Captive Ships

Far away from the Atlanea island, there was a small island which was also known as the entrance of the Atlanea kingdom.

The waters around the main Atlanea were not deep so whenever some big ship wanted to enter the main island the only way was to cross the small island and enter.

At the moment the small island was bustling with people.

The troops who were returning from the north were all has camped on the island. There were three ships were resting in the waters from Atlanea which were merchant ships and there was another small one which was from the north. The soldiers from the North were holding capture of the Atlanean merchants.

"It has been a week but there is no news from the king." One of the captains spoke. All three captains of ships and other soldiers were sitting in one of the tents. On the way back Suddenly their ships were stopped by the northern army and they were forced to stay here on the island as captives.

After that, they received news From their king that they didn't make any movement and waited for his order. But the week has been passed since then but there was no news from the king and all the people were now being impatient.

"I'm asking what are we waiting for? They are holding us captive on our land and here we are sitting like cowards." One of the captains with blonde hair said. He looked very young to be a captain of a big ship.

"Captain Ray is right. We shouldn't wait much now. We have the advantage of numbers." The other man who was sitting on the left side at the end of the table spoke.

"We might have had the advantage of numbers but the people with us ate mostly merchants. They can not fight. And those people are soldiers who are highly trained. Why do you think that few people can capture us if they don't have strength" One of the other men with light brown hair argued.

"But we can still defeat them." The man named Captain Ray spoke again.

"The blood will spill on our innocent people if we do that." The man with light brown hair said.

"But…" Captain Ray tried to speak up but suddenly a man sitting on the main chair at the table raised his hand and quieted down.

"We will wait for one more day. King will do something by then." The middle-aged man said. He has a long beard and mustache. His face was calm.

After he spoke, none of the other people dared to raise their voices.

"You guys can leave now." The man said and everyone stood up and started to leave the tent. All of them were very unhappy.

"Brandon.. you can stay." The man spoke and a lean young man who was about to leave stopped in his tracks.

He turned around and walked towards the middle-aged man. His footsteps were calm and steady.

"Yes, captain." He stood up before the captain with one hand behind his back.

"What do you think we should do?" The middle-aged man asked. He was the senior of all the people present. With years of experience and knowledge. But this time the situation was a little tricky and there was no reply from their king. As the day passed the situation was getting out of hand and people were being impatient.

"We should take some steps as soon as possible. People are desperate to return home." The young man replied in his raspy voice. He has blonde hair. The long hair that reached towards his shoulders was now gathered in a neat ponytail at the back of his head.

"But the king has yet to reply." The captain sighed.

"There must be something. Otherwise, the north won't go to this length and capture our merchant ships. Atlanea and Northern countries had always kept a good distance so what's with the sudden move?" The younger man replied.

"You're right. The situation is more serious than it looks." The old man said.

He stroked his beard for a while.

"Brandon, Move out tonight and return to Atlanea. We can't seat with hand in hand here." The old man made a decision.

"Okay captain." Brandon nodded without hesitation.

"Tonight, leave at midnight. And make sure to convey the situation." Brandon nodded and then took his leave.

After coming out of the tent the young man swiftly moved towards his tent. Apart from the main captain and merchants all the other small merchants and soldiers and other few locals who were also traveling in those ships were staying in the big tents which can accommodate ten people at least. Although Brandon was one of the main soldiers he had preferred to stay with his brothers. He returned to his common camp which he was sharing with nine other lower-rank soldiers.

"What did the elder say? Are we talking about any action?" One of the younger soldiers named Frank came over and asked. Frank was Brandon's squire. His voice was low and careful. Brandon took a seat in one of the corners and Frank quickly handed him a mug of water.

"No, we will wait for the king's reply." Brandon said and he noticed how the young man's face paled a little. Frank was a rookie soldier who had joined Brandon on his trip. The boy was young and smart and that was the reason Brandon had agreed to take him as his squire.

They had roamed in many parts of the world and now after the long journey, they were returning home. Their people were enthusiastic to meet their families and loved ones but being so close to them And can't return home was making them impatient.

The young man here was also very excited to meet his fiance. Bran looked at the boy and sighed.

"Go check if the lunch is ready." Bran sent the young man away and he stood up and moved towards the other part of the Island.

Soon the sun started to set on the surface of the west sea and the blue ocean water started to shine like gold under the golden rays.