An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

Nathaniel’s fleet was caught in the deadly stretch of sea and was tossed by raging waves. Gigantic swells slammed onto the deck one after another, and each impact was deafening.

The ship rocked violently, threatening to come apart. Every groan of the wooden deck echoed the impending destruction.

A soldier was swept into the air by a giant wave. He flailed his arms in despair, but the wind swallowed his scream. He plunged into the sea and was swallowed by the whirlpool without much of a splash.

Nathaniel gripped the railing with all his strength. His knuckles turned white, his nails digging deep into the wood.

His bloodshot eyes stayed fixed on the chaos. Seawater mixed with sweat slid down his face and traced the hard line of his jaw.

raw. A young soldier nearby fumbled for the rope with trembling hands. Fear was written across his face, his lips

sooner had he spoken than a stronger gust hit. The whirlpool pulled him in, and the rope snapped. His scream ended abruptly as he vanished into the vortex. Nathaniel could

As long as we get through this whirlpool zone, we’ll be fine! “shouted a commander from one of the

finished speaking, a giant wave slammed into their ship and flipped it over. In just a few seconds, the entire ship was

much better. The soldiers on board were screaming

ship, with desperation in

only ripples on the sea surface as if nothing had happened. Time

storm eased slightly, Nathaniel looked around, and his heart sank. What had once been an orderly fleet was reduced to