The roar that echoed across the sea was followed by a crack. The shield surrounding the gearborn ship crumbled like an egg before exploding and drifting away in the wind. Smoke and steam clouded the air, but there was still enough of a view for them to see a figure plow across the gaps between ships.
What followed was a few short minutes of destruction. Ayjax tore through the ship like butter. The gearborn tattered before him like they were paper. Thunderous roars continued to echo across the sea, and soon more men boarded the ship.
The gearborn fell before the tide of humanity. It was less of a tide and more of an overwhelming torrent that crashed straight through the entire vessel. The biggest threat that had been looming over them for weeks was gone in less than an hour.
It was mostly thanks to Ayjax. Without him, the battle would have taken far longer, and they might not even have won at all.
Red couldn't help but smile. After everything since he had seen the blasted man, of course it would be him who would show up. Just in the nick of time as well. Probably timed it to give himself the most cinematic entrance possible.
Bloody hell, he just wanted rest.
"Do you think anyone else made it?" Vizim asked hesitantly.
He stared off into the distant jungle where smoke poured skyward. Somewhere out there would have been the pirate camp and the surviving sailors and soldiers. There was no way of knowing if any of them remained now.
"It's possible," Derrin replied slowly, clearly not even certain himself.
Red shook himself. The battle was nearing its end. The cannonfire had ceased completely, and the battle on the ship seemed to be fading as well. Whatever combat was still taking place was deep within the bowels.
"Should we show ourselves so they know at least someone is still alive?" Red asked.
"That would be wise." Zara nodded and led the way out onto the beach in clear view of the ship.
The others followed and arrayed themselves beside her. A few moments later, Red saw a distant figure turn in their direction. He really wished he had mist to enhance his sight. However, even from this range, he could tell there was relief that washed across Ayjax's face. Then, Ayjax jumped straight into the sea.
"Don't tell me he is swimming the whole way here," Red grumbled.
"Yup, he's swimming the whole way here," Zara said, rolling her eyes.
Despite the massive distance between them and the distant ship, it only took Ayjax a few minutes to swim to shore. He exploded onto the beach, dripping from head to toe in water. Before any of them could speak, he moved across the beach and wrapped Red in a massive hug.
Red sputtered in surprise, but Ayjax quickly pulled away and held him at arm's length. "Are you alright?"
"Not counting the broken ribs."
"Derrin. Zara. I'm glad you two are good as well. And you?" Ayjax grinned, turning to Vizim.
Vizim stood stock still with his mouth half open. "You're Ayjax… Sentura…"
"The one the only," he gave a slight bow.
Red couldn't help but facepalm.
"What in the hell happened here?" He turned back to Zara,
"It's sort of a long story," She grimaced. "I will give you and the rest of the fleet the whole brief. For the time being, we need rest… those two especially. It's been an incredibly long few weeks."
Ayjax nodded. "Of course. What of the rest of your men?"
Zara's face fell into shadow. "We can search for survivors. There is also a contingent of pirates on the island that will need to be dealt with. They were dealing with the Gearborn."
"What!" His voice boomed across the beach.
"Well, their leader was at least. Needless to say, there is a lot to discuss, and we should not be doing it on the beach while there are potentially survivors still missing."
Ayjax turned to Red and Vizim. "You two will come with me. I'm sure the fleet will have plenty of questions when they arrive. They can go through Zara, I'm sure."
"Is the whole fleet coming?" Zara asked.
He scowled. "No, thanks to Finn, if that's what you're asking. We got your message, and the blasted man was too focused on the current mission to bother giving it any consideration. It wasn't until I left that others began to follow as well. He was eventually forced to give the order. He is a blasted idiot sometimes… no offense."
"None taken. You are right, I suppose. He is stubborn and doesn't listen to advice much. But can we really blame him?"
"No, but that doesn't make it any better. Now, enough of this. Derrin, will you come with me or remain?" Ayjax asked.
Derrin thought for a few moments, his gaze held firmly on Red. Red shook his head in dismissal. If he was to be with Ayjax, then there was no reason for Derrin to come as well except for his bloody damn oath.
With a reluctant sigh, Derrin turned to Ayjax. "It would be best for me to be present. Perhaps I can provide some insight that is lacking and give the reason for our presence on the island."
Ayjax nodded and turned to his distant ship. The vessel was still connected to the gearborn's ship as men moved back and forth between the two. A smaller boat was released from the side of Ayjax's ship and began making its way towards the island.
"There will be a lot of work cleaning out that whole thing. It is packed with far more supplies than any of the other ships. They clearly hadn't expected to get caught so offhandedly."
"There were many things that didn't seem to go according to plan," Red muttered.
"You seem like you need rest."
"Yeah, that's about it."
"Are you not going to tell him what happened in the central chamber?" Zara asked.
Red slumped against a tree. "Slipped my mind."
"What are we talking about?" Ayjax asked.
"Red obtained Guardian's Blessing."
"WHAT!" The booming thunder that came from Ayjax's mouth was enough to rattle his skull.
"And this was why I wanted to wait till later…"