After days of hiding and being hunted, the ship carrying Freeze, Rain, Elias, and Hawk-Eye finally reached the capital. Their journey had been fraught with danger, as they braved sea storms and checkpoints, but they succeeded in arriving undetected.
Inside a small tavern on the outskirts of the capital, the four sat around a worn wooden table.
Elias, placing his hand heavily on the table: "We survived, but for how long? I don't think the Empire's eyes will overlook us for long."
Hawk-Eye, with calm caution: "We cannot stay in the shadows forever; we must move."
Freeze glanced at his companions before placing a small map on the table.
Freeze: "Our next step is clear... we must send ships to the Kingdom of Peace."
Everyone looked at him in astonishment.
Rain: "The Kingdom of Peace? Why?"
Freeze: "Because this is part of Valerian's agreed-upon plan."
Silence reigned for a moment before he
added in a more serious tone:
Freeze: "Valerian devised a plan that depends on moving some important elements to the Kingdom of Peace, away from the Emperor's eyes. Then, ships will come with men from there. We are here to execute it."
Hawk-Eye inquiring: "And what will we be moving?"
Freeze nodded, staring at the map. "Things that will change the balance of power... and perhaps the fate of the entire Empire."
Features of concern appeared on Rain's face, but he knew Freeze would not take such a step without a strong reason.
Rain: "If we are going to do this, we must move quickly. We have enemies everywhere."
Elias: "And what about the ships?"
Freeze smiled confidently: "I have someone who can arrange that."
Everyone knew this mission might be the most dangerous step they had taken so far, but there was no room for retreat. The real game had begun.
Elsewhere, inside a room shrouded in shadow... Declan was talking to Kayden about the man who stands behind the scenes, the story of Freeze's rise, or what people know of it:
"At a time when trade was divided among multiple groups of merchants, a new merchant appeared in the market. This merchant dealt in ordinary goods, such as vegetables and bread. Over time, no one understood how his trade flourished so quickly. Instead of being satisfied with trading in villages, he began using sea routes to trade between countries and capitals.
This shift was extremely dangerous, as the government was busy with state affairs and paid little attention to maritime fields or pursuing the pirates who followed him.
Despite everyone's expectation of his failure, as happened with others, his crew continued to expand tremendously, reaching multiples of what he started with.
Later, Freeze began securing goods between countries and providing secret sea travel services, ensuring safety for passengers. It is said he also traded in weapons and contraband, but no one could prove it against him. In fact, pirates themselves began to avoid ports for fear of facing him.
Rumors circulated that his crew consisted of pirates he convinced to join him, and perhaps Harry was one of them. Although this rumor is very weak, because pirates are known in the ports, and none of them were seen in his company.
For these reasons, the government feared his rebellion against it, especially in light of his rapid growth; he came to possess a crew equivalent to a quarter of a military fleet."
Kayden replied in wonder at the influence and power of this person: "And this person is Freeze."
Declan replied with confirmation: "Yes."
Kayden: "Fine, I will go to hear the story from him now."
Declan: "Do you know where he went fleeing from the ship?"
Kayden replied with a smile: "According to my knowledge of him, he will start executing the plan now. Our next destination will be the capital."
Under a tree where faint sunlight filtered through the branches, Fiona stood looking at Kayden in silence. She knew the moment of parting had come, though she was not ready for it.
Kayden in a quiet voice: "I will not be gone long... but the capital will be fraught with danger."
Fiona reached out and gave him a small necklace bearing an ancient symbol.
Fiona: "Take it with you... it may not help you in battle, but it will remind you of who always stands behind you."
Kayden looked at the necklace, then smiled gratefully as he hung it around his neck.
Kayden: "When I return... everything will be different, I promise."
She stepped closer to him, then said with a hint of sadness in her tone:
Fiona: "Just do not change... do not let the war steal your purity from you."
Kayden leaned down slightly, then placed a soft kiss on her forehead, and whispered:
Kayden: "Goodbye, Fiona."
A few hours later, Kayden met with Eugene, Michel, and Mariana, and they mounted horses toward the capital. The journey was long, passing through abandoned villages and eerie forests, but they did not stop much, for the appointment with Freeze could not tolerate delay.
When they arrived at the capital, Marcus and his soldiers were waiting for them inside an abandoned building adjacent to the back market. The four entered with cautious steps, but Marcus greeted them with a tired smile.
Marcus, looking at Kayden: "I did not expect you to come so quickly."
Eugene, responding firmly: "The plan is moving... and we no longer have the luxury of delay."
Marcus and Kayden exchanged greetings, then he led them through a narrow passage until they reached a secret underground corridor leading to an abandoned pier. There, a small ship was waiting for them, an old flag bearing the silver eagle emblem fluttering on its mast.
Marcus: "Rain told me everything. Freeze is there, waiting for you. But before we board, you must know something... the capital is not as it was. Enemies are in every corner, and eyes are watching us even from the shadows."
Kayden, with confidence, taking steps forward: "I came to change that."
On board the ship, Freeze stood looking toward the horizon, with Rain, Hawk-Eye, and Elias behind him. When Kayden and the others boarded, Freeze turned slowly. His eyes met Kayden's, then he smiled.
Freeze, extending his hand to Kayden: "Welcome to the young man who challenged the Empire."
Kayden, shaking hands with Freeze: "And welcome to the man who confused it."
Freeze, placing his other hand on his chin and looking mysteriously: "It seems you have learned some things, boy."
Then Freeze continued seriously: "Well, Kayden... let's get to work.".
Kayden (seriously): "Don't you think you should tell me something?"
Hawk-Eye intervened, pushing back his hood, saying: "Let me tell you the whole story, Kayden."
Hawk-Eye approached Kayden and removed his leather mask, revealing the face of a man exhausted by the days, but still carrying a spark in his eyes that had not been extinguished.
Harry (Hawk-Eye): "My real name is... Harry. I am your uncle, Kayden."