On the black shores

"Prologue"

"So boys, what did you see today?" Angela asked, placing the bowls of food in front of them. William eagerly took a spoonful of the hearty stew, savoring the flavors before answering.

William, his bright blue eyes shining with excitement, replied, "We saw a ship docked at the harbor, Mother! It was massive, with billowing sails and flags from distant lands. The crew was unloading crates filled with exotic goods. I've never seen anything like it!"

Corbin, his mouth full of bread, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and there was this man with a long beard and a weathered face. He had a map spread out on a table, and he was talking to some locals. Looked like a real adventurer, he did!"

Angela smiled, her eyes filled with warmth and curiosity. "Oh, how fascinating! Dove's Point may be a small town, but it seems we still get our fair share of excitement. Did you boys talk to the man? Did he say where he was from or what he was searching for?"

William shook his head, his straw-colored hair bouncing with the motion. "No, Mother. We didn't want to interrupt. But we overheard him mentioning a hidden treasure, buried deep in the jungles of a faraway island. It sounded like something out of a storybook!"

Corbin chimed in, his raven-colored hair falling into his eyes. "Yeah, and he said he was looking for a crew to join him on his adventure. Can you imagine, Mother? Sailing the seas, discovering hidden treasures, and having grand adventures!"

Angela chuckled, her eyes sparkling with a mix of amusement and concern. "Oh, my adventurous boys. It sounds thrilling indeed, but remember, we have our own responsibilities here in Dove's Point. Your father and I rely on you to help with the tavern and our trade. Perhaps one day, when you're older, you can embark on your own adventures."
Mary, William's mother, raised an eyebrow, her red hair cascading over her shoulders. She glanced at Corbin, a mix of skepticism and curiosity in her eyes.

"Black sails, you say?" Mary questioned, her voice tinged with intrigue. "That does sound quite unusual. Are you certain about what you saw?"

William nodded eagerly, his eyes wide with excitement. "Yes, Mother! We both saw it. It was unlike any ship we've ever seen before. It had an air of mystery and adventure surrounding it."

Mary exchanged a glance with Angela, Corbin's mother, who had joined them at the table. Angela wore a thoughtful expression, her dark hair framing her face.

"Perhaps there's more to this than meets the eye," Angela mused. "Dove's Point may not be known for adventurers, but that doesn't mean we can't be part of something extraordinary."

Mary sighed, torn between caution and the allure of the unknown. "I understand your excitement, boys, but we mustn't let our imaginations run wild. We have our responsibilities here, and we must focus on our daily lives."

Corbin's face fell, disappointment evident in his eyes. "But what if there's a chance for us to be part of something bigger, something beyond Dove's Point?"

Mary softened, placing a hand on Corbin's shoulder. "I know you both have a thirst for adventure, and I admire that. But let's not get carried away just yet. We'll keep an eye out for any further information about this mysterious ship, but for now, let's focus on our own tasks and duties."

The boys nodded, understanding the need for caution. They sipped their water, their minds still filled with the image of the enigmatic ship with black sails. As they finished their meal, the tavern buzzed with the usual activity of merchants, sailors, and townsfolk going about their daily lives.

Little did they know that the sighting of the black-sailed ship would ignite a spark of curiosity and set in motion a series of events that would forever change the lives of the Barrister family and the town of Dove's Point.
The boys nodded, understanding their mother's words. They continued to enjoy their meal, their minds filled with dreams of distant lands and untold treasures. As the tavern bustled with activity around them, the Barrister family found comfort in their second home, knowing that even in a small town like Dove's Point, there was always a hint of adventure in the air.
Before anyone else could say anything the alarm sounded, the most shrill bell in all of Dove's Point, the woman froze for a split second, then hurried the children to the back, just as a man with blonde hair scrambled in, looking shocked, it was Allen Barrister, William's father, he ran to his wife and son.

Each step. The atmosphere was thick with tension and a sense of anticipation. The townspeople stood in a hushed silence, their eyes fixed on Wraith Walter, the infamous pirate who had arrived in their humble town.

Walter's piercing blue eyes scanned the crowd, his gaze filled with a mix of curiosity and authority. He exuded an aura of power and danger, his presence commanding attention from all who stood before him. The clanging of his silver-heeled boots against the wooden dock echoed through the air, adding to the intensity of the moment.

As the silence lingered, Walter finally spoke, his voice carrying a weight that demanded respect. "People of Dove's Point," he began, his voice deep and resonant. "I have come seeking a crew, brave souls willing to join me on a grand adventure across the vast seas."

A murmur of uncertainty rippled through the crowd, mingling with the sound of creaking ships and lapping waves. The townspeople exchanged glances, their faces a mix of fear, curiosity, and longing for something beyond their ordinary lives.

Walter's gaze fell upon William and Corbin, the young boys who had first spotted his ship. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he observed their wide-eyed wonder.
Walter's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing through Allen as if trying to discern the truth in his words. The tension in the air grew palpable as the townspeople held their breath, unsure of what would transpire next.

"You dare to offer me such meager offerings?" Walter's voice boomed, his tone laced with a mix of anger and disappointment. "I am not one to be trifled with, Allen Barrister. You and your town have wasted my time."

Allen's face paled, his hands trembling slightly. "Please, Captain Walter, we are a small town, struggling to make ends meet. We have nothing more to offer. We beg for your understanding."

Walter's expression softened slightly, a glimmer of sympathy flickering in his eyes. He let out a deep sigh, his voice now tinged with a hint of resignation.
Walter's dark grin returned, a mix of amusement and anticipation. The crowd gasped in horror as they witnessed the sudden and brutal attack. Shock and disbelief filled the air, mingling with the sound of crashing waves and the cries of anguish from the Barrister family. The townspeople stood frozen, their faces pale and their hearts heavy with grief.

William's eyes welled up with tears as he clung to Corbin's mother, his body trembling with fear and sorrow. Angela, though shaken, held onto the boys tightly, shielding them from the chaos unfolding before them. The loss of their loved ones was a devastating blow, leaving a void that could never be filled.

Walter's dark presence loomed over the crowd, his words echoing in their minds. The realization of the danger they were now facing settled upon them like a heavy fog. The pirate's warning served as a chilling reminder that their lives would never be the same.

As the shock began to subside, anger and determination flickered in the eyes of the townspeople. They had witnessed the cruelty and ruthlessness of Wraith Walter firsthand, and they knew they could not stand idly by. The memory of their fallen leaders fueled their resolve to fight back, to protect their families and their town from the clutches of this menacing pirate.

As the ship sailed away, leaving Dove's Point behind, William's heart burned with a fierce determination. The loss of his family had ignited a fire within him, a thirst for revenge that could not be quelled. He knew that he had to confront Wraith Walter, to seek justice for his loved ones and to ensure that no other family would suffer the same fate.

With a heavy heart, William turned to the villagers who had witnessed the tragedy unfold. Their expressions of shock and horror had transformed into a shared resolve. They, too, felt the weight of loss and the need for retribution. The memory of Allen and Mary Barrister would forever be etched in their minds, fueling their determination to stand up against the pirate who had brought devastation to their town.