Someone Else's Kingdom, BOOK II - Scene XXXVII

A large cannonball crashed through the side of the ship. Tearing limbs, the bloody shock and darkened panic terrifying the hearts and minds of the men aboard. Between the throbbing, churning sea and the pursuing Eastern Kingdom fleet there was no margin for hope. A black cloud passed across the orange sun, adding to the dirge. Not a battle, but an extinguishing. Ships crushed like beetles on the wet, quilt-like ocean surface. At once fracturing and smothering all life. Another flash of noise. The fires and smoke a last brief, but torturous cry of the living vessels, before their erasure by the sea.

Meanwhile, ships laid siege to the northern shores of the quaking Maiden Lands, not far from Fools' Harbour. Their troops cascading hard upon the land. A village ransacked. A pointed sword, a father's stomach; children fleeing in directionless terror. The speed too quick for response. The brave dispatched before their thoughts could reach for a sword. Across the sea King Kaspria stood looking out. He could not see the destruction he had ordered, but its effects were full to the desire. The invasion had begun, and his dominion at sea was vast and total.