**Captain's Log, Supplemental**
**Ironclad Roth's Defiance**
**Captain Jasmine Same Roth recording**
**Christening Date plus 94 days (estimated)**
The fleet follows the ironclad.
Waves carry us toward Albion.
Uncertainty lies ahead.
We press on.
The fleet followed Roth's Defiance westward through the northern seas, the ironclad leading the formation with its mana motors humming steadily beneath the hull. Jasmine Same Roth stood on the quarterdeck, cloak drawn tight against the biting wind that swept down from the polar currents. The sea had grown rougher as they moved north, gray swells rising and falling beneath the fleet as whitecaps broke against the bows of the galleons and ketches trailing behind. Roth's Defiance sliced through the waves with effortless power, the mana motors providing consistent thrust that kept the fleet moving steadily forward. The sailing vessels adjusted their canvas to match the ironclad's pace, their crews trimming sheets and shifting ballast to maintain formation without straining their rigging.
Jasmine watched the horizon where the North Eastern coast of Albion would soon appear, the distant haze hinting at land. Verdant rested in his reinforced keep amidships, wings tucked against the wind, his bond sending a steady pulse of vigilance and quiet reassurance. The lesser forest dragon had grown accustomed to the motion of the sea, his ancient senses attuned to the rhythm of the waves and the faint life-aether that lingered even this far from shore.
Sebastian joined her at the rail, hands still stained from the latest core check. "Motors running optimally, Captain. Core density holds steady. We can maintain this speed for days if the winds remain favorable."
Jasmine nodded, her gaze fixed on the northern horizon. "Good. Signal the ketches to scout ahead. We need to find a port near the eastern coast before we turn inland for my uncle's territory. The fleet requires fresh provisions and supplies before we attempt the overland journey."
Sebastian glanced back at the fleet trailing in formation. "The galleons are riding heavy with supplies. The barges are managing, but the refugees are growing restless. Many have never seen the open ocean like this."
Jasmine's expression softened. "I know. We've come far from Haven's Reach, but the journey is only beginning. Once we reach the port, we can rest the fleet, take on fresh water, and resupply for the final leg to my uncle's stronghold. The eastern coast is less patrolled, but we must stay alert. The Imperia is currently pressing in the Atlania islands, so these waters should be relatively safe for now."
Sebastian hesitated, then spoke carefully. "The crew is asking about what happens when we arrive. Lord Blackthorn may demand assurances before allowing us to land. And your uncle's territory is still several days' march from the coast."
Jasmine turned to face him, her voice steady with quiet conviction. "Lord Blackthorn will grant us passage once he understands our situation. My uncle has long stood against the Imperia and maintains close ties with the port lords. We bring news of the fall of Rothgard and the survival of its people. They will be welcomed. But we must approach with respect and caution. The coast is wild, and the local lords remain wary of strangers after years of border skirmishes."
Verdant rumbled low from his keep, the bond carrying a faint sense of agreement and caution. Jasmine reached out through the connection, drawing comfort from the dragon's ancient presence.
The fleet continued its steady westward and northward progress, the ironclad maintaining the lead as the northern seas grew colder. Jasmine remained at the rail for a long time, watching the waves and the distant haze that promised land. The next course of action was clear: reach the port near the eastern coast, resupply with the provisions and supplies needed for the inland journey, and prepare for the final approach to her uncle's territory. Every mile brought them closer to safety, but every mile also carried the weight of leadership and the lives that depended on her decisions.
The wind shifted slightly, filling the sails of the trailing vessels and pushing the fleet onward. Jasmine gave the order to adjust course slightly north, keeping the ironclad in the lead as they neared the northeastern coast of Albion.
The voyage continued.