The Pirate Prince of the Ice Sea (Book 1 of The Legend Of Kaleania)

Chapter 17

Well, the war had finally come. I stood on the forecastle deck with Sarngika on my shoulder and Kara as we traveled further out to sea. In the horizon, another ship came into view with millions of others following it. I pretty soon felt like we were being followed and took a glance over my shoulder to find a lot of ships following us. I was starting to get chills by thinking what's going to happen. I turned to face back to the enemy ship and I saw something flying our way. I didn't know what it was but as it closer, I noticed it was a raven with something around it's foot.

It landed on my rised arm and I took the parchment off and I noticed it was Nekian:

Surrender the prince or I will send the entire armada to kill every single pirate. You have until sunset.
-Hotaru Nekian

"Why would I give myself up to that wretched old witch?" I asked. I told the raven to send her a message that I never run away from a fight. I think it understood and flew away. I was about to go to the upper deck but Kara stopped me.

"Airon," said Kara. "Sometimes you have to choose the opposite option than when you think its the other."

"Even if I do, the same amount of people are going to die," I said. "And I never back down from a fight." I walked around her but she turned and pulled out her sword, pointing it at me.

"People are going to die either way but if give yourself up, then less people will," she said.

"So, you're suggesting that I obey to that old hag?" I asked.

"I say you should do what's right," added Sarngika. I looked at the sky to find it was starting to rain and snow but it was still light enough.

"I only have until sunset to make up my mind," I said and I turned to face Kara, putting her sword away.

"Do whatever you think is best," she said, walking past me and up to the quarter deck. "But remember that whatever choice you choose, it will also affect us." I nodded as me and Sarngika went to the storage to think. I grabbed a bottle of rum and sat at a table that was located under the stairs. A candle was already lit and melt but I didn't care.

Sarngika hopped onto the table while I took a drink. "Why is this so hard?" I asked. "I'm leading thousands of pirates against Nekian's Armada and I don't want anyone to die."

"Some people will die but not only for hope or freedom but for you," he said.

"And if I don't surrender, then the entire pirate race will be killed."

"Then what will you choose?" he asked. "Surrender or fight to the death?" I pondered on that. If I surrendered, I could escape and we might be able to win. But if I didn't, everyone will be killed with me along with them.

"I have decided," I said.

"Oh? And what is that?" he asked.

"I will give myself up!"