Sleeping for two days straight, Arthur was awakened by a slight nudge in his mind.

“Jarrrviss!?!”

“Sorry to wake you, sir, but there is a matter that requires your attention.”

A sigh escaped from Arthur’s lips as his eyes fluttered open. “What is it?”

“Luna just reported in that one of her clones discovered a fleet of ships approaching the bay, approximately a few hours out.”

Hearing this, Arthur immediately sat up. ‘Looks like he is finally here.’

“It’s fine. If I’m not wrong, it should be a friend. But just to be safe, I will make my way over.”

…

After getting ready, Arthur, along with Luna and Aegon, made his way out of Avalon to the nearby bay.

It should be noted that Avalon’s geographic location is quite fascinating. The Five Mountains were located to the South West of a roundish continent and acted as a natural barrier between the valley within and an ocean behind it. With Mount Prometheus as a focal point, Mount Herba and Villa physically bordered the ocean. Whereas Mount Millitum and Metallum stretched onto land, acting as a natural border with the nearby thick forest. If one were to look at the area from skies, they would find that the mountains formed a rough right angle.

Regardless, with forest on the left, a grassy plain at the center, and bay on the right, the geography of Avalon was unique, to say the least.

Nevertheless, after traveling for a few minutes, the trio eventually made their way to the bay, where Siegfried and Cisse were already waiting with a few soldiers.

As it was his first time seeing the bay, Arthur slowly took in everything. Despite the light snow that covered the earth, the natural beauty of the land couldn’t be hidden.

Starting from the area where Mount Villam ended, water met land in a smooth collision, turning the oceanfront into a mix of golden sand and crystal blue water.

Tracing this collision for a few kilometers, a gradual rise in elevation eventually turned the mix into one of brown earth and white mist. And as the elevation increased, the land gradually curved further and further into the sea, until it ended up creating a cliff with an overall “c” shape.

If someone were to look at the coastline from the air, it was very similar to a checkmark that gave of a ‘whoosh’ feeling.

As for Arthur, the shore seemed to be everything at once, with every one of his senses bombarded with lush and vibrance. His eyes were fixated on the varying shades of blue and white before him while he enjoyed the crunchy and soft sensation beneath his feet. His ears met with the occasional cries of sea birds and the gentle lapping of the waves on the shore. His nose picked up an icy and refreshing scent while his tongue picked the slightly bitter taste of salt.

Closing his eyes, he simply stood there for a moment, enjoying the cool breeze wafting over the water, stealing warmth, but giving a sense of peace and ease. If one focused intently, they would find that the ocean had a rhythm, a soft yet powerful rhythm.

Nevertheless, after greeting everyone, he turned his gaze to their horizon. There were three large ships currently dashing towards the shore. But due to their size, their speed wasn’t that impressive.

However, after a few minutes, a fleet of five mid-sized ships appeared behind them. And by the looks of it, they were in hot pursuit of three large vessels. Seeing this, everyone’s lax behavior turned stern.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

After another while, the ships finally got within range, allowing those on shore to pick up some details.

The three large ships in the lead stood tall and wide as they tore through the surface of the water. They were made of what seemed like aged oak, with three masts that pierced towards the sky. Instead of its once green foliage, the wooden masts were adorned by sails of white and grey. And at its centermost mast, a red and gold flag, bearing a fierce-looking beast waved in the air.

As for the five mid-sized ships, they only bore two masts and were made of reddish-brown wood. Though they weren’t as impressive as the three large ships, they made up for their lack of impressiveness with their versatility. As for their flag, it a simple white one with a red bird embroidered onto its center.

Seeing this, the white streak in Arthur’s hair, flash blue as he began to walk on the ocean, leaving frozen footprints in his wake.

As he got closer to the large ships, he saw the pair of arms waving at him. However, upon seeing the face, Arthur was confused.’ Who is this?’

The figure waving their hands, however, showed a relieved expression at seeing Arthur. “Arthur, Arthur, Red Crow Pirates, Red Crow Pirates!”

‘Henry?’

Slowly Arthur’s eyes widened in realization. ‘…’

Arthur’s reaction was understandable after all the Henry that stood a before he was a sixteen-year-old handsome youth. ‘He really did it.’

Thinking this, Arthur couldn’t help but glance over at Cisse, whom by now had an awkward look as he figured out what was going on.

However, this matter was irrelevant compared to the present danger.

Gathering a mass of water underneath his feet, Arthur dashed past Henry’s ships.

It should be known that naval warfare in this area was primarily ramming an opponent’s vessel until your people could board. Hence the current chase between the two fleets. However, since Henry’s ships were merchant ships meaning they carried more goods than they did sailors, in a collision with a pirate group which consisted of only sailors, they would suffer miserably. Typically most merchants would higher capable mercenary groups help them out in if such a situation arises. But, more often than not, pirates groups were numerous and more capable than the hired mercenaries. It was a numbers game where one traded wealth for security and vice versa. But most merchants were guilty of sacrificing security for wealth.

Nevertheless, after moving past Henry’s fleet, Arthur began to pull more and more water under his feet.

Soon causing him to rapidly rise until he was standing on top of a massive wave.

Interestingly, Arthur found that the water seemed somewhat resistant to his influence, forcing him to try harder than usual to control it.

Nonetheless, on the side of the Red Crows, seeing such a massive wave towering over them, their faces couldn’t help but pale.

One of the pirates upon seeing this rushed to a well-built man, “Lieutenant! Where is Captain?”

The man frowned, “I already sent a signal, I don’t kno-“

SCREEEE!

An abrupt screech suddenly filled the air, followed by a flash of red and orange light.

Looking up, the pirates watched as a flaming crow broke through the clouds rushing towards the rising wave.

DOOOSH!

The collision fire and water created a massive explosion sending a shockwave in all directions, forcing the two fleets further apart.

In the air, another flaming crow descended, however, this time it was carrying a person. Upon seeing the person, all the men couldn’t help but take an involuntary gulp.

As for why? Standing upon the flaming crow was a beautiful red-haired woman. Her silk-like red hair cascaded down to her shoulders like a flowing river. Watery green eyes with an ocean-like calm that gave off a formless pressure. An unerring amount of freckles on her delicate nose and cheeks. Perfect skin that looked so fragile yet so soft. And to top it all off, her out out-of-this-realm physique.

A tight leather jerkin bound her bountiful chest while exposing her well-toned midriff. Whereas her small waist was hidden along with her curvy hips under a dark roguish pair of pants. Strapped to her sides were two silver rapiers, coupled with a set of daggers dangling at her waist. If one were to look carefully, they would see smaller knives strapped to her boots.

Seeing the frozen expression on the men’s faces, she let out a quiet giggle as she spoke in a seductive whisper. “Feeling feverish?”

Hearing her voice, another involuntary gulp escaped from the men. All but one.

Standing on a piece of ice, Arthur floated out of the ocean, with a slightly ticked of expression.

“And who might you be?”

Turning her gaze to the rising Arthur, the woman flashed a dazzling smile. “Anne Fiere, captain of the Red Crows, at your service.”

.

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[Tidbit: I based Anne's character of Anne Bonny, an Irish pirate operating in the Caribbean, and one of the most famous female pirates of all time. As for the last name Fiere, made it up, and its pronounced (fee-air).]