Yesterday's Glory

On the sea, the brief but fierce exchange of fire gradually died down.

Thick gunpowder smoke slowly drifted apart in the sea wind, leaving burning wreckage, floating splinters, and oil-streaked seawater as witnesses to the brutality just now.

Carnford's warships did not linger for battle. Under Captain Jackson's command, relying on their advantages in cannon range and sturdy hulls, they successfully damaged and forced back several Sauron clippers attempting to break through, then swiftly broke contact and re-formed their formation.

Brendan stood on the command platform of the "Northern Wind." Through his spyglass, he saw that most of the transport fleet had already sailed into the relatively safe open sea, while the Sauron Fleet, after taking a head-on beating, seemed to have temporarily lost its edge as well. It was regrouping and did not immediately follow in pursuit.

He knew full well that the risks of a night battle were enormous, especially for a fleet that needed to protect large numbers of noncombatants.

"Pass the order! All ships are to cease pursuit and move in toward the main port! Carry out the evacuation of the final group! Move quickly!" Brendan ordered in a low voice. His foremost mission was to pick people up, not annihilate the enemy.

Flag signals were swiftly sent out. The battered but still orderly Carnford warships—including the "Northern Wind," whose bow had been smashed into a dent, as well as several large warships such as the "Sea Lion" and the "Sturdy Shield"—covered the few medium transports that had yet to be fully loaded, adjusted course, and sailed toward the main port of the Iron Islands.

When this imposing fleet, with the Spruce Sword Flag flying from its masts, appeared in the waters outside the port, a final commotion mixed with hope and terror erupted among the