Book 6: Chapter 5

Book 6: Chapter 5

Master Legul! Enemy fleet detected!

So theyre finally hereUpdated from novelbIn.(c)om

In his captains cabin, Legul took in his subordinates report with closed eyes and slowly rose to his feet. He left the room to step onto the deck. The briny air caressed his cheek. There were a few clouds in the sky, but the weather was mostly clear.

A gentle breeze blew from the south, and the waves rolled over the waters surface.

He looked around him, ships in an orderly line, numbering sixty-five. Each was a sailing vessel. They represented almost the entire arsenal in Leguls possession.

Leguls eyes bored into the horizon. Tiny shadows spurted up from the sea.

Ships. All headed his way.

Forty-fivefifty They have approximately fifty ships! All galleys!

The enemy fleet. In other words, Felites army.

They were almost evenly matched. Based on the information gleaned in earlier investigations, this was the best the Kelil could do.

Do they think theyre going to win?

The victor in this battle would take control of the Patura Archipelago. There would be no tie. One fleet would achieve glory, and the other would die.

To choose this day for our decisive battle

The days had been blustery.

Like Rodolphe, Felite was approaching Leguls core of sailing vessels with an entire fleet of galleys. His younger brother would be at a disadvantage if strong winds roughed up the seas, which explained why hed chosen to have their final battle on a day when the air was relatively calm. Felite must have been thinking that hed lose the chance to win if he waited any longer.

Pathetic. Doesnt even know whats coming for him, Legul jeered. He raised one hand.

The sixty-five ships began to move, unified.

Leguls fleet sailed into action.

Felite spotted them from aboard his flagship, trembling instinctively.

Are you nervous, Master Felite? Apis asked beside him.

Felite nodded. Yes. I am.

Over a hundred ships would be crashing against one another in one, decisive battle. Battles of such a scale hadnt yet existed in the history of Patura.

I thought I would succeed my father after Legul was banished. However, I never had any plans of making a name for myself.

All Felite wanted was for his reign to be peaceful, and yet he was making a name for himself in history books.

It seems life often does not go as planned, he noted.

I couldnt agree more.

Felite grimaced. This was unexpected. If he were one of the gods, he could probably avoid this battle altogether and bring back order. As a mere mortal, however, he had no choice but to overcome the trial before him.

Send word to each of the Kelil: Well follow the plan and see this through to victory.

The battle was going to be a strugglewith a slight advantage on Felites side.

The basic strategy hadnt changed: striking ships with naval rams and coming alongside the enemy to engage in hand-to-hand combat. To top it off, the wind and waves were gentle, giving the advantage to Felites galleys.

Emelance, Sandia, and Voras had experience with Leguls fighting style and shared information among themselves. The enemys sailing vessels were not to be underestimated.

All this put them in an advantageous position. Even so, their small lead could be attributed to Leguls prioritizing defense over offense.

Hes fighting a war of attrition, Emelance murmured as he commanded his ships.

He had assumed this might happen. If Felites forces attacked while the wind was weak, the enemy would strengthen its defenses and wait for the wind to change directions.

A war of attrition will be hard on the galleys.

Since the galleys ran on manpower, the sailors had to row with heavy oars. Naturally, extended battles would exhaust the men, dulling their movements. The burden placed on sailing ships was wildly different.

At this rate, well need to finish the battle before our fatigue peaks.

Even if it was tiny, an advantage was an advantage. The enemy was taking damage, albeit slowly. Felites forces would win if this carried on.

That said, Legul wouldnt just take the beating. Emelance considered what the man might be up to.

The battlefield he observed, is moving southward.

Armada Five is taking damage!

Vorass fleet is in close proximity to the Armada Eleven. They cant budge!

The enemy ships arent slowing down!

Legul was bombarded with reports of each armada raising up flags of distress. Nearly all of them reported they were being pushed back. However, he wasnt the least bit fazed.

They hadnt even lost ten ships yet. This was because Leguls forces were focused on keeping a safe distance from the enemy, evading its attacks, and staying on the defensive.

If one hundred ships clustered together, theyd end up immobile. The sea would become a congested mess and temporarily turn into a jigsaw of ships. If that happened, the armies would engage in close combat, and even Legul wouldnt be able to tell which way the battle was leaning.

So Legul made sure his ships kept their distance. This would minimize the damage they incurred and give him leeway to change course as needed. This, of course, meant Felites forces would suffer even less damagebut destroying them wasnt Leguls objective.

Its almost time.

When Legul ordered his ships to maintain their distance, hed given one more command: to inch south, pretending they did so to dodge the enemys attacks.

They must have realized its too late now.

Legul had noticed something before the start of the battle. After all, the wind and waves spoke to him.

Something was being carried by the southern winds. Dark, heavy clouds rolled in.

Just like when hed taken down Alois.

Youve lost, Felite.

A Dragon Storm.

The seasonal tempest arrived on the naval battlefield.

The tide of battle changed in a flash. The Dragon Storm brought forth heavy, pelting rain, and the raging winds drew up violent, crashing waves.

Galleys did not fare well in rough waters. A smooth surface allowed sailors to synchronize their rowing. When the waves spun and seawater splashed in the oar ports, it disrupted their forward momentum.

Sir Edgar! Ally ships are raising signal flags that theyre unable to advance!

With the wind and waves, it wont be long before our own ship suffers the same fate!

Settle down! Well do all we can to get through it! Edgar clicked his tongue as he reprimanded his weakening subordinates. Rough winds would be hard for even a sailing ship to navigate, but

If both sides had fleets made of all galleys, they would have retreated to try again later. However, Leguls fleet of sailing ships used this wind to ram into Felites galleys. As his forces saw it, the immobile boats made for prime targets. The roles of offense and defense were reversed, and Felites ships began sinking without any way of even protecting themselves.

Oh, how he despises us!

Leguls flagship wasnt the only one moving through the storm; his fleet of followers had flipped it to their advantage. Just how much genius had he been bottling up, and how well did he train his subordinates? The only thing clear was that he loathed Patura.

You underestimated us, Legul! Our new Ladu will totally disarm you!

Thats strange, Legul thought.

The storm had given him the advantage. That had been part of the plan.

His opponents response, however, had been far quicker than expected. The enemy didnt seem to falter, persistently sticking it out. It was as if Felites forces had known the storm was coming all along.

Ridiculous. Theres no way.

Predicting the weather from the wind and waves was not an unusual skill among seamen. No one on this earth, however, pulled it off to the same level of accuracy as he.

Not to mention no one would challenge this type of storm, knowing the weather. None of the enemy ships have sails or masts. They must have realized they have no way of catching the wind.

There were galleys with masts and sails that allowed them to travel along the wind. Felites ships, however, were run entirely by rowed oars. The lack of extra weight from the masts kept the boats agile.

Thats why I didnt think theyd predicted the Dragon Storm. Its why I planned on winning this war by holding out until it arrived. But if the enemy saw it coming

His opponent could have intentionally forgone the sails and masts to make Legul think they didnt know about the Dragon Storm and drag him farther onto the battlefield.

It was idiotic. Impossible. There was no way the enemy had anyone who could read the wind that well. Besides, their efforts were pointless. Felites ships should be swallowed up by the wind and find themselves at a disadvantage. If the enemy could predict the direction of the wind, it should have been using this knowledge to evade Legul.

He was clearly overthinking things. Legul snapped his head up to look out at the southern sky.

What the?

He read the wind, and his natural genius allowed him to pick up on an anomaly.

Somethings coming

Chills ran up his spine. The wind was gusting strongly enough to tear through the sails.

No, it was something else. It was a wave, threatening to swallow the ship whole.

Wait. That wasnt it, either.

Whatever it was, it was almost upon them.

What is this?!

He gaped at the dark cloud squirming across the sky.

Well use the Dragon Storm.

In the conference room, Felite spoke to the five Kelil and Wein, who was sitting at the head of the table.

Legul will be able to predict the Dragon Storm, seeing that hes resourceful and used this exact method to carry out his heinous acts toward my father. Well use this against him.

I find that hard to believe, Sandia stated. The Dragon Storm is a natural phenomenon that comes on a whim. How could even the greatest seafarer predict such a thing?

Legul started counting. The boat was coming. Just a little more time

The wind started to blow.

Starboard!

The ship turned to the right, and each sail billowed in the wind.

We made it.

Then before his very eyes was the galley turning its bow toward him as if it had predicted this move all along.

This isnt how I wanted to catch up to you, Brother!

Felites galley rammed into the side of Leguls sailing ship.

Did we only graze him?!

The charge had been perfectly timed, but by either the whim of the wind and waves or Leguls stubbornness, Felites naval ram failed to pierce the hull of Leguls sailing shipinstead carving through its exterior.

In all likelihood, the flank would break soon enough, and the ship would sink. But knowing Leguls skill, there was a chance hed retreat from the battlefield before that happened.

Theres no time to put distance between us and charge again! Hell escape unless I finish him off here!

Quickly determining this to be the case, Felite turned and called out to his crew.

Throw the grappling hooks! Well strap ourselves onto their boat and get beside it!

RAAAAAH!

The sailors tossed the hooks over the side of Leguls ship. The enemy crew tried to cut the ropes and shake them off, but the onslaught was so overwhelming that it rendered their moves sluggish. The two ships ended up side by side.

All hands, draw your swords! Felite shouted. Board the enemy ship!

The men drew their weapons, racing across the deck and boarding the opposing vessel.

Apis, stay here and take charge!

W-wait, Master Felite?! Apis was left behind, baffled, as Felite jumped onto Leguls ship.

Where is he?! Felite huffed.

The sailors had already begun fighting around him, swords clanging against swords. Felite took in these sounds as he went in search of his target

Im right here.

As soon as Felite turned around toward the voice, a bare blade grazed the tip of his nose.

Ngh! Felite instinctively jumped back, taking him in. The figure of his elder brother, Legul, was standing right there. Brother

That was something, Felite. I cant believe a stroke of good luck managed to drive my ship into a corner.

Even after all that had happened, Legul wasnt going back on his choice to go through with this. He glared at Felite.

Did you board my ship to try and keep me here? That was one hell of an idea!

Legul kicked off the deck. Despite the rocking of the ship, his footing was solid, and he swung his sword at Felite.

You seriously think you can stop me?!

Gah?! Felite took the brunt of Leguls attack with his own sword.

The two blades clashed, sparks shooting from the friction.

Whats wrong, Felite?! Youre coming at me?! Take that!

A powerful blow sent Felite flying, blade and all. He tumbled across the deck. When he staggered to his feet, he found blood streaming from his chest. Hed been wounded.

Its true that my swordsmanship cannot compare to yours, Brother, he admitted. Youve always been better than me.

The cut stung, but it wasnt deep. That said, Felite would lose if the battle continued much longer. Upon diagnosing the severity of his gash, he gripped his sword. However, I am not just trying to keep you here. I have come to settle things by my own hand, Brother.

Youll end up dying here for nothing. How pathetic. Legul smiled scornfully.

Felite gasped for air. Dont you think it is you who are pathetic? Do you honestly believe you can run from the Kelil? You still refuse to give up?

Obviously! Legul answered proudly. You think we can end things here?! That my resentment will just go away?! Ill keep coming backevery time! And then Patura and the Rainbow Crown will be mine!

Felite seemed to mourn for Legul. He opened his mouth, saying nothing and then closing it. Brothertheres one thing I need to tell you.

What?

I broke the Rainbow Crown myself.

Legul stopped moving.

They could hear the battle continuing around them, but the two looked at each other as if they were the only people in the world.

Whatdidyousay?

There is no longer anything you desire in this landor continent.

Like hell! Why would the Rainbow Crown ever fracture?! Its Patura itself, passed down by the gods!

Its not! Its just a normal shell! Besides, no one needs it anymore! Please open your eyes! The old you had set your eyes on a better future!

Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Ive had enough! Talking with you is a waste of my time! All I have to do is kill you all and uncover the Rainbow Crown!

Legul readied his sword. Nothing was more bloodcurdling than this situation.

Felite could feel a murderous rage radiating from his body.

Words would no longer reach his brother. Felite steeled himself, stabilizing his sword.

Tensions mounted. They didnt break eye contact or breathe, waiting for the perfect moment. And thenthe creaking side of the boat that had taken the brunt of the attack started to split.

The two launched themselves off the deck simultaneously.

The body of the ship exploded.

The spray of waves rained down between them.

Two human shadows, two swords, closed in faster than wind to take life, and

There was a momentary illusion born from the mist and sun.

Leguls eyes caught sight of the rainbow. Felites eyes looked beyond it.

Felites sword sliced cleanly through Leguls body.

Legul looked down at the sword running through him with emotionless eyes.

It felt like the wound was on fire as his arms and legs lost all heat.

Im dying, he thought. His sword slipped from his hand.

When he looked up, the rainbow was still there. He reached out to grab it, but it vanished before his fingers could touch it.

Come to think of it He did the same thing when he was little.

How long ago had it been? Legul remembered scolding his brother and telling him to stop doing such stupid things.

Then a memory from that time burst in his mind like a bubble.

Do you hate rainbows, Brother?

Uh-huh. Ill never forgive rainbowsor the Rainbow Crownfor drawing all the attention away from me. When Im ruler of Patura, Ill smash the treasure to pieces.

But everyone will get angry!

All I have to do is become a man whos worth more than the Rainbow Crown. Just you wait, Felite. I wont stop at Patura; Ill control every body of water across the continent and see what lies at the far ends of the ocean!

Felites eyes had shone as he oohed and aahed. Please take me with you!

Only me and the best of the best can sail on my ship. You seriously think Id let you aboard?

Then Ill become the bestest, too! Ill be a great seaman worthy of your ship!

Hmph. You dont have a chance. Legul mocked him, then lowered his voice to a whisper. Well, if that does happen, I guess Ill consider it.

That was as far as the memory wentjust a meaningless reel of the past.

After all, their paths had parted long ago.

Master Felite! Please return here quickly!

His brothers subordinate was yelling something. Seawater had begun pouring into the gaping wound on the ship. It would sink soon.

Brother Felite raised his head.

Were his cheeks wet from the spraying seawater?

It didnt really matter.

Do you seriously think youve caught up to me? Legul grabbed the nape of Felites neck. His hand pressed into his skin. You idiot. Youll have to train for another century before you can step foot on my ship.

Bro

Felites body sailed overboard.

At that same moment, the sailing vessel began to sink. The galley fighters jumped back to their ship in droves.

Legul Zarif went down with the vessel, and he never rose back up from the waters again.

In the end, Felite Zarifs forces were the victors in the naval battle that saw the mobilization of over one hundred ships, and he took care of any remaining resistance, working side by side with the Kelil.

Felite Zarif regained control of the central island, ruling as the leader of the Patura Archipelago.