As autumn finally faded, the first snow of winter fell, and with it, a serenity came over the land as if the blanket of white had somehow calmed the hearts of men. Even as the cold settled in and the rivers froze, the fleet continued to patrol the icy waters of the Great Northern Sea.
With only two days until midwinter, the Valiant sailed up the coast, looking for any signs of piracy. Danica stood at the bow as she was prone to, the fine mist forming icicles in her hair. The frigid wind reddened her cheeks and made her eyes water, yet she felt alive!
Valiant“Admiral?”
She turned, her reverie broken by Vivian. “Yes?”
“The lookout reports something in the water.”
“Where?”
“There. To the north.”
Danica moved to the railing to get a better view. “A shipwreck, perhaps?”
“That would seem
