The following morning brought a clear sky, with the sun rising over the calm waters of the archipelago. The ships rocked gently as Edmund and his men gathered on Voss's ship's deck. The pirate, now officially his ally, stood before the crew, with a roughly drawn map spread out on an improvised table.
— Welcome to what I call the Domain of a Thousand Tides — Voss announced with a sly grin. — This archipelago spans dozens of islands, some small and uninhabited, others rich in resources and dangers. Here, there are no kings or laws, only those who can impose their will.
He pointed to one of the spots on the map, marking a larger island with firm strokes.
— This is Snake Island, the largest in the archipelago and my refuge for years. Freshwater rivers, hidden caves, and coastal villages that provide us with supplies. But it's also surrounded by treacherous reefs, making it difficult to take by any unprepared naval force. If we can control this island, we will have a natural fortress and a dominant position over the sea routes.
Edmund crossed his arms, analyzing the map's details.
— And the other groups? Are there more pirates besides your men?
Voss nodded, tracing a circle around another island.
— The Blood Corsairs dominate the southern islands. They are brutal, but disorganized. Raiders who kill as much for pleasure as for profit. If we want to establish something lasting here, we will need to face them sooner or later. However, if we know how to weaken them, we can bend them to our cause and use them against any other threats.
He slid his finger to a group of smaller islands near the eastern coast.
— Here lie the native settlements. Some tribes are peaceful, others are not. There are rumors of warriors using exotic poisons and of ancient temples with forgotten riches. I don't know how much of that is true, but no one has survived long enough to confirm. If we manage to negotiate with the natives or at least understand their culture, we can gain valuable allies or at least avoid unnecessary conflicts.
Voss then pointed to a region to the north of the archipelago, where several islets scattered across the ocean.
— These are the Spectral Islands. They say they are haunted, but in reality, they are full of shipwrecks and forgotten treasures. Some captains prefer to avoid them, but those who dare explore them may find unimaginable wealth. The problem is that there's more than just legends there. Many ships have disappeared without a trace.
Edmund observed the archipelago with the eyes of a strategist. Each island, each enemy, each resource could be a crucial piece in the empire he intended to build.
— We need a safe base — he said, pointing to a central island. — Something defensible, but also close enough to expand as needed.
Voss smiled, pleased with his new ally's calculating mindset.
— Then I suggest we start with Claw Island. Small, but with natural cliffs and a hidden bay. If we can establish fortifications there, we'll have an advantage over anyone who tries to challenge us. Moreover, the island has dense forests, which will allow us to build ships and defenses without being easily detected.
Edmund nodded, turning to his men.
— Prepare yourselves. Our future begins here.