Novel Bin
Chapter 345: The Gathering Storm
A Whisper on the Wind
The night air over Raven Perch was thick with the scent of salt and embers.
The fortress stood strong, its newly reinforced walls gleaming under the moonlight.
From her vantage point on the main tower, Seraphis gazed out at the sea, her sharp white eyes reflecting the endless waves.
A cold wind brushed against her face, carrying with it a whisper of something… unseen.
Something foreboding.
She exhaled slowly, then smirked.
"A little raven told me," she mused, "that they're sending someone to challenge us."
Her voice was calm, yet filled with anticipation.
She turned to Lysara, who stood at her side.
"A man by the name of Stormcaller."
Lysara’s expression shifted, her usual confidence giving way to something more serious.
A Name That Echoes
Lysara folded her arms, tilting her head slightly.
"I've heard of him," she admitted.
"He's quite popular among pirates… and feared among merchants."
Seraphis chuckled, her lips curving into an amused smile.
"Lovely," she said, a glint of excitement in her gaze.
"I'll add his head to the wall."
A Storm Approaches
She turned away from the sea, marching down the steps of the tower.
The fortress was alive with activity, her crew sharpening weapons, reinforcing defenses, and checking supplies.
She signaled to her officers, gathering them in the war room.
"Stormcaller is coming," she declared.
"A man with power over lightning, a pirate with a name that carries weight."
The officers exchanged glances.
Some nodded, others remained silent, their expressions hardened.
"But that doesn't matter," Seraphis continued.
"Because this is Raven Perch."
She slammed a dagger into the table, its blade sinking deep into the wood.
"And no one challenges us and lives."
Preparation for War
She turned to her weapons master.
"Double-check the Arrowstorms and the Downstrike Crossbows. Make sure they’re fully loaded."
The man nodded sharply.
"Lysara, I want all crew members armed and ready at a moment's notice. No one slacks off."
"Understood," Lysara replied.
She turned to another officer.
"Make sure the barrier crystal is fully charged. I want it active the moment his ship is in range."
"Yes, Captain."
Setting the Trap
Seraphis walked to the fortress walls, running a hand over the cold stone.
"If he's as powerful as they say, he'll think he has the upper hand."
She smiled.
"But we control the battlefield."
She gazed toward the horizon, her sharp eyes scanning the dark waters.
"Let him come," she whispered.
"And let him fall."
A Message to the Crew
That night, as the fires burned within the fortress, Seraphis stood before her crew.
They gathered in the courtyard, a hundred strong, their faces illuminated by torchlight.
She raised a goblet of wine, her voice carrying across the yard.
"Tomorrow, a fool will come knocking on our gates."
Murmurs spread through the crowd.
"His name is Stormcaller, and he thinks himself strong."
She smirked.
"But we are stronger."
Her voice rose, filled with undeniable authority.
"Tomorrow, we do not fear the storm."
She raised her goblet higher.
"Tomorrow, we BECOME the storm."
The crowd erupted into cheers.
The Raven Perch was ready.
And Stormcaller would soon learn why.
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