Matthias' fleet had just entered the mist-shrouded depths of the Eastern Sea, where lead-gray clouds pressed low over the horizon. Even the salty sea breeze carried a metallic, rusty tang.

Standing on the main deck of the Surgebreaker, he rolled a small white stone between his fingers while scanning the fog-swallowed horizon.

The three escort ships sent to scout the route had been out of contact for half an hour, leaving the supposedly safe channel marked on their charts silent and still at t