The Warships

Medieval ships in Medieval Europe were powered by sails, oars, or both systems. There was a great variety, mostly based on much older, conservative designs.

Although communications became broader and more frequent within Europe, it did not mean the presence of a variety of improvements; experimental failures were costly and rarely attempted.

Northern ships were influenced by Viking ships, while southern ones by classical or Roman ships.

What Haldor had asked for was the stern-mounted rudder system, which significantly contributed to the success of European ships in the age of discoveries.

In the plans, Haldor intended to replicate the USS Constitution frigate, a medieval ship designed for battle, and with the armored bears who dominate the canons better than anyone else, they would have no rival at sea if he managed to create the world-destroying beast.

"Did you design that?" Lucian felt terrified by the magnificent design of that warship.

Even in the kingdom, there was no ship that could match this; on both sides, there were twenty stations where celestial cannons could be placed and would be practically unstoppable at sea.

"I have modified it to have a capacity of over a thousand warriors; it has everything to survive long voyages and is focused on combat," Haldor said, sharing the first discovery he had revealed.

Luker was astonished; everything Haldor did seemed like he had the ideas but not the skills to bring them from his mind to reality.

"We will create enough ships to carry the expected crew to Frostgard Island. Due to its size, it can pass through the river, so we only need to build the port," said Lorek, looking at the plans being made for the fleet that would carry the people Haldor was gathering.

Looking at the enormous white bear, Haldor nodded slightly. He had not yet gone to the lands of the free men who had attacked him when he arrived in this world, but he was certain to gain their loyalty.

The important thing now was to advance independently, that is, to have a formidable human army with good armor forged by the armored bears.

"Damned demon kids, they smell like shit all the time, no matter how many times they bathe," Ravyn entered the room, roaring with disgust after training the young men who wanted to participate in their first battle.

Ravyn had been controlling himself a lot in his behavior, but when he saw that Haldor didn't care how he behaved, he decided to be himself.

"When are we going to see the giants?"

Haldor looked at Ravyn and said, "Once all the hunter villages come here, the giant tribes will be the last we visit to propose an alliance."

"Giants are idiots; what will we gain besides having helpers?"

"Strong men; we need someone to move the resources, and there's no one better than the giants for their great physical prowess."

Luker looked at Haldor and asked, "Haven't you talked to your father yet?"

"I am earning a surname just as he did. Once I have my army, I will visit him and head south with or without his support," Haldor said while watching the fire of the bonfire burn.

Lucian remained silent; the sorcerers would follow Haldor, but he still couldn't say the same for the others. Having a child command a war could be a bit counterproductive.

"At a minimum, we should have ten ships, an army of ten thousand strong men, and five thousand armored bears, which is more than enough to crush a human army of thirty to fifty thousand."

"If we add a thousand sorcerers, those numbers can increase to a hundred thousand and dragons in the air, as wizards can defend themselves against such enemies."

Haldor was on the right track, but there were still complaints about whether it was wise to take the people of the free lands under his banner. Disciplining those barbarians would be impossible; taking them would only tarnish Haldor's name.

But leaving them here would be a mistake; their numbers could reach up to 300,000, so he had to at least consider the consequences.

…

Frostgard, Island of the Cold Sea.

Main city, beyond the allied mountains.

"My son is preparing for war; he is creating an army in the Sober Tower with the support of the armored bears. How did he gain their support?"

Sebas, who was the king's right-hand man, said, "Even with a dragon, it is impossible to persuade the armored bears, but your son convinced them to fight for him. They whisper and call him the Northern Star."

"Then it is beginning; we must also make preparations."