Chapter 320: The Unveiling of the White Raven
Chapter 320: The Unveiling of the White Raven
The first golden rays of dawn broke over Raven Island’s horizon, casting a warm glow over the bustling shipyard. The air carried the scent of freshly cut oak, burning forge coals, and the salt of the sea. Workers were still making final adjustments, tightening ropes, polishing steel, and applying the last enchantments. Today was the day.
Seraphis stood at the docks, arms crossed, watching as the final preparations were made. Beside her, Lysara Blackthorne, the feared and respected captain-to-be, approached.
“Seraphis,” Lysara’s voice was sharp but carried a glint of curiosity. “You said you had something to show me?”
Seraphis turned, her white hair catching the light. “Not just something.” She motioned ahead. “Your ship.”
The First Glimpse
As they stepped forward, Lysara’s sharp eyes widened in surprise. Before her, docked in the waters of the shipyard, was the White Raven—a masterpiece of engineering, magic, and warcraft.
Its elongated hull, made of dark reinforced oak, gleamed with a slight sheen from the raven-etched carvings that lined its surface. The intricate engravings captured the very essence of flight and speed, as if a storm of ravens had been frozen mid-flight along the ship’s body.
At 120 feet long and 30 feet wide, it was neither the biggest nor the most menacing ship in existence, but what it lacked in size, it more than made up for in agility and lethality.
Lysara’s eyes trailed upward to the three towering masts, from which billowing black sails hung, each one rippling slightly even though there was barely any wind. Their fabric, woven from Nightweaver Silk, absorbed the morning light and almost seemed to blend into the sky.
A smirk crept onto Lysara’s lips. “You actually built it.”
Seraphis nodded. “Not just built. Perfected.”
Boarding the Ship
Seraphis led Lysara up the newly constructed boarding ramp. The moment Lysara’s boots hit the deck, she could feel it—the slight hum of magic running through the very planks beneath her.
“This entire ship,” Seraphis explained, gesturing around, “has been infused with enchantments. The hull absorbs kinetic force, making it resistant to ballista fire, magic blasts, and even collisions. It also carries a subtle stealth enchantment, allowing it to disappear under the right conditions.”
Lysara ran her fingers along the raven carvings, feeling the fine etchings beneath her touch.
“You made this ship for me,” Lysara muttered, more to herself than anyone else.
Seraphis shrugged. “I promised you a warship. And I keep my promises.”
The Deck & Combat Stations
Walking across the main deck, Seraphis pointed toward the ship’s weapons.
Lining the sides of the ship were four mounted ballistae, each positioned at key points for maximum firing angles. The bolts they launched weren’t ordinary—they were tipped with explosive runes, capable of piercing enemy hulls before detonating in fiery destruction.
At the bow, two catapults sat ready, designed specifically for launching alchemical firebombs. These bombs, crafted by the ship’s onboard alchemist, could burn even on water.
At the stern, a reinforced steel ram jutted out like a raven’s beak, ready to smash through enemy ships like a blade through parchment.
Lysara ran her hand along the hilt of one of the sheathed swords mounted on the railing. “I can already tell,” she murmured. “This ship is built for battle.”
Seraphis smirked. “That’s the idea.”
The Command Bridge & Captain’s Quarters
Next, Seraphis led Lysara to the command bridge. Unlike most ships, where the helm was left in the open, the White Raven had a partially enclosed command station, reinforced with mithril plating to provide protection against enemy fire.
The steering wheel, carved from obsidian and embedded with silver runes, was linked to a navigation system that adjusted automatically to ocean currents.
On the strategy table, a magically enhanced sea chart displayed their potential routes, tides, and even enemy movements.
“This ship practically sails itself,” Seraphis said. “But you’ll still need a skilled crew to unlock its full potential.”
Lysara tapped the raven-etched wooden chair behind the navigation station. “And I assume this is my seat?”
Seraphis chuckled. “Only if you plan to rule the seas.”
The Hidden Secrets
Seraphis led Lysara below deck, revealing the hidden compartments that made the White Raven more than just a warship.
Tucked beneath the waterline, concealed by illusion spells, were hidden storage spaces designed to:
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Store treasures and magical artifacts
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Smuggle rare goods past naval blockades
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Hide emergency supplies for prolonged battles
Lysara raised an eyebrow. “A warship and a smuggler’s dream? You’ve outdone yourself.”
Seraphis shrugged. “I figured you’d like some extra features.”
The Final Test
Returning to the main deck, Seraphis turned to Lysara. “There’s only one thing left to do.”
Lysara tilted her head. “And that is?”
Seraphis grinned and gestured to the helm. “Take her for a test run.”
Lysara didn’t hesitate. She strode toward the obsidian steering wheel, placing both hands on the handles. The moment she gripped it, the entire ship seemed to pulse, as if recognizing its captain.
Seraphis turned toward the crew, who had been standing at attention. “Raise the anchor!” she called.
The heavy chains rattled as the anchor lifted from the depths, and with a powerful gust of wind, the sails billowed out.
The White Raven glided forward, cutting through the water like a shadow slipping across the waves.
Lysara felt it. The power. The speed. The deadly grace of her new warship.
A slow smile spread across her face.
“This,” she murmured, “is going to be fun.”