Fate Weaver's convergence

C57 Opening breeze, fading flowers 4

The torrential downpour fell endlessly at the covering tarps of the small fleet. A random mix of fishing boats and warships leftover from forgotten rulers or taken from mercenaries. Elexis, Brand, and a handful of their trusted lieutenants struggled forth in an attempt to secure any food stores they could for the coming winter. With their efforts finally bearing fruit through the regained territory, something more important than arms or land was now needed. Food was short in supply, thanks in large parts to the razing of any stores the church could find whilst they backpedaled from town to town. Upon seizing her new hold, Alexis changed the primary objective until winter's end to maintaining the flow of food to her territory. In her eyes, rationing amongst those loyal to her solely would simply embolden those that were already on the fence about joining her.

"Brand, sir!"

The voice of one of his crewmates called to brand, who sat at the bow of the ship, leaning against its railing.

"Emil?"

The ears of the manticore twitched in response, followed by a slight turn of his head to look one he addressed.

"Everyone's beginning to ask, this is our first time raiding... everyone talks about the old ways but... it's been a hundred years or so-"

Emil, a young human who was but twenty or so suns in age mustered forth his words, unsure of their end purpose.

"Should we see anyone unaligned, how should we react? We've never raided before."

As Emil finished, Brand could see the eyes of his crew peering at him through the boy.

Brand peered to the sea, unsure of his answer for a moment. Their loosely cobbled together nation of clans was once a waring people intent on raiding and fighting in the name of Solah.
After the worship of Solah shifted sharply under the watch of Elexis's ancestors, their people fought primarily as a recreational activity through arenas and sanctioned battles. Even then, the battles came to possess less and less death. Those with their raiding party only saw combat against an enemy that was clearly hostile. One that wanted to hunt them; an enemy that considered them prey. Looking up from the water, Brand peered at Elexis, their Matriarch, and Brand's partner.

None of us are accustomed to raiding, it's a dead practice and we feel all the closer to our enemy's doing it. They were gilded with the colors and the armors of the church, but something is off. Elexis, I pray you are confident in your choices.

Brand took a deep breath before looking back to his men and uttering the words Elexis told him with the same question in mind.

"Be they soldier, or farmer! Cut down any who raise sword, spear, ax, or fork. We are raiding territories of Morus. Not for the gold, blood, or glory of our ancestors, but for food to fill the bellies of our families and friends. We are condemning those we raid to a slow death unless they can weather the winter approaching us. With that in mind, and with a mind for their hardship will raise arms. Be prepared to cut down men and women not too unlike yourselves before the start of this war. Watch the back of those next to you, and they will do the same."

With those words hanging in the air, one of the crew members pointed to the horizon.

"We're not far off, the docks are within the next hour's reach."

Brand yelled at the top of his lungs as the ships ground their keels against sand, and the very moment his raiders stepped foot upon the docks. He could only assume Elexis was giving the same command herself as she landed either her own party just a hundred meters away.

"If they fight, kill them. Don't touch anyone otherwise."

With the final word, most of his raiders began running as fast as they could manage along the moorings. Their haste was well-founded, for the raiding party was at a disadvantage. With their landing, they took the very clear risk of fighting a losing battle should the enemy cut them off before they ever reached the end of the mooring. Solah on their side, however, Brand, and Elexis's parties found the secure footing of stone and sand before any of their enemies even presented themselves.