Chapter 358: An Unforeseen Strike
The sky had turned dark, casting an ominous shadow over the surrounding islands. Silence enveloped the area as the night settled in, except for the nocturnal animal sounds. The rotation of the night shift soldiers guarding the camp had commenced as scheduled.
The camp chief’s face was etched with frustration, and he shouted, "Cr*p! Why haven’t they returned yet?"
His words reflect the growing unease in his expression. Seated at a table within the main barrack of the Ardel stronghold camp with him was Captain Blackmane of the Calico Pirates of the East, the leader of the pirates and mercenaries group.
The pirate captain reclined in his chair, legs stretched out upon the wooden table, projecting an air of nonchalance. The camp chief, also a high-ranking Knight of Barges, was seemingly annoyed by the pirate captain’s seemingly uncaring demeanour.
He lashed out to him, "Remove your feet from my table, you wretched scoundrel!"
Unfazed by the chief’s outburst, Captain Blackmane sneered, "F*ck yer! Why be ye bellerin’ at me like a mangy mutt when ’twas yer own crew that be the root o’ this blasted predicament? Them landlubbers went off searchin’ for some bilge water, yet ain’t seen ’em since yesterday, and now ye be spoutin’ yer vexation at me!"
In response, the camp chief rose from his seat, his gaze stern and unwavering.
"You better put it down, or I shall sever your feet! Do not think your leadership among the pirates and mercenaries grants you superiority over me. This is my camp, and my rules run here!"
Captain Blackmane raised his voice, "Ye be wantin’ to make this here situation even more o’ a mess, do ye? Be ye set on findin’ fault an’ puttin’ things from bad to worse?"
The camp chief’s eyes narrowed as he scrutinised the pirate leader. The two had always been at odds, their enmity boiling beneath the surface even though their collaboration was necessary.
"The King of Ardel has appointed me to oversee this camp. I decide who will be the group’s leader, be they mercenaries or pirates. You will heed my orders if you wish to maintain your position and receive your payment on time. Otherwise, I will find another pirate to replace you."