Reborn as the Last van Ambrose-Chapter 120: Trouble at the Harbor

Grim sheathed his sword as the last traces of the Jiaolong disappeared beneath the murky waters.

"We should return to the others," he said to Huangyan and Lianna.

They made their way back through the flooded village toward the higher ground where the Obsidian Knights had taken Liona and the remaining villagers.

When she spotted them, visible relief washed over her face. "You’re alive," she called out, taking a few steps toward them. The Obsidian Knights followed the princess.

"The beast has retreated," Grim informed her.

Terran, the senior Obsidian Knight, stepped forward. "We counted seventeen survivors, Lord Ambrose. The village elder says at least a dozen were taken by the creature over the past three days."

Grim nodded grimly and turned his attention to the huddled villagers. Their faces showed a mixture of hope and despair—relief at their rescue tempered by grief for those they’d lost. An elderly man, stooped but dignified despite his soaked clothing, approached Grim.

"Lord Ambrose," he said with a respectful bow. "I am Kenrick, elder of what remains of Southridge. We are forever in your debt."

"How long has the creature been terrorizing your village?" Grim asked.

"The rains began five days ago," Kenrick replied. "At first, we thought nothing of it—just an early storm. By the third day, when the waters kept rising, we knew something was wrong. Then the attacks began."

A woman clutching a small child to her chest spoke up. "It took my husband first. He was trying to reinforce our home against the flooding when the waters just...rose up and swallowed him."

Grim surveyed the village remains. Much of it stood submerged, and what remained above water had been badly damaged by both the flooding and the Jiaolong’s attacks. These people had nowhere to go.

"The nearest town is Rockford, about half a day’s journey inland," Huangyan said quietly, anticipating Grim’s question.

Grim turned to his guards. "I need two of your men to escort these villagers to Rockford. Ensure they receive proper shelter and provisions."

The guards nodded in acknowledgment.

"And one of you will continue to the capital with a full report for the Empress," Grim continued. "She needs to know about the Jiaolong."

"It will be done, Lord Ambrose," Terran confirmed.

Lianna, who had been unusually quiet since their battle, finally spoke. "Grim, that creature knew your father. It spoke as if they had some history."

Grim nodded but offered no explanation. The connection between his father and the Jiaolong was something he didn’t fully understand.

Liona started to speak. "The villagers mentioned this isn’t the only settlement affected. There are reports of similar flooding and disappearances along the entire coastal region."

"All the more reason to continue to the Southern Port," Grim replied. "We need to assess the full extent of the situation."

As they prepared to depart, Elder Kenrick approached Grim once more. The old man’s eyes were moist with gratitude.

"Lord Ambrose, we have little to offer, but please accept this." He pressed a small object into Grim’s palm—a weathered pendant carved from blue-green stone. "It’s been in my family for generations. Said to be a scale from one of the ancient sea guardians. Perhaps it will bring you luck against the waters."

Grim looked down at the pendant. Its surface caught the light in a way that reminded him of the Jiaolong’s scales. "Thank you," he said, tucking it carefully into his pocket. "But your safety is all the thanks I require."

Kenrick shook his head. "What you’ve done here won’t be forgotten. When tales are told of Lord Ambrose, the Southridge folk will speak of how you faced down a water dragon to save people you’d never met."

The preparations were soon complete. Two of the guards organized the villagers for the journey to Rockford.

As they prepared to resume their journey, Grim noticed the floodwaters were already beginning to recede. Without the Jiaolong’s influence, things were going back to normal.

"A day’s delay," Huangyan noted, as if reading his thoughts. "We could still reach the Southern Port by tomorrow evening if we make good time."

Grim nodded. "We’ll rest here tonight and leave at first light." fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com

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Just as Huangyan had predicted, the flood had receded. Leaving the muddy roads viewable.

They made good time, the landscape gradually changing as they neared the coast. The scent of salt carried on the breeze that told them the sea was near.

By late afternoon the next day, they reached a ridge to see the Southern Port spread before them. Unlike the small farming villages they’d passed, the port was a bustling center of commerce. Ships of various sizes crowded the harbor, while the city itself was a maze of stone buildings and narrow streets.

"Impressive," Liona commented, taking in the view. "I’ve read about the Southern Port, but seeing it is quite different."

As they approached the city gates, they were met by a delegation led by a portly man in expensive clothing adorned with the insignia of the port authority.

"Lord Ambrose," the man greeted with an elaborate bow. "My name is Duval. We received word of your appointment as Imperial Defender of the Southern Shores. The city is honored by your presence." His eyes widened slightly as he noticed Princess Liona. "Your Highness! We had no word of royal visitation. Forgive our lack of proper ceremony."

"No ceremony is necessary," Liona replied graciously. "I’m here in an academic capacity, studying the coastal ruins."

"Of course, of course," Duval said, though he looked somewhat perplexed by a princess’s interests. "We’ve prepared accommodations for Lord Ambrose at the Warden’s Residence, which I’m sure can be expanded for Your Highness and your companions."

As they followed Duval into the city, Grim observed the activity around them. While the port appeared busy at first glance, he noticed subtle signs of trouble: fewer goods being loaded than the number of ships would suggest, groups of idle sailors gathered at corners, and an unusual number of guards patrolling the streets.

Once they were settled in the Governor’s residence. Grim requested a meeting with city officials to discuss the state of the region.

In the meeting room, Grim was joined by the harbormaster, the captain of the city guard, the Warden, and several merchant guild representatives. Their faces were grim.

"We’ve had problems, Lord Ambrose," Duval began once the doors were closed. "The unusual weather is only part of it."

"The Jiaolong," Grim said. "We encountered it on our journey here."

Surprised murmurs rippled through the assembled officials.

"You know of the creature?" the harbormaster asked.

"We fought it at Southridge village," Grim replied. "It retreated, but I doubt it’s gone for good."

The captain of the guard leaned forward. "That explains the storms and flooding, but not the disappearances at sea. Three ships have vanished in the past month—good vessels with experienced crews, on clear days with calm waters."

"And there’s more," added a gray-haired merchant. "The coastal ruins—the ones the princess mentioned—have been..."

"Have been what?" Liona asked.

"Glowing, Your Highness. Strange lights are seen at night. Sounds... Voices speaking in a language any of us recognizes."

Grim exchanged glances with Huangyan.

"When did these changes begin?" Grim asked.

"About a month ago," the harbormaster replied. "Around the same time, the ships started disappearing."

"And at the same time, the Jiaolong appeared," the Warden added.

"Lord Ambrose, we’re not sure what’s going on."

Grim’s hand unconsciously moved to the pocket where he’d placed Elder Kenrick’s scale pendant. "Show me these ruins," he said. "Tomorrow at first light."

As the officials filed out, Grim moved to the window overlooking the harbor. The sun began to set and for a moment, he thought he saw a massive shape moving beneath the surface—but it was gone so quickly he couldn’t be certain.