[First Hospital, A Promise of Accessible Healthcare for All
Bideford- A historic moment for Ryntum the kingdom proudly inaugurated its first hospital, solidifying its commitment to accessible healthcare for all. In his speech, King Rizieri Ryntum emphasised the value of providing healthcare to people regardless of their social or economic background...]
The article about the inauguration ceremony made its way to Ryntum Weekly a week later, capturing the attention of readers far and wide. The publication highlighted the significance of the event, shedding light on the kingdom's unwavering dedication to providing all of its citizens with access to quality healthcare.
The citizens who read the article were filled with a mix of emotions. Many expressed a sense of joy and relief, knowing that accessible healthcare was now within reach for themselves and their loved ones.
News of the kingdom's decision to establish a hospital and provide accessible healthcare quickly spread beyond its borders. It was met with mixed reactions with some praising the noble endeavour, and others viewing it with scepticism.
They deemed Riz's move as an unnecessary expense to treat the peasants.
....
Meanwhile, at the sea...
The second fleet of Ryntum Navy consisting of four galleons, six carracks and twelve caravels led by Admiral Jareth departed from the naval base at Torksey Island with the mission of guarding the entrance and ensuring the security of the kingdom's waters.
As the second fleet arrived at their destination, they were greeted with a bustling scene of the gulf. Trading ships of various shapes and sizes traversed the waters, entering and exiting the kingdom's water with their precious cargo.
Merchant vessels, adorned with colourful flags and sails, cut through the waves while carrying valuable goods ranging from exotic spices to fine fabrics for the consumption of people in Ryntum. These trading ships formed the lifeline of the kingdom's economy, connecting it to distant lands and cultures.
Without further delay, the second fleet assembled into an imposing line, creating a formidable floating barrier that effectively narrowed the entrance of the gulf. This strategic positioning allowed for only two ships to navigate in and out simultaneously. Thorough inspections were conducted for each vessel as part of the new safety protocol during wartime.
Under the vigilant watch of the naval fleet, the sailors diligently carried out a meticulous record-keeping process. They meticulously documented the identity of each merchant, place of origin, company affiliation, their previous stops along the way and the variety of items they brought.
This process resulted in significant congestion of sea traffic. However, the merchants acquiesced without creating uproar or voicing any complaints. The imposing presence of heavily armed galleons loomed over the waters, serving as a formidable deterrent to any potential dissent or resistance.
After days of guarding the strategic chokepoint, the second fleet stationed at the entrance of the gulf had not encountered any sign of the suspected enemy ships. The tension that gripped Jareth's heart gradually ease.
"There's no enemy discovered. What should we do, Admiral?" asked the sailor. After being on the sea for days, the crew was growing restless, longing for a break from the monotonous routine.
Standing on the deck of his flagship, Jareth gazes at the vast expanse of the sea. He firmly replies, "We will monitor the situation for a few more days. I believe we will receive the further instruction in a couple of days."
With the absence of enemy encounters for his second fleet, Blande discerned that sending reinforcements through this route was no longer necessary. All left is to entrust the first fleet with the task of dealing with enemy vessels that manage to sneak into the gulf.
....
The first fleet from Bideford sailed into the waters of Nedideters. The admiral at the helm of the flagship peered through his spyglass.
A devastating scene of the port town entered his sight. The already sparsely populated town was devastated by the attack from Blande. The port town before him appeared hauntingly quiet and desolate with only a few people seen to move around. The scars of war marred the town's landscape, evident in the crumbling walls, shattered windows, and collapsed rooftops.
As the fleet approached the port town, the scene of destruction become clearer. His gaze settled on a solitary enemy ship docked at the port.
A frown gradually appears on his forehead. "Where are the rest of them? According to the report, there are multiple ships spotted sneakily entering the gulf. "Did they split?" He asked the questions to himself.
If so, he needs to recover and hold two ports for a long time. That means, the difficulty of his mission just becomes more challenging. He is not against it but...who would be pleased when the tasks they initially thought to be easy are actually not.
Nonetheless, he relayed the command to his officers on the deck. "Prepare to sink the ship in front of us," His voice carrying authority. The crew swiftly responded, scurrying about the ship to prepare the cannons.
Tension heightened as the fleet loomed closer to the enemy ship. The admiral's gaze hardened as he issue his order, "Prepare to engage! Fire at will!!"
Instantly, dozens of cannons erupted with thunderous force, unleashing volleys of iron balls that tore through the air and crashed into the enemy ship. The sea roared with the deafening cacophony of explosions and the splintering of wood.
The barrage gradually ceased as the smoke billowed, cloaking the battlefield and obscuring their vision.
After the smoke cleared, the Blande's ship was now a mangled wreck. Its mast splintered and its hull battered, slowly sinking into the sea. The fate of anyone onboard was sealed the moment Ryntum navy launched that merciless blow.
In the port town, the Blande forces stationed were taken aback by the sudden attack. While they are trying to comprehend the situation, the admiral capitalizes on the opportunity by ordering the fleet ordered to sail closer to the shore.
Refusing to give them any chance to prepare, the Ryntum navy unleashed another volley of iron balls. This time targeting the defensive structures near the port. It didn't take long for deteriorated structures to crumble under the immense impact, reducing them to rubble and debris.
Now, the path was clear for the Ryntum navy to assert control over the port town and dismantled Blande's grip in this area.
"Prepare to land!" the admiral's booming voice echoed across the deck of the flagship. They need to subdue the enemy before they had a chance to reorganize themselves.
Anchors were lowered into the water and the rowboats were prepared to take the soldiers to the shore. Soldiers clad in armour and armed with weapons rows the boats toward the battered port.
Upon reaching the shore, the soldiers disembarked and formed ranks. Their eyes scan the surroundings for any signs of attack.
The order from the admiral was clear- "no enemy was allowed to slip through our grasp." It was to prevent any escapees from reporting to the main force in Tetherswest.
As such, the Ryntum soldiers spread out into town. They conducted thorough searches of the area, carefully inspecting each building, alleyway and hidden corner with the goal of sealing off every possible escape route that Blande's soldiers might use to escape.
Along the process, skirmishes occasionally ensued from Blande's soldiers who manage to avoid naval bombardment.
The sounds of gunfire and clashing metal echoed, followed by shouts and cries of pain.
The skirmishes were short-lived but intense. Mainly because Blande's attacks were fueled by the primal instinct to survive after they found out that they have been trapped.
The already damaged town suffer more destruction thanks to the skirmishes.
Meanwhile, a team of intelligence officers began the task of gathering information from captured enemy soldiers. Valuable intelligence such as Blande's plan, total strength and supplies route were extracted through interrogation...and torture.
These crucial pieces of information would be relayed to the highest levels of command.
Amidst the ongoing skirmishes, the admiral took his time to write a letter to his colleague, Admiral Jereth of the second fleet. He updates them on the current situation on his side.
In a separate letter addressed to the capital, the admiral inform of their success and told the crucial information he obtained. Additionally, he stressed the need for reinforcements and additional support to consolidate their gains and prevent any potential counterattacks.
With the ink dried on the letters, he entrusted his subordinate to deliver the updates swiftly. The decision from the capital could influence the direction the war is heading to.
By the time the sun tilted toward the west, a soldier come and tell him about the progress in capturing the town. "The battle has ended with our victory. We have successfully subdued Blande's soldiers."
"What about the inhabitant of this town?" The admiral promptly asked.
"The local population are fine. Many of them are thankful for defeating the Blande."
The admiral nodded, "Arrange for medical teams and supplies to tend to any injuries and provide assistance where needed. Provide them with food if they don't have anything to eat. From now on, this town belongs to the Kingdom of Ryntum!" He declares.
Shortly after, Ryntum's crimson red flag was hoisted.
[A/N: Map]
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