Chapter 30 Invading Pirates

At noon, Gavin arrived promptly for his meeting with Frank. As they chatted over lunch with Captain Hassan and others, Gavin learned the specifics of the voyage's plan.

Frank explained the urgency of the trip. "The Governor of Lys demanded the goods be delivered within three months," Frank said, his tone tinged with worry. "If I fail, my family's property in Lys will be confiscated. Bankruptcy would ruin us. I had no choice but to embark on this voyage."

Captain Hassan laid out their plan. "We'll sail through the Summer Sea, then skirt around Dorne's Broken Arm to avoid the conflict zones. From there, we'll head directly south to Lys. No stops for fresh water or supplies in the Stepstones."

To prepare for this cautious route, the ship had stocked three times the usual amount of food and water. However, Hassan admitted, "We're moving into unfamiliar waters. Storms are frequent this time of year."

That night, Gavin lay awake in his cabin. The creaking of the ship's wooden hull and the rhythmic lapping of waves filled the air. Darkness surrounded him, but his thoughts churned. The dangers of the journey loomed large in his mind. However, he reminded himself of his greatest strength: his growing power.

"As long as I stay strong, I can handle whatever comes," he murmured to himself in the stillness.

He opened his skill panel and distributed three newly earned energy points to his bow and arrow skills, raising them both to master level.

Host: Gavin Belleris

Age: 15

Bloodline:

Bloodfire Dragonborn (33% Developed): Valyrian dragon king bloodline. Mastery over dragons and fire. Initial awakening.

Rule:

1/33 (Slaves may be promoted through the panel.)1 Intermediate Blood Dragon Guard: A Blood Witch puppet crafted using dragon blood; capable of two advancements.

Skills:

Fire Manipulation: MasterSwordsmanship: MasterFlame Blade: MasterBow and Arrow: MasterSpear: Master

Energy Points: 0 (Recovered by absorbing ambient or active magic.)

After reviewing the cleared energy points, Gavin felt a pang of impatience. "I need dragon bones," he thought, considering his options. "If I can't buy some in Lys, I'll head to Belerys' dragon lairs. There will be plenty there—once I'm strong enough to claim them."

The next few days were uneventful. The Golden Fleece sailed steadily across the Summer Sea, a vast expanse of shimmering blue silk. The sun cast golden glimmers across the water, and gentle ripples danced in the breeze. White clouds dotted the gem-like sky, while schools of fish occasionally broke the surface, their scales flashing rainbows under the sunlight.

Gavin found some rare moments of peace. He borrowed a fishing rod from the crew and spent hours sitting at the ship's edge, enjoying the tranquility. But this serenity didn't last.

One afternoon, as Gavin fished, he noticed three black shapes on the horizon. His curiosity piqued, he narrowed his eyes, watching the figures grow larger. Soon, their shapes became unmistakable.

"Three longships," Gavin muttered, tension creeping into his voice.

The sailor in the crow's nest spotted the approaching ships and rang the bell in alarm.

"Dang! Dang! Dang!" The urgent sound shattered the peace.

Chaos erupted on deck. Sailors scrambled, shouting as they tripped over ropes and discarded tools. Captain Hassan stormed out of his quarters, his face a mask of fury.

"Stop panicking!" Hassan roared. "Get ready for battle!"

The crew scrambled to arm themselves, but their disarray was obvious. Some clutched harpoons instead of swords; others fumbled with their weapons.

Frank appeared on deck, pale and trembling. He clutched the railing, his voice barely a whisper. "Please, no… Not pirates… anything but pirates."

Gavin approached him, calm but serious. "If it comes to a fight, can we outrun them?" he asked Hassan.

Hassan shook his head grimly. "No chance. The wind's against us, and our ship's too heavy. Their longships are built for speed. Trying to flee will only leave us vulnerable."

Gavin's expression darkened. "Then we fight. Do we stand a chance?"

Hassan hesitated, his brow furrowed. "It depends on their leader. If the Black Shark himself is aboard, we'll have our work cut out for us."

Frank's voice broke as he clung to the railing. "What do we do? My goods… my family…"

Gavin placed a steadying hand on Frank's shoulder. "Stay calm. If we have to fight, we might not lose. Prepare yourself."

Gavin returned to his cabin. With the help of the Blood Dragon Guard, he donned his leather armor, grabbed his longbow, and readied his weapons. His heart raced as he rejoined the crew on deck.

As the longships neared, Gavin noted the ballistae mounted on their bows. The pirates themselves were clad in ragged armor, their faces twisted in cruel grins. The howling sea wind whipped their tattered flags, emblazoned with the unmistakable emblem of the Black Shark "Earl."

"They've surrounded us," Hassan muttered, his jaw tight. "They're not attacking yet, though. Let's see what they want."

Two of the longships fired harpoons with ropes, securing the Golden Fleece on either side. The ropes groaned as they pulled taut. Pirates on the masts waved flags furiously, signaling to their comrades.

Gavin's eyes narrowed as he watched the signals. "What are they planning? If only the range of my flame arrows were greater…" He clenched his bow tightly, frustration mounting.

Frank paced nervously behind him, wringing his hands. "It's over," he muttered. "We're finished… completely finished."

The Golden Fleece swayed ominously under the pirates' grip, the tension aboard palpable. The sea breeze grew stronger, whipping through the sails and chilling the crew. It felt as though invisible claws were tightening their hold on the ship.

Gavin turned to Hassan, his voice low and resolute. "Whatever happens, I'm ready."

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I will be having holiday for two weeks i will try update 1 chapter every day or 1 every two 2 days. Thank You ;)