Chapter 162: Land Ahoy

The icy wind whipped at Lucian's face as the King's fleet finally scraped against the unforgiving northern shores. Gone were the days of salty spray and sun-drenched decks. Here, the air held the bite of winter even in the heart of summer, and the landscape stretched before them in a desolate tapestry of grey cliffs and snow-dusted peaks. "Well, lads," boomed Sir Gareth, his voice surprisingly jovial considering the biting wind, "welcome to the arse-end of the kingdom. Here, the only things guaranteed are frostbite and boredom." A chorus of groans met his declaration, but Lucian couldn't help but crack a smile. Sir Gareth, despite his gruff exterior and penchant for questionable humor, held a certain charm that kept everyone on their toes. "Alright, enough moping," Sir Gareth continued, clapping his hands together. "Land ho! We disembark on foot. This rebellion has dug itself in good and deep, and those fancy ships of yours won't be much use scaling those cliffs." The news was met