The respective crews of The Leviathan, The Gilded Swallow and the Hurricane had gathered on the beach placing lit lanterns on the water each for a fallen comrade. For the usually loud bunch silence reigned in respect for the dead. Some said a prayer and some made blood oaths for the fallen. Crashing Wave stood back with Crosswinds and Softstep. When Swansong had told them of Reaver’s betrayal each wanted to give him a taste of steel. Swansong a little ways away from them singing softly to herself. She had yet to speak of Bovir’s death and Crashing had even tried to find the minotaur’s body but to no avail. 

“So where to Cap?” Crosswinds grunted. 

“We take our fight to th’ mainland,” Crashing said his eyes not moving from the lanterns,” We’ll take th’ ships in through th’ river. An’ don’t worry ‘bout em fittin’ I’ll expand th’ thing.”

“Then we’ll need to go south,” Swansong said as she joined them,” The Fortress of the Moon has one of the largest slave reserves and it’s also surrounded by large bodies of water.”

“Ye sure yer up for it lass,” Crashing said,” I won’t thing no less of ye if ye want to back out.”

“No I won’t run,” Swansong looked out over the harbor her eyes cold,” I want to fight.”

“Then it’s settled gather th’ crews and’ begin ta make way. When we get to th’ river’s we’ll use th’ long boats.”

The captans nodded and started toward the longboats. On the horizon they saw a green flash of light. Each pony saw it. Softstep looked at crashing and caught him smirking.

“What was that?” Crosswinds asked.

“That me mates is the fury of a mare scorned,” Crashing laughed,” Looks like Thea is havin’ some fun.”

“One of your kin,” Softstep inquired.

“Aye an’ every bit as wild as me,” Crashing laughed,” Come on lads let’s get goin’.”
They loaded into the longboats and went back to the ships. They made it to the mouth of the Moonlit River by dawn. The crews prepared the longboats, loading them with provisions, blades, and powder and shot for their arquebi and hoofcannons. The ships were moored on the shore and some of the crew had stayed behind to guard the ships. When they were ready Crashing Wave dove into the water and led them through the river. For many of the pirates this was the first time they had ventured inland. They had heard of the war that waged between the houses and now they might just witness it. 

Bovir sat up with a groan, shielding the blinding sun from his eyes as he did so. His head was pounding, like someone had taken a mallet to his skull. He looked around. He was on a beach, washed up about what looked a mile from where his ship had sunk. The minotaur stood up and instantly regretted it as he emptied the contents of his stomach on the wet sand. Bovir whipped his mouth with the back of his hand. He looked over his shoulder and miraculously his claymore was still in its scabbard across his back. 

He walked along the beach, the only sound keeping him company was the tide and the seagulls. He made it to where Star Harbor had once been within the hour. Bovir stared wide-eyed at what had happened. The town had been flooded. He knew this had to have been Crashing’s work. The alicorn must have been furious to bring this kind of destruction. Bovir only hoped that Swansong had survived. His heart ached to the unicorn. They were an odd couple sure but she had saved his life when he was under the slavery of the Moon Guild. They had treated him like an animal but she had been different. She showed him compassion and was just as much a prisoner as he was. In time he taught her how to fight and the pair had worked together to gain their freedom. Bovir looked toward the Sea. His gut told him to follow the coast south and follow it he did.