Robert knew that the Icean Spine Westward was going to be trouble. They know little other than secure the Westward beaches while under the cover of darkness.

Alongside Robert was the regiment of the Milostiv and on the side of the assault-boat was the Doctor of the Milostiv, Gabrio. Who wore his kit and sported four pistols, and a pack containing medicine strapped on his back and he carried on his other arm. Unlike the rest of the crew who only wore brigantine reinforced with metal to maybe bounce off any attack and carrying their breech-loader rifles.

As for Robert, he carried a rifle, a pistol, and a war bow and a quiver filled with arrows. Though the rifle was deadlier, Robert couldn’t let go of his previous weapon, his mastery over the weapon far deadlier than the rifle could.

The boat carried them to the grey breaches of the Westward Beaches. As a number of the troops deployed to secure and dominate the perimeter. Most of the Protectorate-Warriors lifted the earth and created walls of earth.

Robert accompanied the Doctor to the side of the cliff where the Protectorate named Mana carved a hole of the cliff using their Artes. Alongside Mana was the Physician of the Arkshelled Island. Lady Ristina, who was one of the most eager to dissect creatures to her liking. She was a woman of death and only because of Doctor Gabrio that Robert would even stand before her.

“Wonderful, Mana, dear. Hmm, well, as much as I like to go swinging around. It seemed that you were brought here to assist me in making sure that they get patching up before they bring them to me.”

“So the usual. Hmm, you still have that old pistol of yours?”

Doctor Gabrio pointed out. Robert noticed the double-barreled pistol on Lady Ristina’s waist-holster. She smiled and pointed for Mana to put the materials on the back of her living-tree armor. They call their living-tree armors the ‘Vitae’ for their ability to strengthen their warriors. Only the Elven-kin could manipulate them and yet one would think that having a vitae would be beneficial to the cause.

“Looks like the beaches are safe for now,” Doctor Gabrio pulled the mask from his face. That bird-like mask of his was something he wore most of the time. Robert did not know the reason.

“Most of the fighting is happening on the other side of the channel. As you can see, the Soundless, and the Jesters are wonderful when it comes to defenses,” Lady Ristina said.

“We try the diplomatic approach, while secretly taking care of their defenses in hopes that they don’t turn us into stains on the ground,” Doctor Gabrio argued.

“Can’t be helped when we are few, while there are many,” Lady Ristina smiled as she sits heavily into the chair placed by Mana. It was strange to Robert how an Elven-kin could obey a human physician who deals in death.

“Inaction and hopefulness that words can persuade is something we do not have the luxury to have. And we must ferry the Blinder of the Light to his destined place. We need to be at his side as allies as he fights to reach the Eye of the World. If our numbers are culled by the time we reach that place. Then what is the point?”

Then Lady Ristina said boldly. “But we are iron-blooded, Aonians. If we do not fight then wouldn’t we be cowards? We can play nice and quiet, but we know that the moment this quietness is gone. We would have to bear steel and gunpowder on them for our demands.”

“Can we?” Doctor Gabrio asked. “The lay of the land, the defenses, and the amount of dead that we will have. But nonetheless, I hope that the Lady and her entourage could do something about this.”

Doctor Gabrio was a man whose voice was composed. He had met Doctor Gabrio in the Ark before it became part of a beast carrying an Island on its back. He had witnessed him care greatly for the soldiers and though his words can be sometimes outright harsh. It was for the benefit of those who he scolded. Among the many people of the Galleon, there were only a few who had grievances with the Doctor. It wasn’t his charisma, it wasn’t his words, and it was not his rather numbed coldness to others that the people of the Milostiv respect him. It was his actions and deeds that showed how he cared.

How could someone refuse a man who would argue on letting him help you? Even the nobles who were not fond of his ‘Ravaian’ heritage were able to accept him as a man who would help.

Truthfully, Robert would prefer being placed in the frontline, but Doctor Gabrio was a reckless man who would not hesitate to run to his patient if it means he can help. Whether it was because he takes his duty seriously or that he was simply a kind man. Robert thought that it was an honor to be with the Doctor.

That’s why when he hears a different emotion other than a composed one, Robert couldn’t help but wonder.

Lady Ristina however shared this view. Although Lady Rosalve, Caldor Ando in their own right were useful. It was clear as day for those who would take a glance that they have other goals.

Nonetheless, the Fleet’s Council was willing to make use of them as long they served the Fleet’s well-being. It was a test for the group, and one that would serve as an evaluation for the Fleet’s Council.

Outside of the cove, Robert was given a report that the beach was clear of enemies and that the reinforcements will fortify the beach for the sake of the fleet’s arrival.

They have abandoned their cover and even if they do somehow get away from all of this. It would take weeks for the natives to rally troops on their position. During that time, Robert was sure that they would be able to fortify the beaches and place the field artillery on a position that would welcome any rallying soldiers that came with threats to be pulverized by Aon’s cannons.

*****

When the longboats docked and the boats containing the field artillery were installed. It didn’t take long for the whole beachhead and the radius around it to become one of the few places that were conquered by the Fleet as a temporary place.

Robert stood guard as Doctor Gabrio and Ristina’s bodyguard and received messages for them. Most of the Camp had set up war camps and the whole place was covered in barricades and raised earth. Arkshelled Island hid under the mist conjured by the foreign Elf-kin.

Four days after the establishment of the war camps. The Soundless, alongside the Jesters, arrived at the war camps. Most of them were not injured or looked tired. They were empty of ammunition and they didn’t take long in the war camp, immediately heading back to Arkshelled Island to report to the fleet council.

Robert was glad that six days after their landing. There was none that happened. He was about to enjoy his walk on the beaches when the spotter above the cliff signaled with his flag that a massive gathering of troops were coming to the beaches. Like machines, the soldiers gathered on the fortified position, priming the artillery, and dragging their legs on the raised earth where they pointed their rifles and 150 cannons and an artillery battery that was ready to saturate the gathering of troops.

Most of the Vitae-Armored Elven-kin took higher positions with their log-sized rifles pointed at enemies who were riding long necked, four-legged scaly creatures with tongues resembling that of snakes. Though they were sure that they were sporting their own muskets and wore strange lamellar armour made from some sort of beast. They were observing from afar, seemingly unconcern of the battery-line pointed at them. In the center of the troops gathering was a man riding a five meter four-legged creature with a rock-like body and elongated features with chin protruding forward.

With the troops not moving, the soldiers stayed still. It was only when one of the creatures stepped out of line that Commander Harrington Strongarm, decided to welcome them with the cannonball-lined greeting.

All of the cannons were fired in the middle of the line and dust and smoke gathered. The thundering sound of all cannon and mortar firing shook the very earth itself. That action alone caused a long trench line parting the middle of the field.

Their creatures were unafraid, but the soldiers who faced the Forward Regiment of the Reconnoiter Company welcome were visibly shaken by the guns of the company.

It was then that a voice boomed on the ears of the soldiers. Robert looked forward and saw Lady Rosalve, and Lady Frigus alongside their companions appearing in the middle. To make sure that it was them, the Company fired a pistol containing a flaring round. The party of Lady Rosalve fired kindly and a squad reinforced by a Vitae-Armored Elven led them to the War Camp.

They were taken to the War Camp and though the Companions of the Party were armed and ready. They couldn’t lift their arms at the sight of the soldier’s steely gazes on them.

It was only when Commander Harrington himself appeared on the scene that the choking tension was gone. Robert could listen in to them as the Commander confronted them.

“Lady Rosalve, it seemed you brought Guests to our war camps. I hope they are the ones willing to talk to us.”

“I assure you, Commander. That Seke and his companions are harmless. They’ve seen the Sea-horde coming and it seemed like they aren’t the only enemies we have to face.”

Commander Harrington turned to the man who looked stoically at the camp and its soldiers.

“I’ve learned that you were given boons to talk to us.”

“And you speak our words,” Commander Harrington said.

“I wish no battle. This land is torn and creatures of the interstice are causing ruin. You foreigners who have traveled far from the world…might be able to help us,” the man called Seke said.

Commander Harrington crossed his arms and squared his shoulders. “It depends on what help you want from us.”

He nodded. Seke turned to Lady Frigus who then turned to the sea where the fleet was hiding. She spoke a few words and the veil cast on the approaching fleet was lifted, revealing the might of the Reconnoiter Company Fleets that littered the horizon line. Along the center was Arkshelled Island and its empty glowing eyes encased with a protective layer of rock and hardened bark staring down as it approached.

“What have you done?” Commander Harrington demanded. The soldiers, even Robert pointed the barrel of their rifles at Lady Rosalve and the ‘guest’ that came to them.

Lady Rosalve stepped in. “They have agreed to meet us in exchange they would see the fleet that has come to their land. They request a parlay and besides. Do you really think that they have not seen the might of Aon?”

Commander Harrington snorted loudly. He didn’t tell his men to lower their rifles and instead lifted his chin. Caldor Ando stood by Lady Rosalve’s side and stared Harrington down.

“You thread too much on your own, woman,” Commander Harrington’s gloved hands slapped Lady Rosalve.

The mask of confidence that she had was slapped away. Her expression stunned, then sharpening, as if realizing who she was talking.. Even Seke was shocked at the Commander’s actions. Caldor, Terin, and even Mardon Lam widened their eyes at this sight.

Lady Rosalve’s fury was evident and yet Commander Harrington stood still without a single fear in his eyes. “We will welcome your guests to the Island. But let me warn you again, Rosalve. Expose the location of the fleet again without our permission and I will see to it that you will be reprimanded. The Council tolerates your schemes and plots, but I know your kind. You shall not lead good men astray again. Not this time.”

Commander Harrington told his men to lower their rifles. He then bellowed with a thundering voice. “Go back to your stations! Prepare the barricades and point every cannon that we have on both land and sea! Prepare for anything, men!”