“That damned monster”

Ravin was trying to raise a tiny sail on his small boat, while watching what remained of the fishing Flight-ships limp into the harbour under the new sun. His rough, auburn hair hid the sharp rays from his eyes. No corpses were being dragged by comrades from the ships, but scarce among the anglers limped into the streets with missing limbs or large wounds. Along with them, the large form of a predatory crotton was lugged off a boat, one of its large, encrusted appendages catching on the side of the vessel.

The domed roofs of the houses below hid the beast as it was carried int one of the buildings, carriers swearing under the weight. The deep red, almost black blood of the creature stained the floor and sunk into the already red wood of the houses. While some pale tunics were stained with blood and seawater, few of them bore new marks of animals moving with them into the village centre. While it was uncommon for all on an expedition to survive, it still was crushing for the citizens of Star-trail to have lovers or parents return with permanent scars of their excursion. 

However, banners and flags still flew in celebration of the naval visit. The local population was gathered in the village centre, not just to greet the fishermen, but anticipating the arrival of the grandiose fleet of the regional Vice Admiral. Ravin stretched, his back popping as he wandered down the trail to the village, anticipating the arrival of such a prominent figure. The Saviour's statue in the centre of the village was surrounded by sacrifices and offerings, to keep their shame at the Saviours actions obvious.

He noticed his family standing at the edge of the crowd, clearly looking for him, ready to greet his father. They were across the road from Ashe, his best friend. She noticed him through her extensive, dark hair and waved, causing both to grin. His father Brel stepped out from the crowd of fishers and walked over to them, bearing a limp but little else. His hedgehog Archie sat on his shoulder, wearing a wide smile. Brel pulled his family into an embrace, the short quills on the back of his hand going flat.

“ Did you see any monsters?” his mother, Toama asked quietly.

“They always seem to be there, there weren’t any visible this time, but one boat was ambushed by sharks. It’s as if they knew we were coming…” His voice trailed off as he stared into the sea behind them. “Which Vice-Admiral is visiting today?”

“Manuri” his mother replied, smiling slightly. “Ravin just won’t shut up about it.”

“There will be so many big ships, won’t there dad” Ravin said, eyes gleaming “and so many soldiers.”

“I suppose so, but just remember; The navy just may not be the right choice. After all, you’re only ten and… We’ll just talk of this later, yes?”

“Ok, and…”

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He was cut off by a tremendously loud bugle echoing from the ocean.

He jumped, and so did Ashe, but he knew what such a sound meant. A trio of huge fireships loomed into view, their scarlet sails like a splotch of blood on the deep blue ocean. Many Deck-crew hurried around the ship, one of which was hurriedly blasting a large horn that he held in both hands.

 A couple of ship-lengths behind, a small pod of whales followed the largest 4 mast vessel. Said craft bore the marks of a high rank, with an intricate figurehead leading the fleet forward towards the small town. Such a visit was common, but even the youngest child knew they were mostly to boast the Khabo Territories' immense naval strength. 

The immense ships landed off the Dock and sent several small boats full of soldiers across. Even these tiny vessels rivalled the fishing boats of the harbour. They landed, and off stepped the tallest man Ravin had ever seen. He was immense, taller than all around him. The beast’s lower arms were covered in a rugged, thick skin resembling that of a deep-sea mammal. A large, two-handed axe was resting on his hip, secured by a wide leather belt. Ravin was immediately in awe of him and his rank, and could not help but stare in wide-eyed awe. The immense ships halted off the Dock, and sent several small rowboats full of Deck-Crew across. Even these small vessels rivalled the smaller one mast fishing boats in the harbour.

They landed, and off stepped the tallest man Ravin had ever seen. He was immense, taller than all around him, and his lower arms were covered in a rugged, thick skin resembling that of a deep-sea creature. A large, dual handed battle-axe hung from his waist, tied to a large leather belt.

“That must be the vice-admiral” his sister muttered, clearly in awe. Ravin was no less impressed, and others there would have described his eyes sparkling in wonder at such a man. The contingent of soldiers marched further into the village, seemingly tense, unlike their leader. Manuri walked with a measured calmness, but it was clear he was ready for any incidents. There are less than last time considered Ravin before his attention was drawn to the centre of the market. The sheriff of their small village, Magnus, stepped toward towards the giant man. After a formal salute, both greeted each other as old friends, laughing and talking.

“Well, time to get on with the dull bit then, aye?” Manuri remarked loudly. The crowd was still, other than a few smiles or people shuffling. This was unprecedented. Such a high-ranking officer, joking with civilians? Manuri ignored this, and drew a small flag from his great coat, and placed it on the pole in the centre of the village.

The gathering was silent for a while, until he stepped back, and one of his apparent subordinates ran over to him. She muttered something indistinguishable, Manuri nodded slowly, and began to leave. Maybe it was one of the evil ships he’d been told about. Not that he’d ever seen one, but that just shows how good their navy was.

As the vice-admiral neared him, Ravin couldn’t help but grin at someone who was clear to be his idol. Manuri turned and flashed a quick smile at him. A crow flew in and landed on his shoulder, and both the bird and his eyes glazed over for the shortest time, before he placed a hand on his axe and returned to his boat. All the villagers took one final look at the ships, before they too returned to their various tasks. All but Ravin, who stood there, in awe at the great warships and their commanders. He would have stayed there, if not for the sudden blast of cold that buffeted him, and, after a quick word with Ashe, forced him to retreat to near his family’s house on the far side of the island. Before he returned to his ship, he gazed out into the ocean and dreamed of being like so many of those brave soldiers.