Siren's Kiss

06: Lively Harbor

As the Scarlet Tempest drew closer, the island's outline became more defined against the horizon. This was the Ebon Veil, an island filled with the forces of nature. Dense, verdant forests bordered the coastline, their canopy so thick it cast an everlasting twilight over the underbrush. The trees were ancient, with gnarled roots that twisted into the dark soil, and their leaves seemed to shimmer with an ethereal glow, reflecting the island's magical aura.

The island wasn't a stranger to the crew of the Crimson Corsairs. They had passed by this place a couple of times but never made a stop, aware that the island was mainly inhabited by merfolk. If the Templars loathed Pirates, the Sirens and other water-dwelling creatures were weary of them. As far as Captain Drake and the others were concerned, it was rare to see an island so welcoming of their kind. Unless it was a trading port, Pirates had no business being in a place thriving on their own.

Jo glanced at the harbor from the ship through his binoculars with Ollie and Ori standing on each side. Ollie was munching on some toasted meat, wearing an apron. He was eager to sample the produce of the island. Ori looked nervous and kept snatching the binoculars from Jo's hand.

Captain Drake sniffed the air. "Ye sure none of 'em will flee the moment they see us step foot in this place?"

Ciel, who was preparing to climb down, following Declan and Vic scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous! You're with me, it'll be fine."

As the prince struggled to come down, his foot slipped and he almost fell. Drake quickly pulled him up. "Why don't ye let me go down first, lad, and I'll bring ye with me?"

"I'm not a child!" Ciel slapped his hand away and tried it again, much to the chagrin of Captain Drake and the others. They all waited as the prince found his balance and dropped to the ground on two feet. "Ha! You saw that?" Ciel glanced back at the captain who did the same thing with ease.

"Aye. So, what do we have here?"

They all gazed at the lively town of Obsidian Harbor that thrived at the edge of the island, nestled between the dense forest and the rocky shore. Much to Captain Drake's surprise, they actually found ships of various sizes and designs docked alongside the wooden piers, their crews unloading goods and shouting greetings to one another. The town itself was a vibrant tapestry of cultures and races, a melting pot where merfolk, elves, and even the occasional dragonkin mingled together.

Ciel glanced back at the crew gathered on the deck of the Scarlet Tempest, looking excited and nervous. "Perhaps it's best not all of us go ashore. We don't want to draw too much attention."

"Aye," Drake agreed, turning to his crew. "Listen up, ye scurvy dogs! We'll need some of ye to stay and guard the ship. Can't be havin' it stolen while we be gallivantin' about."

Ollie, the ship's cook, who was already on the ground alongside Jo and Ori, stepped forward. "Cap'n, I be needin' to go ashore. Need to gather some fresh ingredients, I do. Can't be servin' the same slop day in, day out."

Drake nodded. "Aye, Ollie. Ye can come along. But the rest of ye, we need volunteers. Who's comin' with us?"

The crew began to murmur among themselves, eager to express the reason as to why they needed to be out of the ship.

"I'll go, Cap'n!" piped up the cabin boy, Remy "Rem" Bilge, who often spent his time sketching landscapes they passed by. "Been meanin' to stretch me legs."

"Aye, an' get us all in trouble with yer clumsiness," Ellie pointed out, teasingly. "Remember the last time ye went ashore? Nearly got us all arrested, ye did."

The crew burst into laughter, and even Drake couldn't help but chuckle. "Alright, Bilge, ye can come. But no more sacred goats, ye hear?"

"Aye, Cap'n!" Rem said, saluting with a grin.