Voss still held his wounded shoulder, his gaze analyzing Edmund with a mix of respect and caution. The wind howled across the deck, carrying with it the scent of blood and gunpowder, as the sailors and pirates awaited the next move from their captains.
Edmund took a deep breath, keeping his blade raised. He could end it there, but he knew that Voss was a valuable warrior and, more than that, a leader who commanded the respect of the men in the archipelago.
— You fought well, Voss. But this war doesn't need to end here — Edmund said, his voice firm. — I came to this archipelago to build something bigger, and you can be a part of it.
Voss chuckled softly, spitting some blood onto the wooden floor.
— And why should I bow to you, Oakforest? My men follow me because they know I'm no dog to be tamed.
Edmund slowly lowered his sword, showing that he no longer saw Voss as an enemy.
— I don't want you to bow. I want you to fight by my side. You saw the strength of my men, and you know that together we can take this archipelago and turn it into something much bigger than mere islands infested with pirates and raiders.
Voss fell silent for a moment, his eyes scanning the faces of those watching him. Edmund knew he was dealing with a proud man, one who would never accept being subjugated, but perhaps would accept a partnership.
— And what exactly do you have in mind? — Voss asked, his voice more serious.
— Order. Wealth. A kingdom for us, not just a hiding place for fugitives — Edmund replied. — You have the men, I have the vision and the resources. We can take these waters for ourselves, expel anyone who dares challenge us, and build something no one ever dreamed of.
Voss's eyes gleamed with interest. He was no fool. He knew that continuing in this life of sporadic raids and constant escapes wouldn't take him far. But Edmund spoke of something grand, something he had never considered possible.
— If I accept... — Voss smiled slyly. — I don't want to be just a subordinate. If we fight together, I want my place as leader by your side.
Edmund nodded.
— A leader by my side, not beneath me. But know this: I do not tolerate betrayal.
Voss laughed, feeling the pain in his shoulder throb.
— Ah, Oakforest, I've betrayed a king before. But who knows? Maybe now I've found one worth fighting for.
He extended his hand, and Edmund shook it. Around them, sailors and pirates erupted in a roar of approval. From that moment on, a new alliance had been forged, and the archipelago would never be the same.