NIMBUS AND THE KNIGHTS OF CENFERUM

Chapter 28 part 2

Lieutenant Ka nodded and plotted an upward course towards Peregrino. The pirate ship began firing its cannons, and soon the shots were hitting the ship's hull. Everyone ignored this; saving Cenferum's most modern ship was a priority. It had to be done, even if it cost the Brand itself. However, the pirates, besides having a great firepower, were fast—faster than the Brand itself.

— Commander, the pirates are dangerously approaching us; I believe they are going to board us — Lieutenant Wenra warned Adon.

The pirate ship was less than thirty meters away from the Brand and closing in.

— Damn it, they want to delay us with a deck battle. If that happens, we won't be able to reach Peregrino in time — Sir Adon said, with a heavy expression on his face.

— They probably want our entire ship; they're not even firing.

Nimbus, realizing that the moment of combat was approaching, decided to go to his master's quarters as ordered. Since he didn't want to interfere in this tense moment, he simply began to leave.

— Where are you going? — Valeros asked.

— Sir Lonios ordered me to stay in his cabin until everything is over.

— Stay here. Valeros is right; we can't afford to dismiss such a skilled warrior at this moment — surprisingly, Lonios looked at him and explained. — Today will be your baptism of blood, Nimbus.

Valeros smiled at Nimbus and Lonios, but it seemed that the atmosphere was too tense for them to reciprocate. Nimbus was terrified; he had never fought a real battle, but he knew he would have to kill or die. Lonios then pulled him aside and spoke, looking directly into his eyes. Nimbus knew that when he did that, it was a matter of utmost importance, and it sent chills down his spine.

— Nimbus, it won't be like our training sessions. Pirates are known to attack from behind, and no matter how good you've become with a sword, if they plunge a dagger into your back, you'll die just the same. — He paused a bit to ensure Nimbus was grasping what he was saying. — So, we'll act as a pair. I'll cover your back, and you cover mine. We'll walk back to back. Do you understand?

Nimbus took a moment to absorb this information and imagine how it would work in combat, but he understood perfectly.

— Yes, master, I understand — he replied, with a dry throat, perhaps due to the tension he was under or the anxiety of fighting his first battle, maybe both.

— Very well, let's go then. — Lonios flashed a smile, probably to try to calm the boy.

Nimbus noticed they would spring into action any moment now, as Adon and Lonios were at the door leading to the deck. Valeros was by his side, wielding his shield and sword, grinning like a boy about to start his favorite game. Elisis was further back, and he couldn't help but notice how stunning she looked in her combat armor, holding her bow and two arrows ready to be launched.

Realizing everyone had their weapons drawn, he unsheathed his longsword. When he pulled it from its scabbard, he felt its weight — a weight he had grown accustomed to carrying with great ease. However, why did it feel so heavy now? Was it the tension or the fear of what would happen? He didn't know, but it seemed to weigh a ton.

He glanced back, and Boagrius was at the bottom of the stairs, with two rows of men behind him disappearing into the lower deck. There were many, and on the faces of many, an expression of terror that Nimbus had only seen a few times in his life — the anticipation of a moment that could be the last. They clung to their last breaths, savoring every second of their existence, and everyone looked at them, standing at the front.