Ravenna awoke to the relentless desert sun pouring through the open window of her chambers. The oppressive heat of Jola Island clung to the air, making even the early morning unbearable. Dressed in a thin, sheer nightgown that clung to her skin, she pushed the sweat-soaked hair from her forehead and reached for the silk fan at her bedside. The rhythmic hum of her maids moving about the room was a familiar comfort as they prepared her for the day ahead.

  Once dressed, Ravenna inspected her reflection in the polished silver mirror. Her attire was both regal and practical, a nod to her station and the unforgiving climate. A sleeveless silk crop top hugged her torso, embroidered with intricate golden patterns that shimmered with the light. The deep royal purple of the fabric complemented her striking midnight-black hair, cascading in loose waves over her shoulders. A flowing, high-waisted maxi skirt completed the ensemble, its soft folds moving gracefully as she turned. The skirt featured discreet side slits, offering a hint of practicality for swift movement while maintaining an understated elegance. Gold jewelry—bracelets, earrings, and a thin circlet—added subtle accents to her commanding presence.

  After a light breakfast, Ravenna entered her study, where Hughes and Vice Knight Captain John awaited her. They rose from their seats and bowed respectfully before she gestured for them to sit. Spread across the table was a detailed map of Jola Island, marking key areas and potential vulnerabilities.

  Hughes began, his tone measured but urgent. "Your Highness, as per your orders yesterday, we have devised preliminary defense strategies. While we lack specifics about the enemy's size, we must assume they will outnumber us significantly."

  Ravenna nodded, her sharp gaze fixed on him. "Proceed."

  John leaned forward, pointing to the map. "There are three primary locations where enemy ships can dock: the southern port area, the eastern beach, and the western coastline. The port is the most obvious choice, as it is the primary docking point for vessels. However, the ongoing renovations give us a strategic advantage. The incomplete structures and demolished sections can be used to our benefit. We propose setting up obstacles—large rocks, submerged spikes, and oil traps—to slow their approach. Once their ships are weakened or immobilized, our forces can deal with the remaining attackers on land."

  Ravenna tapped her fingers on the armrest of her chair, considering the plan. "Go on."

  "If they aim for the eastern beach," Hughes continued, "we have a natural advantage due to the distance. It would take their forces several hours on horseback to reach the city. We could set up ditches, barriers, and traps to delay their advance. With the element of surprise on our side, this could reduce their numbers and potentially intimidate them into retreating. This also gives us time to send a messenger to the imperial palace for reinforcements."

  John took over. "The western coastline presents a different challenge. The narrow, layered rock formations create a natural bottleneck, which we can exploit. A smaller force of fifty to eighty knights and militia could hold them there, buying us crucial time to prepare defenses or call for aid."

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  Ravenna clapped her hands lightly, a gesture of acknowledgment. "Your strategies are sound, but new developments require us to revise them."

  Both men exchanged glances, their curiosity evident. Ravenna leaned forward, her voice calm but firm. "You’ve seen the new steam engines being constructed, correct?"

  "Yes, Your Highness," Hughes replied. "We based these plans before they were completed. We were going to suggest incorporating them into our strategies."

  "Good," Ravenna said, her tone sharpening. "Here is what we now know: the incoming force consists of a crime syndicate and a noble house working together. They are sending a fleet carrying approximately 500 knights and 300 mercenaries disguised as pirates. Along with their soldiers, they are transporting 2,000 slaves, likely intending to dispose of them here."

  Both Hughes and John visibly tensed at the revelation. The magnitude of the threat was now clear. John broke the silence. "A fleet of that size… It will be a significant challenge. Likely a dozen or more ships, if not more."

  Ravenna nodded solemnly. "Precisely. But here’s the crux of our strategy: I do not want to sink their ships or let them escape. We must rescue the slaves and assimilate them into our city. This means we need to disable the fleet without destroying it outright."

  Hughes furrowed his brow thoughtfully before speaking. "Your Highness, if I may, what about the crossbow design you showed me before? Is it complete now that the steam engines are operational?"

  A sly smirk curved Ravenna’s lips as she reached into her desk drawer and retrieved a crossbow, placing it on the table with a sharp clink. "If you hadn’t asked about it, Hughes, I might have considered firing you," she teased.

  Hughes chuckled nervously, glancing at the weapon. "Well, I suppose I asked just in time then. Does it work as you envisioned, Your Highness?"

  Ravenna leaned back, her eyes gleaming with pride. "Yes. These are spring-powered crossbows, capable of being preloaded with six small steel-tipped bolts, which can then be fired in rapid succession without needing to be manually reloaded after each shot."

  The crossbow was unlike anything John or Hughes had seen before. Compact yet sturdy, it featured a sleek mechanism where six bolts could be inserted into individual slots. The innovation lay in its use of pre-tensioned springs, which allowed for rapid firing by simply pulling the trigger repeatedly, eliminating the need for manual cocking after every shot.

  "This innovation," Ravenna continued, running her fingers along the polished wood of the crossbow, "was made possible because of the steam engine. The blacksmiths worked tirelessly through the night, designing a mechanism that harnesses steam power to produce critical components like precision springs and other parts needed for mass production. With this breakthrough, we were able to manufacture several of these crossbows within hours; they are working on producing more as we speak."

  John picked up the weapon, examining it closely. "These springs are remarkable. In crossbows, we rely on thin wires to store tension, but they lack durability and efficiency. These ‘springs’, however, can hold tension longer and with far greater reliability, if what is said here on the report is true. It’s an era-defining advancement."

  Ravenna nodded. "These crossbows are small enough to be wielded by a single soldier and lethal enough to pierce through most armors, thanks to the steel-tipped bolts. They’re also light enough to ensure mobility on the battlefield."

  John whistled low under his breath. "Steel-tipped bolts that can pierce armor and six rapid-fire shots without reloading... This could change the course of warfare, Your Highness."

  Hughes, however, wore a more cautious expression. "While the design is ingenious, there is one significant issue," he said, glancing between Ravenna and John. "We haven’t tested these crossbows in a live combat scenario. none of our soldiers have trained with them, using them in combat will be..."