The Stonehearted Knight
Chapter 391: Edward’s inner turmoil

Chapter 391: Edward’s inner turmoil

Edward stood on the top deck, just beside the captain, and watched the sea burn.

’What kind of freedom is this? Is this what we are fighting for?’

The cries of hundreds of people dying filled his ears. He stood there in silence. There was no point in sharing his worries. The cheering crew atop their ship proved that others would disagree.

"With the fleet of the Southern Isles destroyed, they will have no choice but to agree to the King’s terms."

The captain cheered. It was his first campaign against a fierce foe. But he had won. Overwhelmingly so.

"The storm helped us but the bravery of our men has proven beyond doubt that the time has come for Asterella to rule the world."

Edward listened in silence. He was the only one on this ship who knew the storm didn’t come out of nowhere. He didn’t dare to gaze at the sky but he was sure the black clouds with golden lightning streaking within hadn’t moved away.

She had changed the outcome of the battle before it had even begun. Thanks to his proximity to Ericka, the Queen, he was privy to far more sensitive information than the seasoned Fleet Commander beside him.

The Strings of Fate had been in favor of the opponents. But the Divine Lord wished to conquer the Southern Isles. It would help him control all the seas between the eastern side of the continent and Wrixia.

’Without a Taboo acting on her behest, it would have been us burning and drowning at this moment.’

Each and every flap of Her wings caused destruction and mayhem. Edward, who had seen the petite and almost vulnerable appearance of the butterfly-winged Taboo, had trouble associating the massive death toll before him with Her.

"Onward."

When he heard the Fleet Commander’s order, Edward grimaced. The sight of so many meaningless deaths already proved hard to digest. Soon, he would have to witness even more death and destruction.

’When did I grow so soft?’ He suddenly wondered. He had been serving a Viscount who, though he claimed to be merciful, killed civilians on a whim. He had been part of a plan to overthrow the baron – now he knew how strong the baron really had been, he often joked inwardly to have dreamt of being a vermin wishing to destroy a dragon – and as such had caused the death of many. But lately, he had been feeling as if everything was for naught.

’We kill to win. We kill to change our fate. But in the end, are we truly free? All these soldiers cheering at being alive and having achieved a victory, won’t they just die when the Divine Lord desires them to die?’

Edward knew that an average man like himself didn’t get a say in his future. Whether it was a boss, a god, or a rule, he had to obey. And he obeyed. But part of him, a worryingly growing part of him, wished to be less...average. To be truly...free.

....

When their fleet reached the haven of the Southern Isles, the sight of the port dampened the mood of even the most cheerful of guys.

Before setting sail to this place, he heard the crew often discuss the sight of hundreds of massive ships entering and exiting this port. The bars had the best brews from all over the world. The food was a rich mix of every great culture in existence, past and present. And of course, the best women and men, from every nook and cranny, could be found here.

He had hoped to experience the richness of this place. But he had to have known better. After the Taboo had passed, nothing remained. Even the sea looked scorched, if you could believe it.

Silence hung in the air. It was like sound didn’t exist in this place.

Only the smell of ashes and burning dreams reached them.

The crew of several ships disembarked into smaller boats and paddled to the port. Despite protest from the Fleet Commander, Edward joined those who departed the ship he was on. He had come as Overseer.

His task as Queen’s Guard still stood. But with a Taboo present in their team, his role existed only in name. Only a Taboo could handle a Taboo. And from what he heard, none of the other Taboos had moved yet.

For some reason, most of the big wigs were waiting. For something. Edward had tried to probe what that something was, nearly costing him his head. In the end, he learned nothing. But he knew, once that something happened, the war would enter its peak. People like him would lose meaning.

...

Edward followed the men across the destroyed port. Nothing remained. Only ash swished here and there. They didn’t see any corpses. Not even a smear of blood. Everything had been turned into black dust, swirling with the gentle wind.

They didn’t rest. They had one task.

It was nearly half a day of walking before the black and gray gained color. The grass was dry. And the earth was cracked open. But it lifted the mood of Edward and the troops.

Another hour before they saw people. Loads of them. Waiting. For them.

They huddled together. Their heads remained lowered yet Edward felt thousands of eyes land on him. Perhaps the others felt something similar. From the corners of his eyes he noted the soldiers stiffen and turn grim.

"Lords of Asterella, welcome." An old man stepped forward. His clothes were torn into places and his hair was messier and dryer than the grass around. Truth be told, Edward thought he looked like a homeless beggar.

"We, the people of Everjoy Town, welcome you in our...no, sorry, in your new place. We vow to serve you in every way we are able to."

’Everjoy, huh,’ Edward chuckled inwardly as his eyes passed the faces of the people behind the old man. How ironic. Not a trace of joy could be found on any of these people.

"Are you the chief of this town?" Edward asked the old man, earning a toothy grin from him.

"No, Lord. The leaders fled when they saw the first lightning flash in the distance. As did the merchants. Those left here are the workers of the dock. And the people working menial jobs."

"And you?" Edward asked again. He had a feeling he had been right in his guess.

"I am the oldest beggar of the Southern Isles, chosen to beg for your mercy...Lord."