Rondlf jumped up.
His body launched from the deck of the broken vessel, soaring through the air, cutting through the rain. Behind him, the Black Knight followed a shadow in the darkness, a spectre of death, a silent presence that radiated power and menace. They landed on one of the navy ships, their boots slamming against the wood, their presence commanding attention.
Rondlf stood at the center of the deck, his arms spread wide, his voice rising like thunder.
"MEN OF THE ROYAL BRITISH NAVY!"
His voice echoed across the water, carried by the wind, reaching the ears of every soldier on every vessel.
"AS WE ARE BEING ATTACKED, THE RULER OF OUR GREAT KINGDOM WHERE THE SUN NEVER SETS HAS SENT US A GIFT!"
He paused, letting the words sink in.
"A GIFT WE SHALL USE TO DESTROY THIS SEA!"
He raised his fist.
"AND WE SHALL USE THIS GIFT TO RECLAIM THE SEA FROM THE HANDS OF PIRATES, VIKINGS, AND THE REST!"
His voice hardened.
"MEN OF THE ROYAL BRITISH NAVY AND ENEMIES THAT LURK IN THE SHADOWS LISTEN!"
As he said all this, his heart continued to beat rapidly.
It beat so fast that the sound was heard outside of his body a pulse like lightning and thunder, a drumbeat of conviction that echoed in the ears of every soldier who heard it. His chest rose and fell. His eyes burned. His voice carried the weight of a man who had found something to believe in.
"BEHOLD!"
He pointed to the sky.
"A MAN OF VALOR!"
His voice rose.
"A MAN OF HONOUR!"
He paused.
"BLESSED BY THE RULER OF GREAT BRITAIN!"
He looked at the soldiers around him at their faces, their eyes, their hope.
"IN THE DARK DARKNESS OF AGES, HE APPEARED TO SAVE US!"
His voice dropped.
"AND NOW HE HAS APPEARED ONCE MORE!"
He turned.
"BEHOLD!"
The Black Knight appeared.
He stepped forward his armor dark, his mask smooth, his presence overwhelming. He raised his sword in the sky, its blade gleaming in the storm-light, its purpose absolute.
He shouted out loud, his voice cutting through the chaos.
"I AM THE BLACK KNIGHT!"
in the space between the announcement and the acceptance, between the presence of the Black Knight and the hope that filled the hearts of the navy men.
Rondlf stood, his fist raised.
The Black Knight stood, his sword raised.
And the sea roared.