Battle at the Sea

The dispatched mission by Daoud Shah had cleared another check-point, and they were already in the dangerous wasters towards the next check-point that was marked on the map. They had already placed large sea-buoys on both sides of the large fleet, and chained them to each other. Furthermore, each sea-buoy was connected under the surface by large and thick chains with the opposite sea-buoy; providing a safe passage for the future use.

The strategy was simple, the mission had to clear the path for each check-point, and then secure a safe passage via the chains and large sea-buoys. They had had already secured few such points only few more were remaining.

As the war trumpet resounded from the watchtower of the battleship, a sense of urgency filled the air. The ominous sight of more Tiger-sharks approaching sent a ripple of alarm through the crew. Captain Darius's voice thundered across the ship, commanding his men to prepare for the imminent threat.

"Ready the arrows!" he bellowed, his voice echoing over the roaring waves. The crew swiftly dipped the arrowheads into vials of potent poison, ensuring their weapons were lethal and ready for battle. Time was of the essence as they braced themselves for the impending clash with the relentless predators of the sea.

"Ready to pour blinding liquor on my mark!" Captain Darius's commanding voice resonated through the ship. The crew stood poised, prepared to execute his orders.

"Stop the ships!" he shouted, his voice carrying across the turbulent waters. As the ships came to a halt, the large curtains, serving as both shields and means of propulsion, were raised in unison. The sails billowed, catching the wind and propelling the vessels forward, maneuvering them into a defensive formation.

With a sense of urgency, the soldiers sprang into action. They gripped their weapons tightly, anticipation etched on their faces. Arrows were nocked, swords unsheathed, and spears raised, ready to face the impending onslaught of the ferocious Tiger-sharks. The clash of steel and the determination of the crew filled the air, as they prepared to defend their ships and their lives against the relentless predators of the sea.

At the captain's command, the archers released their arrows, their poisoned tips finding their mark. With deadly accuracy, the projectiles pierced through the water, striking the bodies of the Tiger-sharks. The potent venom quickly took effect, rendering the creatures powerless and lifeless in their watery domain.

Simultaneously, the ships initiated their next defensive tactic. As the signal was given, barrels of yellow liquid were poured into the sea, creating a swirling mass of acidic fluid. The corrosive nature of the liquid proved to be a formidable deterrent, capable of eroding the delicate eyes of the sharks upon contact, leaving them blinded and disoriented within seconds.

Yet, these sea creatures possessed a cunning intelligence. They launched coordinated attacks, targeting a single end of the ship formation, testing the defenses of the seasoned soldiers. The memories of their previous encounter, where they had lost two ships and many brave men, weighed heavily on their minds, fueling their determination to repel the vicious onslaught.

Responding swiftly to Captain Darius' command, the next line of defense sprang into action. Ships swiftly maneuvered to encircle the targeted area, forming a protective barrier against the relentless assault. Arrows were once again unleashed, finding their mark with deadly accuracy, while barrels of blinding liquid were poured into the sea, creating a disorienting cloud of red-hued water.

As the ships executed their strategic movements, the turbulence in the water gradually subsided. The once-churning sea transformed into a crimson expanse, evidence of the fierce battle that had taken place. While the ships managed to repel the attacking Tiger-sharks and prevent any losses, the ferocity of the encounter had not come without consequences.

Assessing the aftermath, Captain Darius observed the damage inflicted upon his fleet. Some ships bore visible signs of the harrowing battle, with damaged hulls and rigging requiring immediate attention. The sailors, though weary, stood tall, their resolve unshaken by the toll exacted upon their vessels. It was a testament to their courage and determination that they had managed to defend their ships and crew, emerging from the clash with a renewed sense of vigilance.

As the crew members regrouped and began tending to the wounded and repairing the ships, Captain Darius contemplated their next course of action. The threat of the Tiger-sharks remained, and he knew that further challenges awaited them on their perilous journey. But with each trial faced and overcome, their strength and unity as a seafaring force grew, instilling hope that they could prevail against the formidable creatures lurking beneath the waves.

As the ships and men were looked after, the route securing ships also had started installing sea-buoys. They began securing the passage.

As the ground was cleared off all the threats, transport ships also arrived with all the necessary items. They arrows on the battle ships were replenished and the barrels re filled. Food, medicines, and other supplies were replenished. the injured were shifted and new men deployed.

They map showed that they had now entered safe waters. Captain gave orders to dock near the coast. Their next step was to secure this position as replenishment point for the future. There were a total of nine such points marked on the map; three of which were cleared.

Soon, trees fell, smoke rose, and hunting began. A place of rest and replenishment was set.

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"Your highness, a report just arrived from the mission. The third point has been secured but at the cost of three ships and a lot of our men." a man in plain clothes was reading the report to Daoud Shah. "Captain Darius has also reported that the price will go higher as they will venture deeper." the read the report sent by captain Darius.

"Inform him that more men and ships are on their way. The mission is of utmost importance, we have to secure the route for the empire. Also tell him that he will be awarded accordingly." Daoud Shah instructed the messenger.

Meanwhile, Nadir Shah also received a message form the Veridian empire about the arrangements he had proposed. The Veridian empire had agreed that Nadir Shah will be provided with required trade items for secured routes of transportation for thirty percent off agreement for the next ten years.

Zahoor Shah was also busy with his work load. Though the his faction was the most influential at the moment, but the present circumstances, not in his favor, were deteriorating his region of influence. Powerful families and individuals began to feel insecure in this part of the empire. If he lost their trust and confidence, it was clear that his part would soon be ingulfed in civil was and unrest.

Zahoor Shah was faring far better than his brothers. He was cordial with all the brothers, as a result his part of the empire was much stable and prosperous. Nadir Shah made sure to take into consideration about the developments with the Veridia empire. As few of the routes were in Zahoor's area, his consent was of great importance.

The tension among the brothers grew with each passing day, as they realized that the looming war could have devastating consequences for their empire. They focused their efforts on forging alliances and gathering support from influential families, nobility, and powerful guilds. The race to secure the loyalty of these factions intensified, with each brother vying to bring them under their control.

In this political struggle, the brothers employed various tactics, including offering lucrative trade deals, promising protection and privileges, and appealing to the shared interests of these influential groups. The competition to win their favor became increasingly fierce, as the stakes were high and the potential benefits immense.

The empire became a battleground of persuasion and manipulation, as the brothers navigated intricate webs of power dynamics and rivalries. They sought to strengthen their positions, both economically and politically, by aligning themselves with key players and securing their support.

However, despite their efforts, no clear plan or resolution emerged. The empire teetered on the brink of war, with tensions escalating and alliances constantly shifting. The brothers knew that a single misstep or miscalculation could trigger a devastating conflict that would reshape the destiny of the empire forever.