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Upon hearing the news, Gavin immediately set out, leading the Blood Dragon Guard to the scene without delay.
During this time, Gavin had strictly controlled the entrances and exits of Shipbreaker Bay, intending to prevent news of its change in leadership from spreading.
His goal was to deceive the outside world, hoping that some of Black Shark 'Erl's' subordinates would grow impatient and come to Shipbreaker Bay, where Gavin could easily capture them.
As the two ships docked, Gavin's men swiftly took control. All the crew members were disarmed, bound, and dragged into the dungeons.
The two ships captains were bound like mummies, their faces covered in dirt, and brought before Gavin.
Faced with Gavin's interrogation, the two captains were overcome with fear. They fully understood their current situation and knew that resistance or hiding the truth would only lead to worse consequences.
The captain on the left glanced around, his mind racing as he weighed the pros and cons. He thought of his wife, children, and elderly parents waiting for him at home.
If he were to lose his life over a moment of stubbornness, what would become of them?
Moreover, Shipbreaker Bay had already changed hands, Black Shark 'Erl' was either dead or missing, and the situation was dire. There was no point in continuing to resist. Taking a deep breath, he decided to tell the truth.
The captain on the right was equally filled with fear and helplessness. He recalled the countless days he had spent drifting at sea, surviving countless storms and dangers, but never had he felt this hopeless.
He understood that Gavin was not a man to be trifled with; his swift and decisive control over Shipbreaker Bay demonstrated the ruthlessness of his methods.
If he continued to hide the truth, not only would his own life be at risk, but his men would likely suffer as well.
In those brief but agonizing moments that followed, the two captains were consumed by intense inner turmoil.
Ultimately, fear, helplessness, and the instinct to survive took over. They exchanged a glance, each recognizing the same resolve in the other's eyes.
The captain on the left lowered his head first, his voice trembling as he said, "My lord, we dare not hide anything. We will tell you the truth about the situation outside." The captain on the right immediately echoed, "Yes, my lord, we beg you, spare our lives."
Afterward, they seemed to open a floodgate, speaking endlessly and revealing everything they knew without holding anything back.
Through the two captains' confessions, Gavin learned about the situation outside. In the previous conflicts with the Dornish, both sides had suffered heavy losses, and the Dornish had withdrawn their defenses, with only a few ships remaining.
Most of the pirates outside were still following Black Shark 'Erl's' previous orders, focused on recuperation and preparing for a potential counterattack from the Saan family. However, due to the lack of new orders, they had sent out two ships to investigate.
At present, they controlled Bloodstone Island and two unnamed islands, but Grey Gallows Island remained under the Saan family's control, and they hadn't been able to seize it.
However, Grey Gallows no longer had a fleet and lacked the ability to sail. Meanwhile, the entire trade route of the Stepstones was now completely under their control.
Gavin stroked his chin thoughtfully, deep in thought. The Dornish retreat didn't necessarily mean they had given up on resisting; they could strike back at any moment.
The Saan family maintained firm control over Grey Gallows Island and would not easily relinquish it. Once their fleet had recovered in Lys, they would return to the Stepstones.
Additionally, the prolonged disruption of trade routes would inevitably undoubtedly force the Three Daughters' Kingdom to take action.
Gavin's mind was already formulating his next steps. He planned to capitalize on the temporary weaknesses of all parties, fully consolidate the scattered pirates under his command, and gradually expand his influence.
In these ever-shifting seas, he aimed to secure his footing and establish a dominion of his own.
Through the restructuring during this period, Gavin had initially stabilized his rule over Shipbreaker Bay. However, due to the short time frame and external threats, his rule remained unstable.
As long as he could integrate and defeat the scattered pirates in the upcoming actions, he would be able to completely replace Black Shark 'Er,' solidifying his rule and control over most of the Stepstones Islands.
With this resolution in mind, Gavin decided to take the initiative, seizing the opportunity created by the information imbalance to launch a surprise attack on the pirate forces outside Shipbreaker Bay.
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On an unnamed island, a large bonfire blazed, casting light on the wild, unruly faces of the pirates. Iron Hook "Todd" and several pirate captains were reveling in debauchery, the air thick with the smell of alcohol and the sound of crude laughter.
Each pirate held a prostitute from Lys in their arms, making lewd jokes and behaving roughly. The clinking of wine cups and the shouting of insults blended together, creating a chaotic and noisy scene.
Some were stumbling around drunkenly, while others were arguing with their companions, their faces flushed with anger.
Suddenly, one of his subordinates rushed over to report, "Boss, the two long ships we sent out earlier have returned, and behind them are your two sailing warships and five long ships, all flying the Lord's flag."
Upon hearing this, Iron Hook "Todd"'s expression shifted. He abruptly pushed the prostitute away and shouted, "Stop drinking, you idiots!"
The noisy scene instantly fell silent, and the pirates exchanged uneasy glances. Iron Hook "Todd" rose to his feet, straightened his clothes, and led his men toward the shore to greet the incoming ships.
The Stepstones were made up of dozens of islands, only eight of which had fresh water. Among the five islands near the trade routes, four were firmly under the control of Black Shark "Erl."
This unnamed island was one of the five along the trade route that had fresh water. As one of Black Shark "Erl's" most trusted subordinates, Iron Hook "Todd" was entrusted with guarding it, commanding a fleet of ten long ships and eight hundred pirates.
The wooden dock was simple and narrow, already crowded with eight long ships. Adding one more sailing warship would leave almost no extra space. From a distance, Iron Hook 'Todd' stood on the dock, anxiously waiting.
The sailing warship slowly approached the dock. The crew quickly threw out heavy ropes, which the sailors onshore caught and securely tied to massive wooden posts.
The boarding plank was lowered with a dull thud, its sound blending with the waves crashing against the dock.
Gavin descended from the ship, flanked by the Blood Dragon Guard. Upon seeing the newcomer, Iron Hook "Todd" was filled with confusion. He quickly approached Gavin and asked with a smile, "This brother looks unfamiliar. Is he the new recruit of the Lord?"
Gavin replied, "No, I'm not. As for the 'Lord' you speak of, you'll see for yourself." With that, the Blood Dragon Guard handed a small wooden box to Iron Hook"Todd."
Full of questions, Iron Hook"Todd" took the box. As he slowly opened it, a sharp, pungent smell of lime hit him. Inside the box lay the severed head of Black Shark "Erl," pale as paper.
The skin had begun to decay slightly, with blotches of lime unevenly scattered across the skull, making it appear even more grotesque and horrifying.
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[Chapter End's]
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