The afternoon light lingered over Seagard, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets as Ethan, Bjorn, and Kieran prepared for what lay ahead. The market's lively bustle was beginning to wane as merchants packed away their goods, folding bright fabrics and closing stalls in preparation for nightfall. The usual hum of commerce had dulled, giving way to an unease that crackled like static in the air.
Ethan's thoughts churned as they left the Sea Eagle Inn. Alistair Mallister's warning about Varik's shipment echoed in his mind, each word heavy with the weight of potential catastrophe. If this cargo was as significant as Alistair implied, it could solidify Varik's control over Seagard's trade routes. And that would make Ethan's fledgling business venture—and any hopes for expansion—little more than a fleeting dream.
They moved purposefully through the labyrinthine streets, the scent of salt and seaweed growing stronger with each step toward the docks. Sailors shouted orders from ships moored along the harbor, their silhouettes dark against the golden horizon. The rhythmic creak of wooden hulls and the clinking of chains filled the air, mingling with the brine-scented breeze.
Bjorn, walking just ahead, cast a wary glance over his shoulder. His expression was grim. "We need a plan," he said flatly, his voice cutting through the quiet tension between them. "Charging in without knowing what we're up against is a good way to end up dead."
Ethan nodded thoughtfully. Bjorn wasn't wrong—recklessness would get them killed. But hesitation would cede the advantage to Varik, and that was a risk Ethan couldn't afford.
"We'll scout first," Ethan decided. "Get eyes on the shipment, figure out what kind of security they have. Then we act."
Kieran grinned, his enthusiasm undimmed by the danger ahead. "Sounds like fun. Been too quiet around here anyway."
Bjorn grunted in disapproval but said nothing more.
They continued toward the docks, weaving through narrow alleys slick with seawater and strewn with discarded nets. The smell of fish was overpowering, clinging to the damp stone walls. Night was creeping in now, painting the sky in deep hues of indigo and violet. Lanterns flickered to life along the waterfront, their feeble light casting shifting shadows over crates stacked high on the docks.
Ethan's sharp eyes caught movement near one of the larger ships moored at the far end of the harbor. A group of men—rough-looking, with weapons strapped to their belts—stood guard near a row of sealed crates. Their stance was too deliberate, too alert for ordinary dockworkers.
"That's it," Ethan murmured, nodding toward the scene. "Varik's men."
Bjorn crossed his arms over his chest, his brow furrowed. "Looks like they're expecting trouble."
"Good," Kieran said with a mischievous smirk. "Means we'll be giving them exactly what they're ready for."
Ethan crouched low behind a stack of barrels, motioning for the others to follow. "We need to figure out what's in those crates and how many men we're dealing with."
Bjorn's eyes swept over the dockyard, assessing the situation with a soldier's precision. "I count six near the crates. Could be more inside the ship."
Ethan nodded, formulating a strategy. "We'll create a distraction. Kieran, you draw their attention—be loud, unpredictable. Bjorn and I will move in to get a closer look."
Kieran's grin widened. "I like this plan already."
The young rogue darted off without hesitation, disappearing into the shadows like a ghost. Moments later, the sharp clatter of overturned crates echoed across the dock, followed by a string of colorful curses that drew the guards' attention.
"What the bloody hell was that?" one of the men barked, his hand instinctively going to the hilt of his sword.
"Go check it out," another ordered, waving two of the guards toward the commotion.
As the men moved away from the crates, Ethan and Bjorn seized their opportunity. They crept forward, keeping low to the ground, their movements silent and deliberate. The salty breeze tugged at Ethan's cloak as he reached the edge of the dock, his pulse steady despite the danger.
Up close, the crates were large and reinforced with iron bands—a clear sign that whatever was inside was valuable. Ethan's fingers traced the edge of one crate, searching for a way to pry it open without drawing attention.
Bjorn kept watch, his sword drawn but held low. "Hurry up," he muttered. "They won't be distracted for long."
Ethan found a loose nail and carefully worked it free, the wood creaking softly as he lifted the lid just enough to peer inside. His breath caught at the sight before him—rows of finely crafted weapons gleamed in the dim light, their steel blades honed to deadly perfection.
"Varik's arming himself," Ethan whispered, his voice tight with realization. "This isn't just about trade. He's preparing for war."
Bjorn's expression darkened. "We need to stop this shipment."
Before Ethan could respond, the sound of approaching footsteps shattered their brief moment of discovery. The guards were returning, their voices sharp with suspicion.
"Someone's here!" one of them shouted. "Spread out!"
Ethan cursed under his breath. "Time to go."
They moved swiftly, retreating into the shadows just as the guards converged on the crates. The clanging of steel and shouts filled the air as Kieran reappeared, his daggers flashing in the lantern light.
"Miss me?" he quipped, dodging a wild swing from one of the guards.
Bjorn didn't waste time with words. He charged forward, his sword cutting through the air with brutal efficiency. The guard barely had time to react before he crumpled to the ground, blood pooling beneath him.
Ethan fought with calculated precision, his movements honed by weeks of training with Bjorn. He parried a blow aimed at his head, driving his opponent back with a well-placed kick. The man stumbled, and Ethan followed through with a swift strike that left him motionless on the dock.
The remaining guards hesitated, their confidence wavering in the face of unexpected resistance.
"Retreat!" one of them yelled, and they fled toward the ship, leaving the dock littered with bodies.
Breathing heavily, Ethan wiped blood from his blade. "That won't be the last of them," he said grimly.
Bjorn nodded, his expression hard. "But we sent a message tonight."
Kieran sheathed his daggers, a satisfied grin on his face. "Nice little warm-up, don't you think?"
Ethan's mind was already racing ahead. They had disrupted Varik's plans tonight, but the fight was far from over. The weapons in those crates were just the beginning—proof that Varik's ambitions extended beyond mere trade control.
As they stood amidst the aftermath, the salty wind tugging at their cloaks, Ethan knew one thing for certain: Seagard's future would be shaped by what they did next. And he was determined to ensure it was a future where he held the reins of power.
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Author's Thought
Reaching Chapter 29 feels like a significant turning point in Ethan's journey and the story overall. This milestone marks not only the growth of Ethan as a character but also the expanding complexity of the world around him. From his humble beginnings after being transported to Westeros, he's evolved from an out-of-place wanderer to a shrewd businessman, a budding leader, and a survivor of both social intrigue and physical danger.
One thing that stands out to me about this point in the narrative is how far Ethan's relationships have developed. Bjorn, once just a traveling companion, has become a trusted ally, almost a brother-in-arms. Kieran, despite his unpredictable nature, provides sharp insights and loyalty forged through shared battles. The dynamics between these characters add depth to the story and highlight the importance of trust and camaraderie in a world filled with danger.
Seagard has also become a stage for high-stakes drama. The introduction of political schemes, merchant rivalries, and Varik's shadowy dealings has added layers of tension that push Ethan to think on his feet and embrace the cunning required to survive in this world. His ability to navigate treacherous waters — both figuratively and literally — underscores his transformation from a billionaire accustomed to corporate boardrooms to a strategist maneuvering through medieval power struggles.
What excites me most about reaching Chapter 30 is how many seeds have been planted for future developments. The looming questions about Varik's weapon dealings, Ethan's growing business ventures, and the subtle whispers of unrest all hint at a larger storm brewing on the horizon.
The journey is far from over, and I look forward to diving deeper into Ethan's rise to power, the challenges he'll face, and the alliances that will either bolster his ambitions or betray him at the worst possible moment. Thank you for sticking with the story so far — the best is yet to come.