Gun of Ashes

”This atmosphere really does feel like the Lower City District.”

Lorenzo stood on the dock, with the Morning Glow Advance moored just behind him. The massive vessel attracted the gaze of everyone nearby. The Vikings paused their work and watched these travelers who had come from afar.

”Indeed, although they’re two completely different places, this vibe, this feeling, strangely feels like coming home.”

Bola surveyed the area. From the facial markings of these Vikings, he could discern they came from different territories. There were men and women, young and old, each with their own intentions, all gathered in this Ice Bay.

Blood dripped, soaking the ground and spreading over the water’s surface.

A little distance away, a Viking released his grip, and a severed head rolled into the sea. The headless body stiffened for a moment before it was kicked over as well. The executioners wiped their daggers, glanced here from afar, then went back to their tasks. No one was alarmed by the man’s death, as if such occurrences were common here.

”That man committed a crime, he killed someone, so he was executed.”

Hebdo caught up, glanced at the ripples on the water, and continued.

”Ice Bay is a mix of all sorts, but it has the strictest rules. Those who break the rules will be punished... unless no one knows you’ve broken them.”

Hebdo told Lorenzo meaningfully, hoping that given Lorenzo’s nature, he would be more discreet should he decide to violate the rules.

”Sounds quite interesting, with ironclad rules, yet still chaotic,” Lorenzo remarked.

”It’s more accurate to say that because of the chaos, harsher rules are needed to keep order; otherwise, who knows what this place would become.”

Bola understood this well, seeing little difference between a gang leader and a king.

”From now on, we need to be careful. Froki hasn’t been in the territory for years, entrusting all governance to subordinates, who don’t hold the title of lord. There are too many people here with differing agendas—spies from other lords or certain groups, they’re all here.”

”This place is becoming more and more like the Lower City District. Are there any gangs here?” Bola inquired.

”I’m not sure, but there should be quite a few gang-like organizations. They use Ice Bay to smuggle and conduct shady business, some even under instructions from other lords, coming here to accomplish certain objectives.”

Hebdo’s words made Lorenzo and Bola grow even more excited. If they didn’t have a mission to complete, the two of them might have already plunged into this chaotic place to start their own empire.

”But why has no one come to greet us yet?”

Lorenzo looked at the dim city; the disorderly buildings extended to the horizon, built along the rising hillside. In the largest building halfway up the hill, one could overlook all of Ice Bay. Lorenzo guessed that must be Froki’s residence.

”Because things are chaotic inside Ice Bay right now.”

A voice startled Lorenzo. He looked in the direction of the sound to see a small fishing boat floating beneath the dock. The man’s face was painted in such a way that it was hard to discern his features.

”Foreigners from Ingwig, Ice Bay isn’t a good place now. You’d best leave quickly.”

Lorenzo fixed his gaze on the man, his thoughts racing.

”Who do you work for? Other lords? Or the king?”

It was clear that the man had been waiting here from the start, knowing Lorenzo and his group’s movements and identities.

”Since Lord Willgardson returned to Ice Bay a few months ago, he hasn’t appeared again. The official word is that he contracted some illness overseas and is under treatment, but the treatment has taken too long. Some say Lord Willgardson is already dead, killed by Galron, who has long since taken control of all Ice Bay.”

The man didn’t reveal his identity but explained to Lorenzo and his group the current situation in Ice Bay.

”So, the lords are getting restless, aren’t they?

The war is coming, and Ice Bay will only become more important. Whoever controls Ice Bay has the power,” Lorenzo continued the conversation.

The man smiled in silence, while Lorenzo turned his gaze to the unending architecture, sensing many watching eyes upon him, assessing him.

”The lords want to seize power, to divide and rule this land. This is a great opportunity...”

There was a commotion ahead as a group marched towards the dock. If Lorenzo guessed correctly, this was the team sent to welcome them.

”So, does the king want me to cause a scene here?”

Lorenzo looked at the man, displeasure rising in his eyes.

”We can’t let Froki die, so the lords are effectively opposing us, using Ingwig’s hands to eliminate these forces, and all of this has nothing to do with the king; even if there’s dissatisfaction or hatred, it will be directed at the outsiders of Ingwig.”

The man shook his head, steering his little boat away from the dock.

”I never said I was one of His Majesty’s people.”

”Actually, it’s an easy guess. Isn’t the king a lord too? The greatest of all Viking lords.”

Lorenzo watched as the man vanished into the sea fog, feeling the territory brimming with tension, lurking in the shadows, yet to erupt.