In Melangia

[Braden Indianensis]

Baldwin stood by the shore of the sea. The Flotilla had arrived in the port of Melangia the night before, and he had given the men shore leave, but reminded them that any criminal activity would be harshly punished.
As he stared into the foaming main, he sunk deeper and deeper into a maze of contemplation, all of it regarding his dilemma: should he wait for word from his Platean and Aryezi allies or should he press on the voyage?
He thought about it for some time before making his decision. Baldwin knew that Foghorn would have heard of the departure by now, and would be sending his famous naval infantry against the Kaikians. Knowing this, and deciding that he ought to be at his full strength for the conflict to come, Baldwin decided to wait in Melangia.
He turned and walked up the gravel path that led from this secluded cove to the seaside city; he was staying in the city's coastal fortress, in what was supposed to be the best room in the house:a drafty, cold, stone chamber that was obviously built in the medieval period. It was utterly unlike the opulent rooms of his classical villa in Neronea, with their golden pillars and sumptuous scarlet silk carpets. Alas, though, some things must be sacrificed in war.
When he returned to the western gate of the city, he was hailed by the guards, who allowed him instant passage. Going through the portcullis and onto the main street, Baldwin went past the harbor and looked out to the northeast. He thought he saw sails on the horizon. They were gone now, if they had ever been in the first place, so he returned to the keep to wait for word from his allies and plan strategy, should they not come in time.