It is a clear day where I could not see even one cloud. I could see the Tillerian coastline to my right. The lush green forests and the intruding mountains from the distance hold an indescribable beauty to it. The land that laid before my eyes is beautiful.

But it's finally time. To finish the last tribute to the Tillerian Empire. The last time our kingdom had to bow down to this tyranny. Finally, once this is all over, I can have peace of mind.As I was watching the Tillerian landscape pass by us, the sound of running footsteps got closer. My helper boy came up the stairs and told me something.

"Captain, pirates spotted from behind us!"

"What, Pirates? Are you sure about that? These parts shouldn't have many of those. Give me that eyeglass."

I took the eyeglass and looked in the direction the boy told me. What I saw was eight ships total. Four were Galleons, the other four were smaller sloops. Although there are many, it's still possible to outrun them if we raise the sails.

"Captain, your orders!"

"Calm your wits, boy, get everyone ready to raise the sails."

My men raised the sails, and the ships in the distance disappeared into the horizon.

"See boy, nothing to worry about. We just need to continue another four days and we'll be at the main home port of the Tillerian empire. Once we're there, we can party and drink all we want."

"Captain, I don't believe we have the funds for that though."

"Don't worry, I meant back at Astra."

I keep forgetting that we are almost dirt poor since food prices increased again in the Kingdom. Hopefully after this, prices will slowly go down again. I want to return to those times.

I sent the boy away again and looked at the scenery. Such a long journey would burden me if the scenery wasn't here to comfort me. I could hear the distant cries of birds from the lush green forest.

However, as I basked in the scenery, I heard the sounds of footsteps again. I saw my helper boy again.

"What is it now, boy?"

"Captain, there are ten ships to our front."

"Don't tell me..."

"They don't have any colors."

"Hand me the eyeglass boy."

I took the eyeglass once again and saw a vast fleet of ten ships comprising five Galleons, and five sloops. I would reckon that there are at least 1000 sailors from that fleet. Our measly fleet only has 500.

But, if they are to our front, we might turn around. But there was also a pirate fleet behind us. Wait, are they still there?

I looked behind us and saw the same pirate fleet coming out from the horizon.

They caught up.

We might have been able to outrun them before, but if we engage, then we will lose. It might be possible to outmaneuver them.

"Captain, watch out!"

Boom!

A huge fireball consumed the deck. I looked up and saw wyverns up above. If this is the case, then we cannot escape anymore. Our mast is irreparable. I looked and saw the flames consume the 2nd mast of the ship. There is no way to outspend the pirates.

"Prepare for combat boys, our country has fought and suffered to provide this tribute. We can't have some random pirates appearing out of nowhere and taking our kingdom's hard earned grain. We must protect it at all costs."

"Aye Aye, Captain!"

This blasted pirate fleet. Damn you all. I, no, we all were so close to freedom, and yet you dare spit on us at the last moment.

Nearly ten years has passed since the Tillerian empire imposed a tribute agreement onto my country, and we were so close to the end of the agreement. If this happens, then... Damn it!

At that moment, I knew that I had to get a message back to Astra Kingdom, for it would be terrible news if the Kingdom did not receive the news.

However, at that moment. A large looming shadow appeared over the ship.

"Captain! More Wyverns spotted above!"

Boom! Another fireball hits the deck.

"What!?"

What are they doing? Wasn't their Wyverns supposed to be slowing us down? If they keep doing this, well end up at the bottom of the sea.

"Captain, their ships have come into range!"

"Tell them to fire at will! Tell the escort ships to protect this ship with their lives!"

"Yes, Captain!"

I walk towards my crew.

"Sailors!! We must get to the Tillerian Empire. If not for yourself, do it for your kin and country!"

"Aye Aye, Captain!"

At that moment, the sounds of cannon fire rang throughout the area. The escort ships returned fire with one galleon. However, I knew that these frigates would only hold for so long. I needed to do something.

As I thought, I saw the wyverns preparing a fireball towards one frigate. Flames spewed in its mouth and finally released the fireball. The fireball went towards the frigate and the ship was in flames. I could hear the shouting and screaming of men in the distance.

"Boy, stay here. Come running when something happens."

"Aye Captain!"

I went to my quarters and pulled out a messenger ball. I took it out, but my heart sank as I saw cracks forming. Damn it all, why did it break today of all days! Was it the explosion?

As I thought this, I took out a random scrap of parchment from my desk and scribbled down my message.

"Tribute intercepted, must prepare another."

As I finished, I put the message into a container with the royal seal. I looked at one corner of my room and saw my eagle. I attached the container to its leg and allowed my eagle to hop up on my arm. I went outside my quarters and stood at the edge of the deck. I sent my eagle towards the direction we came from.

I trained the eagle to go back towards Astra Kingdom to deliver the message.

As I look off, I turn around to see that a galleon has docked with my ship to board.

The enemy galleon has thrown out ropes to pull together the two ships. The bunch of misfits, but all held swords which are seeking blood.

I could hear the first clash as the clanging of metal swords rang out on the deck. I knew that it was time. I took out my sword and ran down towards the fighting.

One, two, three, I took more down, but more would replace them.

Soon, there were just two sailors left with me. We were all eventually pushed into a corner of the ship.

At that moment, I saw a man dressed in highly ornamented dressing.

"Wait."

The man came closer to us and saw us eye to eye. The fellow dressed in elaborate dressing with gold and white clothing worn. The captain of this fleet. The man spoke.

"Is this the tribute fleet of Astra Kingdom?"

I looked at him. He was also looking back at me. I don't know how I should respond. Should I confirm his suspicions? What's his goal? It looks like he will not spare us.

"This is the King's fleet of Astra Kingdom! By attacking this fleet, you are not only making an enemy of the kingdom, but of the Tillerian Empire."

The pirate crew began to hackle at my statement.

"Hahaha, I didn't know the captain of the great Kingdom was a joker. Do tell me, would the Tillerian empire even bother catching us? I mean, they were the ones that paid us."

"What!?"

"Ah, how tragic it must be for you, captain. To think your people suffered only to fail at the last moment. Funny, but tragic. I feel for you. But they paid us to silence everyone, so let's get on with it."

Stab

I see a sword going through my abdomen. Blood slowly trickled onto the sword. He pulled the sword out without mercy and I collapsed onto the floor. While laying on the floor stained with my blood, I heard my sailors scream from the indiscriminate killing. My body went numb.

I lay, looking at the bright sun looking down on me. I just see the terror in my sailors' faces as they meet their demise. Such a cruel fate. Not even worthy of being a slave.

I can only think of my wife and kids back at home in this fleeting moment. But I didn't know that death was such a painless experience compared to betrayal.