows wheel slowly. Pull the plug between nozzle and tank, and go. Gripping the cord, I eyed the foe charging like for ramming, arrows flying. Sides had thick wood, not full plate—arrows stuck, didn't pierce. One quivered beside my slit.
"Whoa!"
As the Silla prow loomed, captain bellowed for speed. I yanked the plug.
"Fire!"
Bellows wheel spun hard. Flames whooshed from the nozzle magnificently.
"Yes!"
Roaring like a hose, Goguryeo Fire jetted forth, slamming the Silla bow. Wood ignited instantly. The ship became a fireball. Cheers erupted.
"Hit! Direct hit!"
I pumped my fist. Ham-a opposite bellowed,
"Burned the enemy ship, Master!"
"Great work!"
Silla crew screamed into the sea, but Goguryeo Fire burned on water.
"Burns hot."
Plug resealed, pause. Bow engulfed, listing left. Soldiers leaped or burned. Flame-and-flesh stench hit late.
"Urk!"
I clamped nose and mouth. Soldiers did likewise. To the next launcher:
"Fire! Hurry!"
It launched smoothly, dousing the Silla side. Spurting reduced volume, but she blazed fiercer. Double-hit, she spun ablaze.
"Success!"
Tension melted. But pity stabbed at screaming Silla plunging overboard.
"Oh no."
No time. To captain:
"Other enemies?"
"Lead ship blocking ahead."
Rushing bow, the dragon head housed a massive launcher—two-man bellows. True to word, a larger warship barred us, mast-command higher. Approaching close, spotting the blaze, it halted at range.