Chapter 2: Assembling the Crew
The morning sun rose like a blazing omen over the harbor, spilling golden fire across the waters. The Aurion, Pol ST Daniel's ship, bobbed gently in the calm, as if holding its breath before the journey ahead. Its sails were furled, ropes coiled in perfect readiness. It looked like it was waiting for its heartbeat.
Pol stood silently at the bow, the salty breeze tousling his dark hair. His eyes scanned the horizon where sea met sky, both unknown and endless. After weeks of preparation, this moment had finally come.
This was his ship.
This was his crew.
This was his destiny.
Bootsteps echoed behind him on the wooden deck, steady and familiar. He didn't need to look to know who it was.
"Captain," said the gruff yet amused voice of Kaiden ST Theri, stepping up beside him. His sharp features were weathered by time and wisdom, his cloak flapping lightly in the breeze. "The crew is gathering. Ready to speak to them like a real leader?"
Pol exhaled slowly, then nodded. "Let's meet them properly."
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The Crew
Pol stepped down onto the main deck where the crew had gathered. Ten individuals stood before him, each one unique—strangers to each other, yet soon to be bound by purpose.
He raised his voice, steady despite the nervous flutter in his chest. "This ship. This journey. The Wriths. They are our future."
His gaze swept across the faces looking back at him. "I am Pol ST Daniel—your captain. I won't promise this journey will be easy. In fact, I promise it won't be. But I'll lead us through every storm and shadow. Because I believe we are meant for something greater. Together, we'll reclaim what was lost."
There was a brief silence. Then slow nods. The flicker of belief.
Kaiden stepped forward next, arms folded across his chest.
"As your vice-captain, it's my job to keep us on course—literally and otherwise," he said with a half-smile, before his expression sharpened. "This isn't just another voyage. This is about the survival of the ST Clan. Follow your captain. Respect your crewmates. Do your part. Or you'll answer to me."
Pol smirked slightly. That was Kaiden—always direct.
---
Key Members of the Aurion
Nira Kuzi, the navigator, barely looked up from the wheel. A compass in one hand and a map in the other, she was already charting their course.
"I'll get us where we need to go," she muttered, eyes narrowed at the sky. "Just don't question my methods."
Next was Sorin Reshi, the scout. Leaning casually against a barrel, he spun one of his twin daggers with practiced ease. His smirk was all confidence.
"Getting in and out of enemy lines without a scratch? That's my game. Stick with me, and we might live long enough to see the second Writh."
Near the mast stood Mirae, the strategist. Her silver eyes scanned the crew like pieces on a board.
"Plans win wars. Not brute strength. Not luck. Strategy is survival," she said, her voice soft, but firm.
Arlen Sazen, the brawler, cracked his knuckles and grinned wide.
"Just tell me who to hit, Captain," he said, slapping Pol on the shoulder. "I'll make sure they stay down."
Sonia Urushi, the medic, adjusted the leather straps of her herb-filled satchel.
"I'll patch you up when things get messy," she said with a sigh. "But try not to make my job harder than it already is."
In the ship's galley, Lamin Vender, the cook, poked his head out with flour dusted across his nose.
"You'll fight better on a full stomach," he laughed. "And trust me, I make a mean sea stew."
Inspecting his bow in the corner was Royuko Arashi, the weapons expert. His expression was calm, his fingers precise as he tuned the string.
"We'll be ready when it counts," he said. "No second chances on the battlefield."
And perched high in the crow's nest, nearly invisible against the morning light, was Sakani Izuke, the lookout.
"I'll spot danger before it spots us," she called down. "Count on it."
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Setting Sail
Supplies loaded. Sails raised. The Aurion began to hum with life as the crew moved like clockwork, bound by new duty and silent anticipation.
Pol stood again at the helm. Kaiden joined him.
"You've built a strong crew, Captain," Kaiden said. "But don't forget—the sea won't make this easy. And neither will the Order of Eclipsia."
Pol's grip on the wheel tightened. "Let them come. We'll face them, Writh by Writh. I won't let the ST name be forgotten."
With a final shout, the Aurion's anchor lifted, and the ship cut through the harbor, sailing into the open waters. The island faded behind them, swallowed by mist and distance.
Far away, in a fortress veiled in shadows, Zephyr EL Veyrion stood at a balcony, watching the sea through cold eyes.
"The boy has assembled his pawns," he murmured, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "Let's see how long they last."
Next Chapter:The Captain's Past