Not All Heroes Are Guiltless

Chapter 49

Chapter 49

Ethan’s POV

I am so in over my head.

I can’t have us fail at taking this port. I ran my mouth off in my impatience. We have been building and training for so many months and have yet done anything worthwhile to show we are moving forward.

I left camp with two hundred and eighty-six men. We arrived at the destination with fourteen men shy. Finding loyalty has been harsh, I fear I might not see the missing men again. Silence has allowed a few squeamish to run home, but others she has slayed without a hesitation. I just have to trust her judgment since we haven’t had any more troubles with betrayers. Just deserters.

“Scouts are coming back.” I nod my head to the speaker and follow them to the outskirts of the port. I acknowledge all four scouts and cross my arms over my chest, ready for their report.

“We are in luck. News came through earlier in the day, and all but one hundred troops stayed behind to protect Hou Ndour interests. The only ship left in port right now is a Bellarn Trade ship with only basic defense.” The other three scouts all agreed with the finding. I am almost salivating at the information. This is far better than I expected.

“That’s good. We should be able to move in at nightfall and have the port secured by morning. Wait! The Bellarn ship, who’s is it, and should we be wary?” I stare, and no one seems to even think to investigate any opposition a further.

The gruff voice from behind me makes me hold my smile, “The shape of the vessel is recognizable; and cargo boxes are labeled Benlow Trading Company. We spare them, and they may be willing to help the port get connected to solid supply lines.”

I scoff, “Bellarn’s help us?”

“Yes, they will want money and goods. Most captains are logical men.” Silence says before timidly hiding in her hood.

Of course, she wouldn’t take a Bellarn merchant vessel as a threat at this time. “You will ensure they don’t perceive us as a threat and attack us while we are establishing?”

She nods her head, and I feel so much better. We have her at the port, and we take over the guard posts and kill the officers. Everything should be well in our way.

Aela’s POV

I wonder how many vessels Benlow employs. After a thorough search of the merchant vessel, all I found was typical soldier rations. A few herbs and spices and even some mediocre medicines tonics but no weapons on board except for the basic defenses.

The three ships I traveled on with my mate were always smuggling something. Usually, weapons were stolen out from Hou Ndours armories after they captured our locations.

It was homely getting myself stationed on the vessel watching the port fires start. Ethan lucked out with the loss of the main force around here. Could it all be a coincidence for so many to pull out and no information when reinforcements would return. Something to worry about after we secure the port.

Nearly a third of the crew was on deck guarding the ship. The captain obviously thought something was peculiar about the Hou Ndour movements. He was betting on the side of caution. When the fires finally started, there was a lot of movement on the deck, and the captain was called out promptly. He made many orders to standby but not one to try to help the Hou Ndours. Great, he’s willing to work with us.

The captain walks slowly across the deck, “Come out. I won’t allow my ship to be attacked.”

Suppressing my shock on the captain being a lesser of ancient blood was still able to notice me, I check my throat and speak lowly and gravelly, “There is no intention of attacking your ship.”

“You!” The captain yells out and points at me accusingly. “I remember you. You traveled with Benlow’s friend.”

Another moment of shock, my mate never told me how he accomplished our passage on the ships. Benlow is definitely a name I will need to keep in mind for the future. I slowly stepped out of the shadows to speak with the captain directly. “I was traveling with a companion for a short time. Now, I’m what stands between you and the Redland Rebels, who are taking the port at this current time. Anything you’d like to do?”

The captain doesn’t relinquish any flinch when he sees me, “I have no current quarry with Redland. The Hou Ndours left with the items promised they’d trade to me. So, in the morning, we will be leaving to return to our base to discuss with the trademaster about the breach in our contract.”

“Would you be willing to trade your current shipment to the Redland Lord? We could use your we can trade competently.” I keep my tone low so he can’t decipher my gender his responding smirk, though, means he hasn’t fallen for it.

“Are you traveling alone now? Want to step into the cabin and discuss terms?” the captain says flirtatiously. I growl at his suggestion, and he quickly backs up with his hands in the air. “Alright, alright. You promise we won’t be touched by whatever mess is happening in port, and you make a decent offer for the rations. We will be open to a temporary contract with your Redland Lord. If it is sufficient. Is he the one securing the port?”

“He will be over the port when we are through. I know he has goods he’s willing to part with. He should be to offer more than enough for what you have in stock. Not to mention, he will want you or another ship to return.” I say, trying to keep my voice from cracking in its gravelly tone.

The captain eyes narrow down on me, and my breath hitches when I fear he won’t help us out. “Fine. We have two days before we must leave for the next port. I’ll wait for this Lord to come and negotiate. The Hou Ndours violated the contract. I’m sure the trade master won’t be angry for a quick temporary negotiation to ensure the safety of his vessel and cargo.”

Two days is plenty. Ethan will have the port secured before dawn, and the Redland Lord should be here within the day. I jump off the ship and find a spot on the dock. About now, the few stragglers who escaped Ethan’s bombardment are more than likely going to find some way to escape. They have two routes. One is through the side gates into the land with no supplies and having to pass the lord’s guards for the nearby fields. The other is to hope the Bellarn will allow them to board the ship.

Sure enough, a few tried to stowaway on the ship, but they quickly drifted down below the dock without leaving a sound. It was well after sunrise before Ethan and the Lord arrived at the docks. The captain walked out and negotiated an equal passing of goods.

Ethan looked exhausted, but he was trying to keep the airs of being in charge and unfaltering. Shortly after the negotiations with the Bellarns, I watched Ethan shake hands with the Lord, and he left on his own horse. I walked up behind Ethan, and he sighed deeply.

“Thanks, Silence. Everything is going smoothly.” He says, turning back towards me. I just stand still and silent, and he shakes his head. “Don’t worry. I can get a few hours now. Do you mind?”

I nod my head, understanding his question. He travels back to where he secured a base and found a quiet corner. I watched him while he slept and kept a good eye on the people from the port and their reactions to the change in power. Everything seems to be going easily. Something is definitely wrong. This was too easy.