“Are you sure about this?”

“Yep!” Era replied smiling, “besides, the kingdom already sent me invitations far too many for us to count.”

“Yes, but we're pirates. We don't go to snooty gatherings and king’s balls.” the sailing master reasoned. “and there's news from the land folks that troubles me.”

“News?”

“Folks says the king sends his soldiers to burn villages that doesn’t pay his required tribute.” the man explained as he secures a bowline to the post, “What bothers me is that it’s not the first news that came by. Several reports says different villages have been taking refuge on the outskirts of Sentralia… and this burning incidents will only get worse.”, he continued.

“and why is that?” Era peered curiously.

“Those provinces are from all over the globe, Era. He’s burning everything around him! That king’s a tyrant! The one kind no foolish man would dare challenge. He has no concern for the collateral. What more if it's just us pirates?”

“Well, Reg, that’s the point. We’re pirates, not helpless villagers.” the pirate queen replied smugly, her eyes catching a playful glance at her sailing master. “He will quickly meet his fate if he ever tries to burn our Grimalkin. Besides, that king may be bad but I think we can be sure he’s not insane enough to dare burn us on sight, we're invited remember?”

“That invitation is for the lord of the pirates, Era.” Reg answered. “not all pirates sees you as their lord. There’s a bunch of others claiming that title. Hell, we’re not even doing what pirates are supposed to do!”

Era chuckled. Reg frowned in annoyance.

“I just don’t feel safe with all this.” says Reg, “Who knows what that king has in mind for you.”

“Aye. That's why I'd like to find out.” replied Era.

The two welcomed the morning breeze passing through them. The ocean’s blue is brighter than usual, the sun shines with a cheerful shimmer, and the wind brings a delightful smell. A seafarer’s omen. It seems both of them already know they’re about to go on a different journey. Something wilder than everything they’ve done before. Reg fears it, he knows Era does too… but with all the years he’s been with his captain, he knows that once Era decided on something, there’s no stopping it. Still, he will try, as he always do.

“What’s with sudden interest capt’n?” he asked, stealing a glance at the captain. “You've been ignoring those invitations for years, I assume it's not about those “interesting” parties. Is this another scheme to pull out your sleeve?”

Era fell coy and cunningly smiled at her sailing master.

The guy pursed his lips and smiled. “Sigh, just as I thought.”

“I'm just curious.” Era shrugged, placing her arm on Reg’s shoulders.

Both of them looked at Grey carrying a bucket and mop. The crew members were greeting him cheerfully as he pass by, he greets them back nodding with a dazed look on his face.