269 Credibility (1/2)

The Union CreamAndCookies 40300K 2022-07-20

Bay of Hundred Islets

The afternoon breeze was soft to Arthur's skin. The rocking of Vulture against the waves felt like a mother's cradle.

”Why did they call this Bay of Hundred Islets?” Ventil asked beside him, eyes on the islands around.

Arthur leaned against a pole in the galley. He looked up, appreciating the beautiful orange glow of the setting sun. ”Because there are a hundred islands here?”

”I have been counting and there are more than a hundred. Four hundred sixteen not including the ones I missed. And islets are different from islands”

”How should I know?” He shrugged. ”If given the opportunity, I would rename it to Bay of Goat Turds. These islands looked like scattered goat feces as far as I'm concerned.”

Ventil smiled to that. ”My father would surely croak if he heard you say that.”

”He didn't when I had that outburst.”

An armored Castonian walked to them. Like all Castonians, this man had an expression of a blank paper. He saluted to Arthur.

”Lady Sylvie wants to relay that she is saddened by her absence. Her condition is draws complication.”

”Lady long legs is with child right?” Arthur smiled but his statement drew a frown from the Castonian.

”Sorry” He said.

The Castonian turned around without saying a word. Ventil snorted a laugh after the man was gone.

”Are they all like that?”

”Some are indeed like that. I don't know. I think brooding is in their blood.”

Ventil sighed. ”Well, may Ashkara's wind blow away their gloom.”

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”Yes, yes. May...” Arthur shot a look at Ventil. ”Did you just say Ashkara?”

”Uh yes. Why?”

Arthur studied Ventil. ”You are a believer of Ashkara?”

”Don't tell anyone. My father won't like it. He might croak.”

Arthur felt a tinge of worry at that.

”I know what you're thinking Arthur but let Ashkara's wind sweep away your anxiety. You can trust me.”

”And... is it alright for you to fight against the Wismarines?”

”The Union warred with Tulosa, Canton, Hadea and Inkit- all nations with the same faith. I don't see why me aiding you against the Wismarines bears problem.”

Arthur stared at Ventil. The setting glow of the sun reflected on Ventil's face, slowly easing into darkness.

”You can trust me Arthur”

***

”Set 'em alight!” William shouted.

The Vanadians hurled barrels of Hellfire from the top of the western wall to the Wismarines. The barrels exploded upon impact and spread burning Hellfire flames. The explosion was the final straw that prompted the retreat of the enemies. The Wismarines ran back to their camp under the setting sun.

The Vanadians cheered, raising their spears and swords in the air. But there is nothing to be happy about, William thought. The battle today had been bloody for both sides.

The siege had been ongoing for five days. Ever since the Wismarines made a breach in the gate of the western wall, they had concentrated their attack in the west. The Wismarines huddled their large camp facing the western wall.

The wall was further fortified of course. The gate cannot be repaired but wooden palisades and earthworks were built around it. Nevertheless the Wismarine attacked every day from morning to sunset. The Vanadian defenders had already lost over ten thousand men. The walls were crumbling now and their side was a spent force.

William wiped the blood off his sword. Six men he personally slew today, six enemies, six lives. One was a Falconhead. Those men were not human. Their bodies were but their minds had long been degraded by Wismarine medicine into that of an animal. They fought without fear, without tiring and without thought. Those things were a big problem.

He sheathed the sword on its scabbard and ruffled Wasp's fur. The hound had a bloody snout. William examined Wasp for any injuries and was relieved when he saw none.

”You have fought with ferocity old friend” William said as Wasp snuggled to his neck as if the large hound was still a puppy.

”I know” William sighed. ”This is tiring right? Blood, death, war- all of these are tiring. But we must continue this old pal.”

Wasp panted to his face, tongue sticking out. William grimaced after smelling the stench.

'A dog is a loyal thing. Train him and you'll have somebody to watch your back at all times' He remembered that merchant who sold him Wasp as a puppy many years ago. It was true though. Wasp had saved his life eight times. Wasp had never and would never betray him.

William trudge down from the wall. The Vanadians were collecting the dead. It had truly been bloody today. The elephants were used earlier to ram the weak wooden fortifications they built around the busted gate. The Wsimarines broke through at one point and slaughtered many of his men. The Vanadians eventually recaptured the gate and rebuilt what was destroyed but the damage had already been done.

William headed to the palace after giving instructions to the officers on what to prepare for tomorrow's defense. A crowd again gathered in the center of the city when he passed by with Wasp.

”They will come you fool!” William heard his father's voice.