The longships sliced through the waves, their sails billowing beneath the steady wind. The rhythmic creak of the oars echoed across the sea, accompanied by the distant cries of gulls. Dikun Silver stood at the prow of his ship, the sea spray cool against his face.
"The wind favors us," Marcus called from the stern, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "We'll reach the western coast by nightfall."
"Good," Dikun replied, his voice steady. "The Reaver remnants taught us much. If the reports are true, the village we seek is prosperous but lightly defended."
Deen grinned eagerly, his fingers drumming against the hilt of his sword. "Then we'll take what we need and leave them trembling."
Sarich placed a firm hand on Deen's shoulder. "We take what is necessary. But we do not burn without reason. Dikun leads with purpose, not destruction."
Deen nodded, though the fire in his eyes did not fade.
---
The Approach
As the sun dipped low, the jagged coastline emerged from the mist. The village was nestled along the bay, its wooden docks stretching into the water. Lanterns flickered along the shore, illuminating the small fishing vessels moored nearby.
"No sign of warbands or guards," Marcus observed. "Their warriors are likely away, leaving only the weak and unarmed."
Dikun's jaw tightened. "A village without defenders is a village without honor. But their wealth will strengthen our people. We strike swiftly."
The oars slowed, and the longships glided silently into the bay. Warriors gripped their weapons, anticipation thick in the air. Dikun raised his hand, signaling for the ships to halt.
"No quarter for those who resist," he commanded. "But spare the innocent. Let them remember the might of the Silver Serpent."
---
The Raid
The warriors leapt ashore, their boots sinking into the wet sand. The village stirred in alarm, cries of panic rising as the raiders advanced. Dikun led from the front, his sword gleaming beneath the pale moonlight.
Deen fought beside his brothers, his strikes swift and fierce. Though the defenders were few, they fought with desperation. Yet the Silver Serpent's warriors were relentless.
Marcus, ever calculating, directed the warriors to seize the storehouses and docks. Sarich ensured the non-combatants were corralled safely, preventing unnecessary bloodshed.
"Stand down and live!" Dikun's voice rang out, cutting through the chaos. "Your gold and grain will serve a greater purpose. Resist, and your village will burn."
The resistance crumbled. One by one, the villagers dropped their weapons, their heads bowed in submission.
---
Spoils of Victory
By dawn, the raid had concluded. The longships groaned under the weight of crates filled with grain, barrels of mead, and chests of silver. Warriors tended to their wounded, though the casualties were few.
Deen stood proudly, the thrill of battle still coursing through him. "We did it, brothers! The Silver Serpent sails victorious."
Marcus nodded, though his expression remained measured. "A victory hard-earned. But the sea is unforgiving. We must return swiftly before the tides shift."
Dikun cast one last glance at the subdued village. The people would remember this day—a reminder of the strength of the Silver Serpent. Yet as he turned toward the ships, his thoughts lingered.
"Today we are victorious," he murmured. "But war is not yet done."
With the rising sun at their backs, the brothers set sail once more—the call of the sea ever guiding them.
To Be Continued...