N-A-A Page 144
Page 144
Eventually, the mercenaries retreated after suffering significant losses, and the rebels' fire attack was extinguished, but the ogre alliance paid a heavy price. The defensive line near the east gate was almost completely destroyed; over three hundred elite warriors lay dead in pools of blood; half of the granaries were burned; and the city streets were a scene of utter devastation. Severna stood on the battlefield littered with corpses, her gaze sweeping over the ruins. Ordinary ogres were still scrambling for spoils, kobolds and goblins were wearily clearing the bodies, and human slaves huddled in corners, trembling with fear.
The ogre wizard's chest heaved violently, her rage tinged with a sense of powerlessness. Her greatsword was stained with blood, but the joy of victory was overshadowed by the shadow of defeat.
“These two-legged sheep are too cunning!” she gritted her teeth, her gaze sweeping across the charred streets and inhaling the acrid stench in the air. The seamless cooperation between the resistance forces within the city and the mercenaries outside exposed the fragility of the ogre rule. Fear can only bring temporary obedience; true stability requires a deeper level of control.
The words that came to mind were: "To strengthen the army, first strengthen the law. To govern the people, first govern their hearts."
Before the battle, she remained skeptical of the voice, but now, she began to waver. Unified laws, clear rewards and punishments, resource allocation—these concepts gradually became clearer in her mind, seemingly offering a way out of her current predicament. She gripped her greatsword tightly, her fingers turning white from the force, and her anger gradually mingled with other thoughts.
In the days following the raid, a subtle shift occurred within Severna. The voices in her mind no longer angered her, but instead became a familiar presence. As her resistance diminished, the voices grew clearer, and their content became more lengthy and specific, enough for Severna to understand that this information from an unknown source was not empty preaching, but rather practical strategies.
She began to unconsciously ponder the contents of the whispers, and even revealed new ideas during her conversations with Cecily.
“Sevina, what’s wrong with you lately?” Cecily asked during a dinner. They were gnawing on a half-cooked thigh, while the kobold waiters around them whispered about the enemy situation outside the city. “You seem to be thinking about something complicated, which is unlike you.”
Severna frowned, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "I'm wondering, what exactly is our purpose in conquering Ascatella? Is it just for gold and territory? Gold will eventually run out, and territory can be taken back. If we want to rule this place for a long time, is killing and fear enough?"
Cecily was stunned, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes. Although he and Severina were both ogre wizards of the Order of Evil, he was accustomed to maintaining his rule with an iron fist and had never considered such a profound question. "What are you trying to say?"
“I don’t know.” Severna shook her head, the thought resurfacing in her mind, “Perhaps we need to truly make these two-legged sheep accept our rule. Not out of fear, but because…profit.” Her high intelligence allowed her to quickly grasp the profound meaning of the word “profit”: fear is fragile, while profit can make people willingly obey.
Cecily wasn't stupid either; it was just that the ingrained mindset of cannibals had dominated the first half of his life: "Your idea is novel, but we lack experience in ruling human society. These two-legged sheep have more complex minds than we think."
Sevier nodded, but a strange sense of confidence rose within her.
The concept of the voices in her mind was gradually taking shape, as if guided by an invisible mentor. She grew tired of her own paranoia and decided to temporarily set aside her questioning of the source of the voices, instead contemplating how to apply these ideas to Ascatra's rule.
“No matter how this sound came about…” she murmured to herself, her voice weary yet determined, “it’s better to give it a try than to be defeated by the Amun and driven back to the wilderness.”
She turned to Cecily and called out, "Summon all captains and human assistants for a meeting tomorrow. We need a new way of governing!" Cecily hesitated for a moment, then nodded in confirmation—as a warlock, he was even less inclined to use his brain than a warrior. Since Severna had an idea, he might as well just do as she said. Dealing with administrative matters was nothing compared to throwing fireballs everywhere…
Severna's transformation was evident in the council hall. She summoned Cecily, the kobold leader Kag, several high-arched goblin captains, and a host of human assistants, announcing an unprecedented "policy meeting." Her voice was deep and authoritative, carrying an undeniable authority: "From this day forward, we will change our way of ruling. Fear can only bring temporary obedience; true rule requires convincing the Ascatras that obedience is more rewarding than resistance."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over everyone present, the words echoing clearly in her mind: "To govern the people, one must first govern their hearts." She then began to expound on her new policies.
The new ruler of Askatra declared that all inhabitants, whether ogres, kobolds, goblins, or humans, must abide by a unified law. Disobedience would be severely punished, while loyalty would be richly rewarded. The chaotic ordinary ogres, more concerned with spoils, decreed that their distribution be strictly based on merit, incentivizing them to fight bravely on the battlefield. The orderly goblins and ogre wizards, however, valued status and power. She established a merit-based system, where outstanding performers could be promoted to captains or managers, gaining greater control. Kobold leaders like Kag were particularly excited by this; their inherently evil nature made them crave clear rules and pathways to advancement.
To win over the hearts and minds of her people, Severna designed a merit-based military system specifically for the enslaved humans of Ascatra. Human slaves were no longer limited to flattering and currying favor with the ogres; instead, they could escape slavery and gain personal safety and even a higher social status through labor, intelligence gathering, or combat contributions.
Victor Mallory, a human merchant, cautiously raised his hand: "Sir, do you mean... we can also exchange our contributions for freedom?"
“Exactly.” Severna’s gaze was sharp as a knife. “The loyal will be rewarded, and the traitors will be severely punished. Whether it’s building walls, providing intelligence, or assisting trade, every contribution will be recorded. Those who perform exceptionally well can become administrators and even own their own land.”
To align with the kobolds' and goblins' inherently wicked nature, Severna then ordered the establishment of a central warehouse. Food, weapons, gold, and other supplies would be directly controlled by her, with allocation based on need and merit. The kobold Kag nodded excitedly: "Centralized management will allow us to prepare for war more efficiently!" The goblin captain also agreed; their discipline made them willing to accept this strict resource allocation system.
Severna further stipulated that the restoration of the commercial network would be the responsibility of human agents, and that foreign trade would not need to expose the cannibals' ruling identity, only requiring the guarantee of goods quality and price competitiveness.
Cecily listened quietly, and eventually fell asleep.
In the dream, it sat with Severna on a golden throne, overlooking the entire territory of the Amm Empire, gazing at an aging human on the verge of death, and lifting it and Severna's newborn child high, receiving the common reverence of all races in the Amm land.
A dragon's shadow swept across the land, startling it from its unprecedented reverie. It wiped the drool from its mouth, grinned foolishly at the eloquent Serena…
Severna's reforms unfolded swiftly. She personally oversaw the implementation of the new decrees, dispatching a patrol force composed of ogres, kobolds, and goblins to maintain order within the city. Ordinary ogre warriors, their morale soaring due to the distribution of spoils, were eager to fight for wealth amidst the chaos of the conflict. Goblins and kobolds, tempted by the prospect of promotion through military merit, became even more loyal, and the patrol force's discipline significantly improved. Severna directly controlled the distribution of food and resources, meticulously recording the flow of every resource; this planned economy revitalized the city's logistical system.
The human inhabitants reacted particularly strongly. The military merit system provided them with a path to escape slavery, and many began to actively participate in wall construction, intelligence gathering, and trade. Victor Mallory formed a human caravan, acting as an agent to trade with caravans from other regions, and gold and supplies flowed back into Ascatra. The morale of the resistance forces gradually crumbled, and some former rebels switched sides to join Severna in exchange for safety and status. Reginald Blackwater even proactively provided intelligence on enemy mercenaries, assisting Severna in planning an ambush.
This ambush targeted a mercenary squad outside the city. Severna dispatched an elite team, disguised as a caravan, to lure the enemy deep into their territory and successfully annihilate a force of a hundred. The ordinary ogre warriors received the spoils, the goblin captain was promoted for his service, and the human intelligence provider was granted his freedom. This victory not only weakened the threat outside the city but also further solidified the new government's authority.
However, the reforms were not without their challenges. Some ordinary ogres were dissatisfied with the preferential treatment of humans, believing it undermined their authority. Severna ruthlessly suppressed the dissent, personally executing an ogre captain who had openly defied orders. Her greatsword swung down on the execution ground, splattering blood and deterring any potential rebels.
51. Restless and eager to act
The morning mist over the port of Ascatella dissipated slowly in the sea breeze, and two colossal dragons silently swept across the ogre-ruled city. Casaloz retained the silver-blue scales of a dragon, each scale shimmering like starlight in the morning light, as if fragments of the night sky had been scattered across his streamlined body. Toona, on the other hand, displayed the elegant form of an ancient dragon, her silver wing membranes gleaming like pearls in the rising sun. Each gentle flap of her wings created subtle air currents, tracing graceful arcs through the clouds. Her long, noble neck, with scales as fine as silk, trembled slightly in the sea breeze, reflecting a flowing, mercury-like luster.
"Sevier's rule is even more successful than I anticipated," Casalos said softly. His dragon voice was drowned out by the wind high in the sky, but Toona's keen hearing still picked up on the approval in his words. "She has learned to manage a complex, multi-ethnic society using a carrot and stick approach. It reminds me of the wisdom of governance in ancient empires."
Casalos subtly adjusted his flight attitude, maintaining the same altitude as Toona. His vertical pupils gazed into the distance, his thoughts drifting back to the days of his first encounter with Severna. "Ogre society has its unique characteristics," he continued. "The system of military merit and strict rationing is not merely a means of management for them, but the cornerstone of their survival. Ogre wizards are born with greater intelligence and magical talent than ordinary ogres and other dark humanoid creatures, and this innate difference dictates that they need a hierarchical social structure. Rationing ensures that each level has clear responsibilities and rewards, preventing social unrest caused by differences in intelligence—fairness is never equality."
Toona gracefully adjusted her flight, her wings spreading lightly as she soared alongside Casalos. Silver scales shimmered in the sunlight like flowing moonlight. "The ideas you planted in her mind have certainly worked," her voice was as clear as a silver bell, yet carried the deep wisdom characteristic of an ancient dragon, "but I'm more curious about her reaction when she discovers the source of my 'inspiration.' After all, the feeling of control is never pleasant for any intelligent being."
"That will be a long time from now," Casalos chuckled, his dragon mouth slightly upturned, revealing sharp but not ferocious teeth. "Right now, she's busy consolidating her rule and doesn't have time to ponder philosophical questions. Besides, does the source of wisdom matter? What matters is how to use it."
However, behind these seemingly lighthearted words lies a truth that most self-proclaimed "free will" beings would find unacceptable: when Casalos uses psychic mind-reading to communicate with Severna and Cecily, it is not a simple transmission of thoughts, but rather a delicate weaving of consciousness—the result of Seraph's forced psychic research on Atas. In each conversation, Casalos subtly incorporates his worship and awe of a particular dragon into the transmission of knowledge, much like adding several colorless, odorless, and harmless ingredients to clear river water. Initially, these ingredients go unnoticed, but over time, they slowly transform into a kind of hidden "toxin," permeating the entire body of water.
Cecilius's dream of a dragon flying over her throne was an early manifestation of this subconscious suggestion. In the dream, the dragon's figure was sublime and majestic, instilling in Cecilius feelings of awe and a desire to follow it. As time passed, these fragments of psychological suggestion took root like seeds deep within the consciousness of the two ogre wizards. Whenever they delved into those "suddenly emerging" moments of wisdom, these fragments gradually reassembled, reinforcing their worship of the dragon until it eventually solidified into part of their personalities.
Most interestingly, Cecily's laziness actually aids this suggestion. Precisely because it's too lazy to think deeply, superficial suggestions are more likely to directly influence its behavior. It's more willing to obey the "wise" commands of Sevina or its superiors, and this obedience allows shallow psychological suggestions to produce unexpected effects.
The two dragons soared higher and higher until Ascatra became a tiny dot beneath their feet. The distant city loomed in the morning mist, its stone buildings arranged like building blocks, the ships in the harbor appearing as small as toys. The boundless, azure sea unfolded before them, the magnificent sight of sea and sky meeting breathtaking. The sea shimmered, like countless diamonds scattered on deep blue silk, the distant mountains like dark eyebrows, the clouds drifting and rolling – this was truly the dragons' perspective, a height that allowed them to simultaneously feel the insignificance of life and their own greatness.
"Where do we go next?" Tao Na asked, her silver eyes sparkling with anticipation. Her pupils, already beginning to melt under the dragon's magic, contracted into a cat's-eye luster in the sunlight, revealing her focused expression. Her neck tilted slightly, expressing curiosity perfectly.
Casalos took a deep breath of the sea air, the salty breeze carrying secrets from afar: "Of course, we'll continue south. Velen City's been having some pirate problems lately, perfect for 'travelers' like us to deal with. That sea has never been peaceful, and the pirates of the Netherlands have become particularly rampant recently."
"Pirates?" Toona's tone was clearly intrigued, her wings slightly folded. "That sounds much more interesting than those political games. How long has it been since we had a real adventure?" A hint of melancholy crept into her voice. "As dragons, we've been mingling in human society as humans for far too long. Those endless social occasions, those insincere pleasantries, and those elaborate costumes that restrict our bodies…" Her scales dimmed slightly, revealing her weariness. "I've almost forgotten the pure joy of flight, forgotten the feeling of freedom when the sea breeze blows across my scales. The human world, though wonderful, is ultimately not our true home."
"It's been too long," Casalos wholeheartedly agreed, its tail swaying gently in the air in resonance. "Since becoming an interdimensional merchant, I've almost forgotten the pure joy of combat. Every day I'm faced with ledgers, contracts, and business negotiations presented in different forms from different worlds. While those gold coins are certainly plentiful, what my dragon soul yearns for is a more primal passion. Isn't that the meaning of this honeymoon? To escape those tedious political affairs and rediscover my dragon instincts."
The two dragons flew south, advancing along the winding coastline. The scenery below slowly changed in their view: the fertile plains of the Amn Empire gradually gave way to the rugged terrain of the Velen Peninsula, where mountains rose and fell, the coastline became more complex and varied, and countless bays and reefs provided excellent hiding places for pirates. Occasionally, small fishing villages could be seen dotting the secluded bays, their rising smoke curling into the morning air like thin threads connecting the earth and the sky.
"You know what?" Tao Na suddenly said, her voice unusually soft. Her neck drooped slightly, her scales slightly retracted, "I'm starting to understand why ancient dragons loved to roam freely. That feeling of freedom is truly intoxicating."
She paused, her silver eyes gazing at the distant horizon: "Having lived in human society for so long, I almost forgot that the sky is our true home. Those magnificent palaces, exquisite works of art, even human music and poetry, though beautiful, are ultimately just external decorations. It wasn't until Casalos's method of flight spread among the true dragons of Faerûn, allowing us to fly to such heights and speeds, that I truly felt the pulse of my dragon soul."
Casalos turned to look at her, its dragon-like vertical pupils still gleaming with a gentle light. Toona's current posture moved it deeply: her wings stretched out so naturally, as if embracing the entire sky; her tail swayed gently in the air, drawing graceful arcs; most importantly, her scales shimmered with the pure, joyful luster of a young dragon, a heartfelt happiness that no amount of elaborate clothing could conceal. As an ancient dragon who had lived for eight hundred years, Toona had seen countless beautiful sights and experienced countless adventures, but at this moment, her posture exuded such genuine joy, as if she had rediscovered the meaning of life.
"Perhaps it's because I've found the right companion," it replied softly, its voice filled with genuine emotion. "A solitary journey, however beautiful, is just that—beauty. Like the most magnificent music, without an audience, it's merely vibrations in the air. But sharing beautiful scenery and feelings with a beloved dragon—that is true happiness."
Upon hearing this, Tao Na's scales began to subtly change color, gradually shifting from pure silver to a soft pinkish hue. Even dragon scales couldn't completely conceal this emotional expression. She deliberately swayed her tail slightly, folded her wings a little, and adopted a slightly shy posture: "When did your mouth become so sweet? Did you learn sweet talk from humans?"
As an experienced ancient dragon, Toona knew exactly how to interact with her young mate. Her "shyness" was actually a subtle performance; she deliberately tightened her scales to make their colors more vibrant; she gently curled the tip of her tail, an instinctive gesture among dragons to express joy and shyness; she even adjusted her flight posture, slightly tucking her four claws together in the air, showing a hint of unnatural tension. These seemingly naive reactions were precisely what made Casalos feel needed and valued—an ancient wisdom for maintaining a relationship.
Casalos is no longer the novice he once was. The pseudo-Laplace's demon has inherent limitations in its ability to foresee things, but its ability to deduce details far surpasses the understanding of ordinary beings.
But...who cares? Mei, Yongyong, I miss Mei, Kongni, Lin Zaizai, is she...?
"Perhaps it's the influence of some beautiful lady." Casalos blinked, the blinking of a dragon slow and captivating. "Love is said to turn the roughest warrior into a poet, and the most silent sage into a talkative one."
As the flight continued, the outline of the Velen Peninsula gradually came into focus before them. Toona adjusted the angle of her binoculars, gazing intently at the silhouette of Velen City on the distant horizon. It was an impressive fortified city, perched atop cliffs cleaved from the sea, like a masterpiece of nature carved into the coastline. The walls, constructed of dark gray granite, weathered and ancient by centuries of sea winds and rain, remained as solid as a mountain. The entire city, like an eagle's nest, overlooked the surging sea below.
Most striking is the harbor below the city, a natural bay nestled deep at the base of a cliff. Though narrow, it possesses exceptional depth, making it ideal for all kinds of ships to anchor and rest. At this moment, the entire bay is almost entirely filled with warships. The escort warships from Waterdeep are neatly arranged, their sailless steel masts forming a spectacular steel forest on the sea. These warships have iron hulls with a design style distinct from Faerûn ships, featuring wide deck platforms fore and aft, specifically designed to support the take-off and landing of dragons.
Even more spectacular was the scene in the sky: dozens of magical airships cruised orderly above Velen City, their hulls shimmering with a pale blue magical light, like glowing whales swimming in the sky. These airships also came from Waterdeep, and among them, numerous dragons soared. These were dragons from the outskirts of Waterdeep, their elegant silver forms shimmering like flowing galaxies in the sunlight, adding a mythical touch to the sea.
"It seems our kin have already turned this place into a vacation spot." Taona's voice came through the low murmur of dragon language, tinged with obvious mockery. "Darling, are you sure we haven't flown to the wrong place? This looks more like a dragon gathering than a city besieged by pirates. Or did you deliberately arrange this 'chance encounter' so I could see some old friends?"
Casalos let out a low growl, its vertical pupils narrowed slightly, and its tail flicked gently, creating a strong gust of air that nearly derailed Toona's flight path. Carefully scanning the sea surrounding the harbor through its binoculars, it quickly detected something unusual.
Hidden among several reefs at sea are many dilapidated and small boats, their sails adorned with the symbol of crossed skulls and scimitars, a classic emblem of the Nalanse pirates.
"Pirates aren't stupid enough to flaunt their power in front of so many warships," he replied, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "Right now, they can only hide in the reefs inaccessible to large ships, waiting for their chance like rats. But, Tona, if you think this scene isn't romantic enough, I can take you out to sea right now to dance a real dragon's wave dance, letting those sailors on those warships witness what a legendary spectacle looks like."
Upon hearing this, Toona suddenly performed an elegant sideways flight maneuver, her wings lightly gliding across Casalos's broad back, creating subtle magical fluctuations that sent shivers down the spines of both dragons.
"The Dance of the Waves?" She deliberately slowed her speech, her voice laced with obvious provocation. "That's just the prelude to our wedding flight ceremony. Are you sure you want to bring forward the grand finale of our honeymoon? I thought you'd be more patient and take me to find some other fun first, like... the treasure those pirates have hidden?"
Casalos's dragon mouth involuntarily curved into a smile. It could clearly sense the half-joking expectation in Toona's words and the warm aura emanating from her body, which stirred a sweet warmth within it, awakening the instincts deep within its dragon soul. That sense of ritual, the mark of Asgras on the continent of Faerûn, those ancient and sacred traditions, were so deeply moving to a dragon.
The Dance of the Waves is the courtship flight of true dragons on the sea, where two dragons intertwine and dance amidst raging winds and towering waves, expressing their love in the most primal and pure way; the Wedding Flight is the union ceremony of the dragon race, a sacred fusion that takes place at the highest point in the sky; the Co-construction of the Nest is the tradition of newlywed dragon couples jointly building their love nest... These rituals, which may seem barbaric and primitive to humans and even wild dragons today, become so delightful in Tao Na's company.
"Of course we'll find the treasure," Casalos said, deliberately lowering his voice. Goron's exceptionally gifted voice perfectly mimicked the dramatic tone of a human bard. "But first, we need to find out about these Neransera pirates. I've heard they've been operating in these waters for months, plundering numerous merchant ships and accumulating wealth that would make even the Tower of the Seas envious. There are even rumors that the ogre wizards of Ascatra are coveting their treasure. Don't you want to see what kind of goodies those chaotic and evil fellows have hidden away?"
Toona's wings fluttered slightly, a body language used by dragons to express intense interest. Excitement gleamed in her eyes, and the colors of her scales intensified. "Very well, let Velen be the official start of the fourth stop on our honeymoon!" She paused, a hint of smugness in her voice. "However, dear Ratambirol, don't forget the dragons' specialties. While we may not be as adept at uncovering secrets as bronze dragons, our songs are far more enchanting and captivating than the legendary sirens. We can create all sorts of atmospheric magical effects with our roars—whether it's bewitching enemies or boosting the morale of allies. Don't let my song distract you from your 'mission'."
52. Intelligence
Casalos let out a pleasant chuckle, a low-frequency vibration echoing in its broad chest, conveying a sense of satisfaction and anticipation. A deep, thunderous roar resounded through the heavens, yet carried a certain elegant rhythm, like an ancient war song drifting in the sky. It adjusted its altitude, its massive wings fluttering lightly in the sea breeze, preparing to land among the majestic fleet below.
Velen, as an independent city-state, maintained cautious political neutrality, but wisely accepted the military aid offered by Waterdeep in the face of the growing pirate threat from the Netherlands. Now, the entire port area warmly welcomed the visiting dragons, especially those clearly part of the reinforcements. Waterdeep's battle flag, with its silver dragon emblem on a blue background, fluttered in the sea breeze atop the port towers. Soldiers stood in neat ranks on the docks, their armor gleaming in the sunlight, their spears standing like a forest.
With his keen senses, Casalos could feel the familiar and warm presence around him. The dragons on the warships anchored in the harbor and the magical airships cruising overhead were mostly familiar faces to Toona and the "Ratambirol" identity. This seemingly accidental "coincidence" added an unexpected social dimension to their honeymoon and provided perfect cover for their upcoming adventure.
"The plan is simple," Casalos began, his tone relaxed and confident, a perfect blend of dragon-like majesty and merchant shrewdness in his voice. "We'll first rest for a while on the warships of Waterdeep. These ships should provide us with a comfortable place to stay, and we can also obtain more intelligence from the military about the pirates' movements. Then we need to carefully scout out those pirates' temporary camps. The raiders of the Netherlands are as cunning as foxes, but they have a fatal weakness: greed prevents them from straying too far from their spoils. Their ships must be hiding in some secluded bay or reef near Velen, waiting for their next opportunity to strike."
It paused, its golden vertical pupils gleaming with intelligence. "I will use shapeshifting to disguise myself as an orc or lizardman—these two races are common in pirate gangs and won't arouse suspicion. I will use illusion magic to create suitable cover for our identities, allowing us to infiltrate their camps to gather intelligence, find their treasure location, and locate their leader. And you, my beautiful Tauna, will be responsible for using your social skills in communicating with the pirates. You are adept at reading people and can use clever words and well-timed threats to get these outlaws to reveal their secrets willingly."
Taona nodded gracefully, her silver scales shimmering in the bright sunlight like jewels set in the sky. "Sounds like a good plan. But you must be careful. These pirates have held out for so long against the Deepwater City fleet's siege, which means they're not just ordinary outlaws. Perhaps there are experienced former naval officers among them, maybe even spellcasters, or perhaps other hidden cards we don't know about..."
Casalos paused for a moment, then grinned, revealing the cunning smile characteristic of dragons. "Are you worried my shapeshifting isn't realistic enough? Fine, Toona, since you're so interested, let's go together. But acting is acting, don't get so caught up in role-playing that you mistake me for a real orc and beat me up."
"Don't worry," Tao Na's laughter, clear and melodious like silver bells, drifted on the sea breeze, "I'll hold back a little when I beat you up. After all, you're my precious partner now."
As they spoke, the two colossal dragons began their slow descent, flying towards the largest warship in the harbor. That ship's deck was as wide as a plaza, its height as imposing as a fortress, and the flag of Waterdeep flew from its masts. On deck, sailors were already waving colorful flags, welcoming these two beautiful and distinguished visitors with standard landing protocol.
Two enormous dragons landed gracefully on the warship's wide forward flight deck, their massive bodies causing no burden on the vessel. The soldiers on deck immediately lined up in salute, their movements precise and orderly, demonstrating excellent military discipline.
A half-dragon officer in a dark blue uniform strode forward, a respectful and enthusiastic smile on his face. The officer was tall, his dragon blood endowing him with an imposing appearance and keen senses. He first bowed deeply to Taona: "Respected Madam Taona, the Third Fleet of Deepwater City is honored to serve you. Your presence is a great honor to the entire fleet."
Then he turned to Casalos, his tone warm: "Mr. Ratambirol, the wealth and opportunities your caravan has brought to Waterdeep have earned you the praise of the entire council. It's a truly unexpected surprise to meet you in Velen."
Casalos nodded in response, maintaining his composure: "Colonel Havel, it's a pleasure to see you again. We've come to Velen City for both our honeymoon and to familiarize ourselves with the local business environment. We've heard that piracy is rampant, which is significantly impacting trade routes."
"Indeed," Colonel Javier's expression turned serious. "These pirates of the Netherlands are more cunning than we anticipated. They no longer roam freely as before, but have established multiple temporary outposts in the reefs inaccessible to our warships, playing guerrilla warfare with us through the interconnected caves and underground cities beneath the islands. We have destroyed several of their outer camps, but due to our overwhelming numerical disadvantage, we have been unable to take their core."
Tao Na asked, "Where are their main areas of activity? Have you found information about the number of their ships and their armament?"
"According to our reconnaissance, they mainly operate in the reef area about sixty nautical miles southwest of Velen," Havel pointed to the distant sea. "They have at least several hundred ships of various sizes, from light sluices to heavy warships. What's most troublesome is that they seem to be fully aware of our movements and always manage to move in advance."
Casalos frowned slightly at the thorn on his brow. The half-dragon sorcerers accompanying the Third Fleet included prophets and illusionists, putting the pirates at a significant disadvantage in terms of magical power. The so-called pirate king of the Neransir Islands was merely a model-level warrior. If they had legendary spellcasters, they would have unified the islands and established a nation long ago, instead of being a bunch of scattered soldiers.
This leaves only one possible way for intelligence on the Third Fleet's operations to be leaked: that there are a large number of pirate spies in Wellington.
Well, this is actually a perfectly normal thing, but Casalos just instinctively hates it.
A young dragon emerged from the passageway designed for dragon movement, interrupting Casalos's thoughts. Her scales were a beautiful blue-green, and her eyes lit up with excitement upon seeing Toona: "Sister Toona! I'm Lyra, do you remember me? Your performance in Waterdeep was absolutely wonderful!"
Toona smiled gently. "Of course I remember, little Lyra. What position do you hold in the fleet now?"
"I'm in charge of communications and reconnaissance support," Leila said proudly. "According to the teachings of the Tide Singers, our Dragon Singer's sonic detection capabilities are extremely useful in naval warfare. However, these pirates are cunning; they'll use submerged gongs and hidden reefs and springs to interfere with our detection."
Casalos nodded thoughtfully: "Noise interference? It seems there are wise men among these pirates. What have they been primarily targeting lately?"
Havel replied, "Mainly solo merchant ships heading to New Waterdeep. These merchants often risk sailing alone to save on escort costs. The reconstruction of Baldur's Gate has made that route extremely busy, providing pirates with a stable source of prey."
"Our biggest concern," another officer from the Goron Group added, "is that they may be planning a larger operation. According to the prisoners' confessions, they mentioned some 'big deal,' but we haven't figured out the specifics yet."
Toona and Casalos exchanged a glance; this was exactly the intelligence they needed. Casalos said, "It seems we've arrived at the perfect time. As a business partner of Waterdeep, I have an obligation to contribute to the eradication of these pirates. Moreover, it's a necessary action to protect our shared commercial interests."
"If you're willing to help, that would be wonderful," Javier said gratefully, "but please be careful. These pirates, though greedy, are far from stupid. They must have some extraordinary abilities to have held out so long against our encirclement."
After a brief stop on the warship, the two dragons said nothing more and silently flew towards the reefs at the edge of the horizon. As the sun set, the sea was dyed golden-red, and the distant reefs, illuminated by the sunset, resembled sleeping sea monsters. Casalos's gaze swept across the shimmering sea, locking onto a hidden group of reefs where three dilapidated pirate ships were moored, their sails drooping, clearly awaiting the cover of nightfall.
Aside from the sea itself and the countless rocky islands of the Narancer Islands, there is nothing particularly remarkable about this place. None of the islands are large enough or densely populated enough to attract attention. The Narancer pirates seemed to live forever on their ships or in makeshift camps that could be abandoned at any time; they never established permanent settlements. The only permanent structures in the archipelago predate the arrival of these pirates, and these ancient ruins are scattered like mysteries across the islands.
This is the geographical reason for the rampant piracy in the archipelago. The natural barriers and complex terrain effectively prevented the Waterdeep City fleet from completely eradicating the pirates. Countless reefs, shoals, and hidden bays provided the pirates with perfect hiding places.
Casalos cast a complex illusion spell some distance from the pirate camp. Magical light danced between his fingertips, weaving a delicate visual deception. Moments later, the two dragons vanished, replaced by a small boat bearing the insignia of the Nalanthene pirate king. Though dilapidated, the boat was sturdy, and its sails were adorned with menacing skull designs—perfect for a pirate vessel.
Two figures sat on the ship: a burly orc warrior and a lizardman shaman clad in tattered robes. The orc warrior was covered in scars, carried a rough battle axe, and had a chaotic, evil glint in his eyes—a quintessential image of the Neransera pirates. The lizardman shaman, on the other hand, wore a worn robe beneath green scales, held a bone staff, and possessed a mysterious and cunning look in his eyes.
"Not bad," Casalos, disguised as an orc, murmured, discreetly scrutinizing Toona's disguise. "This female lizardman shaman look suits your style quite well. Remember, this plan is for me to provide illusionary cover, and you to extract information from the pirates."
Tao Na gently shook her bone staff, a dangerous smile playing on her lips. "Don't worry, I have plenty of ways to make these guys spill all their family secrets. And you? Remember how I taught you to walk? Don't give yourself away and let them see you're a dragon."
Casalos snorted at Toona's mention of her embarrassing experience with humanoid simulation and slowly steered the illusionary boat toward the pirate camp not far away. The boat rocked gently in the waves, making a realistic sound of wood rubbing together, leaving no room for doubt that it was an illusionary creation.
The camp was built on a seemingly uninhabited island, which was actually a disguised natural shallow harbor for small and medium-sized boats. The entrance was piled high with wooden crates and cloth looted from merchant ships. Several orcs were arguing loudly around a fire, chewing on half-cooked fish, and the air reeked of a nauseating stench. Casaloz's senses swept across the camp, confirming the absence of any high-level spellcasters, only a few low-ranking lizardman shamans and incredibly strong but simple-minded ogre warriors.
The sentries on the shore spotted the approaching boat and immediately shouted warnings. Several armed pirates jumped out from behind the rocks, brandishing various weapons and pointing them at the boat.
Casalos deliberately lowered his voice, then shouted in the rough, hoarse voice typical of orcs, "Hey! You guys don't even have a drink in this godforsaken place? I just came from Nermeher Isle, and almost got blown away by that damned storm! We're here to do business with 'Scorpion'!"
A scarred orc chieftain emerged from the camp, a wary glint in his eyes. He was tall and imposing, with a scorpion tattoo on his left arm—clearly the mark of this small pirate crew. "Who are you? I've never seen your faces before," he said, standing on the shore, his hand on the scimitar at his waist. Several orc henchmen surrounded him, their weapons gleaming in the firelight.
Casaloz leaped ashore without fear, grinning to reveal a mouthful of yellow teeth. "My name is Carlo, from the Bloodaxe Clan of Nemesera. I heard you have a big business here, so I came to get a share." He deliberately puffed out his chest, letting his battle axe swing on his shoulder, displaying the savage aura befitting an orc warrior.
Taona followed closely behind, her bone staff tapping the ground lightly with a deep sound. Her voice possessed a captivating charm, as if resonating from the depths of the soul: "Carlo is my guard. We are here on the orders of our clan chief to discuss a major business deal with your leader. We've heard you've recently plundered quite a few lucrative merchant ships bound for New Deepwater? We bring even more valuable intelligence."
The orc chieftain frowned, his gaze sweeping back and forth between the two, trying to find a flaw in their expressions and demeanor. However, Toona skillfully used her adept social skills, subtly hinting at the information they desired to hear while simultaneously demonstrating sufficient strength and value to make it difficult for these greedy pirates to refuse.
"There are some good loot, but you'll have to prove you're not spies sent by Velen or Waterdeep." He pointed to a cave deep within the camp. "The boss is inside tallying today's spoils. Go find him yourselves. But remember, any suspicious activity will get you fish food."
Casalos and Toona exchanged a knowing glance and strode deeper into the camp. The cave was dimly lit, the faint light of torches illuminating the mountain of spoils—gold coins gleaming, jewels sparkling, weapons neatly arranged, and even a few artifacts radiating faint magical energy. Casalos's iron dragon instincts caught the rich scent of metal, and a surge of excitement welled up within him: these pirate treasures stirred one of the dragon's most primal instincts. Twenty… no, the treasures of ten small pirate gangs would be enough as the dowry he longed for in his wedding night.
Deep within the cave, a colossal ogre wizard sat at a makeshift wooden table, gnawing on a half-charred piece of shark. Its skin was a yellowish-brown, covered in scars and tattoos, giving it an extremely ferocious appearance. Beside it stood a thin, lizard-man shaman, holding a tattered logbook, seemingly carefully checking some data.
Through careful observation and perception, Casalos confirmed that the ogre wizard was indeed the leader of the pirate crew. Although he appeared rough and savage, the shrewd glint in his eyes from time to time indicated that he was not a simple-minded, brute-force leader.
"Boss, someone's looking for you!" the orc sentry at the entrance shouted.
The ogre slowly raised its head, a dangerous glint flashing in its small eyes. "Who is it again? A bastard from Velen or a traitor from Deepwater?" Its voice boomed like thunder, making the entire cave wall vibrate, demonstrating its powerful lung capacity and intimidating presence.
Casaloz strode forward without flinching, his tone laced with the characteristic provocation and arrogance of an orc. "Kalo of the Bloodaxe Clan, I heard you have a big business here, so I've come to seek refuge." He paused deliberately, glancing out of the corner of his eye at Toona beside him. "This is my shaman companion; keep an eye on things so those two-legged sheep don't scam you."