In the dead of night, the tranquility of Etrea shattered with the thunderous arrival of the Central Authority's army. Their boots echoed ominously through the streets as they ransacked homes and silenced any hint of resistance. Argus, at just 11 years old, watched in horror as his parents fought bravely against the invaders, their desperate struggle a futile attempt to protect them.
-BLAKE! TAKE YOUR BROTHER AND RUN AWAY! his father's voice rang out, filled with determination.
But even his strength faltered against the overwhelming force of the Authority. In a flash of steel, their lives were taken, leaving Blake at age of 13, and Argus at the age of 11 orphaned in a world torn apart by war.
It was then that Captain Orlandeu, their father's closest friend, emerged from the shadows, a beacon of hope in their darkest hour. With a steely resolve, he whisked them away from the chaos, guiding them to safety aboard his merchant ship.
-Blake, Argus, hold on tight, Captain Orlandeu's voice was a lifeline in the chaos. We're getting out of here.
As the ship pulled away from the burning shore, Argus clung to the railing, watching the flames dance against the night sky, a cruel reminder of all that was lost.
Days turned into months, and months into years. Blake, now 15, found purpose and belonging aboard the ship, learning the ways of the sea under Captain Orlandeu's mentorship. But for Argus, the wait for his turn seemed endless, each day a reminder of his longing to follow in his brother's footsteps.
-Patience, Argus, Captain Orlandeu would say, his voice a mix of comfort and caution. Your time will come when you're ready.
In the wake of the tragedy that had befallen their family, life aboard Captain Orlandeu's ship became his sanctuary, a place where memories of the past mingled with dreams of the future. Blake, now a seasoned hand, took him under his wing, teaching him the ropes, quite literally, of life at sea. He soaked up his every word, every gesture, eager to absorb all the knowledge he had acquired during his time aboard the ship.
-Argus, remember, the sea is both friend and foe, Blake would say, his voice carrying the weight of experience. Respect it, and it will carry you far.
Under his guidance, Argus learned the intricacies of navigation, the art of reading the stars, and the science of sailing. Each day brought new challenges, from battling the elements to learning the ways of the crew, but with Blake by his side, He faced them head-on, determined to prove his worth.
As the years passed, his bond with Captain Orlandeu deepened, his wisdom shaping him into the man he was becoming. He shared tales of distant lands, of exotic ports and mysterious cultures, igniting a wanderlust within Argus that burned brighter with each passing day.
-Argus, one day, you'll see the world, Captain Orlandeu would say, his eyes twinkling with unspoken adventures. But for now, learn all you can, for knowledge is the truest treasure.
And so, Argus immersed himself in the life of a sailor, embracing the rhythm of the sea, the creak of the ship's timbers, and the call of the distant horizon. Each sunrise brought with it the promise of new discoveries, new challenges, and new adventures, and he stood ready, his heart filled with the promise of the open sea.
And finally, on the eve of his 15th birthday, the day he had been yearning for arrived. As he stood on the deck, the salty breeze of the open sea brushing against his face, he felt a surge of determination. It was time for him to embark on his own journey, to navigate the vast oceans and carve his path alongside his brother, honoring the memory of their fallen parents and the legacy they left behind.