I wake up with water blurring my eyes. I wipe them with my sleeves and get out of bed. Putting on my shoes, I walked towards the tent exit.
I look around the surrounding area and see that everyone is getting ready.
The rush and tension in the air sends a fresh wave of emotions through me.
The Ravial army is finally setting off.
The King talked to us the commanders last night and explained that he would pray for our victory and that he trusted our capacity.
Though his gaze lingered longer on me than needed.
He won't be joining us since Crown Prince Remus is already here on his behalf.
I notice Clark, Eli, Remus and Garvin standing, discussing something.
'Why did they not wake me up?' I questioned as I fully walked out.
Clark nodded at something and walked towards his ship.
As I stand, Jas comes up beside me and bows. I nod at him and continue my observations.
"The men are ready, my Lord. The final count has been completed. We set sail in an hour." He informs me.
"And Commander Clark?" I ask even though I clearly saw him go towards his crew.
I walk towards the docks, seeing the commanders and leaders disperse to their own duties.
"Already at the docks, making sure the fleet is in formation."
We walk toward the port, passing rows of disciplined soldiers. The tension in the air is palpable, anticipation pressing against every soldier's shoulders.
At the docks, Captain Clark is barking orders at his crew. The Silver Crow sits proudly among the other warships, its sails furled, waiting for the command to depart.
Clark grins as he spots me. "About time you showed up, Kaan. Thought you'd let me handle everything myself."
I smirk. "Tempting, but I wouldn't want to deprive you of the challenge."
Clark lets out a hearty laugh before turning serious. "Winds are strong, but manageable. We'll have a clear path for now, but I'd be wary of what's ahead. The North isn't known for playing fair."
"We'll be ready," I assure him. "No matter what they throw at us."
***
The fleet sets sail as the sun rises over the horizon. The massive warships glide across the water, their sails catching the wind. The soldiers stand at attention, their expressions hardened with the knowledge of the battle to come. I stand at the bow of the lead ship, watching as the familiar shores of Ravial fade into the distance.
The journey is steady at first. The ocean is calm, the sky clear, and the wind remains favorable. Hours pass, and the men begin to settle into the rhythm of the voyage. Conversations are hushed, the sound of waves against the hull providing an eerie sense of tranquility.
Then the first gust of wind changes everything.
Dark clouds gather on the horizon, swirling ominously. The temperature drops, and the once gentle waves begin to rise, their movements more erratic.
Jasper approaches me, his expression grim. "Something is wrong."
Clark joins us, his stance tense. "This isn't natural."
Before I can respond, the storm crashes upon us. The wind howls like a beast unleashed, rain pelting down in sharp sheets. The ship rocks violently, the crew scrambling to secure the sails. Lightning cracks across the sky, illuminating the chaos for brief moments before plunging us back into darkness.
"Hold the line!" Clark roars, gripping the wheel. "Keep formation!"
I tighten my grip on the railing as a monstrous wave crashes over the deck, nearly sweeping a soldier overboard. Jasper catches him just in time, pulling him back with a firm hand.
I narrow my eyes, scanning the storm. "This isn't just bad luck."
"Magic," Jasper confirms. "The North is guiding this storm."
Dread coils in my gut. If they could manipulate the weather, it meant they knew exactly where we were.
Then, as suddenly as it began, the storm eased. The rain slows, the wind dies down, and an unnatural silence spreads across the ocean.
Clark's fingers tighten around the wheel. "Something's coming."
A horn sounds from a distance.
"Enemy ships spotted!" a voice calls from above.
I rush to the edge of the ship, my eyes locking onto the dark silhouettes emerging from the mist. Dozens of Northern warships, their banners flapping in the wind, positioned in a perfect blockade.
A trap.
"Damn them," I mutter under my breath. "They lured us right where they wanted."
"Then we fight our way through," I declare, voice unwavering.
Clark grins, his hand resting on the hilt of his cutlass. "Now, that's the spirit."
"All hands to battle stations!" I command. "Archers in position! Cannons ready!"
The ships move into formation, our archers drawing their bows, cannons primed to fire. The Northern Fleet advances, their ships cutting through the waves with deadly precision.
The first volley of arrows darkens the sky, and the battle begins.
***
"Are you sure, Your Majesty?" Ryu asks me as I watch the live magic footage on my communication stone.
I nod and Ryu leaves to bring all the materials related to the meeting after the battle.
I know that this will just be a temporary war and that after this battle the real show will begin.
I stroke the glass ball as it shows Kaan fighting with his head held high and showcasing his commanding skills.
This footage will be the living proof and evidence for the plan I will execute once my dear eldest son returns home.
My son thinks he is smart and can play with me, but I need to remind him that I am also his father.
He had not seen me go all out just yet.
I still remember the words he told me that led me to take desperate measures to control my son.
"This is what fate has decided, Gustav, nothing can be done about it."
That's what he said and I can't believe I would be the one taking this path.
I will let him play for a while. Let him think he has freedom but when the web is woven, he won't realize what a big mess he is in.
I sigh and I place the glass ball at the side and sign the pending paper on the desk.
Handing over the kingdom is so much more work than ruling it.
I laugh alone and shake my head just thinking about my dear son's reaction when he comes back to this.
'It will be so fun.'