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Salt and Blood - Chapter 95 (Book 2 Start)
<< Chapter 94| Table of Contents| Chapter 96>>2.01 - Conquest of VengeanceMen often make terrible decisions in the throes of grief. Nothing causes more grief than the loss of a child. That’s why I think rulers should always lead their armies, instead of sending their sons to do it in their stead…-Excerpt from ‘Power and Influence: How to Run a Nation’ by Sea-Emperor Vadaris Neptuna“Rose! Think about this for a second,” her uncle yelled after her as she ran down the staircase.There wa...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 94
<< Chapter 93| Table of Contents| Chapter 95>>1.94 - News from HomeWhat’s worse than travelling somewhere only to find it isn’t the place it was the last time you were there?-Excerpt from ‘Silversea Saga’ by Norris HowellShe rose early the next day, before the sun. The girl was nowhere to be seen when she entered the reception but the chef was in the dining room.“Morning lass, breakfast today is doori sausage, eggs, and potatoes. Extra potatoes?” he asked with a laugh. “You seemed ...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 93
<< Chapter 92| Table of Contents| Chapter 94>>1.93 - The Tides of WarA war is much like a stone balanced at the top of a cliff. It might seem precariously perched, but as long as it isn’t disturbed it can remain sitting there unmoving, forever. But the moment it receives even the gentlest push, it will become an unstoppable force that gathers more and more momentum the closer it gets to the bottom until it eventually shatters. And that single falling stone can set off more and more…-Excerpt ...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 92
<< Chapter 91| Table of Contents| Chapter 93>>1.92 - Trouble in GreengateNothing stirs up unrest like the threat of war. Then again, nothing brings people together like the promise of war. Humans are never satisfied, but they are bloodthirsty.-Excerpt from ‘Trawling the Sunken Histories’ by various contributorsWhat bad news could the man possibly have for her? Other than their contract to ferry her here and the promise of further transport, they had barely spoken.Rose had already dealt with ...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 91
<< Chapter 90| Table of Contents| Chapter 92>>1.91 - Return to Emerlan IsleThere’s no place like home-Excerpt from ‘The Mage of Zo’ by unknown authorRose had managed to save up quite a bit of gold during their adventures. Clearing a couple of convergences would do that for you.Saying goodbye to Yasmin had been difficult, but she made her promise to come and visit when she was ready. That might take a while, but she wasn’t the kind of girl to go back on her word.She’d given her a leathe...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 90
<< Chapter 89| Table of Contents| Chapter 91>>1.90 - AftermathThere’s no feeling more hollow than walking away from a battle where you lost an important comrade. But getting used to that sting is what separates the best pirates from the rabble.-Quoted from Castell SaltbeardRose suddenly felt her stomach drop. Nothing had changed—her and Felix were still being dragged through the ocean by Yasmin, the woman refusing to stop for even a second.Despite that, she knew what had happened. Felt it de...
December update!!
Good evening all of my wonderful patreons. Thank you for continuing to support my writing. The backlog has been steadily increasing thanks to the extra releases you get over here, which means those in my 10$ tier now have a whopping 26 chapters ahead of RoyalRoad's free release. Given the numbers, I thought it was time to make the 5$ tier a little juicier and so I've bumped up the number of advance chapters to 10! Have a wonderful festive season and happy reading!PS. Stay tuned for a hug...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 89
<< Chapter 88| Table of Contents| Chapter 90>>1.89 - Descent of BlightIf you venture deep enough into the tide you’ll learn the truth of this world. You might even get to claim a slice of it for yourself, but power never comes without a cost.-Excerpt from ‘Charting the Tide: Beyond Bathypelagic’ by various contributorsThe air itself was set aflame as the dark sun met the flames of the Shadow King. Chester’s blade crashed against Trent’s cutlass. Despite wielding the more powerful weapo...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 88
<< Chapter 87| Table of Contents| Chapter 89>>1.88 - Dark Flames of JusticeFire is a versatile weapon. You’d think it had no place at sea, but it somehow seems to thrive. When the tide itself is your fuel, there is little that can snuff you out.-Excerpt from ‘A Study of Arcane Flames’ by Professor GoldsparkThe vice admiral’s sword struck the serrated edge of Sevalon’s Revenge like a meteor falling from the starry sky above. Trent grunted with exertion as his arm bent backward.Fighting ...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 87
<< Chapter 86| Table of Contents| Chapter 88>>1.87 - Royal DecreeI had the good fortune to witness a bathypelagic warrior unleash his most powerful skill upon a sea monster once, while he was escorting me to a recently discovered island. I believed that having reached the epipelagic tier in a few of my own skills I might not be too much weaker. Let’s just say I’m very glad I’m not a sea monster…-Excerpt from ‘Adventures in the Belanus Cluster’ by Professor VaumirVice Admiral Chester ...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 86
<< Chapter 85| Table of Contents| Chapter 87>>1.86 - Chasing SunbeamsRule through the fear of your wrath or the love of the masses—which supersedes the other? I’d argue that the most effective rulers employ both, whether they admit it or not.-Excerpt from ‘Power and Influence: How to Run a Nation’ by Sea-Emperor Vadaris NeptunaTrent drew his enchanted leather trench coat from his inventory, wrapping it around himself in one smooth motion. He’d wanted Branmore to see the difference betw...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 85
<< Chapter 84| Table of Contents| Chapter 86>>1.85 - Herald of the Shadow ForgeWhy do they call him the Shadow King you ask? Clawhand whispered, a shiver running down his spine. “Because even the sun runs in fear when he sets sail…”-Excerpt from ‘Street Myths of Minenblum’ by various authorsBANG.The clap of a pistol rang out across the ocean, drowning out the chopping of the waves for a brief moment. Rose watched as Saff’s corpse collapsed, finally putting an end to this nightmare.Th...
A tempting offer...
Hey all, I've been working on a new story recently and I wanted to ask if any of you would like to help me out by beta reading it? Given that you're already fans of my writing I figure you are best suited to ask!Unlike Salt & Blood the new story will be a Xianxia transmigration story, so if you aren't familiar with the genre then sorry but it may not be that helpful to me.However, if you are willing to read through the opening 20-25k words and give me some detailed feedback then I...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 84
<< Chapter 83| Table of Contents| Chapter 85>>1.84 - Desperation Drowns All HopeA true man knows when he can no longer run from his fate. Giving in doesn’t make you weak; a true hero makes the most of the cards he is dealt.-Excerpt from ‘Silversea Saga’ by Norris HowellTrent wasn’t sure what to make of his current situation. When the commodore had sprung his trap and sealed him in a coffin of fire, Trent had given up the idea of escape.The man’s flames weren’t lethal to him, despite ...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 83
<< Chapter 82| Table of Contents| Chapter 84>>1.83 - Bringing in the Big GunsYou know, when bullies feel threatened they always have a bigger bully to call. It’s a hilarious law of the world. Try pushing a bully too far and see what they do. I guarantee you won’t be surprised.-Excerpt from ‘Power and Influence: How to Run a Nation’ by Sea-Emperor Vadaris NeptunaThe orange flames crackled and roared as they twisted into a cyclone of burning fury that threatened to incinerate her captain. ...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 82
<< Chapter 81| Table of Contents| Chapter 83>>1.82 - Thorns of the Ocean RoseRoses can be deadly, but rarely hold malice. A flower can’t move to strike you, but when we cut ourselves on its thorns we immediately cast the blame outwards. Often the most beautiful flowers bear the most sorrowful fates.-Excerpt from ‘Tale of a Broken Heart’ by Ilias FairflowerYou have forged a Soulbound Treasure!Divine Serpent’s Lure ★27Beast/Divine AspectForged with the divine power of Sylack, a simple fi...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 81
<< Chapter 80| Table of Contents| Chapter 82>>1.81 - A Father’s FuryNothing can stand in the way of a father when his child has been hurt. No weapon, no arcane force. There is a special kind of power that love holds, one that can bend even fate to its whims.-Excerpt from ‘Studies of the Enigmatic’ by Professor Paralon, the Mad ScholarSimon Everblue had been a fisherman for as long as he could remember. His father taught him how to care for a rod, weave a net, and ensure his boat was always...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 80
<< Chapter 79| Table of Contents| Chapter 81>>1.80 - Catastrophic ConsequencesThere is no sin greater than to turn your blade against a friend, or worse—your family. There is a special place in the abyss reserved for traitors and mutineers.-Quoted from Prince Kaldex, deceased heir to MinenblumIt was only then Rose noticed how pale Nasar was. Far more than he’d been when the spear first pierced his gut.She stared through the hole in his head at the man who’d fired the shot. He wasn’t even...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 79
<< Chapter 78| Table of Contents| Chapter 80>>1.79 - Sublime SoupIn every profession, there is a point at which an artisan will create the greatest work of their lifetime. It could happen at the start of your career, which would be rather depressing as you try your entire life to match it. Or it could be right before your death. Either way, it’s important to share that masterpiece. Great art is only great when it can be appreciated.-Excerpt from ‘Artificers & Artisans: The Endless Mountain...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 78
<< Chapter 77| Table of Contents| Chapter 79>>1.78 - Toughest Opponent YetOften there’s not much you can do except close your eyes and think of home…-Excerpt from ‘Silversea Saga’ by Norris HowellRose clutched her ears with blood-soaked hands. The explosion had shattered one of her eardrums and a stray plank had almost taken her head off. By pure chance a wave had knocked her off her feet and saved her from decapitation.Her vision slowly returned but there was a white film covering every...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 77
<< Chapter 76| Table of Contents| Chapter 78>>1.77 - Splintered DreamsA ship hasn’t been lost until she’s been claimed by the ocean depths. If you can still carry even a single plank back to shore, then her soul will live on.-Quoted from Elmer Saff, of Saff & CompanyNasar looked on as his oldest friend and twice-Captain rushed out to meet the upstart Commodore in battle. He remembered how Saff had practically soiled his pants when they fought against the Prince’s men. And yet now the boy w...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 76
<< Chapter 75| Table of Contents| Chapter 77>>1.76 - The Price of ArroganceSure, you can tame a beastie and take it into battle, but that seems like a waste of time when a sturdy cutlass and a little practice is just as lethal.-Excerpt from ‘Charting the Tide: A journeyman’s guide to skills and occupations’ by various contributorsYasmin began to hum a melancholy tune. It was a shanty from her homeland, a country that no longer existed in this world.With a thought, she sent out dozens of in...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 75
<< Chapter 74| Table of Contents| Chapter 76>>1.75 - Party on LibertyThere’s little the opposing crew can do once you start boarding their ship. As long as you have the numbers, the battle is as good as won.-Excerpt from ‘Silversea Saga’ by Norris HowellRushing back onto the main deck, she saw dozens of metal hooks had been tossed over the side of the wooden railings and were pulled taut. Ropes led from the hooks towards the three ships still approaching.As she watched, dozens of navy men ...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 74
<< Chapter 73| Table of Contents| Chapter 75>>1.74 - Relentless PursuitThey say humans are endurance hunters. Not the fastest or strongest predators, but just stubborn bastards who can keep chasing you down until you grow tired enough to make a mistake. Then we’ll strike.-Excerpt from ‘The Conquest of Humanity’ by Professor FilligrumpRose slammed into the deck and had the wind knocked from her lungs. Gasping for breath as her vision faded in and out, she saw stars dancing in her eyes and s...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 73
<< Chapter 72| Table of Contents| Chapter 74>>1.73 - The Radiant WallPirates are the rotten scum of this world. Polluting the seas with their vile breath, ways of ill-repute, and villainous deeds. I will not rest until I’ve wiped every last blasted buccaneer from the beautiful oceans.-Quoted from Prince Terrath of Dawncrest“That evil woman!” cried Felix as he burst into Rose’s cabin and rushed towards her. “What was she thinking, throwing you at a ship full of bloodthirsty pirates by y...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 72
<< Chapter 71| Table of Contents| Chapter 73>>1.72 - You’ve got two hands, so use them!If you ever see strange islands at sea, ones that don’t appear on any map—avoid them at all costs. I know the temptation of discovery and treasure is powerful, but your life is more important.-Excerpt from ‘Guide to Getting Rich at Sea’ by Quiccash GoldentoeThe force of the explosion threw her into the ocean and her face slammed into the water. It felt hard as stone and she barely clung to consciousn...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 71
<< Chapter 70| Table of Contents| Chapter 72>>1.71 - Mansville RedhawkThey came in the dead of night. Our once beautiful village was reduced to a charred ruin… Not even the cattle were spared. I only survived because I was out in the fields when the Swordshark Pirates raided the village. But my wife…-Quoted from a survivor of a Swordshark Pirates coastal raidShe felt the wind blast her face from the speed of his strike before her brain registered the move. However, she’d grown used to the ...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 70
<< Chapter 69| Table of Contents| Chapter 71>>1.70 - Fishing FanaticI tell you, once you know how to use it properly, there’s nothing a well-cared for fishing rod can’t do.-Excerpt from ‘The Art of Fishing’ by Salomon TzuAs the tangled ball of whirling arms and legs drew closer, Redhawk realised it was actually a teenage girl. Where the hell had she come from?One moment the sky was clear and the next it was raining kids… His eyes widened as he realised the flying girl had come from the...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 69
<< Chapter 68| Table of Contents| Chapter 70>>1.69 - Blood TiesYour family are the most important people in the world. Conversely, they’re also the bastards that will kick you hardest when you’re down. Just make sure they never see you resting.-Quoted from Branmore Saff, Commodore of the Minenblum Royal NavyTrent narrowed his eyes at Yasmin. She squirmed under his gaze but quickly composed herself with a cough. “It’s too late to explain, sorry. We might have an enemy ship approaching fro...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 68
<< Chapter 67| Table of Contents| Chapter 69>>1.68 - Voyage of the DamnedOnly those who are touched by fate remain unaware of how catastrophic it can be for us regular folk. I guess it’s hard to think about the downsides of being one of the tide’s chosen when it’s showering you with its gifts. It’s a pirate’s life for me, but that doesn’t mean I want to spend every day living in suspense.-Excerpt from ‘Observations on Fate and the Tide’ by King Dadaris, former Captain of the Gold...
