Randy skillfully etched the rough sketch of the continent on the floorboard of the Viper with his dagger, Marcellus's eyes followed the lines taking shape, revealing a mesmerizing world of diverse landscapes and empires.
The sketch portrayed a circular landmass, bordered by vast seas on all sides. To the west lay the formidable Draewyn Empire, a land of sun and roses. Its territory extended far and wide, marked by a series of fortresses and watchtowers that guarded its borders vigilantly.
To the south-southwest of the Draewyn Empire, the sketch revealed the illustrious Aurelisia Empire, a realm of opulence and abundance. Glistening diamonds and shimmering gold mines adorned the region, a symbol of the empire's wealth and power. A golden sun seemed to rise perpetually over this luxurious expanse.
In stark contrast, to the south of the continent, lay the ancient Empire of Rus, a land of myths and legends. Its land was a tapestry of lush forests and towering mountains, reminiscent of the stories of wingless dragons and ancient dynasties. The sketch depicted ancient ruins and temples that stood as a testament to the empire's rich and storied history.
Randy said it all was snowed in the Empire of Rus.
In the centre of the continent, a vast ocean separated the four empires, acting as a natural barrier that seemed to keep them apart, although they were still connected by land.
Marcellus's eyes widened as he imagined the vast expanse of this ocean, an uncharted realm filled with mystery and possibility.
Randy pointed to the centre of the ocean and spoke, "Here, at the heart of the vast waters, lies the Church of Storms. A sacred place for Stormseekers that stands as a bridge between the empires."
Marcellus's mind wandered, envisioning the center of knowledge amidst the tranquil waters. He pictured an architectural marvel—an ethereal structure with towering spires that seemed to reach the heavens, evoking a sense of awe and reverence.
The Church of Storms is a place where knowledge and faith intertwine, serving as a beacon of wisdom and guidance for those who sought it.
Curiosity got the better of Marcellus, and he couldn't resist asking,
"Who are the Stormseekers?"
"Crazy people, pray to God you never meet them," Noah replied succinctly, his expression hinting at experiences he'd rather forget.
As Randy's dagger drew intricate lines to indicate the Church's location, Marcellus found himself captivated, the sketch was more than just lines on a floorboard; it was a glimpse into a world of grandeur and adventure, a world brimming with untold stories and hidden treasures.
"The Republic of Novus is the only empire that is openly and actively supporting a bastard in this war, both politically and financially," Randy explained, breaking Marcellus's train of thought.
Marcellus furrowed his brow, trying to grasp the significance of this revelation.
So, three empires support three different bastards, and the Republic of Novus is backing a candidate to ascend the throne. Interesting, but I don't see why they would...
Suddenly, a revelation struck him like a lightning bolt. "Wait, it's all connected! And it all makes sense now!"
"The hulk, Andorra La Vella!" Marcellus exclaimed with childlike excitement.
"The Hulk, indeed," Noah confirmed with a satisfied grin.
As Marcellus began to connect the pieces, he realized that they had been feeding him information gradually, testing his understanding and discernment.
Older people had the habit of doing things like testing younger people, although most of the pirates looked to be in their twenties Marcellus was definitely the youngest and the newbie so he did not care.
"The Republic of Novus plays a crucial role in these wars for the Draewyn empire throne," Randy explained, his voice confident as he stood up with a smug grin. "Captain Crowe's plan involves tactically acquiring the gold sent from the Republic of Novus across the sea to aid the war effort."
Noah chimed in, his words slurred by the rum he had been hiding, "By stirring chaos among the bastards fighting for the throne, they'll be too preoccupied with each other to hunt us down. The genius of this plan lies in exploiting these specific conditions."
He continued praising Captain Crowe's brilliance, acknowledging the captain's cunning strategy that went beyond Marcellus's expectations.
Indeed Captain Crowe had thought of a genius plan.
Marcellus found himself out of his league.
As the evening wore on and the conversations flourished, Marcellus felt an undeniable sense of belonging. He knew that this was more than just an encounter with a crew; it was the beginning of an extraordinary journey. His heart quickened with excitement, realizing that he had become a part of something much bigger than himself—a tale of pirates, empires, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.
He was indeed out of his league, but a newfound determination ignited within him—to learn.
This newfound yearning for understanding ignited a fire within Marcellus's soul. He longed to delve deeper into the mysteries of the world, to unravel the complexities of the empires, and to decipher the enigmatic secrets that shrouded the Church of Storms.
No longer content with mere scraps of information, Marcellus sought to feast on the banquet of wisdom that lay before him.
As he looked around at his newfound companions, each with their own tales and experiences etched upon their faces, Marcellus understood that this motley crew was not just a band of pirates. They were scholars of life, navigators, and adventurers in pursuit of the unknown.
In the presence of these wise companions, Marcellus knew he was in the right place. He had found a crew that would nourish his hunger for knowledge, and with every passing day, he would grow stronger, wiser, and more capable of deciphering the intricacies of this world's web, slowly the desire to head to the war front has been slowly drowned.
The kingdom of Anglia had given birth to a new pirate—a seeker of truths.