After Linus and his crew set fire to Trunks's warehouses in Ghost Harbor, smoke billowed high into the sky, like a flag of defiance visible to the entire sea. Little did Linus know, this smoke quickly reached Trunks's eyes.
Far away, aboard his black ship, Trunks stood before his men, anger burning in his eyes. His voice was cold:
"Linus dared to touch my property… and burned what was mine. The sea does not forgive such an insult."
Elara, the spymaster, approached and said:
"Sir, we have men ready. We can send a small force to track him down, enough to weaken him before he becomes more dangerous."
Trunks smiled a deadly smile:
"I will not send a small force… I will send soldiers who know the sea is merciless. Have them pursue him until he thinks the waves themselves are against him."
*
Meanwhile, the white ship was sailing away from the burning port. The crew sat tired, but their eyes sparkled with triumph.
"Tronix has made us feel the sting of fire," Darius said, laughing. "He won't forget this night."
But Romulus didn't join in the laughter. He stared at the horizon with worried eyes.
"Don't underestimate him. Trunks doesn't respond to insults with words… but with blood."
Linus approached and said firmly, "Let him have what he wants. We are ready."
*
At dawn, the sea was calm, but old Nikos, who had been watching the horizon, suddenly shouted:
"Ships! In the north!"
Everyone turned and saw three black ships approaching quickly, their sails bearing the wolf emblem.
"Tronix's soldiers," said Callias, clenching his axe.
Linus answered in a strong voice, "Then it wasn't long in coming."
The black ships began to draw nearer, rows of soldiers standing on their decks, their shields gleaming in the sun, the sound of their trumpets shaking the sea.
Romulus said quickly, "We cannot meet them on the open sea. They are greater in number, and their ships are heavier. We must use our speed and skill."
"Then we will not flee... We will drag them where they least expect it," Linus replied.
The chase broke out. The white ship sped forward, the soldiers in pursuit. The waves crashed, and the air filled with the sounds of orders and shouts.
"I will not let them approach easily!" Darius said, shooting an arrow at one of the ships.
The arrow struck one of the soldiers, who fell into the sea, but the rest continued advancing without pause.
"Towards the south! There are narrow, rocky islands. If they follow us, their strength will become a burden to them," Linus directed his men.
The White Ship glided through the rocks, moving nimbly, while the heavy Black Ships found it difficult to maneuver.
Callias cried out, laughing:
"They're caught like wolves in a trap!"
But one of the soldiers managed to jump onto the White Ship's deck. He was a massive fighter, wearing black armor and a broad sword. He charged straight at Linus.
Linus tackled him, and a fierce battle ensued in the middle of the deck. Swords clashed, sparks flew, and men surrounded them.
"Tronix sent us to finish you off!" the soldier growled.
"Let him come himself if he dares!" Linus responded, parrying a powerful blow.
With a decisive blow, Linus brought his opponent to the ground, but more soldiers tried to jump out. Callias tackled them with his axe, Darius with his arrow, and Romulus with his skill.
The battle was fierce, but the rocky terrain helped the White Ship. One of Trunks' ships struck a rock and partially shattered, confusing the rest of the soldiers.
Linus seized the opportunity and ordered his men:
"Push with all your might! We won't let them take over our deck!"
The crew charged together, forcing the soldiers to retreat. A powerful wave pushed the white ship out of jumping range.
*
After hours of pursuit, the black ships withdrew, burdened by their losses. Standing on the prow of his ship, Linus watched them drift away. His deep voice said:
"Trunks sent his soldiers… but he didn't break us. This isn't the end, it's the beginning."
Romulus approached and said:
"Tonight we've proven that the New Testament isn't just words. But remember… the longer we hold out, the more force Trunks will send."
Linus smiled, his eyes twinkling:
"Let him send what he wants. We won't retreat."