Chapter 11: Demonstration
The morning is also bright in the harbour of the main city of Weselton, The Duke's fleet is readying itself for the three day journey to Arendelle.
On the flagship of the fleet, The Duke with some of his senior officers' walk across the deck while Vulcan is stretched out on a seat provided for him by the Duke, enjoying the early morning sun.
"Gentlemen," addresses The Duke, "by now our land forces are well on their way through the Sigvard Pass to Arendelle, they should achieve complete surprise when they attack as I know that Arendelle believes the only way they can be attacked, is by sea. Of course we have timed their departure with our own so that we arrive at Arendelle at around the same time."
A muttering of very good, excellent, comes from his officers, however one officer speaks up.
"Duke, what about the Southern Isles' fleet, won't we have to engage them in order to get to Arendelle? Their fleet is the finest in the lands."
"Yes they are my dear sir and our first task will be to take out the Southern Isles fleet which will undoubtedly be waiting for us in the Kronos straights. But as I will demonstrate, I don't think they will be as much of a problem as you believe. That is because they don't have what we have."
The Duke pauses and looks at Vulcan:
"My good sir Vulcan," he asks, "could you give these gentlemen a small demonstration of what you will do to the Sothern Isles fleet?'
Vulcan disrespectfully answers:
"And I was just getting comfortable, enjoying the sun, someone always wants me to show off, but for you dear Duke, I will oblige."
Duke, glares at Vulcan with disapproval of his tone of voice, but then smiles and turns back to his officers:
"Gentlemen, you will see that I have an abandoned ship anchored just to the starboard side of this ship."
They look and there is an old ship anchored in the middle of the channel, run down and completely abandoned.
Vulcan, knowing his cues, stands up and walks to the bow of the ship, removing his gloves as he goes.
"Gentlemen, I hope this impresses you, but really, for me, it's just child's play."
Vulcan Stands at the bow of the Duke's ship, he raises his hands above his head and they instantly seem to become engulfed with a bright red fireball. He then pulls his hands back and in a throwing motion launches the ever growing fireball towards the abandoned ship.
It crackles through the air and then when it strikes the ship, the ship explodes into flames and then sinks quickly below the waves.
"So," says The Duke, "do you think the Southern Isles fleet is so formidable now gentlemen?"
A resounding chorus of no's comes from his officers as they smile with approval and slap each other on the back, their confidence running high.
"Why thank you Vulcan for that impressive demonstration." Says Vulcan sarcastically.
The smile disappears from the Duke's face as he walks to where Vulcan has sit back down.
"Vulcan," he remonstrates, "I would appreciate a little bit more respect, and yes thank you for the demonstration."
"Duke, so do I," Vulcan replies a little angrily, his eyes glowing a little redder, "and remember, I will keep up my end of the bargain, but if you double cross me, well I'll see to it that you don't have a fleet either."
Once again the blood drains from the Dukes' face as he is a little scared of Vulcan and knows he has to tread carefully in his dealings with him.
"I will keep to our agreement Vulcan, you can trust me." He says nervously, but firming at the last few words.
Vulcan smiles returns to his comfortable position on his seat watching the sea go by, but, he suddenly feels a wave of sadness come over him as to what he will have to do to get to Elsa and whispers a little prayer, "Please forgive me for what I must do."