(Third-person perspective)
As Aermir's fleet sailed toward the Three Sisters, he meticulously prepared for the impending conflict. As Druid, he could utilize the unique abilities he possessed. He stood on one of his own warships, surrounded by his most trusted men, all sworn to his loyalty.
Aermir had already devised a strategy for this battle. By utilizing his Druid identity, he intended to create the illusion of being in two places simultaneously. To achieve this, he planned to have a trusted aide don his knightly armor, while that person rode on the back of Sith. This would mislead others into believing that he was commanding the battle.
The wind blew through his black hair as he gazed at the horizon, his face etched with anticipation and determination. He stood there, adjusting his relationship with the wind element, and began to cast a spell.
Aermir's incantation, "Jelmio Modocalcinum ( Summon Medium Air Elemental )," resonated with ancient magic, creating a wind elemental roughly the size of an ordinary human. Its ethereal body was composed of translucent swirling air currents that coalesced into a humanoid shape. Tiny, Fog -like tendrils extended from its core, like limbs in a gentle breeze. The elemental's body undulated gracefully, and as it materialized, gusts of cold air enveloped the entire area, accompanied by eerie yet soothing whispers from another world.
At Aermir's command, the wind elemental gracefully rose into the sky. It came to the rear of the small fleet, influencing the sails. The wind elemental began to guide the wind, blowing it toward the sails. As its ethereal form and energy pulsed, the breeze it generated filled the air, causing the ships to accelerate slightly.
Aermir was satisfied with his contribution to the elements. He transformed into Druid, soaring into the air as an eagle and flying towards the foremost ship in the fleet. He landed on the ship, and the soldiers and knights knelt before him. Aermir closed the distance to the bow and cast another spell...
With the incantation "Iēdar Modocalcinum ( Summon Medium Water Elemental )," Aermir summoned the power of the sea. In a dazzling masterpiece of water, a long column of water, like a mythical Sea Snake, meandered and coiled in the air. The water elemental, as tall as a person, appeared with graceful fluidity. Its form undulated and snake-like, seemingly possessing its own life. The water elemental's translucent body rippled like liquid silk, and crystalline water droplets cascaded down its winding body, leaving shimmering trails.
Once the water elemental was fully formed, it plunged into the sea and disappeared beneath the waves. Aermir commanded it to create a steady current in the direction they desired. Although the water elemental itself was invisible underwater, the subtle ripples it created on the surface proved its presence. As the elemental surged forward ahead of the fleet, it left a clear trail of water. When the fleet reached the elemental's location, their speed increased slightly; each ship was propelled forward by the unseen force beneath the waves.
In the world, the finest ships can reach speeds of up to 45 kilometers per hour under ideal conditions. Aermir's fleet, under what could be considered ideal conditions, typically achieves speeds of around 30 kilometers per hour. However, Aermir's mastery of magic allows him to surpass this limitation, effectively bridging the gap and propelling his warships to the maximum speed achievable by even the best vessels. Provided there are no headwinds, this boost will significantly reduce their sailing time. The spells he casts are only a temporary solution; Aermir knows he must refresh them every four to six hours, depending on changes in sea and air conditions. To maintain their high speed, they require continuous effort.
As they sailed forward, Aermir's magic circle kept its eyes fixed on the horizon, and through its senses, he spotted a Three Sisters warship. As their ship drew closer, the Three Sisters ship began to retreat, eventually releasing a bird. Aermir's familiar wave inquired.
"Father, should I catch this bird?"
Aermir's decision was clear. "No, let them know we're getting close."
Aermir had no interest in a meticulously planned ambush; he preferred a direct confrontation at sea. He had prepared a trump card for this particular situation, which he would unleash once the opportunity arose.
The lords of the Three Sisters, Lord Pryor, and Lord Elesham were gathered around a large, detailed map. With fervent determination, they were reviewing their battle plans one last time before embarking on their expedition. Lord Elesham, ruler of Paps, had arrived the previous night with his five warships and ten medium-sized vessels, bolstering their forces. The reconnaissance reports they had received filled them with elation. Lord Sunderland, a sinister smile on his face, spoke...
"These arrogant land dwellers must think we'd never dare to confront them. They transported all their people away in just 35 ships. This will be the greatest defeat the North has ever suffered at the hands of the Three Sisters."
Peter, the new Lord Longthorpe, revealed a sinister smile; he longed for retribution for his father's death.
"We shouldn't show them any mercy! That tree-man's henchman has ten medium-range Bravosi merchant ships. Each can carry 500-600 people. If we assume the 25 ships he stole from us are at their maximum capacity, then those 25 ships can carry approximately 3,000 to 4,000 people. At most, he could carry 10,000."
Lord Torrent added confidently.
"He must have used every ship to its fullest potential, thinking he could invade our coast without any controversy. This rash decision will bring him utter ruin. I will attack from the north with Lord Longthorpe."
Lord Pryor declared, driven by fervor.
" Lord Elesham and I will lead our army to attack from the south, while the rest will hold the center. We will join forces to surround those heretics and condemn them to death. Under the protection of the Seven, we will surely achieve victory."
He turned around and spoke to the lords of the Three Sisters with a somewhat disappointed tone.
"If your intentions had been pure, you wouldn't have even lost the first battle. The Seven Seven would have protected you. How dare you abuse their name! That defeat is your punishment."
Lord Borrell grew increasingly uneasy about the overconfidence displayed by his colleagues. Underestimating his opponents deeply troubled him, and he could no longer remain silent. He voiced his concerns, his words revealing deep doubt.
"Did we underestimate the enemy? After all, it was we who suffered the defeat, not him."
The Lord Sunderland is known for his frankness, and he acknowledged Borrell's concerns.
"You're right, sir. That's precisely why we haven't cowered behind the Citadel walls. I must confess, if this were a land battle, I'd be just as worried as you. You haven't seen firsthand what kind of monster he is—killing a squad with every swing of his weapon. But when it comes to naval warfare, what can he do when we sink his ships? What threat can his giant ' Shadowcat ' pose at sea? As far as I know, this is the young lord's first time venturing aboard a ship. What knowledge he could possibly have of naval warfare that would make us fear him?"
The Lord Sunderland's confidence swept through the assembled lords, who joined in the laughter, their enthusiasm growing daily. Amidst this fervent chorus, Lord Pryor, a man consumed by boundless faith, felt compelled to raise his voice.
"Lord Borrell, you speak as if you are questioning the divine intervention of the Seven!" Pryor's eyes gleamed with fanatical piety, his words filled with unwavering conviction. "We are the righteous, the defenders of our faith, protected by the Seven. Our swords are instruments of their divine will. This Lord Drasil, this so-called Warden of the North, is nothing but a heretic, a defiler of the sacred land, Usurper of our land, for he is a servant of the false prophet. They are nothing but servants of darkness. The light of the Seven will protect us."
Lord Pryor's voice grew fervent, and he continued with a savior-like enthusiasm.
" The Seven will guide our blades, protect our ships, and ensure our victory. They are watching us and have chosen us as their instruments. Lord Borrell, how can you stand among us, anointed by the gods, and question the will of the gods themselves?"
Lord Pryor's speech resonated with the other lords, deepening their convictions and further solidifying their resolve to confront this "pagan" threat with unwavering faith in divine grace.