The journey to the Rowan territory was quite, well, save for the rhythmic thudes of hovves and skritches of the wheels on the dirt road.
The carriage was calm and filled with confidence like we are going on a picnic rather than a war meeting.
'Well if only this part could fast forward then the main challenge would finally come.'
Jasper rode beside me, his sharp golden eyes scanning our surroundings as if danger lurked behind every tree. Millard, composed as ever, remained silent, while Clark hummed an old sailor's tune under his breath, entirely unfazed by the air of seriousness that accompanied us.
We had to leave his boat if we had to bring him here fast. He left Sandy incharge of bringing the Silver Crow here via the sea route I told him, which even he was baffled to find out.
'Jasper? Why is he more focused and on edge then he needs to be?'
I stare at him. He turns to me and we read to each other.
He shakes his head and finally relaxes. I frown but Clark's voice pulls me out.
"This place is stiff," Clark muttered, rolling his shoulders. "Feels like the kind of place that would hold a meeting about a meeting."
I smirked. "You're not wrong."
It wasn't long before the towering walls of the Rowan stronghold loomed ahead. The fortress, built of dark stone and reinforced with iron gates, stood unyielding against the backdrop of the stormy sky. Soldiers lined the walls, their sharp eyes assessing us as we approached. The Rowan banner fluttered against the wind—a sigil of a silver wolf against a midnight blue background.
'It was my favorite place since I was little.'
I take in the air of the ocean mixed with mist and rain.
As we rode through the massive gates, I caught sight of Remus standing with his arms crossed, his sharp gaze softly when he scanned our group. At his side stood Gavin Rowan, the ruler of this territory, a man whose mere presence demanded authority.
Dismounting the carriage, I stepped forward and met Gavin Rowan's scrutinizing gaze. "Gavin, how have you been?"
Gavin gave a slow nod. "Kaan. Good but what about you? Took you so long to finally come here." His voice was rough, but not unkind.
"Sorry about that, I just had some hiccups along the way. By the way," I gestured toward Clark. "This is Captain Clark, a seasoned commander. He will be leading our naval forces alongside me. His expertise in maritime warfare will be invaluable."
Gavin's gaze flicked toward Clark, assessing him as he did me, but more furiously. "And do you trust him?"
Clark smirked, tipping an imaginary hat. "Wouldn't be here otherwise."
A few moments of silence passed before Gavin nodded. "Then I welcome you into the fold."
Remus stepped forward, then his eyes narrowed. "I hope you understand the weight of what you're undertaking, Captain."
'And when did our little Remus turn into a proper prince?' I smirk as I watch my little brother work.
Clark gave an easy grin. "I do, Your Highness. I also understand that when it comes to war, the sea is an entirely different battlefield."
Remus seemed to accept that answer, for now. I proudly slap his shoulders, causing him to falter a little and look at me.
"Good going, crown prince Remus." His expression degraded a little on the title and he just nodded, knowing better than to argue.
Once inside the war chamber, we gathered around a large wooden table where a detailed map of the kingdom lay stretched across its surface. The room was dimly lit by torches, the scent of parchment and ink thick in the air. I ran my fingers over the carved edges of the table, eyes flicking over the various battle points marked along the coast.
Clark, ever the free spirit, leaned against the edge of the table, arms crossed. "So, what exactly are we looking at?"
Gavin pointed to the northernmost part of the kingdom, where the enemy's fleet had begun its slow but steady approach. "The North isn't foolish enough to strike from the front. They will use sabotage, magic, and likely attempt to cut us off by sea. If they gain control of our ports, we will lose crucial supply lines."
Gavin's eyes were shown with light and excitement and he said, "My territory is at the top of the list when it comes to capturing important bases."
I exhaled. "Which is why Clark is here."
Clark nodded. "Naval warfare isn't about brute force—it's about control. We need to ensure their ships never reach shore."
Remus leaned forward, studying the map. "How do you plan to achieve that?"
Clark smirked. "With strategy, a little luck, and possibly a few sea monsters."
Remus did not seem amused.
'I guess he read the books I asked Ryu to leave him.' I merely observed the team talk.
They were talking with such confidence, which I found amusing.
But I cut in before Clark could get too comfortable. "We'll intercept them before they can position themselves advantageously. We control the tides and ensure that the waters remain ours."
Clark grinned. "And if they do get close?"
Jasper, who had been silent up until now, spoke. "Then we sink them."
A brief silence followed, before Clark let out a laugh. "I like this one."
Millard, standing at the back of the room, finally spoke. "We must consider what His Lordship's word means in this war."
Clark tilted his head. "What about his words? What about the Commander's word?"
Millard's expression remained unreadable. "His word is either an omen or an oracle. It's up to you to either follow it or avoid it."
Clark chuckled, eyes narrowing. "Oh ho, and what do you think it is?"
Millard met his gaze without hesitation. "A decree; a command."
Clark's eyes grew big and bright like the storm with lighting, I could feel the excess energy flowing from him. Because this will be the first time he will be taking orders from someone other than The Dragon Lord.
'Well the chaos is just about to begin, it's better this way. Plus Millard's comment was a bit…too aggressive.' I shook my head and looked at the map.
Jasper, standing beside me, nodded slightly. "My lord, what are your orders?"
I took a deep breath, my fingers pressing into the table's surface. "We prepare our fleets and solidify our position. Time is not on our side."
Gavin Rowan nodded. "Then we best get to work."
With that, the room erupted into movement. Orders were relayed, strategies were refined, and the weight of leadership settled further upon my shoulders. I felt Jasper at my side, ever the silent guardian, and Clark, whose unwavering confidence would soon be tested at sea.
This was just the beginning. And I would make sure we won.