The road to becoming an adventurer

Chapter 12 : The Pirate's Oath

The sun was beginning its descent, casting a warm, golden hue across the endless expanse of the ocean. The royal vessel, a majestic ship with billowing sails and intricate carvings, cut through the waves with steady grace. Fredric and Arina stood at the rail, the wind tousling their hair, their eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of trouble. It was a rare moment of peace amidst their arduous journey.

Fredric leaned on the rail, gazing out at the vast sea, feeling the gentle sway of the ship beneath him. Beside him, Arina was lost in thought, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon. The serenity of the moment was a welcome respite from the relentless challenges they had faced.

Their tranquil reverie was shattered by the lookout's urgent cry. "Ships on the horizon! Pirate ships!"

Fredric's heart skipped a beat. Pirates were the last thing they needed at this stage of their journey. The sight of three ominous ships cutting through the waves towards them filled him with dread. The pirate vessels were sleek and dark, their sails adorned with fearsome symbols that hinted at their ruthless nature.

The crew of the royal vessel sprang into action, their movements sharp and coordinated as they prepared for the impending attack. Fredric and Arina exchanged tense glances, their faces set with determination. They had faced danger before, but the prospect of a pirate assault was a grim reminder of the perils of their mission.

The pirate ships closed in with alarming speed. Grappling hooks were hurled across the gap between the vessels, the metal hooks clanging against the sides of the royal ship. With a series of jolting impacts, the pirates began their boarding assault. The deck erupted into chaos as the pirates swarmed aboard, their war cries blending with the clamor of clashing steel.

Fredric drew his sword, the familiar weight of the blade comforting in his hand. He fought valiantly, his movements a blend of skill and raw determination. Beside him, Arina was a whirlwind of grace and precision, her sword flashing as she engaged the pirates. Their combined efforts made a formidable defense, but the sheer number of attackers began to wear them down.

The pirate captain, a towering figure with a dark beard and a deep scar running down his cheek, moved through the chaos with commanding authority. His eyes, cold and calculating, surveyed the scene with a mixture of satisfaction and malice. With a powerful swipe of his sword, he cleared a path through the royal crew, his presence a force of intimidation.

Despite their best efforts, the royal crew was overwhelmed. The pirates' numbers and ferocity proved too much, and one by one, the defenders were subdued. Fredric and Arina fought with fierce determination, but even their skills were not enough to turn the tide.

The pirate captain approached the two, his gaze fixed on them with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. "It seems we've captured more than just a ship," he growled, his voice rough and commanding. "Let's see what we can find."

Fredric and Arina were forcibly taken below deck, their hands bound tightly. The hold was dimly lit, the air heavy with the scent of salt and mildew. As they sat in the hold, the sounds of the pirates' looting and raucous laughter echoed through the ship, amplifying their sense of uncertainty.

The hold, a dark and cramped space, felt like a prison. Fredric and Arina exchanged worried glances, their thoughts racing as they tried to piece together what the pirates would do next. The uncertainty of their fate weighed heavily on them as they listened to the chaotic sounds above.

The pirates continued their looting with a frenetic energy, their shouts and the clinking of stolen goods filling the air. Fredric's mind was preoccupied with the safety of their mission and the crown they carried. The weight of their responsibility was a constant reminder of what was at stake.