Bab 373: A Bewitched 'Gift'

The longboats bearing Ardel's armies finally reached one of the Agathe islands where the camp and the gold mine were.

Initially, they unleashed cannon fires from their navy ships, bracing for a counterattack. Strangely, there was no response. Even from the crow's nest of the flagship, no movement could be discerned. The island appeared deserted.

Following their commander, the large vessels anchored, and the longboats were descended to ferry the troops ashore.

As they landed, their boots sinking into the damp sand, they hastily formed a defensive shield wall, armed and ready for an ambush. Yet, to their astonishment, the surroundings remained eerily quiet. Not even a Cassian's vessel was spotted in sight.

Confusion gripped Ardel's forces. Many, once civilians now thrust into military action, stood bewildered, unsure of their next move.