Amity: The Peaceful

Chapter 38

"But... What's the plan then? We can't get help from the other pirates now nor the emperor's soldier since they don't know this place, and it will take time for them to plan. We can't go straight past the Afjair mountains and send the emperor to the west of the empire, that palace is surely surrounded by them now."

"Then we go around behind them, simple." Ade said in a bored manner.

Spike's forehead knotted, "The long route to the north or west of your empire? It will take days or even weeks!"

"We don't have a choice, we can't take short routes since your ships are badly damaged, most of your crews are injured too, and we can't stay here for long either, they'll surely start searching here, there's a big possibility too that they'll find out about your region. You don't like the civilians to die, right?" Ade explained.

In a short span of time Ade successfully memorized the routes of the Afjasire and Afjair mountains and their region, he accidentally saw the map before when could still freely roamed around without his shackles,

"And how will we do it?" Dax, the middle-aged man asked.

"Go to the ships and maneuver them to the waters of the Afjasire, we will start there, send some clues or signals to the other pirates that we're taking the long route."

"They will follow us–" Rusty's words were cut short.

"That's the point! There aren't many since most of the biggest and main ships are waiting in the Afjair right? We kill those who will follow us, snatch their crews, ships, or anything useful. As we sail to the north of my empire, it will take a week if the weather favors us. The north has the second strongest defense and offense next to my main palace, we can count on them. From that, I will relay the news to the other kingdoms too and get them ready. They might have tightened the empire's security since I let my soldiers escape days ago."

"Are we really going to listen to him?" Sayyida asked irritably.

That made Ade's brow raised, "Hate me all you want, lady and you can die. Your choice."

The woman glared at him before looking away.

"Load the ships, kill everyone who isn't part of the crew that will hinder us." Horatius stated, finally deciding.

"Alright. It's settled then." Spike nodded.

Cross raised his hand, "And when we are leaving?"

"Tonight. So, make sure everything is settled by the afternoon. The injured crews bring them all to the ship of the line and have someone to treat them. Sort them out and tag those who can still fight or do their ship duties." Horatius explained.

Ade sighed before walking towards the cave's entrance, leaving Horatius' circle of friends discussing their plan. Tarian follows his lover inside.

"What are you planning, your imperial majesty?"

"We fight and escape, if that becomes successful then we're capturing those pirates."

Tarian's eyebrows met, confusion was written on the man's handsome face, "You mean, the pirates who want your head cut off, right? Everyone who isn't part of the Amity?"

"No. I mean... pirates like everyone."

"But your imperial majesty–"

"Show no mercy. Your father and mine taught us that, worry not I'll spare you twin brother; he has the skills we need someone like that in my palace." Ade announced cutting him off completely.

And Thelonius saw the familiar scary determination in the emperor's eyes. But he knows his twin brother's resolve. They never had a bond before but one thing's for sure, they share the same amount of principles and determination. Just like him on how he badly wants to and needs to protect the emperor, his twin is the same with his crews too.