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Gavin furrowed his brow slightly and spoke slowly, "Bloodstone Island is indeed a good choice, but it's also home to the most pirates. A direct assault could result in heavy casualties, and we might not even succeed in taking it. I'm also concerned that the pirates we've just absorbed could turn against us at a critical moment. After all, we haven't had enough time to earn their loyalty."
Hassan chimed in, "My lord, the news of Black Shark 'Erl's' death hasn't spread yet. We're still flying his banner, which allows us to bypass some of their toughest defenses. As long as we make it onto the island, we can neutralize their advantage of having ships. Moreover, your Blood Dragon Guards can serve as a supervisory force. The pirates have all witnessed the might of the Blood Dragon Guards, and under such fear, they wouldn't dare betray us."
The prospect of seizing Bloodstone Island left Gavin uneasy. With over two thousand pirates occupying the island, taking it with his force of just eight hundred men seemed daunting—especially since nearly half of them were captured pirates.
Unlike Shipbreaker Bay, Bloodstone Island saw frequent maritime traffic, meaning news of the attack could spread as early as the next day.
Should he gamble on this opportunity? This was likely his only chance to capitalize on the enemy's ignorance of Black Shark 'Erl's' demise and achieve an easy landing.
It didn't take Gavin long to make up his mind. In a firm voice, he declared, "We've just wiped out the pirates on that other island. The news won't stay hidden for long across the Stepstones. Instead of waiting for Bloodstone Island to prepare its defenses, it's better to strike now and find a way to capture it."
Hassan, brimming with admiration, nodded in agreement. "You're absolutely right, my lord. If Bloodstone Island learns of our strength and fortifies their defenses, attacking them will become nearly impossible."
Turning to Hassan, Gavin instructed sternly, "The fleet will not return to Shipwreck Bay. Instead, we'll change course and head swiftly for Bloodstone Island. Also, gather all the prisoners on my ship—I'll speak with them myself."
Hassan bowed deeply and responded, "At once, my lord. I'll make the arrangements immediately."
The summer sea stretched out like a crystal mirror, its surface glimmering with golden light under the brilliant sun, as if covered in a layer of fragmented gold leaf.
A gentle sea breeze caressed the sails, carrying a faint, salty tang. A fleet of two majestic warships and thirteen sleek longships sailed eastward, cutting through the waves toward Bloodstone Island.
During the voyage, Gavin addressed both his soldiers and the newly absorbed pirates. Without hesitation, he distributed all 20,000 gold dragons gained from their previous raid among them.
The coins cascaded like a golden waterfall, spilling out before the crowd. Instantly, excitement and greed gleamed in their eyes.
Straightening his posture, Gavin declared loudly, "After this battle, there will be even greater rewards based on the number of enemies each of you kills!"
His tone then shifted to one of icy determination as he continued, "Let me make this clear: the Blood Dragon Guards will serve as the supervisory force. Anyone who dares to retreat will face severe punishment. Mercy will not be granted!"
This was a gamble Gavin was forced to take. The newly assembled force was far from stable, with morale still uncertain and half of its members being captured pirates.
Now, he had to rely on these men to attack an island heavily guarded by over two thousand pirates. Given the overwhelming disparity in numbers, he could only rely on the allure of gold and the fear instilled by the Blood Dragon Guards to keep them in line and drive them to fight bravely on the battlefield.
Flying Black Shark 'Erl's' banner high, Gavin's fleet sailed steadily toward Bloodstone Island under the gentle summer breeze. From afar, the banner flapped vigorously in the wind, proclaiming undeniable authority.
As the fleet drew closer to Bloodstone Island, the sentries stationed there initially detected nothing unusual. After all, the Black Shark 'Erl's' banner commanded significant respect and fear in these waters.
The fleet successfully bypassed the island's defensive lines, and soon the harbor came into clear view. On the docks, people bustled about, completely oblivious to the imminent danger heading their way.
Gavin stood at the bow of the ship, his gaze cold and unwavering as he observed the path ahead, silently plotting his next move. The warship slowly approached the port, and with a soft thud, its hull gently collided with the dock, producing a muffled sound.
The sailors quickly dropped the anchor chain and secured the vessel. Gavin and Hassan, accompanied by the Blood Dragon Guards, slowly disembarked.
As the entire fleet continued to dock, Hassan spotted the pirates who had come to greet them. With a broad smile, he hurried over and engaged them in lively conversation, casually sharing seafaring tales and irrelevant gossip, all to buy more time.
Meanwhile, Gavin's soldiers and the newly allied pirates seized the opportunity to quietly assemble on the dock. They moved swiftly and silently, their faces tense and focused. Gripping their weapons tightly, they stood ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.
As more ships docked, Gavin stood at the bow, calmly observing everything around him, silently calculating the perfect moment. Finally, the main force set foot on the land of Bloodstone Island.
However, the pirates on the island had yet to notice anything unusual, continuing their tasks as usual. It wasn't until they saw the newcomers, armed and behaving suspiciously with intent to fight, that they suddenly realized something was amiss.
But by then, Gavin's army was already fully prepared for a comprehensive assault, and an intense battle was on the verge of erupting.
With a sharp command from Gavin, his soldiers surged forward like a wave crashing ashore, taking control of the entire port with overwhelming force and firmly securing the other ships docked there.
Their movements were as swift as lightning, and the sounds of battle erupted, deafening and intense. The people who had been idly going about their business on the docks were thrown into disarray by the sudden, fierce attack. Panic set in as they scattered in all directions, desperately trying to flee.
Gavin led the charge, wielding his sharp longsword. The flashing blade left a trail of enemies who cried out in agony as they fell. The Blood Dragon Guards followed closely behind him, forming an impenetrable iron wall and advancing steadily forward.
The battle at the harbor was fierce and brutal, blood spraying like a torrent, staining every inch of the ground beneath their feet. Yet, Gavin's forces, with their unexpected and swift strikes, soon gained the upper hand, overwhelming the pirates with their superior combat strength.
Once the port was secured, Gavin did not act rashly. Bloodstone Island was one of the largest and most formidable in the Stepstones, and the town of Bloodstone within it was protected by tall, sturdy walls. A reckless attack would lead to heavy casualties.
Gavin decided to hold the harbor and lure the pirates into the town to come out and fight, maximizing his forces' advantage.
He quickly and methodically set up defensive measures, his face serious as he commanded his soldiers to take their positions.
"Direct all the ballistic artillery on the ships toward the shore, and be ready to fire at any moment!" Gavin ordered Hassan.
In his mind, Gavin silently plotted, patiently waiting for the pirates within the town to take the bait, ready to deliver a devastating blow at the right moment.
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[Chapter End's]
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