Port City of Ambury

There are two kinds of smells to the ocean. The first one is the most common and expected. It smells like salt in fizzled water with a hint of seaweed and ocean life on the breeze. The second was more dire and less desirable and that one smelled like rotting fish in a stale salt pool.

However, to me, both smelled better than the kingdoms capital.

I was raised in luxury beside my mother, the queen, and my twin sister Iona-Raye. Unlike these women, who were the embodiment of beauty and virtue, I was a tomboy covered in dirt and blood. Shooting arrows and swinging a sword were second-nature to me. When I finally came of the age to join high society, which is normally age 13, the queen gave me a choice.

Became a royal lady and join the social circle of nobility or become a soldier in the kingdoms military and aim for a commanding position.

The choice was simple. I chose the latter. Now, at age 27, I was the commander and chief of the kingdoms army and overseer of the newly commissioned police force. I had the freedom to travel across the kingdom and train other passionate soldiers to protect civilians and defend the nation.

My tasks during my visit to the port town of Ambury were simple enough. Report to the Police Sergeant, collect a 6month briefing on the progression of the new recruits and the crime rate, and organise a 2-day training session for all the officers. Next, I was to announce a time to visit each noble household in the Orcium region, in which Ambury was their capital city, gather more reports about their commissioned soldiers, and set a training date for them as well.

This part of my job was routine and boring. But it brought me to Ambury, my favourite city in the kingdom.

"General Thornton, shall we report to the police station first?" Boon Smith spoke up, interrupting my thoughts. Riding up beside me on his caramel coloured steed, his broad chest and wide shoulders entered my peripheral vision. His build summoned recognition and authority ebbed from every pore.

"Yes, I think we shall. Boon, you'll come with me to greet the Sergeant," I replied, urging my horse down the hill and into the city of Ambury. I glanced over my shoulder to the young man on my left. He was more slender in his build in comparison to Boon, surreptitous in nature. However, his pretty boy face was always a lady pleaser.

"Max," I called to him. "I want you to visit the carrier pigeons hutt and send my appointed dates to the nobles. After, visit the council and pick up their reports regarding their soldiers. We'll meet up again at the restaurant by the sea. My shout."

Over my shoulder, both men grinned stupidly, no doubt excited about spending my money on drinks later. I chuckled to myself and shook my head.

They deserved it, I guess, as the loyal and hardworking soldiers they were.

Boon Smith and Maximilian Ferguson were my first and second lieutenants. Under normal circumstances, I would assign to them to another parts of the kingdom. However, this was a rare opportunity where no other matter required our immediate attention other than this one. So I brought them with me instead and how elated it made me, I couldn't describe it in words.

I meet both men during my early days of training. Boon was a trainer and a highly intimadating one with his large build, rough face and piercing hazel eyes. He use to tease me often about my enlistment. After all, I was a princess and my battlefield was the social circle. But when I proved myself worthy of being there, he changed his toned and dedicated his time to making a soldier out of me.

As for Max, he caught my attention. He had enlisted two years after me. By that time, I was an assistant trainer along side Boon. The boy had talent despite his scrawny build, delicate facial features and timid demeanor. He was lighter on his feet with keen sensors and quick reaction time. I admired the young mans exceptional skills and humble poise.

As we made our way along the streets of the town, the villagers greeted us with open smiles. Many of them recognised us, thanking us for all our hard work with the new law enforcement.

"Oh Commander! Thank you, thank you for the civilian protection system!" An elderly woman called from the crowd. "My grandson would've never been able to pursue such a noble path without it! May our Lord bless you!"

Their gratitude filled me with pride and joy although I couldn't stay long. Duty called and the system they were so fond of needed reviewing as soon as possible.

"You are very welcome. I am glad to hear that is has been working positively for you all. We must be off now, have a pleasant day everyone." I bid them goodbye and dismounted my horse, tying him to the post outside the station.

It was a mad rush inside the station. Paperwork was staked high, officers hollaring across the room. Even the jail cells were fill with prepetrators.

Running short on time, Boon and I continued on to Sergeant Theodor's office, opting out of waiting for someone to escort us.

Who here could outrank me that they would stop our momentum? I grinned cheekily.

The door to the Sergeants office swung open and a young assistance came flying out. She crashed into me, her thick orange hair whipping my face. With ease, her dainty physique rebounded off me and as if in slow motion, I watched her topple. Quickly, I gently caught her around the shoulders and restored her balance.

"Excuse me for grabbing you like that, miss," I muttered my apologies and swiftly removed my hands from her body. Her face turned bright red when she looked into my face, realisation flashing in her eyes.

"Commander Thornton! Please forgive me!" She bowed low, a nervous quiver in her shoulders.

The one downside to being a military commander, I sighed, is that everyone is afraid of you.

I gave her a gentle smile and held my hand out to her.

"Please raise your head. It was an accident, Miss .....," I left a space to allow her to introduce herself.

"Oh, Emma. Please calle me Emma." She said, taking my hand, raising her head, and giving me a shy smile.

"Nice to meet you, Emma." I let go of her hand. "This is my first lieutenant, Boon Smith. We're here to see Sergeant Theodor. Is he available?" I asked.

"Yes, he's right through there. Shall I announce your arrival?"

"No, that won't be necessary. I'm sure you have much to do, Emma, so we won't keep you any longer." She bowed once more and took her leave.

I gently pushed open the door to the Sergeants office, knocking once.

"Oh, Commander, Lieutenant Smith, you've arrived." The Sergeant greeted us and offered us a seat. "I apologise, I am a bit unprepared even though I was well aware of your visit." He sighed and rubbed his forehead in frustration.

I frowned, noticing the bags under his eyes and his pale skin.

"What's happened, Sergeant?" I inquired. He shook his head.

"Several of our new recruits haven't been getting along. Fights and disputes have been breaking out often and I am constantly having to deal with it these days. I am grateful for your arrival, they may need your guidance and discipline since mine isn't working," he grumbling, falling into his chair with a long sigh.

I clenched my fists, my teeth grinding and a slight throb in my temple.

"I grant you permission to take the 2-days of training off. When you return, they shall be model officers prepped for service," I grinned menacingly under hooded eyes. His eyes widened then a hearty laugh bellowed from his stomach.

"I look forward it too and I'm sure my wife will appreciate your generosity, Commander. I humbly accept your permission and leave them in your capable hands." He straightened up in his chair and picked up a file on his desk. Handing it to me, he said, "On another note, we've been monitoring some strange activity in the harbour lately. The merchant traders have informed us that they have seen strange ships just outside our naval borders, merely resting there. As more ships dock here, those ships locations seems to be inching closer and closer to us. Since it is outside our jurisdiction, we can only monitor them from a far."

I opened the file and skimmed over the reports. According to this, they bore no flag nor any figurehead. Their role and identity was a mystery. A chill went up my spine.

I have a bad feeling about this, I thought.

"Have you contacted king Kayeon or the Cliffton Military harbour for assistance?" I asked, closing the file and handing it to Boon. Hopefully he could see something in those reports that I couldn't.

The Sergeant nodded.

"They were my first points of contact. The king placed ships along the border while Cliffton strengthened the defense line. They have been resting their for over 3 weeks now but this is all I can provide in terms of their activity." I could see now that the new recruits were the least of his worries. They were merely the icing on the cake. "Forgive me for not informing you sooner, Commander."

"That's alright," I assured him. "Let's focus on the now."

The room fell silent as the 3 of us pondered over our own theories. I turned to Boon.

"Please tell me you've seen something I have not," I appealed to him.

"We should treat this situation with great seriousness," he replied, rubbing his stubble chin. "You see, an ally would have no reason to hide. Pirate ships, on the other hand, are known to sit in ocean regions unowned by nearby nations waiting in ambush for passing ships. Considering that and the locations stipulated in this report, these ships are acting more like ghost ships. No markings, no movements and no unnecessary conflict. Has anyone tried to board these ships?" Boon addressed the Sergeant.

"No, the naval fleet has been told to focus on defending the border and stay away from them. If anything should happen while on the ships, the monarchies and their governing bodies would no authority to protect their soldiers or the lead commanders," he replied.

Yet another dead end. Boon spoke up

"My guess is they are aiming for Ambury and have been gathering information while anchored in neutral waters. These reports have also stated that no life rafts were seen either, giving the impression that the ships were abandoned. They could've hid them on the ship. Or, on a more chilling note, what if they were actually using the rafts for another purpose? Lying in wait for ships to pass by and stowing away in the lower decks, for example." Boons reply was exactly what I was expecting from him. He had a keen eye for finer details when he put his pride aside. The older he got, the more mature he became. His wisdom was but one trait I valued in him.

"Sending in spies into our port..." Sergeant Theodor muttered under his breath, lending forward in his chair. "We must tighten our border patrol."

"A little too late for that but I shall keep the in mind, Sergeant," I said. It has been just under a month since those ships were first reported. If my lieutenants' theory was correct, they were already at a great disadvantage.

"I am entrusting this situation to you, First Lieutenant. Sergeant Theodor, send a message to the commanders of both the Virson and Impiercison naval fleets assigned to this issue. Inform them that they will be working with Lieutenant Smith from now on." I rose from my chair and stretched my shoulders out. "Is there any other urge matter we needed to discuss?"

"No, Commander. Here are the reports on the new recruits and crime rate within the 6 month time period you requested.

Sergeant Theodor rose from his seat as well. He handed the reports over and formally saluted us.

Returning his salute, we both exited his office, closing the door behind us.

"This matter is troubling, Boon. I have a bad feeling about this. We need to plan ahead and be prepared for the unexpected," I whispered under my breath as we left the building. The workers were still busy with their own matters but I didn't want my distressed tone to be overheard.

"I share your fears, Commander. Leave it to me," he replied, doing his best to settle my nerves. I sighed.

"Let's go to the restaurant now, Max might be waiting for us. Plus, I think I need a drink after that news." That made Boon laugh.

------------------

The port restaurant I admired so much was called The Lighthouse Bounty. They served exquisite seafood dishes only found here and were situated on the edge of the port itself, with one end of the restaurant hanging off the dock.

It was starting to get dark and the gentlemen and I had already finished our meal, now indulging in a beer and light chit-chat. Before this mission, I hadn't seen either of these men for over 4 months so I was interested in catching up with them.

Max had found himself a lovely maiden that he started seeing from a village near the Akong mountains. It was a region covered in snow nearly all year round. He caught the young lady's attention when he brought summer flowers from the capital city. They were initial a gift to the church but after laying eyes on her, Max only offered half, with the other half going to her. Smitten with him, the lady took time out of her day as a waitress at her fathers inn to spend with him.

I couldn't help but laugh at his attempts to woe her. The more tales he told, the more embarrassed I felt for him.

As for Boon and his wife, they had officially becomes parents to a handsome boy they named Percy. They've been married for over 15 years now and had struggled for a long time to have a child. The pregnancy and child birth had been difficult for Boons' wife and they feared they may lose the baby they had waited so long for.

Praise God, he was born safely and healthy.

"How about you, Commander? Your own wedding isn't too far off now. How are those nerves of yours?" Boon teased. I scoffed and took a long gulp from my glass.

I was betrothed to the king of our neighbouring kingdom, king Kayeon. We met as children on my fathers farm at the edge of the kingdom and although we were at odds at first, as our bond grew, so did our feelings for one another.

The village my father was from was situated on the edge of the Virson kingdoms border. Beyond that was the kingdom of Impiercison, His Majesty's land. I would visit my father often and one day, while exploring the forest, I met a boy with sharp, ice blue eyes and pitch black hair. We use to fight viciously to begin with, Kayeon never taking mercy on me, until the day when we had to join forces to kill a wild beast that had followed our tracks back to the village. We managed to defeat it before anyone found out. Later, we revealed our true identities to one another and made a promise to one day marry.

"I guess you could say I am excited. Although, I'm not looking forward to living on the other side of the border or pursuing the high society I have been running from since birth," I complained honestly.

Too much alcohol. The tongue is loosening more than it should.

"I hear yah, Commander. That kind of life with the big, puffy dresses, the etiquette, and dancing... Oh boy, dancing, don't get me started!" Boon chortled, banging his hand against the table. Max joined him followed by my own laughter.

The big guy had a point.

However, my love for Kayeon was real and I made him a promise. He was my best friend and my other half.

Although, the didn't mean I had never had my doubts. I sometimes wondered if I could really give up this life and all it's responsibilities to enter his. Or if I would be stubborn instead father and refuse, breaking my promise.

I swallowed and the butterflies reflecting my nervousness fluttered down my throat, through my chest and into my stomach. A flush rose to my cheeks; a slight panic in my shoulders. It lifted me off my chair before I had time to think about it.

"Excuse me, I think I've had enough to drink and need some fresh air. I won't be long," I assured them when they gave me strange looks. I grabbed my jacket from off the back of the chair, draped it over my shoulders and stepped into the cold air.

I took in a deep breath and let the sensation wash over me.

Truthfully, it wasn't the alcohol causing the anxiety I was now feeling. It was the wedding. It was only helping me realise it.

I rubbed my faced with both hands, hard, as if that act itself could wipe away my troubles. Looking out at the sea, its natural blue colour fading with the setting sun, the enemy ghost ships drifted into my mind. I decided to act on that thought and welcomed the excuse to think about something other than my wedding.

I shifted through my memory of the reports I read earlier, searching for any details that could lead me to their identity. There was one part that described the ships as being battered by conflict. They had evidence of a battle scars along the body, the mast on one broken and the life raft levies destroyed. They bore no flags or figureheads.

But every ship is crafted with a figurehead before it leaves the shipwrights, I thought.

Figureheads were mainly crafted in relation to the designed of the ship, the ships name or the role of that ship. Before a ship is a commissioned, it must have a name and design. That included the figurehead. And those ships must show a flag according to the naval signal code system. It was how ships communicated to one another. These ships, on the other hand, had neither. The lack of a figurehead could be the result of the possible conflict and if there really was a conflict, the flags would be removed and destroyed.

I rubbed my temple. Both thought patterns were giving me a headache. Neither were good for me to think about.

I lowered myself to the ground and hung my feet over the dock. They didn't quite reach the water which pained my heart a little. Still, this close to the water was satisfactory enough. In just over a month, I would have to return the capital which over 500 miles away from the sea.

I recalled a conversation I had once with a merchant from a little island. In comparison to his home, this continent was 10 times larger and even then, it still not enough to compenstate its size. However, he also said he was grateful that he was from such a small, insignificant place. According to him, there was a warmonger emperor from the mainland claiming every piece of land in sight. Every country, nation, and kingdom of every tongue, culture and religion was his target. And he never lost. Even so, he wouldn't be interested in a tiny island like that.

Now, that same emperor was setting his eyes on lands across the sea, his thirst for conquest unquenchable. His naval fleet would ambush unsuspecting ships and use them to transport spies into the enemy territory. Even so, he wouldn't be interested in a tiny island like that. But this continent, on the other hand, holds much value.

I stopped my train of thought. My body was frozen with realisation. I needed to back track on these thoughts and take it slow.

From what I heard, after he sent spies in, he would isolate the target from their allies and cut all possible communication. After, he would gain control of their major cities and towns, cut off supply routes and establish a base. And he adapted that principle for naval conquest as well.

But a mastermind like that would have other methods of conquests up his sleeve as well, I thought. One plan only leads to destruction and his man has never lost.

So, how would he invade —

"Commander, are you out here?" A voice called for me. My body jolted from the shocking interruption from my thoughts. I spun around to find Boon searching for me in the dark.

"Boon!" I yelled, jumping to my feet. "We must evacuate the people and set up a temporary refuge center as soon as possible!" He gaped at me and blinked several times.

"What do you mean? All of sudden?" He asked, understandably confused.

"Yes! No more drinking! Time to sober up! Our enemy is at our doorstep and he's been sitting there for 3 weeks, waiting for his opportunity!" I shock his shoulders like a madman, hissing low but loud.

Well, I tried to shake him but the mans a brick wall!

"Commander, you're not making an sense." He frowned with serious tone. "We cannot evacuate without reasonable cause. I have never doubted you but you need to explain it calmly and in detail."

What Boon was saying was definitely the correct thing but as the seconds passed, the panic rose from in my stomach to my chest into my throat and out my mouth like a tidal wave in the form of an ugly, violent screech.

A screech that was muffled by canon fire 25km offshore. Two ships were engaged in a battle that lit up the night in a orange glow. There was more canons fire from either sides and the brighter it got, the more ships seemed to appeared.

We're too late, I gasped.

In the center of the battlefield, there was a space in the midst of the fighting large enough for a ship to fill. Sure enough, one did, dark, looming and foreboding, charging at full speed towards them.

"EVACUATE THE CIVILIANS!" I shouted over the noise and panic, sprinting towards the restaurant.