On the third morning, the ships moved.Not toward us.Into formation.Seven vessels aligning in perfect symmetry, sails lowered but ready.A message without words.Time.Dominic stood at the strategy table when the harbor bells rang again.“They’re preparing to depart,” a captain reported.“Or preparing to escalate,” another muttered.I watched the map quietly.“If they intended force,” I said, “they would have advanced when Maren faltered.”Dominic glanced at me.“You believe they were measuring internal fracture.”“Yes.”“And?”“They saw cohesion.”He considered that.Then he gave the order.“Signal them.”Within minutes, Ardenthal’s own naval banners rose along the harbor walls, not aggressive, but visible.A controlled acknowledgment.Soon after, another rowboat detached from Cassian’s lead ship.He entered the war chamber drier this time.More certain.“I trust your internal matter is resolved,” he said smoothly.“For now,” Dominic replied.Cassian inclined his head slightly.“Th
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