In the early morning, the Norwington soldiers boarded the warships in orderly ranks.
They wore sturdy, gleaming armor, with the brilliant crest of the Norwington Family engraved over their left breasts.
A sizable crowd of onlookers had gathered at Hook Point that day, including members of several well-known families in Boralus. Most had come to watch the Norwington Family make fools of themselves.
This might well be the last time they ever saw them.
Tensions ran high offshore, and pirates ran rampant. The warships might meet their doom the moment they sailed out.
Moss had arrived at Hook Point early that morning. He had hoped to exchange a few words with Rowan and treat them as Rowan's dying words, but he never got a chance to speak to him.
Rowan stood at the bow in formal naval battle dress, cutting an impressive figure as he inspected the warships preparing to sail, like the commander of a fleet.
"Young Master Rowan is so handsome."
"Exactly! He's leading so many large warships out to sea at such a young age. He's far better than those pampered sons from certain families."
"Keep your voice down. Don't let anyone hear you."
The young girls chattered among themselves, comparing Rowan with the other children of the Five Great Houses. Clearly, Rowan was the one who had captured their hearts-the sort of man they could only admire from afar and secretly cherish.
Moss watched for a little while, growing increasingly irritated, then cursed inwardly. Better, my ass. I hope pirates twist your head off as soon as you sail out and leave nothing of your corpse!
Floyd led the members of the Merchants' Guild traveling with them aboard the accompanying merchant ships, one after another.
"Just look at our family's new warships. Thirty-six cannons each, and