The ships of Ryntum's First Fleet sailed steadfastly towards Eikadir, leaving behind their plan to capture Makerton Island.
As Admiral Stormrider and his fleet approached, the silhouette of the city came into view on the horizon.
From afar, the distant rumble of artillery reverberated through the air, serving as a haunting reminder of the battle that was raging within the city's walls. The thud of cannons and the cracks of musket fire mingled with the cries of soldiers, creating a cacophony of chaos and conflict.
Admiral Stormrider's eyes narrowed as he observed the scene. The city was under siege, its inhabitants locked in a desperate struggle for survival. Smoke billowed from the rooftops, evidence of the fierce resistance put up by the defenders.
A sailor approached him, asking their next move. "What should we do, Admiral? The enemy's defences are weakening. Should we press forward and launch a full-scale assault?"
Admiral Stormrider's gaze shifted from the sailor to the weary faces of his crew. The toll of the previous battle was evident. He took a moment to collect his thoughts, weighing the options before him.
"Our mission here is simple," he declared. "We will maintain our blockade of the port and deny the enemy any chance of resupply or reinforcement. This move alone will prove to be a significant aid to our comrades on land."
"The port is the enemy's lifeline," the admiral continued. "By blocking it, we disrupt their logistical support and weaken their ability to sustain their forces. Moreover, our presence alone can create a sense of uncertainty and unease among their ranks, forcing them to divert some of their attention and resources to deal with us as well."
The ship sailed closer to the port, its imposing presence sending a clear message to the anchored supply ships. Admiral Stormrider's eyes narrowed as he observed the vessels that had slipped through their formation during the previous battle.
Determination burned in his gaze as he issued his orders. "Prepare the cannons!" he commanded.
The sailors swiftly moved into position, their hands steady as they prepared to unleash the destructive power of their weaponry.
The cannons were meticulously loaded, their barrels aimed directly at the vulnerable supply ships. The tension on the ship grew palpable as the crew awaited the admiral's command.
"Fire!" he bellowed, his voice resonating across the deck. In an instant, a deafening roar erupted as the cannons unleashed a barrage of cannonballs. The air filled with the acrid smell of gunpowder as the projectiles tore through the sky, hurtling towards their targets.
Explosions echoed through the port as the cannonballs struck their mark, sending splintered wood, debris, and flames into the air. The supply ships, once symbols of the enemy's hopes, were now reduced to burning wrecks sinking into the depths of the sea.
The sailors watched the destruction unfold, a mixture of grim satisfaction and solemn resolve on their faces.
They knew that by sinking the supply ships, they had effectively cut off the enemy's escape route and dealt a devastating blow to their logistical capabilities.
As the smoke cleared and the echoes of battle faded, the admiral turned his attention back to the fleet. "Maintain our blockade," he commanded. "We have struck a significant blow today, but the enemy may fight more fiercely than before since they left with no option. We must remain vigilant and ready to step in to help our brothers if necessary."
The sailors nodded in understanding, their eyes reflecting their commitment to the cause.
....
Inside the city of Eikadir, the booming explosion in the port can be heard and seen clearly by everyone else including Sarika's subordinate, Major General Nolan and those around him.
His eyes instinctively turned towards the direction of the commotion, a mix of curiosity and concern etched across his face. "What was that?" he muttered under his breath.
His mind raced to comprehend the source of the sudden burst of light and sound.
A sense of unease began to settle within him as a nagging thought slowly crept into his consciousness. His expression grew tense, his brows furrowing as he contemplated the implications of the explosion.
The uncertainty gnawed at him, fueling his apprehension to a higher level.
Realizing the need for immediate action, Major General Nolan turned to his trusted subordinate. "Send a reconnaissance team to the port," he ordered, his voice laced with urgency. "We need to know what's happening."
The subordinate nodded, swiftly relaying the instructions to one of the nearby soldiers. The soldier saluted and hurried off, his footsteps echoing in the distance as he set out on his mission.
As Major General Nolan waited anxiously for news. Deep down in his heart, a mix of emotions swirled within him. He hoped against hope that the explosion in the port was not what he feared it to be. Perhaps it was just an unforeseen incident.
The minutes seemed to stretch into eternity as Major General Nolan anxiously awaited the return of the reconnaissance team.
Finally, the team arrived, their faces pale and their expressions filled with a mix of disbelief and dismay.
Despite having a bad feeling, Major General Nolan mustered the courage to ask the question that lingered on his mind. "What's the problem?" he inquired.
The team leader took a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly as he delivered the devastating news. "Sir, everything has sunk," he replied, his tone heavy with sorrow. "Every ship in the port has sunk. We have lost a significant amount of supplies and the enemy's ships anchored nearby."
A wave of despair washed over Major General Nolan, his heart sinking at the magnitude of the loss. The port was a lifeline for their resistance and now lay in ruins.
The sinking ships represented not just a loss of resources, but also a blow to their ability to sustain their forces and effectively continue their fight against the enemy.
Major General Nolan clenched his fists, struggling to maintain his composure in the face of such adversity. "The enemy... Is it caused by Ryntum's fleet?" he asked.
"Yes, sir." The team leader nodded.
This content is taken from (f)reewe(b)novel.𝗰𝗼𝐦