The Black Ship - Chapter 47 Part 1

Wyatt takes the leadership feat, and a cunning Diplomat weaves his tale. I love the "paradox". The creation of a legend as opposed to Gault's recognition of the man. Well played. And thanks for the metaphor!

Charles Shafer

I wonder how many charts and notes the author has to keep track of all the names and their current locations so it doesn't get mixed up. Not to mention their character development ark and backstory. I couldn't track something like that without writing it down.

7thCore

I think you got mixed up. Chapter 46 part 6 has Istonel's visit to the EG. There is a more gory version on Patreon and a toned down version on YouTube. Chapter 47 part 1 doesn't contain any gory sections.

Dennis McCarthy

Tom Cayton

"Only time will tell if Wyatt accepts them into his circle of friends and fellowship". I think He has, at least a bit, by adding them to his list and wondering if they would mourn him if he died (chapter 45 part 7). This is an important list.

MarkDC

Absolutely perfect way to move to a new chapter. I wish I had the imagination to create and communicate a world this spectacular and keep it coming week after week. Ekihindra, you are the reason I started subscribing via Patreon as I originally found book one on YouTube. Well done and as you can see from the other comments that roll in week after week this is absolutely superlative!!

Timothy Groh

Quite a pleasant interlude

Chip1217

Leopold definitely had a WTF moment sitting outside the hangar and watching 😂 Rumors are running wild on the Noirnavio and Maximilian's little chat straighten things out and made it very clear to everyone...Don't play stupid games on Wyatt nor threaten his friends. He's a Wolfhound and will absolutely obliterate you. Had me remember farmdogs absolutely destroy coyote packs and hunt any that run away. I think Istonel got a very big serving of reality by Wyatt's little prank. I hope they get a chance to talk in private about that and Istonel understanding the real threat the Drazzan are.

Alexander Weigl

The Astor dog, ment as an insult or demeaning reference but the breed has been defined now and the message is a warning. Beware that you are not the target of his wrath because he is quite dangerous when he comes at you. The Astor hound is very loyal and well trained. He also runs in a pack, though they have not noticed yet, his named squadron will also be renowned for their skill in combat. They are starting to develop a loyalty to Wyatt since they have come to know him, despite the doubts they have about who he is. Only time will tell if Wyatt accepts them into his circle of friends and fellowship, or if he is admonished to keep them arms distant to maintain his authority as leader. No greater compliment can you receive than the respect and honors from your adversary and rival. When your adversary stands up and testifies how they respect you and define what the reality is about what people are calling you, the name they give has a lot of impact with anyone hearing it. Wolfhound will be remembered, and the pack of hounds he runs with will be feared or admired depending on how the name is whispered in the future. I imagine when Clara hears the nickname and where it comes from that she will suggest something be amended to Wyatt's crest to commemorate this aspect and his impact on loyalty and honors. Thanks again Ekhidna for a masterful chapter of fiction and perspective defining the characters and story we are all appreciating. I hope the pack you run with is just as rewarding.

T Griffetts

Jincho is I believe the name you are having problems with

David Orf

This was an absolute brilliant episode for as short as it is to open- It gives us insight into the Commoner’s thoughts on Wyatt’s Adventure, then the Composter’s thoughts… Next we see Maximilian having a conversation with the Composters, where he not only Praises them for their collective Team Work, but then gives them another perspective on the “Perceived” Insult of the “Astor Dog” is really a Badge of Honor, with how Loyal Wyatt is to both Princess Clara, but also the Prince… Then in front of the Whole Mess Declares Wyatt is Really the Aster Wolfhound, to everyone’s amazement… Then we drop down to the planet- setting us up for the next Part, that should open with the Negotiations… Hang on for the wild Ride…

william lemon

Great chapter as always, having Maximilian publicly praise the composters and shift the meaning of Astor dog in a more positive direction was fun. Also fun to see the reaction from the general crew, I had been wondering if Wyatt's actions would make even some of his true comrades scared of him, but looks like that won't be the case. Clara did order the officers to never mention Wyatt's outburst, but that can't be a long term solution, the rumors are still going to get out, maybe Clara isn't actually all that concerned about it? Maybe rumors about him taking extreme joy in watching Drazan burn alive by the thousands will bolster his reputation further. I wonder if Raquel happens to have a connection to the noble Wyatt saved? Istonel seems to be in worse shape than I expected, but I think this will work out nicely for Clara, he's going to be far more enthusiastic about exterminating and/or reforming the Drazan, and since it seems like the traitors are at least indirectly responsible for causing the Drazan incursion (as, even if they didn't invite the Drazan themselves, they created the situation that allowed them in), he might push for the Ferentis to tear up the agreement with Felicity and fully side with the Astors. Also, perhaps he and Wyatt will end up in a proper friendship after they finally exchange words again.

dotnet

I love this.

Jeff Wright

Echidna does a great job setting up future story treads. Definitely see heart to heart conversation between Istonel and Wyatt. Sharing their Drazzan experience and hopefully Istonel maturing because of the experience. Also, the Maximillian interaction with the Composters had me smiling. Didn't expect the Lone Wolf would interact with the Composter nor the crew. Interesting Maximillian is doing what he can to help Wyatt.

cjoflv

Thank you for the weekly installment

Andi

Great episode, but sadly now the wait begins for the next chapter.

Javier Cervantes

You meant Leopold.. but yeah I know what you mean to see it from his perspective he was really dumbfounded

MoMo

Excellent conclusion to Wyatt’s foray into the enemy ship. I especially liked Noltar’s observations from his stationary position outside the hangar. With the Cafeteria being full of both Officers and Warrant Officers, Wolfhound will definitely stick as his new nickname. As to Wyatt and Jinco’s hack on Istonel’s armor, I’m hoping that this goes a good direction and hasn’t scarred Istonel to the depths of his soul but yields positive results. When playing fuck-a-round with someone, ‘Intent verses Impact’ is always a factor. I love the way this chapter played out. Thank you again Ekhidna for yet another great chapter.

John Myers

The lion's roar really proclaims the coming of the wolfhound

Gady Tuff

I didn't expect that's what Chichew (sorry, bad with names) did to the nobles armor. I place my money on a listening device or sound added to the comms in that science suit. Very ingenues move Ekhidna. Very mellow episode in my opinion. It really help to calm the flow of the story. Before now it was like one battle after another or quickly tieing up loose ends. It was a breath of fresh air in my opinion.

Gady Tuff

Those of us who comment on this site and follow this story are both impatient and appreciative of each chapter. This audio novel is fantastic in my eyes. I've told my brother about this story to encourage him to follow it with me, but he says that he has no interest. I guess you can lead a horse to water...

Mike Bullers

Ekhidna, you do not disappoint. Interesting set up to future story lines. I can foresee a one on one talk between Wyatt and Istonel about their “Drazzon experience.” Also Maximillian’s Wolfhound nickname for Wyatt is now public.

Tim Edwards

Maximillian has just repositioned Wyatt in the crew's imagination from a publicly demeaned 'Astor Dog' to the equal of himself 'Roaring Thunder' Userek and Redford 'Vorpul Strike ' Callen. By publicly naming him Wyatt 'Wolfhound' Staples he's giving Wyatt the gift of respect that he, Maximillian, believes Wyatt deserves. Maximillian's can't personally train Wyatt, so it looks like he's trying to find every other way he can to help him.

Jayne

Gosh, that was just so good. This episode is so subtly packed with information, I'll have to listen to it again, several times, to unpack it all. These episodes just keep getting better and better with the writing improving all the time and the depth of characterisation populating the story with absolute realism within the Sci-Fi framework - that's some trick and, for me, makes the story totally addictive. Thank you Ekhidna, for this superb epic, your efforts are very much appreciated.

Jayne

A little calm before the storm? 🙂

Inge Nilsen

It’s official wolf hound

Wild Card

I’m being selfish it’s great short story but too long time to wait!

Adana

Good episode - I like the fact that this series is not just relentless battles and killing but does include character development - the end of the previous episode almost moved me to tears thinking how the trauma that Wyatt had suffered had caused him so much pain which only surfaced in times of extreme stress.

Peter McEvedy

WOLFHOUND!!

MoMo

The Wolfhound is born

Daniel Davis

Such a great setup for what’s to come I kinda hope they can come to an arrangement with little blood shed but that seems highly unlikely when revels leaders figure out it is only one ship who done everything that’s been done

Jeremy Cable

You might think of it as smaller, but it is powerful in content. Wolfhound of House Astor, Sir Wyatt Staples, so dubbed by Maximiian. With so many of the ship's crew listening, it will be hard to keep up with.

J.R. Turner

Life is good!

The huntsmen