Williams

CHAPTER 14: THE PRISON ESCAPE

As Emily stepped into the room, the darkness that seemed to saturate the space immediately struck her. The walls were painted in deep colours that seemed to absorb the light, creating an almost oppressive atmosphere. Paintings of pirates from centuries ago adorned the room, their fierce expressions and colourful costumes appearing to come alive in the dim light. The display of collectable animal sculptures caught Emily's attention as she looked around the room. The sight of these lifelike creatures sent a shiver down her spine, making her feel uneasy and on edge. Despite the beauty of the room's décor, Emily couldn't shake the feeling that something was off in this space.

Sybill caught Emily's gaze as he noticed that she wasn't wearing the dress she had been given. He gestured for her to take a seat, but said nothing about her not wearing the gown. Sybill was not one to talk much, and he said, "Eat."

Upon looking at the dishes, Emily found them quite appetizing. She reached out for the chicken soup, which was covered with leaves. She took a scoop with the wooden spoon and was filled with a sense of homesickness right away. She knew that her late mother would have made something as delicious.

"I must say, your chef is quite skilled. I'm sure you didn't have to keep her hostage for her exceptional cooking abilities."

He sighs "I won't put it like that, I have people across the seas also."

"Umm, right"Emily takes and scoops into her mouth avoiding Sybill's eye contact. As she clears her throat and asks him

"I wonder why your prisoner is on your dinn-"

Sybill rose from his ancestral chair, a seat implanted with a sense of authority that mirrored the pirates' desire to rule the islands of the sea. He moved closer to the wall, reaching out to touch the third frame from the end.

Emily watched, curiosity piqued. Why the frames? She was itching for him to spill the beans. After all, she was certain that the treasure was the only reason he'd invited her to dinner. Sybill was not known for his hospitality. She takes her last scoop and wipes her mouth.

"I forgot you were here all along" Sybil and his mischievous traits. It wasn't even impressive. What an unfortunate pirate. Emily thought

She gives him a weak smile.

"My late father's words still ring in my ears: to find the treasure means he can finally rest in peace. This treasure isn't just a legacy - our ancestors have hunted for it for decades. As I gently touch the frame of my great-grandfather's painting, I continue to share our story.

"Centuries ago, before anyone discovered the island, our ancestors wandered from island to island, searching for a place to call home. A strange creature from the sea changed everything one stormy day. It brought a stone so shiny it was blinding. As quickly as it appeared, the creature vanished back into the sea, leaving the stone behind. Overwhelmed by curiosity, one brave ancestor retrieved the stone in the rain, its blue hues glistening.

They found shelter and kept the stone for weeks. But then, a young girl fell ill. Her body started changing in ways they didn't understand, and they blamed the stone. Fearing it would make them all sick, they threw the stone back into the sea. But peace didn't follow; instead, they erupted in discord. They split into factions - some left to find a new home, while the others, the ancestors of today's pirates, chose to stay."

"It doesn't seem to be your treasure. The creature kept it at the seashore for someone else but your ancestors decided to take the stone." Emily said giving him a daring look.

Jinx, upon overhearing Mr. Harrington and Jack's conversation, took a brave step. She decided to approach the Mayor about the setup planned for the miners. However, the Mayor, as usual, was not one to listen to hearsay; he put his faith in tangible facts and solid evidence.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Jinx deftly snatched the keys from the gatekeeper's pocket. Her determination to free the innocent miners burned within her.

"Mr Mayor is something else."

Approaching the cell, she realized that Williams and his companions were not the sole captives. Holding a flickering wool and a tin, she trod softly, weaving through the shadows of the cell, inching closer to the miners.

Amelia and Thomas felt like they were being poured cold water as they encountered Jinx in prison. For they thought the mayor had brought to join them. She opened the lock for the gate.

"We have to leave," she says, tapping Williams on the shoulder. Thomas led the way through an underground path in the town. Trying to be as quiet as possible, he took the light from Jinx while they moved in a straight line.

Once they exited the tunnel, Jinx guided them towards the waiting carriage. The horses were all set, as they hopped on it. The carriage served as a quicker means for them to leave the town and journey to a distant location.