Intensify the Attack

Klein listened quietly. He could feel the bottomless desolation in Werner's words, and his endless remembrance of past glory.

He knew the burden on this young baron's shoulders was far too heavy. To watch with his own eyes as the foundation his ancestors had built collapsed in his hands—such pain could not be described in words.

Though none of this was his fault. The kingdom's army had been utterly defeated in the north, and the navy could not turn the tide. For Werner to gather the remnants and hold out as guerrillas in the mountains and on the islands was already no easy feat.

The lament at this moment was more an outpouring of emotion.

He could not offer any unrealistic assurances, so he could only choose a pragmatic response with a note of encouragement.

He took a step forward and stood shoulder to shoulder with Werner, looking out at that dark sea which had swallowed the fleet and swallowed hope as well. His voice was steady and firm. "My lord, the glory of the past is something to yearn for."

"But right now, we have preserved the spark. We have taken away the most loyal warriors and the nimblest craftsmen. As long as the people remain, hope remains. Carnford may be the new starting point from which we rally our banners. One day, we will surely return to our homeland and restore the Iron Islands fleet's heroic might as it cleaves the waves! We will!"

Werner said nothing. He merely stood there in silence, letting the sea wind blow across his young face, already carved deep with frost and hardship.

The cries of battle in the distance were drawing closer and closer, reminding them that the brutal trial of reality had only just begun.

The road ahead was strewn