Corsair

Eve

It was around 10 in the morning, and we were assembled on His Majesty's courtyard, facing the entrance to his palace, awaiting orders. We were summoned by the King for a briefing on an operation he was about to give us. A squadron composed of ten men and ten women, the best marksmen in the entire Vepo Emprie. They were the best snipers around, and they were all under my command. I was only fifteen. I joined the army when I was thirteen. Yes, that was allowed in the Empire. We were known are the Vepo Sharpshooters: His Majesty Drylan's finest fleet of marksmen. You can't find us anywhere else.

One of His Majesty's aides appeared from the doorway, and walked up to me.

"Major Daire," he said, "His Majesty has requested for your audience. He would like to have a word with you personally."

I gave a small nod, and turned to my troops. "Hold your formation. I'll be back."

I entered the palace doors and greeted by a shock of ambiance. The floor was made of marble, red curtains that were draped over windows were pulled back, and pots containing small plants were decorated all over. Lavishly decorated pillars stood to support the structure. A huge red carpet served as a trail to the King's main room. A pretty obvious trail for enemies to follow should they get in, but they won't. Nobody can topple this Empire. I finally arrived at his Majesty's doorstep. I wasn't exactly afraid of the King. I wasn't the type of person to cower in reverence if anyone told me that the King has summoned me. In fact, we have already talked a couple of times. It was about matters of the Empire, yes, but it meant more than just business. I didn't see him as just a King. I saw him as a person.

I knocked three times on the door, then heard him say "Come in."

I entered and saluted. Most kings would have their people bow before them, but not King Drylan. He believed that a salute was more proper, more fitting, for the Empire. He was seated behind a mahogany desk, and beside him was the flag of the Empire. He saw me and gestured to sit in front of the desk.

"Good morning, Major Daire," he said. He was an awfully young king for his age. Only twenty, but no doubt capable. He joined the army when he was thirteen as well, and now he's risen to the rank of General. He's led the Empire in countless defenses against Captain Ventrez and other invaders, and so far nothing hostile has ever set foot on our shores. He was young and handsome, but a major force to be reckoned with. "Have you had breakfast?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, and so have my troops. We are all set for the operation you have prepared. All we need is your briefing."

"Of course, of course," he gestured to the cup in front of me, "coffee?"

I took the cup and sipped. It tasted really good. The perfect blend of flavors. It made me think of what kind of people King Drylan had in his kitchen.

"So, Your Majesty, about this operation-" I began.

"It's pretty simple actually," he cut me off, "I need to gain ground if I am to hold of Captain V's fleet of pirates. Listen, I think you know how bad this situation his."

I nodded, and drank more coffee. Darn, this stuff was good.

"He's getting more and more aggressive as the days go by. He wants this Empire, and he won't stop until he gets it. I've received word from my spies that he's planning to secure the island of Kush. They are a neutral village, but I trust that they'll take their chances with us than they would with a bunch of pirates," he paused for breath. "I'm sending a fleet there commanded by Admiral Pads, but I want my Sharpshooters there as well. I want you to secure the island for the Empire. Set up encampments there. Defend it as hard as you can. The pirates will be arriving by nightfall. Hold your ground. Don't let them get a foothold."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

He smiled. "Thanks a lot, Major."

I nodded. "Anything for the Empire."

He gave a slight nod. "Now, your men must be sweltering right now. Go get them ready. You'll leave by noon."

I exited the palace, and my men and I boarded carriages that took us to Vepo Landing. The horses trotted on the streets as villagers made way. That was where all things that either belonged to the King or to the upper class took place. Way better than all the other docks on this Empire. It was the place of the elite to do business and trade. The cost of docking your ship there was enough to give a man a year's worth of bread. It was only accessible to the rich, and of course, the King himself. The air started to smell like saltwater as we got closer. We passed through a large cobbled street that stopped at a towering wooden gate. A squad of royal guards were on patrol.

"Vepo Sharpshooters," one said. "Let 'em in."

Another guard nodded, and proceeded to open the gate. A huge port was revealed, built upon a rock outcropping, right in front of a steep cliff. The cliff, made of pure, black rock (which gave it a beautiful appearance), almost turned in a complete circle, but there was a narrow opening at the end, which served as the entrance and exit. It's not like the traffic here is heavy anyways. Thin trees hung at the edge, with lone birds chirping from their branches. The waters were a deep blue, signaling depth, which was essential, since a number of large ships come and go. The air was fresh and the harbor clean, with very little sign of rubbish. Guards were posted to keep everything in check. Nicely dressed sailors were yelling orders at one another, massive galleons were being docked, crates of spices and other goods were loaded into horse-pulled carts. Everything was done in an orderly manner. No screaming, no thefts, no brawls. Best place to park your ship. If you had the money, of course.

The ship that would take us to Kush was docked near the entrance of the docks: a medium-sized, two-sail vessel that was made of fine wood. Admiral Pads stood near the entrance of the ship. He was a middle-aged man that had dark skin and cropped, black hair. I approached him and gave a quick salute.

"Major," he said, "good to see you. I trust the King has already briefed you?"

"Yes, Admiral. My men and I are ready to see pirates bleed."

"So am I. Let's go."

We entered the ship through the side and climbed a set of stairs leading to the deck. Aroud 50 soldiers were already there, getting the ship ready for departure. Aside from their white uniform and polished black boots, they wore expressions of excitement. They were gonna see battle tonight. I don't know why they're excited.

"Your weapons are here, Major," the Admiral led us to two large chests on the quarter deck. It contained rifles that were stronger and could shoot farther than the standard Vepo issue. I distributed it to my men.

Admiral Pads took the helm. "Alright lads, get us out of here!"

Half the soldiers on the main deck scrambled below decks, and started to row the ship forward. The rest proceeded to lower the sails. It all ran smoothly and efficiently. Pads trained his men well. Just hope it's good enough for those pirates. I turned to look at my own men and a grin started to form on my face. We were the Empire's best, after all. We've been in countless battles and we've made it out alive. Some were against measly opponents, some were against Captain Vetnrez's men. The Captain was said to be a ruthless conqueror. He's conquered multiple lands on the West. He's been rumored to command a fleet so vast and powerful it could match the armies of kings. He's made empires topple. Now he's set his sights on us, the great Empire of the East. Would he really win over us? I shook my head, knowing that he couldn't. Ventrez has been trying the conquer the Empire for years, even before King Drylan came into power, sending ships and men to our land. Fortunately, we were able to sink some while the rest sailed back to where they came.  The King's father didn't let the Empire fall. The King wouldn't. I wouldn't.

"Don't worry, Major," said the Admiral, as the ship exited the cliffs and into open sea. The sails picked up wind, and we started to move faster. "after tonight, Kush is ours."