The first light of dawn peeked over the horizon, casting long shadows across the quiet streets of Riverton. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the salty tang of the sea. As the sun climbed higher, the town slowly came to life, bustling with the activity of merchants, shopkeepers, and sailors who had gathered to prepare for the day ahead.
Captain Saint's crew moved with a sense of purpose through the cobblestone streets toward the market square, their boots echoing against the stone. Leading the way, Saint's sharp eyes scanned the shops and stalls for the familiar face of Old Marlow, the shopkeeper who had supplied him on many previous voyages. Marlow was known for his sharp wit and shrewd business sense, but also for his loyalty to Riverton and its people. Saint's small but efficient crew followed close behind, ready to gather what they needed for the journey.
The shop was an old wooden building nestled at the edge of the market square, its wooden sign creaking in the breeze. Inside, it was cluttered with barrels, crates, and shelves overflowing with supplies—everything from dried meats and fresh vegetables to coils of rope and barrels of gunpowder. As Captain Saint entered, the bell above the door gave a faint jingle, and Old Marlow looked up from behind the counter, his eyes widening with recognition.
"Well, if it isn't young Captain Saint," Marlow said, his voice gruff but warm. "I was wondering when you'd find your way back to Riverton. Come in, come in. What brings you to my little shop today? Not just looking to trade stories, I hope."
Saint returned the grin, nodding as he approached the counter. "Good to see you, Marlow. I'm afraid it's not just stories this time. I need to stock up for a long voyage, and we're setting out soon. We're looking at food, water, medical kits—whatever you've got. And if there's any gunpowder to spare, I'll take as much as you can part with."
Marlow's expression sobered as he leaned against the counter, studying Saint's face with a hint of curiosity. "A long voyage, eh? I've been hearing some chatter since last night—about you and the other captains. Some folks are saying you're off to give the Governor a piece of your mind. Can't say I'd blame you, but tell me, is there any truth to it? Or are these just the dreams of old sailors and bored dockworkers?"
Saint's smile faded as he locked eyes with Marlow. "It's true, Marlow. The Governor's bled this town and its people for far too long. We're done watching from the sidelines while he chokes the life out of Riverton. We're setting sail today to put an end to his grip on these waters."
Marlow gave a slow nod, his eyes narrowing with thought. "You know, Captain, things have been getting worse around here. The Governor's men have been making their rounds, seizing goods, throwing their weight around. I've seen families lose everything over a missed tax, merchants forced to close shop or hand over their wares. If you're truly aiming to knock the crown off that Governor's head, then you'll need more than just supplies. His men are crawling all over the trade routes like rats on a sinking ship. You'd best have a plan to slip through unnoticed."
Saint nodded, his jaw tightening. "That's why I'm here. I need the best provisions you've got, and I'll take any powder kegs you can spare. The Shadow Serpent might need to make an entrance that won't soon be forgotten."
Marlow's lips curled into a wry smile. "Aye, I thought as much. The Serpent's always had a knack for surprising her enemies, hasn't she?" He motioned to his assistant to start gathering the requested items. "I'll add a few extra barrels of powder, and some medical kits, on the house. Let's call it a little insurance on my part. If you succeed, maybe this old shop will finally see some peace."
Saint's face softened as he clapped Marlow on the shoulder. "You've been good to us over the years, Marlow. We'll see to it that better days are ahead—one way or another."
The shopkeeper's eyes gleamed with a mix of hope and concern. "You just bring yourself and that crew of yours back in one piece, Captain. There are good folk in Riverton counting on you to make this right."
As the supplies were being loaded onto a cart, Cainia, Saint's First Mate, stepped into the shop, her boots clicking on the wooden floor. "Captain, the crew's almost finished loading the
Shadow Serpent. Ethan's making sure the sails are in order, and Noah is double-checking the kegs. We'll be ready to set sail in half an hour."
Saint nodded at Cainia, then turned back to Marlow. "We'll come back with the wind at our backs, Marlow. Count on it."
Marlow watched them leave, his weathered hands gripping the edge of the counter. "Godspeed, Captain," he whispered. "And may the sea be kinder to you than the land has been."
Back at the docks, the crew of the Shadow Serpent worked with urgency. Noah Langley, the Bomber, loaded the last of the kegs onto the ship, his grin widening at the sight of the powder.
Ethan, the Helm Master, inspected the rigging one final time, ensuring the ship was ready to catch the morning breeze.
Captain Saint arrived just as the final supplies were being secured. He glanced over at the other ships. The Iron Tide, The Stormbreaker, and The Valiant Dawn were nearly ready to depart as well. This sight filled him with a sense of anticipation. This wasn't just another journey—it was a turning point.
Saint's voice rang out across the ship as he addressed his crew. "Listen up! The supplies are loaded, and the wind is with us. We set sail, and we don't come back until the Governor's hold on this town is shattered. This is our chance to change the course of history—and we won't waste it."
Cainia raised her fist, her voice fierce and clear. "For Riverton, and for freedom!"The crew echoed her rallying cry, their shouts carrying across the harbor. "For Riverton, and for freedom!"
Noah tightened the last strap on a keg, glancing at Saint. "The powder's set, Captain. We're ready to make an impression."
Saint gave a brief nod, the corner of his mouth curving up. "Then let's not keep the Governor waiting."
With the last of the supplies loaded and secured, the Shadow Serpent eased away from the dock. Its black sails unfurled, catching the fresh morning breeze as the ship glided out of the harbor. Captain Saint stood at the helm; his gaze fixed on the open sea ahead. One by one, the other ships followed. The Iron Tide, The Stormbreaker, and The Valiant Dawn fell into formation, their sails billowing as they cut through the water.
Captain Graham's voice boomed from the deck of The Iron Tide. "We're moving out! Stick together and keep your eyes sharp. We're taking the long way around to avoid the Governor's patrols. Let's make sure we catch them off guard."
Captain Hedrick, aboard The Stormbreaker, called out in agreement. "Stay close to the fog banks and move quietly. We'll be at their gates before they know what hit them."Captain Whitaker, aboard The Valiant Dawn, gave the final order. "Let's make history. The
Governor won't know what's coming."
As the four ships ventured further into the open ocean, Riverton shrank into the distance, fading from view. The crews settled into their tasks, the rhythm of life at sea coming easily to them. But beneath the routine, there was a simmering energy—an unspoken promise shared between them all.
Captain Saint felt the wind against his face as he tightened his grip on the wheel, steering the Shadow Serpent onward. This was no ordinary voyage; it was the first step in a journey that could change everything. The Shadow Serpent and her allies were more than just ships—they were a fleet with a purpose.
Saint's eyes narrowed as he spoke softly to the horizon. "To the sea, and to freedom," he murmured, his words carried away by the wind.And so, the four ships sailed on, their course set, their fate unknown, and their hearts resolute.
