1 hour later, Dawn’s Refuge
“Thank you so much,” says Mayor Oswald. “I don’t know where we would be without your assistance.”
I nod.
“Just glad we can help,” I reply. “Besides, it’s the least we can do to help you all.”
Mayor Oswald goes quiet before looking around for listeners.
“Can we talk somewhere else?” he asks.
“Of course,” I answer. “We can talk in the captain’s quarters. I have something to ask as well.”
We walk up the gangplank and into the captain’s quarters. I sit down at the desk and signal for the mayor to sit down.
“How is the situation?” he asks. “You know, with our home?”
“Tensions are rising, that’s for sure,” I reply. “Ever since Veridies got arrested, tensions went back up. Sage is gathering what looks to be the largest gathering of pirates in years and she’s already killed a few of our scouts.”
The mayor’s face falls.
“But the good news is that the Shining Pirates are mobilizing for combat. We’re putting a plan into motion as we speak. Averill himself gave me approval to do this.”
“You know how I feel about your leader knowing about our whereabouts.”
“Averill can be trusted, I have told you this multiple times. And besides, we had no choice. The Shining Pirates are built on trust.”
“Very well. Now, about what you wanted to ask me.”
“Yeah. Do you have a ship I can borrow?”
He looks at me with confusion.
“There’s something important,” I begin. “Something has happened, and Averill needs me to take care of it. I can’t tell you, but it’s a matter of extreme importance.”
He thinks for a few moments.
“Very well,” he answers. “It’s the least we can do to repay our debt to you.”
–
11 years ago, Lageros
Cassius walked nervously to the AG recruiter’s desk. The recruiter looked up in surprise.
“Looks like Johnny owes me,” the man whispered under his breath without Cassius noticing. He looked up. “What do you want, boy?”
Cassius jumped slightly.
“I-i, I would like to join,” he said in a quiet voice.
“Really? Very well. Can you read?”
“Yes.”
“Can you use a weapon, such as a gun or sword, proficiently?”
“No.”
“Are you well versed in the AG military code?”
“No.”
“Are you 20 years or older?”
“…No.”
The man sighed.
“Sorry lad. You can’t join up right away. Wait until-”
At that moment, the man noticed the way Cassius was standing, as if he was hiding an injury.
The man got up and walked over to Cassius. Before Cassius could do anything, the man grabbed his arm, exposing the bruises and cuts his mother had inflicted on her own.
“Good grief,” the man said. How many children had walked into his office sporting those same wounds, searching for an escape. But the law was the law, and they were always too young to join.
Unless.
“Ronald,” the man called. A brown-haired soldier ran through the door.
“Yes captain?” Ronald said.
“Get the Academy forms. We’re getting this kid out of here. Use bribery, forgery, or any other method. Just like we always have.”
“Understood sir. Come here kid.”
Cassius walked with Ronald, confused.
The recruiter sighed and looked out the window.
The others mocked him for his kindness, calling him “Sevro the Softie.” But he didn’t care. He saw the corruption rooted in the AG that was founded for order and peace. And he would rather go to hell than to let children like that boy suffer under the corrupt regime’s negligence.
That was his belief. And little did he know that the boy he had just met was destined for fame.
End of Chapter XXIII