The Sha river shone brightly below Geraldine's deck. The oarsmen rowed calmly. The crew stood in languor. But Bernard knew that soon this calmness, this peace, would be broken in a shower of violence.
"You seem happy sire." One of his men asked, a freckled boy from central Vanadis. This one was always the asker, always asking him random questions. The questions served to dull his boredom though.
Bernard held a rolled paper pinched between his two fingers. "You know what this is?"
"Paper?"
"A letter. From the Queen of Tulosa. She and I are good friends."
"Poor you sire. I think just being good friends will not satiate your desires. It has been months yet she hasn't responded to your advances."
Bernard frowned at that. "Where did you hear that I have been making advances?"
"From the crew. We talk about you all the time."
"Ah, mocking me you mean." Bernard turned forward. The wide Sha river sang silent to their approach. "I am not lean. My face is not splendid. I don't have the looks. But I have the audacity to court a Queen. I get it. But I must ask you to stop this mockery. It will not be good for command."
"No mockery sire. We talk highly of your brave advances. Yes you are not lean. Your face has never been splendid. You have the looks of a Basilisk root chewer. But you give us hope that even though common men like us with common looks could one day win hearts of pretty maidens. So keep going sire. Keep going."
Bernard laughed at the boy's words. His belly bobbed. His thick shoulders shook. "I'll treat you to a good quality tavern when I succeed! We will fill our bellies with booze until we pass out."
"I like the sound of that sire."
Bernard stepped toward Geraldine's bow. The wind was in their favor and they should reach the Stony bridge soon. Around Geraldine, several hundred galleys were also sailing forward. Most of them were Vanadians. A few were Castonians. And then there were those haughty Borondians.
He heard yesterday that Admrial Bisham got into argument with the Vice Duke of Borondi over catapults. The Admiral wanted the Borondian galleys to mount catapults in their decks but the Vice Duke argued that it would just slow them. The two had a deep conversation which included occasional shouts and insults and in the end the Vice Duke won.
And now the Borondian galleys were sailing in front. They were fast, Bernard must admit. But the age of ramming warfare at sea was over. Vanadis once dabbled in ramming. Even a year ago there were still Vanadian hunters, fast galleys that could skewer enemy galleys with their long rams. But the hunters were all decommissioned by the Queen and were all turned into hurlers.
A horn blared. The Admiral's flagship, Seabreaker, raised the blue flag. It was the signal that the scouting galleys to the front had spotted the Stony bridge.
Bernard waved his hand and Geraldine's crew raised their own blue flag, signalling the twelve galleys in his squadron to prepare. The artillery crew of Geraldine began to work afterward. The two catapults were loaded and cranked. The two engineers began calculations.
After a while Bernard spotted the bridge. It was high above the river and the Wismarine navy was moored below it. A chain was dangling across the river and that could become a problem soon. The Borondians were in charge of breaking the chain though.
"Raise the second sail!" Bernard commanded. The sail near Geraldine stern was raised and it was stretched tight by the wind immediately. Geraldine was pushed by the additional power.
"Artillery crew prepare!" Bernard again commanded. He kept his eyes on the enemies. The Wismarine navy was fewer compared to them but they had better position. And they must take control of the river from the enemies. They must. The battle would soon begin. This would be the largest naval battle in recent history.
A familiar sight met Bernard to the front. The sky was filled with flames. There were hundreds of balls of flames flying in an arch toward them. Everything seemed to stop for him. He of course would recognize Hellfire at first glance.
The barrage fell upon them. The loud cracks indicated direct hits. Screams. Shouts. Cries. Their side was hit terribly. The water became fire. It was horrible. Many of their vessels were hit, the crew burning in a cruel flame. Geraldine was lucky but Bernard was gasping. The sight of Vanadian galleys sinking punched him in the stomach. He counted the number of fallen galleys but stopped at a dozen. There were more but he didn't want to know.
He looked to the front. One question was on his mind.
"How did the Wismarines get their hands on Hellfire?"
***
Gremlin Bridge
Corpses lay left and right. The fort wall was still smeared bloody. Some Wismarines were still alive but soon they wouldn't be.
Ash chose her steps well. Harold was guiding her but she didn't trust his vision. Harold had some problems with his eyesight and the King's fine boots were already bloody. She finally reached the top of the wooden wall of the fort where Magistrate Vulek was sharpening his sword with whetstone. The Magistrate was slumped back, sitting amidst dead enemies and allies alike.
"That was impressive Magistrate" Ash said.
Magistrate Vulek looked up. His square jaw looked menacing. "I am honored by your praise. Your men fought bravely too. And His Majesty was right. This bridge was not so well-defended."
"Nevertheless t-that was good. Your c-command is superb!" Harold said, confusing Ash a little. Harold wasn't one to give praises so easily especially in her presence.
"Thank you" The Magistrate produced a smile. He rose and turned to the bridge below. Cantonese and Inkish soldiers were fortifying the bridge, putting spikes and repairing the defenses. Some were building moats as instructed by King Timothy.
"But this is not the time to celebrate. The two other bridges are still not ours. And I fear for the navy. It wouldn't be easy for them to take control of the river." Magistrate Vulek said.
"Let's just hope for the best Magistrate. May the Omniscient's song cradle us to victory."
***
Hatshin leaned on his chair. His back ached. The entire day was a mess.
He eyed the quill and paper on his desk. He was drowsy but he forced himself to pick up the quill and write his daily journal.
'Thirtieth Day of the Middle Autumn, Year Five Hundred Eighty.
Today is the beginning of the Union's assault. I don't know how should I feel. I am contented, if that word describes my feelings. But I grow more afraid by the day. I have seen the injured being carried into the main camp this afternoon. Their injuries were severe and I know a lot of them would die. I wanted to help but what could a cook do but to serve food? Maybe I should have followed my father's advice and took an education in medicine. Maybe if I just listened to that old man, I could have helped. But no, I am a stubborn stupid boy who followed his passion.
Anyway I've heard troubling news that the Gremlin bridge has fallen to the Union. Cantonese and Inkish soldiers took it. Highness Sarah was furious of course, still smiling, but I have been under her service for too long to see through her hidden emotions. The other bridges were still being fortified. They say the Union will also attack Sha bridge and Stony bridge soon. Well they did attack the Stony bridge already. Through the river but it was technically an attack. The soldiers have been talking how the Union's navy was annihilated. Hundreds of galleys sunk they say. I doubt their words. People tend to exaggerate things. But one thing is certain, we defended the river today but lost a bridge. I don't know if I am to feel happy or sad. I guess I just feel pity. Whichever side would win, this war has ravaged us enough. I hope it will be over soon so that I could cook without worrying that it will be the last meal I will prepare. Ashkara guide me. Ashkara guide Wismar. And, as treacherous as this might sound, Ashkara guide the Union.'